"Sit here at ease, and I promise I won't touch you again."
Upon hearing his assurance, Shen Xi finally settled back into her seat with a sense of relief.
A moment later, Qin Si Ye turned to her with an apologetic expression, his voice conveying sincere remorse.
"Shen Xi, I'm sorry. Both incidents of strenuous activity involved me.
The first time, you even injured your leg. This morning, it was only after my persistent persuasion that you agreed to play ball.
I don't know what's gotten into me. I only noted down the date for the injection and completely forgot about the dietary and lifestyle restrictions.
You can punish me however you see fit."
"No," Shen Xi said earnestly. "It's not your fault; it's my own. Why would I punish you?"
Qin Si Ye knew she wished to keep her distance from him, yet he was determined to be entwined with her forever. For every step she retreated, he advanced one.
"Look, first of all, you were bitten by a dog at my place, and as the head of the household, I must take full responsibility for this incident.
I failed to remind you about the necessary precautions in our daily life. Not only that, but I also drank with you and played ball. It's a compounding of errors.
Therefore, I believe I must be punished.
How about this: starting next week, I'll take the children to school for you. What do you say?"
"No, no. Mr. Qin, this really has nothing to do with you. You don't need to do this," Shen Xi immediately refused.
How could she possibly entrust her three children to him? What if he had a sudden whim and secretly took them for DNA testing? That would be disastrous.
After speaking, Shen Xi suddenly stood up and walked towards the exit.
"Where are you going?" Qin Si Ye quickly stood up and followed.
"It's about time. The report should be ready," Shen Xi replied calmly, trying to mask her inner turmoil.
The two of them collected their report from the automatic printer and nervously handed it to the doctor who had issued the request.
The doctor examined it carefully and said with a smile, "Your overall condition is good. The antibody levels are just slightly low, so you don't need a booster shot for now.
However, you still need to avoid overexertion upon your return. Absolutely no strenuous exercise, and definitely no alcohol or spicy, irritating foods. Please maintain these restrictions for another two weeks. After two weeks, come back for another antibody test."
"Alright. Thank you, Doctor." Qin Si Ye and Shen Xi exchanged a glance, the tense expressions on their faces finally easing.
On the way back, Qin Si Ye brought up the topic from the hospital again.
"Shen Xi, the doctor just mentioned that you cannot overexert yourself. I hope you'll consider my proposal from the blood collection room. If I take the children to school for you daily, you'll be able to rest more."
After a moment of contemplation, Shen Xi tilted her head and looked at him. "Alright. But I must sit in the car."
Getting a little more rest was inconsequential to her; she wasn't someone who habitually slept in. Besides, in the mornings, there were many things she needed to prepare for the children's school, so she had to get up anyway.
Qin Si Ye turned his gaze, meeting her resolute eyes, a slight smile curving his lips. "That works too. I'll pick you up and drop you off for work as well."
"Ah?" Shen Xi exclaimed in surprise. "Why?"
Qin Si Ye explained, "If I'm driving the children to school and you're in the car, of course, I'll be responsible for your commute to and from work. Would you expect me to drop the children off and then take you home to get your car?"
After hearing his explanation, Shen Xi finally understood. Why was it that the more she tried to distance herself from this man, the more entangled she became?
"This doesn't seem right. I finish work at five to pick up the children. You have so much company business, how could you possibly make it on time to pick me up? I think we should just forget about this."
Upon hearing this, Qin Si Ye grew a little anxious. He had finally taken a step forward; how could he go back to square one?
His eyes darted quickly, and he said with a serious tone, "No. This time, I must strictly follow the doctor's advice and cannot be careless again. My work hours are flexible and can be adjusted, so you don't need to worry about that. Just two weeks, I'll only be taking you for two weeks. Is that acceptable?"
Seeing Qin Si Ye's earnestness and his concession, Shen Xi pondered for a moment before replying, "Alright. Two weeks it is. However, I have one condition: I must use my car."