Chapter 17: Bewitched

Yan Jingcheng furrowed his brows, his deep gaze falling on her pale face, a hint of darkness in his eyes.

After a moment, he said in a low voice, "Drive."

Azhao hesitated for a few seconds before responding, "Yes."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Yan Jingcheng lifted her up in his arms. Before leaving, he grabbed his suit jacket and draped it over her, wrapping her up tightly.

He carried Gu Mingzhu to the car, and without much ceremony, stuffed her into the back seat as soon as he opened the car door.

Gu Mingzhu groaned uncomfortably a few times, then curled up in a corner, gradually quieting down.

Halfway through the journey, Yan Jingcheng glanced at the woman beside him. Sweat beads still clung to her pale face, her lips unconsciously clenched. She seemed less arrogant and domineering than when awake, replaced by a softness and vulnerability that tugged at the heartstrings.

Yan Jingcheng let out a soft chuckle, feeling he must have been bewitched to care so much about her well-being.

The car sped away and arrived at the nearby hospital in just over ten minutes.

After a thorough examination which took some time, and after having her stomach pumped and receiving an IV drip, Gu Mingzhu's condition gradually stabilized.

The doctor handed the prescription to Yan Jingcheng, scolding him impatiently, "You young people these days, you act as if life means nothing! With such a severe gastric condition, you still drink excessively. I bet it won't be long before you need to prepare for the worst!"

Perhaps awakened in the middle of the night, the doctor was particularly harsh in his words.

Yan Jingcheng glanced at him, his eyes cold and indifferent.

Meeting his gaze, the doctor faltered, his tone softening as he gave some instructions.

Without saying a word, Yan Jingcheng listened patiently before entering the hospital room.

Inside, a dim night light was the only source of illumination. Standing beside the bed, Yan Jingcheng looked at Gu Mingzhu, took out a cigarette from his pack, and considered lighting it.

Realizing he was in a hospital room, he merely held it between his lips without lighting it.

Gu Mingzhu slept deeply, her face pale, devoid of the rosy hue from alcohol. Only her cherry lips appeared lively, as if tinged with rouge, adding a touch of vitality and charm.

Yan Jingcheng withdrew his gaze, walked to the window, remembering her appearance while accompanying Zhang Zhihong at the nightclub, his eyes darkening.

The next day, at eight in the morning, Gu Mingzhu slowly woke up.

After a night of heavy drinking, she had a splitting headache. She sat up, drank some water, and then took a shower, feeling slightly better.

Not seeing Yan Jingcheng around didn't surprise her. After all, she never expected that heartless scoundrel to stay overnight in the hospital.

Thinking of the events from last night, her eyes grew colder, filled with resentment.

She indeed had a low tolerance for pain but could endure. Over the years, she had learned to swallow her pride. Last night, she had cried out in pain, hoping to escape using a trick, but that pervert didn't play by the rules. Instead of showing any compassion, he shamelessly took advantage of her.

Thinking about it made her stomach ache again, her face turning slightly blue.

She sighed lightly, thinking that Little Bai and Xu Xinghe must be worried since she had been quiet all night.

Sure enough, as soon as she picked up her phone, she saw over twenty missed calls, all from Xu Xinghe and Xu Xingbai.

She called Xu Xinghe back and briefly explained the situation.

"I'll come pick you up," Xu Xinghe said calmly, his voice devoid of much emotion.