Lu Chenyu's words plunged Song Xi into distress.
She had never been one to take initiative, and perhaps that was precisely why she had missed out on opportunities.
She recalled Lou Yuming's confession that day, when he had given her a week to consider.
Now that a week had passed, was he coming to ask for her answer?
And when would he come?
At six in the afternoon, after finishing the nutritious dinner sent by the nurse, Song Xi lay on the bed to rest. When she woke again, the sky had already darkened. The room was unlit, and silence enveloped her.
Song Xi was drowsy, her throat a little dry. She coughed, and in the next second, a deep, magnetic voice suddenly broke the silence in the air, its tone commanding yet carrying a hint of imperceptible tenderness.
"Drink water."
Song Xi started slightly, not quite processing his words.
The cool water glass touched her lips, and she almost instinctively opened her mouth. Warm water flowed in, instantly moistening her dry throat. It was then that she was truly startled.
"You!"
With a click, the light above flickered on.
The man stood by the bedside, his arrival unnoticed. He was tall and elegant, his black trench coat lending him a solemn and detached air.
His chiseled features were deep and three-dimensional, and his eyes, hidden in shadow, were calm and profound, like an unfathomable vortex, seemingly drawing one in.
Song Xi was stunned into silence.
Lou Yuming placed the cup on the table and, catching sight of the vibrant bouquet, his expression remained unperturbed.
He took off his coat, casually draped it over the sofa, and then sat down. He deliberately folded up his sleeves, revealing his strong wrists, and then poured himself another cup of water, drinking it himself.
The entire process was unhurried and utterly elegant.
Sensing the woman's unwavering gaze, he extended the cup of water he had just taken a sip from and raised an eyebrow, "Want more?"
Song Xi then withdrew her gaze flusteredly, her head drooping like a kitten that had done something wrong.
A moment of silence hung between them. Lou Yuming appeared to be drinking water, but his peripheral vision was keenly observing Song Xi.
Under the prolonged tension, Song Xi finally broke. Her voice was a mere whisper, and it was fortunate the room was so quiet, otherwise Lou Yuming might not have heard her at all.
"Why are you here?"
Lou Yuming's voice was low as he tossed the question back, "What do you think?"
This left Song Xi unable to cope.
She couldn't just assume he was there for her; even if he were, how could she be the one to say it, especially since he hadn't contacted her at all these past few days.
Song Xi truly lacked the confidence.
"The flowers are quite nice," he said abruptly.
Song Xi's heart gave a jolt, and for some reason, she felt a pang of guilt.
"No, it'sā"
"Rest well."
He suddenly stood up, as if unwilling to hear her explanation, and then turned to leave the ward.
Song Xi was bewildered, her heart a tumultuous mix of emotions, complex and tinged with a sense of grievance.
She even felt as though his arrival was just a dream she had conjured. Yet, the clothes draped over the sofa seemed to remind her that the man's indifference was real, and her assumptions had been equally so.
She had been toyed with.
After leaving the ward, Lou Yuming ran into Shao Cheng.
In the dimly lit corridor, the two men met each other's eyes.
Shao Cheng spoke first, "You've come."
Lou Yuming let out a low "Mm," his voice devoid of discernible emotion. But Shao Cheng, who always detected Lou Yuming's mood instantly, couldn't fail to see the gloom simmering beneath his placid expression.
Lou Yuming said coldly, "Arrange for more personnel to come over."
Shao Cheng understood immediately, "Who came? Lu Chenyu?"
Lou Yuming's eyes sharpened.
Shao Cheng's realization dawned, "So it really was him."