Gloves - Chapter 33

“…When I first came to China, I noticed a very strange phenomenon. Many patients from the mainland would ask me why I didn’t prescribe medication for them,” Shang Zhuoxi said, raising her beautiful eyebrows as she earnestly recalled. The medical students all looked at her with keen interest, focusing on the mixed-race beautiful medical professor standing at the podium. She spoke with a faint accent:

“They believe that if a doctor doesn’t prescribe medication, it’s as if they are not taking their illness seriously. But that’s not the case. My father is a true Chinese doctor, and the reason he went to work in Canada is because he saw the problem with the medical system in China, which is overly reliant on medication,” Shang Zhuoxi continued, prompting discussions among the medical students.

…

They were a group of graduating students who would soon bear the heavy responsibility of helping the people in need. The monotonous and boring research and studies had made them feel weary. The repetitive lectures from various professors with oily faces had long extinguished their passion for learning. Every lecture would result in drowsiness among the students. However, this time, their response was surprisingly positive. The school president sat at the back with a satisfied expression, indicating that inviting President Shang to give a speech was indeed worthwhile.

…

As Shang Zhuoxi spoke, she started feeling warm all over. She took off her blazer and rolled up the sleeves of her shirt, revealing her beautiful and fair forearms. This made her appear more approachable. She said, “When someone comes to you seeking medical help, they entrust you with everything, telling you all their concerns, undressing for you to examine them, sharing all their pains, and entrusting their lives to you. We should be grateful to these individuals. They are almost like gods. I understand that saying this may sound idealistic, but they enable us to realize our own value. The value of grass is to ensure that cattle and sheep live well. The value of cattle and sheep is to ensure that humans live well. And the value of humans is to ensure that other living beings live well. So, I hope that all of you here today, in the future, won’t necessarily have to go abroad. Our country is vast, and there are countless opportunities for you to contribute. Thank you, everyone.” Shang Zhuoxi flashed her bright eyes, slightly bowed, and a thunderous applause resounded from the audience, lasting for a long time.

After stepping down from the stage, Shang Zhuoxi was surrounded by her students as she got into her car. Throughout the journey, she patiently answered each person’s questions. Being invited to give speeches was not something new for her. She didn’t mind being with the medical students because every time she gave a speech, she also reminded herself not to forget her original intentions. However, this time, Shang Zhuoxi didn’t feel as relaxed as before after the event. The woman who had once entrusted her life to Shang Zhuoxi seemed to not be taken care of properly.

Shang Zhuoxi arrived at the beach. When the cool breeze from the sea penetrated her clothes, she realized that summer had quietly slipped away. Days went by, and even with the busy workload and the passage of time, the emptiness in Shang Zhuoxi’s heart after An Chujie’s departure didn’t fade away. Instead, it grew larger and deeper, almost consuming her entirely.

The sea breeze made Shang Zhuoxi’s eyes turn red. She used to never come to the beach alone. An Chujie was always there with her every time.

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“Do you think our coastal city will be submerged by the sea?” An Chujie sat on the wet sand, her bare feet sinking into the soft grains and then emerging again.

“At least, it won’t devour us while we’re still here,” Shang Zhuoxi replied, sitting behind An Chujie and holding her close.

The sun finally rose above the horizon, revealing a faint pale glow. Suddenly, An Chujie tightened the hand that was wrapped around Shang Zhuoxi’s waist, and a hot tear dropped onto Shang Zhuoxi’s hand.

“An, are you crying?” Shang Zhuoxi gently asked, resting her chin on An Chujie’s head.

“Zhuoxi, I’m so scared. You won’t disappear, will you?” An Chujie’s hand grew cold, even just imagining the possibility made her feel sad and upset.

“Silly girl, I won’t disappear. How could I bear to leave you all alone?” Shang Zhuoxi scolded softly, kissing her ear. An Chujie always had moments of unease that would suddenly wash over her.

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Shang Zhuoxi wrapped her coat tightly around herself, feeling the chill. Even her hair was cooled by the wind. Ironically, it was An Chujie who disappeared first. The strong gusts of wind felt like a giant hand covering Shang Zhuoxi’s mouth and nose, making it difficult for her to breathe.

“Zhuoxi, let’s go home,” a voice came from behind. Shang Zhuoxi felt someone embrace her from behind, providing the warmth she longed for.

“Okay.” She immediately turned around and held the person tightly in her arms. She closed her eyes, and a tear fell onto the person’s hair. An Chujie’s body was always soft and had a sweet fragrance. Shang Zhuoxi greedily sought the warmth from her, but the touch wasn’t the same, nor was the scent. No matter how tight she held on, it couldn’t fill the emptiness in Shang Zhuoxi’s heart. The person in her embrace lifted their head, creating a bit of distance between them. Xu Yuer reached out and wiped away Shang Zhuoxi’s tears, her own eyes turning red.

“Why are you crying, Zhuoxi?” Xu Yuer had never seen Shang Zhuoxi like this before. She was both scared and heartbroken.

It turned out that she wasn’t An Chujie. Shang Zhuoxi held Xu Yuer’s face in her hands, feeling disappointed and helpless.

“The wind is too strong, Yu’er. I wasn’t crying,” Shang Zhuoxi forced a smile, trying to convince herself that she wasn’t feeling sad. An Chujie seemed to have disappeared completely. She never came to see Shang Zhuoxi again. Finally, Shang Zhuoxi truly felt the sense of loss.

“Don’t laugh, Zhuoxi. I hate that kind of smile from you,” Xu Yuer suddenly burst into tears. Over the past few months, she had only seen Shang Zhuoxi unhappy. The bright blue eyes that attracted her were now dim. Except when she was treating patients, Shang Zhuoxi rarely smiled or spoke much when they were together. It seemed like there was nothing to talk about. Every time Xu Yuer asked a question, Shang Zhuoxi would mechanically reply with just a single sentence. She wasn’t like this before. Xu Yuer pushed and hit the tall woman in frustration.

“Why, Shang Zhuoxi, why don’t you ever get angry? I tried so hard to make you angry, to get your attention. Why do you always face me with such a bitter smile? Tell me!” Xu Yuer cried as she pushed Shang Zhuoxi away, then walked towards her against the strong wind.

“Say something, Shang Zhuoxi!” Xu Yuer’s hands clenched into fists, trembling.

“Yu’er, be good. Stop making a fuss,” Shang Zhuoxi couldn’t get angry at Xu Yuer. She had always treated Xu Yuer like a little sister, indulging her temper.

“I don’t want to be good, I want to make a scene! Get angry at me!” Xu Yuer cried out loudly.

Shang Zhuoxi walked up to her, kissed her forehead, and said, “How could I ever get angry with you, Yu’er? Let’s go home, okay?” Shang Zhuoxi was practically begging her.

“I don’t want to go home. When you go home, you’ll just be busy with your potions. If you have the guts, treat me the same way you treated her!” Xu Yuer exclaimed, waiting for Shang Zhuoxi’s reaction. She stood there blankly, and after a while, she actually started crying and bit her own lips haphazardly. Xu Yuer had witnessed Shang Zhuoxi treating An Chujie this way when she was angry, but now Shang Zhuoxi remained impassive with her mouth closed. In anger, Xu Yuer bit Shang Zhuoxi’s chin hard.

“Hiss!” Shang Zhuoxi immediately gasped in pain.

“You never dare to kiss me, but you claim to like me?! Shang Zhuoxi, you coward! You can’t let go of the past. I know you were together back then, and you lied to me, saying she was just your friend. But now that you’ve both separated, why can’t you truly accept me?” Xu Yuer’s resentment towards Shang Zhuoxi grew as she spoke.

It wasn’t that Shang Zhuoxi didn’t dare, but rather that she was unwilling. Shang Zhuoxi was afraid of trouble and didn’t feel like explaining so much to Xu Yuer. The more she said, the more bitter she felt inside.

“Yu’er, give me some time,” Shang Zhuoxi said calmly.

As Xu Yuer looked at the blood oozing from the bite on Shang Zhuoxi’s chin, she started to feel guilty. She ultimately suppressed her emotions and followed Shang Zhuoxi back home, feeling frustrated.

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“Sign it, Hua San,” Hu Xinghua said, holding the pen but hesitating to leave a mark on the blank space.

Nian Zichun sat quietly across from Hu Xinghua, her hands clasped together as she waited for him.

Hua San looked at Nian Zichun, her eyes filled with resolute indifference. He knew that her decision was irrevocable. In fact, ever since the incident last time, he realized that their lives could never go back to how they were before. He just hesitated to put pen to paper, blaming himself for not being worthy of her.

The tea on the table had already gone cold, but Nian Zichun refilled his cup for him.

Finally, Hu Xinghua raised his hand and slowly signed his name, closing the pen cap and lifting his head.

“My wife… don’t you… won’t you regret it?” he asked, his voice filled with doubt.

“Just call me Zichun,” Nian Zichun smiled, a natural smile as if she were exchanging pleasantries with a stranger. It changed so quickly. Hu Xinghua watched Nian Zichun with aching heart.

“Hua San, you’re excellent, I mean it. We can still be friends,” Nian Zichun stood up and put the documents into a file bag.

Being able to be friends was enough to prove that she never truly loved him. Hu Xinghua sighed and smiled.

“Zichun… I hope you can still call me Hua San in the future,” his voice became hoarse as he said the last two words.

Nian Zichun smiled again, “That shouldn’t be a request, Hua San. We are precious friends who know each other well.”

“Zichun, I want to eat seafood. Will you accompany me to have seafood? Please?” Yang Yiluo pouted and coquettishly asked over the phone.

“How much do you want to go? Tell me,” Nian Zichun pulled up the blinds and looked down at the bustling streets below. Despite that, she felt relaxed. She remembered that Yang Yiluo had mentioned wanting to go eat seafood more than once.

“Oh, I just really want to go! Um… I like you so much that’s why I want to go. I’ve been hungry for half a month because of that fashion show this afternoon,” Yang Yiluo complained, wrinkling her face and absentmindedly touching her empty stomach.

“Oh~ So in Yiluo’s heart, I’m just a pile of seafood,” Nian Zichun said in a dejected tone, packing up her desk to prepare for the call from the person on the other end.

“No, no, that’s not what I meant, Zichun. I… I just want to eat shrimp and squid. Maybe I shouldn’t go,” Yang Yiluo anxiously explained.

“Oh, you’re not going? Well, fine then. Hey, I was actually planning to take you,” Nian Zichun raised the corners of her mouth, forming a beautiful curve.

“Huh??” Did she hear correctly?

“Alright, I’ll take you,” Nian Zichun teased, her laughter evident in her tone.

Damn! That woman was playing with her! Yang Yiluo was furious, but the thought of going to eat seafood overshadowed her anger, and she couldn’t help but feel a little better.

“Take your time eating, I have nothing to do tonight,” Nian Zichun sat across from her and handed her a tissue. Yang Yiluo wiped her mouth and tears, saying, “Zichun, why didn’t you tell me you were allergic to seafood? If you had told me, I wouldn’t have forced you to come here.”

Yang Yiluo sniffled, her mouth pouting. “Why is this shrimp so salty?”

“You must have tasted tears,” Nian Zichun chuckled, covering her mouth.

“Oh…”

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The luxurious and spacious hall was brightly lit, resembling daylight. People dressed in elegant attire mingled while holding their wine glasses. The company’s new employees were being introduced, with special emphasis placed on An Chujie.

Tonight, An Chujie was wearing a long white dress. Her hair was elegantly pulled up, revealing a smooth forehead and a delicate yet gentle face. The parts of her exposed by the dress showcased her slender neck and the deep indentation of her collarbone, exuding sensuality while maintaining an air of grace and dignity. Unlike her usual quiet demeanor when playing the piano, she now carried herself with maturity, radiating a womanly charm.

Wherever An Chujie went, she undoubtedly caused a stir. There were compliments and bold jokes, admiration, ambiguity, and desires reflected in the eyes of those who looked at her. Fortunately, Mr. Li had made it clear in advance that An Chujie had a long-term collaboration with RLM, otherwise many executives would have come over to try and win her over.

Qi Ruan was busy toasting with others on the side, but her gaze never left An Chujie throughout the night. When they approached Director Qi, An Chujie and Qi Ruan exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. Qi Ruan raised her glass to Mr. Li, took a sip, and looked at An Chujie, saying, “Mr. Li, you have such good taste in selecting people. Ah, I can’t compare to you.” Qi Ruan playfully made self-deprecating remarks. Seeing An Chujie’s transformation, Qi Ruan was genuinely happy for her. “An beauty, I toast to you,” Qi Ruan smiled and raised her glass again. An Chujie politely and happily reciprocated the gesture.

This banquet was a great success, solidifying RLM’s leading position and bringing An Chujie even greater fame.

“You look stunning in white, you know?” Qi Ruan’s voice was slightly dreamy. She wobbled on her high heels, leaning her body and readjusting her hand from An Chujie’s shoulder to her waist. This time, An Chujie didn’t bother to remove her hand.

“Qi Ruan, you’re drunk,” An Chujie softly said, supporting the intoxicated woman.

“I know, I know,” Qi Ruan’s grip tightened, and she swung her other hand back. She made an effort to steady herself.

Qi Ruan was in no condition to drive. An Chujie had only recently passed her driving test, so she had to give Qi Ruan a ride back to her own home.

“I heard from Yang Yiluo and the others that you…you can hold your liquor. It seems to be true,” Qi Ruan leaned her head on An Chujie’s shoulder as she struggled to open the door with her keys.

“An, I really like the perfume you’re wearing now…” Qi Ruan mumbled.

An Chujie ignored her words and turned on the lights. She then supported Qi Ruan and led her inside. Qi Ruan looked around and smiled.

“An, you’re…inviting the wolf into your home, you know?” Qi Ruan propped herself against the wall with her elbow, while her other hand wrapped around An Chujie’s waist, pulling her closer.

“You’ve had too much to drink. Let’s go rest on the couch for a bit,” An Chujie wrinkled her brow slightly, the scent of alcohol exhaled by Qi Ruan filling her nostrils. Qi Ruan noticed An Chujie’s frown and obediently swayed towards the couch, raising her head to gaze meaningfully at the other person in the room.

An Chujie let her hair down, a simple gesture that easily ignited the fire of desire in Qi Ruan’s heart. Qi Ruan stood up and approached An Chujie from behind, wrapping her arms around her and rubbing her nose against An Chujie’s earlobe, taking deep breaths.

“Qi Ruan, what are you doing?!” An Chujie was startled by her actions, feeling uncomfortable, but unable to push the person behind her away.

“I feel so uncomfortable, An. I really, really want you. I’ve wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you. What should I do?” Qi Ruan blew air on An Chujie’s neck, accidentally touching her sensitive spot.

“Qi Ruan, let go of me. You’re drunk!” An Chujie was momentarily disoriented.

“It has nothing to do with being drunk,” Qi Ruan’s hands began to roam up and down.

“Let go, I’m not comfortable,” An Chujie struggled, feeling conflicted. She had agreed to only be friends with Qi Ruan, so how could things escalate like this? Qi Ruan’s hands even managed to wander between her slender legs, prompting An Chujie to forcefully push her hands away.

“Qi Ruan, please respect me!” An Chujie raised her voice.

Qi Ruan’s hands hung limply by her side as An Chujie rejected her advances. Quietly, Qi Ruan spoke from behind her:

“I’m sorry.”

Qi Ruan didn’t mind waiting a bit longer. After all, she had been holding back her desires for such a long time.