Volume One, Chapter 15: There’s No Use in Running Forever

The car’s interior was dimly lit.

Song Ran couldn’t clearly see Wen Huaiye’s expression, but she could imagine it all too well.

Just like five years ago, she had entered a competition with her original idea and code, winning the grand prize.

But the next day, the entire internet turned against her.

They accused her of plagiarism, claimed her original code was stolen.

Back then, she had happily returned home clutching the trophy, expecting praise from her parents and two older brothers, only to be met with anger and scolding instead.

Now, Wen Huaiye’s expression must be just like that of the Song family back then.

Disbelief.

Disgust.

Wen Huaiye remained silent.

Song Ran slowly let go of his arm. “I know Song Min didn’t plagiarize my idea, nor did she take my original code.”

“After all, her idea and original code came out earlier than mine.”

“I just think that twins are remarkable—so alike that even their ideas end up identical.”

Hearing Song Ran cease her insistence, Wen Huaiye exhaled in relief. “It’s good that you’ve thought it through. I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“No!” She smiled faintly at Wen Huaiye. “Since this game overlaps with my idea, I want to try playing it.”

That faint smile left Wen Huaiye stunned for a moment.

How long had it been since he last saw Song Ran smile like that?

Ever since Song Min returned, Song Ran seemed covered in thorns, her words sharp and combative.

He glanced at his watch. “But it’s already eight o’clock. The release of the headset ended long ago.”

“Is that so?” Song Ran’s tone was tinged with disappointment.

Of course she knew.

This game was incredibly popular, the world’s first immersive holographic game.

The online reservation slots had long been filled.

Offline, the headsets were even harder to come by.

Moreover, she was an hour late; the headset she had reserved was already sold.

If it weren’t for that, she wouldn’t have deliberately called Wen Huaiye over.

“Huaiye, I really want to play this game.”

“Do you remember? We both wrote ideas for this game together. Back then, we often hid in the meeting room behind the playground…”

Her words brought Wen Huaiye’s mind back several years.

Those youthful days when all they saw was each other.

A past they could never return to, memories they could never forget.

Song Ran’s tone grew sorrowful. “It’s not just a game; I feel it holds our memories.”

“If I really can’t get it, then so be it. Maybe… it’s just not meant to be.”

Whether she meant the game or their relationship, no one could tell.

Her fragile appearance, as if she might shatter at any moment, stirred a pang in Wen Huaiye’s heart.

Song Ran was the cherished daughter of the Song family.

From childhood, she had always been proud and radiant. When had she ever been so humble?

“I’ll find a way to help you.”

He spoke.

Song Ran’s eyes widened. “Really? Huaiye, thank you!”

The light in her eyes made Wen Huaiye smile. “It’s just a game headset. Is it worth making you this happy?”

Song Ran: “It is.”

But a chill crept into her heart.

Yes.

It’s just a game headset.

If it were the Song Ran of old, she wouldn’t have needed to order it herself—one phone call would have it delivered to her doorstep.

And Wen Huaiye was an investor in this game. He could easily get the headset.

Yet he insisted on waiting until she used memories as a bargaining chip before agreeing.

“Ready to go to the hospital now?”

Song Ran nodded gently.

Her gaze, however, remained fixed outside the window, watching the fleeting shadows and mountains, her heart heavy and sorrowful.

“Aren’t you afraid of the wilderness? Why do you keep staring outside?”

Song Ran didn’t look away but rested her head against the window glass. “Because I’m afraid, I have to face it.”

“Running away endlessly won’t help.”

Wen Huaiye, since you could leave Song Min to come find her, how could you forget all the past so completely?

Why pretend to love her so deeply, yet do things that show no love at all?

Suddenly, Wen Huaiye’s phone rang.

Song Ran glanced sideways, seeing the letters “SMRH” on the screen.

Wen Huaiye glanced at it and hung up immediately.

But just seconds after hanging up, the phone rang again—same number.

Song Ran: “Do you want me to answer it for you?”

If this were five years ago, she wouldn’t even ask—she would have picked up his phone without hesitation.

They had no secrets.

“No need.”

Wen Huaiye hung up again.

After a while, the number called again.

At a red light, Wen Huaiye held the phone, staring at the number for a long moment before hanging up and turning off the phone.

“If you’re busy, go ahead.”

Wen Huaiye smiled faintly. “Nothing is more important than you.”

He drove Song Ran to the hospital, escorted her into the examination room, and tenderly said, “Ran, you stay here and get checked. I’ll go get your headset. It might take some time.”

Song Ran nodded.

Once Wen Huaiye left, the examining doctor nearby smiled and said, “Your boyfriend treats you well! Youth is truly a time of good feelings.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Song Ran replied with a smile, “But doctor, could you do me a favor?”

The doctor was speechless.

Wen Huaiye stepped out of the examination room and into the stairwell, opening his phone.

There were over a dozen missed calls.

Not only from SMRH but also several from Song Si’nian and Song Si’yan.

He called SMRH first—no answer.

Then he dialed Song Si’nian’s number—connected, but no one answered.

Frustrated, Wen Huaiye rubbed his hair and called Song Si’yan.

This time, the call went through.

On the other end, Song Si’yan’s furious voice burst out, “Where have you been?! Why didn’t you answer my calls?”

Wen Huaiye: “Something’s up.”

“What could you and Song Ran be doing? Two people alone late at night—what could it possibly be?”

Wen Huaiye leaned against the wall, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. “So why are you calling me now?”

“You only remember to ask now? Too late!”

Song Si’yan hung up.

When Wen Huaiye called again, he found himself blocked.

He exhaled deeply, opened WeChat, and messaged the SMRH account.

He sent a voice message: “What happened?”

No reply.

His face showed growing concern, and he sent another message: “Once I’m done here, I’ll come back immediately.”

An hour later, Song Ran completed all the examinations and was just being taken to the ward when Wen Huaiye appeared carrying a square black box.

“Why do you still need to be hospitalized?”

The doctor frowned. “The patient is a bit weak and needs to stay for a few days. Please avoid disturbing her during this time.”

Upon hearing she needed to stay, Wen Huaiye hurried over with concern. “Is it serious? Should we run more detailed tests?”

Song Ran shook her head. “It’s nothing major—just malnutrition and some weakness. A few days in the hospital will be fine.”

Afraid of saying too much and making things worse, she quickly grabbed the box from Wen Huaiye’s hands. “Is this the new game headset? The immersive kind?”

“Thank you, Huaiye.”

Wen Huaiye reached out to stroke her hair, his expression gentle and his tone indulgent. “When the little Song princess asks so nicely, how could I refuse?”

A loud bang from the door startled them both.

Looking toward the entrance, they saw Song Min standing there, pale and dressed in hospital clothes.

“What are you doing here?”

Wen Huaiye quickly withdrew his hand from Song Ran’s head, staring in astonishment at Song Min by the door.