The fluorescent hallway lights buzzed faintly as Naya walked alone toward the east wing, her fingers trailing the soft leather strap of her bag. Her braids were freshly done, tight and neat, cascading down her back with a swing of quiet confidence. But her mind was anything but steady. Her last glance into the cafeteria had left her shaken—Jun's voice, Nian's expression, and the cryptic tension between them had clung to her like hospital disinfectant.
She should have asked Nian sooner. About his past, about Jun. But something always held her back—maybe fear, maybe pride.
She paused outside the break room. The door creaked softly as she pushed it open. Inside, Nian stood by the coffee machine, his white coat folded over one arm. He looked tired. Haunted, even.
"Hey," she said softly.
He turned, his eyes dull with thoughts. "Hey."
There was a long silence. The kind that stretched too tight.
"I want to know everything," Naya finally said. "No more surprises."
Nian exhaled. "Sit down."
---
Flashback – Shanghai, Three Years Ago
The penthouse was dim, lights reflecting off marble tiles. Jun was sprawled across the couch, shirt unbuttoned, whiskey glass half-empty. Nian stood by the window, watching the rain blur the neon skyline.
"You've been staring for ten minutes," Jun said without looking up.
"I'm thinking."
Jun smirked. "That's dangerous."
Nian turned, jaw tight. "You're toxic, Jun."
"And you're addicted."
The air between them crackled. Within moments, Nian was across the room, pulling Jun up by the collar. Their mouths collided like they were trying to erase each other. It was hungry, desperate, a storm of lust and loathing.
They'd had many nights like that. Love and ruin. Silk sheets tangled with bruises. Apologies whispered between kisses, promises broken before sunrise.
And then came the final blow. The moment Nian walked in and saw Jun in another man's lap. Laughing.
"I told you," Jun had said coldly, "I don't do forever."
---
Present – Henan Hospital Rooftop
"I didn't tell you because I didn't know how," Nian said. "He wasn't just a lover, Naya. He was... a part of a life I wanted to forget."
Naya looked at him, her chest heavy. "Do you still love him?"
"No."
But he didn't sound sure.
---
Meanwhile, Jun sat in his hotel suite, flipping through photos on a tablet. Surveillance stills. Naya in the cafeteria. Nian outside the OR. Even Nurse Lin.
He made a call.
"It's time. Leak the funding report. I want chaos."
"Yes, sir."
---
The Next Day – Boardroom, Henan Hospital
Chaos arrived.
The director slammed a file onto the table. "Unauthorized investors. Tampered ledgers. And this?" He flung an image of Jun with a hospital ID badge onto the screen. "This man claims to be on a 'tour.' Why was he in restricted areas?"
Nian sat stiffly. "He was... a guest. I didn't authorize anything else."
Whispers spread through the room like wildfire.
Jun's plan was working. Mistrust. Scandal. Internal investigations.
---
Later, Naya found Nian in the storage wing, away from the noise.
"They think you're in on this," she said.
"I know."
"And are you?"
He looked at her, eyes heavy. "No. But Jun is dangerous. He doesn't care who he burns."
"Then let's burn him back," she whispered.
Nian smiled faintly. "You really want to fight him?"
"With you, always."
They kissed—hard, passionate. A promise sealed in defiance.
---
That Evening – Hotel Suite
Jun entered his penthouse to find a single envelope on the table. Inside: a photo of him and Nian from years ago. And a note: You may have started this, but we'll finish it.
He smiled.
"Oh Nian... still playing hero. Let's see how long she stays beside you once she learns the real reason you left me."
---
Back in Naya's Apartment
The lights were dim. Naya sat on her couch, a medical file in hand. Jun's—back when he'd been treated for a cardiac episode years ago.
The doctor listed: Zeyan Xu.
Nian's full name.
He saved Jun's life. That's how it began. But that wasn't what kept them together. She felt the weight of it now. Gratitude, lust, twisted love.
The storm wasn't over. But Naya had made her choice.
And she would stand beside Nian—until truth or heartbreak tore them apart.