Looking at the skyline, he murmured, "Ah Ning, I won't let anything happen to you."
His lips tightened into a thin line. "I guess... having a child is now the best option, in more ways than one," he thought, his voice barely audible, as if saying it out loud might seal the decision.
Shen Ning could stay at home for some time during her pregnancy, away from any potential threats. He could keep her safe, protect her, and uncover the hidden enemy lurking in the shadows. At the same time, it would give him the selfish satisfaction of knowing she was tethered to him, completely and irrevocably. As he thought, a mixture of guilt and determination swirled in his chest.
------
In the dormitory...
Her group had been working tirelessly on their nervous system assignment—a project that tested both their academic ability and their patience. But with only three days left until submission, tensions were starting to bubble.
The group members were Lu Nan, Yun Xi, Shen Ning, and Zhao Min—who just so happened to be roommates.
Shen Ning sat at the center of the table, a stack of notes in front of her.
"Okay," she said, tapping her pen on the table to draw everyone's attention. "We need to finalize it."
Lu Nan groaned, slumping back in her chair. "Don't remind me. I've been dreaming about neurons attacking me in my sleep."
Yun Xi chuckled, passing her a coffee. "Neurons? That's nothing. Try writing the case study. I've gone through six scenarios, and none of them feel right."
"You'll figure it out," Shen Ning reassured her.
Zhao Min, who had been quietly sketching on her tablet, looked up. "The diagrams are almost done. Can you guys check them later?"
"Of course," Lu Nan said with a smile. "I'm sure they're perfect as always."
Yun Xi straightened. "So what's left?"
Shen Ning opened her notebook, scanning their checklist. "Anatomy and physiology sections are almost done. Lu Nan, you need to refine the treatment options. Yun Xi, once you finalize the case study, we'll weave it into the presentation. Zhao Min, those visuals will be the highlight."
Shen Ning smiled softly, her eyes moving between her friends. "I'll handle the final report and make sure it all ties together."
---
Three hours later, the study room had transformed into controlled chaos. Pages and notes littered the table, empty coffee cups stacked in a corner.
As they reviewed Zhao Min's beautifully rendered brain diagrams, Lu Nan stretched her arms above her head.
For a moment, Shen Ning forgot the weight of her other worries. Here, surrounded by her friends, working toward something meaningful, she felt a sense of clarity she hadn't experienced in weeks.
"Alright, everyone," Yun Xi said, closing her notebook with a decisive thud. "Let's go over it again tomorrow before submission. But for now, let's grab something to eat—I'm starving."
They ordered takeout and gathered around the table, eating while chatting randomly.
Ring…
Shen Ning's phone buzzed, pulling her attention away from the conversation. It was a call from Qin Yuheng.
Yun Xi nugged her. Smiling mischievously, "Someone must be missing you."
Shen Ning rolled her eyes and picked up the call. "Hello? Your work is finished?"
Qin Yuheng's low voice answered as he entered the house, "Hmm. Just got home. Have you had dinner?"
"Eating... I'll call you later?"
"...Okay."
She hung up the call, placing her phone back on the table.
Zhao Min, who had been quiet until now, blinked in confusion. "Are you in a relationship?"
Shen Ning hesitated briefly before nodding.
"Hmm."
Zhao Min chuckled. "Oh... I'm also in a relationship. Looks like only two girls in this dorm are still single," she teased, glancing at Lu Nan and Yun Xi.
Yun Xi immediately raised her hand. "Hey, it's because I haven't met my Prince charming yet."
The group burst into laughter, the atmosphere light and cheerful.
------
Later that evening, it was nearly 10:30. The dorm had quieted down as everyone prepared for bed.
Shen Ning sat by her bedside, her phone in hand. After a moment of hesitation, she dialed Qin Yuheng's number.
He answered almost immediately, his voice warm and familiar. "Ah Ning?"
Shen Ning smiled softly. "Have you eaten? What are you doing now?"
"Yeah. Just getting ready for bed," he replied. The rustling of clothes in the background added a sense of intimacy.
Shen Ning bit her lip, unsure how to respond. Before she could say anything, his voice dropped, low and slightly aggrieved.
"Miss you."
Her heart skipped a beat. "Uh?"
"There's no one to hug. I didn't sleep well last night," he added, his tone tinged with grievance.
Shen Ning felt her cheeks warm. She hadn't gone home since yesterday, and his words tugged at her heart.
"Uh…" she stammered softly, unsure how to reply.
For a moment, the silence between them felt like a gentle embrace, each aware of the longing on the other end.
"Come back soon, husband misses you."
"Okay." she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips.
After hanging up, she placed the phone down beside her and closed her eyes, the warmth of his words lingering in the quiet of the night.
-------
The next day...
Qin Yuheng pulled his car into the private parking garage, the engine humming quietly as he parked. As he was about to step out, a voice called his name.
"President Qin!"
A woman approached him, a bright smile on her face. "President Qin, it's been a while!"
He froze for a moment before turning toward the voice. The woman was dressed in a professional yet stylish outfit, her presence confident and composed.
She continued walking toward him, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. "How have you been?" she asked, her tone friendly.
She stepped a little closer, clearly trying to close the distance between them. "It's been a while since we last spoke, hasn't it?"