Everyday conversation

Li Hao glanced at Lin Rourou and gave Ye Qian a meaningful smile, saying, "Big brother, you chat; I'll go in first."

Ye Qian understood the implication of Li Hao's smile, suspecting that he misunderstood his relationship with Lin Rourou. However, Ye Qian didn't plan to clarify; sometimes, the more you explain, the more confusing it becomes. He hadn't expected Lin Rourou to be so concerned about him, which left him feeling puzzled. Could it be that she really had feelings for him? He thought to himself.

After Li Hao entered the ward, Ye Qian smiled slightly and reassured Lin Rourou, "I'm right here, perfectly fine. Thank you for your concern."

Lin Rourou had been worried since last night when she came on duty and found out that Ye Qian was not in the ward but had been taken away by the police. Her concern had kept her anxious all night, and now seeing Ye Qian safe, she felt a weight lift from her heart. Realizing her own overly emotional reaction, her cheeks turned red with shyness. "I'm glad you're okay. I should go now." She found herself unable to meet Ye Qian's gaze directly, feeling her heart flutter as she caught his eye in her peripheral vision. With that, she hurriedly walked away.

Ye Qian, slightly stunned by her reaction, called out as she left, "Hey, are you free tonight? I'll take you out for dinner!"

Lin Rourou stopped but didn't turn around. After a moment of silence, she replied, "Tonight then, I'll wait for you at the hospital entrance." She then rushed off, closing the door of the nurse's station behind her with a loud bang, touched her flushed face, took a few deep breaths, and muttered to herself, "What's gotten into me?" Remembering Ye Qian's dinner invitation, she couldn't help but smile happily.

After visiting their father, Li Hao and Ye Qian went out to find a restaurant. Li Hao had intended to invite their eldest brother Zhao Gang as well, but his calls went unanswered, understandable given Zhao Gang's busy schedule in the Jingdu Military Region.

After ordering some light dishes, Li Hao asked, "Big brother, where have you been these past few years? Why didn't you contact us?"

"I've been abroad!" Ye Qian replied succinctly.

Li Hao, sensing Ye Qian's reluctance to elaborate, changed the subject, "Big brother, I've heard about Dad's situation. I think it's best to let it go. The entire city police force is focusing on public security right now. Making a big deal out of it wouldn't be good for you, and the other party has some influence too."

Ye Qian snorted, "I can overlook my issues, but I can't just let it go when it comes to Dad being injured. Little brother, have you forgotten Dad's kindness just because you're an official now? Without him, would we have the chance to be sitting here having a leisurely meal? Would you have had the chance to become the district police chief?"

"Big brother, that's like stabbing me in the heart. Am I, Li Hao, someone who forgets favors and violates justice?" Li Hao replied.

Seeing Li Hao's expression, Ye Qian softened his tone, "I'm sorry, I went too far. But little brother, I won't let this go easily unless they come personally to apologize to Dad."

Li Hao saw Ye Qian's firm expression and sighed softly, no longer trying to persuade him. He knew Ye Qian's temperament well; if he wasn't so loyal and righteous, he wouldn't have had to flee for injuring a criminal boss to protect himself years ago. "Big brother, just call me if you need anything," Li Hao said.

Ye Qian nodded slightly, "I will. Let's not talk about this anymore. By the way, I heard you got married, and I haven't even congratulated you yet."

Hearing about his wife He Mei, Li Hao smiled happily. He Mei had been the beauty of their school, pursued by many, but it was Li Hao, the poor boy, who won her over and married her. Now she worked as a doctor at the city hospital and had recently given birth to a son, making their small family very sweet. Importantly, He Mei was virtuous and had readily agreed to invite their father to live with them, although he ultimately declined. "Big brother, you're not getting any younger. Should I have He Mei introduce you to someone? Many of her classmates are still single, and they are all quite beautiful," Li Hao suggested.

Ye Qian shook his head, "Forget it. Those women are graduates from prestigious universities; they wouldn't be interested in a poor guy like me."

"I believe you're no less than anyone," Li Hao earnestly replied.

Ye Qian smiled slightly, "Don't praise me too much; I might get arrogant."

Seeing Ye Qian's relaxed demeanor, Li Hao also smiled happily. He always felt a sense of guilt towards Ye Qian, and seeing him this relaxed made Li Hao feel much better.

As for romantic relationships, Ye Qian had always been casual. He had been with many women, but upon reflection, he realized he had never actually been in love, which felt somewhat regrettable.

The lunch ended in a cheerful atmosphere. During the meal, Li Hao hinted that he could help Ye Qian find a job, but Ye Qian declined, not wanting to bother him. He didn't need money, and getting a job was only to reassure their father that he wasn't out causing trouble like before.

Li Hao had planned to drive Ye Qian back to the hospital, but an urgent call from the station forced him to return to work. On his way back to the hospital, Ye Qian called Xiao Longnu. She had already found the person he was looking for, and he still owed half the fee. It was important to keep one's word, and there was no need to cause unnecessary trouble over a small amount of money.

Xiao Longnu was happy to receive Ye Qian's call, but he simply said he would bring the money to her that evening and then hung up. Xiao Longnu was frustrated; no man had ever treated her this way. Yet, she thought, such a man seemed more intriguing and challenging.