Chapter 18: Christmas Eve Appointment

"Su Jinqi, I see you completely turning a deaf ear to what I say, in one ear and out the other!" Li Jinghan emanated a fierce aura as he said in a steady voice, "You deliberately didn't come home after work; are you trying to challenge me?"

"I didn't!" Su Jinqi stomped her foot in anger, "Secretary Jin arranged so much work for me, and I couldn't finish it all. She said you were expecting it tomorrow, I didn't dare not to do it, so I stayed late."

"You are a Third-level Secretary; how can you have so much workload? Are you still lying?" Li Jinghan pressed his lips tightly together, staring at her coldly.

Accused of lying again, Su Jinqi screamed in anger, "I'm not lying!"

As her words fell, her body softened, and she collapsed to one side.

Seeing this, Li Jinghan stood up and walked over to her, muttering, "Su Jinqi, stop pretending, get up."

The person on the ground didn't move.

Li Jinghan walked up to her and squatted down, touched her forehead, which was burning hot. He pushed her slightly, and seeing no response, he then carried her downstairs.

In the infusion room of Central Hospital, Su Jinqi had an IV drip, her fever subsided, and she gradually regained consciousness.

"Awake?" Li Jinghan's voice was low and ghostly as he sat beside the hospital bed, his gaze cold as he watched Su Jinqi.

Startled, Su Jinqi nervously asked, "Why, why are you here?"

"If I am not here, where should I be?" Li Jinghan reached out to touch her forehead.

Su Jinqi instinctively moved back, "What are you doing?"

Li Jinghan reached out again and touched her forehead, checked briefly, then withdrew his hand and stood up, saying, "Get up, the fever has subsided."

Only then did Su Jinqi realize she was in a hospital. She looked at the white adhesive tape on the back of her hand and understood what had happened.

"Thank you for taking me to the hospital." In the car, Su Jinqi thanked him in a low voice.

Li Jinghan glanced at her sideways, his words sharp, "Don't misunderstand, if you really were in trouble, I just didn't want to mess up my home."

Fine, very fine indeed!

Su Jinqi clenched her lips, holding back her anger, turned her head towards the car window, and stopped talking.

Back at home, the medication Su Jinqi took in the car took effect, and she went straight to her room and climbed into bed. She slept well that night, did not have a fever again, and woke up feeling much refreshed.

Outside it was bright daylight. Su Jinqi exclaimed, "Oh my," got ready in a rush, changed clothes, and hurried to the kitchen.

"Mrs. Hui, hurry, I'm going to be late for work!" While speaking, she was also searching for something to eat.

Mrs. Hui walked over smiling, "Qiqi, don't you know what time it is? It's already past ten!"

"What? Past ten? Oh no, there goes my full attendance award for the month!" Su Jinqi panically dropped the soup spoon onto the glass countertop.

Mrs. Hui touched her forehead, comforting her, "What's over? I think it's quite alright. You've been resting poorly and were sick these past few days; you need to recuperate. I made you some black chicken soup, drink it later then go back to your room and lie down."

"But I haven't finished my work yet, Mr. Li is still waiting for it."

"The young master has given you leave, just rest at home," Mrs. Hui replied, then went to serve her the chicken soup.

Su Jinqi mulled over it in her heart, wondering if the leave he gave was sincere. Could he really be that kind-hearted? Just yesterday, he was still so sarcastic towards her.

Mrs. Hui brought over some chicken soup then went off to do other things. Su Jinqi sipped on the chicken soup while playing with her phone.

Suddenly, Ye Qiyang sent her a WeChat message: Qiqi, tomorrow is Christmas Eve, let's go to Yilin Town.

Following that, another message popped up: There's a new restaurant opened near the company, I'll treat you to lunch there.

Su Jinqi puffed her cheeks, pondering for a moment, then replied: Qiyang, I already have plans with Xiao'ai and the others tomorrow, I can't join you. I was a bit busy today and didn't go to work, let's go there another day.

Not long after sending the message, Ye Qiyang replied with an OK emoji.

In the marketing department, Ye Qiyang was staring blankly at the WeChat conversation. Ever since returning from this business trip, he felt that Qiqi seemed different—an odd feeling that he couldn't explain. He had originally planned to confess his feelings on Christmas Eve, but since she already had plans, it would have to be postponed.

Just when Su Jinqi mentioned she had plans with friends, her best friend Yu Xiao'ai called her with a voice message.

As soon as the call connected, she heard her chattering: "Qiqi, what are you doing? Have you missed me? Keep your schedule free for tomorrow night, Christmas Eve! It's our annual get-together!"

"Tomorrow is perfect since it's Saturday and a day off, we can play all day!" Su Jinqi asked, "Did you call Meiya?"

"She's busy and didn't have time for me, but she must have arranged everything," Yu Xiao'ai replied cheerfully.

"Alright, then see you at the usual place tomorrow!"

Su Jinqi, Yu Xiao'ai, and Han Meiya - three girls with distinctively different personalities - established their friendship during high school. Perhaps due to deep fate, the three girls ended up at the same university, which only solidified their friendship further. Starting from high school, they made a pact to spend every Christmas Eve together. This tradition continued from high school to university and then into their careers, every year without fail.

After chatting with Yu Xiao'ai for over half an hour, Su Jinqi felt much refreshed, the frustrations from dealing with Li Jinghan earlier had dissipated with their hearty laughter.

Time flew, and the next day arrived.

Feeling rejuvenated, Su Jinqi woke up early, looked at the clear skies outside, and felt joyful and spirited.

"Good morning, Mrs. Hui!" Su Jinqi greeted brightly.

Mrs. Hui, sensing her happiness, turned around and couldn't help but exclaim, "Who is this pretty young lady? So beautiful!"

Su Jinqi pursed her lips in a smile and sat down at the Central Island, shaking her head and blinking at Mrs. Hui, asking, "Mrs. Hui, do I look nice today?"

"You look beautiful!" Mrs. Hui praised, "Like a fresh lotus flower, a beautiful lady indeed!"

"Qiqi, you have a date today, right?"

"Yep, it's Christmas Eve and I'm going out to have fun with my girlfriends. Mrs. Hui, I'll bring back some Peace Fruit for you tonight." Su Jinqi carried the dishes to the dining table in the south side of the kitchen, then asked with concern, "Mrs. Hui, how is Uncle Kui's back? I haven't seen him in the past few days, is he still bedridden?"

"It's his chronic problem, it always acts up in winter," Mrs. Hui sighed, "Let's eat first, I will check on him later."

As they sat down to eat, Su Jinqi said, "Mrs. Hui, my friend's dad is a renowned traditional Chinese medicine expert, specializing in orthopedics; why don't you take Uncle Kui to see him? I will talk to my friend."

"Which famous doctor is it?" Mrs. Hui asked, "The young master had also previously consulted many famous doctors. I'm familiar with almost all the prominent ones in Ning City!"

"It's Han..."

"Secretary Su, once you finish breakfast, come to the study. Mr. Li has a sudden video conference, and you need to take notes."

Ming Can suddenly appeared in the kitchen, cutting her off, making her feel as though she had fallen into an abyss!