Doctor Lu Always Wants To Steal My Baby! Chapter 64
byChapter 64: Liking Someone Is Just a Momentary Impulse
“Good morning, Daddy.”
“Good morning, Father Lu.”
Coming downstairs early in the morning, Lu Changqing encountered He Leyan, who had just woken up, looking groggy with messy, sticking-up hair, and his little pet, “Pipi,” trailing behind him.
“Morning,” Lu Changqing patted He Leyan’s head. “Go wash up.”
He then walked toward the dining table, nodded to Elder Fang and Wen Yi, and sat down directly next to He Chen. “You’re up so early today?”
Elder Fang and Wen Yi exchanged glances. It seemed the Dean had ignored all of them; the greeting was purely mechanical.
“I have something on today,” He Chen said, eating while looking at his terminal.
Mid-meal, he remembered, “How is your injury?”
“It’s fine,” Lu Changqing replied. “You left your jacket at my place yesterday. I put it in the washing machine for you.”
Oh, a jacket. How far had these two progressed? Elder Fang and Wen Yi unconsciously paused their movements, exchanging another knowing look.
“Thank you,” He Chen said, scanning the dining table. He felt like everyone was watching him after Lu Changqing mentioned the jacket.
Naturally, He Chen, who feared neither a thousand armies nor ten thousand horses, wasn’t afraid of being watched. He acted as if nothing had happened and continued eating.
He Moyan, however, suddenly put down his fork, looked at He Chen and Lu Changqing, and asked bluntly, “Are you two dating?”
?
!
He Chen’s hand trembled. “What nonsense are you talking about? No, we are not!”
He Moyan didn’t care whether they were or not. He was just wondering if they were dating, could He Chen sleep in Lu Changqing’s room? Staying in his room was getting a bit crowded.
—Ever since the assassination attempt, He Leyan had been a little afraid to return to his old room. Now, both he and He Chen were temporarily staying in Moyan’s room.
Hearing He Chen say “no,” He Moyan didn’t doubt the truth, lowered his head, and continued eating. As he ate, he looked up at Lu Changqing.
He remembered the way Lu Changqing had stroked He Chen when he was asleep last time.
Could they do that even if they weren’t dating?
He Moyan also recalled the flash of black scales on Lu Changqing’s hand, and a flicker of vigilance crossed his eyes.
He Chen was eating in discomfort, not because everyone was watching him again, but because Lu Changqing’s reaction made him subtly uneasy.
After he said, “No, we are not,” Lu Changqing seemed to become a little quiet.
Was he bothered by that? Was he hurt by that statement?
He Chen worried for a moment, then decided he was overthinking it.
Lu Changqing had confessed his feelings, but after being rejected, he had been open and carefree, never showing any sign of heartbreak.
With this thought, He Chen suppressed his chaotic thoughts and looked at Lu Changqing. “Senior Brother, I have to return to the Hanhe Base today. Do you have time to come along?”
He paused, leaned closer to Lu Changqing, and lowered his voice. “We can test it.”
He didn’t specify what they would test, trusting Lu Changqing understood: Zero.
Since the Zero mecha was developed in secret, testing also had to be done in secret. Hanxiao Star had too many eyes and ears; the base was much quieter and had specialized training grounds where they could test openly.
Lu Changqing nodded. “I was just thinking of visiting.”
He Leyan popped his little head up then. “Going back to the base? Can you take me?”
He Chen smiled. “Of course, I’ll take you.”
In fact, one of his main objectives was to send Moyan and Leyan back to the base.
The feud was established. He was planning how to deal with He Hongsheng, and He Hongsheng was likely plotting against him too. With the handover ceremony approaching, He Chen needed to strictly protect his rear flank during this period.
He Leyan was unaware of these adult concerns. Knowing he was going back to the base with Daddy, Dad, and Brother, he was very excited. Yet, he tried to act mature, introducing the Hanhe Base to Lu Changqing in the shuttle with the tone of a seasoned veteran.
Wen Yi, who was accompanying them, watched him, feeling the passage of time. The scene of first bringing the little guy to Hanhe had become a distant past.
“Daddy, this is the Hanhe Base! Isn’t it beautiful?” Arriving at the base, before getting off the shuttle, He Leyan acted as the host—a very proud host—introducing the place to Lu Changqing.
Lu Changqing smiled, just about to speak, when the hatch opened, and he froze for a moment.
On the gangway, two neat lines of officers stood, wearing white gloves and large red flowers.
The team on the left held a banner: “Welcome Dean Lu Changqing and his entourage from the Capital Medical Academy to Hanhe Base for Guidance.”
The team on the right held confetti cannons. Twenty cannons were aimed skyward at a forty-five-degree angle. The moment the hatch opened, “Pitter-patter,” they burst forth, scattering colorful paper confetti everywhere.
Lu Changqing turned his head to look at He Chen.
He Chen gave an awkward laugh. “Ahem, the Hanhe Branch of the Medical Academy was established, and we gave them a lot of benefits and security. They genuinely respect Senior Brother. They heard you were coming and took it very seriously.”
Someone had reported wanting a simple welcome ceremony, but He Chen hadn’t inquired about the details. How was he supposed to know these people would pull out so many tricks?
Why the big red flowers? It looked like a wedding party!
Fortunately, Lu Changqing seemed accustomed to grand occasions. He only reacted for a second to the bizarre ceremony before quickly stepping off the ramp alongside He Chen with a natural smile amidst the falling confetti. After greeting the officers and saying a few words, the ceremony concluded perfectly.
Afterward, an officer enthusiastically hosted Lu Changqing. He Chen followed for a while, realizing he was getting in the way, and decided to go handle his own business.
He Leyan acted as the little host. After Lu Changqing had toured all the necessary places, Leyan led him back to his and He Chen’s dormitory.
“This is mine and Daddy’s room!” Entering the door, He Leyan introduced the room while also looking around with wide eyes.
Having been away for so long, when He Leyan actually saw the room, he realized how much he missed it.
Returning here gave him the feeling of being “home.” It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced anywhere else.
Leyan forgot to be a little tour guide. He walked along a special path with small animal decorations toward his little bed, lay down on the carpet beside it, looked up at the starry ceiling, and moved his little arms and legs twice.
“Daddy, Leyan is so happy.”
Lu Changqing walked over and quietly stroked He Leyan’s head. “Daddy understands.”
He sat with Leyan for a while, then looked toward He Chen’s room next door.
Perhaps to be able to look after Leyan at any time, He Chen’s room was partitioned from Leyan’s but not completely separated. Lu Changqing could see part of his room from where he sat.
There weren’t many things, and compared to Leyan’s personal area, which was full of pillows and toys, it was exceptionally simple.
Lu Changqing retracted his gaze, picked up He Leyan, and whispered something in his ear.
*
“For the final round of adjustments, make sure everyone remembers their objectives. Drill a few more times over the next two days.”
That evening, He Chen called Ning Tian into his office and handed him a list.
Ning Tian took it and reported solemnly, “Yes, sir!”
“There’s no one else here, why are you shouting?” He Chen glared at him. “Get some rest early. You’ve been working hard lately. Recharge your batteries over the next couple of days.”
“Yes, sir,” Ning Tian replied, his voice indeed lowered, and, unusually, carrying a hint of warmth. “You rest too. Dean Lu is waiting for you.”
“Dean Lu and I don’t have the kind of relationship you’re imagining,” He Chen could still speak the truth to Ning Tian—though Ning Tian clearly didn’t believe him.
“You can have your own life too,” Ning Tian said out of the blue.
He Chen paused. “What do you mean I don’t have my own life?”
Ning Tian remained silent. He Chen knew from his icy face that he had said all he intended to and wouldn’t speak further. He snorted. “Get lost.”
“Happy birthday,” Ning Tian murmured, saluted, and decisively walked out.
Bastard, just a blessing, no gift? He Chen chuckled, then let his lips fall.
He couldn’t blame Ning Tian. Ning Tian probably didn’t dare to give him a gift, because his birthday was also Han Jin’s birthday.
In fact, both he and Han Jin were orphans and didn’t know their actual birthdays, so they chose the day they enlisted.
He Chen hadn’t celebrated this birthday for three years; he had almost forgotten it.
He glanced at the photo frame on his desk and stood up.
Who said he didn’t have his own life? He was going to live his life right now: tucking Leyan in.
And, well, helping Senior Brother test a mecha.
However, as He Chen approached the dormitory, he realized Leyan might already be asleep—the room light was dim.
He opened the door quietly. Just as his eyes were adjusting to the darkness, he caught a faint light in the depths of the room.
It was warm yellow… candlelight.
“Daddy, happy birthday.” Leyan walked toward He Chen, holding a small cake with both hands. His little face was illuminated by the candlelight, and his expression was especially… nervous.
Because he couldn’t see the path clearly, because he was afraid of dropping the cake, and because, well, he was supposed to sing, but He Leyan, who had a photographic memory, suddenly forgot the tune.
While trying to remember the tune, He Leyan stopped halfway. He Chen walked over and saw his eyes unfocused, his little lips opening and closing silently.
“What are you mumbling?” He Chen asked, amused.
Oh no! He Leyan was startled by his sudden appearance and gripped the cake tray tightly. “I haven’t sung yet! Why did you come over already?”
He Chen’s smile widened. “Should I go back?”
Mid-question, he looked up—
Strings of colored lights lit up the room. Lu Changqing and He Moyan stood beneath the lights, their faces bathed in a dreamy, warm hue.
Lu Changqing looked at He Chen with a smile. “No need to go back. Just make a wish.”
Make a wish? He Chen, who had been staring blankly at Lu Changqing’s face, retracted his gaze. He rarely followed these procedures before; he usually just started eating.
But he closed his eyes and went through the motions, then opened his eyes, smiled at Leyan, and “poof,” blew out the candle, immediately smearing a bit of cream onto Leyan’s face.
“Aiya! My little wolf!” Leyan cried out!
He Chen then looked down at the cake and noticed it was shaped like a plump, round snow wolf.
“It’s okay, we can make another one next time,” Lu Changqing said.
He Chen looked at Lu Changqing. “Did Senior Brother make this?”
“Leyan’s idea, Moyan made the mold,” Lu Changqing said, looking at him. “Happy birthday.”
“Thank you. How did Senior Brother know?”
“Your birthday doesn’t seem to be a secret at Hanhe,” Lu Changqing replied.
He Chen then remembered that he always had his own people stationed at Hanhe, such as the therapist Shao Ying.
He Chen didn’t ask any more questions. He placed the cake on the coffee table, cut it into pieces, and distributed them to Moyan and Leyan.
He Moyan simply ate the cake, focused entirely on the task. He Leyan, however, looked at He Chen, then at Lu Changqing. “Daddy, do you have something else to do with Dad?”
“You two go handle your business. Brother and I will play by ourselves!”
Lu Changqing rubbed He Leyan’s clever little head and looked at He Chen. “Is it convenient?”
It was convenient. He Chen had planned to help him test Zero tonight anyway.
He quickly ate his cake, stood up, and led Lu Changqing toward the training ground.
“I’ve cleared the area. It’s spacious here, better than Hanxiao Star.”
He Chen said this as he scanned his palm to open the training ground door.
Lu Changqing surveyed the environment and looked up at the dome. “Can we launch directly outside?”
“Yes, and there’s a signal shielding net. Within a one-kilometer radius, you don’t have to worry about anyone detecting us.”
“It’s a good place. Can I borrow it for regular use?” Lu Changqing looked at him.
“You can,” He Chen looked completely unsurprised by the question. “It’s just—”
“It’s just that maintaining the training ground requires quite a bit of funding, and the shielding system probably needs an upgrade?” Lu Changqing offered proactively.
“Tell me how much you need. The Lu family will pay, don’t try to save me money.” As a willing fat sheep delivering himself to the slaughter, Lu Changqing was very proactive.
“Ahem, well, if Zero is successfully mass-produced, could Hanhe get a batch for trial use first?” He Chen asked.
“Hanhe is full of civilian warriors whose physiques aren’t as strong as nobles who have been tempered with Blood Crystals since childhood, but that’s perfect for testing your mecha’s load capacity requirements.”
“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to get involved?” Lu Changqing asked.
He Chen paused. “I’m not involved. This is for science.”
“Thank you for your profound understanding, Commander He,” Lu Changqing curved his lips. “I was going to talk to you about this anyway. Mass production of Zero definitely requires more test samples. I was about to recruit personnel. If you’re willing to provide people, besides the mecha, I can pay a testing fee per person.”
“Thank you,” He Chen decided to quit while he was ahead. “No need for the testing fee.”
He then actively opened the boxes that had been transported with them today. The mecha named “Logos” lay inside, divided into several components.
Lu Changqing activated the mechanical arm in the first box. After a few electronic sounds, it began automatically assembling the mecha.
“I’ll go change first,” He Chen said, glancing at Lu Changqing, who was focused on operating something.
“Wait a moment,” Lu Changqing called him back, pulling a small box from his pocket. “A birthday gift.”
“What is it?” He Chen asked, opening the box at Lu Changqing’s gesture.
Inside the box was a row of neatly arranged, blood-red, translucent mineral crystals, about the size of a handgun bullet.
“Blood Crystals?” He Chen said, then felt something was off. He picked up one crystal and realized that on its other side was half a piece of the kind of Bigen Stone he had once given Lu Changqing, and the color was excellent.
“Is this… natural?” He Chen held the stone up, examining it curiously.
“Natural. Two mineral veins intersected underground,” Lu Changqing explained. “You can use them when your mental power is unstable and you need energy replenishment. With the Bigen Stone present, you don’t have to worry about stimulating your mental power when absorbing the Blood Crystal.”
So it had this effect. “Thank you, Senior Brother, I actually need this.”
He Chen felt it was valuable but accepted it, confident that he could find something equally valuable to repay Lu Changqing later.
Lu Changqing said, “You’re welcome,” and took a simple necklace from the box. The bottom of the chain had a hollow pendant, just large enough to embed the rare mineral. “Wear it normally. You can use it anytime you have a sudden need.”
“Okay.” He Chen accepted it all. His hand suddenly reached into his pants pocket, hesitated, and then pulled out what was inside:
“I said I’d give you a proper gift for your birthday last time.”
“What is this?” Lu Changqing looked at his palm. It was a miniature boat made of alloy. Though small, the proportions were accurate, and it was fully equipped.
“It’s a paperweight,” He Chen said, rotating the mast. He had designed a mechanism so that when the mast was shaken, a gap automatically opened on the side of the boat, releasing an even smaller dinghy. Inside the dinghy were several bookmarks shaped like anchors and lighthouses.
“They’re a set,” He Chen explained. “I wish Senior Brother safe return every time you turn the tide.”
“Thank you.” A warm light flowed through Lu Changqing’s eyes. He took the small boat and anchors from He Chen’s hand.
“Did you make this last night?”
“Yes.” He Chen had wanted to give Lu Changqing a proper gift for a long time but hadn’t decided what. He suddenly got the inspiration last night.
“I didn’t have all my tools, so it’s not polished enough. Please don’t dislike it, Senior Brother.”
Lu Changqing certainly wouldn’t dislike it. He held one of the anchors, rubbing it. “I don’t dislike it. It’s just that using these might make it hard for me to concentrate when reading later.”
“Ahem,” He Chen heard the implication and blushed. “Senior Brother, don’t be like that.”
“Don’t be like what?”
Don’t constantly say things that make people blush. Focus on work, and also—
“Liking someone is just a momentary impulse. Friendship lasts forever.”
“…” Lu Changqing was silent for a long time before finally speaking:
“I’ve liked you for quite a while, and the ‘impulse’ hasn’t disappeared.”
“That’s because you haven’t gone through withdrawal,” He Chen replied.
“I haven’t what?” Lu Changqing doubted his ears.
“Withdrawal.” Because his face was too hot, He Chen was already walking toward the changing room. His voice came through the door, serious and completely oblivious to how ridiculous he sounded. “If you put some distance between us for a while, you’ll naturally get over it.”
“Is that so?” Lu Changqing was speechless for a moment. Inferring something from He Chen’s words, he looked at the changing room door. “You sound quite experienced?”
“Ahem, I guess a little. I used to like someone before, and after being apart for a while, I got over it.” He Chen said, blushing, while taking off his jacket in the changing room.
“Who did you like before?” Lu Changqing paused, asking in as gentle a tone as possible. “Fang Wenzhuo?”
“No,” He Chen said, pulling open the changing room door. He glanced at Lu Changqing, then averted his eyes and strode toward the mecha. “Can we start now?”
Lu Changqing paused for a moment. “We can.”
He walked over to the mecha, opened the cockpit for He Chen to sit in, and helped him fasten the head ring. Just as He Chen relaxed his guard and familiarized himself with the controls, Lu Changqing suddenly asked, “Do you still like that person now?”
“Do I still—Ahem! Senior Brother, stop distracting me.”
Forget distraction, Lu Changqing hadn’t even heard what he said. He only wanted to confirm one thing now: “What kind of ‘good feeling’ was your previous affection for me, exactly?”