Luosang recalled that her brother was only starting school after the Lantern Festival. As Nian Xi was going to be in the hospital for a week, she would probably have to stay there to take care of her. She was glad that there was someone to take care of Little Apple while she was away, although she was curious to find out what happened at his girlfriend’s house.
During dinner, Nian Junting called her, “I’m going to the police station before coming over later.”
“Alright,” Luosang said as she had her dinner.
“Are you eating?” Nian Junting asked as he could hear the sound of her chewing.
Luosang looked over at Jiang Yuning who was spoon-feeding Nian Xi. He was so meticulous and sweet—a spoonful of rice followed by a spoonful of toppings. He was even more patient than she was with Little Apple.
She sighed and said, “Nope, I’m full from looking at the public display of affection right here.”
Nian Junting took a moment to get what she was saying. “I thought we were the masters at public displays of affection?”
“Yeah, well someone else is one-upping us today.”
Nian Junting paused before saying, “Are you saying that you miss me? Do you want some hugs or kisses?”
Luosang kept quiet.
Why did he twist her words again?
“Behave yourself. I’ll be there soon after I go to the police station. Muah,” Nian Junting said quickly.
He hung up immediately and Luosang nearly choked on her food.
Some time had passed since then.
At seven o’clock, Feng Jichuan, Zhan Hong, and Cheng Jing went over to visit Nian Xi.
The three of them brought along a bunch of tonics and fruits. Feng Jichuan was carrying a bouquet of tulips in his hands as well. “The hospital ward reeks of disinfectant and chemicals. I thought flowers would help clear the air a little. Maybe it’ll make you feel better and more comfortable too.”
“Thank you…” Nian Xi said. She looked at him with gratitude as she laid on her bed.
She knew about everything he had done for her the night before. He was even more mature and sweet to her after they broke up.
But they were now a thing of the past.
Jiang Yuning was standing on the side as he frowned anxiously. He didn’t know what else to do so he continued reading from his phone, “The night was dark and the moon hung high. It was the perfect opportunity to kill someone, with the wind blowing in the night sky…”
Everyone looked at him strangely. Cheng Jing asked, “Professor Jiang, what are you doing?”
“I’m reading ‘Battle Of the Heavens’ to Nian Xi,” Jiang Yuning replied, looking innocent.
“Oh my goodness, that’s a really long book, isn’t it?” Zhan Hong said, “When I read that book, I skimmed through it really quickly but it still took me about a week to finish it. You’re going to take forever if you’re reading it word for word, line by line.”
Jiang Yuning shook his head, “It’s alright, as long as Nian Xi enjoys it. After this, I’m planning to read Jin Mei to her as well—she likes it.”
The room fell awkwardly silent.
Nian Xi wanted to crawl underneath the bed out of embarrassment. She was just teasing him in the afternoon but he took her seriously, and right there and then, he had exposed her in front of everyone
She was being judged by all of them.
She glared at Jiang Yuning who didn’t notice her at all; he was busy staring at Feng Jichuan.
Feng Jichuan clenched his fists and cleared his throat before saying, “It’s not good to read that book. It’s a forbidden book, full of taboos. One of you is a police officer and one of you is a scientist—you should be reading something more positive and educational.”
“He is just joking,” Nian Xi said sheepishly as she threw Jiang Yuning another look.
He caught it this time and quickly nodded, “I was just joking. It’s getting late, we should be watching the news now. Mr. Feng, I think it’s time for you to go back.”
Feng Jichuan was dumbstruck—what has watching the news got to do with him going home? He retorted, “I’m sorry, I don’t watch the news.”
Jiang Yuning was speechless.
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