Su He came downstairs, having calmed down.
Though she was panicking inside, she had to force a smile, afraid the old man would see through her act.
"Did Yan Bei call?" the old man asked, scrolling through news on his phone.
"Yes," Su He replied, forcing a smile. She dared not glance at the old man. "He said it would take a while to resolve things and that he might not be able to come back to celebrate the New Year with you."
"What's there to celebrate with an old man like me! Let him focus on his work, the important matters come first." Old Master Lu paused, then quickly adjusted his emotions.
However, despite what he said, he was still a little disappointed.
Over the years, no matter how busy Lu Yan Bei was, he had always been by his side during the New Year, without exception. At the very latest, he would arrive home on New Year's Eve.
Su He knew the old man must be feeling down, so she perked up and started telling him jokes to cheer him up.
When Li Sao had finished preparing lunch, Su He helped the old man to the doorway to set off firecrackers.
Setting off firecrackers before the New Year's Eve dinner was a local custom, symbolizing liveliness.
Hearing the explosions of the firecrackers, Su He instinctively covered her belly, "Don't be scared, baby..."
Perhaps sensing her mother's care, the little one in her belly stretched its legs, causing a bulge on Su He's abdomen.
Noticing the change in her belly, Su He's face lit up with joy. "He, he moved..."
"What?" The firecrackers were still going off outside, and the old man hadn't heard clearly.
Su He raised her voice, cupping her hands around her mouth like a speaker, and said into the old man's ear, "Grandpa, your great-grandchild is moving!"
Just then, the last of the firecrackers exploded, and silence fell upon the house.
The old man looked at her slightly protruding belly and asked with a smile, "Can you feel the fetal movement?"
Su He nodded vigorously.
The joy of becoming a mother for the first time was evident on her face.
"Hahaha, it seems my precious great-grandchild also wants to come out for the New Year," the old man said, stroking his beard and chuckling heartily.
Su He hadn't heard the old man laugh like that in a long time, and her lips curved upwards unconsciously. She cradled her belly, wanting to experience it again, but the little one had quieted down, unwilling to move further.
Su He felt a slight disappointment.
However, with the first fetal movement, there would be many more to come, so there was no need to rush.
*
Capital Hospital, Country X
Lu Yan Bei remained unconscious.
Cheng Jue was anxious, constantly asking the doctors if his life was in danger.
"Based on the current indicators, Mr. Lu has not yet passed the critical stage. However, this is the best hospital in the country, and we have invited internationally renowned authority surgeons. We will do our best to save him," the doctor replied ambiguously, unwilling to give a definite answer.
Cheng Jue had heard such words many times and didn't quite believe them.
Lu family's private jet was already on its way, but Lu Yan Bei's current condition was not suitable for long-distance travel. The machines beside his bed were constantly monitoring him; removing any one of them could put him in danger at any moment.
"It's all my fault! If I had realized someone was following us earlier, this wouldn't have happened," Cheng Jue covered his face in self-blame.
At that moment, those people had sprayed the car with bullets. In fact, he, sitting in the front, was in more danger. Lu Yan Bei had been shot while saving him.
If the bodyguards hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Recalling the scene that day, Cheng Jue felt a chill down his spine.
Had it been even a minute later, he wouldn't have been saved.
Cheng Jue went to the restroom to wash his face, trying to pull himself together.
He couldn't break down; Mr. Lu still needed his care. Moreover, the Madam's call would come at any time, and he had to find a way to handle it.
As he had expected, Su He's call arrived that evening.
"Assistant Cheng, how is he?" Su He's voice sounded very fragile. Only after settling the old man and returning to her room could she finally relax a little.
"Mr. Lu is undergoing a check-up," Cheng Jue lied with good intentions.
The unconscious Lu Yan Bei couldn't answer the phone, so he could only use this excuse to deter her.
"How are the hospital facilities? When can he be transferred back?" Su He asked with concern.
"Madam, please rest assured, this is the best hospital in Country X, and Mr. Lu is receiving the best treatment," Cheng Jue replied, avoiding the crucial details. "Once his condition stabilizes a bit, we will fly back to China."
Su He, being sensitive, couldn't help but notice that he was hiding something from her.
Thinking about it, he probably didn't want her to worry too much, so she pretended not to notice. After a few simple inquiries, she hung up the phone.
Sitting on the bed, Su He looked at the empty room, her heart heavy.
She could feel that Lu Yan Bei was seriously injured.
Her anxiety and restlessness these past few days confirmed this. The last time she had felt this way was before her car accident. It was as if she had a premonition, but unfortunately, she was powerless.
Su He had never believed in gods, but at this moment, she clasped her hands together and knelt on the bed, praying silently for Lu Yan Bei's safe return.
*
Lu Yan Bei woke up three days later.
It was the second day of the Lunar New Year.
On this day, he was supposed to accompany Su He to her parents' home for New Year's greetings.
Unfortunately, he had broken his promise.
Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings, Lu Yan Bei took a while to adjust.
"Boss, you're finally awake!" Cheng Jue rushed in from outside, his face full of joy upon seeing Lu Yan Bei open his eyes.
Lu Yan Bei raised his hand, only to find that he had no strength. "How long was I unconscious?"
"Three days and three nights," Cheng Jue said, wiping away tears.
"Where is this place?" He struggled to sit up, but Cheng Jue gently pushed him back down.
"We're still in Country X, at St. Mary's Hospital," Cheng Jue replied while calling for medical staff. "During this time, Madam called a few times to ask about your condition, and I managed to handle them. However... she might not be fooled for long."
If he couldn't answer the phone once or twice, it might be understandable. But if it happened many times, it would inevitably arouse suspicion.
"You did very well," Lu Yan Bei said, panting weakly. "Get me my phone."
Cheng Jue responded and retrieved the phone from his suit pocket.
Lu Yan Bei found Su He's contact and sent her a message.
Two seconds later, Su He's call came through.
Lu Yan Bei answered immediately.
However, he was too weak, so Cheng Jue held the phone for him.
"I scared you, didn't I? I'm so sorry..." Lu Yan Bei began.
Hearing his voice, Su He's tears flowed again uncontrollably. "You promised me you'd spend the New Year with me..."
"Don't cry, baby..." Lu Yan Bei's heart ached.
"When can you come back?" Su He asked again.
Lu Yan Bei was silent for a moment before replying, "Maybe in a few more days. The doctor won't allow me to be discharged yet."
"Are you badly injured?"
"Two broken ribs. It's not serious."
"And you call that not serious? Lu Yan Bei, do you think I'm a three-year-old child!"
"Don't be angry, the baby will feel it."
Mentioning the child, Su He's emotions softened considerably. "He kicked me yesterday."
"Oh?" Lu Yan Bei was momentarily stunned.
"I said, your daughter kicked me."
"It's a daughter," Lu Yan Bei corrected.
"Fine, daughter! She said she misses you!" Su He said sulkily.
"Do you miss me?" Lu Yan Bei asked with a smile.
His laughter infected Su He, and the gloom that had been weighing on her heart gradually dissipated.
He could still flirt. It seemed he had truly survived.