So, when Qiao Qi returned, the receptionist called out to him. He seemed calmer, but still upset. He didn’t stop at her call.

Assuming he was rushing back to see Dr. Shu, the receptionist cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Dr. Qiao, good luck! The flowers are beautiful. I’m sure Dr. Shu will forgive you!”

Qiao Qi stopped abruptly, turning around. He noticed the red roses in almost everyone's hands. His heart leaped. "What flowers?" he asked coldly.

Intimidated by his icy tone, the receptionist lost her earlier boldness. Her legs trembled. "Th-the roses you just sent Dr. Shu," she stammered.

Qiao Qi's expression darkened. "Sent… to Niuniu?"

It was the first time he’d used Shurui’s nickname in public. He’d always respected her wish to keep it private, not wanting others to know this endearing side of her.

But now, he’d changed his mind. He wanted everyone to know that Niu Shurui belonged to him, that only he could call her that.

It took the receptionist a moment to realize who “Niuniu” was. Under Qiao Qi's intense gaze, she nearly burst into tears. Without waiting for further questions, she blurted out everything she knew.

"Yes, the flowers arrived a little while ago. There was a card, but I didn't read it. Dr. Shu glanced at it and threw it away, then she gave the flowers to everyone who was here."

Qiao Qi walked to the trash can and retrieved the card, his face hardening as he read the three arrogant words.

He remained expressionless, silent. The receptionist, internally marveling at the power of love while simultaneously worrying about Dr. Shu’s ability to handle this version of Dr. Qiao, backed away slowly.

As a woman, despite Dr. Qiao's obvious appeal, her sympathies lay with Dr. Shu.

Finally, Qiao Qi reacted. He laughed, but it wasn’t a pleasant sound. It was a laugh laced with fury. He ripped up the card and walked away without a backward glance.

***

Meanwhile, Niu Shurui sat at her computer, typing and pausing in thought. A faint furrow creased her brow, as if wrestling with a difficult decision.

When a knock came at the door, she rubbed her temples. "Come in."

Qiao Qi entered, his expression carefully neutral. Niu Shurui straightened. "What is it?" she asked.

Qiao Qi’s gaze immediately went to her lips, her neck, the small patch of exposed skin below. Seeing no marks, he felt a flicker of relief, instantly replaced by suspicion. Niu Shurui, who was always so sensitive to heat, had her lab coat buttoned tightly.

"Qiao Qi?" she prompted, when he didn't respond.

He forced a smile, holding out a small bottle. "It's a while until the weekend, so I went to a specialist and got you some medication. Try it and see if it helps. I checked the ingredients, everything's fine. Three times a day, one pill, before or after meals, just four hours apart. Take one now, so you can take another tonight to boost the effect."

He picked up her water glass, about to fill it.

Sensing his unusual eagerness, Shurui stopped him. "No, thank you. Leave it for now. My stomach isn't feeling great. I'll take it after dinner."

Qiao Qi paused, then smiled again. "Okay, I'll put it in your bag then?"

"Alright," Niu Shurui agreed.

Qiao Qi turned away, his smile vanishing. As he reached the sofa and opened her bag to put the medication inside, his movements froze.

Inside the bag, against the dark lining, were a few stark white stains. Qiao Qi recognized them instantly. S*men. They did it. They actually did it. His hand trembled. He heard himself ask, "Niuniu, did you and Ye Li…?"

Niu Shurui's heart leaped. She didn’t answer. The question, regardless of her response, was excruciatingly awkward.

Subconsciously, nothing had changed. She still saw Qiao Qi as her older brother. How could she possibly discuss this with him?

Qiao Qi, still facing away from her, stared at the stains, a cold laugh escaping his lips. How lost in passion must they have been for it to end up in her bag?

Her silence was a mercy. He was afraid of what he might do if he heard the confirmation.

Taking a few deep breaths, he forced a casual tone. "Sorry, I shouldn't have asked. The medication's in your bag. Remember to take it tonight."

"Okay."

After he left, Niu Shurui breathed a sigh of relief. She retrieved the medication, scrutinizing the ingredients and researching it online.

Everything indicated the medication was harmless, untampered with. However, she didn’t believe her current eye condition could be treated with ordinary medication, so she still had no intention of taking it.

As she was about to close the webpage, she noticed a line in the medication's description:

—Effectively alleviates visual disturbances in and around the eyes caused by overuse, eye strain, lack of sleep, and other improper eye care practices. These symptoms are often exacerbated by excessive mental tension and stress.