Qin Si Ye picked up the tea in front of him and took a small sip, then briefly recounted to him their outing last Saturday.
"No wonder you're dressed like this today. So, you had a little something on your head."
Gu Lin listened, his heart trembling. Then, his face was filled with smiles again.
"This is what they call true friendship in adversity. How about that? Was I right? Shen Xi isn't indifferent to you; she's just suppressing her feelings.
Si Ye, you must seize this opportunity, perform well, and quickly collect those 10 thank yous.
Most importantly, you must put away your usual domineering behavior. Falling in love isn't like doing business, where you overpower the other party. It's about making them feel respected and relaxed, which is how you promote emotional development."
After listening to his long, rambling speech, Qin Si Ye let out a long sigh and suddenly felt as if the unpleasant emotions from before had vanished.
Shen Xi hiding from him and having dinner with Song Kai Cheng might have been out of politeness, not what he had thought.
He just needed to focus on collecting the 10 thank yous and didn't need to worry about anything else for now.
He believed that since Shen Xi had said those words, she must have already made a place for him in her heart and would keep her promise.
He absolutely could not act impulsively and ruin the progress he had painstakingly made.
Shen Xi and Song Kai Cheng continued to chat and laugh merrily, completely unaware that in a private room not far from them, a man was experiencing emotional turmoil and deep affection for her.
"Xi Xi, there's something that's been on my mind for many years, and I've always wanted to tell you." Suddenly, Song Kai Cheng looked at her with a serious expression.
Shen Xi was slightly startled and smiled, saying, "What is it? You look so solemn."
"I..." Song Kai Cheng had just gathered the courage to say the first word when Shen Xi's phone suddenly rang.
Shen Xi took it out and saw it was Xie Yi Fei. "I'm sorry, Kai Cheng Ge, I need to take this call."
As soon as the call connected, Shen Xi heard Xie Yi Fei sobbing, "Xi Xi, where are you? Hurry... hurry to the emergency department. My mom... my mom was in a car accident."
"Ah? How is Auntie now?" Upon hearing this, Shen Xi stood up abruptly from her chair, her face filled with worry.
"She's been unconscious... in a coma. They've taken her to the emergency room," Xie Yi Fei replied, weeping softly.
"Yi Fei, don't worry. I'm out dining, and I'll be there immediately." Shen Xi hung up the phone, grabbed her bag in a hurry, and said to Song Kai Cheng, "Kai Cheng Ge, my godmother was in a car accident, and I have to go to the hospital right away.
What you wanted to say, we can talk about it later, okay?"
"Alright." Song Kai Cheng also stood up immediately, picked up the steak and pizza that the waiter had just packed, "I'll go with you to see."
The two hurried to the emergency room and found Jian Fan already there.
After exchanging polite greetings and inquiring about the situation, they learned that Xie Han had gone out shopping alone at noon and was hit by a speeding tricycle while crossing the road.
Shen Xi's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged Xie Yi Fei, comforting her with concern, "Yi Fei, you don't have to worry too much. Believe that Auntie has good fortune and will be able to overcome this disaster. It won't be anything serious."
"Mhm. Thank you, Xi Xi." Xie Yi Fei hugged her waist, her crying noticeably subsiding.
Shen Xi looked up at the Western meal in Song Kai Cheng's hand. "Kai Cheng Ge, it's getting late. Auntie must be hungry. Please go and give her the meal."
"Okay. If there's any news, call me later to let me know." After speaking, Song Kai Cheng turned and walked towards the inpatient department.
Seeing him walk further away, Xie Yi Fei sat up straight and asked, "What happened to Auntie? Why is she suddenly hospitalized?"
Shen Xi then briefly explained Mei Yun's injury to her.
After listening, Xie Yi Fei glared slightly at Jian Fan, "Why didn't you tell me yesterday afternoon? Otherwise, I should have come to see her this morning."
"I..." Jian Fan was stunned by her glare and remained speechless.
Shen Xi quickly intervened, "Don't blame Jian Fan. I told him not to say anything. Auntie only sustained minor injuries and will be discharged in a few days. You're so busy with work, you don't need to make a special trip to see her."
"Being hospitalized is not a minor matter. I'll have time to see her tomorrow morning." Xie Yi Fei looked in the direction Song Kai Cheng had left and asked, "Did Mr. Song return to the country solely for this reason?"