717 Loopholes

Perhaps that's why when she woke up, she was feeling refreshed and exceptionally cheery. Her eyes had the resolve to face anything boldly. She continued to stare at Darren's face who was still sleeping and couldn't help smiling like an idiot. Slowly, out of habit, her finger started touching his face. From his eyebrows to his nose, his cheekbones to his chin. Finally, it rested on his lips. 

She didn't move it for a long time. She let her finger linger over his lips where she could even feel his hot breath fanning burning her skin.

Feeling his arm that she had draped over herself tightening, she chuckled, "If you're awake, why are you pretending to sleep? Being all sneaky, eh?"

Darren didn't open his eyes but he replied, "Sometimes I also like this attention. When my wife looks at me with those eyes sparkling with love."

"How do you know I'm looking at you with love?"

"I don't need to see to know," he replied cheekily.

She chose to not continue this discussion and abruptly changed the topic, "How are you feeling? Do you have a headache? Or do you feel dizzy? Or do you feel like throwing up?"

Darren opened his eyes with furrowed brows, "Why are you questioning like a doctor?"

"Because I'm worried," replied Xiu.

"I'm feeling absolutely perfect. Stop worrying," was Darren's response. Although it didn't put her worries to rest, she didn't question him again either.

Soon the doctors had come to check up on their conditions and Xiu could finally put her worry to rest when the doctor said that Darren's wound wasn't really deep. If he cooperated with the treatment he'd be fine in no time. So, obviously, Xiu reassured the doctor that she'd keep an eye on him so that he'd cooperate like a good boy.

In all of this Darren didn't even get a chance to say anything. Before his wife, he wouldn't say anything anyway. Considering how this involved his health, he knew she won't be listening to anything he had to say so he might as well just go along with her.

The doctors' examination continued for a while and only then they were told they had nothing to worry about for now. But both of them were not allowed to leave the hospital.

"I think being in hospital is not that bad," said Xiu. "Since you're also here, we can manage."

Darren didn't disagree with her.

Just then the door of the room opened and someone peered inside before flashing a grin to both of them. And following that, a bunch of people just walked right in. 

"How are you both?"

"Yes, rest for a while. There is no need to worry about anything else."

Things like these continued to be said, making Xiu's lips twitch.

"Stop it!" she suddenly exclaimed. Everyone hushed down instantly. "Are we collectively planning on forgetting that I haven't eaten anything since yesterday?"

As she mentioned it, a gasp was heard but before anyone could say anything, a nurse brought their breakfast. From just one glance, you could tell it wasn't hospital food. Although it was all healthy food, it definitely didn't come from the hospital. 

Xiu's eyes squinted at her husband whom she had seen busy on his phone first thing after waking up and shook her head at him, "I feel scared of how easily you can read me."

Xiu didn't plan on paying any attention to the people in the room as she dug into her food with zeal. She had been hungry for too long already. But when she looked up, she was startled by how many gazes were stuck on her face. 

Everyone had a complicated look in their eyes, looked disheveled and tired because none of them caught a wink of sleep last night. But apart from that, they all had a tender look in their eyes when they looked at her. For some reason, Xiu's body shuddered under their collective gazes.

"I'm surprised you all managed to hold back for a whole night," said Darren as he looked at everyone's faces. His eyes stopped at his mother as he added, "Didn't I tell you to not worry? Why didn't you go home to rest?"

Francesca was displeased to hear that, "How can I go back home when both my kids are in the hospital? And to whom should I go back? I'd rather stay here than going to an empty and cold house."

Darren sighed at his mother's reply and looked over at the others, "Uncle Zi, I know you want to clear things up but can't we wait for a while? The doctor said not to stress her."

"Oh, I'm fine!" Xiu spoke up. She wiped her mouth and continued, "I personally think it's time for us to settle the loopholes in my own theories. So, I'd be more than happy if someone is willing to clear up everything for me. Like right now!"

"Sweets!"

Xiu gave him a reassuring smile, "Oh, come on, husband! I need some answers. Although I'm a patient, I'm not patient enough to wait any longer. Let's get this done with."

Then she looked over at Xin Zemin who had been silently looking at her, "Now, who is gonna clear things up for me? I believe you have some answers for me."

Xin Zemin's eyes softened as he asked, "What answer do you want from me?"

Xiu looked at him thoughtfully, "Let's start with how Carina Novell became the surrogate, and how come you never knew about the existence of your own daughter?"