Chapter 14: Applying Medicine

When Ji Pei got the report, the sky was gradually darkening, slipping into night.

Thankfully, there were no fractures or torn ligaments. But this was still enough for Jiang Xihan to endure.

The doctor prescribed some medicine for bruises and sprains. Ji Pei pushed the borrowed wheelchair from the ER, moving Jiang Xihan to a quiet spot, then ran to the ER pharmacy to pick up the medicine.

Ji Fan, hungry all evening, ate a bowl of oden at a convenience store and packed two more portions to bring to the car.

“I got the medicine.”

Ji Pei put the bruise and sprain medicine in her bag, pushing the wheelchair out of the ER entrance.

The wheelchair was borrowed, so Ji Pei helped Jiang Xihan into the passenger seat, then returned to give back the wheelchair.

Ji Fan diligently adjusted Jiang Xihan’s seatbelt, placing a steaming bowl of oden on the small tray in front of her.

“Professor Jiang, you must be hungry. I got oden, clear broth for you. Eat a bit to fill your stomach.”

Ji Fan also pulled out a warmed bottle of fresh milk.

“And this, my sister told me to buy. She said you’re probably hungry.”

Jiang Xihan took the milk bottle Ji Fan handed her, her palm pressing against the warm glass. She turned to see Ji Pei hurrying back.

She got into the driver’s seat, buckled up, and said apologetically,

“Professor Jiang, you mentioned you live in S City.”

Jiang Xihan held the milk bottle to warm her hands, nodding.

“Mm.”

Ji Pei stared at her slightly pale lips, pausing. “S City’s too far. Going back now would be inconvenient. How about this: stay at my place for the time being.”

Jiang Xihan, hearing this, looked at Ji Pei’s guilt-filled eyes. “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for you?”

She took out her phone, opening a ticketing app. “S City’s not far, just an hour. Maybe I should…”

“Professor Jiang.”

Ji Pei’s face was earnest. “This happened because of me. Your leg’s injured, it’s not safe to go back alone. I saw news about a stalker in S City recently—too dangerous.”

Jiang Xihan blinked lightly. “There was something like that, wasn’t there?”

Ji Fan quickly chimed in. “Yeah, Professor Jiang, don’t go back. You’ve got classes tomorrow. Going back and forth is such a hassle. Just stay at our place.”

Jiang Xihan thought for a moment. Ji Pei, one hand on the steering wheel, watched her, waiting for her confirmation.

“Alright then, but I’ll be troubling you for a while.”

Ji Pei curved her lips, finally exhaling in relief.

Jiang Xihan held the milk bottle with both hands, twisting the cap with effort, but it seemed fused to the bottle—she couldn’t open it.

Ji Pei was about to drive away from the hospital when Jiang Xihan handed her the bottle. “I can’t open it.”

Ji Pei took the milk bottle, opening it with a slight twist.

“The milk’s still warm. Drink it while it’s hot. We’re heading over now.”

She turned to instruct Ji Fan. “Order a wheelchair. Professor Jiang can’t walk easily; we can’t have her on crutches.”

Jiang Xihan sipped the warm milk slowly. The bottle’s mouth was wide, and creamy milk stained her lips.

Her pale lips, warmed by the milk, gradually regained color, turning rosy.

Ji Pei glanced at her now-relaxed expression and sighed in relief.

“We planned to treat you to Cantonese food, but this mess happened. Next time, we’ll skip that place and try a new Cantonese restaurant.”

Jiang Xihan noted the surroundings, realizing the car was heading the wrong way.

After about ten minutes, as they passed A University’s gate, she couldn’t help but speak.

“Are we going the wrong way?”

Ji Fan answered first. “No, it’s right here.”

***

The car slowly drove into a maple grove. It was the season for red maples, and Jiang Xihan could see fiery leaves under the streetlights.

The Porsche stopped in front of a three-story villa. Jiang Xihan stared at the standalone house, hesitating.

“This place…”

Ji Pei explained,

“This is my home too, but I haven’t stayed here in a while.”

The car eased into the garage, where two Lamborghinis, likely for collection, caught Jiang Xihan’s eye.

She unbuckled and got out, walking to the passenger door, continuing,

“It’s quiet here, nice scenery, good air, and safe. The police station’s just a left turn away.”

Opening the door, Ji Pei extended her right hand to Jiang Xihan.

“Professor Jiang, come down, take it slow.”

Jiang Xihan held her hand, using Ji Pei’s strength to support herself on her left foot, slowly stepping out.

Her ankle throbbed intermittently, so her movements were light and slow, turning a simple step into a 0.5x speed motion.

Ji Pei showed no impatience at her slowness, constantly watching her footing, even kicking away a few harmless dry leaves.

Ji Fan brought the wheelchair over.

“Sis, this wheelchair’s automatic—pretty high-tech.”

Ji Pei hadn’t expected it to arrive so fast. She’d planned to carry Jiang Xihan inside, but now it wasn’t needed.

***

The living room door opened, revealing a traditional Chinese-style interior, elegant and antique.

But what stood out was a massive plum blossom oil painting in the most prominent spot, brimming with Western romanticism, symbolizing vibrant defiance in winter.

The mix of styles seemed incongruous, but Jiang Xihan felt it was a bold clash of colors, showing the homeowner’s refined taste.

The homeowner was Ji Pei, so this painting was likely…

Ji Pei, seeing Jiang Xihan staring at the painting, scratched her hair sheepishly.

“I painted this in junior high, just messing around. My mom said plum blossoms should be done in ink for a scholarly vibe.”

Jiang Xihan curved her lips.

“Art is harder to grasp than the wind. Anyone can be an artist. Ink paintings are beautiful, but isn’t oil painting an innovation too?”

Hearing Jiang Xihan, Ji Pei felt she’d found a kindred spirit.

***

The oden bought for Jiang Xihan went uneaten. Ji Pei felt it was beneath her to serve that, so she let Ji Fan heat it up and eat it.

No Cantonese food, and at this hour, proper restaurants were closed, leaving only junky takeout.

Jiang Xihan, having finished her milk, wasn’t hungry. She sat on the sofa, her right pant leg slightly rolled up.

Ji Fan, having eaten too much—cold drinks and three portions of oden—rushed to the bathroom upon arriving.

Ji Pei opened the bag, taking out the bruise medicine: two spray bottles and a bottle of safflower oil.

She opened the packaging, placed them on the table, and read the instructions.

Ji Pei hadn’t used sprays, but recalled Ji Fan’s childhood ankle sprain treated with safflower oil.

The method was simple: pour it into the palm, apply to the affected area, and rub to promote absorption.

“Professor Jiang, take off your shoe. Let me check your foot.”

Jiang Xihan calmly removed her shoe and sock. Her once fair, delicate foot was now swollen, faintly bruised, with a swollen ankle.

Ji Pei held her breath, stunned at the swelling, guilt washing over her again.

If she hadn’t been careless, falling down the stairs and crashing into Jiang Xihan, she wouldn’t have sprained her ankle.

“Give me the oil. I’ll apply it.”

Jiang Xihan bent to touch her ankle but couldn’t find a good position. In her haste, she tugged the injury, gasping in pain.

Ji Pei grabbed a pillow, placing it under Jiang Xihan’s calf.

“Let me do it. The doctor said to elevate the right leg first, then ice it.”

Jiang Xihan clearly hadn’t sprained anything before, or she’d know not to apply oil right away.

Ji Pei, who kept ice packs, set the medicine on the table, went to the kitchen, grabbed one, and wrapped it in a thick towel.

The soft towel pressed against Jiang Xihan’s swollen ankle. Ji Pei held it gently.

“Professor Jiang, this isn’t too cold, is it?”

“It’s fine.”

Ji Pei, head lowered, pressed the towel-wrapped ice pack, sighing and spilling everything.

“Professor Jiang, actually… I’m a lesbian, and I have a girlfriend. You’re not scared of me, are you?”

Too much physical contact would cross normal social boundaries.

Ji Pei decided to let Jiang Xihan hold it herself.

Jiang Xihan caught the implication, a fleeting, satisfied smile passing through her eyes.

“Sexual orientation is a right everyone’s born with. It deserves respect.”

Ji Pei quietly sighed in relief, pulling her hand back.

Jiang Xihan caught every subtle move of Ji Pei’s, her lips curving slightly with a hint of unnoticed pride.

“You’re very responsible. Your partner must be very happy.”