Chapter 34 Really Busy

No sooner had Lu Er left the hospital than Jiang Qingyan’s call came through, unleashing a torrent of scolding.

“Are you out of your mind?!”

The roar almost pierced the phone. “Flying back to A City without a word—do you even know how many scenes you have tomorrow?”

Lu Er held the phone a little away and replied calmly, “I already asked the director for leave. I’ll make up the scenes later, and I’ll take responsibility for any losses.”

“Take responsibility? Compensation is one thing, but what about your professional ethics?”

Bai Zhi tried to explain softly: “Brother Jiang, Brother Lu really has an urgent matter.”

“Shut up! I’m not talking to you. As an assistant, you didn’t stop him and even helped book his ticket. Don’t even think about this month’s bonus!”

Lu Er rubbed his throbbing temple. “It’s not Bai Zhi’s fault. As compensation, I’ll appear voluntarily at tomorrow’s ribbon-cutting. Is that okay?”

Jiang Qingyan’s tone softened slightly: “Tomorrow at 10 a.m., make yourself look presentable. There will be a lot of media.”

“Got it.” Lu Er hung up and exhaled deeply.

The next day, the A City branch opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Lu Er, wearing clothes provided by the brand, stood among a crowd of celebrities with a standard smile on his lips, mechanically posing for photos and signing autographs.

“Teacher Lu, look at the camera,” the photographer called.

Lu Er snapped out of his daze and smiled at the camera.

But in his mind was Song Jingmo’s pale face lying in the hospital bed, and a flood of worry for his injuries.

“Why do you seem so distracted?” a familiar voice sounded by his ear.

Lu Er turned his head. Li Xinghua had somehow appeared beside him.

Li Xinghua wore a deep red gown today, her makeup exquisite, and her smile radiant.

“I’m fine,” Lu Er nodded politely, but subtly shifted half a step to the side.

At the post-ceremony reception, the brand and various socialites took turns toasting.

Lu Er and Li Xinghua, as the main attractions, had several rounds of drinks and unknowingly got a little drunk.

“You don’t seem yourself today,” Li Xinghua leaned close, her warm breath on his neck. “Did you just go through a breakup?”

Lu Er stepped back uncomfortably. “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Seeing he’d had enough, Jiang Qingyan stepped forward, pulling Li Xinghua aside with one hand while gesturing to Lu Er: “Go back to the hotel and rest first.”

In the hotel suite, Li Xinghua, encouraged by the alcohol, pressed almost entirely against Lu Er.

“Brother Lu, I’ve always liked you…”

Her hand wandered onto his chest. “Ever since our first collaboration, I’ve been drawn to you.”

Lu Er suddenly stood and avoided her touch. “You’ve had too much to drink.”

“I haven’t…”

Li Xinghua stood up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. “We could try being together. Even if it’s secret, I’m willing.”

Lu Er froze, a wave of nausea rising from his stomach.

He forcefully pried her hands away. “Please have some self-respect.”

Li Xinghua stumbled back, mostly sober now, glaring at him with anger. “I made myself that obvious, and you didn’t react at all. Are you even a man?”

Lu Er frowned. “What does that have to do with whether I’m a man?”

“Hah!” Li Xinghua sneered. “I’m considered one of the top beauties in the industry. You won’t even accept me? Either you’re sick or impotent.”

Her words hit Lu Er like a hammer.

Over the years, no matter how beautiful the actresses he worked with, he had never had a physiological reaction to any woman.

Fueled by alcohol, Lu Er reacted without thinking. “Get out. Don’t bother me.”

Li Xinghua slammed the door and left.

At the hospital, Song Jingmo leaned against the headboard, holding a medical journal, his abdominal wound throbbing slightly.

“Eat something,” Aunt Wang came in with a thermal lunchbox, smiling kindly. “Xiao Er told me to prepare this for you and Xiao Yan.”

Song Jingmo said faintly, “Just leave it there. I’m not hungry.”

Aunt Wang’s eyes were full of concern. “You need nutrition when you’re injured. Xiao Er said your injuries were severe. This is a special porridge and side dish for you.”

Song Jingmo tugged at the corner of his mouth but said nothing.

Aunt Wang always spoke politely.

Lu Er probably instructed only Leng Keyan to prepare it, so this portion was likely an afterthought.

Aunt Wang sighed. “Xiao Er went out early for work. Otherwise, he would have come to see you.”

“Mm.” Song Jingmo turned a page in his journal, saying no more.

After resting at the hotel and attending a lunch meeting, Lu Er returned to the villa around 5 p.m.

Aunt Wang was busy in the kitchen, the aroma drifting through the house.

“Xiao Er is back. I made some soup—it’ll be ready soon,” Aunt Wang peeked out from the kitchen.

“How’s the hospital?” Lu Er asked, taking a bottle of water. “Is Jingmo feeling better?”

Aunt Wang served the dishes while replying, “Xiao Mo is in a bad mood. He barely ate.”

Lu Er’s expression darkened. “He’s injured, so it’s normal for him to have a poor appetite.”

Aunt Wang wiped her hands. “Did you two quarrel? Xiao Mo grew up in his uncle’s house, so he’s a bit reserved. You need to comfort him more.”

“I…” Lu Er opened his mouth but didn’t know where to start.

“I’ll shower first and skip dinner tonight. You bring the food to them.”

“Why skip dinner?” Aunt Wang frowned. “I have something tonight. Why don’t you take it to the hospital?”

Lu Er hesitated, then nodded.

“I’ll pack it right away. Xiao Mo barely ate at lunch, so you need to make sure he finishes it. These kids really don’t make things easy.”

Having drunk alcohol, Lu Er had taken a taxi to the hospital. Carrying two thermal boxes, he first pushed open Leng Keyan’s room door.

“Uncle! Why are you delivering food?” Leng Keyan sat up excitedly. “Hurry, I’m starving!”

Lu Er set the box on the bedside table. “Where’s Dr. Yin? Why isn’t he here?”

“Teacher Yin said he’s a bit busy and will come later,” Leng Keyan looked longingly at the food. “Can I eat first?”

“Wait for Dr. Yin,” Lu Er said, picking up the other box and leaving.

Leng Keyan pouted. “You’re biased, only caring about Teacher Song and ignoring me.”

Lu Er didn’t bother to argue, leaving only his back.

The hospital room was quiet. Lu Er, steeling himself, placed the lunchbox on the bedside table.

“Did Aunt Wang send this?” Song Jingmo asked suddenly.

Lu Er jumped slightly. “Mm. Are you feeling better?”

With the motion, a strong scent of female perfume hit him, making Song Jingmo sneeze slightly.

It was a rich fruity fragrance, very different from Lu Er’s usual cool woody scent.

So strong… really busy.

Song Jingmo looked at the slightly awkward figure by the bed. “Mm, anything else?”

Seeing Song Jingmo’s bloodless lips and heavily bandaged abdomen, Lu Er felt a pang of worry.

“No,” Lu Er said, his feet seemingly rooted, unwilling to leave.

Song Jingmo rubbed his nose, frowning slightly, bluntly: “You can go now.”

Before Lu Er could reply, Liao Xubai pushed the door open. “Jingmo, I brought your favorite beef tomato dice…”