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Jian Xi had to wake up early the next day, but she didn’t have the energy to get out of bed to set her phone alarm. After struggling a few times, He Ran, who was resting with his eyes half-closed, pulled her waist closer and said, “What are you tossing and turning for? Go back to sleep!”
Jian Xi’s head was buried in the blanket, her voice muffled. “I won’t be able to wake up tomorrow.”
“What time?”
“Five-thirty.”
“That early?”
“It’s far to the countryside. The hospital bus leaves at six-thirty. It’ll take time to get there from your place.”
He Ran traced circles on Jian Xi’s waist with his fingers. “Sleep. No matter how early it is, I’ll wake you up.”
Jian Xi hummed in acknowledgment and closed her eyes.
But the man behind her grew restless again. His thigh pressed against her calf, and with a slight movement, he flipped over on top of her, his gaze filled with affection.
“I want to have you once more,” He Ran murmured, his rough fingertips gently grazing Jian Xi’s chin. “I’ve got endless energy.”
Jian Xi turned her head away, quickly rolling onto her stomach to face away from him. “No way.”
“Heck.” He Ran became excited, tracing down her smooth spine and teasing the curve of her butt. “This position, damn…”
Jian Xi tensed all over as she heard He Ran’s voice drop with heat. “Behave yourself. We don’t have any lube at home. If I force my way in, it’ll hurt like hell.”
Goodness, this level of lewdness was opening up a whole new world!
Jian Xi elbowed him behind her. “What’s wrong with you?”
He Ran stifled a laugh, leaning over to press down on her. “Your little mouth sure talks tough.”
Jian Xi sensed a double meaning in his words and refused to take the bait, burying her head into the pillow.
Pretending not to hear him.
He Ran slipped his hand under her waist, gently lifting her, and flipped her over.
“Why are you sleeping on the pillow when you can sleep in my arms? Sleep. I’ll wake you up at five-thirty.”
With He Ran’s breathing as her pillow, Jian Xi slept soundly through the night.
At five o’clock the next morning, Jian Xi woke up on her own.
He Ran was still fast asleep, his handsome profile as calm as a tranquil lake.
Jian Xi carefully pried his arm from around her waist and stepped out of bed barefoot. She hadn’t brought anything to change into or wash with, so she needed to return to her apartment earlier to prepare.
Jian Xi stepped out into the soft light of dawn, cool dew brushing her face. She took out her car keys and opened the car door.
“Jian Xi.”
He Ran’s lazy voice came from the doorway.
Startled, Jian Xi turned around. “You’re awake?”
In the cold weather, He Ran stood shirtless, wearing only loose-fitting shorts, the warm yellow light from inside framing him.
“I saw you were sleeping deeply, so I didn’t wake you,” Jian Xi said quickly, walking toward him. “Get back inside. It’s too cold.”
Still half-asleep, He Ran rubbed his face. “I’ll drive you.”
“No, no, no,” Jian Xi said, pulling his hand. “Really, it’s fine. I can drive myself.”
Seeing her determination, He Ran didn’t insist.
“The 16th, right?”
“Yes.”
“Let me know when you’re free. I’ll pick you up for dinner.”
Jian Xi smiled. “Okay.”
He Ran said, “Go ahead, drive carefully.”
Just as Jian Xi was about to turn away, he grabbed her hand and pressed something into her palm.
“Throat lozenges.”
With that, He Ran casually turned and went back inside.
Jian Xi’s heart fluttered at those two words, recalling last night’s soreness all over her body.
“Old pervert,” Jian Xi muttered under her breath, tightening her fist, yet unable to suppress a smile.
Back at her apartment, she packed a few clothes, took a quick shower, and by 6:20, she arrived at the hospital.
The bus was parked outside, with a red banner hanging on it promoting the charitable rural medical mission.
Jian Xi had participated for three consecutive years and was considered one of the key members.
A nurse from her department called out to her, “Dr. Jian, come sit here.”
Jian Xi walked over and sat by the window. The nurse whispered with a laugh, “Director Li’s outfit today is… indescribable.”
Underneath his white wool coat was a water-green shirt, paired with pointy leather shoes.
“Yierkang brand,” the nurse observed, her sharp eyes catching every detail.
Jian Xi chuckled, placing a finger to her lips. “Shh.”
At that moment, her phone vibrated in her pocket—it was He Ran.
Seeing his name, Jian Xi couldn’t help but smile as she answered. “Are you awake?”
He Ran: “Yeah, woke up. Jerking off alone isn’t fun.”
Jian Xi shifted closer to the window. “I’m not talking to you now; I’ve got colleagues around.”
“Tsk,” He Ran sounded dissatisfied. “Using me and then ignoring me completely?”
Jian Xi wanted to hit him. “Liar.”
“I’m not lying. As soon as I opened my eyes, I thought of you. Not just me—my little buddy misses you too.”
To her left were her colleagues; in her right ear, sweet nothings teased her senses.
This contrast thrilled her, stirring her emotions.
He Ran laughed softly. “I’m not teasing you. Take care of yourself while you’re out. I was a bit rough yesterday—if it hurts too much, apply some medicine.”
Jian Xi bit her lip and softly acknowledged, “Mm.”
Such an obedient response.
After hanging up, He Ran retrieved fresh bed sheets from the cabinet to replace the old ones. Last night’s activities had left them in a sorry state.
As he soaked the old sheets, Lin Jia knocked on the door. “Ran Ge, let’s go grab some scallion pancakes.”
He Ran shook his hands dry, picked up his motorcycle keys, and walked out. “Let’s go. My treat.”
Lin Jia grinned. “Then I’ll have two servings.”
“Big ambitions,” He Ran quipped, straddling his motorcycle. Once Lin Jia settled in, he asked, “Did you bring everything?”
“All set,” Lin Jia replied, patting the large bag slung across his chest. “Spray, scare tactics, tools—all accounted for.”
He Ran nodded, revved the throttle, and the engine roared, slicing through the quiet morning air.
Lin Jia had taken on a debt collection job. The creditor wasn’t generous, offering only a two percent cut, but the amount was in the six figures—a decent sum.
He Ran and Lin Jia had been partners for two years, with He Ran acting as Lin Jia’s mentor. Lin Jia had thoroughly investigated the debtor’s situation, planning a surprise visit to the company that morning.
“I checked. The parking lot is a blind spot for surveillance cameras. At ten o’clock, the guy will come to pick up his car and head to the high-speed rail station.”
Lin Jia rechecked their equipment. He Ran picked up a metal wrench, weighing it in his hand. “It’s almost time. Put on your mask.”
The black mask covered most of their faces, leaving only their eyes visible.
After waiting for a while, the debtor emerged from the elevator.
Lin Jia tightened his grip on the iron bar. He Ran kept the wrench behind his back. “Go!”
Lin Jia rushed forward, shoving the man. “You think you’re so tough, owing money and driving such a nice car!”
The debtor immediately crouched down, clutching his head. “Ouch, don’t hit me, please!”
He Ran followed up with a stern threat, “Pay your debts, do you understand human language? Huh?”
As he spoke, he jabbed the man’s forehead with the wrench—not too hard, but enough to instill fear.
“I understand, ow, it hurts!”
“Buddy, did you know I found out about the mistress you’re keeping in Nanyang Community? Your wife doesn’t know yet, does she?” He Ran slapped the man’s face repeatedly. “You’re already fifty. Are you still capable? Save your energy and figure out when you’ll pay back the money.”
The debtor was terrified. “Please, don’t tell my family!”
“By three o’clock tomorrow afternoon, transfer the money to this account.” He Ran flicked a piece of paper toward the man’s face with two fingers. “One minute late, and this phone will automatically send a text to your wife.”
With that, He Ran stood up. Lin Jia kicked the man on the ground. “Damn deadbeat!”
The man endured, waiting for Lin Jia to lift his foot before suddenly springing up, pulling out a medium-sized retractable knife from his pocket.
“Lin Jia!” Seeing the glint of the blade, He Ran panicked and shoved Lin Jia away.
The knife grazed his hand, narrowly missing its intended target.
“Ran Ge!” Lin Jia, stunned, fell to the ground and scrambled up.
Blood dripped from He Ran’s left hand. Ignoring his wound, he kicked the debtor’s knife away.
“Damn!” Seeing the man persistently reaching for the knife again, He Ran kicked the dagger away.
Lin Jia grabbed the iron bar, preparing to swing it at the man’s head.
“You idiot! What’s wrong with you?!” He Ran broke out in a cold sweat. His own wound was bleeding profusely, but he had no time to tend to it, focusing instead on restraining Lin Jia.
Danger was common in this line of work, but losing control was what they feared most. In the heat of the moment, mistakes could easily happen.
In this gray industry, if things got out of hand and they ended up in jail, explanations wouldn’t save them.
“Lin Da Sha, grow a brain, will you?!” He Ran barked at Lin Jia.
The debtor, now desperate, threw caution to the wind and scrambled to unlock his car.
Seeing him get into the vehicle, He Ran pulled Lin Jia and turned to run.
“Run! He’s going to ram us!”
There was no time to retrieve the motorcycle. They could only run forward. The parking lot was wide open, with nowhere to hide.
As expected, the roar of the engine echoed behind them like an arrow ready to strike.
“Woo!” accompanied by the shrill screech of tires against the ground, the car sped recklessly toward them.
He Ran shouted, “Lin Jia, dodge to the right!”
Lin Jia obeyed, running to the right. The car continued straight, and He Ran, unable to stop in time, kept running forward.
“Ran Ge!” Lin Jia shouted anxiously, seeing the imminent collision!
“Fuck your uncle!” Holding his breath, He Ran’s bloody right hand reached out. With a leap, he vaulted onto the hood of a nearby Volkswagen, took two steps, and climbed onto the roof, narrowly avoiding being crushed.
Looking back, the debtor remained determined, swerving the steering wheel sharply, turning the car around, clearly intending to flee.
“Stand down!” He Ran ordered Lin Jia. Then, exasperated, he cursed.
The car, having turned around, sped toward He Ran’s motorcycle parked at the other end.
It was a new motorcycle he’d bought just two weeks ago.
“Bang! Crash!”
The car brutally ran over the motorcycle, dragging it several meters.
The debtor leaned out of the window, smugly declaring, “You’ve left me with no choice. Let’s die together! Come on! Who else wants to live?!”
With that, he arrogantly drove off.
“Ran Ge!” Lin Jia ran over. “We need to get you to the hospital! Your hand must be injured!”
“Keep it down,” He Ran frowned, his voice low. “Let’s move. If anyone comes, we’re dead.”
The two pushed the half-destroyed motorcycle, limping away from the scene.
By the time they exited the hospital, daylight had faded.
He Ran, bloodied and battered, returned to Yati Road under the cover of night.
Fearing his grandmother would faint from shock, he didn’t return home but went to Lin Jia’s place instead.
“Ran Ge, if you hadn’t pushed me, I’d be a corpse by now,” Lin Jia said guiltily, looking like a remorseful child.
“Enough with the whining. Men don’t waste words,” He Ran snapped, biting on a cigarette, clearly irritable. “Thankfully, the bone’s fine. Consider this incident closed.”
Lin Jia protested, “I’ll ask the boss for medical expenses.”
“Has soda seeped into your brain? Shake it twice more, and it’ll explode,” He Ran scolded impatiently. “Do you even understand the rules?”
Of course, he did. In the debt collection business, risks were self-managed. If something happened, the employer wouldn’t give a damn.
This was a life-risking job, relying solely on fate.
He Ran took a deep drag of his cigarette. “Damn, how long has it been since I dealt with a psycho? They go wild, and even I get scared.”
That made Lin Jia laugh, easing the tension that had built up throughout the evening.
Before finishing his cigarette, He Ran’s phone rang—a video call request on WeChat.
He Ran’s expression shifted from neutral to deep, then brightened, a smile breaking through as he bit down on his cigarette.
He stood up, accepted the call. Static crackled through the line, and the video feed lagged upon connection.
“Damn, what mountain are you in?” The lag was unreal.
Though the visuals stuttered, the audio was clear. Jian Xi held her phone, running around searching for a signal.
“Have you eaten?”
The signal improved slightly, allowing He Ran to see her face on the screen. He clicked his tongue. “Oh wow, my taste in women is impeccable. Even through this screen, your face looks so delicate and beautiful.”
Jian Xi’s eyes sparkled with delight. “What are you doing?”
“What else? Thinking about you.”
The signal weakened again, pixelating the image like it had been slashed by a blade.
Anxious, Jian Xi ran around the room searching for a better signal. This village was more remote than she imagined, and communication was practically nonexistent.
The department head happened to pass by the door, chuckling along with a few colleagues at Jian Xi’s frantic movements. “Dr. Jian, are you doing square dancing?”
Jian Xi laughed. “Exactly, performing like a monkey.”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Once the director left, He Ran joked, “Monkeys climb trees. Can you?”
Jian Xi raised her hand high in the corridor, finally getting two bars of signal.
“I’m jumping around just to video chat with you. I’m working harder than a monkey climbing a tree.”
On the other end, He Ran chuckled softly. “Silly girl, last night in bed, I didn’t see you putting in this much effort. I was the one moving behind you, and you refused to ride me, even being lazy about it.”
Fortunately, no one was in the hallway. Jian Xi felt a wave of frustration.
He Ran continued laughing. “Deeper penetration takes practice. Once you’re used to it, we can switch things up.”
Jian Xi: “…Can’t you save these comments for when you get home?”
“When I get home, talk turns into action,” He Ran laughed heartily. After enough joking around, he finally got serious. “Are you tired? What have you been busy with today?”
“Checking pregnant women in the village. It’s much better than when I came last year.”
Jian Xi recounted trivial matters, and He Ran occasionally teased her. They bantered back and forth, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
In the winter night, the village was bathed in moonlight.
Wrapped in her coat, Jian Xi stood in the chilly corridor without fear of the cold, smiling at the man on the screen like stars shimmering in a dream.
When He Ran wasn’t being lewd, he was gentle and composed, radiating a quiet strength that provided comfort and protection.
She talked animatedly, her features blending seamlessly with the moonlight.
He Ran listened quietly, watching her. Love, he realized, was like the glowing screen in her hand—steady and unwavering, a perpetual beacon shining through the night and the wind.
Concerned that she might catch a cold, He Ran said, “Jian Xi, just text me.”
Minutes after hanging up, Jian Xi sent a long voice message.
He Ran tapped to play it, discovering it was a song she sang acapella.
Her voice was beautiful—soft yet resilient, especially seductive in the quiet night.
Each word was enunciated clearly, every note deliberate. He Ran listened intently, feeling every lyric, every breath, tickling his heart.
Blame this alluring night scenery
Blame this misty night, so faint
Time drags on, I think of you
I watch the moon in a foreign land
Where are you, as dawn breaks
He Ran couldn’t help himself, replaying the song over and over. His lips curved into a smile, pure happiness written all over his face.
On the other side, Jian Xi emerged from the shower to find her screen dominated by a single message.
He Ran: “Wait for me. I’ll ravish you when I get back.”
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