Chapter 44 — Abortion

Gu Beicheng gently drew the woman into his embrace, holding her tightly. He lowered his head and softly called to her, his voice low and hoarse but filled with infinite tenderness. "Mu Ran, wake up."

The medical staff approached cautiously, checking the woman's body. "We haven't found any abnormalities so far, and there are no signs of fractures or broken bones for now. But this is only a preliminary assessment—the hospital will need to conduct a full and proper examination."

At this moment, the air was thick with an almost suffocating tension. No one dared to speak; everyone stood aside, trembling as they watched Gu Beicheng, who teetered on the edge of fury.

This man’s commanding, intimidating presence seemed innate—no one would ever dare provoke him.

"Mu Mu, don’t be afraid. I’ll take you to the hospital." The man’s sharp, cold eyes swept over everyone present.

No one dared utter a word, nor did they know what to say; nobody had expected such an accident.

The crowd parted to make way. Gu Beicheng lifted Mu Ran carefully in his arms, moving with the utmost caution, as if she were a priceless treasure. He bent over and gently pressed a kiss to her pallid cheek.

"Taking advantage of me again?"

A low, helpless murmur escaped.

Mu Ran opened her eyes, squinting slightly as she looked at the handsome face so close to hers, filled with tenderness and concern.

Just now, as she tumbled down from the platform, there was no fear in her heart—only anger and disappointment.

Lying on the ground, she was strangely conscious yet unable to open her eyes or move a muscle.

She felt the warmth as the man held her, felt his genuine emotion. She wanted to respond, to reassure him she was fine, but she was utterly drained.

It wasn’t until Gu Beicheng’s kiss that she finally regained a bit of strength.

She worried that if she kept her eyes shut and remained unresponsive, this man might do something again—though she didn’t exactly mind.

"Mu Ran?"

For once, a flicker of surprise crossed Gu Beicheng’s usually calm and stoic face. He lowered his gaze, his deep, intense eyes meeting hers, which shimmered with unshed tears.

In front of everyone, held in his arms like a princess, Mu Ran’s cheeks flushed. She bit her lip unconsciously, the color returning to her face at last. She slipped one arm around the man’s neck and lightly patted his solid chest with the other. "Put me down, I’m fine."

But Gu Beicheng ignored her plea, tightening his hold on her instead.

"No, we’re going to the hospital."

He believed Mu Ran was trying to act tough. He worried this stubborn woman was injured—after all, falling from such a height onto snow was no minor incident.

"She’s right, Mu Ran. The hospital isn’t far from here—you should get checked out," Gao Minglang said, delighted to see color in Mu Ran’s face and energy in her eyes.

If anything happened to Mu Ran, his role as director would be finished.

"Just go have a look. Don’t push yourself—if you end up with lasting problems, that’ll be trouble," Bai Zehan said, glancing at her with a sullen expression, as if owed money. His words were caring on the surface, but his tone was full of disdain and annoyance.

Why was Gu Beicheng so concerned about Mu Ran? Could the president of Chengxing Group, a man of such power, truly have fallen for her?

What tricks had Mu Ran used to seduce Gu Beicheng?

Bai Zehan couldn’t understand it and grew more irritated the more he dwelled on it. When he’d been with her, she’d shown no such special skills.

"A show-off peacock, pining for attention—mind your own business," Mu Ran muttered under her breath, feeling nothing but disgust at the sound of Bai Zehan’s voice.

"Put me down, I’m uncomfortable," she said, casting a warning glance at Gu Beicheng, who still gazed at her intently.

At the word "uncomfortable," Gu Beicheng frowned, lips pressed into a line, his eyes questioning—was she truly all right?

Mu Ran nodded, giving him a reassuring look.

Only then did Gu Beicheng set her down, though his large hand still gripped hers tightly, his possessiveness clear.

"Sister Ran, you should still go to the hospital. Everyone’s worried," said Qi Jun, Song Xiao, Shao Ping, and Ren Nanxi, all approaching with genuine concern on their faces—a stark contrast to Bai Zehan’s earlier insincerity.

Mu Ran smiled lightly and shook her head. "I’m fine."

No one knew her body better than she did. Since her rebirth, she had grown much stronger, her physical abilities greatly enhanced.

"A few bumps while skiing are nothing. I’m not that fragile." Her casual, unbothered attitude put those who cared for her at ease, and made them view her with newfound respect.

With her striking looks and terrible reputation, everyone—director and guests alike—had assumed Mu Ran was just a pretty face, perhaps even someone of questionable character.

But after two episodes together, it was clear: she was no mere ornament, but a resilient and optimistic queen.

"Mu Ran, if you feel unwell, you must tell us right away—your health comes first," Gao Minglang said, his concern sincere.

Mu Ran nodded and turned, signaling for Gu Beicheng to let go of her hand.

He glanced down, the corners of his lips lifting. "Hmm?"

He caught the gleam in her eyes and guessed she was up to something.

"Teacher Cheng!"

Mu Ran couldn’t help but shout—this man was taking liberties with her far too often!

Gu Beicheng remained motionless, holding her hand tight, his eyes alight with amusement as he gazed at her puffed-up, indignant face.

He was never upset by her shouts or scolding; if anything, his demeanor softened further. He liked this lively, animated side of Mu Ran—she was usually far too solemn and reserved.

After a moment, Gu Beicheng bent down, his sharply defined face moving closer to hers, a mature and ambiguous aura blooming between them.

"Go wild—I’ve got your back."

The words rolled off his lips with commanding force. He leaned in even closer, and finally pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her eye.

Mu Ran stood frozen until Gu Beicheng straightened. She didn’t resent his bold, intimate gesture—in fact, her heart fluttered.

"Alright," she answered softly, glancing at her hand, now released, before turning to walk toward Gao Minglang.

Gu Beicheng watched her retreating figure with a pampered smile. He had to admit, she possessed an exquisitely beautiful face—striking, bold, and enchantingly unique.

But his affection for her went far beyond appearance; it was her presence and character that captivated him.

Uncommon, unmatched.

"Mu Ran, what are you doing!" Suddenly, Yun Fu’s panicked voice rang out across the ski field.

She shrieked, for Mu Ran had her by the throat, gripping tightly.

"Xiao Ran, what are you doing? Let’s talk this out!" Gao Minglang was deeply anxious. He dared not pull Mu Ran away, only trying to persuade her to let go.

"Teacher Cheng, Xiao Ran—!" Seeing Yun Fu’s face turning purple, breath growing shallow, Gao Minglang turned to Gu Beicheng, who stood nearby, hands in his pockets, wearing a look of utter indulgence as he watched Mu Ran.

"Let her be. If she doesn’t let it out, she won’t be happy."

Clearly, in Gu Beicheng’s eyes, Mu Ran’s happiness was paramount.

"But—"

Yun Fu was lifted off the ground by Mu Ran’s grip, barely able to struggle.

Gao Minglang gritted his teeth and prepared to intervene, but Qi Jun and the others stopped him.

"Director, Sister Ran wouldn’t do this for no reason. Yun Fu must have done something unforgivable. You know Sister Ran—she never causes trouble, especially not during a live broadcast."

Gao Minglang let out a long sigh, helplessly glancing at the woman who now looked like a demon from hell, then shook his head and returned to the live monitor, choosing not to interfere any longer.

Even the other staff who moved to intervene were held back by Gao Minglang.

Qi Jun was right—Mu Ran never provoked others without cause.

Had Yun Fu tampered with her skis, causing them to fall off at such a height?

Yun Fu clutched at Mu Ran’s hands around her throat, trying to pry them off—but she hadn’t anticipated the woman’s strength.

"Mu Ran, why are you doing this to me? Your skis falling off had nothing to do with me! Cough! Cough!"

Mu Ran’s lips curled into a smile. "Foolish. Did I say my skis had anything to do with you?"

Everyone started in surprise, and most turned to Yun Fu with looks of contempt.

Yun Fu felt a chill seep through her entire being, closing her eyes tightly, not daring to meet Mu Ran’s gaze. "Mu Ran, I’m your junior! We used to be so close!"

"Yun Fu, I always knew you were ambitious and calculating, but I never thought you’d be foolish enough to come after me."

Mu Ran let go and delivered a sharp kick to Yun Fu’s stomach. "Back in sophomore year, I went with you for your abortion. You said you saw me as your own sister. So this is how you treat your sister?"