Chapter 022: He Said, "I'm Hungry"

She only emerged from the corner after she saw them stub out their cigarettes and leave. Rather than returning to her room immediately, she stood there, dazed, the words she'd just overheard echoing in her mind, leaving her unable to react for a long time.

What she couldn't understand was why they would say that Xiao Xuezheng had suffered so painfully for so many years. It was such a weighty word—painful—so heavy it left her breathless. And then, the other man had said that every year, Xiao Xuezheng went to America to pay respects to someone. Who was that person?

Shi Runrun felt a sense of helplessness. Suddenly, she realized she didn't understand him at all. He harbored someone in his heart, someone named Zaozao, but those men had also said there was another person in America who loved him...

Such complicated relationships—her head was spinning. Pursing her lips, lost in thought, she wandered toward her room. So absorbed was she in her own imagined world that she didn't even register when she bumped into something.

Snapping back to reality, she looked up blankly and saw, right in front of her at the doorway, a tall, cold figure standing there, blocking her path. His crisp white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, revealing an elegant collarbone, and the warm yellow light shone on his mature, resolute features, making him look irresistibly charming.

"Xiao Xuezheng..."

She stared at him, eyes wide.

"Silly girl, what are you thinking about? You nearly walked into the doorframe! Come here." His tone was deep as he called to her. Shi Runrun pouted, frowning slightly—how was she silly? He was always calling her silly girl!

Miss Shi had her own temper too. She deliberately brushed past him, heading for the room without acknowledging him, but as she passed, she bumped into his chest on purpose.

Watching his little wife act so stubborn, he couldn't help but laugh. Was she getting feistier after just one outing? Pregnant women really were unpredictable!

...

Back in the private room, Shi Runrun didn't think about what she'd just overheard. The men began playing cards and drinking. She sat beside Xiao Xuezheng, quietly watching him play.

Someone tried to light a cigarette, but a single cold glance from him put a stop to it.

The man sheepishly put down his cigar and raised his glass in apology, "My mistake, Xuezheng. I didn't realize your wife was expecting. I'll drink as punishment!"

Shi Runrun immediately looked up at the man beside her, warmth blooming in her heart. He was protecting her, keeping her from secondhand smoke. Even if it was for the baby, he must care about her a little, didn't he?

Shi Runrun thought about this, then reached out and tugged at his sleeve.

He lowered his dark eyes to her. She stretched out her small hand, "Xiao Xuezheng, I'm bored. Lend me your phone for a bit?"

He simply said, "You're so troublesome," but reached into his pocket, took out his phone, and tossed it to her.

She hadn't expected it would be so easy. Delighted, she began exploring his phone.

The screen was cluttered with folders and English apps she couldn't understand. She randomly tapped one and found herself in a work spreadsheet.

Then she opened his contacts. Every name was labeled, most of them professional—managers, directors, company staff. There was nothing else, especially not any suspicious female names.

She put down the phone and let out a long sigh, suddenly feeling a bit ridiculous. Did she really care about him that much? Simply hearing a few idle remarks had sent her scrambling to check his phone...

Was she being petty? Or, from another perspective, did she just like him that much?

Holding his phone, she gazed at him as he played cards under the mellow yellow light, his profile sharply outlined. For a moment, she was lost in thought.

...

The gathering ended at ten that night.

Shi Runrun shivered as she followed him out of the hotel. Only then did she realize how chilly the night had become. She couldn't help but sneeze.

The next second, he came up from behind and draped his suit jacket over her shoulders.

"Xuezheng really spoils his wife," someone teased.

Shi Runrun lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red.

She followed him, saying goodbye to his friends. In the end, only the two of them and Ji Yunan remained at the hotel entrance.

Ji Yunan looked unwell. Because of Cen Huan, Shi Runrun glanced at him several times, but said nothing. She didn't know who was right or wrong between them, and it wasn't her place to interfere—not for now. She'd ask Huanhuan about it another day...

When they got home, Grandpa and Grandma were already asleep.

They tiptoed upstairs. As soon as they entered the bedroom, the man—drunk from too much wine—collapsed onto the bed.

But Shi Runrun grabbed him. "Xiao Xuezheng, you need to shower before bed. You reek!"

Rubbing his temples, exhausted, he looked at her and smiled, "I'll shower, but kiss me first."

Here we go—he was drunk and acting spoiled.

Shi Runrun rolled her eyes, tempted to ignore him. But she couldn't just let him sleep like this. The smell of alcohol wasn't good for her or the baby.

Helpless, she bent down and kissed him quickly on the cheek, then pulled him up and pushed him into the bathroom.

The sound of running water followed. He washed quickly, and about ten minutes later, he emerged in a bathrobe.

Shi Runrun stared, dazed, at the sight of him striding toward her, his long legs and freshly washed allure making him look impossibly attractive.

Now mostly sober, he loomed over her, meeting her eyes with a teasing glint. "Mesmerized? Do you like seeing me like this, barely dressed after a shower?"

Shi Runrun fell silent.

Narcissist!

She cursed him under her breath, but when he saw her lips moving, his gaze darkened.

"I'm hungry..." he murmured.

Simple-minded as ever, Shi Runrun blinked. "Should I go downstairs and ask Mrs. Lin to make you a late-night snack?"

He fell silent, black lines appearing on his handsome face.

Silly girl, your husband is hungry for you, not for some midnight snack!

...

The next morning, Shi Runrun went to school early, hoping to ask Huanhuan about what had happened yesterday.

But to her surprise, her teacher informed her that Huanhuan had taken a leave of absence.

Worried, Shi Runrun asked around and learned that Huanhuan had been hospitalized since midnight.

Without a second thought, after her morning classes, she rushed to the hospital.

After finding out the room number, she headed toward Cen Huan's ward.

She hadn't yet stepped inside when a violent argument erupted from within.

"Get out! Who needs your fake concern? Disappear from my sight right now!"