"Zee is here?" Qiu Meixiu asked in surprise, her coffee about to be discarded now that she heard the news. She was fully rested now, but she could slowly feel exhaustion returning to her system.
Because she knows what he came for.
"She's here for Xie Na." Xing Qiu said with a sigh. He talked to him a bit more before sending him to his room so he gathered just enough information on the pain their family went through just to see Xie Na. "He figured out that you, suddenly cutting him off when Xie Na disappeared...means something."
"I did not cut him off," she replied, biting her lower lip.
Xing Yun who was lying on the bed once more, as ordered and imposed by Hou Wei Yan, gave her a roll of his eyes. "Running away from him can also be considered cutting off, Sister Qiu."
"I did not run away either."
"But you ignored his calls and his messages, didn't you?" Xing Yun asked objectively, his eyes filled with questions. The Qiu Meixiu that he knows is level-headed and is one of the people who gives sound advice to others.
[ But it seems like she's the type to become dumb when love comes banging in her door. ]
"His calls are relentless and I was afraid to accidentally spill some details regarding Xie Na because of his barrage of messages...so I figured it was better not to reply."
Xing Yun sighed upon hearing this. "No wonder the man turned restless. You ghosted him."
"I what?"
"You ghosted him. You suddenly disappeared from his life, unable to be contacted through calls and messages, and even met personally. You left without a trace without giving him a warning or an explanation." he defined as he looked at Qiu Meixiu seriously. The hurt in her eyes made him feel guilty but he was once in Xie Zedong's shoes so he sympathizes with him.
Suddenly getting cut off, and being at the mercy of unanswered calls is something he prefer not to happen to anyone.
Feeling guilty, Qiu Meixiu couldn't help but touch her nape to calm her nerves. Her conscience was eating her away. After all, Xie Zedong is her precious friend and she knows just how much he values his little sister.
She knows it would be best to tell him what happened to Xie Na. But the little brat is too terrified and is still being stubborn with her decision to stay away. Furthermore, she made Qiu Meixiu promise to keep her mouth shut.
Not wanting for anything to happen to the baby by breaking her promise and agitating Xie Na, she can only prevent herself from meeting Xie Zedong. He has his ways with her and she will surely tell him something if he begins his sly interrogation.
Xing Qiu walked over to her and held her hand, wanting to help in any way and assure her that she had them to protect her if Xie Zedong did something. But first, she needs to do the right thing. "Talk to him. You don't have to tell him everything. Just assure him that his little sister is safe."
"He will not stop until he finds out everything," she said, slightly trembling. She knows just how sweet Xie Zedong can be, but he is still royalty and can be cruel when he has to.
Xing Yun saw her trembling so he too walked over to her and caressed her back to ease her. "You will not be the subject of his hate."
"You don't know him."
"I do," he answered back before smiling at him. "That man will move the mountains for the people he loves. Believe me, you're in that category so there's no reason for you to think badly of him."
"You know him the longest, but we know him by virtue. He is like a brother to us and we know just how much he wants to protect the ladies in his life. He lost one and will not want to lose another, that's why he is desperate for answers. But he is not a man who would hurt another lady just to get the answer that he wants." Xing Qiu added, hoping she would change her mind and at least give Xie Zedong the assurance that he seeks.
Qiu Meixiu's anxious expression slowly eased down as the twins continuously assured her that Xie Zedong was not that kind of man. "We wouldn't be looking up to him with respect if we see even a tiny indication that he would hurt other ladies."
"He is much better than us in that regard," Xie Qiu admitted with guilt. Some find Xie Zedong too idealistic and often ask him what he would do if a lady hurt his loved ones or planned to do great harm to his family.
'If they managed to harm my family, it only means I failed in protecting them. I could only undo the damage and find out what really caused it.' he would answer without hesitation. He's a man who believes every problem has a solution and every action has its reason.
"We will also inform Xie Na about this. Hopefully, she changes her mind soon enough before the Xie Family orchestrates a big investigation that even the Boss can't prevent." Xing Yun added knowing fully well that Qiu Meixiu was worried about offending Xie Na the most.
They all know how dangerous stress can be to a pregnant woman and thus want to avoid making her feel uncomfortable wherever she is right now.
"So..." he said once more before pulling her hand and guiding her out the door. "Have a fun talk with that big brother and we shall take care of your meal for you. Enjoy~"
"Wha---" she reacted but it was far too late. Xing Yun already closed the door at her with a big smile. "That's my food! Hey!"
"You're only kicking me out so you can take the food!"
"Maybe~" he sang along while chuckling inside. His twin could only smile at their little banter.
"Just go, Sister Qiu. I'll make sure to leave some food for you. You don't have to worry!" Xing Qiu assured. He knows she's not really that worried about the food, after all, Ji Li Zhao is shouldering the expenses for this trip...they would never starve.
She just wants an excuse to delay the inevitable meet-up with Xie Zedong.
Feeling defeated, she could only puff her cheeks and look ahead of her. The beach that was glamoured by the sun somehow looked gloomy to her. "Shit."
[ I just wanted to spend a nice vacation. ] she thought to herself before begrudgingly walking to her inevitable doom.
…..
Bewilderment.
That's what filled Hou Wei Yan's system right now as she stared at her boss who was holding a tray of food in his hands. [ What is he doing here again? ]
Before she can voice out her thoughts, Ji Li Zhao already popped up a bedside table and placed it in front of her. He was swift with his movements and even boldly took a seat beside her bed once he was finished setting up her food.
"President Ji," she finally muttered out of her trance. He had his usual cool and nonchalant expression so she couldn't tell what he really came here for. "What a surprise."
The tip of his lips slightly upturned at her awkward trail of laughter. "Why? Isn't it natural that I came? My employee suffered while under my care."
[ So it's just his sense of responsibility eating him up? ] she carefully analyzed. Ji Li Zhao is indeed a responsible and honorable man. But is he really this caring for his staffs? [ Or is he guilty of something else? Covering someone up perhaps? ]
"I thought for sure my cousins would visit. Did something happen?" she asked, careful with her interrogation. It was already 8 am and there was still no sign of her cousins. They are the earliest birds she knows aside from her husband so she doubts they are still sleeping in.
Xing Yun did not bring any of his gaming equipment so he has no reason to stay up late. That lunatic wouldn't dare trade his so-called 'beauty rest' over anything else…aside from his games.
And Xing Qiu is with his girlfriend so his reason to videocall till dawn is out of the picture. [ Unless…nope. He is not that type of man. ]
So where the hell are they?
"Nothing worth your time," he simply replied as he reached out for the apple and took out a knife. She immediately raised her brows at his answer which Ji Li Zhao took note of. "You should be focusing on your recuperation."
[ There he goes again, deciding on my behalf. ]
"I think that's for me to decide, President Ji," Hou Wei Yan grumpily said as she stared at him and did not let go of her stare until he stared back. "What happened?"
Ji Li Zhao immediately sighed when he saw the stubbornness in her eyes. His wife really likes to disregard her health and meddle on others instead. He wants her to rest that's why he decided to take care of her instead of Xing Yun because he is a blabbermouth and he will surely reveal everything…down to the tiniest and unnecessary detail.
He needs to be keeping his ground now and keeping his mouth shut, but what can he do when his wife is asking cutely like this.
"Xie Zedong came to visit." he shortly replied, hoping that would appease her.
But his earlier attitude already made her question his answer. "I doubt he came to visit you."
It was no secret which side the Xie Family chose to devote loyalty to. They are devoted to the Xings and despite friendly relations to the Jis, they tend to avoid interactions that may spark rumors and conspiracies. People are good at doing that and the Xie are always wary.
So there is no reason for Xie Zedong to visit Ji Li Zhao who is on vacation. Unless of course, it's not business that he is after but a lost treasure he wants to retreive.
Despite his mind protesting, Ji Li Zhao could not help but speak up when faced with his wife's furrowing brows. "His purpose is Qiu Meixiu."
[ Xie Na. You really should not doubt your brothers. ] she thought as she sighed at the monster Xie Na disturbed. [ That brother of yours will turn the whole world upside down to find you and will not even hesitate to offend other beasts! ]
"I apologize on behalf of Brother Zedong for any offense that he has made," Hou Wei Yan offered and sat up straight to lower her head. Ji Li Zhao is not someone to be trifled with. As much as possible, Xie Zedong should avoid disturbing him in his vacation and pestering his employees because he does not take offenses like that kindly.
"Why are you bowing in his stead?" he asked before boldly reaching out to lift up her chin. "You shouldn't easily bow your head like that, Doctor Hou."
*thump*
"Besides, do you really think so little of me? Why would I get offended? It's not like he punched me or hurt any of my men. He simply came to visit his childhood friend." he stated, slowly letting go of her chin. "Or is there reason for me to take offense? Should I be worried that he came to visit Qiu Meixiu?"
Hou Wei Yan was petrified in her bed. She was caught off guard by Ji Li Zhaos's sudden action that she just stared at him in horror. His sudden touch electricated her to the point that she lost her ability to form words. [ What the hell was that thump for?! Hou Wei Yan have you gone crazy! ]
"Doctor Hou?"
[ I have a husband! I'm a faithful wife! My heart should only beat for my husband and my husband ALONE! ] she thought as her inner turmoil continued. [ I should stay away from him! That was a warning! ]
"What happened? Doctor Hou?" Ji Li Zhao asked, now genuinely concerned. Unaware that his actions opened up a pandora box that should have never existed.
He tried to shake her out of her trance once more, but before he could do so, Hou Wei Yan already swatted his hands away before it could even make contact with her skin. Confusion and horror overrode his system as he felt a sting in his hands. [ What happened? ]
His eyes immediately trailed off to her and he saw repulsion in her eyes. He felt his heart sink and his throat dried out as one possibility came to mind. The Hou Wei Yan of the past was just like this.
He was reminded of their past due to her repulsed expression. [ Did she remember something? All of a sudden? Out of nowhere? Why? Did I say something? ]
[ Did she hit her head hard during the fall? That was the only recent thing that happened to her! But she was still okay yesterday and a minute ago. Why would her memory come back right here and now?! ]
"Doctor Hou, does your head hurt? Are you hurt somewhere?" he asked with genuine worry straining in his voice. He felt his voice crack and shake as he questioned her repeatedly, looking over for potential external injuries that he overlooked.
His composure had collapsed. The uncomfortable and gut-churning feeling back when Hou Wei Yan suppressed her memories out of trauma came back hurling in his system.
Hou Wei Yan's trance was broken as soon as she heard his voice. It felt familiar how his voice trailed off in worry. But she dismissed it immediately, afraid that her heart would take another wrong guess and thump once more for the wrong man. "I'm sorry, President Ji. I didn't mean to swat your hand away."
That was not his concern, though. Ji Li Zhao suppressed his urge to touch her and simply stared at her in worry, his expression warm and genuine. "Are you hurt?"
Bewildered once more, Hou Wei Yan's heart thumped.
[ Fuck! You! Heart! ] she scolded herself as she hit her chest and looked away. [ What are you?! A teenager? Why in the world would you thump over something as small as touching? This is not the first time Ji Li Zhao touched you! You lunatic! He didn't even touch you this time! ]
"Is it your chest?!" he inquired as he stood up in a panic. Without hearing more, he hurriedly ran out to fetch Ashraf.
[ We should have brought her back to the city! The military hospital should have taken care of her! Damn Ashraf. Did he not check properly? ]
"Boss?" Makio called out on his radio. "Where are you going?"
"Find Ashraf. Something's wrong with Wei Wei."
Makio, who was sucking on a lollipop, halted as he watched Ji Li Zhao's frantic actions. Sure, the clinical room was modified and improved abruptly to cater to Hou Wei Yan. But it has all the necessary functions and amenities that the modern world can offer…including a call button.
"Boss, you could have just pressed the call button. Ashraf is on standby anyway." he pointed out which made Ji Li Zhao stop on his tracks. [ He lost his composure, didn't he? ]
The most impressive and composed person that they know of, Ji Li Zhao, lost his cool. The person that many revered as an emperor, just panicked and lost his composure.
[ Nah. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. ] he thought before opening his microphone once more. "It was just above the bed, Boss. There must have been obscurities that's why you didn't - - -"
"Makio," he called out of exhaustion before turning his heel and heading back to the room. "Just call Ashraf."
"Yes, Boss!" he immediately answered, his lollipop now broken to pieces as he bit it off in surprise. "Damn. I shouldn't have run my mouth of like that. Boss really- - -"
He heard a sigh on the other line which made his spine crawl. [ No way. ]
"If you're going to badmouth me, turn off your mic first, Einstein." Ji Li Zhao muttered before ending the communication and cutting him off.
Makio could only gulp down his saliva and slump down on his chair, exhausted and now drained of any energy. As his mistake replayed in his mind, he couldn't help but gather his hair and ruffle it wildly in frustration. "Fuck. You stupid geek! What the hell was that!"
Hou Wei Yan received a moment to breath. She clutched her chest and nearly rippled her head off because of her internal conflict. Unable to suppress herself, she grabbed hold of her phone and dialled her husband's number. She needs to anchor herself and nothing can soothe her right now than her husband.
As she waited patiently for her husband to answer, Ji Li Zhao who was nearly at the door found himself frantically running to the bathroom once more and immediately placing the 'Do Not Enter, Under Maintenance' sign that he saw on the side.
He immediately took out the voice changer than Makio made for him. Before the call could be dropped, he answered in a frenzy, his posture as the emperor nowhere to be seen.
"Honey," he tenderly called out, sending Hou Wei Yan's heart to somersault. The sensation brought her assurance, making her sigh in defeat. "What's wrong?"
"I miss you," Hou Wei Yan muttered as she lay back to bed. "Did you eat your breakfast? I hope you're not skipping."
"Can't I? I'm already full just hearing your voice."
"Seriously," Hou Wei Yan chuckled at his punchline. "Don't make me go there and feed you myself."
"That's a tempting offer." he replied with a smile as he leaned on the bathroom wall. "How are you feeling? Didn't I tell you not to get yourself into trouble? With how things are, I should increase your escorts."
Hou Wei Yan shuddered at his suggestion. Having Xing Yun is enough trouble as it is. He doesn't restrict her actions but because she always need to look after him, her actions only revolves around him. It's his own kind of way in keeping her in check.
[ Who knows what kind of lunatic he will place as my escort again. ]
"I was behaving pretty well. It's just that, the forest was too much for me to handle." she admitted, not wanting to implicate Zhou Jinhai anymore because the Xings are already taking care of him for her.
She can't have her husband join in the fray. [ Knowing he has quite some skilled men, having him punish Zhou Jinhai would he an overkill. ]
"Hmmm, are you covering up for someone right now?"
[ Guilty as charged. ] she admitted to herself but decided to deflect his inquiry instead. "Hmmm, are you jealous right now?"
Confident that no one would see him, Ji Li Zhao plastered a wide smile of satisfaction on his face. He loves this line of questioning from his wife because he has the perfect answer to it.
And it works all the time.
"And if I am? What are you going to do to appease me?"
"Too bad, I can't give you kisses right now." Hou Wei Yan boldly replied as she leaned back on her bed for a more comfortable position. Ever since her confession, they were rarely apart and almost always spend their time together, either talking or kissing.
And dear heavens, her husband is one good kisser. She often wonders how he got that good. But always settle to keep that wonder to herself and simply enjoy what he has to offer.
A few days without such affirmation of his love, makes her heart yearn for it.
"I'm good at waiting, Hon. I can claim it once you return." he answered huskily. He has always been by her side, but being with her as her husband is far different than being Ji Li Zhao in front of her eyes. "So hurry back home."
"I'll cut this trip short and be by your side. So wait for me." Hou Wei Yan answeered withiut hesitation. Despite how much she adores the sea, she'd willingly give it up to be with her husband. Besides, she wants to get away from a certain someone right now. "I'll make sure to bring you a souvenir."
Ji Li Zhao immediately chuckled at her reply. "Having you home in good shape is enough, Hon."
He didn't wnat her to even think of souvenirs right now because its one of the cause why she ended up that situatio. All he wants is for her to let go of everything that's bothering her and rest.
"Make sure to rest and recuperate. Don't go exploring the forest for a souvenir again."
"I wouldn't want to worry you." she answered to the worry lingering in his voice. It wasn't her intention to worry him during this trip because she promised to be careful before she left, but something still happened. "I love you. Make sure to eat, okay?"
"Roger that, wife." Ji Li Zhao muttered, ready to salute her anytime. However, his plans were once more spoiled as Makio sent an alert for an emergency forcing him to give a half-hearted goodbye. "And I love you the most."
Hou Wei Yan smiled widely upon hearing his words. She would love to talk to him for the whole day, but she saw the silhouette of Ashraf so she was forced to end the call, wishing in her mind for the trip to end so she can snuggle with her warm husband.
"Good morning, Doctor Hou." Ashraf greeted as soon as he entered the door. "I came here to do a check-up. I heard something's wrong with you."
"I'm fine. I can even leave this instant if you allow it."
He shook his head in reply because he received strict orders to give her time to rest. "I'm afraid Yi Lan's new boss won't allow it. He'll make a fuss if you leave pre-maturely."
"Besides, I too think that you need to rest. You're always looking fatigued." he honestly said as he took a seat beside her. "Now, tell me how you're feeling right now. Do you feel pain somewhere?"
Hou Wei Yan could only sigh in defeat almost the same time as Qiu Meixiu as she entered the greenhouse and surrendered to her fate.
"Zee,"
Xie Zedong looked horrible. That's her initial thought as she entered the room and felt pity and guilt at the same time.
Gone was his well polished hair and his almost porcelain face. He grew a beard and looked as though he hadn't slept properly in days. It was obvious that he was stressed beyond comparison and so Qiu Meixiu felt guilt shooting her right in the heart. Her conscience was killing her.
[ I'm partly to blame for this. I kept my mouth shut as I promised…and stayed away. ]
"Meixiu," he called out tenderly, his usual erect posture now slumped. "Help me."
Like a child, lost in the woods, Xie Zedong called out for her name repeatedly. "Help me, Xiu."
"Zee," Qiu Meixiu called out once more, her voice trembling. She eventually bit her lip to stop herself from revealing anything. At the same time, she wanted to feel pain and punish herself because she caused this.
For siding with Xie Na, she caused Xie Zedong to spiral out of control.
"You know something," he pointed out as he stood up from his seat and slowly strolled towards her. "Tell me something…anything at all, Meixiu."
[ God, Zee. I wish I can! I wish I can! ] she screamed to herself but remained silent. [ Your sister is pregnant and all I can do is protect her from whatever she feared. ]
"Meixiu, I'm begging you." Xie Zedong cried out, now holding her hands. "That's my little sister. Whatever she's going through, I should be one of the shoulders she can lean on. Just tell me where she is and what trouble she has gotten herself into."
Despite her aching heart, Qiu Meixiu remained mute which only turned Xie Zedong's pain into rage. "You know the hell I went through when I lost Manni! I can't bear to lose Xie Na too!"
[ I know. I was there through it all. ] she thought, remembering how unconsolable they are at that time. The Xie family lost their precious princess to a tragedy that could have been avoided. They lost their smile and their soul and only regained a fracture of themselves when Xie Na was born.
They had to go through such agony again as they lost contact and received no news from Xie Na for months now.
"Tell me where my sister is, Xiu! I need to know that she's safe! That she's alive and kicking! I need answers!"
"I promised," she finally muttered before holding his hands and looking him directly in the eye. "I need to protect her."
"Protect her from me? Why?!"
Qiu Meixiu wanted so badly to tell him everything, but since she can't, she's wishing for a savior to take her away from this place. "Zee, just wait, please? Xie Na will surely contact you when she's ready."
"And if she can't?! What if she's unable to contact us?!" he roared, his patience now thin because they were running in circles with their conversation. [ Why can't she just tell me?! ]
"What if she's in danger?!"
"She's not," a voice said out of nowhere. Both of them immediately whipped their heads towards the source of the voice and saw Ji Li Zhao's figure entering the room. "Sorry. I had to intervene."
"Ji Li Zhao," Xie Zedong called out in a whisper as he alternately looked at him and Qiu Meixiu. "Does he have something to do with this?"
"I…"
"I'll take it from here," Ji Li Zhao said as he gently took hold of his subordinate's shoulder and guided her to his side. He then offered a gentle smile to Xie Zedong, his intent quite the opposite. "I have what you need."
"Have?"
Qiu Meixiu gently patted Ji Li Zhao who was taller than her and asked in a whisper. "Did she agree to this?"
"Her family will burn down their wealth for her. So we came to an agreement that I reveal a couple of things and convince them that she's safe."
"Is she?" she boldly asked, suspicious that Ji Li Zhao would even think of revealing a bit of her information when Xie Na made him promise he won't do such thing no matter what.
Ji Li Zhao could only smile before gently pushing her to walk out the door. "I have my wolf with her."