Shen Xi took her phone, intending to turn off the speakerphone. However, fearing the man beside her might disapprove, she forced a smile and called out, "Grandma."
"Xixi, how are you feeling today?" Xu Zhilan's voice was filled with concern.
"Everything's normal, no unusual feelings," Shen Xi replied quickly.
Xu Zhilan continued, "That's good. I've asked Si Ye to accompany you to the hospital for your injections from now on. You can't refuse anymore. You were injured in our home, and Si Ye is the head of the family. It's his responsibility and obligation to take care of it. Otherwise, my guilt will never be able to dissipate."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xi couldn't help but frown. It was just a minor injury, was it that serious? Nevertheless, she quietly replied, "Okay, Grandma, I understand."
After the two arrived at the hospital, Dr. Du was unavailable, so another doctor was contacted to examine her. By the time everything was done and they walked out of the hospital, it was already ten past eleven.
Qin Si Ye glanced at his watch and suggested, "Shall we have lunch together?"
Glancing at him lightly, Shen Xi said indifferently, "Isn't this also arranged by Grandma?"
A hint of anger flickered in Qin Si Ye's eyes as he stared coldly at her for a moment. Then, he said with a forced smile, "I'm exercising my authority. You're treating me to lunch today."
Shen Xi's heart trembled slightly; she hadn't expected him to make such a request at this moment. But she had no choice, as a debt meant she had to comply. Her voice immediately lowered, "Okay, where do you want to go? Let's go."
A fleeting smile touched Qin Si Ye's lips as he walked towards the car. He decided to go to an ordinary restaurant, wanting this to be a gradual process.
The two soon entered a Chinese restaurant, and Qin Si Ye found a seat in a secluded corner. Shen Xi scanned the surroundings. The decor was elegant, and the environment was quite pleasant, but the absence of private rooms suggested it might be a bit low-end.
At that moment, a waiter approached with menus. He glanced at them and politely handed one to Shen Xi, saying, "Miss, please order."
Shen Xi took it and, upon inspection, found the dishes to be quite affordable, with the most expensive item not exceeding two hundred yuan. She wondered what Qin Si Ye was up to. Raising her eyes, she placed the menu in front of him. "Mr. Qin, please order."
The waiter standing nearby couldn't help but furrow his brow. Typically, at such establishments, it was the woman who ordered, and the man who paid. How could this pair be reversed? Could this man be a kept man? Yet, his demeanor and attire didn't suggest that.
Qin Si Ye took the menu with a confident air and ordered several dishes before handing it back to the waiter. After Shen Xi scanned and paid, and the waiter left, she asked, "Mr. Qin, isn't this place a bit too simple? Do you usually dine at places like this?"
Qin Si Ye took a sip of the clear tea, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Didn't you say that eating too many delicacies isn't good, and one should change their palate frequently to experience different flavors?"
When had she said such a thing? Shen Xi lowered her head in thought, suddenly recalling the time he saved her in Xicheng and she had offered to treat him to a meal. She had taken him to a characteristic roadside restaurant and had indeed said something similar. She hadn't expected him to remember.
Shen Xi remained silent, picking up her water glass and taking a sip to mask the surprise in her eyes. Since clarifying things in the car that day, the two felt a bit awkward whenever they met, and even found it difficult to make conversation during meals. Fortunately, the restaurant's food arrived quickly, and soon all the ordered dishes were served.
Like strangers, they ate in silence, without a single word exchanged. Shen Xi felt the atmosphere was suffocating and made her uncomfortable. She couldn't help but look up at Qin Si Ye and say earnestly, "Mr. Qin, there's something I want to ask you."
"Go ahead," Qin Si Ye replied, looking up at her.
Shen Xi asked directly, "Don't you feel it's awkward for us to be sitting here eating like this?"
Qin Si Ye paused slightly. "No. I think it's quite good."
Quite good? This was considered good? Was he out of his mind? Oh, right. It wasn't that he was crazy, but perhaps mentally unwell. He had a germ phobia and likely rarely dined alone with women, which was why he felt it was good.