Dr. Chi’s Mission: Seduce Officer Su - Chapter 31

“Oh, Xiao Chi, don’t move. Let her handle it herself.”

After the meal, when Chi Jue took the initiative to help clear the table, her grandmother hurriedly snatched the dishes from her hands and shoved them into Su Qiao’s arms.

She secretly winked at her oblivious granddaughter, her triumphant expression practically oozing from every wrinkle, determined to tie their red strings into an unbreakable knot tonight.

Su Qiao slumped her shoulders helplessly, about to protest, but her grandmother pushed her toward the kitchen. “Go on, hurry up and clean the kitchen.”

“I’ll help her clean up, it’ll be faster that way,” Chi Jue said, stepping forward, only to be blocked by the little old lady who turned to face her.

“Don’t worry about her. Keep me company and chat for a while.” As someone who had been through it all, the grandmother had noticed during dinner that the two were still in that stage where nothing had been confessed yet.

She was anxious, so anxious she felt like half her body was about to leap out of the ground.

“Alright,” Chi Jue replied with a resigned smile, supporting the elderly woman as they walked toward the living room sofa. Suddenly remembering something, she asked, “You look well. Are you still in good health?”

“Nothing major. Don’t let my age fool you, I can climb these seven flights of stairs without getting winded. My body’s still strong!”

Chi Jue covered her mouth with a light laugh, noticing how much the grandmother’s tone resembled Su Qiao’s, as if they were cast from the same mold. She supposed “Little Bear” would be just as kind and amiable when she grew old.

“Do you take any health supplements?” she inquired warmly, thinking that caring for the elderly was something she excelled at professionally.

“Pfft! No need to waste money on that. I’m not some old lady easily swindled out of my pension. Supplements are just placebos at best. We have to accept the natural cycle of life and death.”

Having experienced the pain of outliving her own child and then losing her husband early in her twilight years, the grandmother had gained a profound perspective on life. At the very least, her attitude toward mortality was remarkably optimistic.

Touched by her warm smile, Chi Jue hesitated for a moment before reaching out to massage her shoulders. “I’m not skilled in much else, but I can give you a check-up. As we age, calcium loss becomes common. It’s great that your legs are still nimble, but you should also focus on maintenance. When I have time, I’ll prepare some liquid calcium for Su Qiao to bring to you.”

Not wanting to trouble her, the grandmother politely declined, “Please, don’t go to any expense! You doctors are always busy, flying around like you have wings. Just focus your energy on your work.”

“It’s no trouble at all, just a small effort.” Chi Jue’s concern was well-founded. Most of the patients she saw in orthopedics were elderly, with falls leading to fractures being the most common issue.

One case stood out vividly in her memory: an nearly 80-year-old woman who had fallen for the first time while accompanying her husband fishing. With poor eyesight, she failed to see a drainage ditch and fell, breaking her hip and thigh.

The woman was rushed to the emergency room, but due to her advanced age, she couldn’t undergo anesthesia for surgery and had to opt for conservative, non-surgical treatment.

Long-term bed rest without adequate exercise meant her calcium depletion accelerated, far beyond what medical intervention could compensate for.

From then on, the woman fractured bones every now and then, becoming a regular in the orthopedics department.

The most surprising incident occurred when she failed to sit properly on a sofa, fell to the floor, and instinctively tried to break her fall with her hands, only to fracture her forearm.

The last time I saw her, she had fallen down the stairs and hit her head because her legs were too weak to support her with a cane. At the time, she seemed fine, but in reality, a blood vessel in her skull had ruptured, and a broken rib had punctured her lung, causing a hemopneumothorax.

Three days later, she was gone.

Chi Jue didn’t share this heavy, real-life example. Instead, she gently advised, “You’re always going up and down stairs when you go out, and the building is dimly lit and inconvenient. You really must be careful.”

Grandma patted the back of her hand in return, her eyes brimming with a warm smile. “You’re such a thoughtful girl. Our Qiaoqiao isn’t as considerate or meticulous as you. But she’s always thinking about buying a new house to make it easier for me to go out. At my age, though, there’s no need to trouble the young folks, right?”

Chi Jue sighed sincerely, “Having an elder at home is like having a treasure. Of course, she should revolve around you. She’s very sensible.”

Unexpectedly, Grandma changed the subject. “What do you think of Qiaoqiao?”

“She’s great, down-to-earth and sincere, responsible and driven at work.” Chi Jue’s evaluation was concise. If she were to elaborate in detail, she could probably write an 800-word essay praising the person she loved.

“I’m nearing the end of my life, and I’m at peace with everything except her. This child went through her parents’ divorce when she was little, and not long after she came of age, she had to send off her mother. She’s so sensible that it breaks my heart.”

Speaking of Su Qiao’s past, Grandma sighed sorrowfully, worried that after she passed away, no one in this world would take care of her granddaughter or care about her safety.

That criminal investigation job was like a roller coaster, fine during quiet times, but life-threateningly dangerous when things got rough.

“Don’t you worry, someone will naturally treasure someone as wonderful as her,” Chi Jue comforted her. She was the one who treasured Su Qiao.

Su Qiao, munching noisily on a fragrant apple with her cheeks puffed out, asked curiously, “What are you two talking about?”

“About how you’re still a little fledgling even at your age,” Grandma lifted her eyelids and chided, feeling irritated at her obliviousness.

“Ugh… Dr. Chi is still here. Can’t you save me some face?” Su Qiao snuggled up next to Grandma on the other side, resting her head on her shoulder in a spoiled manner.

Not wanting to overstay her welcome, Chi Jue glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late. I should go so I don’t disturb your rest.”

Seeing Dr. Chi preparing to leave, the little old lady hurried into the kitchen. “Let me pack some Laba congee for you to have as breakfast tomorrow.”

Chi Jue couldn’t bear to trouble her and waved her hands in polite refusal. “There’s no need for that, really.”

“Oh, come on, I’m so happy to have you as a guest. When you have the congee tomorrow morning, you’ll think of me.”

Unable to resist the beaming grandma, Chi Jue obediently clasped her hands and winked at Su Qiao, probably gloating about how favored she was.

Su Qiao casually picked up her handbag. “Let me walk you out.”

At the door, as Chi Jue took her bag, she deliberately hooked her fingers against ‘Little Bear’s’ palm, tickling her and stirring her heart.

Su Qiao quietly took a small step closer, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “If seduction were a crime, you’d be sentenced to life imprisonment at the very least.”

Chi Jue laughed at the analogy, raising an eyebrow as she tilted her head closer to her lips. “Oh, really? Then I’d still dare~”

Su Qiao was just about to press against those tempting red lips for a reckless, lingering kiss when they began teasing each other back and forth: “You never learn, do you? Now you’re getting a suspended death sentence.”

“You’ve had enough excitement for today. Just see me to the door. I’ll call you when I get home to let you know I’m safe.” Chi Jue clasped her hands behind her back, executing this feigned retreat with natural, seamless finesse.

From the neighboring kitchen, the little old lady poked half her head out, clutching a packed bag, secretly observing and waiting for Su Qiao to make the first move.

Her other hand held a frying pan at the ready, if Su Qiao still didn’t get the hint, physical intervention would be the only option.

“Maybe I’ll walk you to the end of the alley… at least…”

Clang!

Before she could finish her sentence, the frying pan came down on the back of her head with a sound that was both startlingly crisp and pitifully resonant.

Struck dizzy, Su Qiao clutched her head and mechanically turned to glare at her grandmother, eyes wide as copper bells. “Wh-why did you hit me?”

“Is that any way to see off a guest? Of course, you should walk them all the way home!” Her grandmother shoved the bag into her arms and swatted at her feet with the frying pan. “Go on, go on! Escort Dr. Chi home. If you don’t see her to her door, don’t bother coming back. Actually, just don’t come back at all…”

“But… but…” Su Qiao hopped on one foot to avoid the pan, and by the time she regained her senses, she was already locked outside. “Wait… I haven’t even changed my shoes!”

Chi Jue, arms crossed, was thoroughly amused by the playful grandmother-granddaughter duo. She watched as Su Qiao rubbed the back of her head and muttered, “Did Grandma get an energy boost today? She’s so full of life.”

“Does it still hurt?” Chi Jue stepped forward to gently rub her head, but then it occurred to her that this thick-skulled blockhead probably needed the frying pan’s “treatment.” So, she pressed down a bit harder. “Serves you right. You had it coming.”

Su Qiao grumbled resentfully, “I seriously suspect Grandma slipped some kind of love potion into your Laba porridge. It must be kicking in now, and you’re turning against me.”

“Your smart mouth is just asking for it. I’m firmly on Grandma’s side, supporting her righteous cause to punish Su Xiaoxiong, who shaved the neighbor’s cat bald.”

“Oh ho ho, so the champion of justice has found a place in my home and can’t wait to start bullying me now?”

“What, regretting inviting me over? So sarcastic.”

“How would I dare? Dr. Chi is in favor now. I can’t afford to offend you. What if you sneak off to tattle to Grandma? I’d be skinned alive.”

“Good, you know your place.” Tapping Su Qiao’s nose, Chi Jue struck a pose and extended her arm. “Little Bear, escort me back to the palace.”

“As you wish~”

…

She wasn’t sure when this aversion started, but Chi Jue had developed a strong distaste for the elevator ride home.

Especially those automatically closing doors, they had unwittingly become a barrier that separated them.

Her steps were deliberately slow as she entered the elevator, unwilling to miss a single moment of eye contact with Su Qiao, so she turned around with lightning speed.

Su Qiao, hands tucked in her pockets, took a step forward but stopped just at the threshold. She hadn’t yet thought of a reason to follow upstairs, so she held back, measuring her actions.

She didn’t like this elevator either, because it would take her Dr. Chi away.

Their gazes intertwined like sweet honey, each hesitating over what to say to delay the parting.

Just as the doors were about to sever their line of sight, an arm suddenly shot out, swiftly blocking the obstacle.

The one taking the initiative was Su Qiao.

She touched the bridge of her nose, blinking with puppy-dog eyes. “Grandma said she wanted to send you inside, but she definitely didn’t mean this door, right?”

“Pfft.” Chi Jue couldn’t hold back her laughter. ‘Little Bear’ was so amusing, making excuses with such shameless confidence, yet in a way that left no room for rebuttal. “If you want to walk me home, just say so. Why drag Grandma into it?”

“Well… what if there’s another An Jiaqin hiding somewhere, right? From now on, I have to make sure you’re safely inside.” Su Qiao’s ears flushed pink, convinced her reasoning was perfectly sound.

Chi Jue played along: “Yes, yes, what if I’m in danger again~”

“Hey, let me perform a magic trick for you.” Su Qiao suddenly had a whimsical idea, just to tease Dr. Chi.

“Begin your performance.” Chi Jue leaned against the corner. This girl needed to be indulged, or she wouldn’t be as fun.

Su Qiao walked to the elevator, turned to face Chi Jue, one hand casually tucked into her pocket and the other resting loosely on the doorframe. With exaggerated flair, she swept the stray bangs from her forehead and cleared her throat in a playful Taiwanese accent.

“Ahem, I am a magician from Taiwan. Today, I shall perform for the esteemed Miss Chi, how to release everyone from a confined space.”

Chi Jue struggled to contain her laughter but didn’t want to ruin the comedic act, biting her lip hard as her nostrils flared from suppressed giggles.

Su Qiao sneakily glanced at the floor indicator, then crossed her legs and pointed one finger skyward. After a dramatic spin, she crossed her arms in front of her face and wiggled her raised butt.

It made Chi Jue want to slap it just to test its bounce.

Perfectly timed, as she spread her arms wide with exaggerated motion, the elevator doors slowly opened.

Striking a grand “eagle spreads its wings” pose, she hadn’t even turned to seek praise from Dr. Chi when she noticed the delivery guy standing at the entrance, frozen in uncertainty about whether to step in or not.

Ah! So embarrassing it’s mortifying!!!

Su Qiao’s eyes widened in horror. Covering her face, she bolted out of the elevator as fast as she could.

“Hahaha…” Chi Jue’s clear, joyful laughter echoed behind her. “Why are you running?”

‘Little Bear’ pressed her forehead against Chi Jue’s front door, still hiding her face. “So embarrassing… so embarrassing…”

Chi Jue unlocked the door with her fingerprint while teasing, “You’re amazing, you really did release everyone.”

“Stop it, it’s too humiliating. Why did there have to be a delivery guy?!”

Chi Jue twisted the knife: “Not just the delivery guy, there’s a whole audience of property management staff watching from the security cameras~”

“Ah!!! This is beyond embarrassing!”

“If you’re so embarrassed, why not hurry inside?” Chi Jue tugged her into the apartment.

Su Qiao lost her balance, forced to wrap one arm around Dr. Chi’s waist and brace the other against the shoe cabinet. “I’ve already escorted you inside…”

Not giving her any chance to leave, Chi Jue habitually grabbed her by the tie. “Little Bear, you’re not going anywhere yet.”

Su Qiao had no choice but to let herself be led by the tie. Stumbling awkwardly into the living room, she asked in confusion, “What do you want to do?”

Chi Jue pressed her shoulders, making her sit obediently on the sofa, then hurried into the kitchen. When she returned, she was carrying a plate of fruit and some drinks.

She casually turned on the TV, selected the Tom and Jerry cartoon, and commanded, “I’m going to take a shower. You behave and watch the cartoon. If you dare sneak away behind my back, I’ll call Grandma and tell on you.”

“Eh?!” Su Qiao let out a surprised gasp. Just as she was about to ask why, Chi Jue’s figure disappeared behind the bedroom door.

Panic set in, she was utterly flustered, so much so that she kept loosening and tightening the knot of her necktie.

How could she possibly focus on Tom and Jerry? She fidgeted restlessly, feeling uncomfortable all over.

Shower, alone time, bedroom, necktie… Her mind conjured up scenes that made her blood race.

Wait, what was with the necktie?!

She grabbed a bottle of soda from the table and gulped down half of it, yet her throat still felt dry. She simply couldn’t figure out why Chi Jue had made her stay.

“I’m not ready yet, damn it!” Covering her cheeks, she collapsed onto the sofa, squirming like an embarrassed worm.

She had no idea how much time had passed.

Just as the scenes in Su Qiao’s imagination grew increasingly vivid and suggestive, a soft call came from the bedroom.

“Little Bear, come in for a moment.”

Su Qiao jolted upright at the sound of that gentle voice. Hastily tightening her necktie, she marched toward the bedroom, so tense that her arms and legs moved in sync.

When she stepped into Chi Jue’s bedroom, her eyes didn’t immediately land on the two-meter-wide bed. Instead, she curiously scanned the room’s furnishings.

It was as minimalist and tidy as Dr. Chi herself, devoid of extravagant decorations.

Only a dim, warm bedside lamp lit the room. Su Qiao’s gaze was drawn to a patch of porcelain-white skin glowing under the soft light, like mutton-fat jade steeped in agar, radiating a smooth, lustrous sheen.

When her eyes finally focused, she realized Chi Jue was lying prone on the bed, her entire back completely exposed. The blanket covered only the curve below her slender waist, hinting at the firm lines of her muscles, a blend of softness and strength unique to a mature woman, reminiscent of a classical European realist painting.

Yet, marring the smooth canvas of her skin was an incongruous patch of dark discoloration.

“You… you… put some clothes on!” Su Qiao stammered, swallowing hard. She could feel a stifling heat spreading from her back throughout her body, beads of sweat threatening to break out.

Chi Jue’s hair was damp and tousled, cascading over her shoulders. She turned her head at the sound, the movement accentuating the lines of her back, and looked at the flustered “Little Bear” by the door.

“Go to the drawer in the coffee table and bring the medical kit. Also, get some ice from the fridge.”

“Huh?” Su Qiao, who had been frozen by the door, too afraid to approach, was dumbfounded by the request. Nevertheless, she obediently complied. “Oh, okay!”

She gathered the items as instructed and returned to the bedroom, mustering all her courage before cautiously approaching the bedside.

Only when she drew near did she realize the dark mark was a bruise, a deep purple hue from subcutaneous bleeding.

Chi Jue was wearing a shirt backward, leaving her back exposed. Unable to turn fully, she hugged a pillow and directed, “There’s a sealed bag in the medical kit. Put the ice in it, wrap it up, and help me apply it. It hurts too much.”

She pointed to the towel placed nearby, shedding the resolute demeanor she had maintained at the hospital during the day. What Su Qiao now saw was an unguarded, fragile version of her.

Su Qiao’s eyes, reflecting a faint light, shimmered with subtle heartache. She suddenly blamed herself for her wandering thoughts and for failing to notice earlier that Dr. Chi had been pushing herself all day long.

In silence, she prepared the ice pack, wrapped it in a thick towel, and tested the temperature on the back of her hand before gently placing it on the large bruised area of Chi Jue’s back, slowly applying the cold compress.

“If it’s too cold, let me know… Does this feel better?” She leaned in, tilting her head to look at Chi Jue, but noticing how exhausted she was, unable to even lift her eyelids, she decided not to disturb her further.

After a moment of silence, Chi Jue spoke lazily, “Thank you for staying with me today. It made things a little less difficult.”

Su Qiao, no longer as lively as her usual “little bear” self, replied seriously, “If this is the life you want, I’d be more than happy to be a part of it.”

“Have you ever thought about changing your life?” Chi Jue recalled Dr. Yu’s question from the other day. She felt that discussing this topic with the right person was full of meaning.

Perhaps, for someone who has captured your heart, such questions arise naturally, like a key unlocking the door to your soul, waiting for just the right response.

Su Qiao applied just the right amount of pressure with the ice pack. Too heavy, and it might hurt Dr. Chi; too light, and it wouldn’t serve its purpose. Leaving it in one spot for too long risked frostbite, so she kept moving it slowly and gently across Chi Jue’s back.

She didn’t feel tired. Instead, she cherished this moment of care, where even the most vibrant spring scenery couldn’t compare to the pure love filling her heart.

She pondered the question seriously, her mind racing through every moment she had shared with Chi Jue, finally settling on their first encounter at the emergency scene, on those eyes that held a hidden trap.

She smiled and replied, “It’s already changed.”

Chi Jue was taken aback. She hadn’t expected Su Qiao’s answer to mirror her own so perfectly.

She wanted to turn over and see if the “little bear’s” eyes held sincerity, but Su Qiao firmly pressed down on her shoulder blade. “Don’t move.”

“Do you have someone you like?” Chi Jue asked, as if taking a monumental step in her life. This question had surged to the tip of her tongue countless times, only to be swallowed back again and again.

“Yes, and I like them very much,” Su Qiao answered without hesitation. She lowered her gaze to the damp skin of Chi Jue’s back, and in that moment of certainty, only one thought consumed her.

She wanted to lean down and kiss the bruised area, then slowly trail kisses up to the nape of Chi Jue’s neck, and further to her ear, whispering, “The one I like is right in front of my eyes.”