Meilin City of Country M had always had a serene climate, perfect for unwinding. The streets of the city were alive with people, and the central business district thrummed with activity day and night. In contrast, the residential areas were peaceful and quiet. However, one mansion, in particular, was an exception; it had a lively atmosphere that spilled out into the morning.
"Ruihan, you have no idea how much I was bullied by Auntie Wang and her minions. They all made me suffer so much." Old Man Wu spoke in an aggrieved tone and took out a handkerchief to wipe an invisible tear.
"Ha! old man. You sure know how to complain first. You are the one who bullied me first. Also, did you not choke on the pili nuts you stole from me?" Auntie Wang pointed at Old Man Wu while talking loudly.
"You vile woman. Why do you always have to bring that up? Can't you let it go?"
"No." Auntie Wang's lips curled into a wicked smile.
"You!..." Old Man Wu pointed repeatedly at Auntie Wang without finding the words to respond. "hmph!"
"I also have to complain about my short neighbor." Xiao Yan suddenly stood up and looked at the concerned party with a wronged face.
"Xiao Yan, you matchstick! You have the cheek to complain about me," a young beautiful woman stood up abruptly and pointed at Xiao Yan. The woman referred to as a short neighbor was named Xue Peng, Xiao Yan's neighbor.
She continued, "Ruihan, you have no idea, I have suffered worse fate than anyone here while you were gone. Xiao Yan and his fellow annoying dog have been tormenting me. They have been appearing at my doorstep every morning asking for coffee beans. Can't he buy his own? Have you ever seen a dog eat coffee beans? I'm still wondering how XiaoYan is still alive! " she concluded, her voice dripping in drama.
"I only came twice. Do you have to be so dramatic?" Xiao Yan rebuked as he rolled his eyes.
"Tsk, bunch of idiots. " Fang Ming mumbled while shaking his head, thinking that no one would hear him. Xiao Yan broke out laughing.
" What did you just say?!" Xue Peng cranned her neck and glanced at Fang Ming. Suddenly, the room descended into chaos.
Everyone was shouting and pointing fingers. At one point, a plate of pastries got knocked over in the commotion, and two hungry youths, seeing their beloved treats destroyed, leaped into the brawl, demanding "food justice." The scene quickly spiraled into chaos.
Shen Ruihan leisurely sat on his chair and watched as everyone made a fool out of themselves. He was only gone for a week.
They were clearly not drunk. What was all this drama for?
He sighed and signaled to one of the servants.
"Make me a strong coffee."
It was going to be a long day.
______
The next day in the morning, everyone seemed to have gone to their respective houses.
Shen Ruihan sat in the study, his chiseled features illuminated by the soft glow of the computer screen. His fingers flew across the keyboard with practiced ease, his focus solely on the task at hand. The sudden knock on the door broke the silence, and he looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he wondered who could be interrupting his work.
"Come in."
When a figure of a woman wearing a doctor's uniform came to sight, his face visibly relaxed.
Auntie Wang pulled a chair and sat down. Occasionally munching on pili nuts. Shen Ruihan did not mind her behavior at all. It seemed he was used to her behaving as if she were the owner of the house. The knock just now was out of rare politeness.
After a short while, Shen Ruihan's attention was on her as he paused his work.
"How is she? Is there any progress on her situation?"
His deep, magnetic voice vibrated with concern and nervousness, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor. As he spoke, the worry etched on his face mirrored the tension in his voice.
Auntie Wang smiled.
"She could wake up any moment. The next 15 hours..."
Shen Ruihan looked at the clock on the wall. It was now exactly 9 o'clock in the morning.