Pei Jiangmu calmly sidestepped, his movements smooth and natural, as if he was just adjusting his standing posture. There was even a faint, reassuring smile on his face. But his gaze swept over Cui Ran, who also looked worried, like ice. In an instant, he understood - his mother had "threatened" him into coming back, and this "chance encounter" was the main course.
"It's just a minor accident. Don't worry," he said in a steady voice, showing no sign of pain.
"How can this be a minor accident!" Mrs. Pei said, both distressed and annoyed. Then she turned to Cui Ran, her tone full of the trust of an elder. "Ranran, quickly! Go with Jiangmu to the hospital to have his wound treated again! This wound looks so scary. What if it gets infected? This child is the worst at taking care of himself."
Cui Ran immediately put down her teacup and stood up gracefully. Her face showed impeccable concern. "Okay, Auntie. Jiangmu, shall we go now? We can't delay treating the wound." Her gaze towards Pei Jiangmu was full of appropriate concern and a hint of imperceptible curiosity.
Pei Jiangmu saw the unyielding determination in his mother's eyes. He glanced at Cui Ran's face, which clearly showed her status as a well - bred lady, and a cold sneer flashed through his heart. He didn't refuse. Instead, he nodded slightly and said gently, "Thank you, Miss Cui." It was fine. He didn't have to find an excuse to leave by himself.
The black Rolls - Royce drove steadily towards the hospital. The car was spacious, but there was an even more obvious, tacit sense of estrangement than in the old mansion. Pei Jiangmu closed his eyes to rest. His injured hand was casually placed on the armrest, as if it were just an unimportant object.
Just as the car was about to reach the hospital, Cui Ran, who had been sitting quietly beside him, suddenly spoke. Her voice was not loud, but it clearly broke the silence. The gentle mask on her face faded like the ebbing tide, replaced by a calmness that was a bit shrewd and honest.
"Mr. Pei, I was a bit presumptuous in front of Auntie just now," she said, turning her head and looking at Pei Jiangmu's well - defined profile with a frank gaze. "We both understand Auntie's intentions. The 'concern' she wants to see. It's beneficial for both of us if I play along, isn't it?"
Pei Jiangmu slowly opened his eyes. There was no surprise in his eyes, only a bottomless cold pool. Of course, he understood. There was an invisible, interest - based bond between him and Cui Ran - a tacit "fake engagement". He needed her as a shield to temporarily soothe his family and his mother's excessive "concern" about his private life, making her a barrier against other match - making attempts. And she needed to rely on the power of the Pei family and his influence to gain an absolute advantage in the complicated power - struggle within the Cui family.
"Miss Cui is a smart person," Pei Jiangmu said in a cold voice, which was a kind of tacit approval. Cui Ran, this "smart" partner, was just a pawn. He had no interest in knowing her thoughts, and he would never allow her to cross the line. As long as she knew her place, their cooperation would still be effective.
Cui Ran looked at his cold and estranged profile and his hand, which still showed a strong sense of control even when injured. A complex, imperceptible light flashed deep in her eyes. The agreement was the agreement, and interests were interests. But this man in front of her, the dangerous aura around him, the hidden madness and absolute control, were like the strongest poison. Although she knew it was dangerous, it was fatally attractive. She admired his ability, and even... she couldn't deny the secret palpitation mixed with awe. Even though he had postponed their engagement indefinitely, causing her a lot of trouble, she still had no intention of finding another "ally". She always told herself that, at least for now, he was still her best choice.
She took a light breath, suppressed that inappropriate thought back into her heart, and put on her proper mask again. Her voice returned to its previous calmness. "We're at the hospital, Mr. Pei. After you."
Pei Jiangmu opened the car door, and the night wind blew in again. He straightened up, and his injured hand curled slightly by his side. A clear pain came. He looked at the cold white gate of the hospital. Uncontrollably, the name of another hospital flashed through his mind, along with that eye - catching report and Meng Ruochao's face... The anger was about to flare up again. He quickly controlled his emotions and stepped forward. His back was elongated under the cold light of the hospital. Lonely, deep, with an undeniable sense of control and a lingering madness that burned only for one person.
Cui Ran watched his back, her eyes flickering slightly. Then she gracefully followed, playing her role as the "concerned fiancée". But the little ripple in her heart quietly expanded a bit.
The car that brought them to the hospital was sent by Mrs. Pei herself. Because she knew her youngest son well. She knew he was the most rebellious and disobedient, and she was afraid he wouldn't go to the hospital and would run away on the way. So when she sent them into the car, she said to the driver in front of them, "Don't forget to take a photo for me when you get to the hospital. Then bring him back. I'll ask the kitchen to make nourishing soup." This sentence was like an invisible shackle, firmly locking away the possibility of Pei Jiangmu leaving halfway.
Under the cold white light of the VIP passage of the top - level private hospital in the city center, the air was filled with the cold and clean smell unique to disinfectant. The corridor was empty and quiet. Only the slight footsteps of the two echoed on the shiny marble floor. Pei Jiangmu walked in front, his figure tall and straight, his steps steady. His well - tailored black suit wrapped him up neatly, as if he were attending a serious business meeting rather than having his bloody wound treated. Only his right hand, hanging by his side and hidden by the perfect cuffs, would occasionally curl slightly uncontrollably while walking, revealing a suppressed pain. At the edge of the cuff, a bit of dark red bloodstain was like a drop of ink in the snow, glaringly spreading.
Cui Ran walked half a step behind, keeping an appropriate distance. She was wearing a well - tailored off - white suit, with delicate makeup and impeccable manners. She looked at Pei Jiangmu's straight but lonely back and glanced at the annoying bloodstain. Her delicate eyebrows frowned imperceptibly. This injury... it definitely wasn't the "minor accident" he had lightly described.
"Mr. Pei," Cui Ran's voice sounded in the quiet corridor, gentle and proper, with a business - like concern. "The injury on your hand... it looks serious. How did it happen?" Her gaze fell on his hidden wrist, with a hint of curiosity.
Pei Jiangmu didn't pause his steps at all. He didn't even turn his head to look at her. His voice was like ice - water, calm but with an undeniable chill, clearly piercing through the air. "Miss Cui, according to Article 3 of the agreement, we should not interfere in each other's private affairs. You've crossed the line." The warning and estrangement in his tone were like a basin of cold water poured over her head.