Ruthless Romance

Chapter 18: Her Guardian

In the hospital corridor outside the emergency room, Mu Tingchu stood with a grim expression, his icy aura keeping everyone at bay. The university president, trembling nearby, couldn't fathom how two consecutive visits by Mu Tingchu to the school had resulted in such unfortunate incidents.

"Mr. Mu," the president stammered, "I assure you, this was merely an accident. We're investigating the assailant and will provide you with a full report soon."

Mu Tingchu's only response was a cold snort, sending shivers down the president's spine and effectively silencing him.

Moments later, several bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses hurried towards them. "Young Master," one reported, "we've uncovered the details. The attacker is a 21-year-old with intellectual disabilities. He's the son of a cafeteria worker and usually helps with odd jobs there. His actions today were completely random; he can't explain his motives. Given his condition, imprisonment isn't a viable option."

"Then send him to a psychiatric hospital!" Mu Tingchu's voice echoed through the corridor, cold as the depths of hell. "Are we to leave a mentally unstable and violent individual on campus to harm others?!"

"Yes, sir!" The bodyguards acknowledged before swiftly departing.

The university president hesitated, clearly conflicted. Mu Tingchu noticed his expression and sneered, "What's the matter? Do you disapprove of my decision?"

"No, no," the president hurried to explain. "It's just... the boy may be simple-minded, but he's not mentally ill. He's usually quite docile; today's behavior is unprecedented. A psychiatric hospital... even a sane person might go mad in such a place, let alone someone like him..."

Mu Tingchu's eyes flashed dangerously. "Then perhaps you'd like to take his place?"

Cold sweat broke out on the president's forehead. "No, no, of course not. Your decision is correct. We'll follow your instructions to the letter."

The president was astounded by this terrifying side of Mu Tingchu, usually known for his gentleness and kindness. If anyone was to blame, it was the unfortunate boy who had inexplicably gone berserk.

After what seemed like an eternity, the emergency room doors finally opened. The doctor who emerged was the same one who had treated Wen Yan during her previous fainting spell. He approached Mu Tingchu directly.

"As I mentioned last time, the patient's overall health is poor. This blood loss will certainly exacerbate her anemia. She'll need proper nutrition and care moving forward. The wound was fairly deep, and while we've stitched it up, scarring is inevitable. She's out of danger now and can be moved to a regular ward. After a few days of observation, she should be ready for discharge."

Mu Tingchu's tense body relaxed almost imperceptibly as he let out a long breath. "Thank you," he said, his voice softer than before.

The university president, noticing this change, found it curious. Even if Wen Yan had been injured protecting Mu Tingchu, his level of concern seemed excessive. Coupled with the previous incident, their relationship appeared unusually close.

Tentatively, he suggested, "Mr. Mu, perhaps I should contact Wen Yan's parents? It's not right to keep troubling you; this is the school's responsibility."

Mu Tingchu remained silent, following as nurses wheeled Wen Yan to a private room.

Left in the corridor, the president made a quick call to the school. "Please find me the contact information for the parents of Wen Yan, a freshman in the Fine Arts department... What? There's none? Alright, that'll be all for now."

He approached Wen Yan's room cautiously. "Mr. Mu, it appears Wen Yan has never provided the school with guardian contact information. I understand she's an orphan without other relatives. Given the circumstances, the school will cover all her hospital expenses. You've done more than enough; please don't trouble yourself further."

Mu Tingchu was silent for a few seconds before speaking. "Use mine."

The president blinked in confusion. "Pardon?"

"For her guardian's contact information. Use mine," Mu Tingchu stated calmly, ignoring the president's shocked expression.

Inside the hospital room, Wen Yan lay unconscious, her face pale against the stark white sheets. Mu Tingchu sat beside her bed, his eyes never leaving her face. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound breaking the silence.

As he watched her chest rise and fall with each breath, Mu Tingchu's mind raced. Why had he so readily claimed guardianship? The answer, he knew, lay deeper than mere responsibility or guilt. There was something about Wen Yan that had wormed its way past his carefully constructed defenses.

He recalled their first meeting, her defiance in the face of his authority, and the gradual softening of her attitude towards him. Now, she had willingly put herself in harm's way to protect him. The thought both warmed and chilled him simultaneously.

Outside the room, the university president struggled to process this new development. Mu Tingchu, the young business tycoon known for his aloofness, was now claiming guardianship over a freshman student? The implications were staggering.

As the hours ticked by, Mu Tingchu remained vigilant at Wen Yan's bedside. He fielded calls from his office, delegating tasks and rescheduling meetings, all without leaving the room. His assistant, accustomed to his demanding nature, was surprised by his unwillingness to leave the hospital.

As evening approached, Wen Yan began to stir. Her eyelids fluttered, and a soft moan escaped her lips. Mu Tingchu leaned forward, his heart racing.

"Yan Yan?" he called softly, his hand hovering near hers, unsure whether to touch her.

Slowly, her eyes opened, confusion evident in her gaze. "Where...?" she mumbled, her voice hoarse.

"You're in the hospital," Mu Tingchu explained gently. "You were injured, but you're safe now."

Recognition dawned in her eyes, followed quickly by concern. "Are you okay? The knife..."

Mu Tingchu felt a surge of emotion at her words. Even now, her first thought was for his wellbeing. "I'm fine, thanks to you," he assured her, his voice thick with suppressed feeling.

Wen Yan attempted to sit up but winced in pain. Mu Tingchu quickly adjusted the bed, helping her into a more comfortable position. As he did so, their eyes met, and for a moment, the air between them seemed charged with unspoken words.

Breaking the tension, Mu Tingchu reached for a glass of water. "Here, drink this. The doctor said you need to stay hydrated."

As Wen Yan sipped the water, Mu Tingchu steeled himself for the conversation ahead. "Yan Yan, there's something we need to discuss," he began hesitantly.

She looked at him quizzically, sensing his unease.

"The school needed to provide guardian information for your medical care," he explained. "I... I gave them my contact details."

Wen Yan's eyes widened in surprise. "But why? You didn't have to do that."

Mu Tingchu took a deep breath. "I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. You've been alone for too long, Yan Yan. Let me help you, not just as your... whatever we are, but as someone who cares about your wellbeing."

Tears welled up in Wen Yan's eyes, a mix of gratitude and confusion evident on her face. "I don't know what to say," she whispered.

"You don't have to say anything," Mu Tingchu assured her, tentatively taking her hand in his. "Just focus on getting better. We can figure out the rest later."

As they sat there, hands clasped, both Mu Tingchu and Wen Yan felt the shift in their relationship. What had started as a contentious arrangement was evolving into something neither of them had anticipated.

Outside the room, life in the hospital continued its relentless pace. But within those four walls, a new understanding was blossoming, one that would change both their lives in ways they couldn't yet imagine.