Could it be that her situation wasn't unique? Had the specialist immediately recognized her symptoms from Qiao Qi's description, while she, in her ignorance, remained unaware?

Perhaps she should try it.

However, she was undeniably wary of Qiao Qi. After a moment, Niu Shurui dialed the internal line.

"Hello, drug analysis department. How can I help you?"

"I have a medication I'd like you to analyze. I need to know if the ingredients are safe and if there are any adverse effects."

"Certainly. We've sent a registration form to your email. Once you've completed it, someone will collect the sample."

"Okay. Thank you."

The analysis results came back quickly. Niu Shurui examined the report, which showed no issues. Relief washed over her, followed by a pang of guilt.

Perhaps Qiao Qi was simply worried about her. His work as a psychiatrist was undoubtedly stressful. Niu Shurui leaned back in her chair and sighed.

***

As usual, Qiao Qi was waiting for her at the exit. He looked up the moment she emerged.

Behind his glasses, his eyes flickered. He seemed to want to speak but hesitated.

Niu Shurui felt a twinge of sympathy. She approached him and said casually, "Let's go. What are we having for dinner? I saw a new restaurant that looked interesting. Want to try it?"

A flicker of joy lit Qiao Qi's eyes. "Okay," he agreed.

They walked downstairs together. As she fastened her seatbelt, she heard Qiao Qi’s husky voice. "I'm sorry about earlier."

Niu Shurui paused, then chuckled. "Hey… after scaring me with that terrifying look, you think a simple apology is enough?"

Qiao Qi, eager to appease her, quickly responded, "What would make it up to you? There's a new handbag out… should I buy it for you?"

"No, thank you." She smiled faintly. She wanted to say she wasn't ready for a new bag yet, but she worried it would remind him of the afternoon's events and ruin the pleasant atmosphere. Instead, she suggested, "There's a lecture on psychology coming up. Shall we go together?"

"Okay," Qiao Qi readily agreed.

He couldn't help but smile, thinking how adorable Niu Niu was. She clearly thought he needed help, wanting him to see a doctor, but she’d phrased it so gently, making it impossible to refuse.

Just the thought made him impatient.

***

Back at the apartment, it was already late. Niu Shurui waved goodnight to Qiao Qi and unlocked her door.

She took the medication Qiao Qi had given her that afternoon, then settled on the sofa with her laptop to work.

Suddenly, her mind felt sluggish. When she snapped back to attention, she realized she'd typed several typos in a row.

It was only a little after eleven. Why was she so tired? Staring at the almost-finished medical report, she persevered for a while longer, but finally decided to finish it the next day.

Exhaustion claimed her quickly. Within seconds of lying in bed, she was fast asleep.

About half an hour later, Niu Shurui's apartment door was unlocked from the outside.

Qiao Qi looked around the darkened living room, a smile playing on his lips. Everything was going according to plan.

After his outburst had frightened her, he knew she would be suspicious and check the medication. So, he’d bribed the lab technician to falsify the results.

The conversation in the office had been deliberately staged.

All to make Niu Shurui believe the medication was questionable, send it for testing, and then feel guilty towards him. That way, she would take it without hesitation tonight, leaving her vulnerable.