After visiting the exhibition, Chen Xi saw it was getting late and needed to return to the hospital to replace Chen Mei so she could rest.
Qin Lie drove her to the hospital entrance.
The two were silent the entire way. When the car stopped at the hospital entrance, people on the street hurried past.
Chen Xi finally broke the silence.
“When are you leaving?”
Qin Lie’s face showed no expression, but his gaze looked directly at Chen Xi.
After a moment of silence, he said, “Depends on the situation.”
Chen Xi’s ears warmed slightly.
She wasn’t sure if it was because of the sudden summer heat surrounding her outside the car, or because his words were inexplicably flirtatious.
Chen Xi was silent for a moment, then said, “I’ll treat you tomorrow.”
Qin Lie raised his eyebrows slightly. “Treat me to what?”
Chen Xi: “Tomorrow evening, I’ll treat you to cycling on the city wall at East Street.”
Qin Lie was silent. Tomorrow the exhibition would end, and he had to meet with FW’s person in charge.
Seeing Qin Lie didn’t speak, Chen Xi asked, “No time?”
Qin Lie made an “mm” sound.
Chen Xi smiled, “Never mind, you’re busy.”
She got out of the car and was about to close the door when she heard Qin Lie’s low voice, “Would the day after tomorrow work?”
Chen Xi was stunned and bent down to look into the car. “I’m returning to Dunhuang the day after tomorrow morning.”
Qin Lie: “So soon…”
Chen Xi nodded, “The shop is too busy. My aunt will stay here a bit longer.”
Qin Lie said nothing, looking at Chen Xi quietly.
Chen Xi: “See you in Dunhuang.”
Qin Lie smiled and made an “mm” sound.
Chen Xi closed the car door and strode toward the hospital.
Qin Lie watched Chen Xi’s figure disappear into the bustling hospital entrance before starting the car and slowly driving away.
Chen Xi walked into the ward and suddenly saw a familiar figure.
“Uncle Ma.”
She approached in surprise, “How did you get here?”
Ma Kechang turned to see Chen Xi and stood up with a smile.
“I called Master yesterday and heard he was hospitalized. The museum isn’t busy lately anyway, so I took leave to come see him.”
Chen Xi: “Such a long way, you made a special trip.”
Ma Kechang shook his head with a smile, “That’s too formal to say.”
Chen Hesheng beckoned to Ma Kechang, “Jianye, sit and talk.”
Ma Kechang nodded and obediently sat back in his chair.
Chen Hesheng asked him, “Did you fly here?”
Ma Kechang nodded, “Yes, flew here. Very convenient.”
Chen Hesheng: “Have you eaten?”
Ma Kechang shook his head, “Not yet.”
Chen Hesheng smiled, “Perfect, keep me company for a drink.”
Chen Xi, Chen Mei, and Ma Kechang all objected together: “That won’t do. You can’t drink alcohol now.”
Chen Hesheng said helplessly, “You drink, can’t I at least smell it?”
He looked at Chen Xi: “Girl, buy some of that Xifeng liquor. They like drinking Xifeng liquor here in Xi’an – it’s delicious.”
Night fell, and outside the ward window, thousands of lights gradually lit up.
Chen Hesheng leaned against the headboard. On the small table were porridge and simple dishes, and in his thermos was goji berry tea Chen Xi had made for him.
He poured the goji tea into a small wine cup and played with it smilingly, “Buying liquor and getting a free cup – not bad.”
He raised the small cup, clinked it with Ma Kechang’s, and said with a smile, “Look how well I’m being hospitalized – it’s wonderful.”
Ma Kechang smiled and drained the white liquor in his cup.
Chen Hesheng asked enviously, “Is it good?”
Ma Kechang nodded, “Master, when you’re discharged, I’ll properly drink with you.”
Chen Hesheng waved his hand, “Don’t stay here long. Go back tomorrow.”