Mr. Huo, Let Me Help You

"President Huo, are you leaving already? The dishes haven't all been served yet," President Sun tried to persuade them to stay. "Why not wait a little longer?"

Sun Weimeng, ever the quick thinker, stepped in to intercept. "Dad, they've got something to take care of."

President Sun didn't dare probe too much in front of them, so he politely said, "We won't keep you then. President Huo, let me escort you out."

"No need. Have Young Master Sun see me out," Huo Xingzhou said, his low voice specifying Sun Weimeng.

"Absolutely!"

Sun Weimeng was thrilled at the honor.

"Make way, everyone!" he shouted, clearing the path as he led the couple out.

Huo Xingzhou's strides were swift, and Qiao Xi struggled to keep up. She couldn't help but feel that something was off about him. Moreover...

His gaze was unsettling, as if he wanted to devour her whole.

Sun Weimeng escorted them all the way to the front of the restaurant, even thoughtfully retrieving the car keys from the staff. Chatty as ever, he bragged, "You wouldn't believe how impressive I was today. Everyone's trying to butter me up for an introduction to the miracle doctor."

"By the way, Huo, how's your infertility issue going?"

With Qiao Xi, the miracle doctor, by his side day and night, it must have improved, right?

Huo Xingzhou shot him a cold glance. "You talk too much."

"I'm just concerned about you," Sun Weimeng muttered. "A dog bites Lu Dongbin, not knowing a good person."

"Qiao Xi, go wait in the car," Huo Xingzhou softly instructed.

Qiao Xi glanced at them but didn't argue. She turned and headed to the car.

Sun Weimeng leaned in mischievously. "Hey, you're sending her away because you don't want to lose face, right? If you haven't recovered, it's nothing to be ashamed of."

He was clearly in high spirits.

"Sun Weimeng."

Huo Xingzhou's icy gaze froze him in place, cutting his joking short.

"Go back inside and take the tableware used by Su Weiwei and me to Zhou Yu. He'll know what to do."

The seriousness in his tone and the grim look on his face sent alarm bells ringing in Sun Weimeng's mind.

Even if Su Weiwei were foolish, she wouldn't have done something disgraceful with Mo Jiajun in this setting.

"Got it. I'll go right away."

Without asking further, Sun Weimeng complied without hesitation.

As he jogged back, he glanced over his shoulder. "You'll be fine, Huo. You're always so sharp."

He reassured himself and quickly returned to the restaurant.

Huo Xingzhou lowered his eyes and silently got into the car.

Once the door closed, he instructed, "Lao Chen, drive to the villa."

"Understood, Young Master."

Huo Xingzhou reached out, lowering the divider between the front and back seats, creating a private space.

Qiao Xi watched him, her concern growing. "Mr. Huo, you don't seem well."

As soon as she spoke, he turned off the interior lights, plunging the backseat into darkness.

Startled by the sudden blackness, Qiao Xi squeezed her eyes shut to adjust. A powerful force pressed her into the soft seat.

His breath was hot against her ear.

"Mr. Huo?"

She struggled lightly.

He didn't respond, his lips trailing along her neck.

Warm and damp.

Qiao Xi's breath hitched. She hadn't expected this.

"Huo Xingzhou..." he murmured against her skin. "Don't move."

She obeyed, sensing the rising heat radiating from his body.

Could it be...

Su Weiwei's behavior earlier had been off. Though she resisted being with Mo Jiajun, she'd tearfully admitted to it.

Was it possible she'd consumed something she shouldn't have?

Qiao Xi remained still, letting him lean against her. The heat from his body seeped into hers, his occasional kisses keeping her on edge. Unsure of how to handle the situation, she let him be.

Fortunately, Huo Xingzhou stayed lucid, restricting himself to kisses.

When the car finally stopped outside the villa, Qiao Xi let out a sigh of relief.

"Mr. Huo, we're here," she reminded him softly.

He pressed a firm kiss to her lips before finally pulling away.

His tie was loose, his tousled bangs damp with sweat. His dark eyes bore into hers.

Feeling awkward, Qiao Xi averted her gaze, opening the car door. The cool night breeze swept away the lingering tension in the car.

Huo Xingzhou exited without a word, his steps unsteady.

Qiao Xi hesitated, wanting to help, but withdrew her hand.

Inside the villa, the housekeeper was nowhere to be seen.

Qiao Xi scanned the house and assumed she'd gone out for her usual evening square dance.

She watched Huo Xingzhou climb the stairs slowly, confirming her suspicion—he'd consumed the same thing as Su Weiwei.

"Mr. Huo!"

She rushed after him, only to hear the door slam shut.

"Mr. Huo..."

Qiao Xi knocked on the door. "Let me in."

She could check his pulse and determine what was wrong. If it was serious, he might need a hospital.

"Are you sure you want to come in?"

His voice was hoarse.

Even through the door, Qiao Xi felt the danger.

She hesitated but knew she couldn't leave him like this. "I'm coming in!"

The door opened.

Huo Xingzhou seized her wrist, spinning her around and pinning her against the door.

His kiss was fervent, unrestrained.

This wasn't the restrained man from the car—it was raw, unleashed passion.

The suppressed effects of the substance finally erupted.

Qiao Xi struggled to breathe, her pleas for mercy growing faint.

Huo Xingzhou's reddened eyes and hoarse voice carried an intoxicating mix of desire and vulnerability.

When he finally paused, she grasped his hand firmly, her voice urgent.

"Mr. Huo! You're unwell!"

Her words seemed to anchor him.

He took a deep breath, his actions halting.

Her almond-shaped eyes were wide with concern.

"Mr. Huo, let me help you."