Back then, Wei'er became an internet sensation overnight with his song Clinging to the Protagonist at the Last Minute, and even went on to win the national championship on New Rap of Hua Country.

But netizens weren't buying it. As soon as that Weibo post went up, heated debates erupted online.

   "You've gotta be kidding me. Does everyone think they can ride the hype now? Just having a loud voice counts as rap?"

   "Do you even understand rap, dude? There are many styles in rap! I personally like Wei'er—if you don't get it, don't trash it!"

   "You haters! Have you seriously listened to Clinging to the Protagonist at the Last Minute? If you're so good, write a song yourself! Go on! Write one! Write one yourself! Write one! Write one yourself!"

   "Hahaha! The guy above! No! I won't! Listen to you! Won't listen to you! No! I won't! Listen to you! Won't listen to you!"

   "Comment section never disappoints! You guys are gonna kill me laughing! Congrats—you're all rap masters now!"

   "Like it's hard or something! I poop! No toilet paper! Poop with no paper! Always poop! No paper! Poop with no paper!"

   "But jokes aside, with Wei'er stepping up, the pressure is definitely on Xingyao Entertainment now!"

As discussions continued, the topic gradually veered off course.

Still, everyone was looking forward to it. Rap songs with strong rhythm and vibe had always been popular with audiences. But the moment they remembered that Gu Xingyi was still unconscious, the excitement dimmed a bit.

They all felt that Xingyao Entertainment was in real trouble this time. Their opponent was issuing a challenge with a rap song—what, were they going to answer with another ballad? It wasn't even the same category—there was no way to compare the two.

Rap stirred up emotions more easily. No matter how Wei'er performed, if Xingyao didn't respond with rap, they'd be at a disadvantage from the start. And when that happened, online criticism would surely follow.

…

As for all the uproar online, the just-awakened Gu Xingyi at the hospital knew nothing about it.

Neither he nor Xia Xiyao slept that night. They lay across from each other, pouring their hearts out. This accident, without a doubt, had brought them even closer together.

In the darkness, Xia Xiyao's eyes sparkled. Her usual gentleness had returned, but now, there was a stronger light within it.

Gu Xingyi could feel the change in her through her words, and in the pitch-black hospital room, he beamed with a bright smile.

Not until dawn did Gu Xingyi, lying in the hospital bed, and Xia Xiyao, on the companion cot, finally fall asleep peacefully.

Even though she'd stayed up late, Xia Xiyao still woke up at daybreak, like clockwork.

She had been living like this for a while now. That's why, the moment she opened her eyes, she instinctively walked to Gu Xingyi's bedside.

On the bed, Gu Xingyi's breathing was calm—just like in the past few days, quietly asleep.

Xia Xiyao's heart skipped. She reached out and gently stroked Gu Xingyi's face.

"It's early… don't mess around."

A large hand caught her small one. The warmth of his palm reassured her once again. Gu Xingyi opened his dark eyes.

"Wife, I want to go home!"

"But the doctor—"

"I'm fine! I know my own body! I miss Nainai!"

Gu Xingyi cut her off. He urgently wanted to go home. That little one hadn't seen him in so long—she must be heartbroken by now!

Hearing this, Xia Xiyao paused, her expression softening. But she still insisted that a doctor confirm his condition one more time.

The yawning doctor was soon summoned.

After a full examination, the result was still just mild malnutrition. As long as he gets some proper nourishment back home, he’ll be no different from a normal person!

That result finally allowed Xia Xiyao to completely relax, and Gu Xingyi was discharged from the hospital as he had hoped.

Bathed in the gentle morning light, Gu Xingyi pushed open the long-unseen front door of their home.

Seeing the familiar sight before him, Gu Xingyi felt his heart grow warm. With them here, this was truly his home.

He carefully walked into the bedroom. Xiao Nainai's tiny body was curled up under the blanket, only her round little face peeking out. Who knew what she was dreaming of—her little mouth was pouting, making Gu Xingyi's heart ache.

Walking to the bed, Gu Xingyi leaned down, gently rubbed his cheek against hers, and then gave the little one's face a firm kiss. Only then did his heart feel slightly comforted.

Still sound asleep, Xiao Nainai was stirred awake by Gu Xingyi's movements. She opened her sleepy, dazed eyes and stared blankly at Gu Xingyi, who was right in front of her.

The next second, once she recognized who he was, big teardrops began to roll from the little one's eyes.

She didn't make a sound, didn't throw a tantrum.

She just stared blankly at Gu Xingyi and quietly shed tears.

In that instant, a wave of sorrow surged through Gu Xingyi's heart, crashing over him relentlessly.

"Nainai, it's Papa! Papa's back!"

Fighting back his own sorrow, Gu Xingyi bent down and gathered Xiao Nainai into his arms, unable to hold back his tears.

Behind them, Xia Xiyao, leaning against the doorframe, was already sobbing uncontrollably.

Xiao Nainai still didn't speak. She just clung tightly to Gu Xingyi's neck and refused to let go.

"Nainai, look at Papa. Papa's right here."

Gu Xingyi held the little one tightly, lifting her so they were eye to eye. Staring into her tear-filled eyes, he spoke in a warm voice, hoping to soothe the fear in her heart.

"Papa, wu wu wu wu~ Nainai and Mama were both really good. Please don't leave us again, okay?"

The little one finally spoke, her innocent voice choked with sobs. Her words made Gu Xingyi's heart clench, and he could only respond with his gentlest voice:

"Papa was wrong! Papa promises—he'll never disappear again. As long as Xiao Nainai is in Papa's arms, you can cry as loudly as you want, do whatever you want. Papa will never, ever be annoyed with Xiao Nainai."

Her tiny hands still clutched tightly at Gu Xingyi's shirt. Hearing his gentle voice, she wiped her tears and looked seriously at his warm face.

The next moment, her sobs completely broke free. Her little arms wrapped tightly around Gu Xingyi's neck, and she wailed out loud.

It was the hardest she had ever cried, and the most unrestrained.

Even though Gu Xingyi's heart ached even more, it felt like he could finally breathe—a weight lifted from his shoulders.

So many emotions, tangled and hard to describe.

He wasn't afraid of her crying or throwing a tantrum. What he feared most was when she cried quietly, cautiously, holding everything in.

Because sometimes, crying and making a fuss is the most important way to release emotions. If you can't even do that, then all those emotions get trapped inside—and in the end, that's what breaks a person.

Gu Xingyi held his daughter even tighter, gently rocking her, softly soothing her. In his tender murmurs, Xiao Nainai's sobs gradually quieted down. Her little face, however, remained buried in his chest, rubbing hard against him.

It was the first time Xiao Nainai realized that crying her heart out in Papa's arms could make her feel so safe.

This was a kind of security that Mama could never give her.