Running Towards You - Chapter 34

Li Chenyao couldn’t bear to watch and didn’t want to interrupt Lu Jiahe’s flirting tactics, so she went to play at the nearby tables instead.

Under Ji Yin’s hands-on guidance, Lu Jiahe managed to sink four balls in a row. However, the remaining shots proved trickier, and no matter how he adjusted his angle, he couldn’t land another hit.

“Yin-jie, my shift’s over,” Li Fang said as she approached.

“Mm,” Ji Yin straightened up and reminded her, “Be careful on your way back.”

“Don’t worry. Oh, by the way, Yin-jie, are you free this weekend? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

Lu Jiahe picked up some chalk and idly rubbed it on his cue.

“No need to be so polite, really. You don’t have to treat me,” Ji Yin replied.

“Oh, come on, Yin-jie, you’re the one being too polite! I insist on this meal. If you’re busy this week, how about next week? Or the week after?”

Seeing she couldn’t refuse, Ji Yin relented, “Alright, this weekend then. But nothing fancy, just something simple.”

“It won’t be expensive just home-cooked dishes. Come to my place, and I’ll cook for you myself!”

“Sounds perfect,” Ji Yin agreed cheerfully.

After Li Fang left, Lu Jiahe bent over, took aim, and with a sharp crack, sent the red ball straight into the pocket.

“Impressive, Dr. Lu,” Ji Yin exclaimed in admiration. “You can sink balls on your own now!”

“Just luck,” Lu Jiahe straightened up with a smile, toying with a nearby ball. “That girl just now she’s the cashier at your shop?”

“Yeah.”

“She looks really young.”

“She is only twenty. Plus, her baby face makes her seem even younger.”

“Baby face, huh…” Lu Jiahe puffed out his cheeks. “Like this?”

Ji Yin burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. “Yes, exactly! It makes you look young and adorable. You’re killing me with cuteness, Dr. Lu.”

Lu Jiahe took a couple of sips of water before Ji Yin said, “It’s getting late. You all should head back soon.”

She absentmindedly twisted the bottle cap and asked, “So the moment that girl leaves, you’re kicking us out?”

Ji Yin was stunned. “How is that kicking you out? I’m just concerned about you.”

“How so?”

Ji Yin stepped closer and leaned against the table beside her. “I already know you gathered all these friends here to keep me safe.”

“I knew they couldn’t keep their mouths shut,” Lu Jiahe sighed. “Well, it’s fine if you know. They needed a place to hang out anyway, and this works. Plus, with me keeping an eye on them, their wives won’t have to worry.”

“Huh?” Ji Yin glanced at the group, who all looked fairly young. “They’re all married?”

“Of course. Why? Did you take a liking to one of them?”

“No way! I’m just surprised. I thought married men wouldn’t go out so casually.”

“They wouldn’t with just anyone, but with me, it’s fine. Their wives all know me and trust me. I even help keep them in check,” Lu Jiahe said with a laugh.

“Your personal charm is just too strong.”

“Hmm? Back to mindless flattery again?”

“Not at all! It’s because you’re such a good person that everyone likes being friends with you. Their wives trust you enough to let them go out with you. You must hang out often, right?”

“Not really. This time, I only brought married guys mainly to make sure no single ones set their sights on you and caused trouble.”

Ji Yin pointed at herself incredulously: “Falling for me?!”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Come on, what kind of decent person would like me?” Ji Yin laughed.

Lu Jiahe: “…”

Feel free to insult yourself, but don’t drag me into it.

As the group headed outside, Ji Yin bid them farewell and then spoke to Lu Jiahe alone: “I won’t be coming here tomorrow. You shouldn’t bring them here either. Rest well at home, you’ve all worked hard these past few days.”

“If you really think we’ve worked hard, then treat me to a meal.”

“No problem. When?”

“Saturday,” Lu Jiahe blurted out.

“Deal.”

After spending nearly a week at the pool hall without any trouble from that group, Ji Yin finally relaxed and stopped going there, leaving Dong Xiang to keep an eye on things.

On Saturday morning, she visited Li Fang’s rented apartment.

Li Fang and her boyfriend lived in a cramped one-bedroom, but it was tidy and well-kept. The kitchen was packed to the brim, a clear sign the couple was making a sincere effort to build a life together.

Li Fang had prepared several dishes, but the kitchen was so crowded Ji Yin couldn’t help, so she sat in the living room instead.

Li Fang’s boyfriend kept fussing over Ji Yin, asking if she was thirsty, hungry, or tired. During the meal, he kept toasting her, clumsily repeating, “It’s all in the drink.”

Both were so hospitable that Ji Yin couldn’t refuse, and she ended up drinking with them.

When she left, they even hailed her a cab and stood at the intersection, watching until she drove off.

Through the rearview mirror, she saw them holding hands. Li Fang suddenly laughed and tugged her boyfriend along, skipping back home.

Ji Yin turned away, a faint smile on her lips, and impulsively called Yanzi: “When are you and Dong Xiang getting married?”

“Huh? Why are you asking that out of the blue?” Yanzi was baffled.

“Just curious. Kind of craving wedding wine.”

Seems life had been treating her well lately, she even had the leisure to care about others’ happiness.

Back home, she planned to nap, but her phone rang.

Seeing it was Dr. Lu, she answered instantly.

“You promised to treat me to a meal. When’s that happening?” Lu Jiahe got straight to the point.

“Anytime. When do you want to go?”

“Tonight. Dining out or at my place?”

“Either works, but I’ve had a bit to drink, so I might be late.”

“You’ve been drinking?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Where are you now?”

“Home.”

“Send me your address.”

“Huh? What for?”

“House call.”

For a moment, it felt like she was back in the hospital. Ji Yin laughed and sent her the address.

She had just lain down when she bolted upright.

Was Dr. Lu really coming over for a house call?!

She scrambled up and called Yanzi.

Yanzi: “Sis, I thought about it if we’re getting married, the soonest would be”

“Get to my place now!”

“Why?”

“HURRY”

Yanzi rushed over in a panic: “What’s wrong?”

“Start mopping.”

Half an hour later, a knock sounded at the door.

Ji Yin ran to the entrance and called out, “Who is it?”

“Me.”

Ji Yin flung the door open, bowed obsequiously, and clasped Lu Jiahe’s hand with a beaming smile as she ushered her inside: “Ahh, welcome, welcome! What an honor to have Dr. Lu grace my humble abode truly, it shines brighter with your presence!”

“You’ve really mastered the art of sweet talk,” Lu Jiahe said with an amused laugh.

“Dr. Lu, welcome!” Yanzi hurried out to greet her.

Lu Jiahe was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “You’re here too? Did I interrupt your girls’ gathering?”

“Not at all! She just dropped by for a visit and is about to leave.”

“Huh? Really?” Yanzi blinked in confusion.

“Of course! Weren’t you heading to the supermarket?” Ji Yin turned around and frantically signaled with her eyes.

“Oh, right! I have to go back to work overtime. You two have fun.” Yanzi grabbed her bag and left, nearly in tears as she called Dong Xiang to complain. “Ji Yin is unbelievable! She dragged me over to help for half an hour, then kicked me out as soon as she was done!”

“Dr. Lu, please sit.” Ji Yin pulled Lu Jiahe into the living room. The sofa had been barely cleared , clothes had been hastily stuffed into the closet, but at least it was now usable.

As soon as Lu Jiahe sat down, she glanced around. “Your place is pretty messy. How long has it been since you tidied up?”

Ji Yin choked back a retort, thinking, We just cleaned up! It took both of us a whole half hour!

“There’s just, a lot of stuff. Hard to keep organized.” Ji Yin awkwardly went to fetch some water.

“That’s an understatement.” Lu Jiahe eyed the various boxes cluttering the small living room, making it feel even more cramped.

Noticing her gaze, Ji Yin lifted one of the boxes and placed it in front of her. “These are all snacks. Help yourself don’t be shy.”

“All of these are snacks?” Lu Jiahe pointed at the other boxes in disbelief.

“Most of them, yeah.”

“You really love snacks, huh?” Lu Jiahe pulled out a bag of chips, baffled.

“These are mostly samples. Some are close to expiring.”

“…” Lu Jiahe gave her a suspicious look. “Does your boss know you took these home?”

“Of course! It’s part of our benefits. If products near their expiration date don’t sell during promotions, employees can take them.”

“Your boss sounds pretty decent.” Lu Jiahe nodded and checked the chip bag’s expiration date.

Ji Yin grinned. “Don’t worry, this box isn’t close to expiring. Perfect timing you can taste-test and give me some feedback.”

The chips were from a supplier and hadn’t hit supermarket shelves yet.

Lu Jiahe examined the packaging imported goods. “Never tried this brand before. They’re okay, nothing special. Are they expensive?”

“Very. This bag costs over twenty yuan. Would you buy it?”

Lu Jiahe glanced at the packaging again and shook her head. “Too pricey. Doesn’t even taste as good as the cheaper ones. Maybe I’m just used to local brands can’t appreciate this gilded stuff.”

Ji Yin burst out laughing. “Perfect! I thought they were mediocre too. Great minds think alike.”

“You’ve been using a lot of idioms lately,” Lu Jiahe remarked.

“Of course! I’ve been reading books gotta show off a little,” Ji Yin said cheerfully.

Suddenly, Lu Jiahe leaned in and sniffed. “You smell like alcohol. How much did you drink with that girl?”

“Does it stink? I’ll go change.” Ji Yin quickly tugged at her clothes, sniffed them, then dashed into the bedroom.

Lu Jiahe wandered around the living room and finally saw her emerge, now dressed in a comfortable hoodie with her hair casually tied up, looking relaxed and at home.

“I shouldn’t smell bad now, right?” Ji Yin asked.

Lu Jiahe stepped closer, bent down to sniff near her shoulder, then shifted slightly inward, almost brushing against her neck.

Ji Yin’s breath hitched, instinctively straightening her posture. The next moment, Lu Jiahe lifted her head with a perfectly neutral expression. “The smell’s lighter now, not a big deal. As long as no one sniffs too closely, it’s fine.”

“That’s good.” Ji Yin sighed in relief, lowering her gaze to look at Lu Jiahe. “You still smell nice, though.”

“I wear perfume.”

“You smell nice even without it. You didn’t wear any today.”

“Really? What kind of scent?”

“Hard to describe. Just something really unique.”

“No way. Are you lying to me?”

“I’m not!”

“Then take a good sniff and tell me what it is. If you can’t, I’ll assume you’re bluffing.”

Ji Yin leaned in and inhaled deeply near her neck, her gaze inadvertently landing on Lu Jiahe’s collarbone. She poked the hollow spot with her finger.

Lu Jiahe turned her head to look at her.

Ji Yin snapped out of it and immediately took a step back, laughing awkwardly. “I was just curious if this could hold some water.”

Lu Jiahe burst out laughing. “Can yours?”

“I don’t know.” Ji Yin turned slightly, tugging at the neckline of her hoodie. “Wanna check?”

“…” Unable to resist, Lu Jiahe glanced over without protest. “Not sure. Let me poke yours too fair’s .”

“Fine.”

Ji Yin tugged her collar down a bit, exposing her collarbone, but the other girl didn’t move.

Just as she was about to ask, Lu Jiahe suddenly poked her collarbone, catching her off guard.

The unexpected touch sent a shiver through her, making her shoulders instinctively curl inward, deepening the hollow of her collarbone. Lu Jiahe poked it again, then looked up with a smile. “Not just water you could raise fish in there.”

Ji Yin’s face flushed, but she feigned pride. “Obviously. This is a whole fishpond enough for Dr. Lu to go fishing.”

“If we’re fishing, I’m not Dr. Lu anymore.”

“Then who are you?”

“Jiang Taigong.”

Ji Yin froze.

Lu Jiahe grinned at her, but Ji Yin being half-illiterate, completely missed the implied meaning and pouted. “I only know how to throw around idioms right now. Don’t hit me with those riddles!”

Lu Jiahe: “…”