CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 168: HOSPITAL

Lu Ting shook. Her daughter... her daughter was willing to protect her.

Trembling, she fetched her phone from her purse. "I should call your dad and brothers. You’re bleeding. I have to let them know what happened, okay ?"

Yue Ning waved her off gently, wincing as she adjusted her grip on her side. "Mom... it’s okay. Really. We’re safe now, aren’t we?."

But Lu Ting’s hands wouldn’t stop shaking as she reached for her car keys. "Safe or not, you’re hurt. We’re going to the hospital. Now." Her voice left no room for debate.

Yue Ning allowed herself to be guided, her muscles sore and her arm throbbing with every movement.

She kept her voice calm, trying to reassure her mother as much as herself. "It’s just some scratches. Nothing serious."

Lu Ting glanced at her, eyes wide with worry. "Xiao Ning, you don’t get it, do you? You risked yourself for me. That’s not just scratches. You need proper care."

Yue Ning pressed her lips into a thin line, unwilling to argue with her mother.

The drive was tense but quiet. Yue Ning kept her attention on the passing streets, her system quietly alerting her to any anomalies, though nothing moved against them.

Her pulse slowed slightly, but her mind remained sharp. The people who tried to hurt her mom were still out there.

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The sterile white walls of the hospital felt cold compared to the warm sunlight that had bathed the park only hours ago.

Yue Ning sat on the edge of the examination bed, bandages wrapped around her arm and side. Her scratches stung slightly, but they weren’t too bad.

Lu Ting crouched beside her, wringing her hands, her eyes flickering with worry. "Xiao Ning... you shouldn’t have done that. You could have been seriously hurt!"

Yue Ning gave a small smile, trying to sound calm. "Mom... I’m fine. You’re safe, aren’t you? That’s what matters."

Lu Ting’s eyes glistened with relief, but before she could say more, the doors burst open. Lu Jiang, Lu Quan, and Lu Ran rushed in, their faces pale with worry.

"Xiao Ning!" Lu Jiang exclaimed, hurrying over to pull her into a tight hug. He was careful not to press her injuries.

"Are you okay?" Lu Ran asked, eyes wide as he inspected his sister’s wounds. "Your arm! Your side! Why didn’t you call us? Why did you act rashly?"

"I... I didn’t want you to worry," Yue Ning said softly, giving them a small, reassuring smile. "The attackers are gone. I made sure Mom was safe."

Lu Quan’s fists clenched briefly, a mix of relief and anger flashing in his eyes. "You... you’re unbelievable, Xiao Ning. Why do you always put yourself in danger?"

Yue Ning shrugged lightly, wincing as her ribs ached. "I just had to make sure Mom was okay."

At that moment, the ward doors slid open again, and Huo Feng appeared. His dark eyes scanned the scene, landing on Yue Ning’s bandages, the faint bruises, and the worried expressions of her family. A teasing smirk tugged at his lips.

"Well, well," he said, voice deep and playful. "Someone’s been in the hospital twice this week. Care to explain yourself?"

Yue Ning blushed, her cheeks heating up. "It’s... not like I had a choice," she mumbled, glancing down at her bandages.

Huo Feng stepped closer, resting a hand lightly on her shoulder. "You really think I’d let anyone hurt you? I’ve had my men begin the investigation." His tone softened, but there’s a faint hint of playfulness in his voice.

The Lu family exchanged looks, some rolling their eyes at Huo Feng’s teasing, others just shaken by how close they had come to danger.

Lu Jiang sighed, shaking his head. "We’re just glad you’re alive, Xiao Ning. That’s all that matters. You don’t need to explain anything else."

Lu Ting squeezed her daughter’s hands gently. "You’ve done enough for one day, Xiao Ning. Now, let’s get you resting properly. Huo Feng can watch over you too, I suppose."

Yue Ning laughed softly, the sound small but warm. Huo Feng leaned in, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "Rest, or next time I’ll tie you down so you can’t run off and be reckless again."

Her cheeks turned even redder, and she couldn’t help but giggle. "You think that would stop me?"

"Maybe... maybe not," he said, smirking. "But it would make me feel better."

Lu Ran, who had been quietly watching, rolled his eyes. "You two are unbelievable... even here in a hospital, you’re still teasing each other."

Huo Feng grinned. "Hey, she’s lucky to have me around. Someone has to keep an eye on her."

Yue Ning shot him a playful glare, trying not to wince at the sting on her ribs. "I can take care of myself, you know."

"I’m aware," he said, dark eyes glinting, "but I don’t plan to risk losing you when I don’t have to."

The family laughed softly, tension easing a little. Yet, in the back of Yue Ning’s mind, the system’s warning lingered.

The mission wasn’t over. Her second task—getting closer to Huo Feng—was still incomplete, and the first mission had only been partially fulfilled.

Even as she rested, she knew the danger outside hadn’t disappeared. Somewhere, beyond the city streets, someone still planned to harm her family.

But for the moment, she let herself sink into the warmth around her: the safety of her mother’s hands, her father’s relieved gaze, her siblings’ care, and Huo Feng’s quiet presence.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower outside, Yue Ning pressed a hand gently against her side, wincing slightly, then smiled.

She had survived today. She had protected her mother. And she would continue to protect those she loved—no matter what came next.

Huo Feng leaned close, his dark eyes watching her intently. "You know... this will make the second time you’ve been in the hospital in just a week. At this rate, I’m going to have to start camping out here."

Yue Ning laughed quietly, shaking her head. "Maybe you should. Someone needs to make sure I don’t get myself into more trouble."

"And I’ll be happy to," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

The world outside might still hold shadows, threats, and danger. But inside this small hospital room, surrounded by family and the people who loved her,

Yue Ning breathed softly allowing the warmth and laughter soothe her aching body and her restless mind.

For now, she was safe, and that was enough.