Faced with Shen Xizhou's calm demeanor, Xu Ruowei felt a growing unease in her heart. She sensed that something lay hidden beneath the surface, something beyond her comprehension.
A sense of foreboding washed over her.
Although Shen Xizhou claimed to trust her, his expression betrayed him. He clearly didn't believe a word she said. Perhaps it was guilt that compelled him to speak words he didn't mean.
But if Shen Xizhou were to discover what she had done, he wouldn't be so calm, nor would he trust her.
No, that absolutely could not happen.
Before Shen Xizhou could uncover the truth, she had to destroy all evidence that could incriminate her. These things were like a ticking time bomb, liable to be used against her at any moment.
It seemed that after this ordeal, she would need to seek out Yuwen Hao. Only he could help her resolve this matter.
"Xizhou, do you truly believe me? Are you speaking words that come from your heart?" Xu Ruowei persistently inquired, unable to let go of her doubts.
Even though she knew the potential consequences of such questions, a flicker of hope remained.
"Ruowei, your emotions should not fluctuate too much right now; it's not conducive to your recovery," Shen Xizhou said calmly. He then rose, preparing to leave.
"Xizhou." Just as Shen Xizhou stood up, Xu Ruowei clutched her chest, her face paling, filled with a mixture of grievance and humility.
Ignoring the intravenous needle in her hand, which had begun to bleed, she was consumed by the thought that Shen Xizhou could not leave. He had to believe her words before he could depart.
Her hand gripped tightly.
Shen Xizhou attempted to pull his hand away from Xu Ruowei's grasp, but as his gaze fell upon the blood on the back of her hand, he ceased his movement.
A triumphant smile touched Xu Ruowei's lips. It seemed her ploy had worked.
"Xizhou, won't you stay? Please stay with me," she pleaded.
"I'm scared, I'm really scared."
"I know this is an unreasonable request, but Xizhou, I'm truly terrified. It feels like everything is being targeted at me."
"What if the person behind all this decides to make a move while you're gone? What will I do?"
Xu Ruowei spoke with a delicate fragility, her eyes brimming with tears, evoking a profound sense of pity. Anyone seeing her would find it impossible to refuse her.
She dared not loosen her grip, continuing to hold on tightly, speaking with humble desperation, "Xizhou, I know this request is excessive, but I..."
"Ruowei, there's no need to worry. You have people protecting you outside; no unforeseen accidents will occur as you fear," Shen Xizhou stated calmly, his tone betraying a hint of urgency, as if eager to leave.
If he hadn't been concerned about hurting Xu Ruowei with any sudden movements, he would have already left. He couldn't shake the feeling that Xu Ruowei was different now, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly how. The desire to leave intensified within him.
"Xizhou, are you still bothered by those things?"
"You say you're not bothered, but in your heart, you still are, aren't you?"
Xu Ruowei's tears flowed uncontrollably as she spoke. She released Shen Xizhou's hand and buried her face in her palms, crying out in agitation, "Xizhou, have you regretted it? Do you think An Nuan is better than me?"
"Actually, I've done a lot of thinking these past few days."
"Even though we are engaged, and I am your fiancée, you don't truly care for me. You've never had a place for me in your heart, have you?"
"I merely hold the title of your fiancée, but I've never received your love."
"Shen Xizhou, I've done so much for you, sacrificed so much. Can't I even occupy a small corner of your heart?"
"Is it that I'm not worthy?"
Xu Ruowei sobbed, "Xizhou, you still have An Nuan in your heart, and I won't blame you."
"I believe time will slowly help you discover my good qualities."
"Xizhou, I will do my best to fulfill my role."
Shen Xizhou nodded. He found Xu Ruowei's words difficult to listen to. Her feelings of jealousy were, in fact, quite normal. Which woman wouldn't be bothered if her partner's heart wasn't with her?
"Ruowei, that's not true. You're overthinking things."
"You must not have such thoughts again."
"Stop worrying; it's not good for your recovery," Shen Xizhou said, then left without hesitation, as if pursued by a fierce beast.
Xu Ruowei stared in disbelief at Shen Xizhou's hasty retreat, unable to comprehend it. She couldn't believe such a thing could happen to her.
In a fit of rage, Xu Ruowei began smashing vases and fruit baskets in the hospital room against the wall. The meekness and grievance she displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by a terrifying, distorted expression.
Yuwen Hao arrived.
Upon seeing the chaos, he showed no surprise, as if he had anticipated it.
Hatred filled Xu Ruowei's eyes as she spoke coldly, "An Nuan, it's all you. This must all be your scheme."
"Why don't you just die? If An Nuan were dead, none of this would be happening."
"An Nuan deserves to die."
Xu Ruowei's voice, like that of a vengeful spirit from hell, seemed to seek a life. Anyone witnessing her would be terrified.
Yuwen Hao leaned against the wall, clapping his hands slowly, the sound echoing with a mocking tone. "Xu Ruowei, you're losing your composure already. This isn't the Xu Ruowei I know."
"The Xu Ruowei you know?"
"Yes, the venomous Xu Ruowei."
"Now, all I see is a madwoman throwing a tantrum."
"Yuwen Hao, you promised you would help me," Xu Ruowei's gaze fell upon him, her eyes filled with a sinister aura.
"And what about the conditions I set?"
"I agree," Xu Ruowei spat out through gritted teeth.
Having received the answer he desired, Yuwen Hao began to act.
Xu Ruowei held her phone, pondering whom else she could turn to for help, who else could pull her out of this mire. She was sinking, and she couldn't afford to remain in this state. She wasn't even sure when she had become so passive. Originally, she had held all the cards. Now, everything had changed. She was unwilling, so incredibly unwilling.
Ah, Huo Yunshen. How could she have forgotten about him? He was incredibly useful. She had been too hasty, forgetting the people she could leverage.