After Fu Shinian settled down, Su Mu took a brief rest as well. When she woke up, it was already afternoon. Confirming there were no issues on Fu Shinian’s side, she gave so instructions to the nurse and went to the adjacent ward. Qiqi was still asleep, Jiang Bei was dozing off on the sofa, while Ji Nanfeng carefully draped his coat over Jiang Bei.
Perhaps the recent events had been truly exhausting. Even Su Mu’s entrance hadn’t stirred Jiang Bei, who remained asleep in an uncomfortable posture. Instinctively, Su Mu lightened her steps. After finishing covering her up, Ji Nanfeng looked at Su Mu:
"Sothing wrong?"
Su Mu shook her head:
"When Xiaobei wakes up, take her ho. There’s nothing much happening here, and I can handle everything by myself. She’s nearing her due date—it’s not ideal to keep staying in the hospital."
Ji Nanfeng chuckled helplessly:
"She might not necessarily listen to ."
"Xiaobei isn’t soone unreasonable. If it’s sothing good for her, she usually accepts it." Su Mu paused for a few seconds before continuing, "I’ve ntioned several tis to her about going back before. I can tell she’s not unwilling, just hesitant about so things. I’ve been so busy with everything happening around , I haven’t had the chance to properly ask you—has the matter with the Ji Family been resolved?"
Su Mu was naturally asking about Ji Nanfeng’s mother. She still vividly rembered the woman causing a scene in front of Gui Ning Residence’s doors—a brazen display that shattered every expectation of decency for a wealthy family matriarch. Based on a private bias, Su Mu had no desire for Jiang Bei to have any ties to such a person. Yet fate had cruelly dictated otherwise—the woman turned out to be her mother-in-law.
Given Jiang Bei’s personality, she never tolerated the slightest injustice. Whenever she faced adversity or displeasure, she’d directly confront it. But if the opponent was her mother-in-law, things weren’t as straightforward. There were far too many things for her to consider.
Ji Nanfeng knew well what Su Mu was referring to and nodded:
"It’s all taken care of. Honestly, I don’t have much to do with the Ji Family anymore."
Su Mu raised her eyebrows slightly as she looked at Ji Nanfeng:
"The Ji Family only has you as their child. How could they let you break ties so easily?"
"Regardless of the process, the result is what matters most." Ji Nanfeng smiled faintly, "Every decision involves a trade-off. They couldn’t accept Jiang Bei, so they lost . I want Jiang Bei, which inevitably ans I can’t coexist with the Ji Family. Either they change, or I compromise. But as you can see now, compromising isn’t realistic for ."
Su Mu smiled lightly without responding.
"But you don’t have to worry that Jiang Bei will suffer with . Over the years, I haven’t been idle. I’ll provide her a better life, ensuring she has peace and security for the rest of her days, without any of the previous troubles."
"I’m glad you think that way, but given what you’ve done before, I can’t fully trust you. I’ll still keep an eye on how you treat Jiang Bei. If you hurt her again in any way, I’ll persuade her to leave you for good. No matter her feelings, my words will carry weight. She’ll at least seriously consider them."
Ji Nanfeng chuckled softly:
"Sounds like you’re telling I should start currying favor with you now?"
"Flattering won’t help." Su Mu dismissed his suggestion, "Everything I consider revolves around Jiang Bei’s happiness. As long as she’s happy, I’ll naturally believe in you and won’t interfere. After all, no one wishes for her to live well more than I do. She deserves the best life."
Ji Nanfeng looked at Su Mu intently:
"You can rest assured."
Su Mu acknowledged him with a soft hum before glancing at Jiang Bei on the sofa. She then moved to Qiqi’s bedside and glanced at her. She was still asleep. Although Su Mu hadn’t spent much ti by her side today, according to the nurse, Qiqi had been awake for quite a while today. Although she hadn’t spoken, her ntal state was visibly better.
Step by step.
At this point, Su Mu didn’t have any grand aspirations. As long as her family remained safe and sound, everything would be fine.
Su Mu didn’t stay long in Qiqi’s ward but stood beside her for a mont before gently kissing her and preparing to leave. Unexpectedly, Jiang Bei woke up at that mont. Groggy, she opened her eyes and saw Su Mu, pausing slightly:
"Why are you here?"
"You’re just waking up—perfect timing. Go ho with Ji Nanfeng and rest. Your due date is approaching; these days, focus on relaxing and take so walks."
Jiang Bei stood up from the sofa, and Ji Nanfeng quickly reached out to support her:
"Careful."
"I’m fine." Jiang Bei looked at Su Mu and seed to sense sothing: "Are you leaving?"
"Yes, I want to check on Gui Ning Residence."
Jiang Bei paused briefly upon hearing this, then nodded:
"You should. With Grandma’s current condition, she can’t co to the hospital. If you and Fu Shinian remain absent, it’ll only unsettle her. I’ve already asked Su Shiyue to explain everything to her, but hearing it from you would be different. It’s still better for you to visit."
"That’s what I was thinking. With Qiqi and Shinian out of danger, and nurses monitoring them, plus Qiao Yu visiting after his shift, you should go get so rest."
"I’ll wait for you to return before leaving."
Su Mu shook her head:
"Trust , you really need proper rest."
Jiang Bei could tell Su Mu was adamant. Though this wasn’t the first ti such a suggestion had been made, her tone was unusually firm. Jiang Bei shrugged in reluctant agreent:
"Fine, I’ll listen to you. But you haven’t been resting well either. To stay safe, we’ll accompany you to Gui Ning Residence. Have the driver take you to the hospital after—it’s better not to drive yourself."
Su Mu had no objections and nodded.
Just as the three were finishing their instructions to the nurse, the ward door opened, and Wen Han and Wen Shaoyuan entered. Su Mu greeted them with a faint smile, and Wen Shaoyuan first glanced at Qiqi on the bed before smiling back at Su Mu:
"Aunt Su looks a lot better today."
Su Mu smiled softly and patted his hair:
"Thank you for your concern."
Wen Shaoyuan, seemingly embarrassed by Su Mu’s praise, scratched his head before cautiously asking:
"Aunt Su, may I stay with Qiqi for a while?"
During this ti, Wen Shaoyuan had been visiting daily and spent entire weekends at the hospital. Su Mu had never restricted him from seeing or speaking to Qiqi or getting close to her. Yet Wen Shaoyuan seed unable to overco the barrier in his heart, always seeking her permission, as if her disapproval would keep him standing at a distance.
His deanor made Su Mu feel deeply for him. She had never blad Wen Shaoyuan or Ji Qingluan. She understood Ji Qingluan’s choice had been the best under those circumstances—especially since it had saved the children, at the cost of her own life.
Had it not been for them, Ji Qingluan wouldn’t have needed to endure such hardship. Her sacrifice was instruntal in quickly shifting suspicion to Qin Nianwan.
"I’ve already told you, you’re free to visit Qiqi anyti. I won’t oppose it. There’s no need to ask each ti—I won’t object."
Wen Shaoyuan chuckled awkwardly, foregoing a direct response and instead sincerely thanked her: "Thank you, Aunt Su," before quietly walking to Qiqi’s bedside. He sat down attentively, staring at her as though she was his entire world.
Wen Han shifted his gaze from Wen Shaoyuan, turning to the group:
"Heading out?"
"Yes, I’m visiting Gui Ning Residence to check on Grandma."
Wen Han nodded, aware of the situation with Grandma but unable to help: "I heard Fu Shinian is back?"
"Yes," Su Mu smiled, "He’s in the next ward. Still unconscious but out of danger. It’s only a matter of ti before he wakes up."
Wen Han smiled: "That’s great news."
Jiang Bei sensed the atmosphere growing tense and broke the silence: "Brother, since you’re here, stay with Qiqi and Shinian. I don’t want Su Mu driving herself. Join Ji Nanfeng in escorting her to Gui Ning Residence, then wait for her return before leaving."
Wen Han nodded:
"Alright. I’m free anyway. Don’t worry."
Su Mu thanked him and left with Jiang Bei and Ji Nanfeng. Wen Han’s gaze followed them until they disappeared into the elevator. Then he turned back into the ward.
In the elevator, Ji Nanfeng seed hesitant to speak, and Jiang Bei noticed his expression:
"I know what you want to say, but it’s unnecessary. There’s nothing between Su Mu and Wen Han anymore. You don’t need to worry about Fu Shinian—he’s lying in a hospital bed, having risked his life to save Qiqi. Even if soone put a knife to Su Mu’s throat, she wouldn’t leave Fu Shinian’s side."
Su Mu didn’t understand why the conversation suddenly shifted to her, but Jiang Bei’s words unmistakably referred to her and Wen Han’s situation. Confused, she glanced at Ji Nanfeng.
Ji Nanfeng smiled helplessly:
"I didn’t an anything else. I just noticed Wen Han... seems to still have lingering feelings for you."
Su Mu froze montarily, unsure how to respond, her expression briefly blank. Eventually, she gave a faint smile: "He’ll let go, just like Qiao Yu did."
"Hey, hey, hey..." Before Ji Nanfeng could speak, Jiang Bei interrupted angrily: "Do you have any conscience? I was clearly speaking up for you, and you turned it on ?"
Su Mu held back a laugh:
"Can’t you see I was sending you a ssage?"
"What..." Jiang Bei suddenly realized sothing, pausing briefly before smiling lightly: "It’s good news."
Ji Nanfeng caught on too and looked at Su Mu: "Did he tell you?"
"Does it even need explanation?" Su Mu’s gaze moved between the two: "Given your current situation, it’s obvious there’s no change, isn’t it?"
Her words prompted Ji Nanfeng to look at Jiang Bei. He recalled the topic they’d left unfinished outside the investigation room—their possible divorce. The matter was interrupted when Fu Shinian erged, and Jiang Bei never gave him a clear answer.
Truthfully, Ji Nanfeng had regretted bringing up the question almost imdiately, lacking the courage to face Jiang Bei. Fu Shinian’s appearance had been a relief to him, helping him sidestep the topic. Yet now, the issue seed unavoidable.
Ji Nanfeng looked at Jiang Bei, hesitating to speak. Jiang Bei glanced at him, clearly sensing his thoughts but ultimately ignoring them. Until the elevator doors opened, Jiang Bei didn’t spare him another glance, leaving Ji Nanfeng restless.
Even while driving, Ji Nanfeng kept glancing at Jiang Bei in the rearview mirror. Finally, Jiang Bei broke the silence:
"There are two people in this car—one who barely survived and another about to give birth. Can’t you focus on driving?"
The admonishnt snapped Ji Nanfeng out of his thoughts, making him buckle down and drive attentively. Su Mu smiled as Jiang Bei sighed in resignation.
By the ti they arrived at Gui Ning Residence, night had fully fallen. Su Mu didn’t ask them to stay, instructing Jiang Bei to rest well at ho and refrain from visiting the hospital for the next few days. Jiang Bei smiled: "There’s nothing for to do at ho. As a doctor, I know the routines for each stage. Right now, your focus should be on Qiqi and Fu Shinian. Stop worrying about ."
Su Mu looked at Jiang Bei:
"You’re family too. Of course, I’m concerned about you."
"I understand."
Su Mu turned toward Ji Nanfeng, who tactfully left the car to smoke: "I’ll step outside briefly."
Once the car was down to just the two of them, Su Mu asked Jiang Bei:
"You’re not planning to divorce anymore, are you?"
Despite already having her own predictions and discerning this from Jiang Bei and Ji Nanfeng’s interactions, Jiang Bei hadn’t explicitly stated her decision. Previously, due to issues surrounding Qiqi and Fu Shinian, Su Mu hadn’t had the ntal space to focus on Jiang Bei’s matters. Now that things had stabilized, it seed natural to turn her attention back.
Jiang Bei sighed:
"Honestly, before Qiqi’s disappearance, my decision to divorce hadn’t wavered. But afterward, seeing the changes in you and Fu Shinian during this ti has deeply affected . Especially after Qiqi returned—the shifts in her pain greatly. I know there are many single mothers, and plenty of children in single-parent families. But if there’s a way I can provide him with a complete family and don’t make the effort, I know I’ll regret it—for not giving him a chance to have a ho. So, I want to try again."
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