“If I had acted sooner, perhaps my grandmother would still be alive. She would not pass away without even seeing me one last time.”
Huo Yao buried her face in Min Yu’s neck as she spoke. Her voice was unfeigned and sounded miserable.
Min Yu tightened his arms and placed his chin on Huo Yao’s head. He said calmly, “This isn’t your fault. Everyone has to face death one day. It was a peaceful death for Old Madam Yang, right?”
“No, you don’t get it. I could have made it back in time. If I got back sooner, I could have seen her one last time. It is all my fault,” whispered Huo Yao.
Min Yu’s throat felt dry as he said, “Just let it all out. I’m sure it’ll help make you feel better.”
Huo Yao embraced him and leaned against his chest without saying a word.
Min Yu quietly held Huo Yao as they stood at the door. He did not feel tired.
After some time, Huo Yao suddenly raised her head and placed the key card into the card slot. In an instant, the lights lit up driving the darkness out of the room.
“I’m a little tired.” Huo Yao looked at Min Yu listlessly. She was so pale that she looked particularly fragile.
Min Yu sensed an unease in his heart. He acknowledged her before carrying her into the room.
After placing her on the bed, Min Yu pulled up the blanket and tucked in Huo Yao. Just when he was about to leave, he could sense someone pulling him back.
Min Yu turned back and saw her gazing at him with a powerless look in her eyes. He felt heartbroken looking at her.
He sat back down by the bed and smoothed the hair by the side of her face. “Just sleep. I’ll stay here with you.”
Huo Yao finally let go of him. Before long, she closed her eyes.
When Min Yu was certain Huo Yao was asleep, he tucked her in, got up, and walked out of the room.
His phone rang in his pocket as someone called him.
Min Yu walked out into the living room before he checked his phone. It was a call from Zhuo Yun. He narrowed his eyes as he pressed redial.
The call got through before long.
“That was fast. Are you done investigating already?” asked Min Yu mildly.
“Not yet. I just sent someone to collect Old Madam Yang’s medical records from the hospital.” Zhuo Yun shook his head and continued. “I was calling to update you about Miss Huo. I found out why she didn’t board the plane today.”
Min Yu walked up in front of the window and looked out at the city with the dark night sky as the backdrop. “What happened?”
“Before Miss Huo could board the plane, she was abducted, so she was held up by the incident,” said Zhuo Yun promptly.
Min Yu narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean? Who did it?”
He just knew it. Huo Yao must have had a good reason not to contact him.
“I don’t know either.” In reality, Zhuo Yun had gotten the intel from Chen Ming, but Chen Ming was unable to furnish all the details either.
“Find out what happened,” said Min Yu deeply.
“I’m already on it,” replied Zhuo Yun hurriedly. He paused and asked worriedly. “Boss, how’s Miss Huo doing?”
“Not good. Keep an eye on Old Madam Yang’s funeral,” reminded Min Yu.
Zhuo Yun nodded. “Okay.”
Before long, Min Yu hung up the phone and went back to the bedroom.
The lights in the bedroom were still on, and he glanced at Huo Yao. He retrieved the laptop from the bedside table and pulled a chair over to sit down by the bed.
He kept Huo Yao company as he worked.
*
In the blink of an eye, three days had passed and it was time for Old Madam Yang’s burial.
