Yu Sheng returned to her own hospital room. The door closed softly behind her, cutting off the noise from the corridor.
She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. Immediately, Shen Yunmian's unusually persistent gaze after waking surfaced clearly in her mind. That look was different from any before. It wasn't an angry accusation, nor cautious appeasement, but something like… an almost desperate focus, as if something lost had been found again.
It made her feel unfamiliar, even slightly uneasy.
She tried to sort out her feelings.
When Shen Yunmian had been unconscious, her emotions had indeed been complicated. There was lingering fear from the sudden car accident, relief that she herself was unharmed, but more than that, a heavy weight pressing on her heart. If Shen Yunmian had really suffered something irreversible because of protecting her, she didn't know how she would face that outcome—how she would face her own heart.
After all, that had been an instinctive choice in the face of life and death. It couldn't be faked.
Fortunately, Shen Yunmian had woken up. When she heard the news, she had unconsciously let out a breath of relief—even she hadn't realized it at first. With that breath released, the heavy burden seemed to lighten a little.
However, that didn't mean she could continue living with Shen Yunmian without reservations. A broken mirror could not be made whole again, spilled water could not be recovered. The accumulated disappointments over the years had already carved deep marks in her heart—marks that couldn't be erased by a single act of selfless protection. Their relationship now was more like two rivers that had once intersected but now flowed separately toward their own futures.
"Maybe…" Yu Sheng looked at the darkening sky outside the window and thought to herself, "after Shen Yunmian is discharged and her condition stabilizes, we can try to talk calmly again."
This time, she wouldn't bring anger or grievances into it—just objectively analyze their current situation and clearly express her wishes. Because of that instinctive act of protection, she was willing to raise her tolerance toward Shen Yunmian a little, to give more room for communication. To try to find a way that would cause the least harm to both of them—to part on good terms, and perhaps… if possible, remain acquaintances who occasionally exchange greetings in the future.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a sudden ringtone broke the silence of the room.
Yu Sheng picked up her phone. The screen showed "Mom." She adjusted her breathing before answering, trying to sound relaxed and normal: "Mom, why are you calling at this hour?"
However, what came from the other end was Wen Jing's anxious voice, trembling with tears: "Sheng Sheng, baby! How are you? Where are you hurt? Is it serious?"
Yu Sheng sighed helplessly. She knew she couldn't hide it after all.
"Mom, Mom, don't panic, don't worry. I'm fine, really fine. See? I'm talking to you just fine."
"You're still lying to me!" Wen Jing's voice trembled with lingering fear. "It's all over the news—they said you were in a serious car accident! Tell me the truth, how are you really?"
"Mom, listen to me," Yu Sheng quickly explained. "The news always exaggerates. I'm really fine—just a mild concussion and some scrapes. The doctor said I can be discharged after a couple of days of observation. Shen Yunmian… she was more seriously injured, but she's awake now and out of danger, so don't worry."
"I don't believe you! Turn on video—let Mom see you."
Yu Sheng had no choice but to switch to a video call.
On the screen appeared Wen Jing's worried face, along with Dale behind her, equally concerned.
"Mom, look, I'm really fine." Yu Sheng turned the camera toward herself, slowly moving it so they could see her whole body. "See? No injuries. Arms and legs are fine. Just a little swelling on my forehead—it'll be gone in a couple of days."
Wen Jing leaned close to the screen, examining her again and again. Only after confirming there were no obvious injuries and that her condition seemed alright did she finally let out a long breath. "You scared me to death… really scared me… It's good you're okay, it's good you're okay…"
At that moment, Dale leaned in and asked, "Sheng Sheng, have you… gotten a call from Sophia?"
"Sophia?" Yu Sheng froze, then shook her head. "No. What's wrong?"
Ever since their last video call, that passionate blonde girl hadn't contacted her again.
Dale and Wen Jing exchanged a look, both showing concern.
Dale sighed. "That child… she said before that she wanted to surprise you, secretly booked a flight to come to your country. She even changed her number—we couldn't reach her. Only yesterday she called us from a new number, and we found out she had already gone to China! When we told her about your accident, she panicked and said she'd contact you immediately. Not sure if she reached you…"
"What? Sophia came to China?" Yu Sheng was startled. Then she remembered her phone had been destroyed in the accident, and Su Qingyu had been handling communications with a temporary phone.
"My phone was damaged in the crash. She probably couldn't reach me then."
She couldn't help but worry—Sophia was unfamiliar with the place and not fluent in the language. What if something went wrong?
"Yes, we're so worried," Wen Jing said anxiously. "She's impulsive, and she's in a foreign country…"
"Mom, Aunt Dale, don't worry too much." Yu Sheng suppressed her concern and reassured them instead. "Since Sophia has arrived, she'll contact me again. I'll find a way to locate her right now."
Just as she finished speaking, an unfamiliar local number appeared on the screen.
Yu Sheng's heart skipped. She immediately said, "Mom, Aunt Dale, there's an unknown call—it might be Sophia. I'll answer it!"
"Quick, answer it!" Wen Jing urged.
Yu Sheng picked up the call. "Hello?"
"Sheng! Thank goodness, I finally reached you!" Sophia's distinctive voice came through—her Chinese accented but lively, filled with excitement. "I heard from Auntie you were in a car accident! How are you? Is it serious? Where are you? I'm coming to see you right now!"
Yu Sheng finally relaxed. "Sophia, I'm fine, just minor injuries. I'm already in the hospital. What about you? Where are you? Are you safe?"
"I'm at a hotel near the airport. I'm fine, very safe!" Sophia spoke quickly. "Tell me your address, I'll take a taxi over right now!"
"No!" Yu Sheng immediately refused. She couldn't trust Sophia to come alone. "Don't go anywhere. Stay at the hotel—I'll arrange for someone to pick you up. Send me your hotel name and exact location. Be good."
"…Okay," Sophia sounded a bit reluctant but agreed. "Then hurry, I'll wait for you!"
"Alright, stay in touch." Yu Sheng hung up and immediately called Wen Jing back, briefly explaining the situation. "Mom, Aunt Dale, I've contacted Sophia. She's at a hotel near the airport, safe. I'll arrange someone to pick her up now—don't worry."
"Good, good, as long as she's safe!" They finally relaxed.
"Mom," Yu Sheng said softly, seeing the lingering worry on her mother's face, "you and Aunt Dale don't need to rush back. I'm really fine. Just tell me your flight details and be careful on the way."
"Baby, Mom already booked the earliest flight. I'll be there tomorrow," Wen Jing said firmly. "I can't relax until I see you."
Yu Sheng knew she couldn't persuade her, so she nodded. "Alright. I'll pick you up tomorrow. I need to arrange someone to get Sophia now."
After ending the call, Yu Sheng immediately dialed Su Qingyu.
After a few rings, the call connected. "President Yu?"
"Qingyu, are you free right now? I need your help with a personal matter," Yu Sheng said directly.
There was a brief pause on the other end. "President Yu, I'm currently in President Shen's room. What do you need?"
At Shen Yunmian's? Yu Sheng was slightly surprised but didn't ask further. "Qingyu, I have a friend from abroad, Sophia. She's at Huasheng Hotel near the airport. She's unfamiliar with the place—I'm not comfortable with her coming alone. After you're done, go pick her up. I'll send you her contact info."
"Understood, President Yu," Su Qingyu replied promptly.
"Alright, thank you for the trouble. Stay safe."
After Yu Sheng finished speaking, she sent Sophia's phone number to Su Qingyu via text message.
—
At the same time, inside Shen Yunmian's VIP hospital room.
Su Qingyu stood by the bedside, her posture respectful yet carrying a trace of subtle scrutiny.
She had just rushed over and was waiting for Shen Yunmian's instructions. However, Shen Yunmian did not speak immediately. Instead, she studied her with an extremely complicated gaze. That look wasn't like she was looking at a subordinate—it was more as if she were seeing through her, examining something else, tinged with emotion, even a faint… barely noticeable regret?
Shen Yunmian let out an almost inaudible sigh. In her previous life, until the very end, Su Qingyu had shouldered most of the Shen Corporation's responsibilities. She was exceptionally capable and someone worthy of trust. Unfortunately, in this life, she met Sheng Sheng first and became Sheng Sheng's most capable right-hand woman. But perhaps that was for the best—by Sheng Sheng's side, she might be able to display her talents even more than at the Shen Corporation.
Being stared at like that made Su Qingyu feel uneasy. She couldn't help but cough lightly, breaking the silence. "President Shen, you… called me here for something?"
Shen Yunmian snapped back to her senses. The complicated emotions in her eyes quickly receded, returning to her usual calmness—though beneath that calm, there seemed to be a deeper gravity than before. She spoke, "I called you here for two main things."
"We just received news from the police. The investigation into the car accident has results." Shen Yunmian's voice turned cold. "It was Lin Ruoyan—she hired someone to do it."
Su Qingyu's pupils shrank, shock evident on her face. "Lin Ruoyan? She actually dared to…" She knew President Shen had taken harsh retaliatory measures against Lin Ruoyan before, but she hadn't expected her to go this far.
"Mm." Shen Yunmian's gaze sharpened. "I want you to follow up on this matter. I have only one requirement—punish her strictly according to the law, show absolutely no mercy. I want her to pay the heaviest price for her foolish and malicious actions." Her tone carried unquestionable resolve, as if she intended to settle all the trouble and harm caused by Lin Ruoyan, past and present, in one stroke.
Su Qingyu felt a chill in her heart and immediately responded, "Yes, President Shen. I understand."
Shen Yunmian nodded, having no doubt in Su Qingyu's execution ability. After a pause, she continued, "The second matter concerns several ongoing cooperative projects between the Shen Corporation and the Yu Corporation."
Su Qingyu instantly became alert, thinking Shen Yunmian was about to ask for details or make adjustments.
However, Shen Yunmian's next words stunned her.
"I know Sheng Sheng… President Yu's side—these projects are mainly handled by you. From now on, as long as it's a project plan or investment need beneficial to the Yu Corporation's development, you can submit a written report directly to me. I will review and approve it as soon as possible. In terms of funds and resources, the Shen Corporation will provide the maximum level of support."
Su Qingyu was completely stunned.
Had President Shen gone through a life-and-death ordeal and suddenly awakened—not caring for power anymore, but choosing love instead? Regardless of the reason, though, this was a good thing. As long as money could be made and projects could move forward, Su Qingyu was more than happy to see it happen.
Her thoughts raced, but none of it showed on her face. She simply responded respectfully, "Understood, President Shen. I will organize the relevant plans and submit them to you as soon as possible."
Just as the two were talking, Su Qingyu's phone suddenly rang.
Seeing that it was Yu Sheng calling, she immediately picked up. The two briefly exchanged a few words to coordinate matters.
After hanging up, Su Qingyu said, "President Shen, I need to go pick up a friend for President Yu first, then head to the police station to handle Lin Ruoyan's case. Do you have any other—"
Before she could finish, Shen Yunmian suddenly cut in, "What friend?"
Su Qingyu was about to answer, but when she looked up, she suddenly met Shen Yunmian's now sharp and profound gaze.
She had always been sensitive to her superior's emotions. She immediately realized this matter was probably not simple and hesitated to speak.
"Secretary Su," Shen Yunmian's voice revealed little emotion, but the eyes fixed tightly on Su Qingyu exposed her inner unrest. "That Sophia mentioned on the phone just now… what's going on?"
Su Qingyu was slightly startled by Shen Yunmian's sudden change in demeanor and questioning. But thinking about Shen Yunmian's earlier generosity—and the fact that she had accurately said the name, meaning she had already heard it—she answered truthfully, "She is a foreign friend of President Yu, named Sophia. She just arrived in the city. President Yu was worried she wouldn't be familiar with the environment, so she asked me to pick her up at a hotel near the airport."
That girl… actually chased her all the way to the country!
This instantly awakened all of Shen Yunmian's memories of that blonde girl. Yu Sheng's attitude toward her… seemed very different—at least more patient and gentle than how she treated herself.
If… if this Sophia took the opportunity to pursue Yu Sheng more passionately, would Yu Sheng… would she be moved? After all, when Yu Sheng was with Sophia, she looked so relaxed and happy. That was an expression she herself hadn't given Yu Sheng in a long time—nor had she ever seen.
Just thinking about this possibility made Shen Yunmian feel a heart-tearing panic.
She had finally gotten another chance, finally seen a faint glimmer of hope—she absolutely could not let anyone ruin it. A powerful sense of crisis surged over her like a tsunami.
Seeing her lost in thought for so long, Su Qingyu couldn't help but remind her, "President Shen?"
Shen Yunmian snapped back to her senses, trying to maintain her outward calm. She nodded at Su Qingyu. "Mm, I understand. Go take care of your work first."
"Alright, President Shen. I'll be going now."
The hospital room door closed softly.
Almost the moment the door shut, Shen Yunmian suddenly threw off the thin blanket covering her. The movement pulled at the wound on her head and the bruises on her body, sending sharp pain and dizziness through her—but she paid it no mind.
She had to see Yu Sheng immediately.
Right now.
That Sophia… she absolutely would not allow her any chance to get close to Yu Sheng.
Absolutely not!
—
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