Song Xi walked up to Lou Yuming with a forced smile, her teeth gritted as she whispered in a voice only they could hear, "Don't push your luck."
Lou Yuming leaned back, his posture languid and casual. "What, are you, a mere assistant, no longer listening to your superior?"
Caught in his retort, Song Xi felt her molars grinding.
Leng Xiaoyi could barely stand to watch.
*What are you two even playing at? Do you really think I know nothing?!*
She abruptly stood up. Lou Yuming's eyes sharpened, thinking she was about to make a move on Song Xi. With a swift motion, he pulled Song Xi towards him.
By the time Song Xi registered what was happening, she was sitting on Lou Yuming's lap.
"..."
Leng Xiaoyi's face contorted with anger. "You two!"
Song Xi inwardly screamed, *Hear me out! It's not what you think!*
Lou Yuming narrowed his eyes, a hint of amusement in his expression. "There, there, drink your water."
He forced Song Xi's mouth open, and the cup of water he'd poured earlier was unceremoniously downed.
"Mmm..."
Leng Xiaoyi, unwilling to endure more humiliation, stormed out, slamming the door. But the venomous glare she shot Song Xi as she left sent shivers down her spine.
"That's enough!"
Song Xi shoved Lou Yuming away and scrambled off his lap, wiping her mouth. "What are you doing?!" she demanded angrily.
Lou Yuming calmly replied, "Aren't we playing along?"
"Do you know who she is!"
Lou Yuming didn't, actually. He'd only met her a few times and hadn't even bothered to remember her name.
The moment Song Xi had entered, she'd felt the woman's features were eerily familiar.
She'd thought it was Leng Xiaobing, but upon hearing her voice, she realized it wasn't.
However, one thing was certain: she had a connection to Leng Xiaobing! That's why Song Xi had wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble. They were all in the same circle, Leng Xiaobing disliked her, and Lou Yuming's status was well-known. If word got out, it would surely cause another scandal. So, the best approach was to keep a low profile.
Instead, Lou Yuming had deliberately gone against her wishes!
Song Xi was furious. She wished she hadn't come to see him today.
She turned to leave, but Lou Yuming grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"
"Home!"
"Together," he said shamelessly, picking up his jacket and standing.
"? Together for what?" Song Xi asked. "Aren't you still hospitalized?"
"You came to see me, and I'm all better now."
"..."
Lou Yuming expected Song Xi to be touched, as most women liked hearing such sweet nothings. Instead, Song Xi's expression was one of utter disgust, as if she'd swallowed a fly.
Lou Yuming fell silent. "...Problem?"
Song Xi, fighting down nausea, replied, "No problem, but don't say that again."
"Why?"
"I'm afraid I'll throw up what I ate last week."
"........."
*Such a bore!*
Lou Yuming insisted on accompanying her to the apartment, and Song Xi couldn't stop him.
He concocted an excuse, claiming his illness was caused by Song Xi, so it was only natural for her to take care of him.
What ridiculous logic!
Song Xi was speechless, rolling her eyes the entire way.
Lou Yuming didn't seem to mind, only remarking softly, "Careful not to get a twitch."
As soon as he spoke, Song Xi's eyelid actually twitched.
Lou Yuming immediately pulled the car over. "Are you alright?"
Song Xi covered her eye and pushed him away.
Lou Yuming shook his head helplessly. "So clumsy."
By the time they reached the apartment, Song Xi was still seething.
So, as they entered, she slammed the door shut with lightning speed, locking Lou Yuming outside.
"..." Lou Yuming was at a loss for words. "Open the door, this isn't fun."
There was no response from inside.
Lou Yuming's brow furrowed, and he knocked. "Song Xi?"
Inside, Song Xi found Ye Tian sitting on the sofa. They stared at each other, wide-eyed.
Song Xi mouthed silently, *You...*
"Song Xi!"
Lou Yuming's voice had risen several decibels, as if he were angry.
Song Xi immediately replied, "You go back first!"
"You're really not opening the door for me?"
Lou Yuming assumed she was still angry. While he was a little displeased, having come all this way only to be left at the door, he managed to control his temper and didn't lash out.
"Remember, you owe me one."
He lowered his voice.
Song Xi peeked through the peephole and saw that Lou Yuming had actually left.
Song Xi was somewhat surprised but truly relieved, as there was a more pressing matter to attend to!
"How did you get in?"