“Where’s Qiqi and Fangping?” Cheng Fangqiu, noticing that he was just standing at the door and that the others hadn’t arrived yet, asked. Then she added, “Come sit down, don’t just stand there.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Zheng swallowed hard and quickly withdrew his gaze. Seeing that she was still unwell but making the effort to entertain guests, he obediently stepped forward. At the same time, he replied, “They’re right behind me. They should be here soon.”
As he moved closer, the man beside Cheng Fangqiu finally turned around. Their eyes met in midair, and the moment they recognized each other, both of them froze.
“It’s you?”
Yuan Zheng’s eyes widened in disbelief. At the same time, the scene from earlier that morning at the entrance of the photo studio flashed through his mind.
Zhou Yinghuai was also somewhat surprised, but only for a brief moment. He quickly pieced together the sequence of events and narrowed his eyes slightly, his scrutinizing gaze landing squarely on Yuan Zheng. Then, as if he had seen through something, his thin lips curved faintly, and he said in a soft voice, “What a coincidence.”
“You two know each other?” Cheng Fangqiu looked between Yuan Zheng and Zhou Yinghuai, full of confusion.
Zhou Yinghuai then recounted the unexpected encounter from the morning. As he finished speaking, his slender fingers picked up the coat that had somehow slipped down to her elbow and pulled it back up, wrapping her completely in the oversized outerwear.
“Wife, you need to wear your clothes properly.”
“Got it.” She obediently let him adjust her coat, even flashing him a smile. But within two seconds, she put on a stern face and said, “Both of you need to be more careful in the future! Watch where you’re walking!”
“Alright, we will.”
The two of them were positioned intimately close—much closer than when they had watched the movie yesterday.
The sight struck Yuan Zheng like a heavy blow, making him instinctively step back. His eyes turned slightly red, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides.
What had he just called her? Wife?
She was already married?
Before he could process the shock, the slightly ajar door was pushed open from the outside. Xu Qiqi and Du Fangping rushed in, panting.
“Yuan Zheng, why did you run so fast?”
Yuan Zheng’s mind was in turmoil. He froze for a few seconds before saying stiffly, “You guys were just too slow.”
“Oh, really?”
“He’s got long legs. Let’s not bother arguing with him.”
Du Fangping and Xu Qiqi both rolled their eyes at Yuan Zheng. Once they caught their breath, they immediately gathered around the hospital bed.
Seeing them approach, Zhou Yinghuai straightened up and put some distance between himself and Cheng Fangqiu, the corner of his lips lifting into a faint, ambiguous smile.
From his position directly opposite Zhou Yinghuai, Yuan Zheng naturally caught the expression. His heart skipped a beat—he had the distinct feeling that this man had seen through him completely. A faint sense of guilt and apprehension rose within him.
“This changing season makes it so easy to get sick. My dad caught a cold just two days ago.” Du Fangping sighed.
“Yeah, I just got careless and ended up catching a chill. You guys should take care too.”
With friends around to chat with, Cheng Fangqiu, who had been somewhat weak and dispirited from her illness, perked up a little. Noticing Du Fangping glancing curiously at Zhou Yinghuai, she smiled and introduced him.
“This is my husband, Zhou Yinghuai.”
Then, turning to Zhou Yinghuai, she said, “This is Fangping, the one I’ve mentioned before—Du Fangping.”
“Hello.” Zhou Yinghuai was the first to extend his hand.
Du Fangping was momentarily stunned, staring at him with sparkling eyes full of admiration for his looks. Without thinking, she blurted out, “My God, why is it that all of your men are ridiculously handsome?”
The moment those words left her mouth, Cheng Fangqiu and Xu Qiqi couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Zhou Yinghuai was momentarily caught off guard, then chuckled. “Thank you.”
Realizing what she had just said, Du Fangping’s face instantly turned bright red. She coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment and quickly changed the subject. “This is Yuan Zheng, a younger brother from my residential compound.”
Following her words, Zhou Yinghuai’s gaze shifted to Yuan Zheng. He extended his hand as well. “Hello.”
Yuan Zheng stared at the hand that was just inches away. He wanted to ignore it outright, but with so many eyes watching, he forced himself to be polite. Reluctantly, he stretched out his hand for a quick handshake, his voice dry as he muttered, “Hello.”
The moment the words left his mouth, he immediately wanted to withdraw his hand. But the other man moved even faster—before Yuan Zheng could react, Zhou Yinghuai had already let go.
Yuan Zheng squeezed his palm, feeling an inexplicable sense of discomfort. He took a deep breath. Even though he knew it wasn’t appropriate, his gaze still couldn’t help but drift toward the person lying on the hospital bed.
Even while sick, her beauty remained unaffected. In fact, her slightly frail appearance added a delicate, pitiful charm to her, making her every move captivating. She was more beautiful than any girl he had ever seen.
The more he looked at her, the faster his heart pounded.
Remembering the fact that she was already married, Yuan Zheng lowered his eyes. A hint of disappointment flickered across them, but at the same time, an unwillingness to accept reality took root. His gaze subconsciously shifted to the man beside her. But the more he looked, the more he had to admit—they really did seem like a perfect match.
Just as he was lost in thought, someone called his name.
“Yuan Zheng, little brother, do you want something to eat?”
The deep male voice rang in his ears, inexplicably grating.
Little brother? Who the hell was his little brother? Did they even know each other?
Ever since he met her, Yuan Zheng had become particularly sensitive about age. Now, he gritted his teeth in frustration, and for the first time, cursed inwardly.
Perhaps because he hadn’t responded for a while, Du Fangping reminded him, “Comrade Zhou is going to the cafeteria to buy food for Qiuqiu. You haven’t had lunch yet, do you want something?”
“I don’t need anything.” Yuan Zheng shook his head firmly. Even if he starved, he refused to eat something bought by this man.
Zhou Yinghuai, holding the food container, simply curved his lips into a smile. “Alright then.”
With that, he bid the group farewell and walked out of the room. However, the moment he stepped outside, the smile at the corner of his lips vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp edge.
A brat who hadn’t even fully grown yet, daring to covet his wife?
Ridiculous.
—
Once Zhou Yinghuai left, Yuan Zheng hesitated for a couple of seconds before striding over and sitting down in his seat.
“Master Cheng, how are you feeling now? Do you still feel uncomfortable anywhere?”
Just as Cheng Fangqiu was about to respond, Xu Qiqi and Du Fangping burst into laughter.
“Calling her Master Cheng is too funny. It makes her sound like she’s a whole generation older than us.”
Hearing this, Cheng Fangqiu thought it made sense. Besides, their relationship no longer strictly fell into the category of a customer and a photographer. Since he called Du Fangping “Sister Fangping,” she suggested, “I’m a few years older than you. If you don’t mind, you can call me Sister Qiuqiu from now on?”
Yuan Zheng choked, feeling that “Master Cheng” might have been the better option after all.
But with so many people watching, he had no choice but to respond vaguely with a murmur of agreement.
As they continued chatting, Du Fangping, seeing that Cheng Fangqiu seemed to be in good spirits, hesitated for a moment before speaking up.
“Qiuqiu, Qiqi, I just remembered something I wanted to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“My mom was really satisfied with the alterations you made for her. Her friends saw them and now they want you to help with theirs too. What do you think?”
Fearing that they would misunderstand, she quickly added, “Of course, you can wait until you’re feeling better. They are all genuinely interested in hiring you, so just follow your usual rules—set a few outfit choices and make the modifications accordingly.”
Although her words were slightly jumbled, Cheng Fangqiu and Xu Qiqi understood her meaning right away. Their eyes lit up—who would have thought that yesterday’s efforts would lead to such a positive ripple effect?
“That sounds great! Once I’m better, Qiqi can arrange a time with you.”
The three of them were visibly excited. However, Yuan Zheng was completely lost in the conversation and couldn’t help but ask for clarification.
After hearing the explanation, he mulled it over and, almost without thinking, blurted out, “Can guys do it too?”
“You want us to make clothes and modifications for you?” Cheng Fangqiu looked at him in surprise. But then, recalling his fondness for taking pictures, she didn’t find it strange at all.
People with slightly better looks tended to be more conscious of their appearance.
Yuan Zheng hesitated for two seconds, then, with a flushed face, nodded. His fingers nervously rubbed against his palm.
He knew she was married. He knew there was no chance between them. But if he could at least stay by her side as a friend, it was better than becoming strangers.
Yuan Zheng just wanted a few more chances to look at her.
“It’s possible, sure.” Cheng Fangqiu rubbed her chin, thinking that expanding into men’s clothing could be an interesting opportunity. However, her familiarity with men’s fashion wasn’t as strong as with women’s, and there was a real risk of failure.
She shared her concerns with Yuan Zheng, but he didn’t seem to mind at all.
“It’s okay, I just want to make some changes before school starts.” Afraid that his real motive might be discovered, Yuan Zheng quickly found an excuse for himself.
“Oh wow, entering high school really does make a difference.” Du Fangping winked at him teasingly. Yuan Zheng pressed his lips together and said nothing.
Because her younger brother, Cheng Xuejun, was also about to start high school, Cheng Fangqiu was particularly sensitive to the topic. She asked, “Which high school?”
“I think it’s Rongzhou No.1 High School?” Du Fangping tried to recall, sounding uncertain.
Luckily, Yuan Zheng confirmed, “Yes, it’s Rongzhou No.1 High School.”
“What a coincidence! My younger brother will also be attending that school.”
A hint of surprise flashed in Cheng Fangqiu’s eyes. She had been worried about Cheng Xuejun suddenly transitioning from a county school to a big provincial city high school—about whether he’d adapt well or be bullied. If Yuan Zheng, a local from Rongzhou, could keep an eye on him, that would be perfect.
However, since they weren’t particularly close, she felt a little embarrassed to ask for this favor.
Unexpectedly, Yuan Zheng took the initiative, “That’s great! I can look out for him at school.”
He said “look out for each other,” but in reality, it would be him looking after Cheng Xuejun more.
“Once he arrives in Rongzhou, I’ll introduce you two.” Cheng Fangqiu gave Yuan Zheng a grateful look. Seeing her expression, his lips curved up instinctively. “Alright.”
“In that case, we won’t charge you this time.”
So far, the only men’s clothing Cheng Fangqiu had ever designed was Zhou Yinghuai’s wedding outfit. To be honest, she wasn’t confident. Accepting Yuan Zheng’s request was more of a trial run—if it didn’t work out, they’d simply drop the idea and focus on their women’s clothing business.
“That’s not right. I should pay for it.” Yuan Zheng shook his head.
“You’re our first male client, and you’re a friend. Don’t be so formal.” Xu Qiqi pressed down on his shoulder, stopping him from insisting further.
Hearing that he was their first male client warmed Yuan Zheng’s heart. In the end, he stopped arguing.
“I’ll peel a peach for you.” Xu Qiqi noticed some fruit on the bedside table and enthusiastically volunteered. She went to wash her hands in the bathroom before picking up a knife to start peeling.
“Thanks.”
But watching her peel the peach was like witnessing a battle—everyone around her was on edge, afraid she’d accidentally cut herself.
Yuan Zheng couldn’t take it anymore. He sighed, went to wash his hands, and then smoothly took over the task from her. Unlike Xu Qiqi’s clumsy attempts, his peeling was fast, neat, and even.
“Well, well, who would’ve thought? You’ve got some skills, Yuan Zheng.” Xu Qiqi clicked her tongue in amazement and shamelessly instructed him to peel peaches for everyone.
Yuan Zheng agreed and cut the first peeled peach into small slices, placing them in a lunchbox before handing them to Cheng Fangqiu. Seeing how she was wrapped up in layers of coats and blankets, clearly unable to use her hands freely, he instinctively asked, “Do you want me to feed you?”
“I can do it myself.”
She was sick, not injured. There was no way she’d let someone else feed her—especially not Yuan Zheng.
Earlier, when Zhou Yinghuai had fed her, it was because she had been feeling too weak to move. Plus, it was part of their intimate dynamic—when they were alone, she couldn’t help but act spoiled with him, letting him take care of her.
And speak of the devil.
Just as she was about to take the plate of peaches, the hospital room door swung open from the outside.