Chapter 84: An Unlikely Encounter in the Infirmary

There’s someone here who needs help!

Bai Chen kicked open the door to the infirmary, and the on-duty teacher’s phone screen was a mess of frantic taps.

Because of the panic, neither Bai Chen nor Mo Qiu, who was in his arms, got a clear look at the screen.

Two large men were embracing, gradually entangled…

Cough, cough!

The on-duty teacher stuffed the phone into her pocket, her cheeks flushed.

‘Didn’t your elementary school teachers teach you any manners? How could you barge in without knocking?’

Moreover, why are you two students here again? The on-duty teacher remembered seeing them at the beginning of November. Last time, Bai Chen had been shielding Mo Qiu, who was soaked through. This time, he had simply carried her like a princess.

‘You carried her all the way here?’

‘Nah, just grab some stuff and let’s go.’

‘Nice arm strength, kiddo.’

As Bai Chen placed Mo Qiu on the bed, the on-duty teacher also retrieved disinfectant and medicine from the infirmary cabinet.

Unlike the frantic Bai Chen, the on-duty teacher’s movements were casual as she tore open the package of cotton swabs.

Her gaze fell on the girl’s forehead, and she frowned: ‘How did you end up like this? You sure are unlucky.’

Just as she finished speaking, the infirmary door was pushed open again, and someone peeked in.

‘Is Teacher Liu here?’

‘I’m over here.’

‘The principal wants to see you. He says it’s urgent.’

‘Ah?’

The on-duty teacher looked as if the sky was falling, and the cotton swab dropped to the floor.

‘It’s over. I must have been caught slacking off.’

The on-duty teacher immediately stood up, took off her white coat, and on her way out, she shoved the medicine into Bai Chen’s arms.

‘I’m leaving this to you. I’ll be right back.’

As her departing figure disappeared down the hallway, Bai Chen wore a helpless expression.

‘Those who say that usually don’t come back.’

Who would have thought that the on-duty teacher at the infirmary would be so unreliable? Bai Chen had no choice but to handle it himself.

Mo Qiu sat on the bed, watching his every move silently.

After realizing that the teacher was no help, Bai Chen steadied himself, prepared to treat the wound. His actions were swift but not rushed.

The wildness in his eyes, so intense on the way here, began to settle.

Mo Qiu watched Bai Chen’s profile, her unblinking eyes as dark as ever, like she was admiring a work of art.

‘Bai Chen, if it hurts, you must tell me.’

‘Got it.’

Since he was so concerned, Mo Qiu decided to cooperate fully.

Bai Chen sat next to Mo Qiu, and she leaned forward, her shoulder pressing against his chest.

The girl’s flawless skin was so pale it seemed translucent, like the finest porcelain. Under the soft light, it had a gentle sheen. Her nose had a smooth, elegant line, with a slight upturn at the tip, perfectly centered on her face.

The red wound on her forehead was a stark contrast, like a flaw on a piece of porcelain.

‘Well, I’m starting now.’

Mo Qiu nodded slightly, closing her eyes.

Bai Chen took a deep breath, his slightly trembling cotton swab gently touching the skin around her wound.

Bai Chen thought he was being careful, but he saw Mo Qiu’s brow furrow. His heart sank.

But Mo Qiu didn’t make a sound, and considering she could endure more pain than most, Bai Chen didn’t stop.

The cotton swab touching the wound had a cool, tingling sensation, along with a dull ache.

For Mo Qiu, this level of pain was nothing more than a tickle. But why was Bai Chen’s expression so twisted?

Was he hurt too, or was he unwilling to tend to her wound?

Or perhaps, something strange was happening that Mo Qiu couldn’t accept. Bai Chen looked like he was about to bolt.

Deciding to do something to keep him there, Mo Qiu stood up, startling Bai Chen.

Mo Qiu stood at the door, locked it from the inside.

‘Click.’

Bai Chen’s heart skipped a beat, familiar with the enclosed space and the person…

‘Mo Qiu, what are you—’

Before he could finish, she walked back, raising her arms. Under his gaze, she began to unbutton her blouse.

Bai Chen quickly covered his eyes, silently reciting a mantra he had memorized the night before.

His eyes were covered, but his ears could still hear.

Footsteps, the soft sound of skin against fabric, the rustle of a blouse being tossed onto the bed. When someone sat down next to him, Bai Chen couldn’t resist lowering his hands.

As expected, Mo Qiu was now wearing only a pink bra, her ample assets lifted and partially exposed.

Their size and proximity were overwhelming, almost suffocating Bai Chen.

Seizing the moment, Mo Qiu grabbed his wrist, pressing his palm against her chest.

‘Can you hear it? My heartbeat.’

Mo Qiu spoke softly.

‘If you listen carefully, you won’t be tense.’

So, where did you learn such a strange method?

There are so many ways to relax, and Mo Qiu chose one that only made Bai Chen more nervous. Who could remain calm while touching a girl’s chest?

In this situation, Bai Chen dared not resist, knowing Mo Qiu wouldn’t let him go easily.

In this cramped infirmary, he was trapped, with no escape.

Bai Chen could only feel the softness of her skin as he continued to apply alcohol and medicine to her wound.

Gradually, his focus shifted entirely to the wound, and the distraction of Mo Qiu’s assets became less intense.

Bai Chen would never take advantage of a girl in such a situation, his mind entirely focused on treating her, afraid he might worsen her condition.

And when Mo Qiu saw his expression calm, she was satisfied. I knew this method would work; Bai Chen isn’t even blushing.

But he kept his hand on her chest, and honestly, Mo Qiu wasn’t comfortable. Bai Chen’s hand was large and strong, with a firm grip.

Even through the bra, she could feel her assets being pressed tightly. Despite her own initiative, it felt strange.

Bai Chen’s heart had calmed, but Mo Qiu’s was racing.

Once the alcohol and medicine were applied, Mo Qiu released his hand and reached for her clothes, dressing herself.

Bai Chen watched as she buttoned her blouse, hiding her ample assets, and felt his cheeks flush again.

To be honest, Mo Qiu was cute, had a great figure, and was tough. Such a girl should have had many admirers.

But no one seemed to notice her sparkle.

Remembering today’s events, Bai Chen felt indignant.

The trio was too much. Last time, they ruined his lunch, and this time, they hurt Mo Qiu… It seemed too coincidental.

Bai Chen’s grudge against the trio always involved Mo Qiu. Last time, when his lunch was ruined, she appeared with her homemade meal. This time, she was at the scene of the confrontation with the trio, even getting hit by their ball.

It was as if she had planned it all.

This unsettling thought made Bai Chen shiver, and he dropped the bottle of medicine, which rolled to a stop at Mo Qiu’s feet.

Before he could reach for it, Mo Qiu bent down and picked it up, her deep, emotionless eyes meeting his.

Seeing Mo Qiu’s face, that thought hammered at Bai Chen’s heart, conjuring up all sorts of disturbing images.

Bai Chen had always thought Mo Qiu was grateful for being saved and had developed feelings for him, intentionally approaching him.

But what if she had another motive? Perhaps she had been carefully orchestrating something around him?

Once this idea took root, many past events seemed suspicious. Those deep, unreadable eyes now seemed like a harbinger of unknown danger.

‘White Chen, are you okay?’

Mo Qiu’s question jolted Bai Chen back to reality, and he quickly took the bottle, forcing a smile.

‘I’m just a bit tired.’

‘Oh.’

The girl gazed at him deeply.

Turning his back to Mo Qiu, Bai Chen returned the medicine to the cabinet. Through the glass reflection, he watched her.

The girl sat on the bed, looking out the window, her thoughts unreadable.

She was like a delicate doll, evoking a desire to protect her, especially after learning more about her. Bai Chen wanted to help her return to normal, so he allowed her to get close.

But what if this kindness was used as a weapon to control him?

Thinking this, Bai Chen closed the cabinet door with a bit too much force, the ‘bang’ making his heart skip.

He turned stiffly, finding Mo Qiu still looking out the window, seemingly not noticing.

He breathed a sigh of relief, but his expression remained serious.

‘Mo Qiu, it’s almost time for class to end. Let’s not go back to the field.’

‘En.’

Bai Chen acted as if nothing had happened, sitting next to her again.

‘I never thought a PE class would end up like this.’

‘En.’

‘It’s too much of a coincidence for something like this to keep happening to you.’

Bai Chen turned to her, his gaze trying to pierce through her calm facade to her heart.

‘Don’t you think it’s a bit too much of a coincidence?’

‘…’

They stared at each other, Bai Chen waiting for her to speak. If she looked away, it would be a sign of guilt.

‘Because this kind of thing happens to me often.’

‘Ah?’

Bai Chen was taken aback, then noticed Mo Qiu’s fingers slowly moving from the bed to his hand.

‘I used to have people do this to me in middle school.’

Mo Qiu continued.

‘They’d pour water on me, pull my hair, make faces… I’ve gotten used to it.’

Her trembling hand covered his fist, the warmth and softness causing him to relax.

If what she said was true, it was understandable.

Mo Qiu didn’t like to talk, and her appearance made her seem like an easy target. Even when hurt, she would endure it alone. This only worsened her solitary nature, encouraging those who bullied her.

‘But you have me here now, so I’m not afraid.’

Mo Qiu’s eyes didn’t blink, and beneath their dark depths, a wave of emotion seemed to rise.

Bai Chen was stunned for a moment, then laughed, patting his chest: ‘We’re friends, right? I’ve got your back!’

‘Thank you.’

Mo Qiu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a simple gesture that Bai Chen found incredibly alluring.

Indeed, her vulnerability didn’t seem fake.

All the noisy thoughts in his mind were silenced by Bai Chen.

****

Bai Chen’s arms were strong, his chest firm, creating a sense of security for Mo Qiu as she leaned against him. The softness of her cheek against his chest was comforting, and the rhythm of his heartbeat was soothing.

‘You’re not alone, Mo Qiu. I’m here for you.’

Bai Chen’s words, though simple, carried a profound promise. Mo Qiu closed her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.

The infirmary, usually a place of healing, became a sanctuary of trust and understanding between them. The world outside faded away, leaving only the comforting presence of each other.

****

As the class bell rang, signaling the end of PE, Bai Chen and Mo Qiu slowly stood up, their hands still entwined. The day had brought unexpected challenges, but it had also strengthened their bond.

‘Let’s go home, Mo Qiu.’

‘En.’

Together, they walked out of the infirmary, ready to face whatever came next, knowing they had each other’s support.

****

The door to the infirmary closed behind them, and the hallway was quiet once more. But inside, the echoes of their shared experience lingered, a testament to the unexpected connections that can form in the most ordinary of places.

****

Bai Chen and Mo Qiu, once strangers, had found in each other a sense of belonging and trust that transcended the ordinary. Their journey was just beginning, filled with the promise of understanding, friendship, and perhaps, something more.