Chapter Fifty-One

Jiang Tang heard the coldness in his tone and clenched her fingers, replying lightly, "Am I getting the feeling you don’t want to see me?"

Cheng Jiu’s expression was indifferent, his face devoid of any smile. He didn’t look at Jiang Tang and simply prepared to get out of bed.

Jiang Tang hurried to ask, "Where are you going?"

"Something’s come up," Cheng Jiu answered.

"No matter what it is, your health is more important. Please don’t move around," Jiang Tang said as she stepped forward to support his arm, but he quietly shook her off. Her expression shifted, a little embarrassed, and she slowly withdrew her hand. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to touch you."

Whenever she got close, the strong scent of her perfume overwhelmed him; he wasn’t used to it, nor to her touch.

Jiang Tang had originally wanted to take advantage of his days in the hospital to stay by his side, hoping to spend time and effort so he might notice her. Even though he had a fiancée, they weren’t married yet. If she could win him over, breaking off the engagement with Xin Gan would be possible. She still held hope for Cheng Jiu.

Cheng Jiu pulled out the IV needle, blood immediately seeping from the back of his hand. He wiped it carelessly and strode out.

Jiang Tang followed, her tone anxious and worried as she chased after him, "Where are you going? The doctor hasn’t said you can be discharged yet, what’s so urgent you have to leave now? Are you just going to ignore your health?"

Just then, Jiang Yang returned with takeout, arriving as Cheng Jiu and Jiang Tang rushed towards the elevator. Seeing Cheng Jiu awake, he called out happily, "Brother Nine, you’re awake?"

Cheng Jiu hadn’t entered the elevator yet. He turned around and asked, "Where’s Little Ten?"

"Little Ten escorted Commander Meng back to the team. Commander Meng came to see you earlier, but you weren’t awake then."

After Jiang Yang spoke, his gaze met Jiang Tang’s. She signaled him with her eyes, but before he could react, Cheng Jiu pressed, "Where’s my phone and car keys?"

Jiang Yang stammered, "Uhm…"

"What’s so hard to say?" Cheng Jiu demanded sternly.

Jiang Yang didn’t dare look at Jiang Tang, since he’d given her the phone. Whether she had returned it to Cheng Jiu, he didn’t know. The car keys were with him, so he quickly took them out of his pocket and handed them to Cheng Jiu. "Here are the car keys."

Jiang Tang feared Cheng Jiu would keep asking and said, "I just remembered—Jiang Yang left your phone in the hospital room, under the pillow. You left in such a hurry, I didn’t have time to tell you before you walked out."

Cheng Jiu went back to the room for the phone and found it under the pillow as she’d said, but it was dead and shut off. He furrowed his brow deeply, remembering that Shen Ruxin had called him that morning about not being able to reach Xin Gan. Now he didn’t know where Xin Gan was; he had to find her quickly.

Jiang Yang and Jiang Tang didn’t follow. Jiang Yang scratched the back of his head and asked, "What’s up with Brother Nine? Why is he in such a rush?"

Jiang Tang’s face was cold as well. "I don’t know."

If she knew, she wouldn’t be standing here like a fool.

Cheng Jiu was acting out of character; she’d never seen him like this before.

After five or six years of acquaintance, she believed she knew him best. Yet now, she suddenly realized how little she truly understood. She knew nothing about his family, had never met them, had no clue about his past or circle of friends. She thought that Beiyu was his whole world, but in reality, it was all just her wishful thinking.

Jiang Yang asked, "What’s wrong, Tang Tang, are you about to cry?"

Jiang Tang could no longer hold back her crumbling emotions. She wept before Jiang Yang, her eyes blurred with tears. She thought she saw Cheng Jiu approaching, so she quickly turned her face away, not wanting him to see her like this.

Cheng Jiu didn’t notice and went straight to Jiang Yang, saying, "Jiang Yang, lend me your phone."

Jiang Yang handed it over, and Cheng Jiu said, "I’ll return it later. I have something urgent."

"Brother Nine, you’re leaving the hospital? Are you okay?"

"I’m fine."

Cheng Jiu paused, seeing Jiang Tang with her back to him. He said, "Jiang Tang, thank you for visiting, but I have something to attend to. I can’t drive you home; Jiang Yang will take you."

Jiang Tang said nothing. Tears fell one after another, silently landing on the floor.

This time, Cheng Jiu left without even turning his head.

Jiang Yang saw Jiang Tang’s shoulders trembling and sighed deeply. "Tang Tang, Brother Nine is gone. Don’t cry."

Jiang Tang sobbed, "He must be going to find his fiancée."

Jiang Yang didn’t know how to comfort her, and his heart grew increasingly convinced that Xin Gan was the cause of all this. He couldn’t help but curse, "Don’t be sad, Tang Tang. They’re not married yet; there’s still hope. You’ve known Brother Nine for so long, and that woman just appeared recently."

"I have known Cheng Jiu for a long time, but Xin Gan is someone he can get engaged to. That’s a decision made by their families. I’ve known him for years, yet I know nothing about his family, and with my background, they probably don’t think much of me. It’s all just my foolish affection."

Jiang Yang patted her shoulder, "Don’t be sad. Actually, Tang Tang, I feel that woman doesn’t even like Brother Nine. You still have a chance."

Jiang Tang didn’t need Jiang Yang to tell her; she’d already sensed Xin Gan’s lack of genuine interest in Cheng Jiu.

Jiang Yang added, "Remember last time she came to the team, without Brother Nine’s permission, and he scolded her right in front of us? She left, and he didn’t chase after her. He clearly doesn’t like her, or he would’ve gone after her."

Jiang Tang wiped her tears, steadied herself, and said, "I know, I still have a chance. I can’t give up now, nor let all my efforts go to waste."

"See? That’s better. There’s still time. I’m on your side—not just me, the whole team is."

...

After applying the ointment, Xin Gan's condition worsened rather than improved. Her cheeks, arms, and limbs broke out in red, bumpy patches. Seeing things take a turn for the worse, she grabbed her wallet and phone and headed out to the hospital.

It was late at night. As Xin Gan came downstairs to leave, the innkeeper stopped her. "Miss, are you going out?"

Xin Gan turned back and nodded, pulling her collar tighter against the cold night, wearing an extra jacket.

"Are you alone?"

Xin Gan didn’t answer, and the innkeeper continued, "It’s not safe for a young woman to go out at this hour. If you can, wait until morning to do whatever needs doing. It’s better not to go out now."

Xin Gan replied, "I have to go to the hospital."

"There’s one right across the street. Be careful and stay safe."

Xin Gan knew the innkeeper meant well; he didn’t look like a stranger, so she headed out for the hospital.

When Cheng Jiu called, she was still registering at the front desk. The nurse handed her a registration form to fill out, and as she was writing, her phone rang. The caller ID was local, but not Cheng Jiu’s number. She hesitated, then answered.

"Hello, who are you looking for?"

Hearing Xin Gan’s voice, Cheng Jiu pressed, "Where are you?"

Xin Gan hesitated, then answered, "I’m fine. My cousin called you this morning—my phone was dead, so she couldn’t reach me. I’m alright now, you don’t need to come find me. Sorry."

"I asked where you are. Send me your location," Cheng Jiu’s voice was as cold and forceful as ever.

She’d just finished filling out the registration and handed it to the nurse. The nurse glanced at it and asked, "You’re here for dermatology? There’s no doctor on duty tonight. Go to the inpatient department and see Doctor Zhou."

Xin Gan tried to cover her phone, but it was too late—Cheng Jiu had heard everything. "You’re at a hospital? Dermatology? Which hospital?"

Xin Gan sighed inwardly, giving up the struggle and simply told the truth. "I have a mild allergy. I’m just getting checked. Really, I’m fine, you don’t need to come over, it’s so late..."

Cheng Jiu’s tone sharpened, "Xin Gan, don’t make me ask a third time."

Xin Gan could only give him the hospital address.

She felt this endless entanglement with him wasn’t what she wanted. But she was no match for him—arguing was pointless.

If he wanted to come, let him.

By the time Cheng Jiu arrived at the hospital, Xin Gan had already gotten her medication. The doctor had prescribed some ointments and warned her to avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy food, lest her skin condition worsen.

Cheng Jiu waited at the hospital entrance. Xin Gan happened to come out just as he was about to call her. Seeing her, he put away his phone.

Xin Gan walked up and explained, "Last night my flight was canceled due to bad weather, so I couldn’t leave. My phone was dead this morning, so my cousin couldn’t reach me, and that’s why..."

Cheng Jiu said nothing, simply staring at her. Then he asked, "Where are you staying?"

"At an inn."

"Come with me."

"..." Xin Gan tilted her head, puzzled. "Why? Where to?"

"Stay at my place."

Xin Gan: "..."

The two faced off at the hospital entrance, each unable to read the other’s thoughts. They simply weren’t on the same wavelength.

Cheng Jiu spoke first, "Even if you break off the engagement with me, your grandfather will just arrange another. You’re only bringing trouble upon yourself."

Xin Gan suddenly smiled. "So you mean I shouldn’t break off the engagement, but continue with you? If not you, there’ll be someone else—is that it?"

"No. Except for me, no one else will do."

...

Suddenly, rain began to fall outside, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Xin Gan hadn’t brought an umbrella, nor had Cheng Jiu. He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. "I’ll go fetch the car. Wait here."

Xin Gan nodded and couldn’t help but look up at the distant neon lights. Beiyu was vast, but its city center was no different from Yongcheng—high-rises, bustling traffic, everywhere the pulse of urban life.

She couldn’t help but recall Cheng Jiu’s earlier, forceful words. It was obvious he was threatening her. She felt anxious, because he was right: without him, there would be another. Her marriage was not under her control, and her grandfather would never agree to her marrying anyone else.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come to Beiyu to confront Cheng Jiu face-to-face. She knew her grandfather was a difficult hurdle.

In his eyes, she had always been an obedient child. She feared hurting him, so she wanted to find a compromise.

Cheng Jiu soon brought the car to the curb. She needed only a few steps to climb in.

Once inside, Cheng Jiu asked, "Your luggage is at the inn?"

Xin Gan confirmed and gave him the address before he could ask.

Cheng Jiu curled his lips, saying nothing more.

Back at the inn, Xin Gan brought a tall man with her. Passing the front desk, the innkeeper stared at them curiously, his gaze odd and full of wonder.

Xin Gan felt uneasy, quickly heading to her room with Cheng Jiu following upstairs.

Inside, Xin Gan made one last attempt. "Is there any room for negotiation?"

"No," Cheng Jiu replied.

Xin Gan sighed, resigned.

Cheng Jiu said, "My father will be coming in a few days. There’s nothing to be done. If you leave now, your grandfather and my family will suspect me of neglecting you. Bear with it for now—help me out."

He said she’d have to bear with it, and he meant it.

Xin Gan was speechless, even a little annoyed, not wanting to deal with him.

Once again, he had her in his grasp.

Cheng Jiu had just received a call from his father on the way over. This sudden visit was clearly intended to see how things were between him and Xin Gan.

Xin Gan sighed, packed her suitcase, then went into the bathroom to wash her face. Seeing her face red and swollen in the mirror, she resisted the urge to scratch, settling for rinsing with cold water.

Cheng Jiu waited by the bathroom door for a moment and called, "Xin Gan, if you don’t come out soon, I’ll break the door down."

"Alright, alright, I’m coming."

Cheng Jiu picked up her suitcase and left the room first. Xin Gan followed, carrying her room card to check out. The innkeeper glanced at her again, his gaze full of unspoken questions. Xin Gan pretended not to notice.

As Cheng Jiu drove, Xin Gan asked, "How long is your father staying?"

"Just a few days. He’s busy with work, so three or four days at most. When you want to leave, I’ll see you off."

Xin Gan: "..." She couldn’t help clenching her fists.

She was furious and didn’t believe him at all.

Cheng Jiu noticed her hands tightening on her knees and smiled wryly. "I said I’d send you off yesterday, and I would have. The airline canceled the flight because of bad weather—not my fault. Don’t hold it against me."

Xin Gan grew angrier. "But I think it is your fault."

"That’s called shirking responsibility."

"..."

Xin Gan turned her face to the window, quickly calming herself. "Are we going back to that inn?"

"No, you’ll stay at my place."

Xin Gan lowered her eyes. "Your place?"

"Yes, it’s in the family quarters. I’ll feel better if you stay there—plus, it's close to me."

Family quarters?

Xin Gan said, "But I’m not your family."

Cheng Jiu glanced at her. "Why not?"

She explained, "Aren’t the family quarters for those who are married?"

"Not necessary."

Xin Gan stopped asking.

Knowing too much only made her feel closer to his life, which wasn’t her intention.

Cheng Jiu focused on driving, eyes ahead. "Don’t feel any burden. Just think of it as doing a good deed—helping me out."

Xin Gan leaned back, sighing inwardly, saying nothing.

"Our whole family waited for you to grow up. I was forbidden to date for years. Whenever I went home, they talked about you. They’ve treated you as family from the start." For once, Cheng Jiu changed his usual reserved demeanor, softening his attitude to persuade her to stay.

Xin Gan felt awkward, torn. With Cheng Jiu’s father coming to Beiyu, it was just as he’d said—the visit was to see how they were getting along. If she left now, the Cheng family would surely have opinions; she herself didn’t mind, but if it affected the Xin family, that would be bad.

She had to consider her family.

His claim that everyone at home was waiting for her to grow up made her stiffen her neck, not daring to look at him.

She sensed something was off about Cheng Jiu, but couldn’t put her finger on it. These words didn’t sound like him at all.

Whatever, things had come to this—she couldn’t leave tonight.

At the gate of the family quarters, there was a sentry on duty. Seeing Cheng Jiu’s license plate, they opened the gate promptly.

The courtyard was very quiet, though a few apartments upstairs still had lights on.

Cheng Jiu carried the luggage ahead, Xin Gan trailing behind. They climbed the stairs one after the other.

He opened the door, entered first to turn on the lights, and set the suitcase aside. Xin Gan stepped in and saw it was an ordinary one-bedroom apartment. The living room was sparsely decorated, simply furnished, but clean—no dust on the table, clearly someone had come to tidy up.

Cheng Jiu resumed his indifferent manner. "It’s late. Settle in and get some rest."

Xin Gan asked, "Where will you sleep?"

"I don’t usually sleep here. I stay at the dorm. There’s only one key, and it’s yours."

Xin Gan held the key, still warm from his hand.

Cheng Jiu took out a cigarette and bit it, a hint of roguishness about him. He raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Why are you just standing there?"

Xin Gan answered calmly, "Thank you."

"Are you reassured now? Hmm?"

Xin Gan looked up again, meeting his inexplicable smile. She instinctively stepped back a few paces, feeling like she'd walked into a wolf’s den. "I know you’re not a bad person, you won’t do anything reckless."

Cheng Jiu couldn’t help but laugh.

"So… what else?"

Cheng Jiu thought she had a knack for irritating people—contrary to her innocent appearance. He wondered who kept telling him that Xin family’s daughter was gentle, kind, never spoiled, always polite, without a bad bone, and perfect for him.

Not a bad person—he never was.

His mother, Madam Cheng, had made sure he knew about his fiancée. Every so often, she brought photos for him to see. Since Xin Gan was abroad at the time, it was impossible to invite her over, and she was still underage. How could they tell a teenage girl she had an already seasoned fiancé?

He now realized Xin Gan had deliberately avoided the Cheng family, not wanting to return.

He himself hadn’t been interested in her then, so he avoided meeting, leading to years of mutual awareness without ever meeting.

Then, unexpectedly, He Cheng appeared.

He still hadn’t received any news from He Chuan about what had happened between Xin Gan and He Cheng. He couldn’t ask Xin Gan directly, given their relationship—she wouldn’t tell him.

It was late, and not wanting to disturb her, Cheng Jiu left, closing the door behind him. Leaning against the wall outside, he finally let out a breath, his head throbbing painfully.