"Hello, this is Qiao Xi. May I ask who's calling?"
Qiao Xi spoke softly.
There was a long silence on the other end of the line.
"Hello?"
Qiao Xi frowned, thinking it might be a wrong number.
At that moment, Huo Xingzhou called out from the bathroom, "Qiao Xi, the bath is ready."
"Alright, I'm coming," Qiao Xi replied loudly.
The breathing on the other end of the line became erratic, and the caller abruptly hung up.
How strange.
Qiao Xi didn't dwell on it. She placed her phone on the bedside table and walked toward the bathroom.
Inside, the room was filled with steam.
Huo Xingzhou's jacket was casually thrown on the sink. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing his defined forearms.
His usually indifferent gaze carried a hint of gentleness. "The doctor said your injuries aren't too serious, just avoid getting your hands wet."
"Okay."
Qiao Xi stood aside, waiting for him to leave.
But he showed no intention of leaving.
"Mr. Huo, aren't you leaving?"
"Can you bathe yourself with your hands like that?" His amused eyes landed on her hands, wrapped thickly in bandages like dumplings.
"Then…"
Qiao Xi hesitated to say it.
"I'll help you," he said calmly.
His hand reached behind her and grasped the zipper of her dress.
"Mr. Huo…"
"Qiao Xi, the way you felt toward me before, that's how I feel about you now." His eyes were like rippling waves, pulling her in.
Qiao Xi froze, closing her eyes tightly, allowing him to proceed.
Her dress slid off and was tossed aside.
Then came her inner layers.
She sat in the bathtub like a puppet on strings, grateful for the thick bubbles concealing key areas. Otherwise, the thought of his gaze lingering on her would've made her want to bury herself in a hole.
His warm hand rested on her shoulder, the rough texture of his fingerprints grazing her skin.
The bathroom was steeped in heat and a rich aroma, while he exuded a cold yet magnetic presence.
Qiao Xi's head spun, as if strings of her heart were being plucked.
"What's the little miracle doctor thinking about?"
Whenever he was up to mischief, he'd teasingly call her "little miracle doctor."
Qiao Xi's skin tingled like an electric current.
"Nothing," she replied quickly.
Huo Xingzhou's fingers trailed water droplets from her shoulder down to her neck, his voice unhurried. "Tomorrow, I'll take you to settle the score. How does that sound?"
"How?" Qiao Xi asked, following his lead.
"A shareholders' meeting."
"Alright."
Her almond-shaped eyes curved into a smile, their depths shimmering with spring-like warmth.
Huo Xingzhou swallowed hard, his restraint forcing him to create some distance.
"Don't soak for too long. Stand up; I'll rinse you off," he said, his voice slightly hoarse.
Qiao Xi reluctantly stood.
The shower's spray cascaded over her skin, sending shivers through her body. His hands glided over her, wiping away the bubbles. Qiao Xi dared not imagine how she looked in his eyes.
She felt as though all her courage had been drained.
Finally, he wrapped her in a bathrobe.
Only then did she slowly open her eyes.
The steamy bathroom blurred her vision, but his dark, deep eyes remained strikingly clear.
"Mr. Huo…"
Her voice came out soft, almost like a murmur.
A rosy flush spread across Qiao Xi's cheeks.
Huo Xingzhou leaned down, drawing closer.
Qiao Xi didn't shy away. Instead, she instinctively closed her eyes, implicitly allowing him to continue.
In moments, his familiar scent enveloped her. She could hear his slightly quickened breath and strong heartbeat. She couldn't help but arch toward him, her body taut.
The dim light painted everything in warm, ambiguous hues.
The cold yet warm scent of him combined with the humid air created a heady aroma.
Qiao Xi felt an irresistible pull toward him, inching closer.
His strong arms supported her waist and lifted her onto the sink counter. She sat atop his discarded jacket, entranced by the desire burning in his eyes.
Under the flickering light, repressed feelings threatened to break free.
He carefully avoided her injuries. Qiao Xi's hands rested on his shoulders, her neck arched back.
"Mr. Huo…"
Her soft, pleading voice escaped.
Enough.
Huo Xingzhou pulled her into an embrace, resting his head against her neck, his breathing labored.
"Alright. Once your wounds heal…"
His raspy voice trailed off.
What did he mean by that?
"When your wounds heal, do you prefer silk sheets or cotton ones?" he asked suddenly.
The simple question ignited another wave of heat within her.
Blushing, Qiao Xi whispered, "Cotton."
"Okay."
He responded with a slight hum, his fingers lightly tracing her back.
"Qiao Xi, I was scared that day," he admitted, his voice raw. "When the call connected, I heard Zhuo Feng attacking you."
His large hand tightened around her waist as if ensuring she was really there.
"Mr. Huo, I'm fine." Her voice was soft and sweet, like honey.
Huo Xingzhou reluctantly released her, meeting her gaze.
"Qiao Xi, once your identity is revealed, many will come seeking your medical expertise. If you don't wish to treat them, just refuse. I'll handle the rest," he assured her.
Qiao Xi nodded earnestly. "Okay!"
Her nose tingled, her eyes warm. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions, sweet and sour like blooming flowers.
Mr. Huo was wonderful.
Her cheeks flushed as her almond eyes sparkled like rippling spring water.
"Mr. Huo, my wound hurts a little," she murmured before leaning forward, mimicking his earlier gesture, and kissing the corner of his lips.
The act was innocent yet fervent—a complete tease.
"Qiao Xi."
He called her name in a restrained tone, teetering on the edge of control.
Her clear eyes met his as she softly said, "Mr. Huo, you're my painkiller. I don't need to wait for my wounds to heal."
Her words ignited a new fire within him.
Huo Xingzhou lifted her suddenly, carrying her out of the bathroom.
Qiao Xi felt the world spin as she landed on the soft bed, with him leaning over her.
She suddenly felt nervous and afraid.
Hovering above her, he gazed into her eyes and said in a controlled voice, "Qiao Xi, I'm giving you one chance to regret this."
Then he grabbed a silk blanket and covered her. "Get some rest."
Wide-eyed, Qiao Xi bit her lip and looked at him.
"Don't look at me like that," he warned, his voice low, his pale face betraying a faint red hue. The mole on his neck seemed to burn crimson. "Next time, I won't let you go."
He turned and headed back to the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water and his restrained voice spilled out, muffled behind the door.
Qiao Xi buried herself under the blanket, her face red as an apple.
Sleep soon overcame her as her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted into slumber.
When Huo Xingzhou emerged from the bathroom, exuding cold energy, he found her curled up under the blanket, peacefully asleep.
Just as he was about to do something, a knock sounded at the door.