However, as they were not members of the hidden clan, they were only given a reward of thirty million.
Half a month later.
Meng Jingwei and Shi Ran were discharged from the hospital and returned to Yipin Ju.
From the moment the bandages were removed until her discharge, Shi Ran dared not look in the mirror, and Meng Jingwei and the others dared not let mirrors appear in the ward. Even the mirrors in the bathroom had been removed.
On the day of her discharge, Tang Si placed a pinkish-white gauze on Shi Ran's face, tying it at the back of her head to conceal the scar.
Qing Muye instructed Kang Xiaolu to tell the staff at Yipin Ju to remain silent about Shi Ran's injuries.
Upon their smooth return to Yipin Ju, Tang Si led Shi Ran by the hand directly to his room.
Inside the room, there were still no mirrored surfaces.
"Finally, we're back. Come in and rest," Tang Si said gently, holding Shi Ran's hand.
Shi Ran, with her long hair down, wore the hidden clan's blue dress, its sleeves edged with black and red stitching. The gauze on her face lent her an air of mystery, making her look as beautiful as an immortal.
However, with her face disfigured, Shi Ran had lost her former smile. Her mood was somber, and she remained taciturn, no longer exuding confidence.
"Mmm."
She nodded and sat on the sofa without speaking.
"I was so bored in the hospital these past few days. Come, I have something good to show you." Tang Si raised an eyebrow and smiled, mysteriously drawing all the curtains in the living room, plunging it into darkness.
He turned on the projector, casting an image onto the white screen, playing a domestic film.
"Tadaaa—"
Tang Si announced with sound effects, "This is something good I deliberately got from home. All the good movies, TV series, and games are here. I guarantee we won't be lonely anymore. Oh, and your favorite variety shows from Mango TV. Want to watch now?"
He did his best to liven up the atmosphere and please Shi Ran.
Shi Ran saw his efforts and kept them in her heart, but she also knew that such "pampering" would not last.
She nodded, forcing a smile, "Okay, I was feeling bored."
"How about these 12 episodes? This one is said to have the highest viewership and is particularly funny." Tang Si found a variety show episode, placed the remote on the table, then trotted over to the refrigerator, took out a few items, and placed them before Shi Ran. "Here, I know you love longan and durian the most, and they don't have them in the hidden clan. I specially had them transported over. Eat some, they're very fresh."
On the large screen in the living room, the variety show played, its light illuminating the dim living room.
Shi Ran watched Tang Si, who was busily attending to her, with unwavering eyes.
The once wild and untamed young master of the Tang family was now waiting on her hand and foot, cherishing her.
Feeling his affection and his fervent heart, Shi Ran's chest warmed, followed by a sharp pang of sorrow.
Tears slid down her face silently.
Yet, she let out a faint laugh, "Ah Si, you're so kind. Thank you."
All her sorrow, she kept hidden within her heart, not wanting to burden others with negative emotions or pressure.
"Why thank me?"
Tang Si rubbed her head. "Try it quickly, it tastes good. You've been in the hospital recuperating these days and couldn't eat anything. Now that your wound has healed, you can eat. I permit you to eat without restraint."
"Okay."
Shi Ran nodded, picked up a peeled piece of longan, and took a bite. It was sweet and delicious, with a rich aroma.
"Does it taste good?" he asked.
"It's very sweet and delicious."
Yes, the taste was indeed very sweet and fresh, but why did it acquire a salty taste after chewing for a few more bites? And even a bit bitter?
Only when tears blurred her vision did she realize that her tears had fallen into her mouth.