Shock

Time passed slowly as Lin Youyu finished making a wish and started cutting the cake. Suddenly, Wang Yi's phone rang from nearby.

Ignoring the looks from others, Wang Yi walked aside and took out the phone his parents had bought him. Seeing it was his father calling, he felt a bit puzzled. His family rarely called him unless something important had happened. Earlier that evening, he had informed them he would be attending a classmate's birthday party, to which his father had jokingly asked if it was at a female classmate's house.

Wang Yi answered the call, and after hearing just a few words from his father, his expression changed instantly.

"Mom fainted suddenly and was taken to the hospital?" he said anxiously into the phone. After a brief conversation, he quickly put his phone away. Glancing at Lin Youyu, who was still smiling brightly amidst the crowd, Wang Yi hesitated. Finally, he typed out a message, sent it, and turned to leave quietly.

Though it felt rude to leave without saying goodbye, he didn't want to spoil Lin Youyu's birthday mood with his personal emergency. He would apologize later. As he hurried out, his pace quickened.

Gao Yurong, who had been talking with Lin Youyu, noticed Wang Yi leaving without a word. She was surprised since it wasn't like him to leave so abruptly, especially given his close relationship with Lin Youyu. Something serious must have happened.

Lin Youyu, however, hadn't realized Wang Yi was gone as she didn't have her phone with her.

"Wang Yi!"

Just as he was about to start running, Wang Yi heard someone call out to him. He turned to see Gao Yurong, dressed in a lavender gown, chasing after him.

"Why did you leave without saying anything? What happened?" she asked, slightly out of breath from running.

Looking at her, Wang Yi tried to calm down. "Something came up at home, I need to head back. Could you please tell Lin Youyu I'm sorry?"

"What's going on? Can I help?" Gao Yurong asked, standing in front of him.

Meeting her eyes, Wang Yi hesitated but then blurted out, "My dad just called. My mom was hospitalized. I need to get to the hospital immediately."

Gao Yurong's earlier frustration disappeared when she heard Wang Yi's explanation. His anxiety was understandable given the circumstances.

"Where is she? I have a car, I can take you," she offered.

"Thank you," Wang Yi replied, grateful.

Gao Yurong gave him a playful look. "Come on, what's our relationship?" Her eyes sparkled mischievously, and her light teasing made Wang Yi's heart skip a beat.

Together, they ran through the quiet, tree-lined road under the night sky. Gao Yurong made a quick phone call and then looked at Wang Yi, "The car is outside. We'll be at the hospital soon. I hope your mom is okay."

Wang Yi nodded, feeling a growing sense of gratitude.

Gao Yurong then added, "By the way, when you left without a word, Youyu almost cried. She thought you were upset." Her tone was teasing but with a hint of seriousness.

Wang Yi felt guilty. In his rush after hearing about his mom, he hadn't considered how it might affect Lin Youyu. He'd have to apologize properly later.

"I'll explain it to her," he said quietly.

"You should," Gao Yurong sighed. "Youyu is sensitive, especially when it comes to people she cares about. She doesn't let many people in. If you don't clarify, she'll be overthinking it all night."

Wang Yi had no response to that. He understood the depth of Lin Youyu's feelings but hadn't fully known how to handle them.

Soon, they reached the entrance of the community, where a black car was waiting. The driver opened the door as they approached.

Once inside, Gao Yurong gave the driver directions, "To the District People's Hospital, as fast as possible."

"Yes, Miss," the driver responded, and they sped off into the night.

As the car drove, Wang Yi sat quietly, his head slightly lowered, the lights from outside casting shadows on his face. He seemed deep in thought, his lips pressed tightly together.

"Don't worry, your mom will be alright," Gao Yurong said, trying to comfort him.

"Yeah," Wang Yi replied softly, though inside, he blamed himself. His mother had been hospitalized, and he had been out at a party. The guilt weighed on him heavily.

Gao Yurong took out her phone, "I'll call Youyu and explain why you left. She won't sleep if she doesn't know."

"Tell her I'm sorry," Wang Yi said.

"It'll be more sincere if you tell her yourself," Gao Yurong said with a knowing smile. "Youyu isn't one to open up easily. She must be worried sick over you right now."

Wang Yi remained quiet. Gao Yurong's words had hit the mark, and he couldn't pretend to be oblivious anymore. He would have to face his feelings for Lin Youyu soon enough.

After a short call with Lin Youyu, Gao Yurong turned to Wang Yi, "Youyu said she'll wait for you later."

"She's still in the middle of her birthday celebration. I don't want her to leave because of me," Wang Yi said, touched by her concern but also worried about disrupting her special day.

"She's made up her mind. I can't stop her," Gao Yurong replied with a small smile. "You should feel lucky."

Wang Yi fell silent again, uncertain of how to respond. He was grateful, but everything happening at once was overwhelming.

Soon, the car arrived at the District People's Hospital, where Wang Yi's thoughts shifted fully to his mother's condition.