Let Her Handle It as She Wishes

In the evening,

Qiao Xi was waiting for the bus after work when the sound of a car horn rang in her ears. A low-profile Porsche pulled up in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing Xu Xiuyuan's cold and stern face.

"Get in, I'll give you a ride," he said indifferently.

"Dean Xu, thank you for your kindness, but I'll take the bus," Qiao Xi politely declined.

Huo Sijiao had mentioned that the two families were not on good terms.

She didn't want to provoke the Xu family.

"I have some business to discuss with you. Get in the car, we'll talk on the way," Xu Xiuyuan's voice was clear and gentle, as if he was certain she would accept his offer.

Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment, biting her lip, before opening the door and sitting in the back seat.

"Dean Xu, what's the matter?"

"Dr. Yan submitted your request for permanent employment. After discussion, we've decided to offer you an exceptional promotion to full-time," Xu Xiuyuan pressed the gas pedal, and the car sped away smoothly.

"Thank you." Qiao Xi couldn't hide her excitement; this meant she was one step closer to obtaining her medical license and opening a small clinic.

"It's well-deserved. You've been performing excellently." Xu Xiuyuan had never seen Yan Shian so highly praise a young doctor. He even complimented her acupuncture skills, saying they were far better than his own.

Xu Xiuyuan wasn't convinced; he didn't think a freshly graduated girl could be that capable unless she came from a family of doctors, with years of experience.

But clearly, Qiao Xi's family wasn't one of those.

"Thank you for saving my grandmother today. She finally agreed to let a caregiver look after her," Xu Xiuyuan glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his remaining conscience urging him to speak. "If you ever need help, don't hesitate to contact me."

"Okay."

For the rest of the ride, Xu Xiuyuan didn't say another word. It was as if he really was just giving her a lift. The car stopped at the entrance of the Huo family's villa.

Qiao Xi thanked him and went inside.

"Sis-in-law's back!"

Huo Sijiao, holding a confetti cannon, shot it off with a loud "bang," and colorful ribbons fell onto Qiao Xi's head.

"Surprise! Sis-in-law, today's my brother's birthday! We're all here!"

"Qiao Xi, did you have a long day at work? Come sit down," Du Juan waved at her.

On the dining table, there was already a big cake. Du Juan and Huo Jiancheng sat beside it, and Huo Xingzhou sat in his wheelchair, smiling as he looked at her. Qiao Xi covered her mouth as she adjusted her sweater.

"Sis-in-law, hurry and sit!"

Huo Sijiao pulled her to sit next to Huo Xingzhou, and Aunt Qian brought over dish after dish, finally bringing a steaming bowl of longevity noodles.

"All the dishes are here!"

"Aunt Qian, please sit down, don't worry about serving. Tonight, it's just us, celebrating Xingzhou's birthday." Du Juan pulled Aunt Qian to sit aside.

Their second branch had always thrown big birthday parties, but this year, it was the simplest celebration.

Huo Xingzhou had narrowly escaped death, and they didn't ask for anything more.

"Brother, make a wish first!" Huo Sijiao was the life of the party, organizing everything.

Huo Xingzhou's lips slightly curled as he indulged her suggestion. He turned to look at Qiao Xi, silently making a wish to the heavens for her.

He picked up the cake knife, cut the first slice, and placed it in front of Qiao Xi.

Huo Sijiao teased, "You two really have a good relationship."

Qiao Xi's eyes sparkled as she took the cake.

"This is such a good occasion, we should drink a bit," Du Juan suggested. "A few drinks are a must."

"Ma'am, I'll get it."

Aunt Qian hurriedly stood up and fetched two bottles of red wine. Each person had their glass filled, and even Huo Xingzhou was persuaded to drink a glass.

"Ding!"

"Cheers!"

"To my brother's speedy recovery and to a sweet marriage!"

By the end of the meal, Huo Sijiao was slightly tipsy, spilling some soup on Huo Xingzhou.

They ate until past midnight. Aunt Qian instructed Old Chen to drive them back, while she cleaned up the mess.

Qiao Xi pushed Huo Xingzhou's wheelchair into the master bedroom.

Her cheeks flushed, "Mr. Huo, this time… I didn't get drunk."

Well, maybe just a little dizzy.

She took the small gift box from her pocket and handed it to him with both hands. "Happy birthday, Mr. Huo."

Huo Xingzhou's eyes, as calm as a still lake, rippled with emotion. "For me?"

"Yes! I specifically bought it for you. The moment I saw it, I knew it would suit you perfectly."

Her eyes shone brightly, and a delicate blush spread across her face.

Huo Xingzhou opened the box and found a pair of sapphire cufflinks with diamonds. Among the many fine things he had seen, they didn't stand out, but to Qiao Xi, they must have cost a considerable amount.

The sentiment was what mattered, and it was priceless.

"I really like them," Huo Xingzhou said in a deep voice.

Qiao Xi's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I'm glad you like them. Let me help you get cleaned up." Her speech was slightly slurred from the alcohol, sounding almost like she was whining.

"Okay."

Huo Xingzhou allowed her to handle things as she wished.

He knew she was still sober, better than last time. But he wasn't sure what a shy girl like Qiao Xi would do in such a situation—moderate alcohol always loosened a person's natural inhibitions.

Qiao Xi led him to the spacious bathroom, squeezed toothpaste for him, and wrung out a towel.

Huo Xingzhou washed his face carefully, thinking how lucky it was that tomorrow was the weekend and she wouldn't have to work.

"Let me wipe it off."

She took the towel and gently wiped the toothpaste foam from the corner of his mouth.

The bathtub was filled with warm water. Qiao Xi bent down to unbutton his shirt, but Huo Xingzhou grabbed her wrist, his throat tightening.

"That's enough."

If they continued, he might take advantage of the situation.

"We're not done yet." Qiao Xi shook her head, stubbornly trying to pull off his clothes.

Huo Xingzhou grabbed her waist, lifted her, and placed her on the countertop. He held her fair ankle in his hand.

"Don't move," he said hoarsely, his fingers trailing up her ankle, slipping under the hem of her floral dress, caressing the smooth skin of her calf.

The warmth of the steam and the alcohol-induced dopamine made Qiao Xi's heart race, her breath becoming shallow.

She felt she might need CPR and artificial respiration.

"Mr. Huo, I saved Old Lady Liu at the hospital today and did CPR on her." She gave him a cute look, as if seeking praise.

"Our little doctor is amazing." Huo Xingzhou, as she wished, allowed his fingers to wander.

She gave a silly little laugh, bending forward.

He sat in the wheelchair while she perched on the countertop. With this height, all she needed to do was lean forward slightly, and her lips could reach his.

"Mr. Huo, I'm having trouble breathing..."

Her medical student hint was clumsy yet endearing.

After saying this, her rosy lips landed on his cool, thin ones, drawing the oxygen from his mouth.

Huo Xingzhou's fingers tightened involuntarily, tracing the fine lines of her delicate skin. He tilted his head, taking control.

Qiao Xi trembled, her hands braced against the countertop.

Her slender, fair fingers clenched, and she became nervous and confused by the unfamiliar impulse inside her.

Finally,

She was left in tears, her limbs soft and weak.

"Mr. Huo, CPR isn't supposed to be like this," she corrected seriously.

"Turns out, our little doctor wasn't just trying to satisfy a craving?" He watched her leisurely, his gaze dark. "I thought you were hungry."