Seeing that the person she lunged to embrace was not Xiaoshu but Xiaohao, Yingzi felt both embarrassed and annoyed, so she yanked her hand back, retreated a step, and pointed at Xiaohao, saying, "Why are you dressed like Xiaoshu, deliberately trying to tease me?"

The moment these words left her lips, Xiaohao’s face instantly shifted; he put on an expression of utter innocence. "I didn't deliberately dress up like anyone. I naturally look exactly like him. It's just that yesterday, on a whim, I went to the barber and shaved my head."

"Then why are you wearing Xiaoshu's clothes?" Yingzi still didn't believe him, pointing at the garment again.

"This shirt was a gift from Father on my birthday last year. I hadn't worn it in ages, so I decided to put it on. There’s no other meaning to it," Xiaohao deliberately acted perplexed.

"Ah? Oh?" Yingzi backed up to sit on the edge of the hospital bed, beginning to recall the scene when her mother chose this outfit for Xiaoshu:

"This style is very popular this year, and these were the last two pieces left. If you don't buy them now, Madam, they might be gone in a couple of days," the sales clerk had told Madam Nangong. With that, her mother made an immediate decision and paid for the clothes. Xiaohao had an identical one? When had Uncle Li gone to the mall to buy him one? Still, it wasn't strange for twins to wear matching outfits; many parents intentionally bought twins identical things, deriving a sense of accomplishment if outsiders couldn't tell them apart. Uncle Li must have feared Xiaohao would feel slighted, ensuring that whatever Xiaoshu had, Xiaohao must also have, hence buying an identical piece as a birthday present for him.

Thinking this way, Yingzi felt a light tap on her head. Looking up, she saw Xiaohao standing there, hands jammed into his pockets, shifting his weight rhythmically between his front and back heels, speaking to her with buoyant spirit, "Let's go see your mother." He looked exactly like Xiaoshu in that posture.

"Mm," Yingzi nodded in agreement. This would be her first time visiting her mother since being admitted. She was supposed to have gone yesterday, but the doctor had administered a heavy dose of sedatives, leaving her dizzy whenever she stood up, forcing her to remain in bed all day. Now, she felt much better, and her spirits were tenfold higher than yesterday, prompting the doctor to discontinue the sedatives. Thus, Yingzi happily accepted Xiaohao's suggestion. In truth, even if he hadn't proposed it, Yingzi would have gone to see her mother anyway.

Once they agreed, the two rose to head toward Madam Nangong’s room. Unbeknownst to her, although Yingzi was better than the day before, having lain immobile for so long had left her weak. Just as she reached the doorway, she stumbled, nearly falling. Xiaohao quickly steadied her. Shaking his head slightly, he crouched down in front of her, hooking his hands over his shoulders and playfully gesturing for her to get on his back.

Yingzi was still not quite used to Xiaohao. Seeing him prepare to carry her, she immediately flushed crimson and waved her hands dismissively, "No need, no need, thank you. I can manage on my own." But the words were barely out before she felt her vision darken, her legs gave way, and she pitched forward, landing squarely on Xiaohao’s back.

Xiaohao smoothly hoisted her up, opened the door with one hand, and proceeded toward Madam Nangong’s ward. Along the way, every nurse and patient they passed cast an envious glance toward Yingzi. In a short while, Yingzi grew accustomed to this princess-like treatment. Not only did she find Xiaohao’s shoulders immensely secure, but a strange sense of pride also bloomed within her. And why wouldn't it? With a boy right there, ready to run errands and cater to her every need, what girl wouldn't feel utterly delighted?