Running Towards You - Chapter 45

Ji Yin mustered every ounce of courage she had to ask that question, only to receive an ambiguous answer in return.

You’re such an idiot.

A seemingly casual reply, yet it left her torn between two interpretations.

You’re such an idiot. Of course I like you, why else would you even need to ask?

You’re such an idiot. Aren’t we good friends? How could you ask something so silly?

Her heart teetered between these two possibilities, and even after gulping down several sips of coffee, she still couldn’t decipher his meaning.

Putting on a nonchalant expression, she lifted her head, ready to press him further but just then, Lu Jiahe’s phone rang.

She stole a glance at the caller ID: the hospital. A bad feeling instantly crept into her chest.

Sure enough, as soon as he hung up, Lu Jiahe rose hastily. “A patient is having a severe post-op reaction. I need to go check on them.”

“Alright, I’ll drive you there.”

“Thanks.”

Ji Yin rode her bike, smoothly navigating through the streets to get him to the hospital.

The moment the bike stopped, the man in the backseat hurriedly dismounted and dashed toward the entrance without so much as a backward glance not even a word of farewell.

People streamed in and out of the hospital. A patient in a wheelchair was being pushed out through the doors. Watching the crowd and that lone figure disappearing against the flow, Ji Yin felt an inexplicable surge of reverence.

She stood there in a daze for a while, intending to wait for Lu Jiahe to come out. But then her manager called, summoning her back for a meeting.

The meeting was a brief discussion about the recent surge in fruit prices. Once it ended, another cashier came to resign.

This cashier was a veteran sharp-minded, quick-handed, and never made mistakes. She was always the one assigned to train newcomers.

Hearing her resignation news, Ji Yin couldn’t help but feel regretful. She took the woman into her office to ask for the reason.

“Boss, I really don’t want to quit, I’ve gotten so used to working here. But… I’m pregnant. I’ve already had two miscarriages before, The first couple of months are the most fragile. This time, I finally conceived again, and I want to go home and rest properly,” the cashier explained.

Ji Yin knew how much she longed for a child of her own. During gatherings, she was always the one doting on her coworkers’ kids. Hearing this, Ji Yin couldn’t bring herself to insist she stay. Instead, she transferred a thousand yuan to her.

“Boss, what’s this for?” The cashier was stunned.

“Buy yourself something nutritious. Consider it my gift for the baby. If you want to come back to Yanhua after your maternity leave, you’re always welcome.”

“Thank you… Thank you so much, boss…” The woman left the office in tears.

The resignation was too sudden, leaving an immediate vacancy. Hiring someone new wouldn’t guarantee they could handle the job right away.

After some thought, Ji Yin called Dong Xiang. “How’s business at the pool hall lately?”

“Average.”

“If I transfer Li Fang to the supermarket as a cashier, can you manage without her?”

“Yeah.”

Ji Yin then called Li Fang to ask if she’d be willing to work at the supermarket.

Naturally, Li Fang was delighted. She had originally chosen the pool hall for its relaxed environment, but after the incident last time, she’d developed something of a psychological shadow.

“This side might be a bit more tiring. Come try out the position first, and then we can discuss the salary again,” Ji Yin said.

“Okay!”

Li Fang arrived quickly. Although the work was slightly different from the pool hall, it was easy to pick up, and she got the hang of it in no time.

Ji Yin watched for a while before taking her to the office to settle the salary. Then, she had the manager handle her onboarding procedures.

Outside, the sky had darkened, and her stomach growled with hunger. She stood up and walked toward the noodle shop across the street. Just as she stepped inside, she paused, then retreated.

Pulling out her phone, she typed a message.

[Ji Yin]: Are you done? Want to grab dinner together?

There was no reply for a long time.

[Ji Yin]: Still busy?

Still no response.

He must still be occupied.

Only then did Ji Yin enter the noodle shop alone.

“What are you looking at so intently?” Li Chenyao noticed Lu Jiahe had picked up his phone but hadn’t put it down, his fingers unmoving.

Lu Jiahe’s lashes fluttered slightly as he set the phone aside. He took a sip of pork rib soup before answering, “Ji Yin messaged me.”

“Why aren’t you replying?”

“Not sure how to respond.” Lu Jiahe smiled faintly. “Today, she asked me if I liked her.”

Li Chenyao spat out the bone in her mouth and pressed eagerly, “She actually figured it out? What did you say?”

“I didn’t say I liked her. Let her guess for herself.”

“I don’t get your approach. How long do you expect that blockhead to keep guessing? Why not just confess while you have the chance?” Li Chenyao asked.

Lu Jiahe ladled another bowl of soup. “If I confess now, I might scare her off.”

“But what if she says yes?”

“Even if she agrees, it might just be out of curiosity, novelty, or because she thinks it’s fun maybe even because she finds me decent and figures she can give it a try. But that’s not enough.”

“Who cares about the reason? As long as she’s willing to try, doesn’t that count as progress?”

Lu Jiahe shook his head. “But over time, curiosity fades, novelty wears off. She could walk away easily, but I couldn’t.”

Li Chenyao frowned, thinking hard before asking, “So what’s your plan?”

“Her emotional experience is zero. She can’t tell the difference between friendship and love yet. But the fact that she asked means she’s starting to notice the subtle shift between us. So, I’ll wait until she recognizes her own feelings, until she’s sure of them, before confessing. Not while she’s still uncertain and just testing the waters.” Lu Jiahe chuckled.

Li Chenyao pouted. “What if she never realizes? Or falls for someone else?”

“Then she wasn’t the right person for me in the end.” Lu Jiahe sipped his soup unhurriedly. “I have time, but I don’t want to waste it getting hurt. I can wait longer, but I won’t wait for the wrong person.”

After mulling it over, Li Chenyao finally grasped his meaning. “So you’re aiming for a long-term relationship?”

“Obviously. Do I look like I have time to just casually date anyone? If I wanted that, I would’ve done it long ago.”

Perhaps it was because of his parents’ influence, growing up watching them support and cherish each other through life, bickering occasionally but always happy in the end.

Although she couldn’t get married, she still wanted to live a life of bickering with just one person, just like her parents.

It had been over a week since they last saw each other.

During that time, they only chatted casually on WeChat, just like usual, with no signs of anything unusual.

Ji Yin never found the right opportunity to bring up the interrupted topic again and couldn’t help but wonder if she was overthinking things.

If Lu Jiahe really liked her, wouldn’t he have given her some passionate hints over the past few days?

But there was nothing at all.

“Why are you sighing so early in the morning?” Yanzi asked while eating a steamed bun.

“None of your business,” Ji Yin replied, taking a sip of soy milk before sighing again.

Yanzi: “Sigh!”

Ji Yin looked up: “Why are you sighing?”

“Dong Xiang’s parents are coming next month. Feels like marriage isn’t far off.”

“You don’t want to get married?”

“I don’t know. I do like him, sure, but I don’t have any expectations for marriage. Look at my mom married two men, and what did that get her?”

Ji Yin sighed along with her, rubbing her head in frustration. “Why is everything so complicated lately?”

“And what’s bothering you?” Yanzi asked.

Ji Yin sighed repeatedly, waiting until Yanzi was nearly out of patience before finally asking, “How did you and Dong Xiang officially get together?”

“He kissed me when I wasn’t paying attention. I figured, well, he’s not some super-handsome guy, but he’s decent-looking, so why not give it a try?”

“That’s it?” Ji Yin was dumbfounded.

“What else were you expecting?”

Ji Yin rolled her eyes and asked, “So you went for him because of his looks?”

“Of course, there’s also the fact that I know him well and we get along. That’s why I wanted to try. What, you thinking about dating now?”

Ji Yin coughed twice, nearly choking on a piece of meat filling, and glared at her. “Stop talking nonsense!”

“Look at you.” Yanzi clicked her tongue teasingly, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “Hit the nail on the head, didn’t I? Getting all flustered now?”

“Shut up.” Ji Yin pushed her head away just as a message popped up on her phone.

[Lu Jiahe]: Finished the book? I’m heading to the bookstore want to come pick out some new ones together?

Ji Yin sprang to her feet, gulped down the last of her soy milk (collapsing the cup in the process), and cheerfully grabbed her car keys to leave.

“Where are you going?” Yanzi asked.

“The bookstore!”

“With who?”

“Dr. Lu!”

Watching her hurry off, Yanzi muttered, “Always hanging out with Dr. Lu. Anyone would think they’re dating.”

After parking her car, Ji Yin spotted the figure by the bookstore entrance from afar. A sudden wave of longing hit her, making her steps quicker, as if she wished she could sprout wings and fly over.

“Dr. Lu!” she called out excitedly as she ran up.

“You’re here,” Lu Jiahe replied with a smile. “Had breakfast yet?”

“Yeah, you?” Ji Yin asked brightly. After days apart, Dr. Lu seemed even more radiant than before.

Dressed in a white shirt with a silk scarf, she looked stunning.

“I have too. Let’s head in, then,” Lu Jiahe said.

“Okay.”

Ji Yin walked beside her, stealing glances now and then, only to hastily look away whenever their eyes met.

“The books in my collection lean more towards the practical and technical side, so they might not be the best fit for you. There aren’t many left that I can lend you either, but feel free to browse and see if anything catches your interest,” Lu Jiahe said.

“Okay.” Ji Yin casually picked up a book nearby and started flipping through it.

Usually, the most prominent spots near the entrance were reserved for bestsellers and self-help success books. The one she happened to grab was a self-help book, which she read for about ten minutes.

“So, do you like it?” Lu Jiahe asked.

“Not really. It feels all fluff and no substance. Not as grounded as Rural China,” Ji Yin replied, setting the book down with a hint of disappointment.

Lu Jiahe chuckled. “Ah, so this genre isn’t your thing. Let’s check out the social sciences section instead.”

“Sure.”

The two lingered among the shelves for over half an hour. In the end, Ji Yin picked out two books, one on interpersonal relationships, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and another about wine.

“Do you like drinking red wine?” Lu Jiahe asked.

“Not really. I’m just curious why it attracts so many buyers. Maybe it’ll give me some ideas for sourcing products,” Ji Yin explained.

Lu Jiahe patted her arm appreciatively. “That’s a good mindset. You’re actually quite clever.”

Ji Yin instinctively grasped her hand. “Why are your hands so cold?”

“Are they?”

“Freezing.” Ji Yin squeezed the back of her hand, confirming how icy it was. “The air conditioning here is way too strong. Let’s finish up and get out of here.”

“Alright. Just a few more books, and we can check out.”

They headed toward the professional and technical books section. The store was crowded, and as Ji Yin walked behind Lu Jiahe, a child suddenly darted recklessly toward them. Ji Yin quickly wrapped an arm around Lu Jiahe’s waist, pulling her aside just in time.

The kid brushed past them. Ji Yin glanced back at the little rascal before turning around, only to accidentally lock eyes with Lu Jiahe. Suddenly, her palms felt uncomfortably warm, unsure where to place them.

“It is a bit chilly,” Lu Jiahe said innocently.

Ji Yin raised both hands and rubbed them along Lu Jiahe’s arms. “Any warmer now?”

“A little.”

Trailing behind her, Ji Yin kept massaging Lu Jiahe’s arms, occasionally steering her aside to avoid bumping into other shoppers.

But then it belatedly occurred to her that this physical contact might send the wrong message. Yet Lu Jiahe seemed unfazed, showing no signs of reading into it, which secretly relieved Ji Yin.

Lu Jiahe was absorbed in selecting books, her focus unwavering. Ji Yin tilted her head, studying her for a long moment before finally noticing a subtle change.

Her hair was slightly shorter, giving her a more vibrant look.

“When did you cut your hair?” Ji Yin asked, running her fingers through the ends.

“Last night. Li Chenyao dragged me along, her students just finished their college entrance exams, so she dyed her hair red to celebrate,” Lu Jiahe replied with a soft smile, tucking her hair behind her ear. “So, how does it look?”

“Beautiful,” Ji Yin murmured, unable to tear her gaze away from her profile.

“I meant this book,” Lu Jiahe said, holding up the one in her hand.

“Beautiful.”

“How We Broke Our Legs you think that’s beautiful?” Lu Jiahe enunciated the title slowly.

“…” Ji Yin blinked and took a closer look. “Holy crap, why would an orthopedic surgeon like you buy this ”

“First of all, it’s not about orthopedics. Secondly, you swore again.” Lu Jiahe placed the book back on the shelf.

Ji Yin widened her eyes, about to argue, but Lu Jiahe stepped forward, blocking her path, and lightly tapped her lips with a finger.

“There are too many people here, so I won’t smack you this time. But don’t let it happen again.”

Ji Yin’s breath hitched as she stared at her in a daze. Only when Lu Jiahe withdrew her hand did she hurriedly cover her mouth, nodding repeatedly before unconsciously licking the spot where she had been tapped.

On their way to the checkout counter, Dong Xiang’s call came through.

As soon as she answered, she heard Dong Xiang’s excited voice: “Sis Ji! I found a perfect shop that matches all your requirements. Do you want to come check it out now?”

“Now?” Ji Yin glanced at Lu Jiahe, who was already in line ahead of her, and replied, “I’m busy right now. Take some videos and photos first, and we’ll discuss the details tonight when I get back.”

“Got it.”

The bookstore was icy with air conditioning, but the heat outside was unbearable.

“Wait here. I’ll go get the bike.” She handed the books to Lu Jiahe and dashed into the parking lot. When she rode back out, she spotted a man standing in front of Lu Jiahe.

Uncertain what they were discussing, she parked and walked over, catching snippets of their conversation.

“Hey beautiful, just add me on WeChat. I’m not a bad guy.”

“Sorry, no.”

“Got a boyfriend?”

Lu Jiahe turned away in exasperation, refusing to engage further.

“If not, then just add me. I’ll take you out for ”

“Eat shit. Didn’t you hear her say no?”

Already embarrassed from being rejected, the man whipped around angrily at the sudden voice behind him. His eyes narrowed in recognition before he snarled, “Damn it, you again?”

Only then did Ji Yin take a closer look and realize this was the same scumbag who had harassed Li Fang at the pool hall. Her expression darkened. “Get lost.”

Old grudges flared. The man had not only lost face last time but also two thousand yuan, and the humiliation still festered. If not for fear of the police, he would’ve already trashed the shop.

“Fuck you! Who the hell do you think you are, telling me to get lost?!” he roared.

“You know each other?” Sensing trouble, Lu Jiahe barely got the question out before Ji Yin grabbed the man by the collar.

“Watch your damn mouth!” Ji Yin snapped, her voice sharp.

As more onlookers turned their way, the man seemed unable to bear the humiliation any longer. He raised a hand to strike back, but Ji Yin caught his wrist.

Surprised by her strength, he couldn’t break free, so he lashed out with a kick aimed at her knee.

“Watch out!” Lu Jiahe cried.

Ji Yin twisted her knee aside, releasing his wrist and stepping back just in time to dodge.

Seizing the opportunity, the man lunged again.

“Stop it!” Lu Jiahe rushed forward to intervene but was shoved aside by the furious man, nearly losing her balance.

Ji Yin’s expression turned murderous. As the man swung a fist, she drove her knee into his stomach and growled, “Try touching her again.”

Doubled over in pain, the man clutched his stomach before mustering all his strength to shove her backward.

Ji Yin staggered two steps, then Lu Jiahe’s terrified scream pierced the air: “No!”

Her foot met empty air. Behind her was a flight of stairs.

“Ji Yin!”

Ji Yin tumbled to the ground, landing hard on one side. A sharp, searing pain shot through her shoulder, and she cursed silently under her breath. When she saw Lu Jiahe rushing down with a pale face, she bit back any cries of pain.

People around them began shouting accusations at the man involved, the scene turning chaotic some called the police, others dialed for an ambulance.

Lu Jiahe carefully helped Ji Yin sit up, noticing how she instinctively cradled her arm. Gently pressing the swollen area, she asked, “Does it hurt?”

“It’s bearable,” Ji Yin replied through gritted teeth, her face covered in cold sweat.

“Now’s not the time to tough it out. Tell me where it hurts,” Lu Jiahe said as she examined the injury. She untied the silk scarf from around her neck and used it to bind Ji Yin’s arm, roughly stabilizing the wound.

Ji Yin looked at Lu Jiahe, who was biting her lip in worry, and patted her shoulder with her free hand. “I’m fine, really. Don’t worry.”

Lu Jiahe shot her a glance that was equal parts frustration and concern before standing up to confront the person responsible. But as she turned, she spotted her parents in the crowd.

“Dad, Mom”

Ji Yin froze, then turned her head to see Lu Jiahe standing before a middle-aged couple. The man was unfamiliar, but the woman, who looked remarkably youthful was someone Ji Yin had seen countless times in interview magazines.

The couple was staring at her too. The man’s expression was stern, while the woman’s gaze was probing. Their expressions differed, but their furrowed brows were identical.

They must have seen her fighting with someone. They probably couldn’t believe their daughter would be friends with someone like her.

Ji Yin lowered her head in shame, unable to meet their eyes. For the first time, she felt utterly humiliated.

“What on earth happened? Why were you fighting? Is that your friend or.” Liu Jia hesitated as she questioned Lu Jiahe.

Just then, the ambulance arrived. Lu Jiahe quickly said, “I’ll take her to the hospital first. I’ll explain everything later.”

With that, she turned to instruct the paramedics, carefully supporting Ji Yin’s arm as they helped her onto the stretcher. The way she held her almost looked like an embrace.

Lying on the stretcher, Ji Yin glanced back at Lu Jiahe’s parents. Once inside the ambulance, she couldn’t help but murmur, “Won’t your parents misunderstand our relationship because of this?”

“They already have, so just lie still and don’t move around,” Lu Jiahe replied, gripping her hand.

“Oh.” Ji Yin tightened her hold in return. The warmth radiating from Lu Jiahe’s palm seemed to dull the pain in her body, and she couldn’t bring herself to let go.