A night of passion, thoroughly exhilarating.

Jian Xi starts work at eight o’clock. Today, she was five minutes late. On the way to the hospital, she scolded He Ran fiercely.

“Can you be a little gentler? Do you have to exhaust me so much that I can’t get out of bed to make you happy?”

“You’re on the ground now, aren’t you?”

“...”

Jian Xi was utterly speechless. “Can’t you be a bit more gentle?”

“I wanted to be gentle,” He Ran laughed. “But who was it last night who cried and begged for more? Forgot already? Let me remind you.”

He Ran really did mimic a woman’s voice, “Wu wu, faster, yes, right there.”

Jian Xi: “...”

“You ungrateful little thing. If you dare to ignore me again next time, I’ll record it.” He Ran’s words were both a warning and a tease.

Jian Xi’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re such a pervert.”

“Did you feel uncomfortable last night?” Just then, they hit a red light, and the car slowed to a stop. He Ran turned his head with a teasing smile.

Jian Xi pretended to be dumbfounded by remaining silent.

“Really uncomfortable?” He Ran’s brows furrowed slightly. “That can’t be right. Yesterday, I noticed some swelling and applied medicine for you.”

Jian Xi choked on her saliva and started coughing, involuntarily squeezing her legs together.

He Ran raised an eyebrow mischievously. “Once you’ve lit the fire, don’t think about running away.”

Jian Xi pinched the bridge of her nose. The first thing she planned to do when she got home was throw away those adult toys she had bought online.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Jian Xi unbuckled her seatbelt and asked, “Are you really coming to work with me?”

He Ran nodded. “Yes, I’ll wait outside while you work. I’ll join you for lunch.”

Jian Xi: “Alright, call me if you need anything.”

“Go ahead, I’ll park the car for you.”

Today, Jian Xi was in the inpatient department. She changed into her white coat, tied her hair into a ponytail, and switched to flat shoes for work. She looked neat and slender.

The obstetrics department was bustling with people. Women who gave birth naturally could leave after two days, while others came in with dilated cervixes ready to deliver. Although Jian Xi wasn’t scheduled for surgery, she was still as busy as a spinning top.

He Ran watched from the entrance for a while. He observed her answering families’ questions kindly and patiently teaching interns. Even when dealing with difficult patients, she managed to handle them gently yet firmly.

Perhaps due to her profession, Jian Xi exuded a peculiar resilience.

He Ran became somewhat entranced.

A husband waiting for his wife to be admitted approached him for a chat. “When is your wife due? Have you secured a bed yet? This hospital is particularly crowded.”

He Ran smiled. “My wife isn’t having a baby yet.”

“Coming in for observation before the due date? For bed rest?”

“Nope, look over there. The prettiest one is my wife.” He Ran pointed to Jian Xi, who was busy in the office, his tone full of pride. “Whether you have a boy or girl, she will be the one delivering your baby.”

The family member looked and admired, “You’re truly blessed to have a doctor in the family. So convenient.”

He Ran thought to himself, indeed, all his life’s blessings depended on her.

After ten o’clock, Jian Xi finally had a moment to sit down in the office and write up some medical records.

Occasionally, someone would come in with questions, interrupting her, but she showed no signs of impatience.

Quietly, He Ran walked in, dispersed the crowd around her, and casually placed a few White Rabbit candies on the table under everyone’s watchful eyes.

Before Jian Xi could even glance at him more than a few times, He Ran left.

Soon, a text message popped up on her phone.

[I saw you talking for a long time. Eat some candy to soothe your throat.]

Jian Xi smiled at the screen, too busy to dwell on it, and continued working.

He Ran waited outside for a while. He realized that with this pace, Jian Xi definitely wouldn’t have time to go out for lunch. So he went out and ordered takeout for her, repeatedly instructing them to use less chili and more green onions—Jian Xi’s preferred taste—and have it delivered by noon.

He Ran sent another text to Jian Xi, saying he would visit Lu Hanxiao at noon and return to pick her up after work.

Twenty minutes later, Jian Xi replied: [I thought I’d see the ‘Wang Qi Stone’ again, but you chickened out.]

This woman was still teasing him about their breakup.

He Ran chuckled and replied: [I ordered takeout for you. Consider it a token of love. When we get home tonight, I’ll give you a sausage.]

On the surface, this message seemed harmless, but Jian Xi couldn’t help blushing.

Thinking back to last night, He Ran had shoved something into her mouth and fondled the two sensitive spots on her chest, making her heart race and her head bump against the wooden headboard.

Jian Xi pinched the bridge of her nose, annoyed. Even now, her lips still felt sore.

After leaving the hospital, He Ran called Lu Hanxiao to invite him for a meal.

“Go to hell, have you ever seen anyone treat guests to boxed meals?” Lu Hanxiao raged. “And ten-yuan boxes at that. You didn’t even let me order the fifteen-yuan ones.”

Hearing this irritated He Ran, who quickly added a piece of meat to Lu Hanxiao’s box. “Eat, eat.”

“Eat your sister.”

“I don’t have a sister.” He Ran calmly responded, “I ate your sister.”

“...” Furious, Lu Hanxiao held his boxed meal, sitting awkwardly in the dirty small restaurant. “If you had said earlier, I wouldn’t have forgotten my wallet in the office thinking it was your wedding banquet.”

He Ran: “Understandable, after all, I am different from you.”

“How are you different? Are you poorer than me?”

“I have a wife.” He Ran said.

Lu Hanxiao’s spirit was once again crushed. “If you show off your love in front of me one more time, I’ll remove the wheels of your motorcycle.”

He Ran: “I didn’t ride today. Maybe next time. Try this vegetable; it’s quite tender and helps cool the heat.”

“Seriously, why did you call me?” Lu Hanxiao stopped joking and asked seriously.

“I remember you also have business in the coastal areas. Help me inquire about something.” He Ran shoveled food into his mouth, chopsticks never stopping.

Lu Hanxiao looked at him. “What? Thinking of expanding there?”

“Not decided yet, but there are a few targets.”

“Your father did well there a couple of years ago. I heard he opened two or three companies.”

He Ran remained emotionless and calm. “I don’t plan to fight for the family inheritance. My mother divorced him early, and these years have nothing to do with me. If it’s convenient, please inquire for me.”

“No problem, which aspects? Send me a document later.”

Lu Hanxiao was still quite moved. “You’ve never thought about reclaiming what’s yours? Your company was once aiming for an IPO, all sabotaged by that bitch. Look at what your despicable cousin has done to the company, ruining a good hand completely. I heard he scammed several suppliers, and the capital chain was broken long ago.”

He Ran listened quietly, showing no emotional fluctuations, like listening to a story.

Lu Hanxiao couldn’t fathom his thoughts and probed, “Is it because of that woman surnamed Yao?”

He Ran’s chopsticks paused mid-air, a slice of ginger hanging on the tip.

Lu Hanxiao, being observant, continued, “So, women can be good or bad. Yao Yizhi conspired with your treacherous cousin to frame you. In the annals of cheapness, she ranks number one. Similarly, look at Xiao Xi.”

“Don’t you dare compare Jian Xi with others.” He Ran suddenly spoke, his eyes sharp.

“Yes, they can’t be compared.” Lu Hanxiao sighed. “Buddy, your life story could be a novel.”

“Fuck off.” He Ran lowered his head and continued eating his boxed meal.

“Are you buying a house? Tell me if you see any property you like, and I’ll find someone to get you an internal discount.” Lu Hanxiao said, “If you’re short on cash, just send me your card number, and I’ll transfer the amount.”

He Ran: “Money is tight, but enough to cover the down payment. Renovations can wait.”

“What about your wedding with Xiao Xi?”

“She said no ceremony, just a trip.”

“Huh! What a great idea! A virtuous wife!” Lu Hanxiao praised his sister, “But speaking of which, her parents won’t let you suffer either.”

He Ran grunted affirmatively. “I gave eight thousand yuan as betrothal money, and they directly returned a bank card.”

“How much is in it?”

“I didn’t check or ask.” He Ran said, “It’s a Bank of Communications card, champagne-colored, looks pretty expensive.”

Lu Hanxiao immediately understood. “That’s a super VIP card, starting with a million yuan deposit.”

He Ran wasn’t surprised. “I won’t touch this money.”

“Very manly.” Lu Hanxiao teased.

He Ran shot him a glance. “Idiot.”

Regardless of whether the money belonged to Tao Xihong or Jian Yanqing, it was all related to the Jian family.

Jian Yanqing now holds a high position and has a strong foundation. But things can change unexpectedly. Such a large transaction could always become a handle for others to grasp.

He Ran didn’t intend to share these thoughts with anyone. He poked at his food with his chopsticks and only explained, “We have enough money; there’s no need to complicate things.”

Lu Hanxiao immediately cupped his face, pretending to be a flower. “Wow, buddy, the way you say these things is so masculine. Are you doing this on purpose to make me fall for you? Let me clarify, I’m not into guys.”

He Ran coldly said, “Lu Idiot.”

After the twenty-yuan boxed meal feast, Lu Hanxiao drove his flashy Range Rover to drop He Ran off.

As he got out of the car, he said, “By the way, tell me when Xiao Xi has a day off, and I’ll treat you both to dinner.”

He Ran raised his hand to acknowledge. “Thanks for helping with the information.”

“No problem, just please don’t make me eat ten-yuan boxed meals anymore.” Lu Hanxiao’s expression was pained. “Next time, can we upgrade to fifteen-yuan ones, buddy?”

He Ran laughed. “I’m supporting a family; please understand.”

After chatting for a while, Lu Hanxiao drove off.

Watching the taillights disappear around the corner, He Ran’s emotions finally stirred.

Lu Hanxiao was a clever guy, hitting the nail on the head with every remark. His past career and past relationships crumbled like a collapsing skyscraper, each person adding bricks and mortar, burying him in anguish.

Who says time is the best healer? The real healing comes only from oneself.

He Ran’s intelligent heart had been thoroughly wounded once.

Jian Xi healed his future, and he was willing to bury the past.

Enough, one must always look forward.

He Ran took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. His view was filled with lush wutong tree leaves, dense yet unable to block the sunlight from seeping through.

Dots of light clung to He Ran, making his gaze shine brightly.

________________________________________

Half an hour before Jian Xi finished work, He Ran waited in the corridor.

While explaining medication precautions to a patient’s family, Jian Xi glanced up and caught sight of He Ran outside the door.

Her eyes and lips curved softly.

He Ran’s face was warm, his fingers pressed to his lips. “Shh.” He gestured for her to keep working.

After a while, Jian Xi packed up her things, wings seemingly attached to her feet, and suddenly hugged He Ran from behind, startling him. “Hey!”

He Ran covered his heart dramatically. “Damn, don’t molest me! My wife is much prettier!”

Jian Xi: “Oh, sorry, mistaken identity.”

She feigned indifference and pretended to walk away.

He Ran grabbed her wrist. “Hugged and thought of running? No way, come here!”

Jian Xi stifled a laugh. “What?”

He Ran: “I need to hug back.”

With that, he slightly bent down, lifted Jian Xi off the ground, and spun her around two or three times.

Jian Xi giggled and clutched his neck tightly. “You’re such a rogue.”

“I’m a rogue by nature.” He Ran cheekily kissed her cheek. “We’ve already registered our marriage certificate; don’t think about starting trouble and ending it.”

Jian Xi shook her head.

He Ran glared playfully. “Oh, you disagree?”

Jian Xi puckered her lips lightly. “Shaking my head means I haven’t had enough kisses.”

He Ran was delighted and comforted. Between lovers, a single word can instantly create a climax.

After some playful banter, Jian Xi’s phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Tao Xinglai.

“Hello, what’s up?”

“You can’t call unless you have something to say? Sister, you’re a married woman now; being too cold isn’t what your husband likes.”

Jian Xi held something in her hand, so she put the call on speakerphone. He Ran heard and leaned closer to the screen, saying solemnly, “I’m very satisfied.”

Tao Xinglai exclaimed, “I refuse to talk to anyone handsomer than me, especially a big hunk.”

Jian Xi laughed. “Seriously, what do you want?”

Tao Xinglai: “Nothing really, just missed you.”

“Heavens, please don’t miss me.” Jian Xi said, “Last time you said you missed me, you borrowed my car and got four traffic violations. And the time before, you also said you missed me, and I ended up losing my wallet.”

Tao Xinglai felt hurt. “I don’t want to talk to a married woman.”

“That’s perfect! I’ll hang up.” Jian Xi tried not to laugh.

“Hang up if you want, anyway, you’ll see me soon.” Tao Xinglai calmly said, “I’m at your doorstep, coming over for dinner.”

Jian Xi moved the phone away slightly and whispered to He Ran, “Brother is coming for dinner.”

He Ran gave an OK gesture. “I’ll make him braised pig’s trotters.”

Twenty minutes later, the three met.

Tao Xinglai hadn’t touched a dish in his life. The kitchen was like a high-tech research lab to him. Not only did he not help, but he was also incredibly chatty.

“Sis, do you have any more of those beans?”

“No.”

“Sis, did you just buy these lilies? They smell so nice.”

“They’re fake flowers.”

“Sis, my throat feels a bit itchy.”

“Spray some floral water, and it won’t itch. There’s Liushen in the cabinet.”

Tao Xinglai snorted. “You don’t love me at all.” He darted into the kitchen and circled around He Ran. “Wow! These braised pig’s trotters look amazing! Brother-in-law, are you a foot fetishist? You make pig’s trotters this well.”

He Ran couldn’t figure out the logic behind this. He nearly burst out laughing. “I’m not a foot fetishist; I’m obsessed with your sister.”

“No way, I need to post this on my social media.” Tao Xinglai pulled out his phone, snapped a few pictures, and selected a few to upload.

He happily reported, “Brother-in-law, the likes have exceeded three. Hmm? Lu Ge’s comment doesn’t sound very nice.”

Jian Xi was peeling garlic and casually asked, “What did he say?”

Lu Hanxiao:

Turn around, and you’re making braised pig’s trotters for someone else. Am I only worth a ten-yuan boxed meal in your heart?

[Burnt Burnt, you’re quite asking for it~]