Zhao Wenchun was confused. "I didn't eat dinner."
"What about lunch?" "Yes, I ate."
Zhao Xiyin confirmed, "Then you've already eaten your dinner. Count them."
Zhao Wenchun hesitated for a long time, then said, "I probably don't remember."
Zhao Xiyin was both amused and exasperated, and poked his shoulder with her fingertip, "Teacher Zhao, you're becoming more and more like a child."
"Go away! You have no manners!" Zhao Wenchun said sternly, glancing at the medicines, guessing that he hadn't figured it out yet.
When Zhao Xiyin came out of the shower, Teacher Zhao was already asleep in bed. She peeked through a crack in the door and was relieved to see that the blanket was pulled up tightly. Just then, Zhou Qishen called from his bedroom.
Zhao Xiyin answered quickly, but didn't say anything immediately.
Zhou Qishen wasn't in a hurry. Their breaths mingled for about ten seconds before he couldn't help but laugh first. His voice was low, like the night outside the window, making people feel at ease.
I asked her, "Is Uncle Zhao's cold any better?"
"Not ready yet," Zhao Xiyin replied listlessly.
Zhou Qishen suddenly said, "Don't pout."
"Um?"
"I want to kiss you."
Zhao Xiyin's face burned red. "What's wrong with you? Where did you see me pouting?"
Zhou Qishen laughed out loud.
I knew it; I'd been tricked again.
Zhao Xiyin sullenly scolded, "Stop making a scene."
Zhou Qishen sensed something was wrong with her tone, but instead of asking directly what was wrong, he gave her time to catch her breath before saying, "If something happened, tell me."
Zhao Xiyin laughed at him, "You're like a domineering CEO."
"It doesn't look like it, it is."
Zhao Xiyin's smile deepened. "You're so arrogant."
Zhou Qishen hummed in agreement before asking, "Did you go to the dance troupe today?"
He guided her step by step, in a roundabout and tactful manner. Zhao Xiyin understood this man; at certain times, he was always considerate and gentle in the smallest ways, which always made her feel at home.
Zhao Xiyin opened up to him, talking about the dinner party that evening and Teacher Dai's advice. In the end, she realized she wasn't so concerned anymore. "Teacher Dai said I was a child who didn't know the hardships of life."
Zhou Qishen said, "Why do you say that just because you know the suffering of people, I'm willing to protect and defend them? Why does she have so many objections?"
Zhao Xiyin was quite surprised, "Zhou Qishen, where did you take a course to improve your romantic skills?"
There was a moment of surprise on the other end, followed by a slightly trembling laugh from the man.
Zhou Qishen asked, "Who were the people at the dinner party?"
"Two directors of the dance association, and a few others whose names I don't remember."
"If you don't like it, then don't go next time."
Zhao Xiyin gave a soft "Mmm" like a kitten, "Master meant well."
“But I want you to be happy,” Zhou Qishen said.
Zhao Xiyin held her phone, her eyes burning hotter than the phone itself.
After a moment of silence, Zhou Qishen said softly, "Alright, sweetie." "Are you feeling better?"
Zhao Xiyin's eyes welled up even more. Her sorrow and grievances had found solace; that deep-seated dependence, rekindled after so many years, remained undiminished. He was the lover she had shared life with, the husband with whom she had slept and shared joys. These two titles constituted her refuge in life.
She could have just toughed it out on her own, but now she didn't want to be strong anymore. Her tone was almost imperceptible, revealing a charmingly naive tone, "Zhou Qishen, I'm not feeling well at all. Try to comfort me."
Zhou Qishen chuckled softly, "How do you want me to coax you?"
"I don't care."
"Zhao Xiyin".
"Um?"
Zhou Qishen said, "My little darling."
The sound was scorching, burning through the screen and reaching Zhao Xiyin's ears. The heat gathered into a firework, bursting forth in her heart.
"It's clear you haven't coaxed me enough." Zhou Qishen's voice was deep and seductive. He coaxed, "Lie down on the bed, close your eyes, and go to sleep."
Zhao Xiyin said softly, "I can't sleep."
"I'll tell you a story."
As Zhou Qishen spoke, he was traveling from the Fourth Ring Road to the Third Ring Road, amidst the city's prosperity and dazzling neon lights, gradually approaching the heart of the capital.
He had just finished a business reception, and the car had been changed to a brand-new Maybach. In the passenger seat sat a young and beautiful public relations manager from the company, whose face unconsciously flushed after listening to Boss Zhou's pronouncements the entire way. Secretary Xu, sitting in the back with him, dared not even breathe too loudly.
For convenience, Zhou Qishen put the phone on speakerphone.
With one hand around his waist and the other holding his phone, he read aloud from a webpage, “A ruthless glint flashed in Gu Haotian’s eyes, and all he could see was Cheng Beibei’s charming figure.”