"I did it myself by accident." Kristen had no intention of mentioning being locked in the restroom—everything was already handled.
His cold eyes narrowed, clearly not believing her.
Afraid he would press, Kristen changed the subject first. "Why are you here?"
"Old He said you were going to audition—and that you ran into Grace." His tone was mild, then he pivoted back. "Did Finn do this?"
"No." Kristen shook her head. "He didn't come. Grace doesn't have the ability to hurt me. It really was just me being careless."
Since she didn't want to say more, Jason didn't push. He bent and scooped her up.
Kristen's feet left the ground. Reflexively, she looped her arms around his neck. "W-what are you doing?"
"Heading home," Jason said, jawline taut, voice low and cool. "Unless you'd rather be admitted."
"But…" Kristen hesitated. "It's my hand that's hurt."
Her legs worked just fine; she could walk.
Jason acted as if he hadn't heard a word, carrying her straight out of the ward and into the elevator.
Kristen bit her lip and tucked her face against his chest, trying not to be recognized.
Qixiyun.
Maybe she was too tired, but Kristen fell asleep on the way, cheek pillowed on Jason's shoulder.
Jason carefully lifted her from the car and up the stairs, then set her gently on the large bed.
She rolled onto her side, cheek against the silk pillowcase, sleeping soundly.
He drew the quilt up lightly over her. His gaze lingered on the hand outside the covers—the white gauze stark against her skin.
His eyes tightened. He bent and brushed a kiss against her fair cheek, then turned to go.
Aunt He and Leon were waiting downstairs. When he came down, Aunt He spoke first. "I saw Miss Liang's hand is bandaged. Is she alright?"
"It's not a bad injury. I'll trouble you these next two days," Jason said. Aunt He had watched him grow up. She was supposed to be retired; he'd asked her back especially.
"With me here, Little Yan can rest easy." Aunt He patted his hand. "I'll go make some soup now. The girl is too thin—if she doesn't keep up her nutrition, that won't do."
Aunt He headed into the kitchen. Only then did Jason speak. "Find out what happened at her audition today."
"I already looked into it," Leon replied, the perfect right hand who always read his boss's mind. "Miss Liang was locked in the restroom at the audition. She smashed the lock to get out. Director Hong was very satisfied with her performance. Afterward, she slapped Miss Grace—likely because she believed Grace was the one who locked her in."
Jason's brows arched slightly. No wonder she said Grace didn't have the ability to hurt her—she'd settled the score on the spot.
She feared nothing facing Grace. But with Finn… why did she fall short?
Fear—or reluctance?
Kristen slept long and deep, waking only in the afternoon.
Jason wasn't around when she went downstairs; Aunt He guided her to the dining room instead.
"Aunt He, I'm fine. You don't have to help me," Kristen said, unused to being waited on like this.
Aunt He ladled soup for her. "The young master went to the office. Before he left, he reminded me to take good care of you. You're too thin—and I heard you bled a lot. You need to build yourself back up."
"Aunt He, I—"
"Drink without worry. This soup won't make you gain."
Embarrassed to refuse her kindness, Kristen bowed her head and finished the bowl slowly, spoonful by spoonful.
In the afternoon, Leon arrived to ask Kristen to help pack a few outfits and toiletries for Jason's business trip.
Kristen blinked. "Me?"
- Jason: Wife can't let go of the scumbag, so brooding—time for a business trip. Also, wife has to help pack my bags.
( End of Chapter)