"Brother Cheng, I'm fine now. There's no need to go to the hospital. Let's just go meet the client!" The car window rolled down halfway, letting a refreshing breeze in. Hua Lianxi relaxed completely; the nausea she felt earlier had disappeared. She turned her head and softly asked Cheng Shaobai, who insisted on taking her to the hospital.
Cheng Shaobai kept both hands steady on the steering wheel as he skillfully turned the corner. The hospital was just nearby. He glanced at Hua Lianxi, noticing that the pale color had faded but she was still carefully regulating her breathing. "No, you really should see a doctor. I'm not comfortable leaving it like this."
"But what about the client? I'll see the doctor myself later. You go ahead and meet the client—breaking an appointment is never good!" Hua Lianxi felt touched by how he had dropped the client and immediately brought her to the hospital, but at the same time, guilt welled up inside her.
"A client can be rescheduled, but your health is more important. No more arguments—we're almost at the hospital!" Cheng Shaobai smiled reassuringly. This time, he refused to back down and insisted on taking her to the hospital.
"Feeling nauseous? Then let's see the gastroenterologist. I'll register you; you can wait here for me!" Upon entering the hospital, Cheng Shaobai settled Hua Lianxi in the waiting area and planned to find the doctor himself first before bringing her in to see him.
As she sat alone in the waiting room watching Cheng Shaobai walk away to register, Hua Lianxi stretched out her hand to grab his arm, seeming hesitant yet wanting to speak.
Seeing her worried and troubled expression, Cheng Shaobai turned back and smiled gently to comfort her. "Don't worry. It's probably just indigestion. A bit of medicine will fix it—really, there's nothing to be afraid of." He knew she always hated hospitals and was probably feeling lost and helpless now, so he tried to ease her mind. He was sure it was just indigestion, nothing serious.
Gripping his suit jacket tightly, Hua Lianxi stepped forward and looked steadily at Cheng Shaobai's smiling face. She softly began, "Brother Cheng, I…"
About an hour later, Hua Lianxi finished all her check-ups. Holding the cup of warm water Cheng Shaobai poured for her, she sat quietly in the waiting area, gazing at him down the corridor.
He was a refined man of character, yet so often he rushed about on her behalf, repeatedly lowering his dignity and pride for her sake. Now, even after leaving the doctor's office, he had suddenly recalled a question and caught the doctor in the hall to ask. Thinking of this made Hua Lianxi's eyes fill with tears, shame quietly spreading in her heart.
"Mm, okay, I've noted all this. I'll pay attention from now on!" Cheng Shaobai's handsome, resolute features showed sincerity as he carefully remembered the doctor's instructions. Looking back at Hua Lianxi sitting quietly, he gave a small smile.
She returned the smile faintly, lowering her head as she sipped the warm water.
"Tired? Let me take you home to rest. Don't go back to the company today." Cheng Shaobai quickened his pace beside her, his gaze full of warmth.
Meeting his eyes, Hua Lianxi quietly reached out her hand. "My legs are a bit numb after sitting so long. Can you help me up?"
His strong brows slightly raised. Cheng Shaobai extended his right hand and gently helped her up from the seat. "Be careful getting up. Don't stand up straight away after sitting so long. Move your feet a little first. Even if it's urgent, don't rush." Their palms touched, the pleasant warmth crawling straight to Cheng Shaobai's heart as his eyes smiled softly.
After standing still a moment until her feet regained feeling, Hua Lianxi realized their intimate handhold and finally let go. "Okay, I'll be more careful next time. Let's go." She kept her head lowered, staring at the not-so-clean floor. Her heart flipped with mixed emotions, making her fall silent again.
With hands in pockets, a tall, sturdy figure moved briskly through the busy lobby. Kong Chengyi's sharp gaze caught sight of Hua Lianxi looking up at him, then shifted downward to see their hands entwined.
His handsome features momentarily turned cold and severe. Kong Chengyi strode toward them directly.
"What a coincidence!" Stopping in front of the two, Kong Chengyi sneered, his sharp eyes fixed on Hua Lianxi.
Caught entirely off guard by his sudden appearance, Hua Lianxi's heart jumped into her throat. She unconsciously took a step back and avoided his gaze after only a second.
Stepping forward to block Kong Chengyi's view, Cheng Shaobai narrowed his eyes and met Kong's gaze without backing down. "Indeed a coincidence. Twice in under two hours we run into each other. Where's Miss Kong, sir?" Recalling the scene at the café, anger churned in Cheng Shaobai's heart, and he felt disgusted by Kong's behavior.
"That's none of your concern, Mr. Cheng. But as for Miss Hua, I believe we need to have a talk." Kong clenched his fists in his pockets, unable to swallow the bitterness of her spending the night with Cheng Shaobai after he had left her at his place.
"We have nothing to talk about, Mr. Kong." Collecting herself, Hua Lianxi stepped forward, squared her shoulders, and confronted Kong Chengyi's sharp gaze resolutely.
"Are you sure there's nothing to discuss? Are you sure you want Mr. Cheng to witness our last night?" Kong smiled slyly, unclenching his fists, and adopting a lazy expression instantly.
"Kong Chengyi!" At the recollection of their fiery night, a blush suddenly spread over Hua Lianxi's creamy skin. She called his name in a low, husky voice, surprised by his shamelessness.
"Do you want to talk to me or to the media? Choose." Kong Chengyi's mood brightened instantly as he stared at her flushed delicate face. He was certain their night together was real and sure Hua Lianxi would agree to his terms.
"Xixi, don't listen to him. Let's go back." Cheng Shaobai's face darkened with anger at Kong's shamelessness. He reached out gently to hold Hua Lianxi and started to lead her away.
"Hua Lianxi, are you sure?" Kong Chengyi's lazy expression vanished, replaced by a frosty glare aimed at Cheng Shaobai's hand.
Hua Lianxi, wrapped in Cheng Shaobai's embrace, felt as if violated and subtly pulled away from him. Finally, under Kong Chengyi's icy gaze, she relented. "Brother Cheng, I'll talk with him for a bit. You go back first." She knew Kong Chengyi wouldn't easily give up before reaching his goal. Besides, last night was a mistake, and she had to clarify her position, preventing any further wild fantasies or assumptions.
"Xixi, don't be foolish. He's a bastard. You don't need to pay him any attention. You have nothing to do with him!" Clenching his fists tightly, Cheng Shaobai's sensitive heart ached slightly as he noticed Hua Lianxi subtly avoiding his touch. He wanted to stop her but was powerless.
Kong Chengyi's dark eyes swept over Cheng Shaobai before he turned to leave first.
"I promise I'll be fine. You should go back now." Hua Lianxi spoke apologetically but finally followed Kong Chengyi after a brief hesitation.
Passing through the bustling lobby, Kong Chengyi pressed the elevator button. He caught sight of Hua Lianxi walking toward him and relaxed his tense face slightly.
"Let's talk right here." Standing outside the elevator, Hua Lianxi was reluctant to be alone with him in such a confined space, desperately wanting to escape.
Narrowing his eyes, Kong Chengyi glanced at the crowd boarding the elevator and raised a brow. "Are you sure? You mind Mr. Cheng watching but not strangers? So your tastes are that… varied?"
"You!" Momentarily speechless, Hua Lianxi finally squeezed into the elevator with the crowd.
Clutching her bag, she tried to edge toward the elevator wall, wanting to avoid contact with the increasing number of strangers. She disliked any physical contact with strangers.
"Excuse me, move aside! We're rushing to a check-up!" Suddenly, a caretaker pushed in a white-haired elderly man, urging people inside to make room.
Kong Chengyi remained effortlessly cool, hands in pockets, looking down at the shrinking Hua Lianxi. Eventually, he hooked her into his arms, holding her close and shielding her from the strangers.
Clearly trying to avoid strangers, she almost screamed when suddenly her waist was embraced. Looking down, she saw familiar suit cufflinks and a wristwatch. She desperately pulled at his hand and hissed, "Let go, Kong Chengyi!"
"Stop making a fuss. It's crowded in here." He pressed her more tightly against his chest, separating her from the others. His nose caught her subtle scent, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
Her back pressed against his strong chest, and through their clothes she faintly felt the warmth of his heartbeat. Frozen stiff, Hua Lianxi dared not move.
Looking down at her stiff figure, Kong Chengyi unconsciously kneaded the soft flesh at her waist. Leaning toward her ear, he breathed softly, his voice low yet loud enough for everyone in the elevator to hear: "You let me lie naked for a whole night, huh?"
The hot breath suddenly sprayed against her ear. Unprepared, Hua Lianxi shuddered as she felt his lips brush her earlobe. His ambiguous words flushed her cheeks instantly. She growled, "Kong Chengyi!"
In the cramped elevator, his low growl drew the attention of all waiting passengers. Every gaze locked on Hua Lianxi, filled with intrigue and amusement as if eagerly anticipating their next exchange.
"Hmm?" Acting oblivious to the stares, Kong Chengyi's voice lifted with a questioning tone. His eyes smiled as he watched her flushed face with satisfaction.
Staring down, Hua Lianxi dared not look around. With a "ding" sound, she was the first to step out of the elevator, forcefully pulling away his hand and storming ahead, fuming.
That scoundrel was clearly doing it on purpose—intending for everyone to speculate about their relationship.
Leisurely following her out, Kong Chengyi lengthened his stride and caught up within a few steps. "Hua Lianxi, explain why you let me lie naked last night!"
That woman was truly heartless. In the early autumn chill, she left him as he was until dawn. If it weren't for his good constitution, he'd be in the hospital now, not visiting Fang Xiufang.
She glared at him angrily, then glanced around. At the end of the corridor was the emergency stairs. Without hesitation, she turned and headed toward them.
Pushing open the emergency door, the back stairwell was silent and empty—perfect for a private talk.
Turning around, Hua Lianxi glared indignantly at the arrogantly handsome man. "Kong Chengyi, we have nothing between us. Don't ever trespass in my home again, or I will definitely call the police and have you arrested!"