Chapter 7: The Little Girl's Maturity

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Upon hearing Lu Qiqi say she would come immediately, Fang Lehong showed a satisfied smile. Although she wasn’t pleased with this daughter-in-law, at critical moments she was somewhat useful—not a complete waste. If it were anyone else, Lu Qiqi would naturally ignore it. Fang Lehong opened her mouth, ready to leverage her connections to help the Si family maintain their relationships—there was no such easy favor. But since it was Chu Linchen’s mother, that was a different matter.

After applying a warm-toned lipstick, Lu Qiqi pursed her lips in a smile. The reflection in the mirror showed a beautiful, poised, and energetic young woman—just the right state. Choosing a suitable dress, her fingers brushed over the dressing table before settling on her favorite bottle of perfume.

She sprayed a little on her wrists and the hem of her dress, inhaling the scent with a faint smile.

At the hospital, Lu Qiqi bought an exquisite fruit basket at the entrance, carrying the bird’s nest Fang Lehong had just purchased, and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Inside, Mrs. Chu’s slightly impatient voice was heard. She had just been admitted, and visitors came in waves, making her quite irritated.

Entering the ward, Lu Qiqi casually placed the gifts on a nearby cabinet.

The VIP ward was very comfortable. Sunshine streamed through the window, illuminating the room brightly. The suite included a TV, living area, and refrigerator. There was no cold, pungent smell of disinfectant, but rather a warm, homely atmosphere.

“Mrs. Chu, I’m Lu Qiqi. You can just call me Qiqi. I heard you sprained your ankle and came specially to see you.”

Before her marriage, Lu Qiqi had met Mrs. Chu once or twice. She was a pretty, sensible young lady—that was Mrs. Chu’s impression, so she was naturally not too resistant.

Moreover, Lu Qiqi’s respectful yet unassuming manner contrasted with the last visitor, who had been obsequious and sycophantic, making Mrs. Chu feel much more at ease.

“Oh, it’s Qiqi. Why are you here? Is there something you need?” Feeling a bit better, Mrs. Chu decided she would grant any reasonable requests from Lu Qiqi.

“No, Mrs. Chu. I happen to know a director at this hospital. I originally came to see her today, but I happened to see you admitted, so I thought I’d drop by. I already informed her when I arrived, so she will take extra care of you here.”

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Lu Qiqi briefly explained her purpose, her straightforwardness surprising Mrs. Chu.

After Lu Qiqi washed her hands carefully, she sat obediently by the bed peeling an orange. Her fair, slender fingers moved deftly, her charming smile and gentle voice, faintly tinged with the scent of citrus, eased Mrs. Chu’s irritation from the ankle pain.

As they chatted some more, Mrs. Chu found this young woman knowledgeable and witty, increasing her fondness. She even felt a twinge of regret—such an outstanding girl, why marry so early? Otherwise, she would be a perfect match for her son…

Thinking of her son, Mrs. Chu felt both pride and vexation.

After about an hour, Lu Qiqi noticed Mrs. Chu’s occasional tired expressions and understood it was time to leave. She stood and said politely, “Mrs. Chu, I’ve enjoyed our conversation so much that I lost track of time. I’m sorry for disturbing your rest. I should take my leave.”

“All right, I won’t keep you then,” Mrs. Chu nodded, preparing to rest, feeling even more fond of this perceptive girl.

Lu Qiqi thoughtfully adjusted the hospital bed’s angle for Mrs. Chu. Just as she was about to leave, a tall figure appeared at the doorway.

Wearing a well-tailored dark suit over a fitted black shirt buttoned to the top, he exuded an aura of restrained control.

He lowered his head slightly, looking at Lu Qiqi with a beautiful yet cold, expressionless face. His deep eyes narrowed like a leopard sizing up prey.

“Uncle,” Lu Qiqi’s body tensed slightly, instinctively stepping back two paces before quickly curling into a polite smile and bowing slightly. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“Linchen, see Qiqi out,” Mrs. Chu’s voice came from inside the ward. Lu Qiqi wanted to refuse, but Chu Linchen had already taken several steps away, then stopped to gaze at her coldly.

Lu Qiqi felt a chill under his stare and quickened her pace to follow. Chu Linchen’s long legs strode ahead. Though escorting her at his mother’s behest, he showed no intention of waiting for her, and she dared not protest, hastening to keep up.

They walked out of the hospital one after the other.

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The entire way, Chu Linchen remained silent, his face taut and dark as still water. His handsome brows were tightly furrowed, and his imposing aura was intimidating. Despite the mild temperature outside, Lu Qiqi felt a chill emanating from him, causing unease.

Recalling the last time they met during a business meeting, she guessed he had misunderstood again—thinking she wanted to use Mrs. Chu to gain favor with the Chu family. Just as she was about to explain, he suddenly stopped.

Caught off guard, Lu Qiqi nearly bumped into him and quickly halted. Standing close, she could smell a faint cold woody fragrance on him.

The similar scent stirred memories from that day, but she quickly pulled herself back with reason.

“Lu Qiqi, I can’t control your little schemes, but I warn you, don’t direct them at my mother.”

His voice was like ice water, utterly devoid of warmth. Looking down on her, his eyes carried a warning.

Lu Qiqi felt a flash of dissatisfaction. After her good intentions, she showed a speechless expression and sighed, “You’re probably mistaken. I don’t have that idea.”

“Good, otherwise don’t blame me for intervening.” He neither confirmed nor denied her words, issuing another warning.

She hadn’t wanted to explain further but worried that a misunderstanding from Chu Linchen might ruin things. Reluctantly, she assured him again, “Chu Linchen, even if you see me as a bad person, please rest assured I won’t involve innocent people. Likewise, I ask you to turn a blind eye.”

With that, she turned and left without hesitation, no longer wasting words. Some matters only need to be said once. Those who distrust you will doubt even if you lay your heart bare.

As Lu Qiqi passed by, her graceful figure stirred a faint fragrance. Chu Linchen watched her retreating back, an unfamiliar yet strange feeling rising in his heart. A thought flashed through his mind but slipped away before he could grasp it.