Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Disliking Su Xinyao

Su Xinyao’s outstretched hand fell on empty air, but the smile on her face didn’t waver.

She smoothly drew it back, tucking a stray lock of hair at her temple as if the gesture had been perfectly ordinary.

Her gaze quickly shifted to Lu Xiao, filled with a perfect blend of respect and a touch of warmth.

“Oh, Deputy Commander Lu, you’re here too! What a coincidence. I was just on my way to the dorms to look for Su Tang; I didn’t expect to run into you all here.”

She gave the mesh bag in her hand a little swing. Inside, several red apples looked particularly plump and fresh.

“My family sent them from back home. I brought some for Su Tang to have a taste. She’s injured, so she needs to build her strength back up.”

Lu Xiao stood by Su Tang’s side, his tall frame like a silent wall.

He was expressionless, merely nodding at Su Xinyao in acknowledgment.

The man’s gaze was calm and unwavering, carrying the characteristic scrutiny of a soldier. When it fell upon Su Xinyao, her heart inexplicably clenched.

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Sister Xin Yao.”

Su Tang offered a polite smile, her tone just as courteous. “But my injury is really nothing—just a scrape. I barely even need to change the dressing anymore. You should keep the apples for yourself. Hospital work is tough.”

“There’s no need to be so formal with me.”

Su Xinyao said with a playful reproach, her tone intimate.

“We’re cousins, after all, and we work at the same place. It’s only right that we look out for each other.”

Her gaze swept over the side of Su Tang’s waist again, a hint of probing in her eyes.

“I heard things got pretty scary at the wedding. For you to just rush in like that… so brave.”

She didn’t finish her sentence, but her meaning was clear: she was calling Su Tang impulsive.

Lu Xiao didn’t respond, just tightened his grip on Su Tang’s hand slightly.

He could feel Su Tang’s hand grow a little stiff in his palm.

“The situation was urgent, and saving someone was what mattered most. I didn’t have time to think.”

Su Tang replied dismissively, not wanting to linger on the subject.

’She couldn’t shake the feeling that Su Xinyao’s sudden warmth and concern was like a thin layer of frosting, hiding something underneath.’

“Saving lives is a doctor’s duty.”

“But Su Tang, you have to look out for your own safety too. You’re one of the most promising young talents in our department; you’ll be taking on major responsibilities in the future. We can’t afford for anything to happen to you.

Next time something like that happens, try to think of other options, or call for help. Don’t just rush in by yourself.”

The words sounded like the earnest advice of a senior to a junior—heartfelt and with a “for your own good” undertone.

The sense of unease in Su Tang’s heart intensified.

’On the surface, Su Xinyao’s words sounded like concern, but upon closer inspection, they carried a subtle accusation, blaming her for being rash and reckless.’

“Yes, I understand, Sister Xin Yao.”

Su Tang suppressed the strange feeling in her heart. She still wore a faint smile, but her tone had cooled noticeably.

“That’s good.”

Su Xinyao seemed very satisfied that Su Tang had learned her lesson. Her smile deepened. “Did you two just come from Sister-in-law Zhang Cui’s place?”

Su Tang just hummed in response, saying nothing more.

Seeing her reticence, Su Xinyao nodded, her gaze darting quickly over Lu Xiao and Su Tang’s tightly clasped hands.

Something flashed in the depths of her eyes, gone so quickly it was impossible to catch.

“So, you two are… heading back now?”

“Yes, we’re about to head back,” Su Tang replied.

“Alright, you two should get going then. Su Tang needs her rest.”

Su Xinyao said thoughtfully, once again offering the mesh bag.

“Take these apples. Don’t be so formal. Consider it… a gift to celebrate your recovery.”

Her smile was radiant, and she looked as though she was offering a sincere blessing.

Su Tang looked at the mesh bag of apples, then back at Su Xinyao’s impeccable smile.

Refusing felt too harsh, but accepting them felt unsettling.

Just as she hesitated, Lu Xiao spoke up.

“That’s kind of you, Doctor Su. Su Tang isn’t fond of apples, but we appreciate the gesture.”

He made the decision for Su Tang directly, his tone leaving no room for argument and giving Su Xinyao no chance to insist.

Su Xinyao’s hand, offering the apples, paused in mid-air, the smile on her face freezing slightly.

But she recovered almost instantly. “Well, I won’t force you then.”

She withdrew the mesh bag, her smile unwavering. “You two should get back, then. Be careful. Su Tang, remember to get plenty of rest. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow,” Su Tang bid her a polite farewell.

Su Xinyao stood frozen in place, watching their retreating figures as Lu Xiao carefully shielded Su Tang while they walked away side by side.

The smile on her face slowly faded, eventually vanishing completely. All that remained was a calm, calculating expression of scrutiny.

The dusty Northwest wind stirred the loose strands of hair on her forehead. She tightened her grip on the mesh bag’s handle, her knuckles turning pale.

’Lu Xiao… he really is hard to get close to.’

She muttered to herself, her voice so soft only she could hear.

’But it doesn’t matter. There’s plenty of time. Su Tang… my dear sister, I’ll be sure to “take good care” of what’s yours.’

A dark glint flashed in her eyes. She then turned and walked away in the opposite direction, her steps becoming light and carefree again, as if the entire encounter had never happened.

After Lu Xiao had led Su Tang some distance away, out of Su Xinyao’s sight, he asked in a low voice, “Was she speaking in veiled terms just now?”

Su Tang hummed softly and leaned closer against him, drawing comfort from his reassuring presence.

“It felt like… she was lecturing me, while also trying to put on a show for you.”

She didn’t mention the apples, but Lu Xiao’s decisive refusal had sent a strange warmth through her heart.

“Mm.”

Lu Xiao grunted in response, offering no further comment on Su Xinyao. He simply tightened his grip on her hand.

“Stay away from her from now on. I don’t like the way she looks at you.”

’His soldier’s intuition told him that her smiling cousin was hiding something behind her eyes.’

’It was as if she saw him as a prize already within her grasp.’

“I know.”

Su Tang swung their intertwined hands, trying to shake off the unpleasantness of the recent encounter.

“But she’s my superior at work. We’re bound to interact.”

“I’m here.”

Lu Xiao’s words were simple and to the point, but those two words carried immense weight.

The sunlight stretched their shadows long, making them look as if they were nestled together.

Su Tang stole a glance at the sharp, strong lines of Lu Xiao’s profile.

The shadow that Su Xinyao’s appearance had cast over her mood was completely dispelled by his concise words and the warmth of his hand.

She muttered under her breath, “So… what you said before, about having a baby… does that offer still stand?”

Lu Xiao stopped dead in his tracks and turned his head to look at her.

A scorching light instantly ignited in the man’s deep eyes, and a tell-tale blush quietly crept up from the base of his ears.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. His voice was low and raspy, thick with earnestness and nerves.

“Of course it does. I, Lu Xiao, never go back on my word. Tangtang, are you… willing?”

He stopped walking, looking at her intently, waiting for her answer, as if it was the most important thing in the world.

Su Tang’s face flushed crimson in an instant, turning the color of a ripe apple.

She quickly ducked her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of Lu Xiao’s shirt as her heart hammered like a drum.

’This man… How can he be so blunt, even about something like this! How am I supposed to answer him?!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep