However, seeing that Stepmom was unwilling to explain, Zhaoran had no choice but to drop the matter.
Due to Zhaoping’s critical condition and his stay in a special ward with specialized care, family members were not permitted to stay overnight. Thus, once visiting hours ended, Zhouyun took Zhaoran back home.
On their way home, Zhaoran learned that Stepmom had already informed close relatives about the incident and had also requested a long leave from school. From now on, she would not only be caring for Zhaoping but also managing the company’s affairs.
Zhaoran couldn’t help but feel concerned. “Stepmom, why not hire professionals to handle it? Otherwise, you’ll be exhausted.”
Zhouyun shook her head. “No, this company is your father’s life’s work. I need to protect this legacy for him and wait for him to recover.”
Although she said this, Zhaoran understood all too well what the doctor had implied—that they should prepare for the worst. But seeing Stepmom in such a state, he didn’t want to say anything more to upset her.
The following day, both of them were weighed down with anxiety.
That night, lying in bed, Zhaoran tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. He remained wide awake well into the night.
Just as he was about to close his eyes, he suddenly heard noises coming from the adjacent room.
“No… not today.”
“Old Zhao has just… no, you can’t… Xiaoran is also here…”
This was clearly Stepmom’s voice, but what did her words mean?
Instantly wide awake, Zhaoran quietly got out of bed and tiptoed to his door.
The door to his parents’ room was tightly shut. Zhaoran had to strain his ears to catch the fragmented conversation.
“As long as you…”
“Fine, I agree… but you… you have to keep your word.”
After these words, there was silence. Zhaoran waited for a few minutes. Just as he was about to push the door open and ask Stepmom who she was talking to and what her words meant, he heard movement in the room again.
This time, however, it was unmistakably the sound of passionate moans.
“Mmm, ah…”
“There… don’t…”
Under normal circumstances, hearing such seductive moans would have aroused Zhaoran and made his body burn with desire. But at this moment, the sounds felt like a bucket of cold water poured over him, chilling him to the bone from head to toe.
How could this be? Her husband was still in the hospital, fighting for his life, and yet here she was, engaging in some illicit affair with a stranger?
Zhaoran clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hands. He tried to restrain himself but could hold back no longer. He pushed the door open and stormed inside.
On the snow-white bed, Zhouyun’s clothes were half-removed, her beautiful long hair cascading down her back, with some strands falling over her chest, obscuring the view of her exposed skin. Her legs were intertwined, and her delicate hands were moving rhythmically between her pale thighs. The scene was undoubtedly one to make anyone’s blood run hot.
But Zhaoran was already consumed by rage, his rationality gone. The moment he entered, Zhouyun hung up the phone and hastily pulled her clothes over herself to cover up.
Flustered, she tried to explain, “It’s not what you think, Xiaoran… please let me explain.”
Zhaoran let out a cold, mocking laugh. “Fine, it’s not what I think. Then explain.”
Yet, faced with his demand, Zhouyun opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words, unable to figure out where to even begin. She stood there speechless, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Xiaoran… I…”
Unfortunately, Zhaoran was in no mood to show any tenderness or sympathy. “Nothing to say, huh? And you still claim it’s not what I thought?”
“My father is still lying in a hospital bed, and you’re already this impatient?”