The moment Song Qiuya said those words, even the damp, cold night wind outside the hospital seemed to vanish.
Only four breaths of varying depths remained in the air, weaving together a thick, subtle tension.
Chen Qianqian's eyes, swollen and red from crying, darted between Song Qiuya and her cousin. Her instinct for gossip was stubbornly overcoming the lingering effects of terror.
Zhang Ruoxi instinctively took half a step back, her fingertips icy as she nearly crumpled the hem of her skirt.
Go... go to his girlfriend's house?
The thought made her heart constrict, as though an invisible hand had gripped it, leaving her unable to breathe.
In the almost frozen silence, Chen Qianqian drew a deep breath and forced an exaggerated smile onto her face, as if it took every ounce of strength she had.
"Yay! Awesome! We're staying at my sister-in-law's big house!"
She hooked her arm through Song Qiuya's, her voice so loud it almost sounded distorted, as though this could chase away the fear still lingering in her heart.
That boisterous cheer was like a stone tossed into stagnant water, instantly breaking the deadlock.
Song Qiuya's cheeks flushed hot, the blush especially lovely beneath the streetlights. She shot Chen Qianqian a reproachful look but did not pull her arm away.
Watching his cousin force herself to liven up the atmosphere, Chen Lin sighed inwardly.
The poor girl was terrified too.
His gaze shifted to Zhang Ruoxi, standing off to the side.
The girl kept her head lowered. The streetlight cast a dim shadow beneath her long lashes, and she looked so fragile she might shatter at any moment.
Chen Lin's heart softened, and he nodded.
"All right. Sorry for the trouble."
Song Qiuya seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "It's no trouble."