In the ward, only the regular ticking of the instruments and the interlaced breathing of the two people remained. Lu Tingchen still held Su Wanwan's hand, showing no intention of letting go.
"Did you really block Shen Zhe?" He asked softly, with a hint of disbelief in his tone.
Su Wanwan nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Yes." I don't want you to misunderstand because of someone unimportant."
Lu Tingchen's thumb gently stroked the back of her hand, and this subtle movement made Su Wanwan's heart race.
"Unimportant people?" " He raised his eyebrows. "He's the senior you once had a crush on."
Su Wanwan opened her eyes wide in surprise: "How do you even know this?" "
"I know far more than you can imagine," Lu Tingchen raised the corners of his mouth slightly. "From the day you married me in place of Su Mingwei, I know everything about you like the back of my hand."
These words should have been spine-chilling, but at this moment, they brought a strange sense of reassurance. It turned out that he had always known but chose to tolerate her deception.
"Then why..." " Su Wanwan hesitated and asked, "Why don't you expose me?" "
Lu Tingchen's gaze became far-reaching: "Because the Su Wanwan I saw was much more interesting than the Su Mingwei in the materials." "
He paused for a moment and continued, "You are smart but not cunning, tough but not stubborn, kind but not foolish." Most importantly, there is no calculation in your eyes when you look at me, only sincerity.
Su Wanwan's heart softened because of these words: "Even if it was deception at first?"
"Everything at the beginning was false," he gazed into her eyes. "But is the feeling now real?"
This question strikes right at the heart. Su Wanwan took a deep breath and responded bravely, "I don't know what others are like, but when I'm worried about you, when I'm moved by you, those feelings are all real."
Silence spread throughout the ward, but it was no longer an awkward silence; instead, it was a kind of tacit understanding and tranquility.
Finally, Lu Tingchen said softly, "That's enough."
Just then, his mobile phone vibrated. Qin Hao sent a message: "Mr. Lu, Miss Zhao Jing is at the hospital entrance and insists on seeing you." Do you need to stop it?"
Lu Tingchen frowned and replied, "Let her go."
Su Wanwan noticed the change in his expression and asked, "What's wrong?"
"It's okay," he put down his phone. "A little trouble."
But Su Wanwan keenly sensed something: "Is it Zhao Jing?" How could she know that you were in hospital?
Lu Tingchen's eyes turned stern: "You're right. She shouldn't have known." "
He immediately dialed Qin Hao's phone number and said, "Find out who leaked the news that I was hospitalized." Also, who has Zhao Jing been in contact with recently, especially people from the Su family?
Su Wanwan was startled in her heart. Could it be Su Qianqian again? This cousin of hers will go to any lengths to curry favor with Zhao Jing.
After the call ended, Lu Tingchen looked at Su Wanwan and said, "There's something I think you should know."
He operated his mobile phone and retrieved a surveillance video. In the picture, Su Qianqian is quietly handing over a package of documents to Zhao Jing's assistant.
"This is..." " Su Wanwan asked in confusion.
"Some internal documents of your father's company," Lu Tingchen explained, "I suspect that your father's recent incident is related to these documents."
Su Wanwan covered her mouth in shock and said, "You mean Su Qianqian and Zhao Jing conspired to frame my father?"
"Very likely," Lu Tingchen nodded. "The Zhao family has always wanted to annex the Su family, and your father's illegal operation has given them an opportunity to take advantage." "
Anger and chill swept over Su Wanwan simultaneously. She had never imagined that someone within the family would do such a thing for the sake of personal gain.
"Why..." " Her voice trembled. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you are now Mrs. Lu," Lu Tingchen said seriously, "you have the right to know who is targeting you and why."
He reached out and gently stroked her cheek. "More importantly, I hope you know that I will protect you from all this harm."
This sentence was like a warm current, dispelling the chill in Su Wanwan's heart. Looking at the man in front of her, she suddenly felt a sense of security she had never experienced before.
"Thank you for telling me this," she said softly, "but I hope..." I can protect you, too.
Lu Tingchen raised his eyebrows and said, "Protect me?"
Su Wanwan nodded, her eyes determined: "Your heart..." I don't want to see you fall any more. So please promise me that you will take your medicine on time in the future, have proper rest and don't overwork yourself.
She gathered her courage and continued, "In exchange, I will strive to be a good Mrs. Lu, not only in front of my grandfather, but in front of everyone."
Lu Tingchen was stunned for a moment, and then a genuine smile appeared in his eyes: "Are you negotiating terms with me, Mrs. Lu?"
"Yes," Su Wanwan also smiled. "After all, transactions are the foundation of marriage, aren't they?" "
The two smiled at each other, and the air was filled with a warm atmosphere.
After laughing, Lu Tingchen's expression turned serious: "There's something I must tell you." "
Su Wanwan's heart tightened: "What?" "
"Regarding your sister, Su Mingwei," he said, "My people have found her."
Su Wanwan suddenly sat up straight: "Where is she?" How are you doing? Shen Zhe said she was in trouble..."
"She was in Paris and did encounter some problems," Lu Tingchen patted her hand soothing. "But it wasn't a big problem. It was just that her visa had expired and she was restricted from leaving the country." I've already sent someone to handle it. It will be resolved soon."
Su Wanwan heaved a sigh of relief, but then became worried again: "Well..." Does she know about me?
Lu Tingchen shook his head: "I haven't told her yet." I'd like to ask for your opinion first.
This considerate act moved Su Wanwan deeply. She thought for a moment and said, "Let's tell her after the matter is settled." "Saying it now can only make her worry." "
"Ok," Lu Tingchen nodded. "Then let's do as you say."
As the night deepened, Su Wanwan felt a little tired. Lu Tingchen moved his body a little, clearing one side of the hospital bed. "Come up and rest. Don't get tired."
This invitation made Su Wanwan blush and her heart race: "This..." Not so good, right? You are a patient...
"It's precisely because I'm a patient that I need someone to take care of me up close," he said solemnly, but there was a sly glint in his eyes. "What if I don't feel well at night?"
Su Wanwan knew it was an excuse, but still obediently lay down beside him. The hospital bed was not spacious, so the two had to stand close together. She could feel his body temperature and heartbeat, a sensation that was both intimate and reassuring.
"Good night, Tingchen." She said softly.
"Good night, Wanwan." He responded, naturally wrapping his arm around her waist.
In this warm embrace, Su Wanwan soon fell asleep. She had no idea that after she fell into a deep sleep, Lu Tingchen gently kissed her forehead, his eyes brimming with tenderness.
The next morning, Su Wanwan was awakened by the sunlight and the aroma of food. She found herself completely curled up in Lu Tingchen's arms at some point, while he was looking at the documents and gently patting her back with one hand, as if soothing a child.
Are you awake? He looked down at her, his eyes gentle. "Breakfast has been delivered."
Su Wanwan blushed and sat up: "Why didn't you wake me up?" "
"Seeing you sleeping so soundly," he said calmly, handing her a cup of warm water. "Have some water first."
This natural care made Su Wanwan's heart sweet. During breakfast, Lu Tingchen received several work calls, but each time they ended briefly, unlike the long discussions he used to have.
"You can be busy with your work," Su Wanwan said. "I'm fine."
Lu Tingchen put down his phone and said, "Qin Hao can handle it." I'm a patient now and need to rest, remember?
Su Wanwan couldn't help but laugh: "So Mr. Lu can also be lazy." "
"It's not being lazy. It's following the doctor's advice," he said solemnly, and then added, "especially Mrs. Lu's advice."
This relaxed atmosphere almost made Su Wanwan forget that they were still in the hospital. It was not until the doctor came to make her rounds and reminded Lu Tingchen that she still needed to be observed for another day that she became nervous again.
"Don't worry. I'm fine now," Lu Tingchen comforted her. "It's you who need to go home and have a good rest."
Su Wanwan shook her head: "I want to stay here with you." "
The final compromise was that Su Wanwan would go back to the hotel to wash up and change her clothes, and then come back to take care of her.
On her way back to the hotel, Su Wanwan called her mother to report that she was safe and gently reminded her to keep an eye on Su Qianqian's family. After hearing this, Su's mother was shocked and promised to be more careful.
After taking a bath, Su Wanwan looked at herself in the mirror and suddenly felt as if she had been transported to another world. In just a few days, her relationship with Lu Tingchen underwent a complete transformation.
Just as she was about to return to the hospital, the doorbell rang. Outside the door stood an elegant middle-aged lady, carrying an insulated box in her hand.
Who are you? Su Wanwan asked in confusion.
"I'm Tingchen's mother, Lin Wanru," the lady said with a smile. "May I go in and talk?"
Su Wanwan opened her eyes wide in shock. Lu Tingchen's mother? But the information doesn't say that she has already...
"You haven't already..." " She blurted it out subconsciously and then stopped quickly.
Lin Wanru gave a knowing smile and said, "Already passed away?" That was what Tingchen declared to the outside world. In fact, I just left the Lu family many years ago.
Su Wanwan, at a loss, invited her into the room, her mind in a complete mess.
Lin Wanru sized her up, her eyes gentle: "Don't be nervous. I just heard that Tingchen was in hospital and came to have a look." By the way, I'll also take a look at you."
She placed the insulated box on the table and said, "This is the soup I made. It's good for your heart." Every time Tingchen was not feeling well when he was a child, I would make this for him.
Su Wanwan finally regained her voice: "You..." Why do you...
"Why pretend to be dead?" " Lin Wanru gave a wry smile, "Because the Lu family doesn't need a wife who has' mental problems'." Back then, I was severely depressed. To avoid affecting Tingchen's future, I chose to "leave".
This truth made Su Wanwan's heart ache. She couldn't imagine how the young Lu Tingchen had endured such a "loss".
"Tingchen..." Do you know that you are still alive? She asked carefully.
Lin Wanru nodded: "He knows." We occasionally meet in secret, but in order not to affect his status in the Lu family, this lie must be maintained.
She held Su Wanwan's hand and said, "I know you two got married by agreement, but I can tell that Tingchen treats you differently." He has never let anyone get so close to him, not even me.
Su Wanwan's eyes were warm: "I..." I don't know...
"Treat him well," Lin Wanru said with tears in her eyes. "His heart is both strong and fragile." Someone needs to care for you sincerely."
After seeing Lin Wanru off, Su Wanwan couldn't calm down for a long time. She took Tang back to the hospital, her heart filled with concern for Lu Tingchen.
What's wrong? Lu Tingchen keenly sensed her mood change. "What happened?" "
Su Wanwan shook her head and took out the soup: "Nothing." I just suddenly really want to take good care of you.
Lu Tingchen looked at her, his eyes deep and profound: "You've done very well already." "
While drinking the soup, his movements suddenly paused: "This taste..."
Is it good to drink? Su Wanwan asked nervously.
Lu Tingchen gazed at the soup and said softly, "It tastes very much like the soup my mother cooked when I was a child."
Su Wanwan's heart tightened. She suddenly understood why Lin Wanru had asked her to bring this soup - it was a silent communication between mother and son, a kind of care that couldn't be expressed in words.
In the evening, Lu Tingchen insisted on being discharged from the hospital. Back in the hotel suite, he walked straight to the study, but was held back by Su Wanwan.
"The doctor said you need to rest," she said firmly. "You are not allowed to work today."
Lu Tingchen raised his eyebrows and said, "Then what did Mrs. Lu suggest I do?" "
Su Wanwan thought for a moment and said, "How about watching a movie?" I know a very old romance film that's perfect for relaxation."
To her surprise, Lu Tingchen actually agreed.
In the living room, the light was dim and a classic love film was playing on the screen. Su Wanwan quietly sized up Lu Tingchen beside her. He seemed concentrated, but his eyes were gentle, as if he was enjoying this relaxed moment.
Halfway through the movie, Su Wanwan felt a heavy weight on her shoulder - Lu Tingchen had actually fallen asleep leaning on her shoulder.
She remained motionless, fearing to wake him up. Looking at his quiet sleeping face, Su Wanwan felt a strong protective urge welling up in her heart.
At this moment, she clearly realized that she had deeply fallen in love with this man who was cold on the outside but tender on the inside.
And this love no longer stems from transactions or responsibilities, but from the purest fluttering of the heart.
When the movie ended, Lu Tingchen woke up and found himself leaning on Su Wanwan's shoulder, slightly stunned.
"Am I asleep?" " His voice was hoarse as if he had just woken up.
"Well," Su Wanwan smiled, "You're too tired."
Lu Tingchen looked at her with gentle eyes and said, "Thank you."
Just two simple words, yet they contain a thousand words.
That night, Lu Tingchen didn't go back to the study. Instead, he lay on the big bed in the master bedroom with Su Wanwan. The two embraced and slept together, just like the most ordinary couple in the world.
In the dead of night, Su Wanwan gently kissed Lu Tingchen's forehead and whispered, "Good night, my husband."
In the darkness, Lu Tingchen's lips curled up slightly.
And none of them knew that the calm at this moment was merely the last serenity before the storm. In the distant Paris, Su Mingwei is facing a major choice. In the shadows of Jiangcheng, Zhao Jing and Su Qianqian are brewing a new conspiracy.
But at least at this moment, love is real and warmth is tangible.
This is enough.
(To be continued...)"