Lou Xi can’t stay in the hospital for too long; if she does, someone might notice something suspicious.

What’s more, Xi Siwei is now in the Capital, so Lou Xi’s movements are right under his nose. Qin Mobai has already woken up, and if anything else happens, Lou Xi can’t afford to bear the consequences.

"It’s about time for me to go. I’ll find time to visit you tomorrow." Despite her reluctance, Lou Xi still had to say goodbye.

Qin Mobai held Lou Xi’s soft little hand, thinking about how this very hand made him feel the joy of being alive.

He gently caressed it, as if unwilling to part.

"I heard you mention earlier that Xi Siwei is also in the Capital?"

"Yes, when I left the hotel with Ji Nanming this morning, I saw him waiting for me in the lobby." Talking about Xi Siwei unsettled Lou Xi; she just didn’t like men who plotted in shadows like him, "Now he probably thinks he’s the best choice as the inheritor of the Qin Family, acting arrogantly in the company."

Qin Mobai’s eyes darkened with understanding, "Whatever happens, don’t confront him directly. Even if he doesn’t care about family ties, he won’t lay a hand on you."

"Why do you say that? I think if there’s anyone blocking his path to taking over the Qin Family, he would surely turn his back on them."

"You’re an exception," Qin Mobai replied.

"Because I’m Shen Youran’s daughter?"

Lou Xi speculated, but Qin Mobai didn’t answer.

It’s not because she is Shen Youran’s daughter, and Xi Siwei wouldn’t refrain from acting just because of her family background.

The reason for not acting against her is simple; he truly has a soft spot for Lou Xi. Or perhaps he’ll refrain until he can truly take Lou Xi away from Qin Mobai’s shadow.

"Stop worrying about me, I’ll protect myself well, and besides..."

"Ji Nanming?" Qin Mobai continued, "When I have time, I should meet with your brother face to face."

Whether it was Lou Xi feeling something different or Qin Mobai’s words containing more meaning, Lou Xi felt the atmosphere was odd.

"He’s the adopted son of Mom and Uncle Ji. Mom never had children with Uncle Ji all these years for my sake, and I actually feel very sorry for Mom."

"Lou Xi, everything has passed for so many years now; let it be. You both have your own happiness now, isn’t that good?"

Lou Xi met Qin Mobai’s dark eyes, which affirmed that what he said was true.

But her heart still felt heavy, undeniably heavy.

"Yes, we have our own happiness now. Mom’s happiness is Uncle Ji, and my happiness is you." Lou Xi laid her head on the side of Qin Mobai’s hospital bed; the peace at this moment was the one she had longed for, "Mo Bai, I love you."

Lou Xi rarely verbalized her love declarations, always feeling it was too cheesy.

But when Qin Mobai was shot in the chest that day, Lou Xi realized that the unspoken love had to be expressed every day. If not, when there’s no chance to say it or when the other person no longer can hear it, all that’s left is regret.

"Maybe... I love you just a little less than you love me."

"Why a little less?" Qin Mobai seemed a bit displeased.

"Because I want you to love me a bit more."