During the torment of Chen Jing's slap and being pinned down by the madman, Lin Mei had imagined someone coming to her rescue. In moments of despair, people often clung to unrealistic fantasies, and even knowing they weren't real, they needed them as a pillar of strength to keep living. In that second, the person who first appeared in her mind was indeed Xing Zheng. She had even mocked herself for being naive, never expecting him to actually show up.
She had never experienced the feeling of such a fantasy coming true. Lin Mei couldn't articulate her emotions, only that she desperately wanted to cry and know how he had managed to get there.
Xing Zheng stroked her hair, as if petting a cat, and patiently explained, "Bank Manager Sun called me and said you were missing."
Lin Mei had previously been very bothered by Xing Zheng letting Bank Manager Sun know about their relationship. Now, after this incident, she finally understood the significance of Xing Zheng's actions. If Bank Manager Sun hadn't tipped him off, she wouldn't have been saved today. Lin Mei felt a lingering fear as she thought, "I was so scared. I'm glad you're here."
Xing Zheng replied, "Don't be afraid. No matter where you go, I can find you."
If he had said this at any other time, Lin Mei would not have been happy. But for her now, these words were the most profound comfort, bringing her peace.
Lin Mei leaned into Xing Zheng's embrace for a while. As her tension gradually subsided, her stomach rumbled. She hadn't eaten for over ten hours, and it was almost lunchtime. Her hunger was starting to ache. Lin Mei gently tugged at Xing Zheng's clothes and murmured, "I'm hungry."
She wasn't a spoiled or willful person. Now that she was more lucid, she felt a bit guilty making a request of Xing Zheng, as, given their relationship, he had no obligation to look after her.
"What do you want to eat? I'll go buy it for you." To her surprise, Xing Zheng was so patient today, his tone so gentle, that Lin Mei found herself getting lost in it. "I want green bean noodle soup... can you get it?"
Green bean noodle soup was also a common home-style dish in Xiangxi. Ordinary families in Xiangxi often had a bowl of noodle soup for breakfast, and Lin Mei loved green beans, which was a common combination at her home. However, she hadn't tried a truly authentic version in Nanjiang yet.
"Yes, I can get it. I'll go buy it for you," Xing Zheng said, patting her shoulder. "You lie down and wait. I'll be back soon."
As he prepared to leave, Lin Mei impulsively grabbed his arm, "Don't go!"
Xing Zheng stopped, not reacting for a long moment, just gazing at her face. Lin Mei didn't know what he was thinking, but his expression was unreadable, as if he were growing impatient. Realizing this, Lin Mei unconsciously loosened her grip, aware that her actions had been too unrestrained.
"You don't want me to leave? Hmm?" He suddenly smiled, but without his usual teasing or flippancy. At first glance, it seemed like the playful banter between lovers.
Lin Mei's face flushed from his teasing. "No, no. You should go. Thank you for the trouble."
Xing Zheng's smile widened. Just then, Zhuang Wan returned. Seeing Lin Mei awake, Zhuang Wan asked, "Should I find a doctor to examine Manager Lin?"
"Not for now. Go to Nanxiang Road and get two lunches. Get green bean noodle soup... um, what else do you want besides that?" This question was directed at Lin Mei.
Lin Mei shook her head, indicating she didn't want anything else. Even so, Xing Zheng instructed Zhuang Wan to also get a bowl of osmanthus sticky rice balls.
Osmanthus sticky rice balls were also a dessert Lin Mei had loved during her student days. Xing Zheng's casual remark had coincidentally hit upon her preferences.
After receiving the order, Zhuang Wan left. Lin Mei was left alone with Xing Zheng, and the atmosphere grew increasingly intimate. She felt breathless and lowered her head, fiddling with her fingers, trying not to look at him. She heard a rustling sound, unsure what Xing Zheng was doing. After a moment, his hand suddenly came to her mouth, "You do..."
As soon as Lin Mei opened her mouth, Xing Zheng seized the opportunity to put something inside. Lin Mei's tongue tasted a familiar sweet and sour flavor, and she immediately realized Xing Zheng was feeding her a preserved plum candy.
Eating a candy when in a bad mood had a noticeable effect. For Lin Mei, this preserved plum candy was more than just a candy; it carried memories of the past. As she ate it, she couldn't help but think of the boy who had given her a jar of preserved plum candies years ago. How wonderful it would be if he were still alive.
Zhuang Wan returned with lunch less than an hour later. By then, Lin Mei had already eaten five or six preserved plum candies. Lin Mei got out of bed and sat down at the table with Xing Zheng.
Zhuang Wan was a very competent assistant. Not only did he bring lunch, but he also brought Xing Zheng a cup of Americano. Xing Zheng hadn't eaten yet and drank half the coffee on an empty stomach. Lin Mei couldn't help but remind him, "Drinking coffee on an empty stomach is bad for your stomach."
She vaguely recalled that Xing Zheng seemed to have a sensitive stomach, which was likely an occupational hazard in their line of work. Neither Lan Lan nor Feng Feng had good stomachs. In their profession, when busy, even eating and sleeping were luxuries.
Xing Zheng put down his coffee cup and asked with a smile, "Are you worried about me?"
Lin Mei replied, "Sort of. You saved me today."
Xing Zheng said, "I saved you, and this is the little reward I get? That seems like a bad deal for me."
As he spoke, his words took on a different tone. If it were just the two of them, it wouldn't matter, but with Zhuang Wan present, Lin Mei felt a bit embarrassed. "Then what kind of reward do you want?"
Zhuang Wan cleared his throat a couple of times and then, with great foresight, exited the ward. With Zhuang Wan gone, Xing Zheng became even more audacious. His gaze, hot and lingering, swept over Lin Mei's chest, and he said meaningfully, "Offer yourself to me?"
Lin Mei knew he would bring this up. Resigned, she said, "It's not like we haven't slept together before."
Xing Zheng laughed even more heartily. "You're right. We need to try something new. How about you take the initiative next time?"
Lin Mei's face turned red, and she ignored him. She opened the noodle soup and started eating. She hadn't had high expectations, but she was surprised by how delicious the noodle soup was. It tasted exactly like the noodle soup from a shop she often frequented in Xiangxi. She even wondered if that shop had opened a branch in Nanjiang.
She had lived in Nanjiang for so many years and had never tasted such authentic noodle soup. "Assistant Zhuang, which shop did you buy this from?"
Xing Zheng feigned ignorance, "What's wrong?"
Lin Mei explained, "It's delicious. It tastes just like the old shop I used to eat at when I was studying."
Xing Zheng asked, "Do you like it very much?"
Lin Mei nodded.
Xing Zheng then said, "Then try harder next time. If I'm happy, I'll take you to eat it."
Lin Mei shot him a glare and buried her head in the noodles, no longer responding. After a while, Lin Mei remembered the important matter. She put down her chopsticks and asked Xing Zheng, "Where is Chen Jing now?"
Xing Zheng replied, "Gu Song took her to Rufeng. What's wrong?"
Lin Mei shook her head. Xing Zheng looked at the injuries on her face and said calmly, "I've already gotten revenge for you."