The hospital released Wu Mei later that afternoon, though her doctor gave a firm warning—emotional stability was crucial for her recovery.
Qin Yanzhou didn't leave her side for a second. One arm remained wrapped protectively around her shoulders as they stepped outside, where his car waited.
But as they reached the parking lot, Wu Mei froze.
Standing there—elegantly dressed and perfectly composed—was her mother, Liang Rumei.
Beside her stood Wu Hao, her father, supported by a cane and a young nurse. His face was pale, lips tight with accusation.
"You ungrateful child," Wu Rumei spat, walking up to Wu Mei with sharp heels clicking. "You put your father in the hospital! Have you no shame?"
Wu Mei's heart twisted. The very woman who had turned a blind eye to her suffering now dared to act like a victim.
Qin Yanzhou stepped forward instinctively, his arm ready to shield Wu Mei. But she raised a hand, stopping him.
"I'll handle this," she said softly.
Her mother's eyes narrowed. "You think you're strong just because some CEO dotes on you now? Let me remind you, you're still my daughter, and I will not allow you to destroy this family."
Wu Mei's eyes remained calm.
"Did you care about this 'family' when you let them drug me ?" she said coldly. "Or when you smiled as I was locked away like a prisoner?"
Wu Rumei's face stiffened. "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Wu Hao groaned. "Just apologize already! Your actions gave me a heart attack—your own father!"
"You're not my father," Wu Mei said, her voice trembling but unwavering. "A real father protects his daughter. You were never that to me."
The silence was deafening.
Even the wind seemed to pause as everyone watched the confrontation unfold.
"Get in the car," Qin Yanzhou said quietly, stepping beside her again.
Wu Mei turned her back on them and walked away without another glance. Her mother's outraged voice faded behind her as the car doors closed.
Yanzhou didn't speak as the driver pulled away. He simply took her hand and held it tight.
Back at their penthouse, the air felt heavier, but safe. As if the city's noise and her family's poison couldn't follow them inside.
"I'll go take a shower," Wu Mei murmured.
Qin Yanzhou nodded. "I'll have your favorite jasmine tea ready."
She slipped into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. The water streamed over her skin, washing away the hospital scent, the weight of her mother's words, the pain of everything she couldn't yet say.
When she stepped out, wrapped in a soft white towel, her long black hair wet and clinging to her shoulders, she found Qin Yanzhou waiting at the door. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed, a towel draped over his shoulder—he had changed into a loose black T-shirt and gray sweatpants.
"You're beautiful," he murmured.
Wu Mei flushed and looked away.
"I didn't put on anything yet—"
He stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms. His lips brushed against her neck, warm and feather-light. Her breath caught.
Then his mouth moved lower, kissing the soft skin just above her waist where the towel ended. She tensed, heart racing, not from fear, but from the unfamiliar gentleness.
He looked up at her, his eyes smoldering yet tender.
"If you're not going to sleep, my love," he said teasingly, "I will think that you want to sleep with me."
Wu Mei's cheeks turned crimson.
She let out a soft squeak and pulled away, rushing toward the bed.
Qin Yanzhou chuckled lowly behind her.
She dove under the thick comforter, wrapping herself like a cocoon.
"I'm sleeping!" she declared from under the blanket.
He walked to the bed and leaned down, placing a kiss on the blanket where he imagined her forehead to be.
"Sleep well, Mrs. Qin."
Silence.
A long pause.
Then, from under the covers, a muffled voice: "Yanzhou…"
"Yes?" he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Thank you… for standing up for me today."
His gaze softened. "Always. Even if the whole world stands against you, I'll stand beside you."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward—it was peaceful.
But Wu Mei couldn't sleep.
Her heart wouldn't stop fluttering. Her skin still tingled where his lips had touched. She peeked from under the blanket just enough to see him dimming the lights.
Wu Mei hid under the blanket, her face flushed crimson. Her heart thumped wildly as Qin Yanzhou's teasing words echoed in her mind.
She heard the soft chuckle that escaped his lips as he sat beside her on the bed. The mattress dipped slightly under his weight. He leaned in and kissed her lightly over the blanket—right where he imagined her forehead would be.
"Sleep well, Mrs. Qin," he whispered with a low, amused tone.
Silence.
Then, a tiny voice came from under the covers. "Good night… Mr. Qin."
He smiled, pulling the blanket gently up to her shoulders before lying down next to her. His hand found hers beneath the sheets, fingers intertwining naturally.
He didn't push further. He didn't ask for more.
He just stayed there.
And for the first time in years, Wu Mei didn't fall asleep afraid.
She didn't have to pretend to be strong.
In the quiet warmth of that bedroom, with his fingers wrapped around hers and the sound of his even breathing beside her, Wu Mei finally allowed herself to rest—truly rest.
She didn't speak of the ghosts that haunted her.
But Qin Yanzhou didn't fall asleep right away. He lay on his side, his gaze fixed on Wu Mei's gentle form beneath the covers. Every now and then, her fingers would twitch slightly in his palm, and he'd tighten his grip protectively—just enough to let her know he was there.
She murmured something in her sleep, a soft sigh that carried no pain this time. He leaned in, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek. A faint smile appeared on her lips, and his heart softened.
He didn't understand everything she'd been through. But he didn't need to—he only needed to stay by her side, protect her, and love her with everything he had.
Outside the window, the wind stirred the trees gently. A car passed by in the distance. But inside that room, it was silent, serene—like time had stopped just for them.
Qin Yanzhou finally closed his eyes.
And Wu Mei, feeling the steady rhythm of his breath beside her, sank deeper into a peaceful sleep.