Running Towards You - Chapter 29

When Ji Yin left the Lu family home, she took two more books with her.

This time, she declared she would only read stories with happy endings, no more tragic novels that wrung her dry of tears.

Not long after she got home, Yanzi and Dong Xiang arrived.

“Here’s the rice we hauled for you. Inspect it,” Yanzi said.

The two of them had carried the heavy sacks of rice all the way over, exhausted from the effort. After dropping the bags and dusting off their hands, they immediately flopped onto her small sofa.

Perhaps she had been influenced by Dr. Lu, but the sight of their hands, having just handled the rice made her desperately want to send them to wash thoroughly, maybe even soak them in alcohol!

“Oh, you’re actually reading books now?” Yanzi picked up the book on the coffee table, flipping through it curiously. When she saw the annotations inside, written in elegant handwriting, she knew at once it wasn’t Ji Yin’s messy scrawl.

“Of course. I’ve realized reading isn’t as hard as I thought. How come I never noticed before that books could be so interesting?” Ji Yin said.

“You never had the time before,” Yanzi replied, setting the book down. “Hey, I was thinking of signing up for a class to improve myself.”

“Sure, what do you want to learn?”

“Makeup,” Yanzi said shyly.

“…” Ji Yin rolled her eyes. “And here I thought you were aiming to join the ranks of the intellectuals.”

“I don’t have the brains for that.”

“Fine, do whatever you want. But this year might be too busy, I’m planning to open a new branch.”

“Really? Things are stable now, aren’t they? I think things are fine as they are.” Yanzi muttered.

Ji Yin turned to Dong Xiang. “What do you think?”

“I’ll follow your lead, Sister Yin.”

Yanzi glanced at him, and he rubbed his hands together. “I don’t have much talent myself, can’t make you a boss’s wife. Luckily, Sister Yin doesn’t mind keeping me around. I just want to work hard for you, maybe even buy you a big house someday.”

Yanzi pursed her lips, turning away to hide a smirk directed at Ji Yin.

“…” Sometimes, Ji Yin really couldn’t stand the unintentional sweetness they exuded. “Alright, after the New Year, business at the pool hall will slow down. You go scout for suitable locations, and I’ll check out nearby cities.”

“Got it,” Dong Xiang nodded.

With the New Year over, the backlog of tasks had to be tackled one by one. Ji Yin met with several long-term suppliers.

Her relationship with them wasn’t strictly buyer-seller; they were partners. The supermarket’s orders were substantial, and payments were usually made in installments deposit first, balance after sales. Maintaining good relations with suppliers was crucial.

The prices of fruits and vegetables fluctuated due to climate and transportation conditions, so every meeting involved renegotiating terms.

After nearly half a month of non-stop meetings, Ji Yin’s voice was nearly hoarse from all the talking.

[Lu Jiahe]: Finished the books yet?

[Ji Yin]: Not yet, I’ve been so busy lately TAT

[Lu Jiahe]: Don’t forget to come for your follow-up.

[Ji Yin]: Got it.

Only after the reminder did Ji Yin recall her medical check-up. She scheduled an MRI, went for the scan a few days later, and then headed straight to Lu Jiahe’s office with the results.

Waiting outside for her turn, she couldn’t help peeking inside every time the door opened.

Finally, it was her turn.

Lu Jiahe took the X-ray film and looked up at her with a smile, saying, “Sit down. Why are you just standing there like a fool? Now that your leg’s better, you want to show off those long legs, huh?”

Ji Yin chuckled sheepishly. “I’m a little nervous.”

“What, worried it hasn’t fully healed?” Lu Jiahe asked, eyes still on the film.

“No, it’s just. it feels like it’s been so long since I last saw you. I’m nervous.” So flustered that she forgot to sit down.

Lu Jiahe glanced sideways at her, eyes crinkling slightly. “It has been a while. Are you free this week? Let’s grab a meal together.”

“Can’t this week. I have a business trip,” Ji Yin replied, disappointed.

“You guys have business trips too?” Lu Jiahe asked curiously.

“Yeah, I’m going out of town to source goods and do some research.”

“Alright, then let’s catch up when you’re back.”

“Sure.”

After examining the film, Lu Jiahe said, “You’ve recovered well. No issues anymore, so no need for follow-ups. Just take care of yourself.”

“Okay.” Ji Yin reluctantly took back her X-ray film. With other patients waiting, she had no choice but to leave.

Over the weekend, Lu Jiahe invited Li Chenyao to work out. As they walked on the treadmills, Li Chenyao asked, “Such a nice weekend, why didn’t you ask Ji Yin out?”

“She’s on a business trip.”

“No wonder you asked me instead.”

“Come on, it’s not like I’ve never asked you before,” Lu Jiahe retorted just as her phone rang a delivery call.

“Hello, is this Ms. Lu? Someone sent you a bouquet of flowers. Are you home?”

“I’m not home. Who sent them?”

“Ms. Cheng.”

“Can you return them?”

“No.”

“Then just leave them at the door.”

After hanging up, Li Chenyao asked curiously, “Which Ms. Cheng?”

“Cheng Jingwen.”

Li Chenyao gasped, covering her mouth. “I did hear someone saw her during New Year’s. Is she really back to chase you?”

Lu Jiahe sighed.

“Last time, an old classmate of mine mentioned running into Cheng Jingwen on the street. She’s doing really well now, owns a place and a car in Shanghai, and she’s gorgeous. If she really does try to win you back, would you say yes?” Li Chenyao asked.

“What do you think?” Lu Jiahe gave her a sidelong glance.

Li Chenyao thought for a moment. “You still like Ji Yin? Is it her or nothing?”

Lu Jiahe took a sip of water and smiled. “We’re not kids anymore. No one’s irreplaceable. I just have feelings for her and want to give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, then so be it.”

“Are you planning to confess directly?”

Lu Jiahe shook her head. “I lent her a book recently. She finished it.”

“What book?”

“My awakening book.”

“…” Li Chenyao slowly raised a thumbs-up. “How did she react?”

“She cried her eyes out,” Lu Jiahe said, laughing.

Li Chenyao was both amused and exasperated. “Well, that means she’s not opposed to it. There’s hope.”

“But when I asked her out for dinner this week, she said she had a business trip.”

“You think it’s an excuse?”

“I don’t know.” She had always assumed supermarket employees worked in-store, so she wasn’t sure if Ji Yin was genuinely away on a logistics trip or if she’d sensed something and made up an excuse to decline.

But based on their last meeting, Ji Yin hadn’t shown any signs of discomfort.

So she leaned toward believing Ji Yin really was on a business trip after all, supermarkets need staff to manage inventory, and someone has to handle sourcing, right?

While having their meal, Lu Jiahe received a message from Ji Yin a photo of two hamburgers.

Lu Jiahe instinctively snapped a picture of their own table spread.

[Ji Yin]: Suddenly, my burgers don’t seem so tasty anymore. With all these dishes, can you even finish them alone? [drooling]

[Lu Jiahe]: I’m eating with Li Chenyao. If there’s any left, I’ll pack it for you.

[Ji Yin]: Great! I’ll come by tonight to eat it!

[Lu Jiahe]: You serious?

[Ji Yin]: A beauty’s word is harder to chase than a dead horse!

[Lu Jiahe]: Alright.

Lu Jiahe chuckled as she set her phone down and ordered an extra dish of spicy chicken and stir-fried pork with green peppers from the waiter.

“What are you doing? We can’t even finish what we have, and you’re ordering more spicy food?” Li Chenyao gave her a puzzled look.

“For takeout,” Lu Jiahe replied with a smile.

“…You’re insane.”

That evening, Lu Jiahe heard a knock at the door. When she opened it, Ji Yin stood there, looking a little travel-worn.

“Come in.”

“I bought two pineapples on the way here, try them.” Ji Yin handed over a bag before turning to drag two sacks of rice into the house.

“Thanks, but what’s this?”

“Northeastern rice. It’s really fragrant. Yanzi and the others specially brought it over. Since I don’t cook much, I thought I’d bring you a couple of sacks to try.”

“I don’t cook either.”

“Then give it to your parents they must cook, right? I’m a fan of Teacher Liu Jia now. Giving rice to my idol sounds pretty good.”

Lu Jiahe laughed. “Then I’ll thank you on Teacher Liu Jia’s behalf. I’ll go heat up the leftovers, and we can eat right away.”

“Okay.” Ji Yin plopped onto the sofa and rubbed her calves. “I don’t know why, but the moment I step into your place, I feel so relaxed.”

“What’s wrong with your legs?” Lu Jiahe asked.

“Walked way too much these past few days averaging 20,000 steps.” Ji Yin stretched her legs out and leaned back.

Lu Jiahe sat beside her, lifted her legs, and pressed a couple of acupoints. Ji Yin yelped in pain.

“They’re pretty tense. Turn over, I’ll massage them for you.”

“You know how to do this?” Ji Yin obediently rolled onto her stomach.

As Lu Jiahe worked on the pressure points, Ji Yin let out another pained cry, prompting Lu Jiahe to laugh. “What are you yelling for?”

“I’m Ji Yin.”

Lu Jiahe pressed a little harder. “Your skin’s pretty thick.”

Ji Yin looked on the verge of tears. “I was wrong.”

“Are your shoulders sore?” Lu Jiahe asked.

“A little, but not too bad.”

“Sit up.”

“Okay.”

Lu Jiahe pressed a few acupoints on her shoulders, and Ji Yin shrieked even louder.

“They’re this stiff, and you say it’s not serious?” Lu Jiahe kept her fingers firmly in place.

Ji Yin grimaced in agony, instinctively trying to squirm away, only to be pulled back.

“Stop moving.”

“Mmm.” After about two minutes, the pain gradually lessened, and Ji Yin turned to look at her. “Are you some kind of miracle doctor?”

Lu Jiahe paused, noticing the tears welling at the corners of her eyes, and smiled. “Did it hurt that much?”

“It did. So much.” Ji Yin pouted.

“Blowing on it will help.” Lu Jiahe gently blew on the teardrops clinging to her lashes.

Ji Yin froze for a moment, catching the faint scent unique to Lu Jiahe, and momentarily forgot what she was about to say.

“Still hurt?” Lu Jiahe asked.

Ji Yin turned her head and pointed to her right side. “This side too.”

Lu Jiahe’s lips curved slightly as he placed a hand on her shoulder, tilting his head to blow gently on her right eye.

“Truly a miracle doctor,” Ji Yin blinked, all traces of pain in her body gone, replaced only by a tingling numbness.

Lu Jiahe couldn’t help but chuckle, patting her head. “Let’s eat.”

Ji Yin looked at the three or four dishes on the table and exclaimed, “How much did you guys order for lunch? There’s still so much left?”

“Mhm, Li Chenyao is just too extravagant,” Lu Jiahe said without batting an eye.

Meanwhile, Li Chenyao, who was in the middle of writing lesson plans, suddenly sneezed. “Which little brat is badmouthing me behind my back again?”

After the meal, Ji Yin checked the time. It was still early, and she didn’t feel like going back yet, so she asked, “Dr. Lu, want to go out somewhere?”

“Where to?”

“I don’t know either. Do you have any place in mind?”

Lu Jiahe thought for a moment. “Actually, I do.”

“Then let’s go!”

Half an hour later, the car stopped outside the Forget All Bar.

“Why here? Didn’t you say the drinks here weren’t good?” Ji Yin asked, eyeing the sign.

“After trying them, I thought they were passable. Let’s go.”

“Alright. I’ll see if my friend’s here maybe we can freeload another meal,” Ji Yin said excitedly as she walked in. She glanced at the stage but didn’t see the band. After asking a server, she learned there was no performance that day.

The drinks arrived quickly. After a few sips, Ji Yin scanned the room, taking in the variety of beautiful women, and remarked, “Looks like it’s another ladies’ theme night. Good, no men coming over to hit on us.”

Lu Jiahe: “…” You wouldn’t even notice if women hit on you.

The atmosphere was different from last time far fewer customers, with only soft music playing in the background, murmurs of conversation, and occasional bursts of laughter.

Ji Yin leaned back in her chair, unusually relaxed, and quickly finished her drink, ordering another.

“How’s your alcohol tolerance?” Lu Jiahe asked.

“Excellent,” Ji Yin replied without exaggeration.

Lu Jiahe smiled. “Then if I get drunk later, can you safely get both of us home?”

“No problem,” Ji Yin said confidently.

“Good.” Lu Jiahe raised his glass and clinked it against hers. “Then I’ll drink without worry?”

“Relax, we’re here to enjoy ourselves,” Ji Yin laughed.

Too many drinks inevitably led to bathroom breaks. After using the restroom, Ji Yin passed through a narrow hallway on her way back.

The lighting was dim, and two people blocked the path ahead. Instinctively, she called out, “Excuse me.”

The two shifted slightly but didn’t separate. Ji Yin looked closer and realized they were kissing.

Her eyes widened in shock. Flustered, she hurried back to the table and immediately shared the gossip with Lu Jiahe. “Dr. Lu, there are two girls kissing over there!”

“Mhm.”

Ji Yin noticed his gaze had grown hazy and patted his cheek. “Dr. Lu, are you still okay?”

“You. saying I’m not okay?” Lu Jiahe pointed at her.

“Are you okay or not?” Ji Yin pressed.

“I’m perfectly fine.”

Seeing his drunken state, Ji Yin decided he definitely wasn’t fine and called for a designated driver.

“Dr. Lu, let’s go home,” she said, hauling him up and heading for the door.

After finally getting the person into the car, Ji Yin twisted open the water bottle cap and handed it to Lu Jiahe. “Dr. Lu, want some water?”

Lu Jiahe lowered his head and took a few sips, then slumped weakly into the seat, half-closing his eyes. After a long pause, he asked, “What did you just say… kissing?”

“Yeah, I just saw two girls kissing,” Ji Yin replied.

“Are you surprised that women can kiss women too?”

Ji Yin thought for a moment. “It’s mainly the first time I’ve seen it in person.”

“Do you find it strange?”

“Well. it’s not that big of a deal. It might be rare, but it’s not unheard of. There was even a rich woman who wanted to keep me as a sugar baby before,” Ji Yin said, dropping a bombshell.

“What did you say?” Lu Jiahe bolted upright.

“Dr. Lu, you. weren’t you drunk?” Ji Yin was stunned.

“Oh. my head’s a bit dizzy.” Lu Jiahe rubbed his temples and lay back down again.