"Jing Yan, please take good care of him. If possible, could you watch over him these past few days?"
Wei Yumeng looked at the unconscious Qiu Zhun, her heart filled with worry.
Although she had temporarily persuaded Qiu Zhun with a lie just now, she knew that once he sobered up, things would likely be very different.
Jing Yan nodded. "Don't worry, I'll do my best. Regardless, Miss Wen was once my patient. Looking after a patient's family member is just a small favor."
"Right, if he needs anything, remember to call us," Wei Yumeng reminded him.
After another confirmation, Jing Yan helped Qiu Zhun into the car and left.
A low rumble of thunder suddenly echoed through the sky. Zhan Mohan then hurried Wei Yumeng back into the car.
Wei Yumeng felt her mood was just like the weather – dark and heavy, on the verge of exploding.
This matter, on the surface, was only a conflict between Wen Xueshan, Qiu Zhun, and Zhan Mohan.
Yet, she was deeply affected by it. As long as this issue wasn't resolved, she couldn't find peace.
Zhan Mohan reached out and took her hand. "I'm sorry, I've caused you trouble with this."
Wei Yumeng shook her head. "Don't say that. We are family. We should face things together."
When Zhan Mohan told Wei Yumeng the truth, he had worried she wouldn't believe him. The story was indeed convoluted and hard to accept.
Who could have imagined that a woman would find herself caught between two men, unable to extricate herself from her feelings?
"What should we do now?" Wei Yumeng fretted. "This can't go on. I have to find a way to make Mr. Qiu let go or accept the current outcome."
"Sometimes, the best way to let go of a past relationship is to start a new one," Zhan Mohan reminded her.
But Wei Yumeng just shook her head. "That probably won't work. Wasn't it similar when Miss Wen and Mr. Qiu first met? I'm really worried he'll be reminded of those painful memories."
Zhan Mohan looked at Wei Yumeng's troubled expression, his heart a mix of emotions.
Although Wei Yumeng didn't mind the trouble he brought, he certainly didn't want it either.
Occasionally, Zhan Mohan wondered if he could have prevented all this if he had noticed Wen Xueshan's problems earlier.
But it had already happened, and dwelling on it now was useless.
"I can take responsibility for this matter," Zhan Mohan said after thinking. This was the only way he could compensate Qiu Zhun.
Whatever demands Qiu Zhun made, he was willing to consider, as long as it could bring this matter to a close.
This was the most he could concede.
"How can you take responsibility? Are you going to pay him for emotional distress?" Wei Yumeng felt this was not a good solution.
Moreover, she believed Zhan Mohan was also a victim in this situation, so how could she let him bear the blame?
Zhan Mohan started the car and drove slowly forward. Neither of them spoke for a while, both lost in thought about what to do next.
"I'll go see Mr. Qiu again tomorrow," Wei Yumeng decided.
"Today's meeting was when he was drunk. Perhaps his mind was muddled, which is why he was so distraught. If we explain to him when he's sober, will everything be different?"
Zhan Mohan didn't think it was a good idea.
"If he could easily come to terms with it, he wouldn't be in this state today."
"But I can't just do nothing." Wei Yumeng took a deep breath. No matter what, she had to try.
Zhan Mohan reluctantly agreed. "You can do as you wish, but remember one thing: be careful. If anything happens, notify me."
"Okay, I understand."
She couldn't let things get any worse.
The next morning, Wei Yumeng set out. She bought some of Qiu Zhun's favorite foods and some gifts and went to his home.
However, she was also prepared to be turned away at the door.
"Madam, you're here." Jing Yan opened the door.
Wei Yumeng glanced into the room. "How is Mr. Qiu doing?"
"He's awake, but..." Jing Yan sighed.
Wei Yumeng understood and walked into the room.
In the bedroom, Qiu Zhun sat on the bed, staring blankly out the window. His appearance reminded her of Wen Xueshan's state when she was ill in the hospital.
Qiu Zhun was indeed deeply devoted to Wen Xueshan. Otherwise, he wouldn't have become this hollow shell of a man after her death.
"Mr. Qiu, I've come to see you," Wei Yumeng said, placing the items she brought aside. "I brought these for you on my way. Please try them."
However, when Wei Yumeng handed a piece of fruit to Qiu Zhun, he didn't take it. He just looked at her.
"Miss Wei, I know why you're here, but there's no need to try. I will never forgive someone who caused my lover's death." Qiu Zhun's tone was firm, his resolve as solid as rock.
"Mr. Qiu, you should understand that Miss Wen's death has nothing to do with Mohan." Wei Yumeng tried to speak calmly. "I know that under those circumstances, Mohan was highly suspected, but he had no reason to do such a thing."
"Miss Wei, you're still defending him." Qiu Zhun grew agitated. "I've always respected you because I truly admired your ability and character. That's why I hope you can be clear-headed about this matter."
"No, it's you who needs to be clear-headed! You are completely immersed in the pain of Miss Wen's departure and can't listen to anyone. But is the truth you believe in necessarily the truth?"
"Are you going to lecture me again? That Xueshan's death was due to her depression?" Qiu Zhun sounded incredulous. "If I hadn't been drunk yesterday, I wouldn't have been fooled by such lies."
This reminded Wei Yumeng. Was the Qiu Zhun from last night really just easily deceived because he was drunk?
Sometimes, drunk people are the most real, revealing their inner selves most readily.
Perhaps, deep down, Qiu Zhun also suspected that things weren't as they seemed with Zhan Mohan, but he needed a reason, a reason to keep living, a way to forever remember what happened between him and Wen Xueshan.
After all, if Qiu Zhun truly wanted to settle scores with Zhan Mohan, he would likely have taken him to court by now, rather than throwing a tantrum here.
"Mr. Qiu, this is not helping. Even though Miss Wen is gone, your life goes on. Why make yourself suffer?"
"You wouldn't understand." With that, Qiu Zhun burrowed back under the covers, clearly unwilling to say more.
Wei Yumeng sighed and could only turn to leave.