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Shortly after, the rescue team and police arrived at the scene. They lifted the female bodyguard onto a stretcher and quickly carried her down the mountain to the hospital. Yan Xiaoqiu and Su Chang also left the no-man's-land with the rescue team.
Once back in a safe place, Yan Xiaoqiu finally relaxed completely. She leaned on Su Chang's shoulder and whispered, "Thank you... If it weren't for you, we might not have made it back."
Su Chang gently patted her shoulder, her tone tender: "Don't say that. Your safe return is more important than anything else."
A flicker of gratitude crossed Yan Xiaoqiu's eyes. She knew that this experience had made her cherish everyone around her even more. And the female bodyguard who risked her life to save her would forever remain a hero in her heart.
She has now come to understand that Chen Shanshan's current predicament is entirely deserved, and she will no longer beg Su Chang and Bi Ruoshan to forgive her sister, since everyone has to pay the price for what she did.
Then, due to her injuries and the tension she had been under throughout the journey, she fainted in Su Chang's arms. Su Chang checked on Yan Xiaoqiu and, finding that she had only fainted, breathed a sigh of relief. After quickly bandaging Yan Xiaoqiu's wounds, Su Chang, escorted by Guan Xiaodi and Cui Tianqi, took her to the hospital.
Chapter 333 Taking Down Yan Xiaoqiu
The next morning, sunlight streamed into the ward through the gaps in the curtains. Yan Xiaoqiu slowly opened her eyes and was greeted by a white ceiling and the faint smell of disinfectant.
She frowned slightly, her consciousness gradually returning, and she realized she was lying in a hospital bed. She tried to recall what had happened last night.
A jumble of images flashed through her mind—mudslides, falling rocks, being rescued by the female bodyguard, Su Chang's final appearance... Her heart tightened, and she instinctively tried to sit up, but found herself feeling weak.
Just then, the door to the ward was gently pushed open, and Su Chang walked in. He was wearing a well-fitting suit, which Guan Xiaodi had picked up for him from the hotel that morning. He looked somewhat tired, but his eyes remained sharp yet gentle.
Seeing Yan Xiaoqiu wake up, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. He quickly walked to the bedside and asked softly, "You're awake? How are you feeling?"
Yan Xiaoqiu was still a little confused. She blinked and looked at Su Chang, her voice a little hoarse: "I... how did I end up in the hospital? What happened last night?" Some fragmented images flashed through her mind, but her memory was not clear.
Su Chang gently held her hand and comforted her, "You were injured and too tired last night, so you fainted. I brought you to the hospital. The doctor said you need to rest. You're fine now, don't worry."
Yan Xiaoqiu nodded, then suddenly remembered something and hurriedly asked, "By the way, what about the female bodyguard? How is she? She was injured protecting me..."
Su Chang smiled slightly and said calmly, "She's fine, just a minor injury. She needs to rest for a while. I've already arranged for someone to take care of her, so you don't need to worry."
Hearing Su Chang's answer, Yan Xiaoqiu breathed a sigh of relief, but she still felt uneasy. She bit her lip and said softly, "I want to go see her, is that alright?"
Su Chang frowned, clearly hesitant: "Your body hasn't fully recovered yet, and the doctor advised you to rest more. The female bodyguard has professional medical staff taking care of her—you don't need to worry."
Yan Xiaoqiu shook her head, her eyes resolute: "She was injured while protecting me. I must go see her in person, otherwise I won't feel at ease."
Seeing her stubborn expression, Su Chang knew he couldn't persuade her otherwise, so he finally sighed and nodded, "Alright, I'll have Cui Tianqi bring a wheelchair over, and I'll go with you."
Not long after, Cui Tianqi pushed a wheelchair in. Su Chang bent down and gently lifted Yan Xiaoqiu from the bed, her movements tender and careful, as if she were a precious piece of porcelain.
Yan Xiaoqiu was caught off guard by his sudden action, and her cheeks instantly flushed red, as beautiful as the sunset. She lowered her head, not daring to look Su Chang in the eye, but her heart was pounding like a deer.
Last night, Su Chang appeared like a prince charming at her most dangerous moment. The sense of security and reliance she felt at that moment has left a deep impression on her heart.
Su Chang gently placed her in the wheelchair and pushed her towards the female bodyguard's ward. Along the way, Yan Xiaoqiu's feelings were complicated; she was worried about the female bodyguard's injuries, yet also touched by Su Chang's gentleness.
She stole a glance at Su Chang and found him staring intently ahead, his profile appearing exceptionally handsome in the sunlight. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head to hide her unease.
When Yan Xiaoqiu arrived at the female bodyguard's ward, she saw the bodyguard lying quietly on the bed, her face somewhat pale, but her breathing steady.
The doctor told them that the female bodyguard's injuries were not serious and that she would recover after some rest. Hearing the doctor's affirmative answer, Yan Xiaoqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief, and her guilt lessened considerably.
Back in his ward, Su Chang personally prepared breakfast for Yan Xiaoqiu. He sat on the edge of the bed with a bowl of steaming porridge, gently scooped up a spoonful, blew on it to cool it down, and held it to Yan Xiaoqiu's lips, saying softly, "Here, eat something to replenish your strength."
Yan Xiaoqiu was a little embarrassed. She turned her head slightly and said softly, "I can do it myself, no need to trouble you..." Her eyes flickered, revealing a hint of shyness.
Su Chang insisted, "Your body hasn't fully recovered yet, let me take care of you." His tone was firm yet gentle, making it impossible for Yan Xiaoqiu to refuse.
Looking into his gentle eyes, Yan Xiaoqiu felt a warmth in her heart and finally stopped refusing. She gently opened her mouth and accepted Su Chang's feeding. Her lips trembled slightly, as if she was trying hard to suppress the emotion in her heart.
Su Chang watched her eat the porridge, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. He scooped up another spoonful, blew on it, and carefully fed it to Yan Xiaoqiu. Every movement was filled with care and love.
Yan Xiaoqiu felt Su Chang's tenderness, and her heart was filled with happiness and warmth. She knew that this man had entered her heart and become an indispensable part of her life, even though he had many women around him and was a bit of a womanizer.
"Mmm, this porridge tastes really good," Yan Xiaoqiu said softly, a satisfied smile on her face. As she ate, she secretly glanced at Su Chang out of the corner of her eye.
Su Chang noticed Yan Xiaoqiu's gaze. He smiled gently and asked softly, "Is it good?"
Yan Xiaoqiu nodded, lowered her head shyly, but felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.
When Guan Xiaodi and Cui Tianqi saw this, they smiled at each other and left the ward in perfect unison, leaving the two of them alone.
The atmosphere in the ward grew even more ambiguous, filled with an intoxicating scent. Yan Xiaoqiu's heart pounded faster and faster; she nervously bit her lip, a hint of unease flashing in her eyes.
Su Chang seemed to sense Yan Xiaoqiu's nervousness. He gently took her hand and said softly, "Don't be nervous, Xiaoqiu."
Yan Xiaoqiu raised her head and looked into Su Chang's eyes, those deep gazes seemingly able to see through her heart. A slight blush rose on her cheeks, and she said softly, "I...I know."
After feeding Yan Xiaoqiu breakfast, Su Chang gently put down the bowl, then slowly reached out and hugged her tightly.
Yan Xiaoqiu's body trembled slightly. She could feel Su Chang's body temperature and heartbeat, a feeling that made her both nervous and excited.
Su Chang lowered her head and gently kissed Yan Xiaoqiu's forehead. Her heart pounded instantly, as if it were about to leap out of her throat.
She struggled slightly, trying to break free from Su Chang's embrace, but Su Chang's arms held her tightly like iron clamps.
·· ··Requesting flowers··· ········
Yan Xiaoqiu's eyes were filled with contradiction. She knew she should push Su Chang away, but deep down she longed for that warmth. In the end, she closed her eyes and returned Su Chang's kiss.
Their breaths mingled, and time seemed to stand still. Yan Xiaoqiu's heart was filled with sweetness and happiness; she knew she had fallen deeply in love with Su Chang. And Su Chang, at that moment, also considered Yan Xiaoqiu one of his women.
In Su Chang and Yan Xiaoqiu's hospital room, the faint smell of disinfectant lingered. Sunlight filtered through the half-drawn curtains, softly illuminating the room and creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
Yan Xiaoqiu leaned against Su Chang's chest, her cheeks flushed slightly, her eyes revealing shyness and sweetness. Su Chang gently stroked her hair, secretly pleased with himself, as if he could already see the dawn of winning Yan Xiaoqiu over completely.
However, just then, a shrill cell phone ring broke the silence of the room. Yan Xiaoqiu was startled and abruptly broke free from Su Chang's embrace, a look of panic on her face. Su Chang felt a surge of annoyance, cursing the call for its worst timing.
..... ...... ....
He reluctantly took out his phone, ready to see who was being so inconsiderate, but his expression instantly turned serious when he saw the name displayed on the screen.
“Guan Guan…” Su Chang’s heart sank. He suddenly realized that he had forgotten to let her know he was safe. He quickly composed himself, stood up, walked to the corner of the ward, and answered the phone.
"Hey, Guan Guan?" Su Chang's voice carried a hint of apology and nervousness.
"Brother Su Chang! Are you and Yan Xiaoqiu alright? I called you several times last night but no one answered. I was so scared!" Guan Juer's voice came from the other end of the phone, her tone filled with obvious worry.
Su Chang quickly explained, "It's alright, it's alright, we're all fine. I'm sorry, Guan Guan, for making you worry. Xiao Qiu suffered a minor injury and needs to be hospitalized for observation for a few days, as does the bodyguard. I've been busy and didn't have time to call you, I'm really sorry."
Hearing Su Chang's explanation, Guan Juer's tone softened slightly, but she immediately asked, "Are we leaving Lijiang today? Sister Andy, Sister Taozi, Sister Weiwei, Sister Xuli, and Sister Hongdou are going back to Shanghai today, and Sister Li Meng and Fang Yifan are also preparing to go back to Beijing today."
Su Chang's brows furrowed tightly as his gaze fell upon Yan Xiaoqiu, his heart aching as if gnawed by a thousand ants. He knew that Guan Juer and the others were anxiously awaiting his decision, yet he simply couldn't let go of his attachment to Yan Xiaoqiu.
Su Chang's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, his frustration surging like a tidal wave. He had been eagerly anticipating leaving Lijiang with everyone today to embark on a new journey, but Yan Xiaoqiu's unexpected situation had completely disrupted his plans.
He was silent for a moment before finally speaking, "Well then, Guan Guan, have them wait for me at the hotel. I'll be right back. I'll arrange for Tian Qi to take care of Xiao Qiu." His voice was slightly low, carrying a hint of helplessness.
Guan Juer was silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, then her voice came through: "Okay, then come back quickly, everyone is waiting for you."
Chapter 334 The Final Decision
"Okay, I'll be right back." Su Chang said and quickly hung up the phone.
He turned around and his gaze met Yan Xiaoqiu's. He saw Yan Xiaoqiu sitting quietly on the hospital bed, her eyes revealing complex emotions—helplessness, understanding, and a hint of barely perceptible sadness.
Su Chang's heart tightened. He quickly walked to Yan Xiaoqiu's side and said softly, "Xiaoqiu, I'm sorry, I have to go back to the hotel first. Guan Guan and the others are waiting for me. Some of them are leaving Lijiang today. Can I come with you after I'm done?" His voice was full of guilt, and his eyes were full of heartache.
Yan Xiaoqiu nodded slightly, forcing a smile. "It's alright, you go ahead. Tianqi is here with me, so don't worry." Her smile seemed so pale and weak, as if it might shatter at any moment.
Su Chang was filled with guilt, but he also understood what was more important at this moment.
He walked over to Cui Tianqi and lowered his voice to instruct her, "Tianqi, I'm entrusting Xiaoqiu to you. Call me anytime if anything happens." His eyes were firm and serious, revealing his trust in Cui Tianqi.
Cui Tianqi nodded vigorously and agreed without hesitation, "Don't worry, boss, I'll take good care of her." Su Chang glanced at her gratefully, then turned her gaze back to Yan Xiaoqiu.
"June 7th"
His eyes revealed deep pity. He gently stroked Yan Xiaoqiu's cheek, feeling her warmth, and then resolutely turned and left the ward.
Su Chang hurriedly took Guan Xiaodi back to the hotel. Along the way, his mind was in turmoil, filled with countless thoughts.
When Su Chang returned to the hotel, she saw everyone already waiting in the lobby. Their faces showed signs of fatigue and anxiety, clearly due to the long wait.
"Su Chang, you're finally back!" Andy walked up to Su Chang as soon as she saw her, her tone tinged with reproach, her brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes revealing her dissatisfaction.
Su Chang quickly apologized: "I'm so sorry, Xiao Qiu had a little trouble and was hospitalized, so I went to take care of it. She's fine now, I'll take you to the airport."
Yang Tao frowned and asked with concern, "Is Yan Xiaoqiu alright? Why didn't she come back with you?" Her eyes showed worry, as if she was concerned about Yan Xiaoqiu's condition.
Su Chang sighed and explained, "She suffered a minor injury and needs to be hospitalized for observation for a few days. Tianqi is taking care of her, so there shouldn't be any major problems." His voice revealed a hint of helplessness, as well as some self-blame.
Tong Wei and Xu Li exchanged a glance, both with a hint of mockery on their faces. They seemed to have noticed the unusual tone in Su Chang's words, but remained silent.
Li Meng walked over to Su Chang and whispered, "Su Chang, is Xiao Qiu really alright? Why don't we change our tickets and go see her together?" She gently placed her hand on Su Chang's arm, her eyes full of concern.
Su Chang shook his head and said firmly, "No need, you should leave first. I'll take good care of Xiaoqiu. We'll leave Lijiang once her condition stabilizes." His expression was somewhat serious, as if he had already made up his mind.
Chen Nanxing jumped out and asked with a grin, "Brother Su Chang, you didn't manage to win over Yan Xiaoqiu too, did you?" Her face was full of mischievous smiles and her eyes were full of curiosity.
Everyone looked at Su Chang after hearing Chen Nanxing's words, wanting to hear Su Chang's response.
Su Chang was taken aback; he hadn't expected Chen Nanxing to ask that question so directly.
Despite his thick skin, he touched his nose somewhat awkwardly and said, "Yes, she's my woman now too." A hint of happiness and satisfaction shone in his eyes.
Yang Tao frowned and asked, "What about Chen Shanshan's matter?" Her voice was tinged with worry.
Zheng Shuyi and Bi Ruoshan looked at Su Chang with nervous expressions, their eyes revealing a hint of unease and anticipation.
Su Chang naturally noticed the two women's gazes and couldn't help but feel a headache coming on.
He knew that Chen Shanshan was Yan Xiaoqiu's younger sister, but she was also plotting with the bar owner to harm Bi Ruoshan, which put him in a dilemma.
If the punishment is too severe, Yan Xiaoqiu will definitely be unhappy; if it is too lenient, Bi Ruoshan and Zheng Shuyi will feel uncomfortable.
After pondering for a moment, Su Chang decided to pass this thorny issue on to Bi Ruoshan. He looked at Bi Ruoshan, his tone questioning, "Ruoshan, what do you think is the best way to deal with Chen Shanshan?"
Zheng Shuyi immediately saw through Su Chang's thoughts. She quickly pulled Bi Ruoshan aside and gestured to her with her eyes to keep quiet.
Then, without hesitation, she said to Su Chang, "Brother Su Chang, you should make the decision about this." Her expression was firm, and her eyes revealed her dissatisfaction with Su Chang.
Su Chang inwardly groaned; he hadn't expected Zheng Shuyi to be so perceptive, so easily seeing through his intentions. He glared at Zheng Shuyi, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
Zheng Shuyi, however, did not back down and glared back, her face showing a "go ahead and hit me" expression, seemingly provoking Su Chang.
Su Chang shook his head helplessly, pondering to himself. After a while, he said, "Let's put this matter aside for now and wait for the police to have their findings. We'll take you to the airport first." His tone was decisive, as if he wanted to end this awkward situation as quickly as possible.
Then, Su Chang looked at Yang Tao and asked, "Taozi, have you contacted Zhang Jun and the others?" His eyes revealed a hint of concern.
Yang Tao shook her head and said, "No, we bought plane tickets and will just take a passenger plane back. There's no need for your private jet; it would be troublesome for you to use it later." Her voice carried a hint of determination, as if she had already made up her mind.
Su Chang didn't insist. He nodded and said, "Alright, I'll take you to the airport first. Be careful on the road." His expression revealed his concern for Yang Tao and the others.
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