After dropping Jiang Fan off at Jingjiang City's First Central Hospital, Chen Jing left the main entrance shortly afterward and drove away.

As soon as she departed, three casually dressed men stepped out of a sedan in the parking lot.

They hurried into the hospital. One headed to the registration desk, pretending to sign in while scanning the computer screen and logbook for a specific name.

The other two split up, searching for the bartender boy who’d arrived earlier.

“Got him. Room 303 on the second floor. It’s him.”

“I found his name too. Mild alcohol allergy.”

The trio quickly regrouped in a quiet corner after confirming the boy was genuinely unwell. They dialed a number.

“Report for Miss: He has a slight alcohol allergy. He’s in Room 303, Building A. Should be discharged soon.”

After relaying the message, only rock music played on the line. After a long pause, a soft “Understood” came through before the call ended.

“Task complete. Let’s go.”

They pocketed the phone and slipped out with the crowd, unnoticed.

“So. Explain.”

A stunningly beautiful girl with a cold, aloof face turned off the monitor with a remote. Arms crossed, she leaned against the wall, staring emotionlessly at Jiang Fan.

Just moments ago, Jiang Fan had lain in bed looking weak and pained. Now he sprang up energetically, meeting her gaze and spreading his hands.

“What’s there to explain? Some rich girl’s got a crush on me, that’s all.”

“Sigh. Blame my irresistible charm. Staying pure this long? I’m impressive.”

He bragged sincerely, but Mu Yuli ignored his nonsense. Her focus was on his earlier words.

“Lin Mengyao?”

Jiang Fan smirked mockingly. “You already know that.”

He knew this debt collector in a black mini-skirt seemed harmless but was utterly ruthless inside—a young woman who devoured others without spitting bones.

“I know. But that’s not what I want to hear.”

Mu Yuli straightened up. Her high-heeled sandals clicked sharply on the floor, each step pressing on Jiang Fan’s heart as she advanced.

At his bedside, she leaned down, towering over him. Jiang Fan stared back silently, radiating defiance.

Seeing this, the usually icy Mu Yuli smiled—a bright, cruel smile.

“I hate when others touch what’s mine. Did you forget?”

Without warning, she cupped Jiang Fan’s face. Her thumbs, painted black, gently stroked his lips like he was a prized artifact.

“If I’d forgotten, I wouldn’t be here,” Jiang Fan said, wrinkling his nose. “And shoving fingers in someone’s mouth? Unhygienic. I’m not curious about your nail polish flavor.”

Mu Yuli laughed harder at his sarcasm.

“Heh. Still untamed after all this time. Quite the wild cat.”

Her delicate hand suddenly gripped hard. Her slender fingers exerted shocking force, making Jiang Fan fear permanent damage to his face.

“But no matter how wild you are, you don’t eat others’ food! Remember—you’re mine. Mu Yuli’s.”

She dipped her head, her petite nose sniffing near his mouth. Catching a faint trace of perfume, her face twisted in open disgust.

“Another woman’s scent. Disgusting.” She released him, snatched a clean towel from nearby, and threw it at his face.

“Scrub off that woman’s smell. If I detect even a hint later, you know the consequences.”

Danger flashed in her dark, pearl-like eyes. Jiang Fan knew this was her limit—untouchable. He silently took the towel, got up, and headed to the bathroom.

Stripped naked under the shower, he realized the unfamiliar perfume clung to his uniform.

“You’ll need to get me new clothes. I don’t know how to remove this smell from the uniform.”

He poked his head out from the slightly open bathroom door, stating it matter-of-factly.

Mu Yuli just glared coldly, silent.

Jiang Fan didn’t care if she heard. If no clothes came, he’d wrap a towel around himself. He wasn’t embarrassed.

Wet hair lathered with shampoo, he hummed Kenshi Yonezu’s “LOSER,” thrilled that Mu Yuli had lost her cool over this.

Sure, his rebellion was tiny. This joy was just a hollow, self-deceptive triumph.

But it still felt great!

The angrier Mu Yuli got, the happier Jiang Fan felt.

After rinsing his hair, cold water poured over him, washing away the summer heat.

Then he heard Mu Yuli’s sandals clicking closer.

“Huh? Clothes here? Leave them at the door.”

He ordered his debt collector like a servant. Truly, debtors rule these days.

No warning came. Instead, the child lock clicked open.

Warm, soft curves pressed against his back. Her arms slid under his armpits, and her chin rested on his shoulder as she sniffed lightly.

“Not clean. Her scent’s still here.”

Jiang Fan shot back, “Are you a dog? How can you smell that?”

Mu Yuli bit his neck hard. Jiang Fan’s pupils shrank—he was serious!

“Say that again?”

A faint metallic tang filled the air. Jiang Fan knew she’d drawn blood. He wanted to retort but held his tongue for his neck’s sake.

“Good boy.”

A warm, slick sensation touched his wound. Glancing sideways, he saw Mu Yuli’s pink tongue licking it.

Catching his stare, she surged forward, kissing him deeply. Her tongue invaded, claiming territory.

Honestly, Jiang Fan wanted to bite back hard.

But he lacked the guts—for now.

After a long moment, they parted.

Mu Yuli’s eyes glazed over as she caressed his chest. Her other hand drifted lower.

Instinct had already stirred a fierce response there.

“Not enough… Only my scent belongs on you.”