Running Towards You - Chapter 69

After finishing her congee, Lu Jiahe intended to get up, but Ji Yin climbed back into bed, snuggling under the covers with her to chat.

They chatted about trivial matters until Ji Yin suddenly leaned close to her ear and whispered about her experience from the previous night, which made Lu Jiahe blush a little though, more than anything, she felt proud.

Lu Jiahe:

“What should we have for lunch?” Lu Jiahe asked.

“Can I have you?” Ji Yin whispered.

“Then what will I eat?”

“You can have me afterward.”

“…”

Some people, before they come to their senses, are like blocks of wood you’d want to take a hammer and chisel them open. But once they do come around, they really dare to say all kinds of bold things.

The thing was, Ji Yin didn’t even think she was being bold she said these words with a completely serious and sincere tone.

Lu Jiahe had always been the reserved type, and faced with Ji Yin’s straightforward boldness, she was a bit overwhelmed. Blushing, she turned over with her back to Ji Yin, but the other woman wrapped her arms around her from behind, kissing her back while her hands explored more freely.

Lu Jiahe could clearly sense that after last night, Ji Yin had become even more uninhibited. While talking, her hands never stopped sometimes holding her tightly, sometimes gently caressing, and even tentatively venturing lower.

Of course, Lu Jiahe was affected too, but they were interrupted by a phone call.

After hanging up, she immediately rolled out of bed and swiftly started getting dressed. “There’s been a multi-vehicle accident. The on-duty staff is short-handed I need to go to the hospital.”

“I’ll drive you,” Ji Yin said, throwing on her clothes and grabbing the keys before heading downstairs to start the car and turn on the heater.

By the time Lu Jiahe had gathered her things and come down, the car was already warm.

“Put on this scarf,” Lu Jiahe said, handing her one of her own.

“So soft,” Ji Yin murmured, stroking the scarf before wrapping it around her neck with a pleased smile.

Lu Jiahe quickly grabbed a bread roll to eat, worried she wouldn’t have time for lunch later.

“When do you think you’ll be done? I’ll come pick you up,” Ji Yin asked as they pulled up to the hospital.

“It’s hard to say. Don’t worry about me, I can get back on my own when I’m finished.”

“I don’t have anything else to do today anyway. Just send me a message when you’re done.”

“Alright,” Lu Jiahe agreed, hurriedly picking up her bag. Before getting out, she turned back to add, “The roads are slippery drive carefully.”

“Okay, I’ll go really, really slow,” Ji Yin promised.

After Lu Jiahe went inside, Ji Yin leisurely drove toward the supermarket. Passing by a greenbelt, she couldn’t help but glance at it a few extra times, a smile tugging at her lips.

It was right there last year that she’d crashed her bike and ended up at the hospital, where she met Dr. Lu.

Who would have thought she’d end up dating Dr. Lu?

Just as she was lost in her happy thoughts, a sudden force jolted her forward, nearly slamming her into the steering wheel.

Thump!

Her car had been rear-ended.

“Damn ow, meow!” Ji Yin frowned, irritation written all over her face as she got out and walked up to the other car.

The other driver stepped out, and both of them froze.

“Ji Yin?”

“Cheng Jingwen?”

They stared at each other for a moment before Ji Yin asked, “How do you want to handle this? Go through insurance? Or settle it privately?”

“How would insurance work for you?” Cheng Jingwen eyed her car. “Do you need to contact the rental company?”

“No need. This car isn’t rented,” Ji Yin replied, inspecting the damaged area. It was just a minor scratch no real damage to the hardware.

“Forget it, let’s settle this privately,” she said.

If they went through insurance, her premiums would go up too. Since they were acquaintances, handling it privately would save trouble for both.

“Alright, as you wish.”

The two of them went to the 4S dealership. Ji Yin handed over her car to the staff and immediately passed the bill to Cheng Jingwen. “Here, I won’t overcharge you a single cent.”

Cheng Jingwen glanced at the amount and reluctantly transferred the money.

“You might not be willing, but there’s nothing you can do you’re the one who hit me,” Ji Yin said bluntly.

“That area was icy, and you suddenly slowed down. I hit the brakes as soon as I could,” Cheng Jingwen argued.

Ji Yin thought for a moment. She had indeed slowed down a bit when she glanced at the green belt, so she felt a little guilty. “Then, should I give you half the money back?”

“Forget it, the main responsibility is still mine,” Cheng Jingwen waved her hand dismissively.

“How about this, then? I’ll treat you to a meal, and we’ll call it even. Deal?” Ji Yin suggested.

“Right now?”

“Yes, have you had lunch yet?”

“No.”

“Then let’s go.”

After arranging the car pickup time with the staff, Ji Yin confidently led the way and got into Cheng Jingwen’s car.

“…” Cheng Jingwen sat in the driver’s seat, recalling the signature on the bill, and couldn’t help but ask, “Is that car really yours?”

“Yes.”

“But aren’t you working at a supermarket?”

“Yeah, I own a supermarket. I work for myself.”

Cheng Jingwen’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at her. “Are you serious?”

“Want me to show you the business license?” Ji Yin opened her photo gallery, but the first photo she saw captivated her.

“Never mind.”

“Alright.” Ji Yin felt a bit disappointed she had almost been able to show her that photo with Lu Jiahe.

“Where are we eating?”

Ji Yin opened the navigation app. There was a nice restaurant nearby where she had taken clients before.

The interior had a classic, antique-style decor, with a small bridge and flowing water over a rockery in the center. The atmosphere was serene, perfect for dining and conversation.

After ordering, Ji Yin looked at the other woman but didn’t know what to say.

Noticing Cheng Jingwen’s elegant appearance, she suddenly blurted out, “Dr. Lu and I are together now.”

Cheng Jingwen was sipping her Eight Treasures tea. At these words, she paused and calmly set down her cup. “Did you invite me to this meal just to show off?”

Ji Yin replied, “I just wanted to let you know, in case you still have feelings for her.”

“What, do you still see me as a threat?” Cheng Jingwen couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yes.”

Cheng Jingwen was taken aback and smiled wryly. “You think too highly of me. I’ve never won her heart.”

“But you’re actually quite a catch. I can’t help but worry,” Ji Yin admitted, unable to deny that she had always felt a strong sense of insecurity around Cheng Jingwen.

Cheng Jingwen was caught off guard by her honesty and, being praised by her rival, felt even more conflicted. “Don’t worry. I probably don’t stand a chance anymore. I never seized the opportunity before, and it’s the same now.”

“That’s good to hear,” Ji Yin said with relief.

“…”

When the food arrived, Ji Yin took off her coat and scarf, ready to eat.

Cheng Jingwen glanced up and stared at her neckline for a moment.

Puzzled, Ji Yin followed her gaze and looked down. She was wearing a low-cut sweater, and at the edge of the collar, there was a faint red mark.

“Jiahe did this,” Ji Yin grinned. “This time, it’s showing off.”

“…”

Cheng Jingwen huffed in annoyance and lowered her head to eat. But the more she thought about how smug the other woman looked, the angrier she became. She asked, “Are you sure you’re treating me to this meal?”

“Of course.”

“Waitress, bring me a few more dishes!”

Ji Yin: “…”

She watched with a pained heart as several large plates of seafood were brought to the table. Afraid of wasting food, she started eating voraciously.

Seeing her eat so enthusiastically, Cheng Jingwen channeled her frustration into determination, refusing to be outdone as she competed with her in appetite.

In the end, both of them slumped in their seats, completely unable to move.

Ji Yin weakly waved her hand. “Waitress, the bill, please.”

“Hello, there are still two dishes that haven’t been served yet,” the waitress replied.

Ji Yin couldn’t hold back anymore. “How many dishes did you actually order?!”

“I didn’t expect them to be so slow with the service.”

Ji Yin was truly too full to eat any more, so she took out her phone and invited a new dining companion. “Li Chenyao, want to come eat seafood?”

“Sure, when?” Li Chenyao replied cheerfully.

“Right now.”

“But I’m with Le Qin right now.”

“Then come together! Many hands make light work we really can’t eat any more!”

When Li Chenyao and Le Qin arrived, they saw two beauties slumped in their seats, picking their teeth and rolling their eyes at each other. The scene was utterly ridiculous.

“How did you two end up eating together?” Li Chenyao asked in surprise as she walked over.

“She rear-ended my car,” Ji Yin said.

“You managed to win over Jiahe, so what’s wrong with me rear-ending you?” Cheng Jingwen retorted.

“At this point, I’m starting to suspect you did it on purpose,” Ji Yin said lazily as she picked her teeth.

“Cut the crap,” Cheng Jingwen snorted coldly. Noticing that Li Chenyao had brought a stranger with her, she slowly sat up, maintaining a basic level of composure. “Have

“Aren’t you afraid of getting your heart pricked? If you and Jiahe had worked out, maybe it would be you sunbathing here instead.” After saying this, Li Chenyao suddenly realized the relationships at this table were a bit complicated.

“Lu Jiahe and I could never work there’s just no spark,” Le Qin said with a laugh. “I’m like her; we both like Ji Yin’s type.”

Ji Yin: ???

Cheng Jingwen finally broke into their conversation: “I’ve been wondering, what exactly do you all like about Ji Yin?”

“She’s good-looking.”

“…”

Cheng Jingwen, unconvinced and annoyed, started peeling a lobster. After peeling it, she couldn’t bring herself to eat it. Seeing Li Chenyao’s bowl full of food, and not wanting to waste it, she reluctantly placed the lobster meat into Le Qin’s bowl.

Le Qin looked at her in surprise. “Hmm… Actually, you’re quite good-looking too.”

“Thanks a lot.”

Typical “the hand that feeds you is the one you praise” Cheng Jingwen didn’t take it seriously.

Le Qin chuckled, finished the lobster meat, and then asked, “You seem pretty free.”

“I really am free,” Cheng Jingwen said with a tone of utter resignation.

“Then help me peel another lobster, please. Thank you, the universe’s number one beauty.”

“…”

Ji Yin and Li Chenyao watched her peel the lobster with a resentful expression, exchanged a glance, and both struggled to hold back their laughter.

After the two finished their meal, Ji Yin paid the bill. Staring at the receipt, she felt a pang of regret: “Next time, I’m not treating you to a meal. You glutton.”

“Who cares?” Cheng Jingwen snorted coldly. “I won’t be eating with you again anyway!”

Li Chenyao leaned over to glance at the bill several thousand yuan and gasped in shock, immediately looking at Ji Yin with newfound respect. “You’re not actually the boss, are you?”

“Honest with all, young and old.”

“Let me process this for a moment,” Li Chenyao said, sitting down nearby.

“I need a moment too,” Ji Yin said, leaning against the wall while rubbing her nearly bursting stomach.

Le Qin left for school first. Cheng Jingwen looked at the other two. “How are you two planning to get back?”

“My car is still in the shop, so I’ll have to rely on you.”

“Le Qin left, and no one’s taking me home, so I’ll have to rely on you too.”

“…” Cheng Jingwen deeply regretted coming to this meal.

On the way to drop Li Chenyao off, they would pass by Yanhua Supermarket. Ji Yin asked her to pull over at the supermarket entrance.

As they approached, Li Chenyao turned around and repeatedly confirmed, “Are you really the owner of Yanhua Supermarket?”

“Yes.”

“That’s incredible.” Li Chenyao still hadn’t fully processed the news. “No wonder Zaozao was running around trying to find you a job before.”

“Really?” Ji Yin leaned forward from the back seat, surprised. “She was helping me look for a job?”

“Yeah, she felt sorry for you working so hard and dealing with all those social obligations, so she asked a lot of people to help find you a more relaxed and stable job. She even said that even if you lost your job, she could support you, you’re easy to take care of.”

Ji Yin’s expression shifted slightly, deeply moved. She felt both happy and sad, realizing that Lu Jiahe had been running around and asking for favors on her behalf without her knowing.

“Who would’ve thought she was actually a boss?” Cheng Jingwen sighed. “No wonder Jiahe said back then that none of us could ever do as well as she does.”

“When did she say that?” Ji Yin turned her head and asked.

“Pretty early on. Did she already know you were the boss back then?” Li Chenyao asked.

“No, she only found out the night before last.”

Cheng Jingwen glanced at Ji Yin in the rearview mirror, wondering what extraordinary qualities this person possessed that made Lu Jiahe take a liking to her and believe in her without even knowing her.

“Jiahe really has a good eye she actually struck gold,” Li Chenyao teased.

“It’s more like I stepped in dog poop,” Ji Yin murmured under her breath.

“We’re here,” Cheng Jingwen said, stopping the car.

Ji Yin got out, stood still for a moment, then immediately hailed a taxi to the hospital.

By the time Lu Jiahe and her colleagues finished the emergency surgery, it was already past eight. Exhausted, she changed her clothes and saw the message Ji Yin had sent hours earlier, asking her to get in touch after work.

[Lu Jiahe]: I’m off work now.

[Where are you? The outpatient building?] Ji Yin replied instantly.

[Lu Jiahe]: The inpatient building.

[Ji Yin]: Okay, I’m coming.

Lu Jiahe walked out of the building and hurried toward the main gate. As she passed the flower bed, she saw a figure rushing toward her at full speed.

The moment she recognized the person’s face, she was pulled into a warm embrace.

“How did you get here so fast?” Lu Jiahe asked. “Or have you been waiting here for a long time?”

“I was waiting for you to finish work.”

“When did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?” Lu Jiahe patted her back gently.

“Not long. Every second I waited for you was a happy one,” Ji Yin said, releasing her and cupping her face. “Thank you.”

“What are you thanking me for this time?” Lu Jiahe smiled.

“For liking me,” Ji Yin replied, pressing her lips to Lu Jiahe’s.

Ever since they confirmed their relationship, she had felt constantly insecure, always preparing herself for the worst. She thought she was the more vulnerable one in this relationship.

Little did she know that Lu Jiahe had long placed her at the center of her heart, quietly taking ninety-nine steps toward her. Ji Yin had only taken the final step.

And for that step, she would run.

She would run as fast as she could to Lu Jiahe’s side, so Lu Jiahe would never have to wait in agony again.