The only person who knew the whole story was currently in Huo Shen's arms. He couldn't bear to let her go.
The moment they reached the getaway car, he shifted smoothly - one arm reaching around to hold her securely while the other carefully transferring her to his lap.
He turned her face inward and buried it against his chest, carefully shielding her from curious glances.
"My place," Huo Shen said flatly. "Fifteen minutes."
Bai Renzhou nodded without question. "Yes, Boss."
"Boss, I can help - " Lin Ke stepped forward instinctively, reaching out. He knew his boss didn't like contact with random people, especially women.
Huo Shen gave him a deadly glare.
She's mine he mentally snarled.
His arm tightened before he was even aware of it. He instinctively angled his body away, as if Lin Ke were a threat rather than a subordinate. Lin Ke froze mid-step.
"Tell Qingze to meet us at home. Immediately." he ordered curtly. Not bothering to explain himself to a surprised Lin Ke, he took the emergency blanket in the jeep and covered her up - from shoulders to her feet so no inch of her could be seen.
"Boss, I have a situation." came in Rhino's voice a bit hesitant.
"Speak" he replied, only half listening, his attention focussed on the faint rise and fall of her breathing.
"The teacher's asking about the student found in the Control Room. She refuses to leave without an explanation."
Huo Shen wanted answers too. What were they doing there? How did she get caught? Maybe the teacher had some answers.
"She's injured. I am taking her with me. Bring the teacher. We meet at my place in 10 minutes" he ordered.
If Falcon or Rhino found the situation strange, they didn't comment. "Understood" they chorused and followed them back.
The Jeep flew to Huo Shen's residence at top speed. Sensing his boss'es urgency, Lin Ke moved like lightning to open the door.
Bai Renzhou came up behind Lin Ke, with another blanket, intending to wrap up the unconscious girl. She looked really young - just a student.
Huo Shen ignored both of them, unwilling to share her in the slightest. He didn't let them touch her. Didn't let them adjust the blanket.
He didn't even allow them a clear look at her face or how her eyelashes fanned her cheeks. He felt so possessive. She's Mine! A beast within him snarled, the possessiveness startled even him.
Probably realizing he was being unreasonable, he paused briefly, holding her closer. "Get the housekeeper to ready the guest room. Send Qingze to me the moment he arrives."
Huo Shen decisively went in, leaving both of them gaping at his pine-straight back.
"Have you ever seen the boss act this weird?" whispered Lin Ke, totally surprised.
"You may have the guts to gossip about the boss, I don't" sneered Bai Renzhou. "And you might want to think about that in your upcoming sparring sessions" he added dryly and moved to follow orders.
"Humph. Hypocrite!" murumered Lin Ke "Like you wouldn't want to know!"
"Know what?" came Rhino's voice. Viper, Rhino and Falcon had just reached.
The teacher followed behind him. She held herself with quiet poise and authority - not looking scared. She remained vigilant, and didn't make small talk with them.
She briefly nodded at each of the team, however. "Thank you" she said with dignity. You could tell she meant it.
"You averted a disaster - and I am so grateful. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know. I promise to do my best" she told them.
Rhino blushed. "uh . it's ok. We - it's our job…it's fine" he muttered bashfully, not able to look at her straight.
The team gaped at him.
Rhino was the team's rock. He was unflappable. He was the one who usually pulled everyone's leg. To see him stuttering now, at a loss for words was a surprise.
Lin Ke opened his mouth, gleefully, intending to tease him.But Viper grabbed him by the collar.
"Stop talking - let's go" he muttered
They filed in to see Huo Shen gently placing the student on the bed. Finally, her face that was so carefully shielded, came into view.
"Sister!"
"Little girl" exclaimed Lin Ke and Bai Renzhou at the same time.
They both exchanged glances. "This is our sister?" asked Viper curiously. He tried to get closer for a better look.
Huo Shen shot him a threatening glare and moved closer to her bed. Viper froze, not daring to move again.
"Yes, you don't know - she has a useless family. Such a good girl, not treasured at home. You could tell her life's hard. It got so bad that she was willing to become the ward of an unknown old man to escape from them" shared Lin Ke, oblivious of the mounting tension. "I plan to offer to be her guardian." he finished matter of factly.
Bai Renzhou coughed violently. He nudged Lin Ke, trying to get him to shut up. This kid has no sense of self-preservation!
Huo Shen fixed him with a stern stare "And what" he asked "do you know about taking care of someone?" his fingers curled with suppressed emotions.
"Nothing" admitted Lin Ke cheerfully. "But I cannot watch my Goddess fall into a fire-pit. Who knows if the old man is sincere - what if he pawns her off to someone else" he said seriously.
"I assure you I will not sell my ward off" Huo Shen stated solemnly.
Silence crashed into the room.
Huo Shen couldn't describe what he was feeling at this moment. He was intensely grateful he realized it was her, that he didn't miss out on her. He felt a rush of joy that he can take care of her, protect her.. And also furious that she had to go through such a hard time at home.
The silence continued.
Lin ke went pale. "Boss… I..that's. What?" He couldn't comprehend this reality, it was like his brain broke down.
Rhino lit a candle for this kid. His life is going to be tough from now on.
Bai Renzhou however, still tried. Wife, don't ever say I don't do anything for you!
"Boss, my wife is happy to take her on as well. It's just a few months till she hits 18. As a woman, it would be easier for a little girl to…"
"I Huo Shen will be responsible for my ward henceforth - till she turns 18 and even beyond. So long as I have a bite to eat, she won't go hungry and I won't let her be bullied. Ever. No one else need worry." he cut them off.
Huo Shen refused to let her be taken from him.
Was this fate? He wondered. He had tried his best to run away from her - and yet here they were. She was right in front of him and he couldn't let anyone else have the privilege of caring for her. He couldn't walk away again, not when he knew how much she'd suffered.
"Thank you uncle Shen." came a soft voice. Lu Mian was up. Her eyes were shining like stars, filled with gratitude.
She'd woken up a minute back, right on time to hear Lin Ke's speech. She also heard Bai Renzhou's offer and was touched!
Just days back she was feeling all alone and now, there were a set of people willing to care for her. She remembered their kindness in heart - and resolved to pay them back.
"Uncle Shen, I wasn't planning to trouble you - I could apply for emancipation too" she told him seriously. She was grateful for his resolute support but didn't dare presume.
"No." he refused emphatically. Huo Shen took a deep breath and tried to sound more reasonable. "Teacher Zhao entrusted you to me. You can rest assured I won't let his trust down." he replied seriously.
"Thank you" replied Lu Mian sincerely. She wasn't one to turn down help when needed. She tried to sit up, but side burned with pain. She winced.
"Where's Qingze?" growled Huo Shen, distressed to see her struggling. He reached to support her up. But a hand stopped him.
"I can help her get changed and comfortable" stepped up the teacher, quietly. She had been silently observing the conversation, and hadn't interrupted. "Please give us some privacy."
Huo Shen didn't like it. He didn't want to leave her even for a second, but realised how inappropriate it would be to stay. "Qingze reaches in a bit. You have till then." he informed the teacher.
"I will be right outside" he assured Lu Mian and shepherded his team out.
The guest room quietened down once the team left. The teacher didn't hesitate. As promised, she started helping Lu Mian change into a crisp white shirt , presumably a new one that the housekeeper had already left out.
"I can do this on my own" blushed Lu Mian, unused to the attention. The teacher didn't protest. She gave a nod "tell me if you need anything." she said quietly and continued to watch Lu Mian impassively.
Lu Mian felt fidgety under her gaze. It wasn't threatening. Nor was it unfriendly. The teacher just observed her trying to see how to figure her out.
"Why did you save me?" she asked abruptly. "In the control tower, you had a chance to leave first. Why push me to safety?" she clarified.
Lu Mian had expected this. Unsurprised, she finished changing and calmly sat back on the bed.
"I thought it was safest - for the project, for you, and for the mission." she answered honestly. She had no intention to hide what she knew.
"They were looking for you after all, weren't they - Senior Mo?"