Embedded Files
Psst! We're moving!
Her breath caught in the air, forgetting everything around her.
It wasn’t until the cars behind started honking incessantly that Jian Xi snapped back to reality, hurriedly adjusting her sitting posture.
“Ouch.” He Ran was jolted by the sudden acceleration, “Don’t get so excited, take it slow.”
Jian Xi didn’t say a word. Her fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles turning white.
He Ran grew somewhat uneasy at her reaction. After calming down and thinking rationally, he felt uncertain in his heart.
“It’s alright, don’t be scared. It’s just excitement from meeting your parents,” He Ran cleared his throat and said, “The conditions aren’t ripe yet, and the proposal wasn’t formal either. I’ll arrange everything properly and then bring Grandma to visit your parents.”
Jian Xi was already lost in thought, her heart trembling.
He Ran continued making plans, “Marriage is a big deal. We need to get a list of relatives from your side and see if we need to visit each household with gifts. There’s also the house; renovating it will take time. Jian Xi, do you want to…”
He turned his head and paused, “Are you feeling hot? You’re sweating on your forehead.”
Jian Xi took a deep breath, “No, not hot. It’s just the heating.”
He Ran covered her hand resting on the gearshift, feeling her tension, sensing her heartbeat, and noticing her instinctive reactions. Without words or answers, He Ran knew she was moved.
Jian Xi parked the car at the entrance of Yati Road. He Ran straightened her up, “Huh, you’ve been like a wooden puppet for the latter part of the journey. Are you happy or sad?”
Jian Xi blinked at him, no longer sweating on her forehead.
He Ran rubbed her earlobe, “Hey! Have you gone dumb?”
Jian Xi’s smile rippled like clear spring water. She suddenly hugged He Ran and quickly kissed his cheek.
He Ran frowned, “Why only one cheek? Come on, there’s another one here.”
He pointed to the other cheek, moving closer.
Jian Xi cupped his face and kissed his eyes, nose, both cheeks, and finally his lips.
He Ran squirmed as she tickled him, “Wow, are you kissing a dog?”
Jian Xi laughed out loud, “There’s no such ugly dog.”
He Ran’s expression softened, slowly capturing her lips with his own. His tongue gently licked, stirring emotions within Jian Xi. She passionately pulled his hand onto her chest.
He Ran chuckled, “You sly girl, doing this on purpose? Knowing I have to go home tonight.”
Jian Xi’s lips were flushed red as she coquettishly whispered into his ear, “You’re getting hard...”
This straightforward expression electrified He Ran. The sweetness between lovers could soar through clouds and explode into mesmerizing fireworks.
He Ran felt that dying at this moment would not be regrettable.
Jian Xi pushed him away, smiling, “Alright, alright, let’s get out of the car.”
“How am I supposed to get out when you’ve got me all worked up?” He Ran wanted to strangle her.
Jian Xi giggled secretly, sneaking glances. Ah, his crotch area looked impressively high and large.
He Ran sat in the car for five minutes with a stern face before he calmed down.
Watching his silhouette gradually disappear at the alleyway entrance, Jian Xi could no longer contain herself, “Ah ah ah!” She screamed in excitement, waving her hands and stomping her feet, shaking the car violently.
“He proposed to me! Oh my God! So happy!”
Jian Xi, like an energized lucky cat, rubbed her face ecstatically.
And he even mentioned bringing Grandma along to visit. That means he’s proposing!
Jian Xi couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The more she thought about it, the sweeter it became. She kept replaying He Ran’s words, “Let’s get married,” which made her heart bubble with joy.
So engrossed was she that when someone tapped on the car window, Jian Xi’s heart leaped to her throat.
She turned her head and nearly had a heart attack.
He Ran stood outside the car, bending over, looking at her with a bemused expression.
Jian Xi hastily rolled down the window, “What... why didn’t you say anything?”
“I’ve been standing here for two minutes. What were you thinking about?” He Ran crossed his arms, trying to suppress a laugh.
Jian Xi’s heart skipped a beat. Her insane reaction must have been fully witnessed by him.
So embarrassing.
Jian Xi asked, “Did you forget something?”
He nodded, “Yes, I did.”
“But didn’t you take the supplements? And you’re wearing your coat.” Jian Xi looked at the back seat, “What else could it be?”
He Ran: “Turn your head.”
Jian Xi murmured, “Hmm?” She tilted her neck slightly and met his gaze.
He Ran’s eyes sparkled with laughter as he reached into the car window, pressed her head back, and kissed her deeply.
Jian Xi blushed furiously and pushed him away, “You’re such a rogue.”
He Ran licked his lips, “Alright, now nothing’s forgotten. Drive carefully and send me a message when you get home.”
Jian Xi nodded, “See you tomorrow.”
He Ran didn’t start walking home until the taillights disappeared around the corner.
Grandma had been waiting anxiously by the gate since six o’clock. Seeing He Ran from afar, she quickly got up and trembled towards him.
Seeing her, He Ran immediately became annoyed and ran over, “What’s wrong with you, old woman? Sitting outside in this cold weather pretending to be a snowman?”
Grandma clicked her tongue, letting He Ran support her as they walked into the house, “I was afraid you’d say the wrong thing or mess up and get kicked out. I had to leave the door open for you.”
“What nonsense are you worrying about? Can’t you have a bit of faith in your grandson?” He Ran was dissatisfied with this kind of concern.
“How are Xiao Xi’s family? Were they nice to you? Did they give you a hard time?” Grandma had many questions, quickly answering them herself, “They should all be good people, not snobbish.”
He Ran chuckled, “So confident?”
“Just look at the girl—well-educated, cheerful. Parents of such children can’t be too bad.” Grandma spoke from experience but still worried about her grandson, “You didn’t cause any trouble, did you?”
The two entered the house, leaving the city’s snowstorm behind the door.
He Ran: “Her family is very nice. It was a pleasant meeting.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” Grandma sat by the fireplace, warming her hands, “Brat, settle down. Don’t drift off again.”
He Ran suddenly fell silent. After a long while, he raised his head, “Old lady, these past few years have been tough on you too.”
Grandma waved her hand, “What toughness is this compared to the Red Army’s Long March of twenty-five thousand li? I’m old now, every meal might be my last. As for you, every meeting might be our final one. But child, you still have a long life ahead. Don’t lose hope.”
He Ran smiled, his eyes reflecting the warm glow of the fire, casting a faint orange hue.
Grandma continued, “I know, you’ve been stuck on that hurdle from three years ago. Sigh, it breaks my heart too, but what can we do? Life is unpredictable, who knows when you’ll hit the jackpot again.”
He Ran smiled faintly, “Li Chunyao, are you still hiding lottery tickets from me?”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Grandma’s wrinkled fingers bore a worn-out gold ring, making He Ran feel increasingly melancholic.
When He Ran’s career collapsed, he was barely 26. Watching his high-rise rise and then fall in a blink of an eye, he went from being admired by thousands to struggling alone. All he had left was Grandma.
Grandma sighed deeply, “He Ran, face it, accept it, change it. These three steps of life took you three years to reach the second step. I’m afraid.”
He Ran’s voice was hoarse, “What are you afraid of?”
“Afraid I won’t live long enough to see you rise again.”
He Ran choked up, “Comrade Li Chunyao, you’re being naughty.”
Grandma went into the bedroom and soon came out holding a red plastic bag.
The bag was old, tightly wrapped in circles. When Grandma opened it, the edge of a passbook peeked out.
It was a savings book.
“I don’t have much money. Your father drained it all. Everything I have is in here, except the money for my coffin, which I can’t give you. Take it all.” Grandma shoved it into his hands.
He Ran’s fingers clutched tightly, his short nails digging into his flesh, “I don’t want it.”
Ignoring him, Grandma stuffed it into his arms.
He Ran grabbed the elderly woman’s hand with his wide palm, pressing harder and harder. His voice was restrained yet trembling, “Just stay alive for me. I want you to see what true pride is.”
Tears glistened in Grandma’s eyes, her arms shaking uncontrollably, “Good child, good child.”
After chatting for a while, He Ran took a bath and returned to his bedroom.
He mentally calculated the numbers. Over the past two years working as a debt collector, he saved 190,000 yuan. Enough for a down payment on an 80-square-meter, three-bedroom apartment. With another six months of effort, he could gather the renovation fees and plan the wedding for next year’s National Day.
This feeling was strange, finding joy amidst hardship without a trace of confusion. He Ran even wondered if his complete downfall a few years ago was merely fate’s exchange for Jian Xi.
If that were true, offering both hands willingly would still be too slow.
He Ran pinched his brow and laughed softly.
With Grandma, Jian Xi, and their future child.
“This is what a home truly is…”
________________________________________
The next day, Lu Hanxiao called He Ran back, “Brother, I was dead drunk last night. I really didn’t hear your call.”
He Ran sneered, “Keep living recklessly, and you’ll end up with kidney failure.”
“Damn, I was really drunk. Besides, even if I’m with a woman, I always answer your calls.”
“Shit, idiot.” He Ran was utterly disgusted, “Give me a location. I have something to discuss with you.”
Lu Hanxiao, unusually free of social engagements today, arranged to meet He Ran at an obscure little place for lunch.
“Don’t underestimate this place. The food is excellent.” Lu Hanxiao savored the pickled radish on his plate.
“Are you pregnant or something, always eating sour stuff?” He Ran scowled, “Your stomach will hurt again, and you’ll be whining.”
Lu Hanxiao put down his chopsticks, no longer indulging, “What was the matter last night on the phone?”
“I’m planning to buy a house.”
“Buying a house? Great. How much do you need? Give me a number.”
“The down payment is covered; renovations aren’t urgent. You’re familiar with this field. Any good developments?”
After discussing for a while, Lu Hanxiao asked, “Have you decided?”
“With such a good woman, anyone who doesn’t decide is a fool.” He Ran rested his arm on the chair back, lighting a cigarette, “By the way, I haven’t thanked you for yesterday.”
“Don’t be so hypocritical.” Lu Hanxiao snorted, “Even though I play around a lot, I’m quite selective. Once I recognize a brother, it’s a bond thicker than blood. Apart from Xiao Xi, you, He Ran, count as one.”
“If it weren’t for you yesterday, that company wouldn’t have let me off. Getting sent to the police station would’ve been troublesome.” He Ran took a drag of his cigarette, narrowing his eyes in the smoke.
“One of the vice presidents happened to be in that building handling affairs. He recognized you and informed me.” Lu Hanxiao said, “I have connections in that district. As long as it didn’t delay your meeting with the mayor, everything was fine.”
He Ran chewed on some vinegar peanuts. The phone on the table rang. It was Lin Jia.
“Hello, Brother Ran, busy?”
“Not busy. What’s up?”
“Well, I took on a job with a high reward, but I can’t handle it alone.” Lin Jia wanted He Ran to join in collecting the debt, splitting the reward equally.
Fifty thousand. He Ran weighed this figure in his mind, tempted, “Alright, I’ll call you later to discuss details.”
After hanging up, he raised his eyes, “Damn, Lu Hanxiao, are you sick? This is the fourth plate of pickled radish. Are you trying to have a baby?”
Lu Hanxiao choked on his laughter, “Shit, you scared the piss out of me.”
After eating their fill, Lu Hanxiao wiped his mouth and suddenly remembered something, “Do you know Qi He? He’s under Master Jia. Wasn’t your company entertaining him yesterday?”
He Ran’s hand froze.
Lu Hanxiao continued, “Your feud with Master Jia runs deep. You served under him for a year, rising from a low-level thug to his right-hand man, but then you crippled his son’s leg.”
“His son was high on drugs and jumped from the building in a frenzy. It had nothing to do with me.”
“But you were the only ones in the room. You’re stuck with this blame.”
Lu Hanxiao sighed, “I can openly intervene, but that guy is rotten. Be careful behind the scenes.”
At that moment, the server knocked and entered, “Sir, your takeout is ready.”
He Ran glanced at it, “Still hungry? What did you order?”
Lu Hanxiao stood up, happily carrying the paper bag, “Two plates of pickled radish.”
________________________________________
City Hospital No. 1.
Jian Xi was on outpatient duty today, restless throughout the day.
He Ran knew she was busy at work and usually wouldn’t disturb her, but Jian Xi checked her phone countless times, wondering if this man had amnesia. Last night he talked about marriage, and now there was no news.
Could he have changed his mind?
Quite possible. After all, he says anything when he’s being a rogue. Maybe it was just a joke.
The more Jian Xi thought about it, the more anxious she became, leading to wild imaginations. Women’s mental scenarios can be terrifying.
In the end, fearing the outcome of an empty promise, Jian Xi made a decision, gripping the table corner tightly.
She changed clothes after work and drove directly to Wangfujing Mall.
The bright white lights on the first floor illuminated the jewelry counters brilliantly.
Jian Xi stopped at a foreign brand counter, examining items carefully.
The saleswoman greeted warmly, “Miss, how may I assist you?”
“I’d like to look at rings.”
“Do you need a pair or a single ring?”
Jian Xi pursed her lips, saying, “For marriage.”
“Please follow me. The pairs are over here.” The saleswoman introduced professionally, “This model is adorned with round diamonds, five sets of triple stars, very fresh and classic, symbolizing a hundred years of harmony.”
Jian Xi compared two styles and eventually bought the pair symbolizing a hundred years of harmony.
“Total is twenty-three thousand. Will you be paying by card or cash?”
Jian Xi took out her wallet, “Card.”
Just after purchasing, she received a call from He Ran, saying he was at the mall entrance.
Jian Xi held the paper bag, her heart pounding like thunder, each step towards the exit feeling like walking on clouds.
The automatic doors slowly opened and closed with the flow of people. Jian Xi immediately spotted He Ran outside, hands in pockets, pacing back and forth with his back straight, occasionally glancing at the mall.
Behind him, the large fountain lit up exactly on schedule, water jets shooting upwards like misty smoke, starry illusions.
He Ran saw Jian Xi, his gaze finding its destination, his smile gradually widening.
At this moment, Jian Xi seemed to see a glimpse of their future.
“Why did you come to the mall? Anything you need to buy? Let me get it for you.” He Ran wrapped his arm around Jian Xi’s shoulders and kissed her cheek.
Jian Xi, kissed rather tightly, tightened her grip on the paper bag, counting down in her heart: “Three.”
“At noon, I had lunch with Lu Hanxiao. He kept eating pickled radishes.”
Jian Xi listened quietly, counting down: “Two.”
He Ran noticed nothing unusual and continued, “After eating, he even packed some. Is he pregnant with his love for sour things?”
Her heart burned, her hands trembled, and the ring inside the paper bag stirred restlessly.
Jian Xi took a deep breath, counting down: “One.”
“This kid is getting more and more out of control. Not only are his relationships complicated, but also...”
“He Ran,” Jian Xi called, interrupting him.
“Hmm?” He Ran turned slightly.
Jian Xi’s dark, clear eyes were pure and innocent, “I have something to give you.”
He Ran was startled, “What?”
“Extend your hand.”
“...”
“Hurry up.”
Jian Xi grew impatient. The slower he moved, the more frightened she became.
Finally, she grabbed his dangling left hand, opened his palm, and swiftly placed the ring on his middle finger.
He Ran was utterly shocked.
Once it was snug, Jian Xi smiled brightly, “From now on, you’re mine!”
She playfully extended her right hand, fingers spread, “Look, I have one too. A couple’s set.”
He Ran remained silent, his eyes like a drop of thick ink, unfathomable, deep as the sea.
Jian Xi grew anxious at his reaction, “Scared? Why aren’t you speaking? I’m proposing to you.”
Before she finished, she was pulled into He Ran’s embrace, tightly encircled.
No explanation, no expression, no extra response needed.
His heartbeat, “Thump—Thump—Thump—”
So forceful, it was the best answer.
Quietly embraced, burning with passion.
Jian Xi felt the warm sensation sliding on her neck. She turned her head and whispered softly to He Ran,
“Husband, be good, don’t cry.”
Author’s note: Everyone, don’t overthink it. This is genuinely a sweet romance story.
Chapter 35: No Pancakes Tonight
He Ran forced himself to suppress his emotions, “You woman, why do you always like to steal a man’s spotlight?”
Jian Xi felt a bit embarrassed and softly said, “I was afraid you wouldn’t keep your word.”
He Ran laughed and scolded, “Silly.” Then he looked down at the ring on his middle finger and adjusted it properly.
Jian Xi asked, “Does it look good?”
“It looks good.”
“Do you like it?”
“I like it.”
Jian Xi lowered her voice, pretending to be husky, “Are you satisfied with what you see?”
He Ran was amused by her, “I feel like I’ve been kept.”
Jian Xi raised an eyebrow, full of confidence, “Since you’ve taken my things, you must work hard for me. Tonight, let’s see your performance.”
He Ran reached out and squeezed her cheeks together, “Working hard isn’t enough; you must give it your all. Doctor Jian, don’t get too cocky.”
Jian Xi was made into a funny face, unable to escape, “One who accepts favors has short hands, one who eats another’s food has soft lips.”
He Ran pulled her towards him and whispered, “Yes, when I eat you, you are both soft and wet down there.”
Jian Xi blushed, tiptoed to whisper into his ear, “Actually, I’m quite wet now. Do you want to try?”
He Ran was driven wild by her, “If you dare, don’t cry later.”
When they returned to Jian Xi’s apartment, she hadn’t even taken out her keys when He Ran started to misbehave from behind.
“Hey, hey, hey, the door isn’t closed yet!”
He Ran pushed her against the door, and the two grinded against each other until they were drenched in sweat. Jian Xi’s back was soaked, and He Ran pressed against her, teasing her, “Your back is wet, but what about down there? Hmm?”
Jian Xi bit her lip, “Try it and find out.”
He Ran quickly removed their coverings and ground against her in circles. Jian Xi was driven crazy, her nails digging into his shoulders again and again.
He Ran endured a sweat-drenched forehead, resisting entering her, “Wait, I’ll go get a condom.”
Jian Xi hooked her legs around him, sliding down like a fish.
He Ran’s mind exploded. That night, he experienced what tightness truly meant.
When Jian Xi woke up the next morning, He Ran was gone from the bedside.
She struggled to get out of bed, her mouth sore, and her lower body swollen, as if run over by a wheelbarrow.
He Ran loved unlocking new positions, and last night he had gotten so excited that he lost himself. While brushing her teeth, Jian Xi looked at herself in the mirror, her mouth full of white foam...
That damn man had ejaculated all over her face last night.
He Ran had left early on business but bought her breakfast, leaving spring rolls, millet porridge, and a washed apple on the table.
Jian Xi sat down to eat while scrolling through her social media. After a few swipes, she stopped. He Ran had posted something at six o’clock in the morning—
[Milk is unnecessary since we drank plenty before bed last night.]
The text itself seemed fine, but only Jian Xi understood the vague innuendo.
Tao Xinglai, that little brat, liked the post and commented, [Brother He, can drinking milk every day make me taller? I want to reach 187 cm.]
He Ran replied, [Check if your sister has grown taller recently.]
Tao Xinglai sent a string of laughing emojis, [Even if she grows two centimeters, she’s still short.]
Those two men left Jian Xi feeling complicated. She coldly replied, sending Tao Xinglai a bloody kitchen knife.
After finishing breakfast, she went to change clothes. Her thighs were aching, so Jian Xi chose to wear a convenient skirt, paired with a coat and high-heeled ankle boots. Looking at herself in the mirror, she thought, standing on tiptoes, she could kiss He Ran’s mouth—how was she short?
At the hospital, the nurse informed her that the bed reserved for Lin Jia’s wife had become available, and she could check in anytime. Jian Xi helped pay the deposit and then called He Ran.
He Ran picked up quickly. Hearing her soft voice, he chuckled, “Not bad, your throat hasn’t gone out.”
Jian Xi understood immediately; this man was being lewd again.
He Ran moved aside and reminded her in a low voice, “This morning I put two throat lozenges in your bag; suck on them.”
Jian Xi’s face and heart turned red, “Are you coming tonight?”
He Ran’s voice was low, carrying a seductive magnetism, “Hmm? What for?”
There was a pause on the other end, followed by a slight breeze sound.
Jian Xi walked to an empty balcony and said, “What for... obviously, it’s for me.”
He Ran listened, fully satisfied, “Good girl, I’ll pick you up after work.”
After hanging up, he came out of the bathroom and found Lin Jia, “My wife says a bed is available. Your wife can check in by noon tomorrow.”
Lin Jia, who was keeping watch, was delighted to hear this, “Brother, thank your wife for me. By the way, can your wife deliver our baby?”
He Ran took out a cigarette box, placed one in his mouth, and bit it, “Don’t tire your wife out. Alright, keep watching.”
The reason this debt collection job paid so well was reportedly because the debtor had some societal influence and wasn’t afraid of trouble.
Lin Jia had already gathered all the preliminary information, setting the time to intercept and threaten today.
At ten o’clock, the debtor left according to the predetermined route. He Ran and Lin Jia followed silently in a beat-up minivan.
The debtor entered a securities company and came out an hour later, then drove to a hair salon.
This salon was very upscale, offering private services, so its location wasn’t in the bustling downtown but rather more secluded.
He Ran and Lin Jia decided to act at this moment.
The entire process went smoothly without being noticed, and the debtor didn’t resist much.
Lin Jia was very happy, “This guy was easy to deal with, scared out of his wits with just a few words. Now it depends on whether the boss receives the payment by this afternoon.”
He Ran smoked in silence. Things went too smoothly today. He pulled Lin Jia, “Did you find this job yourself or did someone refer it to you?”
“Someone referred it. They got the contact from a previous employer,” Lin Jia chuckled.
He Ran frowned slightly and nodded, “Be careful.”
After eating lunch at a small local restaurant, Lin Jia received a message. Excitedly, he handed over his phone, “Brother Ran! Look! The money’s been repaid!”
“The employer notified you?”
“No, the debtor said it’s been repaid.”
He Ran looked at the text message, which included a transfer receipt.
Lin Jia was overjoyed, “Great! Tomorrow I can accompany my wife to the maternity ward. I must thank your wife in person.”
He Ran grunted, handing back the phone.
They parted ways at the intersection. Lin Jia said he was going to the supermarket, and He Ran headed to Yati Road.
But before reaching home, Lin Jia called again. He Ran carelessly answered, only to hear heart-wrenching sobs, “Brother Ran! Brother Ran! Ow!”
He Ran tensed, “Lin Jia?”
“Brother Ran, something happened to me!” Lin Jia cried painfully over the phone, “The employer says the money wasn’t received, claiming I intentionally gave the wrong account number and embezzled it. I didn’t! Ow, stop hitting me, stop hitting me!”
He Ran clenched his phone tightly, “Shit!”
When he arrived at the abandoned factory, Lin Jia was already cowering on the ground, trembling.
He Ran cursed, “Damn! You’re treating people like dirt, huh!”
Around three to five thugs stood ready. At this moment, a man walked out from the side, laughing as he approached, “Still sticking up for each other after all these years.”
He Ran’s gaze fell on the man’s face. After a long moment, he coldly smiled, “Master Jia, if you wanted to lure the snake out of its hole, there was no need for such elaborate schemes. You’re a big shot; don’t make life difficult for this small neighbor.”
Master Jia laughed, deep wrinkles covering his brow, looking terrifying, “This kid broke the rules, deliberately giving the wrong account number. Who knows where he hid the money.”
He slowly approached Lin Jia, disdainfully glanced at him, then stomped on his hand lying limp on the ground.
Lin Jia screamed in pain, his face contorted in agony.
He Ran clenched his fists tightly, “Money has a specific amount, and its whereabouts can always be traced. It just takes effort. There’s really no need for this.”
Master Jia snorted, looking at him with interest, “Ah Ran, I didn’t mistreat you back then. When you decided to leave, I didn’t stop you. Since you’ve chosen the righteous path, don’t interfere with my narrow bridge. Unless you come back, we can continue being brothers.”
With that, he signaled with his eyes, and the henchmen wielding clubs surrounded Lin Jia.
He Ran remained motionless, a storm brewing in his eyes, “Master Jia, I, He Ran, don’t have the guts to eat from your plate. Know this—I won’t return, but today, I will definitely take this person away.”
He slowly bent down and picked up an iron rod from the ground.
Without enduring thousands of cuts, one cannot enter the underworld. And when withdrawing, without countless swords piercing the heart, one cannot shake off the dirt.
Just as He Ran was preparing to throw caution to the wind, Master Jia deviated from the norm, laughing refreshingly.
“So many people once broke their necks trying to climb up. I singled you out right away. You have a bandit’s air; you’re someone who can achieve great things. Fine, let’s not hurt our relationship. Even if we don’t work together, let’s not tear each other apart. Take him with you.”
He Ran didn’t feel any relief, his hand gripping the iron rod, ready to strike.
The laugh lines at the corners of Master Jia’s eyes were deep and long, resembling wriggling centipedes.
He Ran didn’t yield to the other’s cleverness. The root of his enmity with Master Jia stemmed from the latter’s son jumping out of a window while high on drugs, severing his right leg. Although surveillance cameras later proved He Ran’s innocence inside the room, hate always needs an object to latch onto.
Master Jia attributed everything to He Ran.
These past two years, they had clashed openly and covertly countless times. But today, Master Jia avoided addressing serious matters, as if he had planned everything beforehand.
He Ran’s thoughts were heavy, his perception of danger extremely sensitive.
Master Jia’s smile didn’t wane as he signaled his men to leave. Before departing, he suddenly said, “Ah Ran, I heard you’ve got a beautiful girlfriend. When you have the banquet, don’t forget about your old brother.”
With that, he swaggered away.
Cold sweat immediately sprang from He Ran’s palms, as if a stone had fallen from his crown straight into his heart.
He slightly imagined the worst-case scenario—
Terrible!
Jian Xi!
________________________________________
City Hospital No. 1.
Near the end of her shift, Jian Xi finished her tasks and took a stack of photos to the nurses’ station.
The last time Tao Xinglai brought back signed photos of young idols from the set, the nurses were obsessed. Jian Xi decided to distribute them among them.
“Doctor Jian, next time, can you ask your relative to get Chen Baobao’s autograph?”
“Ah, I like him too! I also want one!”
“And Xiao Lu Lu’s.”
Young girls were infatuated with good looks. Jian Xi noted down the names, planning to ask Tao Xinglai who these people were later.
“Alright, I’ll mention it next time. Once I get them, I’ll give them to you.”
Everyone adored Jian Xi; she was beautiful, gentle, and often brought small snacks for everyone.
“Doctor Jian, have a banana to tide you over.” A nurse kindly handed her a small banana.
Jian Xi peeled and ate it, “It’s pretty sweet.”
After saying goodbye to everyone, Jian Xi ate while heading home.
Today, there were no parking spots outside the hospital, so she parked in the underground garage. The elevator arrived at the basement level, “ding” signaling its arrival.
Her phone rang frantically from her bag. Jian Xi, chewing on the banana, answered cheerfully, “I’m off work. Have you arrived?”
He Ran’s voice was urgent and fierce, “Go back to the hospital, don’t leave through the main gate! Quickly! Go back!”
“What’s wrong?” Jian Xi was confused and soon worried, asking, “I’m still in the hospital, in the parking lot. Did something happen to you?”
“Don’t go to get the car! Go back to the office; I’ll be there in five minutes!”
This was the first time He Ran had shown such a strong side to her.
Jian Xi had already walked five or six meters away from the elevator. The parking lot was quiet and deserted at this moment.
With a pounding heart, she was just about to turn back when she was startled by someone blocking her way.
Meanwhile, He Ran raced on his motorcycle, weaving through the crowded streets like a bolt.
The roaring engine thundered like a lightning strike. Passing drivers couldn’t help but curse, “Damn! Don’t you value your life?!”
The phone was still held to her ear. Jian Xi’s voice burst through from inside—
“Ah!” followed by the dull thud of the phone dropping, a flurry of static crackling before silence.
He Ran immediately flared up, his scalp tingling.
After being pushed heavily to the ground, punches and kicks rained down on Jian Xi.
Among the attackers were both men and women. The delinquent girls were particularly arrogant, viciously kicking Jian Xi’s back, “So rich, dressed so beautifully. We hate pretentious women like you!”
While the girls attacked, the men stood by jeering, “You’re just jealous, haha.”
The purple-haired delinquent was provoked to kick harder. Jian Xi gasped sharply as the girl firmly stomped on her tailbone, sharp pain spreading instantly, making her feel numb below the waist.
“What kind of boyfriend do you have, associating with thugs! We just can’t stand people like you!”
They shouted and cursed, their mouths full of obscenities. Jian Xi desperately covered her head with her hands, panting heavily to withstand the barrage of kicks.
Several times, Jian Xi tried to stand up but was kicked down again. Several pairs of shoes mercilessly stomped on her legs.
Jian Xi’s body couldn’t bear it. Having been raised delicately with fair skin, how could she endure such torment?
Pain and fear overwhelmed her, tears mixed with dust falling from her eyes to the tip of her nose, then sliding into her mouth.
Someone stepped on her wrist, and Jian Xi couldn’t pull her hand free. Despair and fear shattered her completely. She repeatedly called out He Ran’s name.
The beating lasted three to four minutes before the group finally left grudgingly.
Jian Xi collapsed on the ground, blood flowing from somewhere, soaking her left sleeve entirely red.
In the blind spot of the video surveillance, He Ran finally found Jian Xi, who looked like a bloody mess.
His whole body turned cold. All the anxiety and worry culminated in this moment of seeing the reality, turning into a mixture of difficulty and despair.
He Ran lifted her up, his eyes filled with bloodshot veins.
The person in his arms regained consciousness, struggling to open her eyes, whimpering in pain, “...Husband... it hurts so much...”
He Ran snapped out of his despair, unable to utter a single word. Compared to her suffering, any words would be superfluous.
His eyes blood-red, he roared and vented, “Shit! Shit! Shit!”
Jian Xi was rushed into the emergency room, and He Ran was stopped outside, unable to enter, helplessly watching the working light above the wall illuminate.
When Tao Xihong and Tao Xinglai arrived, Jian Xi had just completed a full-body examination and was sent to the observation room.
He Ran approached, just beginning to speak, “Auntie.”
Tao Xihong had already learned the situation over the phone. Her eyes were sharp, and she angrily questioned, “She’s a surgeon! Do you know what those hands mean to her?!”
He Ran was dispirited, speechless.
“Mr. He, you and Jian Xi are not suited to be together.” Tao Xihong’s anguish over her daughter destroyed any goodwill she had painstakingly built towards He Ran.
Her bottom line was stretched to the extreme, “As a mother, I beg you, leave her!”
Tao Xinglai hurriedly pulled her back, “Hey, hey, hey! Mom! Let’s go see Sister first.”
Tao Xihong shook off her son’s hand, advancing on He Ran, raising her voice harshly, “If you can’t even ensure your lover’s personal safety, Mr. He, what grounds do you have to promise her a future?!”
This blunt and cutting declaration almost instantly shattered He Ran’s bravado.
Watching Tao Xihong’s sharp and decisive figure rush toward the ward, Tao Xinglai followed behind, not daring to utter a word.
He Ran stood in the brightly lit corridor, clenching his fists, his eyes reddened.
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