"Let's talk about it later," Xiao Qi replied after hearing this. He immediately got out of bed, put on his clothes, and left Wang Shu alone in surprise.
Wang Shu didn't even have time to get dressed before she ran out to ask, "Where are you going?"
"The room is suffocating; I'm going for a walk," Xiao Qi left without looking back.
His departure made Wang Shu unable to control her emotions, causing her to burst into tears. Even though she knew that Xiao Qi only used her as a temporary shelter and a cheap consolation, she couldn't help but hold onto the fantasy.
Xiao Qi's leaving shattered all of her fantasies.
She didn't know how long she cried before finally sitting on the sofa in silence. The sky grew darker, and then she heard a key turning at the door. A "click" followed by a sudden brightening of the living room.
Wang Shu shielded her eyes and saw Xiao Qi's tall figure standing at the entrance. Initially elated, but soon turned to indifference, she asked, "Why are you back?"
"I bought fruit and snacks for you, and some groceries for the next few days. Will it be okay if I cook something for you tomorrow?" Xiao Qi said gently.
Though Wang Shu's previous words had made him feel disoriented, he was still uncertain about his relationship with her and their future together. However, after walking around, he found that being at Wang Shu's place was more comfortable than anywhere else, so he returned with the intention of making amends.
"You're too kind; I won't be swayed by your gifts," although Wang Shu wasn’t an inexperienced girl, Xiao Qi’s action had been subconscious and showed he never seriously considered staying forever. He just needed time to heal from Xia An.
"Let's make it up," Xiao Qi hugged her, saying softly, "I know you're angry with me, but don't hurt yourself over this. Let's go have something to eat first, okay? You can be mad at me later."
Wang Shu couldn’t help smiling despite the tears. She hesitated for a long time before deciding not to ask Xiao Qi further.
Xiao Qi felt bitter as well; looking at Wang Shu made him think of his humble self in front of Xia An, equally desperate for attention and care.
At dinner, Xiao Qi kept stuffing food into her mouth, as if trying to make up for the harm he had caused. After that incident, she became quieter.
In the hospital.
Zhang Siqi stayed by Xia Xia's bedside. Xia Xia occasionally showed some emotions but mostly remained expressionless.
As evening approached, Lu Qicheng turned to Xia An and said, "Anan, you should go home and rest for tonight. I'll stay here with Xia Xia."
Xia An shook her head slightly. With Xia Xia in this state, she couldn't bear to go home and sleep; staying here would at least give her some comfort.