Chapter 5
The smell of disinfectant permeated the air in the hospital. The emergency room was brightly lit, with people coming and going.
Percy followed the nurses and doctors almost every step of the way. He registered her, paid her medical bills, and hurriedly explained the situation to the doctor—"Opening a can, the metal cut her, it's very deep, and she bled a lot..."
As the doctor cleaned the wound, Lin Xiaotang broke out in a cold sweat from the pain and instinctively bit her lip. Bai Sinian stood to the side, his body taut like a fully drawn bow, his brows furrowed, his gaze fixed intently on the doctor's movements, as if every bit of pain was directly affecting him. Before the nurse could even finish speaking, he turned and fetched what she needed, his movements swift and decisive.
He even subconsciously took half a step forward when she needed a tetanus shot, as if he wanted to block her way, but he forced himself to stop, turning his face away, his jawline taut, and his Adam's apple bobbing violently.
Lin Xiaotang sat in the treatment chair, watching his busy, tense, and even somewhat flustered figure. The doubts in her heart surged like a tide, almost drowning out the irritation caused by his previous avoidance. His behavior now was completely different from the man in the coffee shop who didn't even dare to make eye contact.
After the treatment, the wound was stitched up with two stitches, bandaged, and the doctor gave instructions. Bai Sinian listened even more attentively than she did, writing down every word and repeatedly confirming the times for changing the dressing and removing the stitches.
On the way back, the car was silent. Fu Sinian drove intently, his profile still taut. The undeniable dominance he had exuded earlier gradually faded, replaced by a familiar awkwardness and silence.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of Lin Xiaotang's rented apartment building. Night had already fallen, and the streetlights cast an ambiguous shadow on the interior of the car.
"Thank you, Mr. Bai." Lin Xiaotang unbuckled her seatbelt, thanked him softly, and prepared to get out of the car.
"Wait a minute," Bai Sinian suddenly said, his voice a little hoarse.
Lin Xiaotang paused and turned to look at him.
His gaze was fixed on the steering wheel, and he spoke quickly yet with remarkable clarity, as if reciting a doctor's orders: "Remember what the doctor said? The wound must not get wet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and don't eat seafood or foods that may aggravate the condition. The clinic for changing the dressing is just across the street from your shop; I've written the time on the medicine bag. If... if you develop a fever or severe pain tonight, be sure to call the hospital, or... or..."
He seemed to catch his breath here, and suddenly stopped. Only their somewhat clear breathing could be heard in the carriage.
He seemed to suddenly realize he had said too much and interfered too much, and that familiar panic and helplessness instantly gripped him again. He glanced quickly at Lin Xiaotang, and when he met her probing and questioning gaze, he quickly looked away as if burned, his fingers unconsciously tightening their grip on the steering wheel.
"Anyway... take care of yourself." He finally concluded dryly, his voice lowering, reverting to the taciturn Fu Sinian who avoided her gaze. The intense concern and anxiety he had shown in the hospital earlier was clumsily and hastily concealed again, leaving only a trace of awkwardness.
The stark contrast deepened Lin Xiaotang's suspicions. She looked at his profile, which he once again instinctively avoided, and saw endless exhaustion and struggle hidden in the taut lines of his face.
"Thank you," she said softly again, her tone tinged with complex emotions. "I'll be careful. Goodbye, Mr. Bai."
She pushed open the car door and got out.
The black sedan didn't leave immediately; it simply remained there quietly, like a silent beast hidden in the night. Only after Lin Xiaotang's figure completely disappeared into the apartment building's entrance did the engine begin its low rumble and slowly drive away.
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