Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After Secretary Zhang left, the room fell silent. As Shu Pan was about to tidy up the desk, the phone rang again. Gu Shaoting picked it up and glanced at it. It was Song Can. He handed the phone to Shu Pan, signaling her to answer it.
Shu Pan took the phone with confusion, looking at the display showing âMom.â She hesitated for a moment before putting it to her ear.
Before Shu Pan could even greet her mother, Song Can had already started talking about her conversation with Tong Fei last night. She mentioned that Tong Fei still liked Gu Shaoting and was trying to please her. Shu Pan listened quietly, unable to interject. Once Song Can finished speaking, she noticed that Gu Shaoting hadnât responded. She tried tentatively, âShaoting, are you listening? React, please.â
This gave Shu Pan a chance to speak. She explained, âUm, Mom, itâs Shu Pan. Last night, Shaoting wasnât feeling well due to stomach issues, and heâs currently under observation at the hospital. Itâs not very convenient for him to answer calls.â
There seemed to be a hint of surprise from the other end of the line, but it only took a few seconds for Song Can to grasp the situation. She realized that it was Shu Pan who picked up the phone, and she didnât find it awkward at all. She didnât take what she had just said on the call seriously.
âWhat? Hospitalized? Is he alright?â Song Can asked excitedly. She hadnât expected that someone who was fine last night would end up in the hospital today.
Although it wasnât a major issue, the fact that he needed to stay in the hospital for observation did warrant an explanation to Song Can.
âHe has a gastric ulcer and needs to stay in the hospital for observation,â Shu Pan replied truthfully.
âAh! How did this happen? Heâs okay, right?â Song Canâs voice raised a pitch in surprise.
âLast night, I think he drank too much,â Shu Pan explained.
âShu Pan, honestly, I donât expect you to help with company matters, but you should at least take care of him. Look at what kind of life you two are leading! Youâve even ended up in the hospital!â Song Canâs voice was filled with reproach.
Shu Pan couldnât argue. It was true. The current situation was less than ideal. She had always known that Song Can didnât like her. In comparison, Tong Fei seemed more like the daughter-in-law she desired.
âMom, Iâll pay more attention from now on,â Shu Panâs eyes suddenly welled up with tears. As she had her back to Gu Shaoting, he didnât see the expression on her face.
âAs a wife, you should always care about your husbandâs health,â Song Can scolded while asking, âWhere is he now? Iâll come over.â
Shu Pan provided the name and address of the hospital, and then Song Can hung up the phone.
Shu Pan adjusted her emotions and turned to Gu Shaoting, informing him, âMom knows about your illness. Sheâll come over later.â
Gu Shaoting furrowed his brows slightly, âWhy did you tell her about this?
Sheâs bound to nag.â
Shu Pan poured a glass of warm water for Gu Shaoting. After talking for a while, his throat had become quite dry. He didnât refuse and took the glass, drinking a sip.
After a moment of silence, Shu Pan said, âSince your stomach isnât well, try to drink less in the future.â
She wasnât sure about his recent binge drinking. Could it be for Tong Fei?
Gu Shaoting remained silent, staring at her intently. He reached out and held her hand. His hand was a bit warm, and the tight grip made his hand slightly sweaty. She didnât pull her hand away, afraid of disturbing the needle in his hand.
In truth, she had been genuinely scared last night. Anyone would have been startled, considering how he looked when she saw himâpale, clutching his stomach in silence. Luckily, he was fine now..