Chapter 35: Not Biological Brothers, Room for Development

Watching Huo Beihan walk away, Qin Yunzheng clenched his fists in frustration, yet there was nothing he could do.

From a corner, Lin Qingqing observed Qin Yunzheng’s reaction, her expression fading into indifference. She hadn’t just gone to the restroom; she had stumbled upon this scene by chance. It seemed Qin Yunzheng still hadn't given up on Su Mian.

Inside the hospital room, Su Mian repeatedly dialed the same number, but there was no response. Where had that silly girl, Wen Ke-ning, run off to now?

Huo Beihan entered the room to find her sitting there, looking distressed. "What's wrong? Are you feeling uncomfortable? Should I call the doctor to take a look?" He quickened his pace, reaching the bedside, his eyes filled with concern as they swept over her.

Seeing Huo Beihan, Su Mian was momentarily stunned, having braced herself for another disappointment. "I'm fine. It's just uncomfortable staying in the hospital; I want to be discharged." Over the past two days, she had been plagued by too many nuisances.

He seemed to grasp what was on her mind. After a moment of thought, he looked at her earnestly. "If you are worried about being disturbed, I will have someone guard the door to keep unwanted people out."

"That’s not it." Su Mian waved her hands repeatedly. That was only part of it—the biggest problem was simply that being hospitalized was incredibly boring!

Huo Beihan sighed helplessly. "Alright, then let the doctor check you over, and I will handle your discharge paperwork."

By the time the doctor finished the examination, Huo Beihan had already completed the discharge procedures. Before Su Mian fully processed what was happening, she was already on her way home.

"Where are we going?" Su Mian felt a bit awkward looking at the increasingly unfamiliar surroundings.

"I mentioned I had arranged a place for you. It’s right near mine, so you can call me anytime if you need anything," the man in the driver's seat answered without changing his expression.

"Oh, I see." Su Mian never expected that Huo Beihan’s definition of "nearby" meant living right next door.

"Take a look and see what you need to add. I’ll send someone to move your things from your previous apartment." Before Su Mian could refuse, Huo Beihan stepped outside with his phone.

Within three hours, everything had been packed and fully settled. When arranging the items and decor, Huo Beihan had followed Su Mian’s preferences perfectly. She found it strange—how did he know her tastes so well?

"What's the matter?" Huo Beihan had long noticed her gaze from behind and was looking for a reason to turn back.

"It’s nothing. I just... I just think you are very kind to me, Big Brother." Before she could finish, her face flushed red.

"I am only like this toward you." Their eyes met, and that gentle, low voice resonated in her ears. Even if Huo Beihan hadn’t said it, Su Mian could feel that he treated her differently.

"Well, I... I’ll go check out the rooms." The atmosphere grew strangely intense as their eyes locked, forcing Su Mian to change the subject. She ran off before Huo Beihan could even respond. Watching her flee, Huo Beihan couldn't help but smile.

Su Mian lay on the new bed and rolled around comfortably. *Ring, ring...* She turned over, picked up her phone, and saw an unknown number. She answered it anyway.

As soon as the call connected, Wen Ke-ning’s panicked voice came through. "Mianmian, make it quick—my foster father is trying to tie me up and force me to marry a cripple. I just escaped from home. Can you come pick me up?"

Su Mian’s expression tightened instantly. "What? How could they? Where are you? I’m coming right now." She scrambled off the bed, slipped into her slippers, and rushed out, repeating the address Wen Ke-ning had given her.

"I borrowed this phone, so I have to return it. Just come find me here. Bye for now."

After hanging up, Su Mian ran out and bumped right into Huo Beihan in the living room. "What happened?" Huo Beihan had intended to ask if she wanted to go out for dinner, but she had rushed out before he could.

She hesitated for a second, then decided to tell him. "A friend of mine is in trouble; I need to go pick her up." As she headed for the door, Huo Beihan followed. "You didn't drive here, and you haven't fully recovered yet. I'm not comfortable with you going alone."

"Oh?"

"I’ll go with you. I’ll drive." Huo Beihan was highly efficient, already reaching the door as he spoke. Seeing that Su Mian didn't respond, he glanced back at her. She stood frozen for a few seconds before jogging to catch up.

"It's on Jinjiang Road." Su Mian checked the location, told Huo Beihan, and they headed to their destination. The atmosphere was heavy throughout the drive. Su Mian gripped the door handle, her eyes fixed on the road, ready to jump out at any moment.

Seeing this in the rearview mirror, Huo Beihan spoke softly, "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

"Mm." Su Mian answered vaguely, not noticing Huo Beihan’s complex gaze.

The car soon arrived at the destination. The moment Su Mian saw Wen Ke-ning, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Once Wen Ke-ning got into the car, Su Mian examined her carefully. "Are you alright?"

Wen Ke-ning sighed. "I'm fine. I'm not stupid; I wasn't about to let him do as he pleased. I managed to run away, didn't I?" She then teased, her eyes darting between Su Mian and Huo Beihan, "But I thought I only called you. Who is this handsome man?"

Su Mian felt embarrassed and quickly explained, "This is my Big Brother. I’ve had some trouble lately, and he's been helping me."

"I didn't know you had a brother?"

"He's from the Huo family," Su Mian whispered.

"Oh! Well, he's not your biological brother, so that's fair game. He’s already eight blocks ahead of Qin Yunzheng. I've always been against you being with that beast."

Wen Ke-ning spoke her mind freely. Su Mian, knowing Huo Beihan could hear every word, wanted the ground to swallow her whole. She didn't notice that the man in the driver's seat had a remarkably gentle look in his eyes, his lips curled into a smile that rarely appeared.

Fearing Wen Ke-ning would say something even more outrageous, Su Mian quickly covered her mouth to interrupt.

Back at the apartment, everything was settled. Su Mian told her friend to wait while she went to invite Huo Beihan to dinner. "Big Brother, thank you for all your help. Won't you stay for dinner?"

Huo Beihan hesitated for a few seconds, checked his watch, and said, "I have some things to take care of today. You and your friend enjoy your meal. Call me if you need anything." He nodded at Wen Ke-ning and turned to leave.

After he left, the two girls gathered together to talk about recent events.

"What? How could that happen?" Wen Ke-ning’s eyes widened in shock after hearing everything Su Mian had been through.

"I didn't expect it either. In the end, I underestimated my mother's greed." Su Mian’s tone was filled with helplessness. If Lin Xiu hadn't wanted so much, none of this would have happened.