After last night’s hotpot dinner, Chi Zhan ended up talking with Tao Ran for quite a while. The whole conversation revolved around him and Seven, and before he knew it, it was past midnight.
Sleeping face-down wasn’t exactly comfortable, but there weren’t many better options. That was when Chi Zhan finally noticed a text on his phone—it was from Cen Chi, sent about an hour ago, asking when he’d be arriving.
By now, it was well past normal office hours. Chi Zhan quickly gave him a call. The line connected almost immediately.
“Awake now? How are you feeling today?”
“Sorry, I forgot to set an alarm last night,” Chi Zhan replied, glancing outside. The temperature had risen a bit today, and warm sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow. “You’re off work already, right? Mind if I come by this afternoon instead?”
“No worries,” Cen Chi replied with a hint of amusement. “I figured you’d still be asleep, so I didn’t call. I’m off this afternoon anyway, so even if you came, I wouldn’t be there.”
“Off work…” Chi Zhan paused for a beat. “Got it, Doctor Cen. Then you should get some rest. I won’t bother you.”
He could always find another doctor, but Chi Zhan wasn’t keen on baring himself in front of strangers. It was just more comfortable with someone he knew.
Still, making a doctor take calls and see patients during their time off was basically asking them to work overtime. And as someone well acquainted with the pain of overtime, Chi Zhan wasn’t about to impose.
“No, what I meant was…” Cen Chi hesitated, a trace of helplessness in his voice. “Would it be alright if I invited you to lunch? And while I’m at it, I can give you a massage. That way you won’t need to strain yourself walking around.”
Chi Zhan had assumed Cen Chi meant going out to eat—but then Cen Chi asked for his address.
It took a moment for the implication to sink in: Cen Chi wanted to eat at his place.
Chi Zhan wasn’t much of a cook. His kitchenware was practically brand-new, and the fridge only had a few frozen odds and ends—dumplings, spring rolls, custard buns. Offering someone that kind of meal felt a bit too perfunctory.
He hesitated, trying to sound casual.
“There’s not much food at home. There’s a decent restaurant nearby—I’ll treat?”
“No need,” Cen Chi replied, clearly catching the hint. “I’ll pick up some groceries on the way.”
“…Alright then.”
There was still some rice at home. Chi Zhan scooped and rinsed it, then set it steaming in the rice cooker. The fridge had a few eggs and a couple of sad-looking leafy greens. Not much, really.
He considered placing a quick grocery order, but just as he finished picking out items, the doorbell rang.
That fast? It hadn’t even been five minutes since their call. Did Cen Chi fly over on a flaming chariot?
Chi Zhan set down his phone and opened the door—only to freeze in place.
It wasn’t Cen Chi.
It was Chu Xingxiao.
Chu had been leaning lazily against the wall, but straightened up as soon as the door opened. “Morning, gege,” he greeted brightly.
He looked much better than yesterday—clearly the fever had broken. Though his face still held traces of fatigue, and his hair was a tousled mess, his eyes were clear and bright. He was wearing a simple T-shirt, effortlessly good-looking.
He was also holding Dabai’s leash.
The Samoyed let out a happy bark the moment he saw Chi Zhan, wagging his tail so enthusiastically it was practically a blur.
“It’s already noon. Feeling any better?”
“Much better.” Chu’s voice was still a bit nasal, low and muffled. “I took the day off from work, and Dabai really missed gege…” He held up a small bag. “I brought some desserts—perfect for after lunch. Can I eat with you today?”
Chi Zhan looked a little troubled, his brow creasing slightly. Chu glanced up at him.
“…Or is someone else coming over?”
Still sharp, even when sick. Chi Zhan couldn’t exactly kick out an ailing guest—especially not when both Chu and Dabai were looking at him with those big, hopeful eyes. He gave in with a nod.
“Someone is coming, but if you don’t mind…”
“Of course I don’t mind,” Chu replied immediately, lips curling into a sweet, obedient smile. “As long as gege doesn’t mind me.”
But the moment Chi Zhan turned his back, that smile vanished.
He’d imagined spending a lovely afternoon with Chi Zhan—playing games, watching movies, maybe even building the new Lego set together. But now, just like that, the dream was shattered by an unexpected third party.
And whoever that faceless intruder was, Chu was certain their intentions were anything but innocent.
It was a weekday. Given Zhou Yanxing’s ruthless workaholic streak, he wouldn’t just abandon the company to play house. WT was still competing in the neighboring province, so his cousin wouldn’t be dropping by either.
So then… who could it be?
Chu let go of the leash, and Dabai trotted over to Chi Zhan for pets and cuddles. Chi Zhan had zero resistance to cute animals—within seconds, he’d completely forgotten about placing the grocery order and was busy showering Dabai with affection.
Chu stared at Chi Zhan’s hands, gently stroking Dabai’s head. For a fleeting moment, jealousy flared in his chest.
He wanted to be Chi Zhan’s puppy too—to be kissed, cuddled, and doted on like that.
After playing with Dabai for a while, Chi Zhan finally remembered what he was supposed to be doing and gave the dog a pat.
“That’s enough.”
He headed into the kitchen to check on the rice—just as the doorbell rang again. Chu stood and went to open it.
“Oh, it’s you,” he said, raising an eyebrow. His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t doctors have better things to do? Running over to someone’s house for lunch in the middle of the day?”
Cen Chi clearly hadn’t expected Chu Xingxiao to be the one opening the door. His smile faltered for just a second before returning.
“Well. There’s not much justification for a neighbor suddenly showing up uninvited either. Unless I’m mistaken… you didn’t make any plans with Ah-Zhan ahead of time.”
“And frankly, kid, your acting is terrible,” he added leisurely. “You might not be a professional actor, but if you’re going to pretend to be the sweet little brother, you should keep it up. Otherwise… No one’s going to save you when the mask slips.”
“Who are you calling ‘kid’?” Chu couldn’t help snapping. “Don’t act all superior—you’re not that much older than me.”
He glared coldly at Cen Chi, who simply raised a hand and pushed him aside.
“Patients should be resting, not stirring up trouble. That’s doctor’s orders.”
As if Chu would actually listen to him. His instincts had been right—this seemingly gentle doctor was anything but harmless. Thank god he’d shown up in time. Who knew what this guy had planned otherwise?
