Innocent Ex Is Hot Chapter 28

Annoyed

Who would come knocking on Zhu Qing’s door so early in the morning? At this time and in this setting, it was truly inappropriate, a blatant disruption of the sweetness between the two of them. He Linzhou felt indignant as he opened the door, only to find the person he least wanted to see.

Qian Xing.

He Linzhou looked thoroughly displeased. What is it? Do you not have a home of your own? What are you doing here so early?

Qian Xing, who was holding breakfast, froze. He had not expected He Linzhou to be the one answering the door.

He stared at He Linzhou and asked, Why are you here?

He Linzhou leaned against the doorframe, acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Why shouldn’t I be here? As he spoke, he deliberately tugged at his loose collar a couple of times.

Looking like that, it was hard for anyone not to get the wrong idea.

Provoked, Qian Xing grabbed him by the collar. What did you do to Brother Qing?

He Linzhou shoved his hand away as if afraid of being contaminated by something filthy. His arrogance was in full swing. What I do with him is none of your business.

He straightened his rumpled collar with an overbearing air.

Inside the apartment, Zhu Qing finished tidying his clothes and hurried out, having already heard Qian Xing’s voice.

Qian Xing turned to look at him, his expression instantly shifting into a smile. Brother Qing, I bought you some breakfast. Want to eat together?

How hypocritical. He could give a masterclass in face-changing, He Linzhou muttered under his breath.

Zhu Qing gave He Linzhou a light swat, signaling that he shouldn’t speak that way.

Seeing their small interaction, Qian Xing felt a pang of bitterness in his heart, though he maintained his smile.

Seeing that he had brought breakfast, Zhu Qing felt a bit awkward. I already ate this morning. You should keep it for yourself.

Qian Xing lowered his hand, looking somewhat dejected. After a half-second of tense silence, he smiled and asked, Brother Qing, can we go to work together today?

No, He Linzhou answered first. We drank quite a bit last night. We can’t drive today.

Zhu Qing glared at him, but He Linzhou took his hand and countered, If you drive under the influence, I’ll be the first one to report you. Besides, as a doctor, it’s not like you don’t know the dangers of drunk driving.

Zhu Qing could only offer Qian Xing an apologetic look.

Qian Xing lowered his head, but quickly looked up again, forcing a faint smile. It’s okay. I’ll just call a cab.

Zhu Qing nodded. He Linzhou didn’t bother with further pleasantries and simply shut the door.

Qian Xing’s knuckles turned white, and his heart began to sink.

He found it difficult to accept such a defeat.

Were you being a bit too much just now? Qian Xing is still just a kid, Zhu Qing said as he started tidying up the living room.

A kid? Someone who has graduated and started working can hardly be called a kid. Besides, don’t tell me you aren’t aware of his feelings for you. He Linzhou had felt that Qian Xing was up to no good from the very first moment they met. He had been young once too; he could tell exactly what kind of person the guy was at a single glance.

Having his thoughts read, Zhu Qing felt a bit embarrassed. In truth, he did know the other’s intentions; he just hadn’t figured out how to reject him. They worked in the same unit and lived in the same neighborhood, which made things quite awkward.

That is your one flaw—you are too soft-hearted. When you know it is impossible, you shouldn’t give him even a shred of hope. Cutting off hope early was the only right way to handle it.

I know what you mean. I just thought that over time, he would eventually understand on his own. They were all adults; there was no reason not to understand. Some things didn’t need to be said explicitly; it was about maintaining his own dignity and leaving some for the other person as well.

Adult life was hard enough. Being able to cut one’s losses and recognize the reality of one’s feelings wasn’t a bad thing.

However, he had actually made his point quite clear just now. When He Linzhou took his hand in front of him, he hadn’t pulled away. That boy should have understood.

Zhu Qing arranged the throw pillows and checked the time, saying it was time to go.

He Linzhou was right; it really wasn’t suitable for them to drive today.

And so, for the first time, the two of them squeezed onto the subway together.

Because they had been so drunk the night before and were interrupted by Qian Xing in the morning, He Linzhou had forgotten to ask. Now that they were squeezed into a corner together, he brought it up.

Do you know that female singer from last night? He Linzhou asked, referring to the person Zhu Qing had proactively embraced.

Zhu Qing replied, Yes. She is a girl I saved on the plane when I was coming back from the United States. Her name is Molly.

Molly?

He Linzhou quickly searched his memory. Right, he remembered now. Some time ago, when Zhu Qing was still a viral celebrity doctor, a photo had been taken of him. It was indeed of a girl he had saved on a plane.

This really was fate, for the two of them to meet again in Fengshi, and in a bar of all places. For a moment, He Linzhou didn’t know whether to call it a fated meeting across a thousand miles or an inescapable ill-fated connection.

You certainly have a lot of fate with women, he remarked sourly.

Zhu Qing said helplessly, She hasn’t had it easy. She told me before that she was preparing for surgery but her money was stolen. She took the job in China to earn money for the operation.

Oh, so that was it.

As the crowd grew, Zhu Qing was pushed further into the corner. He Linzhou took one look, used his strength to push through the surrounding passengers, and squeezed in next to him until they were practically pressed against each other.

Zhu Qing continued, Molly is very strong. Given the situation last night, taking the initiative to hug her was the best way to handle it. It avoided awkwardness and helped her finish her performance. At the very least, it kept the scene from looking too bad.

It wasn’t easy for a girl to come out and work. Even someone like Qiao Hui, who worked locally, felt immense pressure sometimes, let alone a girl who had left her hometown to work in a foreign country. He would help however he could.

Recalling the scene at the bar last night, He Linzhou realized it truly had been the best solution.

He silently tightened his grip on Zhu Qing’s hand.

This time, Zhu Qing did not let go.

He Linzhou smiled happily and whispered, Doesn’t it feel pretty good to have a boyfriend?

Zhu Qing replied, It is pretty good. Someone to offer comfort, to be considerate, to help with cooking and dishes, and even help resolve many issues. It was indeed quite good.

He readily admitted to that conclusion.

Then consider letting me be your boyfriend. He Linzhou’s face was more serious than ever before. If it weren’t for the crowd, he might have dropped to one knee right then and there to profess his love.

Zhu Qing’s heart warmed, and a sense of happiness expanded like a giant balloon.

He would definitely give this question serious thought.

Qian Xing arrived at the hospital looking soul-crushed and listless. Even when Lin Yan greeted him, he responded half-heartedly.

Le Ya and Yao Fanghua felt that Dr. Qian’s mood was far too low today. They asked Lin Yan if something had happened.

Lin Yan toyed with her keychain. Who knows? I heard before that he was planning to pursue someone from the Neurology Department. I guess he got dumped.

Le Ya’s mouth dropped open. What? That fast? She knew their doctors were efficient, but this was extreme. She hadn’t even heard much about the pursuit yet, and he was already dumped today?

Yao Fanghua was also shocked. When did this happen? This was too intense. But she was more curious about who Qian Xing was pursuing.

Who is it? Who in the Neurology Department was he after? There were so many doctors and nurses in Neurology, with plenty of handsome men and beautiful women. She just didn’t know who he liked.

Le Ya was also full of gossip, desperate to know. Who? Who? Lin Yan, tell us quickly.

Lin Yan closed her folder, giving them a look that said they were far too gossipy. Sorry, I don’t know either. However, she added with a hint of regret, anyone who catches Dr. Qian’s eye certainly wouldn’t be an ordinary person.

With that, she swayed her hips and walked away.

Le Ya and Yao Fanghua were left staring at each other, feeling like they had been played.

That Lin Yan was really something, intentionally leaving them hanging.

He Linzhou walked down the corridor looking radiant. He took the initiative to greet them, and the two immediately sighed. Oh, Dr. He is so handsome today. He really is a beautiful sight in the Surgery Department.

Old Zhang was holding his teacup, which was filled with bright red goji berries. After taking a sip, his complexion looked much better. Seeing He Linzhou looking so triumphant, he couldn’t help but lament that when you get old, drinking anything doesn’t really help.

It was better to be young—full of spirit and liked by girls wherever you went.

Sigh, he had spent his youth doing nothing but studying. By the time he understood many of life’s truths, it was already too late. He had missed too much, far too much.

Regret truly was the primary theme of life.

Old Zhang set down his cup and let out a long sigh.

Su Yan had just entered when he heard the old professor’s lament. He approached while munching on a bun. What’s wrong, Professor? Why such a deep reflection so early in the morning?

Old Zhang looked thoughtful as he patted Su Yan’s shoulder, speaking with deep meaning. It’s nothing. You young people should cherish what you have.

Huh? Cherish what? Su Yan was confused. Why did it feel like a lecture was coming? The worst part was that he didn’t finish his sentence, leaving him hanging.

Old Zhang shook his head, looking like a monk in deep meditation. Realize it for yourself.

Tch. He thought the professor was going to say something profound and enlightening. This was just like when a teacher finished a problem in school and told the students to go home and realize the logic for themselves.

He was thirty years old; he wasn’t in a classroom anymore. What was there to realize?

Su Yan took another bite of his bun, drank some soy milk, tossed the wrapper into the trash, and rolled his eyes as he returned to his seat.

Forget it. He was just a working man, busy to death every day. He didn’t have time to ponder the meaning of life. If he had that kind of time, he’d rather sleep a bit longer or play a game. After starting work, he realized that his school days had actually been the happiest time of his life.

He Linzhou had already calmly turned on his computer to work. Seeing Su Yan, he smiled and greeted him.

Su Yan’s jaw nearly hit the floor. He rubbed his eyes, unable to believe the person in front of him was the He Linzhou he knew.

In the past six months, this was the first time He Linzhou had proactively greeted him. Had he seen a ghost? Had the sun risen in the west? Or was he dreaming?

This was unbelievable.

He leaned forward, looking at He Linzhou’s smug expression. He wondered if the man had won the lottery.

Why are you in such a good mood today? Did you win the lottery?

Yeah, I’m even happier than if I’d won five million, He Linzhou said.

Su Yan froze. No wonder he was in such a good mood.

As the saying goes, a happy event brings a refreshed spirit. When would something happier than winning five million happen to him?

He immediately pressed his hands together in prayer, muttering, God bless me, Bodhisattva bless me. Please let something good happen to me too. I promise to burn incense for you every day.