Outside the ICU, Gu Xiaoer watched the man lying in the hospital bed through the thick glass without blinking.
His eyes were closed, his thick, curling eyelashes casting shadows, appearing calm and serene. Beneath a straight nose, his thin lips were slightly parted; even in quiet slumber, he remained stunningly handsome.
Gone was his usual imperious presence; now, he looked so soft and beautiful it seemed almost unreal, as if he could leave at any moment.
"Brother Minghan, what on earth happened to him?" Although she was asking Shen Minghan, Gu Xiaoer's gaze never once wavered from the man, her hands pressing against the glass as if she yearned to rush in.
Shen Minghan sighed and looked at the girl who seemed to have lost her soul, shaking his head helplessly, "Xiao Er, you don't need to worry too much. Luoli is fine; look, he doesn't even need an oxygen mask. You should take care of yourself—that's what's important now. Otherwise, Luoli won't be at ease lying here either."
Even though he spoke lightly, only he knew that the terrifying twelve hours had passed, and Han Luoli had escaped the critical period. As long as he woke up within twelve hours, there would be no problems. But Shen Minghan couldn't share this with Gu Xiaoer just yet; it was for the best for both of them.
"But... why hasn't he woken up yet? Why is he still in the ICU?"
How could Shen Minghan explain to her? Tell her the truth that Han Luoli's unique identity and esteemed status meant not a single mistake could be afforded? He was sure that Luoli would never forgive him once awake, especially since they had agreed to keep it a secret.
Or say his injuries were severe and he needed further observation? He guessed the girl in front of him would worry herself to death, and then Luoli would be even more unforgiving.
Thinking it over, he decided to temper his response, adopting a tone of medical professionalism, "Xiao Er, Luoli is out of danger after the surgery. He's currently under observation. I assure you, he must be so tired that he's fallen asleep, not in any danger! Come on, be good, and go back to your room, okay?"
"...Really?"
"Really!" Shen Minghan raised his hand as if taking an oath. See, he had his ways when it came to comforting a little girl. For some reason, seeing this young girl evoked in him the desire to protect her. It wasn't the affection between a man and woman, but rather the protective care of a brother for his sister.
It was strange to have such feelings for a girl with whom he had no relations.
"Then I'll wait here for him, I want to leave after he wakes up."
"..." So all my earnest efforts went in one ear and out the other?!
As Gu Xiaoer insisted, Shen Minghan simply couldn't persuade her otherwise. He eventually brought a recliner outside the IPU ward, allowing her to lie down if she felt tired.
Sitting quietly in the recliner, Gu Xiaoer lifted her gaze to Han Luoli, then to the exquisitely crafted small box she was clutching in her hand.
Her delicate, pale fingers carefully opened the box; inside lay a blue diamond and an earring, resting quietly.
She took out the diamond and gently pressed it to her heart, hands clasped together, eyes closed in earnest and humble prayer.
"Da Luoluo, can you please wake up soon? You're so capable; surely, this time won't be difficult for you, right?"
"Da Luoluo, did I ever properly tell you that I like you? If you don't wake up, I really may never say it again!"
"Please wake up soon. I promise to live with you. My house burnt down; could you take me and the rest of my life in..."
After what seemed like an eternity of prayer, she carefully took out the blue-green earring.
"Mom, if you are watching over me from heaven, please help your daughter, okay? I don't ask for anything else, I just hope he wakes up safe and sound."
She didn't know how long she had been praying; Gu Xiaoer was getting drowsy.
Her eyes were sore and tired, she yawned, perking up her ears only to hear footsteps in the corridor outside.