WHCTIL - 36

This afternoon, Cao Sheng had sent a message saying that Jiang Kun would be leaving Beijing tonight. Jiang Chuan was concerned that others at the volunteer station might get involved, so he needed to return early.

Qin Tang knew he had stayed longer than planned this time. He couldn’t leave the volunteer station or the transport company behind indefinitely, and sooner or later, he would have to go back. Right now, she couldn’t follow him either.

After a long silence, she glanced at the time and said, “Let’s go see Manman.” She also wanted to check on Zhou Qi.

She hadn’t visited him in days due to the busy auction preparations.

Jiang Chuan squeezed her hand. “Let’s go.”

He turned his head and looked at her. “Tonight, wherever you want to go, whatever you want to do—it’s all up to you.”

Qin Tang grinned, revealing her small, white teeth. It had been years since she smiled like this, and she had never smiled this way at Jiang Chuan. He was momentarily stunned, chuckled softly, and guided her forward, his hand resting on her shoulder as he drew her close.

When they arrived at the hospital, Manman was still awake. Cao Sheng and his ex-wife were playing games with the little girl, who was so excited her face was flushed. For her, having both parents by her side was the happiest thing in the world.

Seeing Jiang Chuan and Qin Tang at the door, Manman’s bright eyes lit up. “Uncle Jiang, Sister Tang!”

Jiang Chuan raised an eyebrow. “One uncle, one sister—there’s a generational gap here.”

He was clearly speaking to Qin Tang.

Qin Tang lightly pushed him, not wanting Manman to call her “auntie.”

Jiang Chuan looked at the woman beside Cao Sheng and called out, “Sister-in-law.”

The woman snorted. “I’m no longer your sister-in-law.”

A flicker of awkwardness passed over Cao Sheng’s face. The woman turned to Qin Tang and smiled. “Call me Sister Ying.”

Qin Tang greeted her as “Sister Ying,” placed the flowers and fruit on the table, and gently stroked Manman’s little face, teasing her. “You seem to have gained some weight.”

Manman pouted. “Mom says I’m too skinny and wants me to eat more.”

Qin Tang smiled. “Mm, that’s how you’re cute.”

Manman immediately beamed and hugged Qin Tang’s arm, chatting animatedly.

Cao Sheng looked at them. “How did you two come together?”

Jiang Chuan chuckled. “We made plans.”

Cao Sheng stared at them for a while, then finally looked at Jiang Chuan, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. A faint worry lingered in his eyes.

The two walked to the quiet end of the corridor. Jiang Chuan said, “I’m leaving tomorrow night. Qin Tang, arrange for someone to discreetly protect her.”

Given Qin Tang’s family background, hiring a few bodyguards wouldn’t be difficult. However, since the case was under secret investigation, no mistakes could be made to avoid alarming anyone. Cao Sheng nodded. “I understand. You can rest assured about that.”

Jiang Chuan looked at him. “Did you know all along that Qin Tang was one of the victims of that accident?”

Cao Sheng met his gaze and didn’t deny it. “Mm. Her appearance hasn’t changed much. Back then, Han and I visited her several times in the hospital.”

Jiang Chuan held a cigarette in his hand, the tip crushed and deformed. “Was she badly injured?”

“Not too bad. The two girls weren’t seriously hurt, but the two men were in worse shape—one fell into a vegetative state, and the other had issues with his right leg.”

At the time, Jiang Chuan himself had been severely injured, spending over two months in the hospital. The accident occurred during a mission, and the four injured individuals were all from wealthy families in Beijing—one high school student and two college students.

Han and Cao Sheng had wanted to protect their subordinate, so they didn’t let Jiang Chuan, who was hospitalized, interfere in the matter.

Cao Sheng patted his shoulder. “It’s been a few years. That high school student woke up recently.”

Jiang Chuan was silent for a moment. “I understand.”

“You and Qin Tang…” Cao Sheng hesitated, then waved his hand dismissively. “Never mind. Just weigh your decisions carefully.”

Back at the ward entrance, Qin Tang popped her head out and smiled at him. “I’m going to visit a friend of mine. He’s also in this hospital. I’ll come find you later.”

Jiang Chuan looked at her and said, “I’ll go with you.”

Qin Tang had initially wanted to refuse, but when she met his dark eyes, she nodded slightly. “Alright.”

---

On the way, Qin Tang told Jiang Chuan, “Zhou Qi is like a younger brother to me. Before... he was in a car accident with me and was in a coma for five years. He just woke up recently.”

“Recently...” Jiang Chuan recalled something and asked, “Was it the day you disappeared without saying goodbye?”

Qin Tang thought back to that day and smiled faintly. “Mm, you still remember that?”

His expression remained calm. “I remember.”

She let out a soft hum.

When they arrived outside the ward, Qin Tang pushed him back a step and whispered, “Wait here for a moment. I’ll check if he’s asleep.” She mainly wanted to see if there was anyone else in the room.

Standing by the door, she listened carefully. Zhou Qi’s mother was inside.

Qin Tang turned back and said, “Can you wait downstairs for me?”

Jiang Chuan had also heard voices from inside the room. She probably didn’t want anyone to see him.

He nodded and turned to leave.

Qin Tang pushed open the door and greeted Zhou Qi’s mother.

Zhou Qi was delighted to see her. His recovery was going well, and his spirits were improving day by day. He could remember more things now, and his complexion was healthier than when he first woke up. He was even able to get out of bed and walk around.

“Sister An, are you done with your work?” he asked with a smile.

“Mm, you’re looking much better,” Qin Tang replied as she walked over and sat by his bedside.

Zhou Qi chuckled. “Of course! I even want to be discharged, but Mom won’t let me. She insists I stay for further observation. I’ve watched the videos from the auction. Sister An, next time you go on a trip, take me with you. I’ll go with you again.”

Zhou Qi’s mother’s expression shifted slightly, and she gently patted his hand. “What are you saying? You were in a coma for five years, and you still haven’t learned your lesson?”

Qin Tang’s face paled slightly. Zhou Qi frowned and said, “Mom, can you stop bringing up the past? It was an accident. Sister An didn’t expect it either. Even though she took me there, it was my choice. If I had died then, that would have been my fate.”

Before his mother could respond, Qin Tang quickly patted his shoulder. “Alright, alright, don’t say any more. Auntie doesn’t blame me.”

Zhou Qi glanced at her, feeling a twinge of unease.

Since regaining consciousness, he had gradually learned about the aftermath of the accident and Qin Tang’s situation over the years. The pressure she had endured was immense, and… he still couldn’t believe that Chen Jingsheng was already dead.

He couldn’t imagine how she had managed to get through it all.

Zhou Qi nodded and looked at his mother. “Mom, you can go home now.”

His mother looked at him helplessly. “Alright, alright. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Qin Tang escorted her to the door and then returned, scolding Zhou Qi. “What were you thinking just now?”

Zhou Qi grinned sheepishly. “Nothing. I just didn’t want Mom to blame you.”

“Don’t say things like that again.”

“Alright, I got it.”

---

Jiang Chuan smoked a cigarette downstairs and waited for half an hour before Qin Tang came down.

She walked up to him and said, “Alright, let’s go back.”

His gaze was deep as he looked down at her.

Their eyes locked, and he smirked slightly. “Alright, let’s go back.”

Qin Tang hadn’t driven that afternoon, so she rode in Jiang Chuan’s car again.

After getting in, he turned on the navigation.

They arrived at the building where Qin Tang lived, and he found a place to park.

Jiang Chuan pulled a black duffel bag from the trunk.

Qin Tang was somewhat stunned. “Why did you bring all your luggage?”

Jiang Chuan came over and took her hand. “Let me stay one more night.”

Qin Tang: “...”

She knew he didn’t want to leave tonight. After a brief silence, she didn’t refuse. However, before going upstairs, she made her stance clear.

She held him back and looked into his eyes. “Take care of yourself.”

Jiang Chuan raised an eyebrow. “What?”

Pretending not to understand!

Qin Tang didn’t say anything, shook off his hand, and walked ahead.

Back at home, Qin Tang went into her bedroom to remove her makeup. Her face was clean and fair, making her look a few years younger.

When she came out, Jiang Chuan was nowhere to be seen, but the guest room door was open. As she approached, she heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.

The temperature was high today, and people tended to sweat easily. If he hadn’t been there, she would have taken a shower earlier.

The night was exceptionally quiet—so quiet that she could hear only the sound of her own heartbeat.

Qin Tang tugged at her collar and turned back toward the bathroom.

By the time she finished her shower and changed into a red long dress, Jiang Chuan was already sitting on the couch watching TV. He turned his head to look at her, his gaze deep. “Come here.”

Qin Tang bit her lip and slowly walked over to him.

Silently.

Jiang Chuan grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto his lap with ease. Her hand pressed against his chest, her heart racing like a roller coaster.

He lowered his head, gazing at her pale skin and the delicate collarbone that hinted at the curves beneath. His lips tightened.

His gaze shifted upward, meeting her eyes. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Qin Tang stared into his dark eyes. “What?”

Jiang Chuan leaned down, his lips brushing against her neck. He heard her soft intake of breath as he nibbled on her reddened earlobe, sucking gently. Qin Tang trembled like an electric current had passed through her body, instinctively pulling her head back.

“It tickles…” She was extremely sensitive.

“Mm.” He chuckled softly and lifted his head.

“Do you still want to visit the place we talked about last time?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Once I’m done with my work, I’ll come find you.”

Jiang Chuan said, “Don’t come for now.”

Qin Tang frowned. “Why?”

Jiang Chuan: “Wait until I’ve settled everything. Then I’ll come find you.”

Qin Tang thought of Zhao Qianhe and what had happened that night in the alley. Her hand, resting on his chest, clenched his black T-shirt. She wanted to ask for clarification but pursed her lips, ultimately deciding not to.

She knew that even if she asked, he might not tell her.

“Be good,” he murmured, kissing the corner of her mouth, then looked up at her again.

Qin Tang stared into his dark eyes, her arms wrapping around his neck as she embraced him. 

Her moist, clear eyes gazed at him quietly yet resolutely. 

Jiang Chuan was silent for a moment, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he gradually clenched his teeth. Qin Tang’s fingers lightly traced his back, and Jiang Chuan immediately lowered his head, capturing her lips in a kiss. 

Their lips gently brushed against each other—his were hot, hers soft as always. Soon, Jiang Chuan cupped the back of her head, nibbling at her lips before slipping his tongue between them to explore further. 

Their bodies pressed tightly together. Qin Tang tentatively kissed him back, her tongue lightly touching his, sending a shiver through her heart. 

His entire body radiated heat—his lips, his tongue—all scorching, making her heart contract sharply.