Wei Yumeng frowned upon hearing this, realizing that Gu Shuyi had misunderstood her relationship with Xin Ran.
"Mom, we're not what you think. Xin Ran and I are just very good friends."
"Mom has lived this long, how could she not see what young people like you are thinking? That Xin Ran, he clearly likes you."
Gu Shuyi approved of Wei Yumeng being with Xin Ran. Firstly, Xin Ran's family was relatively simple, unlike the Zhan family, which was complicated. Having a stepmother could lead to a lot of trouble.
Besides, the reason Old Master Zhan had arranged for Wei Yumeng to marry Zhan Mohan back then was purely based on fortune-telling. He believed his daughter could help Zhan Mohan recover.
Wei Yumeng was in a bad mood and did not want to discuss this matter further.
"Mom, Xin Ran and I are just friends. You should rest first, I need to go."
She didn't want to argue with Gu Shuyi, lest her mother's health suffered from anxiety.
Outside the hospital, she breathed in the fresh air. The gloom in her chest gradually dissipated, and she felt slightly better.
She found a bench and sat down, watching the bustling street. She felt even more lost. In the time she had spent with Zhan Mohan, she couldn't even articulate her feelings for him. If she were to say she liked him, perhaps it was a vague, nascent feeling. But if she were to say she had a good impression of him, she knew for sure that she did.
After all, what woman wouldn't be moved by an outstanding man like Zhan Mohan?
In fact, the times that had touched her the most were when he stood up for her. Once at the Wei family's home, facing the difficulties posed by Wei Anguo and Yin Fang, he still chose to protect her and did not let her be bullied by her maternal family just because she was a substitute bride.
On several other occasions, he had boldly acknowledged her as his wife and would not allow others to bully her, which had deeply touched her.
Growing up, no one had protected her. She and Gu Shuyi had faced much disdain and bullying outside. She had once fantasized about someone standing in front of her, protecting her, and making her life better.
However, each time, her hopes were dashed. That time at the Wei family's home, when she was drugged by Yin Fang and Wei Anguo, she never thought anyone would help her. At that moment, she had completely given up hope.
A few days ago, Hu Zhong had almost ruined her innocence. In fact, if Zhan Mohan hadn't arrived, she had already prepared herself to face death. No matter what, she would not betray Zhan Mohan, nor would she allow herself to be defiled by such a person.
Perhaps his appearance had brought a ray of light into her dreary life, giving her a new hope for life.
However, before this relationship could even begin, it was once again facing an end.
Seeing that it was getting late, she realized that staying here was a waste of time. She still had to go see Zhan Lin later, and this would be another test of their relationship.
Wei Yumeng couldn't help but frown. It seemed her life had never gone smoothly.
She proactively called Zhan Mohan, trying to control her emotions so that he wouldn't notice anything amiss.
"I'm done here. Should we go see Zhan Lin now?"
"Another day. Zhan Lin isn't doing very well today. You can go home directly after you're done."
"Okay." For some reason, Wei Yumeng felt relieved. Even she didn't know what to do if Zhan Lin were to tell Zhan Mohan that she was the culprit in front of him, and if Zhan Mohan didn't believe her explanations.
After Zhan Mohan hung up the phone, Fang Xun beside him was a bit unsure of Zhan's intentions. The doctor had just called saying that the young master was doing well. While he might not be able to be discharged yet, compared to being unconscious before, this news was already a great surprise for the Zhan family.
Zhan Mohan himself didn't know what was happening. The one who should have been anxious was Wei Yumeng. Ever since this woman appeared, he had continuously broken his own boundaries.
Sometimes he explicitly told himself not to show her any kindness, thinking that if it weren't for her, Zhan Lin wouldn't still be in the hospital.
Yet, when facing her, he would involuntarily soften. Seeing her being bullied, he couldn't bear it. Seeing her suffer, he would feel heartache.
He rubbed his forehead in distress. Was he bewitched? When had he, Zhan Mohan, changed so much for a woman?
Seeing Zhan Mohan's furrowed brows and displeased expression, Fang Xun, as his assistant, felt he should inquire.
"Mr. Zhan, are you, perhaps, falling for Mrs. Zhan?"
Zhan Mohan's eyes immediately sharpened, sweeping over Fang Xun like ice. Fang Xun flinched.
"What nonsense are you talking about!"
"Then why aren't you taking Mrs. Zhan to see the young master to clarify things? Or are you afraid that the facts will be something you don't want to accept?"
If not, why would Mr. Zhan lie just now? In reality, he was more afraid of facing the truth than Mrs. Zhan.
He would rather drag this out, as if the young master's incident had nothing to do with Mrs. Zhan.
Anger began to flicker in Zhan Mohan's eyes. He pointed outside and roared,
"Get out!"
Fang Xun dared not say another word and quickly left the office. As he closed the door, Fang Xun sighed, hoping Mr. Zhan could figure things out for himself.
When Wei Yumeng returned, Zhang Ma greeted her.
"Mrs. Zhan is back."
"Mm." She was a little down, still thinking about Zhan Lin in the hospital and what Gu Shuyi had said to her.
Zhang Ma didn't notice her low spirits as much. She just remembered that it was a special day and thought Wei Yumeng should know.
"Mrs. Zhan, today is Mr. Zhan's birthday."
"Ah?" Wei Yumeng looked startled. "It's his birthday today?"
"Yes. I suppose Mr. Zhan must not have told you. He usually doesn't pay attention to his own birthday. Men are busy with work, you know."
This news came quite suddenly, and Wei Yumeng didn't know what to do. He would probably be back soon, and it was too late to think of any novel ideas.
"How about this, Zhang Ma, go to the room and find a business card. There must be one for ordering cakes. You find someone to order one. And we should have some food at home, right?"
Zhang Ma nodded, "Yes, I just bought some this morning."
"That's good. I'll cook, and you help me order a cake. With the limited time, we can only organize a simple birthday for him."
"Okay, Mr. Zhan will surely be very happy if he sees it."
"Let's split up." Wei Yumeng put down her things and went into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator, which was packed with dishes, giving her plenty of room to be creative.
When Wen Yulan came downstairs, she saw someone moving in the kitchen. She thought it was a servant and muttered to Li Sao,
"This servant is quite diligent today, starting to cook so early."
Li Sao thought for a moment and reminded Wen Yulan,
"Madam, today seems to be the eldest young master's birthday."
Wen Yulan clapped her hands. "How could I forget about this? Have you ordered a cake?"
"With Young Master Mohan about to return, it might be too late."
Li Sao looked at the time. It was almost six o'clock. Even if they found someone to make a cake now, it wouldn't be possible.
Just then, Zhang Ma walked in from outside carrying a cake, looking quite pleased. Mrs. Zhan cared a lot about Mr. Zhan and had specifically asked for a card to be written inside the cake. She believed Mr. Zhan would surely appreciate Mrs. Zhan's sincerity.
Perhaps it would even improve their relationship. If their relationship deepened, maybe they would have children in a while.
Wen Yulan gave Li Sao a look. Li Sao quickly went forward and, without a word, took the cake from Zhang Ma.
Zhang Ma hadn't even reacted when the cake was already in Li Sao's hands.
"Hey, what's wrong with you? This is the eldest young master's cake."
"I know it's the eldest young master's. Madam said she forgot to buy a cake today. It seems you've thought ahead and ordered one."
Li Sao hugged the cake tightly, as if afraid Zhang Ma would snatch it back.
But Zhang Ma wouldn't stand for it. "This is what Mrs. Zhan ordered. How can you snatch it away?"
Wen Yulan frowned. "Wei Yumeng."
"Mrs. Zhan knew it was young master's birthday today, so she asked me to order a cake. She's busy in the kitchen right now. It's not right for you to come and snatch away our credit."
Li Sao snorted. "Zhang Ma, Madam is the one in charge. When did we have to take a daughter-in-law's feelings into account? It's just a cake, what's the big fuss about?"