C4 It's so Warm She Likes It so Much
Chi Yu gently kissed the still-sobbing child, rocking her softly until she fell asleep. Once she was asleep, he carefully adjusted his position so she could nestle comfortably in his arms without being put down.
When Little Ruixin woke up again, she noticed the IV was gone and smelled food in the air.
"Awake? How about brushing your teeth first, then having something to eat?"
Her eyes were still hazy from sleep, and the pain from turning over brought back her memories. She couldn't help but reach out to the person leaning gently over her bedside, asking for a hug. Her lips quivered, and tears began to roll down her cheeks.
The sight of this alarmed Chi Yu, who quickly moved closer to let her hug him, anxiously asking, "Does it hurt a lot?"
Little Ruixin shook her head while buried in his embrace. The pain wasn't the issue; she just felt like crying. She had managed to hold back her tears when she was being hit.
Her chest felt tight and heavy with a mix of sadness, frustration, and longing. She desperately wanted a home—a place where she could eat her fill and not be hit or scolded.
Concerned, Chi Yu called a doctor to check on her. The doctor assured him everything was fine, though her emotions were running high.
After the doctor left, Chi Yu comforted her until she stopped crying. Then, somewhat awkwardly, he helped her brush her teeth and wash her face before feeding her small spoonfuls of easy-to-digest food.
Little Ruixin had a small appetite and shook her head after eating just half a bowl.
"Will I get in trouble for not finishing?"
With newfound courage, Little Ruixin glanced at Chi Yu. When he understood the question in her gray eyes, he smiled, set down his bowl and spoon, and gently patted her head. "Xin, you're doing great. We can eat more when you're ready, okay?"
Little Ruixin blinked, then squinted her eyes, nuzzling his hand like a little kitten. It felt so warm, and she loved it.
Chi Yu's heart melted instantly. Just as he was about to pull her in for a hug to strengthen their sibling bond, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he suddenly remembered the fleeting thought he had while heading to the suburbs to pick someone up. He had forgotten to inform his family.
...No big deal.
As soon as he answered, his father, Chi Pinghai, spoke in a very serious tone, calling him by his full name, "Chi Yu, what happened that made you leave a $200 million project hanging?"
His eldest son had been involved in the company since he was sixteen and was always known for his meticulous approach. While $200 million wasn't a huge amount, business required integrity, and leaving potential partners waiting was rather careless.
"Dad, I found Xin."
Chi Yu's words hit Chi Pinghai like a bolt of lightning, leaving him stunned and speechless.
"What did you say?!"
His voice nearly cracked with excitement. A few months back, Chi Pinghai had been in a car accident. Although he could walk, the doctor recommended he continue using a wheelchair. The sudden movement to stand nearly caused him to fall.
His wife, standing nearby, quickly steadied him, helping him back into his seat before frowning and asking, "What's going on?"
Chi Pinghai stared blankly at his wife, who had grown thin with worry over their missing daughter, and suddenly broke into tears.
"Is it Yu? Did something happen to him?!"
Lau Yunwan was now in a panic.
"No, no!"
Chi Pinghai's hands trembled uncontrollably as he held his phone, telling his wife, "We found her... Yu found Xin!"
Lau Yunwan was stunned, snatching the phone and asking, "Yu, is what your dad said true?! Where are you and Xin now?!"
Chi Yu gave the address, and after hanging up, Lau Yunwan still felt like she was dreaming.