Chapter 196: Blinded by Fever

Perhaps to speed up her recovery, Wang Jia ate quite a bit for dinner. Even though she had no appetite, she forced herself to eat.

Li Dong watched her eating as if she was consuming poison, shook his head, and said, "That's enough, don't overeat and make yourself worse."

Wang Jia shot him a glance but set down her bowl and chopsticks.

Li Dong checked the time and said, "It's getting late, so I'll leave you now. I'll leave Lao Zhou here. If you need anything, you can call him. He's right outside."

Wang Jia's face fell instantly, and she shook her head, "No need, I can take care of myself. If something happens, I can call the nurse."

Li Dong thought keeping a big man around wasn't very convenient, but since he was new here, finding another caregiver on short notice wasn't easy.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Just let Lao Zhou stay. He won't come in; he'll just stay outside all night."

Wang Jia wanted to argue but Li Dong waved his hand and said, "That's settled. I'll ask the doctor tomorrow if you can be moved. If not, I'll find another caregiver."

Wang Jia was silent for a moment and said, "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. I'm getting embarrassed with all this thanks."

Li Dong laughed, got up to clear the table, and added, "Rest well. If Lao Zhou can't handle something, just call me."

Wang Jia nodded.

As Li Dong was about to leave, Wang Jia suddenly asked, "Where are you going tonight?"

"I'm going to Beijing University. My girlfriend is there," Li Dong replied casually.

Wang Jia's words got stuck in her throat. She mumbled, "Oh, then go ahead."

Once Li Dong left, Wang Jia buried her face in the pillow.

After a while, she muttered to herself, "Wang Jia, you really have no shame!"

She had been wondering if Li Dong had any ulterior motives for helping her. When she asked where he was going, if he hadn't mentioned his girlfriend, she might have suggested that he stay and keep her company.

But once Li Dong mentioned he was going to see his girlfriend, Wang Jia felt utterly embarrassed.

To Li Dong, tens of thousands might be a small amount, just an act of pity. She had overestimated her importance. After all, with that kind of money, Li Dong could have any woman he wanted.

Thinking about it, Wang Jia's face turned even redder. She had actually considered offering herself in return. Clearly, her fever had made her delirious.

...

At the entrance of Beijing University.

As soon as Li Dong got out of the car, a figure rushed towards him. Before he could react, his lips were covered.

Li Dong kissed back fervently, then embraced the panting Qin Yuhan and laughed, "The sun must be setting in the west today. Such enthusiasm?"

This was a first. Even when Qin Yuhan missed him, she never kissed him in front of others.

But today was a miracle—Qin Yuhan had taken the initiative to kiss him, making Li Dong think he had mistaken her for someone else.

Qin Yuhan's face was flushed, and she felt like finding a hole to hide in.

She didn't know what had gotten into her. The moment she saw Li Dong, she was suddenly overcome with the urge to kiss him.

She acted on impulse without thinking, and only after the kiss did she realize they were at the school gate.

Li Dong's teasing made Qin Yuhan wish she could disappear on the spot.

Li Dong laughed heartily, ignoring the stares of passersby, and pulled Qin Yuhan into another passionate kiss.

When Qin Yuhan finally managed to break free, she panted and scolded, "Are you trying to kill me? There are so many people!"

Li Dong grinned, "You started it. I have to get even somehow."

Qin Yuhan gave him a sidelong glance, knowing how thick-skinned he was, and didn't pursue the matter further. Instead, she asked, "Why did you come so late?"

"I had some things to take care of. Just finished and came here," Li Dong explained.

"When are you going back?"

"Why are you in such a hurry for me to leave?" Li Dong feigned displeasure.

Qin Yuhan hit him lightly, didn't answer, and asked, "Have you decided where to stay tonight?"

"Cao Hongbing booked a hotel. I came to see you first. I missed you."

Hearing this, Qin Yuhan's affection deepened, "I missed you too."

They hugged, their faces close, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

After a while, someone interjected, "You two are something else! Do you think I'm invisible?"

Li Dong had noticed Qi Fangfang earlier but ignored her.

Qin Yuhan, however, had completely forgotten Qi Fangfang's presence. When Qi Fangfang spoke up, Qin Yuhan was startled and quickly pushed Li Dong away.

Seeing Qi Fangfang's teasing look, Qin Yuhan's face turned crimson.

Qi Fangfang glared at them and huffed, "Is my presence really that insignificant?"

Li Dong chuckled, "How could it be? With such a big spotlight, it's impossible not to notice."

"Who are you calling a spotlight?"

"I'm talking about you, Qi Fangfang. Why is it that every time I'm being affectionate with my wife, you're always lurking around? Are you secretly in love with our Yuhan?"

Qi Fangfang rolled her eyes at him and said, "Do you think I want to watch you two flirt? It's your wife who dragged me here, saying she's afraid of the dark!"

Qin Yuhan scolded, "Fangfang!"

Qi Fangfang pouted and muttered, "It's not flirting. It's just fire meeting fire. That's all."

Qin Yuhan glared at her and huffed in silence.

After a bit of commotion, Qi Fangfang finally said, "You two have fun. I'm heading back. Yuhan, should I leave the door open for you tonight?"

"Fangfang!" Qin Yuhan was exasperated and wished she could shut Qi Fangfang's mouth immediately.

"Alright, I won't say anything more. It seems like you don't need me to leave the door open. That's fine. I was afraid of burglars anyway."

Qi Fangfang teased and winked at Qin Yuhan before turning to leave.

Li Dong watched her leave and then asked, "What's up with Qi Fangfang? Does she need me to help with something?"

Qin Yuhan shook her head quickly, "No, nothing."

Actually, Qin Yuhan knew Qi Fangfang was just hinting at the shop opening. 

But Qin Yuhan wanted to surprise Li Dong, so she didn't want to spoil it before the shop was even open.

Li Dong knew Qin Yuhan wasn't being completely honest but didn't press further.

Secrets among young girls—why should he ask so many questions? Qin Yuhan would tell him if she wanted to.

Once Qi Fangfang had left, Li Dong eagerly said, "Yuhan, let's go back to the hotel."

Qin Yuhan's face turned red, and she said, "It's just getting dark. Why go to the hotel now?"

Li Dong winked and said, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder. We haven't seen each other for years. Let's catch up."

"Catch up, my foot!"

Qin Yuhan laughed, pinched him, and said, "Let's wander around first. You haven't seen Beijing at night yet."

Li Dong wasn't thrilled. Nighttime was for serious business, not strolling around.

But since his wife had spoken, he had no choice but to comply.

The night was still young, after all.