According to the doctor's advice, Asher needs to remain hospitalized for observation for a few more days. Despite his aversion to hospitals, he had no choice but to comply with medical advice.
Melanie, feeling a lingering unease, insisted he stay a little longer, an offer Asher wouldn't refuse. However, the pitiful look Asher gave her after agreeing to extend his hospital stay left Melanie wondering if she had somehow wronged him.
Melanie's original plan in coming to B City was to return to A City by evening, avoiding the need for extensive explanations to her parents.
The current circumstances, though, meant she couldn't return tonight, necessitating a plausible explanation to her father and mother.
Furthermore, she intended to stay and care for Asher until his discharge. Thus, Melanie disclosed everything to Vivienne over the phone, including her trip to B City and Asher's accident.
Vivienne was emotionally conflicted. Her daughter was growing up, spreading her wings beyond her reach. Sighing, Vivienne inquired about Asher's condition, gently scolded Melanie, and after offering ample advice, ended the call. Melanie stared at her phone, sensing the abruptness of her mother's goodbye.
Shortly after, Mr. Smith rushed out to answer a call, leaving Melanie puzzled. ?? Understanding dawned on her—Mother must have called Mr. Smith to question him or to ensure he kept an eye on her. Far from minding, Melanie would have been concerned if her mother showed no interest at all.
With that matter settled, she turned back to Asher, who was staring at her from the hospital bed. Catching her gaze, he bashfully looked away. Melanie walked over with a smile. "What would you like for dinner? I can ask Mr. Smith to get it." Reflecting on her luck, she was grateful Mr. Smith was there to run errands.
Mr. Smith, in his head, "……………" as if he is saying I'm a heartless delivery robot!
Asher gazed intently at Melanie. "I'm not picky, anything is fine."
Melanie considered, "I think some bone broth would be good... Mr. Smith knows better than I do, let him decide!"
"Okay," Asher nodded. Whatever she said was right. Additionally, she arranged for Mr. Smith to find a nearby hotel for the night. She planned to stay with Asher at the hospital, but it was too much trouble for Mr. Smith, given his age.
Meanwhile, at the Snow residence in A City, Vivienne sat uneasily on the sofa, rising to pace the living room. Leonard arrived home shortly and, surprised by her behavior, asked, "What's wrong?"
Vivienne relayed Melanie's story to Leonard, who reacted indifferently. "Isn't it natural for Melanie to look after a friend?"
Vivienne stared at him in disbelief. ?? She felt Leonard was completely missing the point. Initially calm, Vivienne's frustration grew, dragging Leonard into the study.
"Did you miss the point entirely?! The issue is our daughter suddenly traveling all the way to B City! Why did she go there? What did she do there? That's the key!"
Leonard, dazed, nodded. "Ah, the key point."
Vivienne, "………"
Half a minute later, realization hit Leonard. Slapping his thigh, he exclaimed, "You mean Asher lured our daughter away?!"
Vivienne shot him a disdainful look. Slow to react and unwilling to admit it, huh?
