Rick was thrilled to hear that Carol had woken up. After hurriedly finishing his work, he and Xiao Zhong rushed home.

Since Carol had fallen asleep again, he wasn't hurrying to visit the hospital. Instead, he prepared food for her at home to replenish her weakened body.

Unsure of what she could or couldn't eat, Rick prepared various foods: millet porridge, rice porridge, chicken soup, egg custard, vegetables, fruits, milk, and more, filling a large delivery box.

Looking at his preparations, Rick furrowed his brows, wondering if he was missing something. Then it hit him – a change of clothes, as girls tend to be particular about cleanliness.

He rushed upstairs into Lacey's room, rummaging through her wardrobe. The two girls were about the same height, and although their body types differed slightly, he guessed their underwear sizes would be similar.

Rick grabbed a stack of Lacey's unworn underwear and some new toiletries. As he passed through the living room, something on the coffee table caught his eye – a simple packaging bag.

Curious, Rick walked over and opened it. A scarf? It felt silky and soft in his hands. Perhaps it was something Lacey bought for Jax. Regardless, Rick decided to keep it, planning to reimburse Lacey and buy another later.

Rick wrapped the soft scarf around his neck, feeling an instant rush of comfort and warmth. He smiled, thinking that maybe love changes people, as Lacey seemed to have improved her shopping skills.

Arriving at the hospital, Xiao Zhong offered to carry the items, but Rick insisted on doing it himself.

Entering the room with a beaming smile, Rick found Lacey asleep on the adjacent bed, finally at peace seeing her friend safe. He quietly sat by Carol's bed, admiring her peaceful slumber under the gentle light, looking like a sleeping beauty.

About fifteen minutes later, Lacey turned to check on Carol. Startled by Rick's presence in the dim room, she let out a loud yelp.

Rick, equally startled, was about to scold her when he realized the noise also awakened Carol.

"Carol, you're awake?" Rick spoke gently, making Lacey's eyes widen in surprise.

"Brother, you're here! Thank you for everything!" Carol tried to sit up, but Rick gently pushed her back down.

"You don't need to thank me; you're not a stranger. Hungry? I brought food and fruits," Rick said, patting the giant box filled with delicious chicken soup aroma.

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"What did you cook, bro? It smells so good!" Lacey's stomach growled at the scent.

"Wait a bit, let Carol eat first," Rick said sternly, startling Lacey.

"Oh no! Brother only cares about Carol now, not his sister!" Lacey rolled her eyes and lay back down.

Realizing he might have been harsh, Rick quickly tried to smooth things over, "How could I forget my sister? The scarf you bought for Jax is nice. I'm keeping it and will transfer you some money to buy him another one."

"The scarf for Jax?" Lacey was momentarily confused.

"Yeah! It's nice," Rick said, picking up the scarf from the coat hanger and caressing it.

Lacey laughed, "That's not what I bought for Jax. That's the scarf Carol knitted for you!"

"For me?" Rick looked at Carol, holding the scarf.

Carol, sipping Rick's chicken soup, blushed deeply at his gaze. Her spoon dropped into the bowl, splashing soup on her hospital gown and underwear.

"Oh no, I don't have any clothes to change into," Lacey slapped her forehead, regretting not bringing extra clothes.

"Don't worry, I brought clothes," Rick quickly stood up, revealing a stack of underwear.

Both girls were shocked. What kind of fantastic brother thinks of bringing underwear? Since when was he so caring?

"Bro, where did you get all these underwear from? I'm impressed," Lacey said, half laughing, half crying.

"They're yours. Don't worry! Carol, they're all new and washed," Rick reassured his sister before returning his attention to Carol.

Lacey was speechless, her laughter tinged with tears.

Her cheeks burning red, Carol whispered, "Brother, you should go back. You've had a long day, and Lacey is here with me."

"It's okay; I'm not in a hurry. I've arranged everything. I'll stay in the hospital to take care of you until you're discharged," Rick declared confidently.

"Silly brother, we need to change clothes; it's inconvenient with you here!" Lacey bluntly hinted, making Rick's face turn red.

"Oh! My bad," Rick said, standing up embarrassedly, "I won't disturb you then. Lacey, take good care of Carol. I'll come tomorrow during the day."

"By the way, thanks for the scarf, Carol. I like it," Rick smiled warmly at Carol.

His smile made Carol shy while Lacey choked, coughing exaggeratedly.

After Rick left, Lacey approached Carol, "How is it? Does the underwear fit?"

"It's okay, just a bit tight," Carol adjusted her shoulder straps.

"I'll tell brother your size, and he can buy you a suitable one tomorrow," Lacey said with a mischievous smile.

"Stop it!" Carol playfully punched her, "I didn't expect him to be so thoughtful, even bringing underwear!"

"My brother is great, right? Maybe you should consider marrying him, sister-in-law?" Lacey winked playfully.

"I'm not as bold as you, openly chasing Jax!" Carol teased her back.

"You're one to talk! Who knitted him that scarf, huh? Was it you? Was it?" Lacey teased.

"Stop poking me! It hurts!" Carol quickly begged for mercy, "Brother said he'd consider his affairs only after marrying you off. I'm waiting for that."

"Yo yo yo! Already playing the role of sister-in-law. I think we should have a double wedding. It'll be more fun with more people, especially since you only have your grandma," Lacey suggested.

"If brother agrees, I have no objections. I don't need to prepare much anyway," Carol said nonchalantly.

She had made up her mind. LoShe wouldn't make any other demands as she could keep her grandmother with her; sheu's such a kind-hearted person. My brother will be lucky to marry you!" Lacey thought of her brother's hardships over the years and felt relieved that he might finally find happiness. He had always hesitated to date because of her, never considering the many who liked him.

The two chatted away when suddenly Lacey's phone rang, "Hello! Jax, what's up?"