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After He Ran finished speaking, he drifted back to sleep almost immediately.
Jian Xi picked up his medical records and went out to ask the on-duty doctor about the situation. After requesting extra care, she had to rush back to her department.
“Just rest assured. Your man is my man. With me taking care of him, I’ll ensure his well-being,” Lu Hanxiao reassured Jian Xi with a light tone, “Go ahead to work.”
Once she left, Lu Hanxiao returned to He Ran’s side, sitting on a wooden stool with one leg crossed over the other.
“Alright, wake up.”
A few seconds later, the man on the hospital bed opened his eyes, his chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath.
Lu Hanxiao said, “You must have had at least a jin and a half tonight to end up like this. Why didn’t you come to me if you wanted to find a job?”
He Ran turned his head to look at him, his face pale, his eyes as dark as ink. “Even if you introduced me to your connections, people would only be doing it for your sake. Those are temporary. Besides, the paths you tread are too wild. I don’t want to go down that route.”
“That makes me want to rely on you.” Lu Hanxiao felt a bit hurt. “You can look down on me, but you absolutely cannot look down on my money.”
He Ran slowly turned his head, his eyes gazing at the ceiling. “You’re different from me. No matter how much you mess around, you have a safety net behind you. But I don’t have that confidence. If something happens to me, even if you could cover for me, it would go through two or three layers of favors, making it difficult for you.”
He took a deep breath and calmly said, “Buddy, with Jian Xi in my life, I can’t afford to lose anymore.”
Lu Hanxiao fell silent.
In the emergency observation room, only the IV fluid was dripping steadily.
“Alright, you have someone who loves you, so you’re right. I’ll just sit here feeling jealous,” Lu Hanxiao brushed away imaginary dust from his knees with a faint sigh. “What kind of lousy company did you find? Let me check it out for you later.”
He Ran didn’t respond to this topic and simply said, “You should go back.”
“I’m not leaving. I need to help you change the IV bag.”
“No need, I can press the call bell myself.”
Lu Hanxiao immediately moved the call button away from the bedside. “You can’t reach it.”
He Ran: “...”
“Give me a chance to take care of you. I ignored Xiao Li, A Jiao, and Rose to keep you company. How can you chase me away? Don’t be shy. Besides money, what I have most is loyalty.” Lu Hanxiao was quite talkative, going on endlessly.
He Ran’s temples throbbed painfully. “If I don’t die from drinking, getting killed by your noise would be such a loss.”
After finishing six bottles of IV fluid, it was nearly 2 AM.
He Ran had slept for a while and finally felt better. Lu Hanxiao sat there playing games when he saw He Ran awake. “I checked upstairs. Jian Xi is still in the delivery room assisting with childbirth. She probably won’t be out until dawn. Are you really going back? Won’t you stay in the hospital for a couple of days?”
He Ran sat up. “I’m fine, I can handle it. Call the doctor.”
After being sent back to Yati Road by Lu Hanxiao, He Ran quietly opened the door, fearing waking up his sleeping grandmother.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he pushed the door open, he got a shock. “Hey! What are you doing sitting in the living room late at night meditating?”
The fatigue on his grandmother’s face instantly disappeared, and she stood up full of energy. “You little brat, you didn’t come home on time on your first day of work. I thought you were involved in pyramid schemes.”
He Ran entered the house to change his shoes, closing the door with a smile. “Spend more time dancing in the square and stop thinking nonsense.”
“I’m too lazy to think about those things. Come over and warm yourself by the fire. There are still some sweet rice balls in the pot. Let me heat them up for you.” The grandmother, wrapped in a large cotton coat, went to the kitchen.
Looking at her back, He Ran chuckled softly, cursing affectionately, “The older you get, the more nagging you become. Taking care of others all your life without getting tired.”
“How’s work? Did you meet the boss? You must control your temper and not fight, do you hear me?”
He Ran took the steaming late-night snack and listened to the old lady’s long lecture.
He took a big sip and said loudly, “I’m an assistant at an electric vehicle company. It’s good, so don’t worry.”
“That’s great!” The grandmother nodded repeatedly. “Being an assistant is good, proper work, promising future.”
He Ran lowered his head, lightly tapping his spoon against the bowl. He asked, “Is this considered promising?”
“Of course!” The grandmother exclaimed with a high voice, dragging out her proud tone. “The work you used to do wasn’t good at all. Don’t think I’m old and clueless. What’s the use of quick money if you fall into trouble? It’s hard to get out once you’re in.”
He Ran remained silent, only uttering a word with a nasal tone: “Mm!”
“After eating, go take a bath. I’ll make you a cup of honey water to sober you up. Life outside isn’t easy, not easy at all.” The grandmother pointed to a pile of clean clothes on the sofa. “I’ve already placed them there for you.”
Only a small lamp was lit in the living room, its dim yellow light just enough to illuminate the old dining table.
He Ran’s body was bathed in this soft glow, and with difficulty, he lowered his head.
________________________________________
At seven o’clock the next morning, He Ran changed out of yesterday’s suit and put on a short jacket to report to the company.
The company name was quite quirky, called Thousand-Mile Horse Electric Vehicles, located on the city’s third ring road, a relatively convenient location. He Ran took a subway transfer and arrived early, waiting at the HR department.
This company wasn’t large; they rented an entire floor as their office space. The HR manager was a woman in her thirties named Sister Xiao. She greeted He Ran warmly.
“This is your ID badge, access card. As an assistant, you’ll receive a hundred yuan phone allowance per month. The probation period is three months, after which you can start receiving a regular salary.”
He Ran nodded in thanks, neither humble nor arrogant, showing no sign of flattery or fear.
Calmness and tranquility can enhance a man’s demeanor. Combined with He Ran’s handsome appearance—broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs—he made a striking figure wherever he went.
Soon, the news of a handsome newcomer became a hot topic among the female employees.
Last night’s Director Wang drank too much and hadn’t shown up at the company all day, leaving He Ran free to leave on time.
As he walked out of the company gate, he called Jian Xi, “Where are you?”
Jian Xi answered quickly, her voice tinged with laughter, “Turn around!”
He Ran turned around and saw Jian Xi in a white wool coat waving at him from across the street.
As soon as the green light came on, He Ran couldn’t wait to run ahead.
Seeing him rushing towards her, Jian Xi extended her hand, “Ran Ge, I want a hug!”
He Ran’s heart melted. Rushing over, he lifted her off the ground and spun her halfway around, “What did you call me? Hmm?”
Jian Xi giggled uncontrollably, “He Ran, Old He, Ran Ge, Ran Ran, Big Brother He.”
“Very bold, Dr. Jian.” Pretending to be fierce, He Ran pinched her butt.
Jian Xi, both pained and amused, quickly corrected herself, whispering softly in his ear, “It hurts so much, hubby...”
He Ran’s ears exploded, electricity surging through his whole body, hearing Jian Xi murmur again, “A hug isn’t enough, I also want a kiss.”
Her slightly puckered lips formed a beautiful circle, waiting for He Ran to fill.
With a slight bow, it was a world of tenderness.
“Mmm... don’t suck my tongue.”
He Ran’s tongue went numb from her suction, “Damn, passionate desert, baby.”
Jian Xi held his face, smiling with squinted eyes, “Reward for your first day at work.” Then she tiptoed and whispered, “Tonight, let’s stay at my place, okay?”
He Ran teased her, “What will you use to keep me?”
Jian Xi lowered her gaze and drifted past him to the driver’s seat, lightly tossing out, “Whatever you want, it’s all good.”
Realizing belatedly, He Ran laughed and scolded, “Little vixen.”
After getting in the car, Jian Xi said, “I bought a lot of groceries. Let’s cook dinner at home.”
He Ran glanced at the backseat, seeing several large plastic bags filled with ingredients and a bottle of red wine.
“You’re cooking?”
“Sure, but I don’t know complex dishes. Some simple home-style stir-fries, don’t despise them.” Just as the traffic light turned red, Jian Xi pulled the handbrake and took a bottle of milk from the storage compartment.
“What’s this for?” He Ran took it, seeing it was QQ Star children’s milk.
Jian Xi turned to look at him and smiled, “Wishing you robust growth from now on!”
He Ran wanted to kiss her to death, reaching out to pinch her face, “Alright, alright. Work hard during the day, serve you diligently at night, to repay your milk kindness.”
Jian Xi laughed and cried at the same time, “Then I hit the jackpot.”
He Ran poked the straw into the milk and handed it to her lips, “Open up.”
Jian Xi sucked on the straw, making slurping noises.
When the green light came on, He Ran retracted his hand and drank the remaining half can of milk, exclaiming, “My wife’s milk is the best!”
Before Jian Xi could flare up,
He Ran quickly corrected himself mischievously, “My milk tastes sweeter after being drunk by my wife!”
Hearing no problem with this statement, Jian Xi recalled the image of He Ran sucking the milk and suddenly felt a wave of heat, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Back at the apartment, before going out to pick him up after work, Jian Xi had already prepared the onions, ginger, and garlic. Upon entering, she rushed to the kitchen.
He Ran blocked her at the doorway, clinging to her like a spoiled child, refusing to let her go. “I’m not hungry, feed this first.”
Jian Xi turned her head to dodge his kiss, “You’re being a pervert again.”
He Ran slipped his hand under her shirt, his breathing slightly heavy, “Who’s the pervert? I don’t fool around with anyone else, only my wife.”
Just as they were inseparable, the mobile phone rang inappropriately.
“Shit.” He Ran cursed under his breath, pulling it out to see it was Director Wang from the company.
He released Jian Xi and walked aside to answer. Director Wang got straight to the point, “Little He, come to Baoshan Restaurant. We’re hosting a welcome for Director Xu. Take a taxi, you must arrive within half an hour. Get an invoice and reimburse it from finance later.”
He Ran looked at Jian Xi, his face showing difficulty.
“It’s okay, go ahead.” Jian Xi smiled easily, walking over to squeeze his hand, “If we can’t have dinner, save it for a late-night snack when you come back.”
He Ran nodded, his eyes apologetic.
Jian Xi didn’t delay, putting on her coat and shoes, “It’s hard to catch a taxi at this hour. Where is it? I’ll drive you there. No objections, no guilt, and don’t feel sorry for me.”
She squatted on the ground, her hair falling along her cheek to her knee, “I’m your dedicated driver. Even if I go out driving for Didi, I’ll only take orders from Big Brother He.”
Thus, under Jian Xi’s watchful eye, He Ran stepped into the brightly lit entrance of the restaurant.
He stopped at the entrance and turned back. Through the bustling crowd, Jian Xi had rolled down the car window and hadn’t left yet. Catching his glance, her eyes brightened instantly, waving to signal him not to linger.
Soon, Jian Xi received a WeChat message.
[Drive slowly, wait for your husband to come home, be good.]
________________________________________
Director Wang was in charge of the company’s sales, but he wasn’t a very reliable character. This was He Ran’s second meal with him, and he already saw his lack of reliability: sycophantic, losing all class, and displaying too many vulgar faces.
Today’s client was reportedly influential, holding the power to decide the fate of millions in orders. Director Wang practically treated the other party as a bench, urging everyone from his own company to toast.
He Ran played the role of a humble person, obliging every request, “I’ve heard a lot about you in the industry. Today is truly delightful, the aroma of food and wine, true friends, cheers!”
His words were pleasing to the ear, and when the occasion arose, his innate heroic and chivalrous nature shone through.
The client was pleased, smiling broadly at Director Wang, “You’ve found a good assistant, excellent judgment!”
Director Wang was quite proud, “Indeed, out of hundreds of resumes, I liked him at first sight.”
After the banquet ended, Director Wang led everyone to a prearranged private room upstairs, “All new girls, those long legs, wrapping around the waist will surely make you comfortable.”
The client, flushed from alcohol, understood and smiled knowingly.
Director Wang patted He Ran’s shoulder again, “Good performance, pick one. Don’t choose the prettiest one; leave her for the client.”
This sort of thing, He Ran had seen too much. He politely declined, “Boss, you enjoy yourselves. I’ll smoke a cigarette at the door. Call me if anything happens.”
“Hey? That won’t do!” Hearing this, the drunken client was dissatisfied, pointing a finger at He Ran’s face, “You must join in. Mr. Wang, whether our business succeeds depends on mutual efforts.”
The meaning was too obvious. Director Wang quickly signaled He Ran, “Did you hear that? Hurry up, don’t ruin it.”
They were in the lobby, and the commotion wasn’t small, with people passing by everywhere. He Ran inadvertently looked up, seeing a familiar back stepping into the elevator.
No time to think more, the hostess brought over six or seven ladies, all heavily made-up.
The girl assigned to He Ran was ecstatic inside, willing to throw herself at that handsome face.
The client had peculiar tastes, hugging two women and entering the room.
Director Wang pushed He Ran inside, “Don’t upset the client. This is part of the company’s duties. Stop dilly-dallying! Go in!”
Not wanting to cause trouble, He Ran complied and entered the room.
As soon as he entered, the girl tried to unbuckle his belt but was frightened by He Ran’s glare. The five emotionless words were their only exchange for the night.
“Stay away from me!”
An hour later, the client finished. He Ran had reached the top rank in the regional Dou Di Zhu game.
“In the future, such banquets are inevitable. Many people want to come, but I don’t bring them.” Director Wang patted He Ran’s shoulder, boasting, “Little He, you have to work hard, contribute more to the company, and a bright future awaits you!”
“Yes, yes, yes.” He Ran nodded eagerly, helping them open the car doors and reminding with a smile, “Boss, get in.”
“Where do you live? Maybe squeeze in, I’ll drop you off.” Director Wang’s tone was fake, occupying the rear seat but not moving his body.
He Ran remained calm and composed, “I dare not trouble the boss. I can go back by myself.” Then he greeted the driver, “Brother, drive slowly and ensure Director Wang arrives safely.”
After the feast dispersed, He Ran shed his versatile mask, lowering his head to grind the pebbles on the ground with his shoe sole.
After a brief moment of confusion, he didn’t linger and prepared to hail a taxi home.
Just a few steps forward, he saw a car using its headlights to flash him a few meters away.
He Ran shielded his eyes with his hand, “Damn, you want to ascend to heaven!”
Just as he was about to get angry, the car honked. The sound seemed familiar, and He Ran froze, looking up incredulously.
The headlights stopped flashing, and the white car approached gently like a soft breeze.
Jian Xi got out of the car, rubbing her tired eyes, “Didi Chuxing, Big Brother He, please support my business.”
He Ran nearly stumbled, “You, you how, how did you...”
Interrupting his stuttering, Jian Xi said, “I came to pick you up from work. You definitely had to drink, I was worried about you, I couldn’t stay at home.”
The winter night wind was chilly, blowing in waves, and He Ran’s eyes welled up.
Jian Xi tilted her head and smiled at him, opening her arms wide in place, “Come give your wife a hug.”
He Ran ran over, taking the biggest strides, using all his strength to envelop her in his embrace.
Even though she was squeezed so tight she couldn’t breathe, Jian Xi felt extremely happy.
She whispered softly, “Were you about to cry just now?”
He Ran didn’t say a word.
Jian Xi tried to lift her head but was pressed down by his hand on the back of her head. He said in a low voice, “Don’t move.”
Jian Xi obediently whispered, “You’re a man. When you want to cry, there’s only one place you can go.”
He Ran suppressed his emotions and asked with a smile, “Where?”
Neon lights illuminated the simplicity and joy of this world, the wind carrying her voice far and long.
Jian Xi patted He Ran’s shoulder and said, “Into my arms.”
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