Chapter 0441

"Even if you've moved on, you should still clarify things. Over these three years, I've heard that boy has completely changed. And I believe in his character—though belief doesn’t equate to truth. Some things you need to see for yourself."

"Dad, you... how do you know about this?" Chen Qingtian was genuinely shocked. This was the most private matter in her heart, something she hadn’t even told her mother.

"Because you're my daughter. I’ve looked into your experiences. Maybe not everything, but enough to understand..."

"If you ever feel tired, you can always come back to me. Besides scolding you, I’ll cook you a good meal and give you a warm hug. I love you just as much as your mother does."

Chen Qingtian’s eyes reddened. Her usually reticent father loved her so deeply.

"Dad, I’m sorry for being immature. Please bear with me when I’m wrong."

Chen Nianshi patted her head affectionately. "I will. But I won’t forget you calling me a dog."

"Woof woof woof woof—"

......

At the manor villa, Lin Ran was delighted to see the improving public opinion online.

That day, he had mobilized all his resources, using Nuanyao Group’s media arm to tirelessly clear his wife’s name across platforms. He even directed their streamers to condemn the rumor-mongers.

But the results were lackluster. As the saying goes, lies spread faster than the truth.

He hated anyone slandering his wife. They could insult him all they wanted, but targeting her was unacceptable.

If not for his injuries, he’d have personally confronted the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Yet, to his surprise, that afternoon, the Academy released three statements condemning the rumors. Chen Buhui even issued a personal public apology.

Lin Ran knew—this was Luo Yao’s doing.

He sighed. He really was only fit to be a "useless" husband. Without Luo Yao’s intervention, he wasn’t sure Nuanyao Group could’ve salvaged the situation alone.

The gap between him and his wife was vast, so vast that Lin Ran increasingly felt like giving up on striving.

Being Luo Yao’s pampered "bed-slave" wasn’t bad—well-fed, well-funded, adored by a stunning wife who cherished him.

What more could life offer?

"Ah Ran, I’m home."

Hearing Luo Yao’s voice, Lin Ran instinctively wanted to hug her, but pain shot through his body the moment he moved.

He cursed "Little Black" inwardly.

Wasn’t this supposed to be painless? Some liar.

Luo Yao rushed to the bedside and threw herself onto him, carefully avoiding his chest.

"Ah Ran, were you good today?"

Lin Ran beamed. "Of course! I only thought of you, ate, and slept. Doesn’t that count as good?"

Luo Yao traced his cheek with her finger. "Ah Ran’s skin is so smooth, even your pores glow."

Lin Ran: "I prepped to look my best for you. I bathed and changed before you returned."

He wasn’t lying. Though the doctor advised against showers due to his condition, the discomfort had been unbearable. Luo Yao usually wiped him down, but it wasn’t the same as a proper wash.

So, he’d struggled through a solo bath earlier.

With his fingers fractured by Luo Yao and his chest wounded, every movement was agony. That bath had been a battle.

Luo Yao froze. She’d been meticulously cleaning him daily, especially after their "workouts"—even "Little Lin Ran" got thorough attention.

Did Ah Ran dislike her care now?

Her face fell. "Ah Ran, do you not like me washing you?"

Lin Ran instantly recognized her insecurity.

"Not at all! I want you to wash me forever. I just rinsed off quickly today because I sweated after lunch."

Luo Yao softened. "Next time, wait for me to help, okay?"

"Absolutely. Without you, I can’t get properly clean."

Finally, Luo Yao brightened. "Ah Ran, I have something to show you."

"What is it?"

"Look." She handed him her phone. Lin Ran gaped at Chen Buhui’s apology video.

Turning to Luo Yao, who was practically nose-to-nose with him, her expression screamed, "Praise me! Praise me now!"

Lin Ran was deeply moved. Chen Buhui, a scientific heavyweight, hadn’t just issued a statement—he’d recorded a personal apology.

Clearly, no one but Luo Yao could’ve forced this.

"Yao Yao, you’re my greatest blessing. I love being protected like this. You spoil me so much I’ll become addicted. If you ever change your heart, how will I survive? No one in this world could ever treat me as well as you do."

Luo Yao’s heart soared. "Ah Ran praised me!"

"But if someone else treated you just as well—"

Lin Ran immediately surrendered. "I misspoke! Even if others tried, they’d never be my Yao Yao. I only want your love—only yours."

This time, Luo Yao was satisfied. "Ah Ran, dinner time."

Once, Lin Ran had fed Luo Yao. Now, the roles reversed.

It wasn’t that Lin Ran was fussy—his chopstick hand, broken by Luo Yao, was still healing.

While Lin Ran had fed her methodically, Luo Yao’s version was... unconventional.

Half for her, half for him, alternating bites, occasionally via mouth-to-mouth.

Yet Lin Ran adored it. His past devotion was finally reciprocated.

After dinner, Lin Ran did light indoor exercises, mindful of his injuries. Luo Yao stayed by his side, mirroring his every move.

Stepping onto the bedroom scale, Luo Yao frowned.

"Another pound heavier?"

Lin Ran blinked. "Yao Yao’s gaining weight? Good! You were too thin before—I worried you were malnourished. But even now, your figure hasn’t changed."

He wasn’t flattering. No one observed Luo Yao more closely than Lin Ran.

Her slightest changes never escaped him.