The hospital room was silent, except for the soft, rhythmic beeping of the monitors. A woman lay unconscious on the bed, her chest tightly wrapped in thick white bandages. Her breaths came slow and steady, barely disturbing the sterile air around her.
Rong Xi sat on the couch nearby, her eyes red from exhaustion, but alert. Despite the fatigue weighing her down, she remained alert, watching the woman on the bed with unwavering attention. She hadn't left the room all night.
She couldn't risk it—not when this woman might hold the key to everything. Her gown from the banquet was wrinkled, her hair a little disheveled, but her posture remained sharp, vigilant, and protective.
Suddenly, the door opened.
Xia Yuqing entered first, calm and composed, her heels clicking softly against the floor. Yan Rouxi followed close behind, her energy a contrast to the sterile quietness of the room.
Rong Xi immediately stood, a small, weary smile tugging at her lips. "You're here," she said softly.
