The scent of disinfectant filled Song Xi's nostrils, and she recoiled instantly.
"Dr. Shao... Dr. Shao?"
Her surprised expression was quite amusing.
Shao Cheng's eyes crinkled at the corners. Dressed in a white coat, his silver-rimmed glasses lent him an approachable, gentle, and courteous demeanor.
He offered a charming smile, a hint of allure in his voice, "What a coincidence."
Seeing the man's distinguished air, Yi Xiaoling’s temper subsided somewhat. "Who are you?"
Shao Cheng tucked his hands into his pockets, his expression nonchalant. "We need to keep quiet in the hallway. Madam, shouting isn't the behavior expected of a patient."
Yi Xiaoling instinctively hid the medical record in her hand behind her back. "What's it to you!"
She shot Song Xi a glare, uttered a parting shot of "We'll see," and turned to leave.
Song Xi watched her retreating back, her brows furrowed slightly.
"That's a gynecology chart," Shao Cheng said casually, as if sensing her thoughts. He then looked at her arm. "Your cast seems to have cracked. Let's go, I'll re-cast it for you."
Song Xi found no reason to refuse.
Shao Cheng's office was nearby. Before following him in, Song Xi specifically noted the nameplate on the door: Chief Physician of Neurosurgery, Shao Cheng.
So, he had decided on a hospital so quickly, and not just any hospital, but Yun Ji, the pinnacle of the field, one that everyone else could only look up to!
Truly impressive.
Seeing her awkwardness, Shao Cheng couldn't resist teasing, "Back at Longwan Mansion, Miss Song seemed quite warm and hospitable. I didn't expect... you to be so reserved."
Longwan Mansion was the villa where Lou Yuming resided.
Song Xi's cheeks flushed, and she instinctively checked her attire for the day, fearing she was improperly dressed.
But her outfit today was gentle and ethereal, the silken fabric accentuating the graceful curves of her shoulders and neck. Coupled with her injury, just standing quietly there was enough to evoke a man's protective instincts.
Shao Cheng found her somewhat interesting. Although much of it stemmed from Lou Yuming, he couldn't deny that this woman was beautiful, fitting his aesthetic perfectly.
"Sit."
He gestured with his hand, then placed some casting tools on the desk. "Put your arm here, and don't move."
Song Xi did as he instructed.
His movements were patient, and Song Xi felt no discomfort throughout the process.
Of course, it would have been better if he spoke less.
"How old are you?"
"Twenty-one."
Shao Cheng raised an eyebrow. "So young."
"I'm a junior in college," she emphasized.
Shao Cheng said, "Compared to our age, you're still a child."
"You look quite young," Song Xi stated truthfully.
Shao Cheng chuckled for some reason.
Clearly, the man also enjoyed hearing such words.
"How long have you been with Lou Yuming?"
"Almost a year."
This long?
Shao Cheng was somewhat surprised, and he looked at her a couple more times. "How do you feel about it?"
"Good," she replied with a single word.
Shao Cheng smiled wordlessly, looking at the injuries on her body. Song Xi opened her mouth as if to explain, but he had already finished and turned to wash his hands.
"What's your major?"
"...Acting."
"No wonder."
Song Xi's brows furrowed slightly, feeling as though his words held a hidden meaning.
"You've suffered such a serious injury, why haven't your family come to visit?"
He asked casually, his tone as if he were merely inquiring about a patient's family situation.
Song Xi's fingers tightened suddenly. "They... have already passed away."
Shao Cheng paused. "My apologies."
"It's okay."
"What are your plans for the future?"
"One step at a time."
Honest, but this attitude wasn't suited for entering this circle.
"I heard," he said, turning to sit on the sofa and pushing his glasses up his nose, his gaze becoming inscrutable, "that you are also Zhang Qi's girlfriend?"
Song Xi's face paled at his sudden question, her throat tightening. "I... I was."
"Does Old Lou know?"
Song Xi nodded.
Upon hearing this, Shao Cheng's transparent lenses reflected a cold, indifferent gleam.
The corners of his lips curled upwards as he lowered his voice, and Song Xi detected a hint of... disdain? in his tone.
"This is rather interesting."
Song Xi suddenly felt that this man was not as gentle and refined as he appeared. His questions were calm yet sharp, and his placid demeanor was particularly chilling.
"He really... dotes on you," Shao Cheng said, as if after much consideration, he had chosen the word "dotes."
Song Xi froze on the spot.
"Just kidding."
He dismissed it perfunctorily, then said, "You can go now, Miss Song."
Song Xi was a bit dazed. She sincerely thanked him, and then the man's deep voice suddenly rang out.
"He wasn't like this before. Besides her... you're the first."
"Her?"
As Song Xi was about to ask, Shao Cheng lowered his head and sent a text message to Lou Yuming: Your person is with me.
Song Xi reluctantly left, her heart sinking as she thought of "her."
Stepping out of the ward, Song Xi bumped directly into the person in front of her.
The man exuded a cool aura, his posture tall and straight, like a wall blocking her path.
"What are you doing here?"
Lou Yuming looked over. Shao Cheng's gaze was deep, his lips curved in a knowing smile, full of unspoken meaning.
A cunning old fox who would devour you whole.
Just as he was about to ask if she had been troubled, Song Xi smiled and said, "I must have gotten lost."
"Silly."
Lou Yuming pulled her away, not even bidding farewell to Shao Cheng.
Shao Cheng let out a scoff. Why the hurry? Was he that frightening?
Song Xi was somewhat dispirited the entire way. Lou Yuming asked her what she wanted to eat, noting that it was rare for him to have free time in the evening and could accompany her for a meal.
But she shook her head. For some reason, her complexion had turned faintly pale.
Lou Yuming attributed it to her natural skin tone, thinking she was tired after a long day, and didn't give it much thought.
Upon returning to the villa, Lou Yuming went to the bathroom to shower first. Midway through, the bathroom door was suddenly pulled open with a swish.
Song Xi, barefoot, walked in.
Lou Yuming immediately turned off the shower, commanding in a stern tone, "Get out."
Song Xi ignored him, instead stepping closer, her gentle features appearing unreal in the mist.
Lou Yuming's expression turned serious. "What are you doing?"
She remained silent, her silken sleepwear clinging to him, and in the blink of an eye, a large portion of it was soaked, revealing her impressive figure and curves.
Lou Yuming's throat tightened. The next second, his expression suddenly changed, and he grabbed her shoulders forcefully, his voice low and hoarse.
"Song Xi!"