Zhan lifted his head slowly when he heard the door creak open. The CEO walked in carrying a cup of hot chocolate, sat down beside him, and said gently, "Here, dear."
Zhan pushed himself upright, accepted the cup along with its saucer, and murmured, "Thank you, Ma."
She gave him a calm smile. "You're welcome."
He began sipping the chocolate slowly while the CEO stood and stepped out. Not long after, she returned with a plate of pizza slices and set it down in front of him. "Will this be okay?"
Zhan nodded. "Thank you, Ma." He took one slice and began to eat. After a few minutes, the CEO rose again and walked toward the door. Zhan's eyes followed her until she slipped out, quietly pulling the door closed behind her. He lowered his gaze and continued eating in silence.
When he finished, he pulled his backpack close and took out his phone. Within minutes he activated international roaming, then quickly dialed Yibo's number. As soon as it rang, Yibo picked up.
Softly, Zhan whispered, "Gege."
"Baby," came the warm reply.
"Were you asleep?" Zhan asked.
"No, baby. I was waiting for your call. I couldn't reach you. How was the journey?"
Zhan's voice trembled. "Gege, it's so cold here… I'm freezing."
Yibo chuckled gently. "Yeah, I know. The weather's really harsh. I hope you're wearing your jacket?"
Zhan glanced down at the MD's jacket draped around him, pulled it tighter, and answered in a low voice, "Yeah."
"Where are you now?" Yibo asked.
Zhan looked around the large room. "At our CEO's house."
"WHAT?" Yibo sounded surprised. "Your CEO's? Why? Where are your colleagues?"
"It's just me here. The others must have checked into hotels."
Yibo fell silent for a while before muttering, "That's strange… why would she keep you in her home? Anyway, it's fine as long as you're ok."
Zhan said nothing.
"Are you comfortable?" Yibo pressed.
"Yes," Zhan replied quietly.
"And food? Have you eaten?"
"She gave me something. I've already eaten."
Yibo sighed. "Your voice already sounds weak, like the cold is getting to you."
Zhan tried to smile. "Gege, you know I can't stand the cold."
"I know, baby. That's why I'm worried."
"She gave me a heavy duvet," Zhan said softly.
"Better. What did you eat?"
"She brought me hot chocolate and pizza."
"Good. Then rest well. Call me again when you wake up."
"Okay."
They ended the call.
Zhan slid off the bed slowly. Even with the heater's warmth, he still felt chilled. He slipped his hands inside the sleeves of the MD's jacket and walked toward the door, moving carefully. When he opened it, he found himself in the spacious sitting room, his gaze wandering across the decor.
A voice startled him. He turned quickly and saw the CEO in her study, surrounded by a heap of textbooks. She rose and walked toward him calmly.
"Do you need something, Zhan?" she asked.
He nodded quickly. "I want to take a bath, Ma…"
"Oh, you mean the bathroom?" she clarified.
He nodded again. "Yes, Ma."
"There's one in your room. Go ahead and use it."
Zhan returned to the room and headed into the bathroom. After a while, he came back into the sitting room, where the CEO was still present, now on a phone call. When she noticed him, she said, "Shen Yi, here's Zhan in case he needs anything."
She handed the phone over. Zhan accepted it respectfully and pressed it to his ear, waiting. On the other end, MD was silent for a moment, then asked flatly, "Don't you have Google on your phone?"
Zhan stayed quiet, aware the CEO was standing nearby.
"If you're being lazy, at least don't wait for others to spoon-feed you," MD continued. "Didn't you call me a quack doctor before? Figure it out yourself. Search Google and stop being a nuisance."
Zhan still said nothing, simply ended the call and returned the phone to the CEO.
"Did you both talk?" she asked.
Zhan nodded politely. "Yes."
He went back to his room, switched off the light, and curled under the duvet. Sleep soon overtook him, though Yibo hadn't called back yet.
- - - -
In the middle of the night, fever took hold of him, and he coughed continuously. Around 3 a.m., the CEO opened the door, turned on the light, and came to sit by his bed. She touched his forehead gently, her eyes softening.
"You're burning up, dear. Are you okay?"
Zhan sat up shivering.
"You've got a temperature," she said firmly, before leaving the room. Soon she returned with medicine and a bottle of water. She opened the pack and handed him the tablets. Zhan obediently swallowed them with water, then lay back down, curling up tightly.
The CEO pulled the duvet over him again and whispered, "Rest now."
She checked on him several more times before dawn. At sunrise, Zhan forced himself out of bed to wash up in the bathroom, then returned to rest. But the duvet was suddenly lifted from his body. Opening his eyes slowly, he saw the MD standing over him.
Startled, he sat up quickly, snatching the duvet back and fixing his face into a cold expression. Then he noticed the CEO behind the MD. Zhan lowered his head at once.
Calmly, the MD asked, "How are you feeling?"
Zhan nodded briefly. "Fine."
The CEO smiled gently. "Will you take noodles for breakfast?"
Zhan gave another small nod. The CEO turned and left the room. Only when he heard the door lock behind her did the MD say, "Give me back my jacket."
Zhan shot him a look, then got off the bed, opened his suitcase, and took out his towel, shower gel, sponge, toothpaste, and toothbrush. Without saying a word, he headed for the bathroom, leaving the MD standing there. The MD watched him until he closed the door and turned the lock. After a minute, the MD shook his head and walked out of the room.
When Zhan came out of the shower, he felt the fever returning. He lay down, pulled the duvet tightly around himself, and curled up for several minutes. Finally, he forced himself to get up and get dressed. Picking up the MD's jacket, he slipped it on just as the CEO stepped into the room.
"When you're ready, come out for breakfast," she said.
As soon as she left, Zhan adjusted the jacket properly and went to the sitting room. He moved to the dining area and sat opposite the MD, who was also in a jacket. The CEO had prepared garnished noodles with chicken. The MD was holding a spoon, staring at his plate, occasionally stealing glances at Zhan.
Zhan began eating quietly, as did the CEO. After a few moments, she turned to the MD. "What about the therapy I mentioned to you the other day?"
For the first time, Zhan saw the MD smile. "Soon, Ma'am."
The CEO resumed her meal calmly. Zhan tried not to stare but couldn't help sneaking glances at the MD. The MD, however, seemed restless. He pulled over a clean plate, wiped it carefully with a tissue, and transferred his food onto it. The CEO noticed but said nothing. Only then did the MD start eating.
Zhan didn't eat much, despite the CEO serving a small portion like a Western host. Within minutes, the MD finished, stood up, and left the dining area. Both the CEO and Zhan followed him with their eyes. He went into Zhan's room briefly, then came out again, holding his jacket. Bowing slightly, he said to the CEO, "I'll take my leave now, Ma'am."
She nodded. "Alright."
He turned and walked out of the sitting room, Zhan's jacket in his hand.
Zhan stare at MD with shock.
Zhan began to rise to clear the plates, but the CEO stopped him. "Leave them. The maid will handle it."
"Okay," Zhan replied, then went back to his room.
Seeing his suitcase open, he frowned. Why would the MD open his luggage and took out his jacket? Was he out of his mind? Clicking his tongue, Zhan quickly shut and locked it. He lay down, picked up his phone, and dialed Yibo's number. It rang out with no answer. With a sigh, he dropped the phone and pulled the duvet over himself.
He was already drifting into sleep when the CEO came in dressed in a sparkling suit and skirt that reached just to her knees. She looked elegant and professional. Smiling at Zhan, she said, "You just rest here, Zhan. We're leaving for a conference....it's only for today and tomorrow. If you need anything, feel free to use the kitchen."
"Okay, Ma. Thank you."
She gave him a reassuring smile and left, closing the door behind her. Slowly, Zhan picked up his phone again and tried calling his mother.
***
By noon, a call came from Hai Kuan. Zhan sat up weakly, his head pounding, and answered.
"Are you down with a cold?" Hai Kuan asked.
"Yes," Zhan replied faintly.
"Have you taken medicine?"
"I did earlier."
"Where are you now?"
Zhan sighed. "I don't even know, gege. I'm alone in the house; they all went to the conference. I'm not feeling well because of the cold."
"Is it a hotel?"
"No… it's the CEO's house. When they return, I'll ask for the address."
Hai Kuan went quiet for a moment. "The CEO's house? How did that happen?" But before Zhan could explain, he added, "Fine. I'll wait for the address."
"Okay," Zhan murmured.
When the call ended, he lay back down. The cold was making him sicker, and soon he dozed off.
He woke to the sound of the door opening. Blinking, he saw the CEO step inside. Quickly, he sat up.
"You haven't eaten lunch, Zhan," she said softly.
Rubbing his eyes, he replied, "I fell asleep."
"It's already past three. Come out and eat."
She left the room, and Zhan slowly dragged himself up and followed her to the sitting room.
At about five o'clock, Zhan stepped out of his room and glanced at the CEO sitting in the living room.
"Ma, he's here, he's outside," Zhan said.
The CEO looked up. "Oh, you said he's your brother, right?"
Zhan nodded. "Yes, he's my brother."
"Let him in, it's cold outside," the CEO instructed.
"Okay, Ma," Zhan replied and walked out.
He spotted Hai Kuan standing by and went over, greeting him with a smile. "Gege, so you're feeling cold too? you're wearing a jacket."
Hai Kuan chuckled. "If you're cold, how could I not be?"
Zhan laughed lightly. "Well, everyone knows I hate the cold. But you...you can't even sleep without the AC on."
Hai Kuan's gaze dropped to the designer jacket Zhan was wearing. "Hmm. Where did you get this jacket?"
Zhan quickly looked down at the jacket, which belonged to the MD, then forced a smile. "The CEO gave it to me."
Hai Kuan raised his brows. "Really? That's actually a men's jacket. And it's quite expensive."
Zhan only managed a weak smile.
Crossing his arms, Hai Kuan asked, "But why did she bring you here to stay in her house? I thought she would lodge you all in a hotel."
Zhan answered, "Yes, the others are in a hotel. I'm the only one here. She said I could stay. Gege, she also asked me to bring you inside since it's cold… She said you're welcome."
Before Zhan could finish, his eyes caught the MD arriving. The MD parked his car, stepped out, and walked past them without sparing either of them a glance.
Hai Kuan's gaze followed him, noticing he was entering the very house Zhan had come from. Turning sharply to Zhan, he asked, "Who is he?"
"That's my hospital's MD," Zhan explained.
"Your MD?" Hai Kuan pressed.
Zhan nodded.
Hai Kuan frowned. "So… he's also staying in this house?"
Quickly, Zhan shook his head. "No, no, Gege. Maybe she called him for something. He's not lodging here, I swear."
Hai Kuan stayed quiet, still watching closely. Then he said, "Why did you act as if you didn't know him? And he did the same."
Zhan's eyes widened. "Gege, I barely know him! Remember, I'm still a new staff member. We've hardly seen each other."
Hai Kuan narrowed his eyes. "You're not supposed to be close to your boss anyway, but I'm surprised you just ignored him like that. Unless… there's something between you two? From the look of things, he seems unusually lenient with you."
Zhan pouted. "There's nothing between us! How long have I even been working there? I can count the number of times I've seen him. Besides, his office is on the top floor, and not everyone goes there. He's always strict and harsh, that's why I usually avoid him. I even turned my face away earlier so he wouldn't notice me."
Hai Kuan leaned against the brick wall, clearly unconvinced. Zhan dropped his gaze. After a pause, Hai Kuan asked, "When are you returning to China?"
"She said tomorrow or the day after," Zhan replied.
"The conference is ending tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, tomorrow's the last day."
Hai Kuan's eyes flickered. "And this MD… how long will he be staying here?"
Zhan blinked. "Gege, I don't know. Maybe she has work for him. Anyway, she asked us to go inside because it's cold."
Briefly, Hai Kuan said, "I won't come in. Do you need anything?"
Zhan shook his head. "No."
"Alright, then I'll be going," Hai Kuan said.
"So early, Gege?" Zhan asked softly.
"If you need anything, call me."
Zhan nodded. Hai Kuan turned to leave but stopped midway, glancing back. "Why don't you tell her you'd rather stay at a hotel?"
Zhan stared at him in surprise.
Hai Kuan added sharply, "Or do you prefer staying under the same roof as the MD? Are you more comfortable here?"
Zhan quickly shook his head. "Gege, it's just me and her in the house. Besides, it's a privilege that she let me stay here, especially since I'm only a junior staff."
Hai Kuan said nothing further. He simply left. Zhan watched him go, then turned and walked back into the house.
When he entered the living room, the MD was sitting there alone. As Zhan tried to head toward his room, the MD's cold voice stopped him.
"Hey. Come back here."
Zhan turned, facing him.
The MD stood, his expression dark. "Did anyone tell you this trip was for fun? If you wanted to meet a man, why didn't you just buy a ticket and chase after him? You think this is some sightseeing tour? Or because you've gotten the CEO to shelter you here, you can relax? You didn't even bother attending the conference and instead spent time calling your so-called boyfriend. Let me warn you clearly...until we leave this country, I don't want to see you with any man again. If anyone wants to meet you, they can wait until you're back in China."
Zhan rolled his eyes slightly and said, "Even my brother? And I didn't go out without permission. She gave me approval, so why didn't you ask her before waiting for me?"
He fell silent when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
The CEO appeared and asked, "Has your brother left?"
Zhan turned to her. "Yes, he has."
The CEO walked into the living room and handed some documents to the MD. "Here," she said.
While she spoke to the MD, Zhan quietly turned away and headed toward his room. The MD pretended to listen but his attention followed Zhan until he disappeared inside.
- - - -
Later that night, around eleven, Zhan lay down when his phone rang. It was Yibo.
"What happened?" Yibo asked the moment Zhan answered.
Zhan sat up weakly. "My stomach hurts."
Yibo immediately sat up too. "When did it start?"
"Not long ago," Zhan said, almost in tears.
"Did you take any medicine?" Yibo asked.
Zhan shook his head. "Since around eight, I left the living room. Even the CEO said she was going to bed early."
Yibo sighed. "Why don't you knock on her door? Otherwise, you won't sleep tonight."
"No, I can't wake her," Zhan whispered. "It's not too serious yet. Maybe by morning it'll pass. I'll just try to sleep."
"You're sure?" Yibo pressed.
"Yes. I was already drifting off before you called."
"Alright then, sleep well. I hope it doesn't get worse later," Yibo said gently.
Zhan smiled faintly. "Bye."
When the call ended, he lay down again and soon drifted into sleep.
But deep in the night, the pain worsened and woke him. Despite the cold, he felt as if he were sweating. Struggling, he glanced at the clock... nearly two. He tried to endure it but finally jumped out of bed, unlocked his door, and rushed out.
The soft light from the study drew him in. There, he stumbled forward, dropped to his knees, and broke into tears, unable to speak.
The MD looked up from the book before him, startled. He stood immediately. "What's wrong?"
Zhan sobbed. "My stomach… it hurts so badly. Please help me."
The MD turned on the lights and quickly knelt in front of him. "What kind of pain? Where exactly?"
Zhan couldn't explain through the tears. The MD studied him closely. "Is it Dysmenorrhea?"
Zhan nodded quickly.
The MD rose at once, fetched some medicine and a glass of water, and handed them to him. Zhan's hands trembled as he accepted them and drank, still crying. The MD remained crouched nearby, quietly watching him.
After about ten minutes, the MD said, "Go back to your room now."
But Zhan shook his head, his voice trembling. "No, it hasn't stopped. Maybe you should give me an injection. That's what usually works."
The MD's eyes ran over him from head to toe, surprised at how confident he was even through the pain. He hadn't planned on giving an injection since Zhan had already taken medicine, but by three o'clock, seeing him still writhing, he prepared a shot and administered it.
Zhan finally fell asleep there in the living room. The MD gently woke him and guided him back to his room.
The next morning, Zhan was still asleep past eight until the CEO came to wake him. Later, after bathing and dressing, he pulled on another jacket from his suitcase and went to the dining area where the CEO told him breakfast was ready.
Around ten, Hai Kuan arrived. Standing outside with Zhan, he asked, "Are you feeling better now?"
Zhan nodded. "Yes, I am."
"Why didn't you call me last night to come over?" Hai Kuan asked. "Although… I suppose the CEO might not have allowed it."
He trailed off when he spotted the MD coming out of the house. Zhan looked at him once and then quickly turned away, his heart pounding. The MD's eyes, however, locked onto Hai Kuan's for a moment before he walked past them, leaving only the faint trace of his expensive cologne behind.
Hai Kuan's eyes narrowed as they lingered on the jacket draped over the MD's shoulders. He then glanced back at Zhan, who turned his face away stubbornly. It was clear....the jacket the MD carried had once been on Zhan's body, yet now he was wearing it.
"Zhan," Hai Kuan called.
Zhan turned nervously. "Yes, Gege?"
"That's the jacket you told me the CEO gave you, is it?" Hai Kuan asked firmly.
Zhan swallowed hard. "Gege, it is… maybe she also gave it to him, that's why..." His shaky words revealed the lie.
"Zhan," Hai Kuan said calmly, fixing him with a steady gaze. "Whose jacket is that?"
Zhan lowered his head. "It's his. At the airport, he gave it to me because I hadn't taken mine out of my luggage and didn't know how cold it would be. So… he let me use his."
Hai Kuan just stared, silent. After a few moments, he finally said, "Alright then, take care."
Seeing him turn to leave, Zhan's eyes brimmed with tears. "Gege, please don't be angry. I only lied because I was scared you'd scold me."
Hai Kuan's face hardened. "Lied? You're still lying. And you still claim there's nothing between you and that man? He's your lover, isn't he?"
Zhan's mouth fell open in shock. He could only stare at his brother. Without waiting for an answer, Hai Kuan turned and walked away.
Zhan watched him go, frozen in place. Tears welled up, and after standing there for minutes, he slowly turned back toward the house, his heart heavy.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛