Xinyu mustered her courage, lifting her head to meet Chen Yuzhe’s eyes.
Chen Yuzhe stared back, his face unreadable.
For a few seconds, neither spoke. Only the roar of traffic from the nearby road filled the air—not the sound of their heartbeats.
Chen Yuzhe couldn’t hear it. Xinyu couldn’t either.
This time, he studied Xinyu’s face carefully. Her delicate features were slightly flushed, her breath a little quick. She looked nervous, yet her eyes held a hint of expectation.
Then Chen Yuzhe closed his eyes.
Tch. Tricky.
Honestly, no matter his answer, it’d leave him unhappy.
Saying yes would wreck his relationship with Jiang Xiaoyao. He couldn’t actually date her—he’d have to expose the lie eventually. If Xinyu learned the truth later, it’d hurt her badly. He didn’t want that. Not from his own hands.
But blurting the truth now?
He saw that flicker of hope in her eyes and crushed the thought instantly.
No. Admitting it here would boost her affection. Their closeness was already messy—pushing further might spiral out of control.
So he opened his eyes and looked away.
“You’re drunk, little junior.”
“I-I’m not…” Xinyu started to pout, but Chen Yuzhe cut her off, pointing at her cheek. “Touch it. It’s red.”
Xinyu felt her cheek—it was warm.
“Mm… but I’m not drunk… I’m totally clear-headed…” Her voice trailed off, lacking conviction.
“Drunk people always think they’re sober.”
Chen Yuzhe ruffled her hair casually. “Don’t overthink it. Go back to your dorm and sleep. The underclassmen’s ride will drop you off soon.”
Xinyu huffed. “No. I’m visiting the senior too.”
Chen Yuzhe shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He turned back to the road.
Disappointment flickered in Xinyu’s eyes. Her lashes trembled slightly as she lowered her gaze, hiding her feelings carefully.
Soon, Gu Chengjin’s ferocious Range Rover Sport pulled up, whisking them straight to the hospital.
——
——
Jiang Xiaoyao woke up that evening.
Her head felt clearer now, though her mind was still foggy.
She stared at the unfamiliar ceiling, feeling the cold IV fluid seeping into her arm. Confusion washed over her.
“You’re awake?”
Jiang Xiaoyao turned to see Han Cheng sitting by her bed, concern etched on his face.
“I…” She sat up slowly, frowning. “What happened?”
“Pneumothorax. Plus a fever.” Han Cheng handed her a glass of water from the bedside table, his tone wry. “You’re something else—holding it in like that. The doctor said you were lucky to get here early. It could’ve been life-threatening.”
“That serious?” Jiang Xiaoyao’s eyes widened. She stuck out her tongue at Han Cheng’s scolding look.
“I didn’t know… At first, I just felt short of breath. I thought I was nervous…”
Nervous? Oxygen deprivation was nothing like nerves. Han Cheng stayed silent.
Jiang Xiaoyao was unusually quiet now. After thanking him, she took the water and sipped carefully—then winced, sticking out her tongue.
“Ugh… hot…” She pouted, looking pitiful.
Han Cheng almost laughed. This “seasoned flirt” senior Old Zhe described… was surprisingly airheaded. But her cluelessness had its charm.
After a pause, Jiang Xiaoyao asked softly, “Did… did you bring me here?”
“Yeah. My car was outside. Old Zhe sent me ahead with you.”
“And… where’s Chen Yuzhe?” Her head dipped slightly.
Han Cheng shot her a sidelong glance.
Jiang Xiaoyao’s expression dimmed. She must’ve recalled the afternoon’s events, her mood sinking.
Honestly, any girl would’ve cried after being called a flirt and a slut in public.
Jiang Xiaoyao was strong—enduring breathlessness and high fever without showing weakness.
Maybe she was tougher than most girls. Han Cheng thought quietly.
“Old Zhe’s probably still cleaning up the mess at the party house.”
“…I see.” Jiang Xiaoyao gripped the blanket corner lightly.
“…Sorry. This happened because of me…”
Her voice was faint, trembling. Han Cheng could see her shoulders shake.
He glanced at her but said nothing.
