Chapter 27 part 2: Hospital

It hurt more.

Ji Pei took Jiang Xihan to the emergency room.

It was crowded and noisy. After registering, Ji Pei found a quiet spot to sit.

Seeing the blood on Jiang Xihan’s hand congeal, Ji Pei, like a guilty child, hung her head silently.

Jiang Xihan patted her head, gently stroking her scalp.

“It’s fine, just a scratch.”

“Why do you always get hurt around me?”

Ji Pei pouted, sniffing hard. “Last time, I caused your ankle sprain. Now, I got you scratched.”

She clutched Jiang Xihan’s uninjured hand, choking up. “Are our stars really misaligned?”

Jiang Xihan thought Ji Pei would just feel guilty, not bring up astrology.

“Where’d you get that idea? Misaligned stars?”

Ji Pei’s voice was hoarse. “Don’t dismiss it. I’ve felt I bring you bad luck, and today proved it.”

Jiang Xihan patiently soothed her. “These are random accidents. They’d happen even if you weren’t around.”

Ji Pei held her distinct knuckles, shaking her head. “No, I’ll find a fortune-teller soon to check our compatibility and find a solution.”

Jiang Xihan laughed but, unable to sway Ji Pei’s resolve, agreed.

“Fine, let’s check and see how to fix it.”

The emergency bell called Jiang Xihan’s surgical number. Ji Pei stood first, supporting her wrist toward exam room two.

The female doctor, masked, smiled at Jiang Xihan’s outstretched hand.

“Well, if it isn’t Professor Jiang. Cat scratch?”

Jiang Xihan met her eyes, glancing at her name tag, and said flatly, “Campus cat.”

Xue Qingfang squinted, rinsing the wound with saline, squeezing out blood.

As she treated it, Ji Pei stood behind, watching anxiously, noting Jiang Xihan didn’t flinch.

Ji Pei stared at Xue Qingfang’s hands, unable to resist placing her right hand on Jiang Xihan’s shoulder.

She leaned in, whispering, “Does it hurt?”

Jiang Xihan shook her head slightly. “It’s okay, not too bad.”

Xue Qingfang, gloved and holding tweezers, focused on Jiang Xihan, nearly missing the young woman behind her, likely in her early twenties.

Her gaze flicked to the hand on Jiang Xihan’s shoulder, her masked face revealing an aunt-like smile.

“Yo, a friend brought you?”

Jiang Xihan’s lips curved. “Not a friend—girlfriend.”

Xue Qingfang, applying iodine with tweezers, nearly stabbed the wound in shock.

Her pupils shrank, staring at the girl who withdrew her hand. “Didn’t you say you were a staunch singleton?”

Jiang Xihan, expressionless, said, “That was before.”

Xue Qingfang applied another iodine swab, glancing at the girl again.

Great figure, slim waist, long legs, perfect proportions.

Her face was stunning. Xue Qingfang, in five years of practice, had seen countless beauties, but this girl stood out.

She was both striking and soothing, her expression neutral yet picturesque—a pity she wasn’t a star.

No wonder Jiang Xihan abandoned her singleton stance.

In the face of such beauty, singlehood was nothing.

Jiang Xihan’s face was cold. “Seen enough?”

Xue Qingfang snapped back, knowing everyone loves beauty, but who could resist with a girlfriend like that?

She didn’t dare say it aloud, fearing Jiang Xihan’s sharp tongue.

The wound wasn’t deep, but Jiang Xihan’s thin skin bled easily.

Though Wang Erhu was vaccinated, her frequent fights with other cats meant bacteria risks, so Xue Qingfang recommended a vaccine.

Ji Pei carefully held Jiang Xihan’s right hand, guilt and heartache on her face.

“Let’s get the vaccine now.”

Xue Qingfang removed her gloves, washed her hands, and nearly popped her eyes out at the scene.

Jiang Xihan, noticing her stare, grabbed Ji Pei’s wrist. “Let’s go.”

Ji Pei smiled at Xue Qingfang. “Thanks, Dr. Xue.”

Xue Qingfang nodded, chuckling. “Take care on the road.”

An intern cleaning up asked, “Teacher, why so happy?”

Xue Qingfang teased, “That patient was my old classmate, swore she’d stay single forever. Who’d guess, past thirty, she’d fall for a twenty-something girl.”

—

Out of the hospital, in the car, Ji Pei carefully buckled Jiang Xihan’s seatbelt, reminding her to keep her hand raised to avoid the wound.

“What’s wrong? Does it still hurt?”

“A little. It’s not too bad, just looks scary.”

Jiang Xihan touched Ji Pei’s shoulder. “You heard Dr. Xue. My skin’s thin, so it bleeds a lot.”

Driving to the vaccination center, Ji Pei, recalling Xue Qingfang, asked, “Why did Dr. Xue keep looking at me?”

Jiang Xihan, expecting the question, smiled. “Probably too curious about you.”

“She said you were a staunch singleton.”

Ji Pei’s curiosity piqued. “Jiang Xihan, is this your first relationship?”

Jiang Xihan raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like I’ve dated a lot?”

Ji Pei looked at her, shaking her head. “Not really.”

‘Your flirting doesn’t seem like a rookie’s,’ Ji Pei thought. Was Jiang Xihan naturally gifted, or were intellectuals like her just playful?

Jiang Xihan’s left hand landed on Ji Pei’s thigh.

Ji Pei, used to her teasing, held the wheel with one hand, grabbing Jiang Xihan’s with the other.

Jiang Xihan, insincerely, said, “It hurts.”

Ji Pei thought, ‘Don’t pretend. It’s your right hand that’s hurt.’

But realizing she caused the scratch, guilt took over, letting Jiang Xihan continue.

Gripping the wheel, Ji Pei felt Jiang Xihan’s hand shift to her stomach.

“My hand’s cold. I want to warm it inside.”

A shameless, unreasonable request Ji Pei couldn’t refuse.

She stayed silent, and Jiang Xihan, taking it as consent, slipped her hand in.

Ji Pei tensed her stomach, sitting upright.

So cold.

***

After the vaccine, the chaotic day was mostly over.

Past four, Ji Pei held Jiang Xihan’s hand, leaving the vaccination center.

The doctor warned no bathing for days, no touching the injection site, and to have someone help clean her body if needed.

Mild headaches, fever, or nausea were possible side effects, not to worry.

The injection site on her left arm stung, and Jiang Xihan’s arm ached, leaving her motionless in the seat.

She lacked the energy to tease Ji Pei’s abs.

Seeing her calm down, Ji Pei felt both pity and relief.

“Remember what the doctor said. No bathing, and don’t lift anything heavy with your left hand.”

Jiang Xihan said, “But I shower daily. I’m a clean freak.”

Ji Pei: “…”

‘I saw you hug Wang Erhu, covered in fur, and you didn’t mention cleanliness then.’

“Then be careful when you shower… don’t touch it. What if it gets infected…”

“You’re my girlfriend. Shouldn’t you help me clean?”

Ji Pei’s face heated, mumbling, “We just got together yesterday, and you want me to bathe you? That’s not…”

Jiang Xihan enjoyed making Ji Pei blush. “Why not? We’ve kissed, touched, just short of…”

Before saying “bed,” Ji Pei’s resentful glare stopped her.

“Stop talking!”

“Your skin’s so thin. Want to see what you said to me on the app?”

Jiang Xihan moved to open their chat app, and Ji Pei nearly jumped from her seat.

“You… close it… Jiang Xihan!”

Seeing Ji Pei’s ears red as blood, Jiang Xihan smugly pocketed her phone.

“What, you said it but can’t own it?”

“You started it.”

Ji Pei gritted her teeth. “You kept saying those things. I got corrupted by you.”

After bickering, Ji Pei thought of the fugitive Wang Erhu. “My cats are better. Naughty, but friendly with everyone.”

Jiang Xihan smiled. “Two? Both yours?”

“Yeah, one black, one white. I call them the Black-and-White Fiends.”

“Why not Oreo Sandwich?”

Ji Pei hadn’t expected Jiang Xihan to suggest something so cute. She must’ve been a sweet girl once, now turned mischievous.

“They’re too naughty, breaking things and blaming my dog.”

Jiang Xihan: “You mentioned your dog—a big golden retriever, right?”

“Yeah, despite its size, it gets framed by those two.”

Ji Pei fumed, recalling their antics. “They broke a mirror once, scared of getting scolded, and lured Egg Yolk over to take the blame. Good thing I caught it, or I’d have punished the wrong dog.”

Halfway home, Ji Pei pulled over.

Hesitantly, she glanced at Jiang Xihan, stammering, “How about… you come to my place? We… um…”

Jiang Xihan played dumb. “To do what?”

Ji Pei blushed. “To see my cats and my silly dog. Weren’t you interested?”

Even a fool could catch the obvious hint.

Jiang Xihan pretended not to. “Sure. Can I stay over tonight?”

“Well…”

Ji Pei, touching her hot face, held Jiang Xihan’s hand tightly.

“Let’s get there first…”

***

Bringing Jiang Xihan home, Ji Pei realized she’d forgotten someone.

Ji Fan was coming home to eat and sleep.

But with things this far, and the car already on the way, she figured she’d deal with it—worst case, she’d send Ji Fan to a hotel.

This was Jiang Xihan’s second visit to Ji Pei’s home.

As the door opened, frantic meows filled the air.

Ji Pei, hearing the rough calls turn coy, told Jiang Xihan, “See, they turn into clingy cats when they see me. Normally, their fights could lift the roof.”

She offered a new pair of slippers, avoiding Jiang Xihan’s eyes.

“Wear these pink ones. I bought them new.”

Ji Pei had planned this, buying them yesterday for Jiang Xihan’s visit.

Jiang Xihan, seeing Ji Pei’s light yellow checkered slippers, quipped, “Not matching couple’s slippers?”

Ji Pei: “…”

“I forgot. We’ll get new ones tomorrow. Make do for now.”

Ji Pei set down her bag, crouching to pet Coal Ball’s head.

Two seconds later, she cursed inwardly: ‘Oh no.’

She hadn’t washed her hands or changed after touching other cats.

Sure enough, Coal Ball, sniffing her hand and thigh, caught the wild cat scent and bristled.

“Rawr!”

“Rawr! Rawr!”

Both cats raised their tails, clawing at her pants, yowling as if accusing their human servant of fraternizing with strays without covering her tracks.

Jiang Xihan watched Ji Pei soothe the fierce cats, smiling silently, only to nearly be tackled by a charging golden retriever.

“Careful!”

Ji Pei grabbed Egg Yolk, pulling it back.

“Calm down!”

Ji Pei got a face full of dog fur. Jiang Xihan, in slippers, headed to the sofa.

Egg Yolk lunged for a head pat, but Ji Pei held its legs tightly.

“Behave!”

If Jiang Xihan weren’t injured and vaccinated, Ji Pei wouldn’t stop her dog.

She knew Egg Yolk’s enthusiasm—a dog that size could reinjure Jiang Xihan with one pounce.

The black-and-white cats were friendly, unafraid of strangers, jumping to rub Jiang Xihan’s arm.

“What are you two doing!”

Ji Pei rushed over, pulling the clingy cats away.

“Go play elsewhere. This sister’s injured and can’t play.”

Jiang Xihan, amused, caught Ji Pei calling her “sister,” her smile widening.

“What did you just call me?”

Ji Pei, after locking the cats and dog in a room, poured Jiang Xihan warm water.

“What?”

“That name you called me. Say it again.”

Ji Pei’s face flushed.

“Jiang Xihan, why do you always nitpick? I’m done talking.”

Jiang Xihan sipped her water elegantly, but her words were anything but. “What, too hard to say once?”

Ji Pei stood before her, mumbling two words before fleeing to the bathroom.

She’d been out all day, touching dirty things, hands unwashed, and she’d poured Jiang Xihan’s water.

Ji Pei washed her hands, returned, took Jiang Xihan’s cup, and poured a fresh one.

Jiang Xihan, poised on the sofa, said, “I didn’t hear you. Say it again.”

“Sis…”

Ji Pei licked her lips, swallowing hard, unable to say it under Jiang Xihan’s gaze.

Such a shameful title—how could she?

Jiang Xihan, kindly, said, “Alright, no more teasing. Come sit and rest.”

Ji Pei, letting her guard down, thinking Jiang Xihan had reformed, sat beside her.

“The doctor said you can’t touch—”

A dizzying whirl, and Ji Pei was pinned to the sofa by Jiang Xihan’s right arm, unable to budge.

Seeing Ji Pei’s wide eyes, Jiang Xihan smirked. “Don’t push. I’ve trained in martial arts. You can’t win.”

Ji Pei: “…”

Even with an injured hand, Jiang Xihan’s fingers were nimble. She lifted Ji Pei’s collar, seeing yesterday’s hickey darkened, her eyes gleaming.

“Nice. My mark’s still there, well-preserved.”

Jiang Xihan, pinning Ji Pei’s thighs with her legs to prevent escape, stared at her puffed-up face.

“No ‘sister’? A kiss as compensation works.”

“Jiang Xih—”

Ji Pei’s mouth was sealed shut. Her resistance failed, so she yielded, opening her lips.

“Mmm…”

Ji Pei turned her head to breathe, only for Jiang Xihan to grab her chin, kissing harder.

The sticky, clear sounds pierced Ji Pei’s eardrums, her face burning.

Jiang Xihan’s tongue traced her teeth and palate. Ji Pei’s scalp tingled, and she decided to fight back.

Pressing Jiang Xihan’s head, she bit her lower lip, kissing more fiercely.

Their teeth clashed. Ji Pei, growing excited, wanted to flip their positions.

But reason prevailed.

Jiang Xihan’s arms were injured. What if she hurt her?

Fine, let her have this one.

They kissed for ages, Ji Pei’s head spinning, one arm around Jiang Xihan’s waist, pulling her closer.

Jiang Xihan, catching her breath, rasped, “Good kiss. You’re improving.”

Ji Pei, suddenly praised, felt like a tail wagged behind her, eager to prove her progress.

Then, the sound of the keypad lock clicked, followed by the door opening and Ji Fan’s voice.

Ji Pei snapped awake.

Oh no!

Ji Fan was back!

Pinned on the sofa with Jiang Xihan atop her, both turned to the door.

Ji Pei pushed Jiang Xihan’s shoulder, but she wouldn’t budge.

Ji Fan’s voice grew clearer.

“My sister’s off somewhere again. No one’s home…”