Chapter 304: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (4)

 Paperplane  Editor: DarkGemThe assistant didn’t follow Lu Jinnian into the house, but grabbed the car keys, opened the car door, and sat down in the driver seat.

Having just seen Qiao Anhao to the door, Madam Chen was about to sit down to eat. Then she heard the door open and assumed that Qiao Anhao was back for something she had forgotten to bring, so she hurriedly put her chopsticks down and walked out. “Miss…”

Just as Madam Chen called out that one word, she saw Lu Jinnian changing his shoes at the entrance. She quickly changed her tone of voice to be far less casual. “Mr. Lu, you’re back.”

Lu Jinnian didn’t go to see Madam Chen, nor did he say anything. He couldn’t be bothered to.

Madam Chen was well used to Lu Jinnian’s cold attitude, and continued to ask with a smile, “Have you eaten lunch yet, Mr. Lu? Do you want to eat something?”

Seeing as Lu Jinnian didn’t respond, the expression on her face became awkward. In the end, she said, “The missus just left.”

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“I know.” When Lu Jinnian heard what she said, he replied with those two words.

Seeing that Lu Jinnian spoke, in that instant, Madam Chen then continued to say, “Mr Lu, you must of had so much fun celebrating your birthday, right?”

When she mentioned last night, Lu Jinnian’s face instantly were covered by a dark cloud. A hint of viciousness flashed across his eyes. He took big strides up the stairs.

From the very start, Madam Chen didn’t notice Lu Jinnian’s expression and continued to go off on her own tangent, as she stood there jabbering on. “You must know, missus had prepared your surprise all afternoon.”

Surprise. What surprise?

It was like Lu Jinnian had his pressure points pushed. He abruptly stopped on the stairs.

“Missus bought a lot of baking items and personally baked a cake for you. She said that it was her first time baking a cake, and complained about doing a bad job. Yet, in the end, I think Missus has quite some talent. She succeeded on her first try.

“Missus also stuck balloons all over the house, and arranged those little candles on the balcony of the bedroom into a line of words…”

Before Madam Chen was finished speaking, Lu Jinnian took big strides up the stairs. He forcefully pushed open the bedroom door to find that the room was no different from usual. There were white walls, and the green plant on the balcony had grown nice and tall. The windows were open, and the summer breeze blew in. The curtains swayed with the green leaves, carrying a light fresh scent. It was nothing like what Madam Chen had just said.

Lu Jinnian stood in the room for no more than ten seconds before he turned around and went back down to the kitchen.

Madam Chen immediately followed him in. “Mr. Lu, leave the kitchen to me. What do you want to do? Let me help you.”

Lu Jinnian never said a word. He just swept across the kitchen, to find that what Madam Chen said was true. He really did see a brand new oven. He pulled open the kitchen drawers. In the end, he saw baking ingredients in one of the storage cabinets.

Lu Jinnian felt like there was a lump in his throat brutally choking him. It was uncomfortable, yet he was so flustered, he couldn’t speak.

He ruthlessly slammed the cabinets shut, then walked quickly out of the house.

The assistant saw him at the door and immediately started up the car, then opened the passenger door.

Without even a glance sideways, Lu Jinnian walked straight out of the mansion.

The assistant looked over at him puzzled. As did Madam Chen. Then, the assistant chased after Lu Jinnian.

Just as he reached the gates, he saw Lu Jinnian flipping through the rubbish bin by the gates, looking for something…

Chapter 305: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (5)

Just as he reached the gates, he saw Lu Jinnian flipping through the rubbish bin by the gates, looking for something…

Even though the rubbish in Mian Xiu Garden was cleared daily, there was still a stench from the bin.

The assistant froze momentarily before rushing forward with his hands covering his nose. “Mr. Lu, it’s dirty here, what are you looking for? I’ll get someone to find it for you…”

Lu Jinnian continued searching through the trash wordlessly, as though his assistant hadn’t spoken. Just then, a spark brightened his eyes when he spotted black plastic.

The assistant retreated backwards, looking as Lu Jinnian opened the plastic bag. In a daze, he stood by the rubbish bin, frozen, looking straight into the bag.

The cake was in ruin, the butter cream spilling over the bag. There was also deflated balloons inside that were emitting a horrible smell.

In that instant, Lu Jinnian was at a loss for words. He stood there, a heart-wrenching pain exploding through his body. He stood trembling, with the plastic bag in his hands.

The assistant didn’t know what he saw, but he knew that something was wrong. He just stood silently at the side, not daring to even breathe.

Lu Jinnian remained paralyzed in the same position for a long time before finally blinking his eyes. He continued to stare down at the mess in the bin, trying to decipher how the cake had looked like originally. After another long while, he blinked before placing the plastic bag back in the trash bin. He then brushed past his assistant, as though he wasn’t there, heading for the backyard.

When Madam Chen saw Lu Jinnian entering, she immediately greeted him “Mr. Lu”, but he brushed past her as though she hadn’t spoken, walking straight for the bedroom. He entered the room and shut the door, leaning against it, staring up at the crystal lights in deep thought.

Madam Chen wasn’t lying.. She had planned a surprise for him yesterday.

Madam Chen mentioned that it was the first time she had made a birthday cake…

If he had come back home yesterday, it would have all been his. Why didn’t he come back? Why didn’t he come back?

His eyes started to sting, his throat choked up to the point he couldn’t breath normally. He reached to cover his face with his hands, a wrenching murmur escaping his throat, “Lu Jinnian, why didn’t you com back?”

By the time he came went down, he was back to his frosty, distant self. He had showered and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Without a word, he walked to his car.

The entire journey, Lu Jinnian remained in the same position as when he just entered the car, his gaze staring out the window in deep thought.

The atmosphere in the car was thick.

The assistant focused on driving, his gaze staring straight ahead, not daring to make any sudden movements.

–

Qiao Anhao wasn’t in Mian Xiu Garden for lunch, she had gone to the hotel restaurant with Zhao Meng.

Yesterday, she didn’t sleep well and her mood wasn’t the best, causing her lack of energy. She randomly picked a few food before finding a place to sit down.Chapter 306: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (6)

Qiao Anhao was hungry, but she couldn’t work up an appetite. Her actions were slow and draggy.

Zhao Meng carried a plate over, the contents almost spilling over. She sat down and placed a white bowl in front of Qiao Anhao. “Qiao Qiao, they just made Dong Po meat so I got you a bowl.”

“Thank you,” Qiao Anhao replied. She opened the cap and the thick meaty aroma flew out. The smell didn’t whip up her appetite but instead sent her stomach churning.

The Dong Po meat in this hotel was made by a Hang Zhou chef , the taste was superior, and it was considered their specialty. Qiao Anhao had always been a fan, but somehow, when she placed the lean meat into her mouth, it tasted weird, making her feel uncomfortable. She spat the meat out and reached for her own plain vegetables.

“What’s wrong?” Zhao Meng asked, inaudibly with a full mouth.

“My stomach doesn’t feel well.” Qiao Anhao didn’t eat much but she felt full. She placed her chopsticks down and looked at Zhao Meng. ” It’s probably the alcohol from yesterday.”

After her meal, she returned to her room and laid on the bed in exhaustion, falling asleep instantly.

That evening, she was deep in sleep when she was woken by Zhao Meng.

Qiao Anhao opened her eyes in a daze, before murmuring in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong? You have a scene at night, hurry and get some food before going to the set!” Zhao Meng replied before ripping her blanket off.

Qiao Anhao looked out the window, realizing that it was almost dark. She looked at her watch instinctively, it was almost 6 pm in the evening. She was awake in an instant, rushing to prepare herself before getting a meal with Zhao Meng.

She still didn’t have much an appetite, not finishing the cold plate and bowl of plain porridge she’d randomly picked.

Beside her, Zhao Meng was devouring half a plate worth of Chilli fish.

The fish had a strong smell that sent Qiao Anhao’s stomach churning. In the end, she couldn’t even bring herself to finish her porridge, her stomach in a frenzy, making her nauseous.

There was quite a lot of crew members having their meals. Qiao Anhao was afraid to cause a scene, so she placed her chopsticks down and signaled that she was going for the bathroom, and rushed out of the restaurant. But once she reached the bathroom, the nausea disappeared instantly.

Qiao Anhao washed her hands and returned to the restaurant. But the moment she inhaled the aroma coming from inside her stomach started churning once more. Remembering that she didn’t have much of an appetite anyway, she sent Zhao Meng a text, deciding to rest in the lounge area nearby.

The scene that night required a lot of actors, while Qiao Anhao rushed to get her makeup done, Song Xiangsi and Cheng Yang were already there, doing their makeup.

Qiao Anhao greeted them before sitting on her designated seat.Chapter 307: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (7)

Qiao Anhao’s makeup artist was an experienced woman in her mid thirties. Dressed in a peach-colored dress, she had on a light spritz of seductive perfume. While she was helping with the makeup, the strong scent irritated Qiao Anhao, causing her stomach to churn once more.

She had to endure through the long makeup process, but by the end, the feeling grew so overwhelming, she could barely keep it in.

Qiao Anhao suppressed the urge to vomit, enduring till the makeup was complete before she hurriedly moved away from the makeup artist. This time, it took a long while before she could calm the storm in her stomach.

After she changed, she walked to the set with Zhao Meng. The director was talking to the actors that were filming today, emphasizing on the main points. When he saw Qiao Anhao, he immediately waved towards her.

Beside Lu Jinnian, Song Xiangsi moved to the side instantly, leaving en empty space beside him for Qiao Anhao.

Qiao Anhao paused. Lifting her lids to look at Lu Jinnian’s clothes, she took a heavy footstep over. She looked straight at the director, never once glancing at Lu Jinnian.

The director spoke enthusiastically for about twenty minutes before getting the actors to position themselves.

Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian had to enter together, hence their positions were near each other. After the director’s command, Lu Jinnian looked towards Qiao Anhao instinctively. When she felt his gaze, she remained oblivious, pretending not to know anything, never returning his gaze, walking stiffly without waiting for him.

Lu Jinnian stared at Qiao Anhao back, following after.

When she heard his footsteps, she turned stiff, forcing herself to stay calm with each step forward.

Once she reached her spot, she stopped. Shortly after, Lu Jinnian stood beside her.

Lu Jinnian’s elbow perched near Qiao Anhao’s elbow. With just a small movement, their skins would touch.

They didn’t speak, not even looking at each other, as though they were two strangers, even the surrounding atmosphere was distant.

After a while, the director shouted his command and the filming began.

There was four scenes today and Lu Jinnian was only needed for the first two.

The filming for “Alluring Times” had been going on for a long while, so the actors were already familiar with their roles. The number of NGs decreased, and the first scene was completed in one take.

The director shouted a satisfied “Good!”, then ordered the crew to prepare for the second scene. The makeup artists immediately came forward to touch up the makeup of their allocated actors.

When the makeup artist approached, Qiao Anhao felt her stomach began to churn once more. She endured the smell and forced her mind to focus on something else.Chapter 308: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (8)

When the makeup artist approached, Qiao Anhao felt her stomach began to churn once more. She endured the smell and forced her mind to focus on something else.

But when the woman was reapplying her eye shadow, the close proximity increased the scent, and she could no longer hold it in. Turning her head to the side, she vomited.

Qiao Anhao didn’t have much food that day and everything she had was already digested, so she only vomited out a tiny amount of liquid.

“Miss Qiao, are you okay? Are you ill?” the makeup artist asked in concern.

Qiao Anhao felt instantly better. She rinsed her mouth with the bottle of mineral water brought by Zhao Meng, explaining to the makeup artist, “I drank some alcohol yesterday and it’s been hurting my tummy.”

The makeup artist touched up her lips which were smudged from the water. “The hot weather causes food to rot fast, you should pay attention to your meals. It’s best if you take some gastric pills.”

“Yes.” Qiao Anhao smiled, not willing to say more.

Song Xiangsi stood nearby, taking in the conversation between Qiao Anhao and her makeup artist. She turned and looked towards Lu Jinnian, his brows were deeply furrowed after seeing her vomit.

Song Xiangsi curled her lips upwards, smiling secretly, waiting patiently for her makeup to be done. Before the second scene began, she walked towards Lu Jinnian.

Lu Jinnian knew there was someone beside him but he remained nonchalant.

Song Xiangsi circled him once before stopping beside him, following his gaze towards Zhao Meng and Qiao Anhao.

She stood there, deliberately staying silent just like him until the director indicated the start of filming. She straightened, lowering her head to admire her manicured nails before saying slowly, “Qiao Anhao seems to have gastric problems because of the alcohol she drank yesterday.” She left this sentence with him and walked away.

After the second scene was done, Lu Jinnian stood at the side of the set, observing Qiao Anhao. When she vomited once more, he frowned, walking back to the makeup station.

After removing his makeup, his assistant was already waiting for him. He opened the car door and sat inside. The assistant started the car and headed towards the filming crew hotel. When they reached a cross road, Lu Jinnian who had been silent all this while, suddenly spoke. “Find the nearest pharmacy.”

His assistant acknowledged the command, entering it into the GPS. “Mr. Lu, are you feeling ill?”

Lu Jinnian remained silent, turning to look out the window.

His assistant kept quiet and followed the GPS to the nearest pharmacy.

After no more than twenty minutes, the car stopped. The assistant asked, “Mr. Lu, what do you need? I’ll get it for you.”

“I’ll go,” Lu Jinnian replied lightly and opened the car door to walk towards the pharmacy.

There was a wide variety of gastric pills, so he repeated Song Xiangsi’s words to the attendant, waiting for a recommendation.

Chapter 309: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (9)

The counter staff recommended a few kinds, Chinese medicine and western medicine. Lu Jinnian read the explanation manual on each medicine, finally settling on Chinese medicine that protected the gut.

Once he reached the mountain villa, Qiao Anhao was still in the midst of filming. Lu Jinnian instructed his assistant to stop at the entrance of the hotel.

After about half an hour, a car drove over.

Lu Jinnian had been focusing outside his car all this while, when he saw Qiao Anhao’s car, he pushed open the car door and came out.

After being with Lu Jinnian for so many years, the assistant vaguely understood what he was thinking. He knew that he was waiting for Qiao Anhao, so he quickly followed after Lu Jinnian alighted.

Zhao Meng parked on the opposite side, since the spot directly outside the hotel entrance was already taken. She then came down with Qiao Anhao, walking towards the hotel.

Just before they reached the door, Lu Jinnian’s assistant called out, “Miss Qiao.”

Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng stopped instantly, turning towards the call. Lu Jinnian and his assistant were not far away under a tree. The light was dim, blurring the expressions on their faces.

Zhao Meng turned to look at Qiao Anhao. “Mr. Lu is looking for you.”

Qiao Anhao pressed her lips, standing stationary as though she hadn’t heard Zhao Meng.

The assistant turned to look at Lu Jinnian before calling out again, “Miss Qiao, over here.”

Zhao Meng asked, “Qiao Qiao, why are you in a daze?”

Qiao Anhao lowered her lashes, having no intention of walking over.

The assistant started to feel uneasy, thinking of calling out to her once again. But before he could say anything, Lu Jinnian, who was beside him, walked towards Qiao Anhao.

The assistant’s eyes widened fear, and he froze, too startled to move. When he finally regained his senses, he rushed forward after Lu Jinnian.

When Lu Jinnian was about fifty meters from Qiao Anhao, he stopped. With the faint glow from the street lamp, he looked down to stare at her.

A night breeze blew, bringing out a stream of cold air, sending Qiao Anhao’s long hair flying.

Lu Jinnian studied Qiao Anhao for a long while. When he realized that she didn’t intend to speak, disappointment clouded his eyes. He passed his plastic of medicine over to her. “It’s for you.”

The plastic bag was transparent and she could see a box of gastric medicine lying inside.

Her fingers trembled slightly, sorrow spreading through her heart.

In the past, if he bought medicine for her when she wasn’t feeling well, she would have felt blessed, but after the incident last night… He was always like that, treating her so lightly, making it difficult for her to understand his true intentions.

Previously, when there was an improvement in their relationship, she would start to anticipate more, thinking that there was hope. But after last night, when he had treated her so violently in the car, she was brought to reality.

If he had always been cold to her, she would still be be sad, but not disappointed.

The disappointment after being given hope was despair.

She was afraid that after he treated her so warmly, he would rip her heart apart the next moment.

Qiao Anhao’s fingers moved slightly, clenching onto her skirt, not intending to reach out for the medicine.Chapter 310: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (10)

Qiao Anhao’s fingers trembled, she grasped her skirt, having no intention of reaching for the medicine.

Lu Jinnian frowned, his grip tightening on the plastic bag, his arms remaining outstretched.

The skies were gradually darkening and crew members were already in the hotel. The surroundings were dark, the four of them not speaking.

After a long while, Qiao Anhao was still not willing to accept the medicine, her position distant and reserved, the atmosphere tensing.

Behind Lu Jinnian, his assistant and Zhao Meng were starting to feel awkward and uneasy.

Another breeze blew, sending a shiver through Qiao Anhao. With a calm and detached gaze, she looked away from Lu Jinnian, preparing to leave.

When his assistant saw it, he instantly reached out to grab the medicine from Lu Jinnian’s hands, passing it over to Zhao Meng. “Miss Qiao’s stomach isn’t feeling well, Mr. Lu specifically got her some medicine.”

Zhao Meng hesitated slightly before reaching over, thanking him on behalf of Qiao Anhao. “Thank you.”

She turned back to look at Qiao Anhao, who was staring at the medicine in her hands. Zhao Meng’s fingers froze slightly, Qiao Anhao turned around without any emotion, walking away.

After a few steps, Lu Jinnian’s light voice broke the silence.”If you aren’t feeling well, I’ll help you push your scenes back.”

Qiao Anhao stiffened, continuing to walk a few more steps before stopping. With her back still facing Lu Jinnian, she turned her head to look at him. In a calm and distant voice, she replied,” It’s fine. Thank you, Mr. Lu.”

Mr. Lu… Lu Jinnian was left in a daze. He continued to stare at her for a long while before nodding, his action disconcerted, as though he was trying to hide the fear and uneasiness inside him.

After some time, he opened his mouth, as if trying to say something, but then shut it back. After another few seconds, he replied, “It’s getting late, hurry up to rest.”

Qiao Anhao didn’t say anything, she nodded, turning to look at Zhao Meng. “Let’s go.”

Zhao Meng grabbed her hair in embarrassment, and smiled brightly towards Lu Jinnian. “Goodbye, Mr. Lu.”

She then ran after Qiao Anhao.

When they entered the hotel, Lu Jinnian stared for a while before shifting his gaze. “Let’s go,” he said, walking towards the hotel.

His assistant didn’t disturb him. He quietly placed a cup of water beside his table and cautiously left his room. Before he left the room though, he added, “Mr. Lu, smoking excessively is bad for health.”

Lu Jinnian’s fingers trembled, the ashes falling slightly. Without turning to look at his assistant, he seemed to have nodded his head.

Chapter 311: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (11)

The assistant stood for a while before closing the door, leaving Lu Jinnian’s room.

–

“Qiao Qiao, what’s going on with you and Lu Jinnian?” Zhao Meng finally asked after they entered the elevator.

Qiao Anhao remain silent, her gaze falling onto the medicine that Zhao Meng was holding. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

“I thought you were doing well a while back? He angered you? Qiao Qiao, what happened?”

Zhao Meng persistently asked several times, but Qiao Anhao never once replied. When they reached the room, she walked straight into the bathroom to shower and then climbed onto the bed.

Before she could flip the blanket open, a box came flying, landing in front of her.

It was the gastric medicine that Lu Jinnian had gotten for her.

“Qiao Qiao, it’s from Lu Jinnian. If you want it, you can eat it. If you don’t want it, you can toss it. I’m not going to settle it for you,” Zhao Meng said decisively and headed to the bathroom.

Qiao Anhao stared at the box for a long while before putting in on the bedside table. She laid down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind in a mess.

She wanted to eat the gastric medicine, and at the same time, she didn’t want to eat it. Just like when she was in front of him, she had wanted to reach out for the medicine, but she had forced herself not to.

Deep inside, she knew that she was using the easiest way to get back at him for the sadness that he had caused.

Qiao Anhao felt extremely lethargic, probably due to the gastric problems. Even though she was still thinking about the medicine beside her, she fell into a deep sleep the next instant.

That night, she slept deeply. The next day, when she woke up, she felt much more energized.

She had filming the entire day, hence she quickly prepared herself before following Zhao Meng to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

As usual, the breakfast served was nutritious. Qiao Anhao saw golden yellow dough fritters and took two.

After sitting down, she took two sips of a drink before using her chopsticks to pick up the dough fritters. After taking a bite, she found the dough fritters extremely oily, even though she didn’t think so normally. Her entire stomach was fumbling, she dropped the chopsticks, and without even waiting for Zhao Meng to ask her anything, she ran out of the restaurant to the washroom.

She didn’t even have time to enter a bathroom cubicle, vomiting into a public basin.

When Lu Jinnian came down for breakfast, he saw Qiao Anhao running towards the washroom the moment the elevator doors open.

Just then, his assistant commented, “Miss Qiao doesn’t look good.”

Lu Jinnian frowned. He hesitated slightly before instructing his assistant to wait at the restaurant. He then took large strides, following after Qiao Anhao.

The minute he entered the bathroom, he heard someone vomiting. He walked in and saw Qiao Anhao’s slender figure hunched over a basin, puking continuously.

Lu Jinnian didn’t hesitate, running towards her to grab her arm. “What’s wrong? Your stomach still hurts?”

The moment Qiao Anhao heard him, her body stiffened. Before she could react, she lowered her head for another wave of vomit.

Chapter 312: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (12)

Lu Jinnian’s nervous voice sounded again. “You didn’t eat the medicine yesterday? We’re going to the hospital now.”

Lu Jinnian reached for his phone, preparing to get his assistant to collect the car.

There wasn’t much for Qiao Anhao to vomit, only liquid could come out. Through the mirror, she could see Lu Jinnian’s every action. She forced herself to straighten and shook her head. “It’s fine…”

Before she could finish her sentence, she lowered her head to puke again. When she finally felt okay, she reached out to open the tap. She washed the basin before rinsing her mouth. Calmly, she looked at Lu Jinnian. “I’m fine and I have scenes later, I don’t need to visit the hospital.”

Qiao Anhao took another look at him before reaching for some paper towels to dry her wet hands. She then turned to walk out of the bathroom.

After stepping out of the bathroom, Lu Jinnian reached for her shoulder, turning her around to study her pale face. Qiao Anhao clenched her lips into a tight, thin line. Lu Jinnian grabbed her elbow, leading her away. As they walked, he spoke in an authoritative voice. “You need to visit the hospital.”

“I’m really fine,” she replied, trying to struggle out of his grip. But how could she overpower him? In the end, she was pulled by Lu Jinnian all the way to his car. He opened the door, and when he was about to push her in, a phone suddenly rang.

Lu Jinnian paused slightly before realizing it was Qiao Anhao’s phone. Without any hesitation, he pushed her into the seat, then walked over to the drivers seat. When he was about to start his car, he heard Qiao Anhao speaking enthusiastically. “Really? Jiamu responded?”

Lu Jinnian’s feet stopped instantly, pausing for about ten seconds before looking at Qiao Anhao through the rear mirror. A wide smile had spread across her face. Her voice was tainted with surprise and happiness. “That’s great. I understand, I’ll go over now… Bye.”

After she hung up, she realized that she was in Lu Jinnian’s car. She kept her smile, sinking into silence for a while, before turning to face him. “Mrs. Xu called, she mentioned that Jiamu responded, I want to go over.”

After pausing for a bit, she continued, “Since he’s at the hospital, I can visit a doctor after visiting Jiamu, you don’t have to send me.”

Lu Jinnian hands clenched around the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. His lips moved slightly. He stepped on the accelerator wordlessly, turning out of the filming set.

After a long time, Lu Jinnian spoke, his voice dry and hoarse. “I’ll send you.”

Qiao Anhao nodded, not willing to extend the conversation.

When they were just about to enter the city, Lu Jinnian seemed to have remembered something. He reached for his phone to call his assistant to change the filming date.Chapter 313: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (13)

The car came to a gradual stop outside the hospital that Xu Jiamu stayed in. Qiao Anhao glanced at the people entering the hospital before turning to look at Lu Jinnian. “Thank you for sending me here.”

Lu Jinnian stared outside the window at the hospital, his jaw tight. After a while, he replied with a faint “Yea.”

Qiao Anhao paused for a bit. “I’ll go down first, Mrs. Xu is waiting for me.”

“Okay,” Lu Jinnian replied in a monotonous voice as his throat closed up.

Qiao Anhao pulled the door, realizing that it was locked. She turned her head to remind him.

He replied with a light “yea”, rushing to open the lock. Just then, he hit the front lights and quickly offed it.

Qiao Anhao could hear the clicking from the car, she pushed open the door once again and alighted. After shutting the door, she hesitated for a bit before turning to look at Lu Jinnian. “Bye.”

Lu Jinnian nodded, but just when she was about to shut the door, he called out, “Qiao Qiao..”

Qiao Anhao froze, her entire body tensing. In the many years they had known each other, he had always called her Qiao Anhao, Qiao classmate, Miss Qiao… This was the first time he had called her so affectionately.

Qiao Anhao clenched the car door tightly, even though she seemed calm, her heart was running.

Lu Jinnian seemed to have realized that in a frenzy, he had called her the name that he held deep in his heart. With a calm expression, he continued, “Remember to visit the doctor after visiting Jiamu, gastric problems can get troublesome.”

“I will.”

Qiao Anhao felt an indescribable pain leaking from her heart. She struggled to smile back at Lu Jinnian as she bid him goodbye. Lu Jinnian nodded, his lips moving slightly, as though saying “Goodbye”, but since the volume was so low, she couldn’t hear it. She closed the door and headed for the hospital.

Lu Jinnian sat in the car alone, staring at Qiao Anhao’s back until she disappeared from his sight.

After a long while, he realized that all this while, he had been watching her back while she walked away.

Initially, he had watched her from afar when she went home. Back then, she was either with Qiao Anxia or bickering with Xu Jiamu.

In high-school, there were several times when he would wait by the entrance in search of her back.

In college, every time she came to Hangzhou, he would secretly send her off from afar, not letting her know. He would stand outside the airport or the railway station, waiting to see the view of her back.

Even now, it was the same…

Many times, if she had just turned back, she would have been able to see him. But all this while, she had never turned back to glance at him.

–

Xu Jiamu stayed on the top floor, in the first class ward. The Xu family had spent a large sum of money and power to book down the entire floor so that there wouldn’t be many people.

The female guard that stood at the entrance recognized Qiao Anhao and seemed to be waiting for her. The moment she saw her, she walked forward to lead her to the ward.

Chapter 314: Xu Jiamu is Responsive (14)

When she entered the ward, she saw a large group of specialists in white gowns crowding over Xu Jiamu, doing checks.

Han Ruchu stood at the side, anxiously looking towards her son.

Qiao Anhao walked over lightly, stopping beside Han Ruchu. She greeted her, “Auntie Xu.”

Han Ruchu nodded. She seemed to have cried, as her eyes were red and swollen. She looked at Qiao Anhao and immediately reached out to grab her hands. “Qiao Qiao, you’re here.”

Qiao Anhao nodded, looking towards the group of specialists. “Jiamu responded?”

“Yes, just now, when I was talking to him, I saw his fingers move.” Han Ruchu seemed extremely agitated. “Qiao Qiao, Jiamu moved, I saw him, he grabbed here…” She lifted her right hand to the spot that Xu Jiamu had touched, pointing to a specific spot. “Here, Jiamu touched me here!”

Just then, one of the specialists turned and walked towards Han Ruchu, removing his mask.

“How’s my son?” Han Ruchu asked anxiously without waiting for the doctor to speak.

The man replied, “All of Mr Xu’s vitals are fine. If he moved today, it means that he’ll definitely wake up.”

A wide smile broadened across Han Ruchu’s face, her eyes glistened with tears. “Really? When will Jiamu wake up?”

“It depends, he may wake up soon or he might wake up after a while. We aren’t able to give you a definite answer on that. But rest assured, if he moved today, it means that the treatment that we have been doing is effective. If we’re to continue, he will be able to wake up.”

“Thank you, thank you.” Han Ruchu thanked him several times out of excitement and agitation. In the end, she could no longer suppress her tears, allowing them to flow down her face.

Xu Jiamu could finally wake up, and the happiest person about this was his mother Han Ruchu.

Qiao Anhao was happy too, Xu Jiamu was after all her best friend in this world. But after the happiness wore off, sorrow started to surface.

Even though Lu Jinnian treated her unpredictably. Even though he had made her disappointed and sad on his birthday.

Even though she was confused by him, why he had gotten mad at her, why she could see hatred and disgust in his anger towards her. She was only human, she couldn’t be fine with him after he had treated her so unfairly when she did no wrong.

She was indeed upset and a little angry, it was normal for anyone to feel like that, but she never wanted to sever all ties with him.

But if Xu Jiamu was going to wake up, she would no longer have to act as a couple with Lu Jinnian. Did that mean they were going to resume being strangers?

Han Ruchu stayed in the hospital all the way till 1 pm. Qiao Anhao stayed behind to accompany her until taking a ride in Han Ruchu’s car back to the set.

Only in the car did Qiao Anhao remember her gastric problems.