C18 The Heart of a Woman Is like a Needle in the Ocean

The female doctor straightened up and sat back at her computer, typing a few keys before saying, "It's not too serious, but you shouldn't take it lightly. You need to stay home and rest for a few days. Make sure not to walk on both feet. I'll prescribe some ointment for you to apply once a day."

"Okay, thank you."

"Silly girl, no need to thank me," the doctor chuckled, then turned her gaze to Xiao Chen, her tone suddenly turning cold. "During this time, make sure you fulfill your responsibilities as a boyfriend and take good care of Xiaoli. It's not too serious now, but if not handled properly, it could lead to lifelong issues."

Chu Xiaoli started to speak, "Actually... we're not..."

"Don't worry, I'll take good care of Xiaoli," Xiao Chen interrupted with a warm smile, his handsome and slightly mischievous face looking sincere.

The doctor nodded in satisfaction just as Donation arrived with clothes, knocking on the office door.

Xiao Chen couldn't very well ask Chu Xiaoli or the doctor to answer the door, so he walked over, opened it, and took the bag of clothes from Donation, tossing it to Chu Xiaoli.

"Go change in the restroom. I'll take you home."

The doctor's brow furrowed again at Xiao Chen's attitude toward Chu Xiaoli, clearly displeased.

Chu Xiaoli didn't mind. She was used to his unpredictable nature, sometimes gentle, sometimes angry. She picked up the clothes and limped toward the restroom. Suddenly, Xiao Chen strode over and scooped her up in his arms. Startled, Chu Xiaoli struggled, embarrassed that the doctor, whom she regarded as an elder, was watching.

Her ears turned red with embarrassment.

Xiao Chen ignored her struggles and carried Xiaoli into the bathroom, closing the glass door behind them like a gentleman. Xiaoli was left inside, a mix of surprise and confusion washing over her. She had expected this "big bad wolf" to take advantage of the situation somehow...

Holding the clothes, Xiaoli felt a bit lost, but seeing the sorry state of her dress, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and change into the new one.

The dress Donation picked out for Xiaoli was a pale blue, and on her, it looked like she was a cold, beautiful goddess of the moon. The fabric was exquisite, just as she had expected. Her soft pink lips pressed together in thought—once again, she owed that man.

Xiaoli wasn't naive. The clothes Xiao Chen gave her weren't just worth a few thousand dollars; this dress alone was probably worth more than she could ever repay.

She dawdled for a long time, until Xiao Chen, growing impatient, was about to knock on the door. Just then, Xiaoli opened the glass door, catching the flash of admiration in his dark eyes. Her lips pressed even tighter.

"My dear Xiaoli, no dress can hide your beauty," Xiao Chen said with a mischievous smile, standing in front of her and looking her over with satisfaction. His teasing gaze felt like he was admiring a pet that pleased him.

To these high-society types, wasn't she just a toy to be admired and doted on?

Xiao Jie's attitude toward her wasn't that of a boyfriend's tender care. Though he was indulgent, there was a lack of passion, more like the respectful distance between an old married couple.

Having spent time with him, Xiaoli understood that Xiao Jie simply wanted a hassle-free wife to display like a beautiful vase at home. It wasn't love. She just happened to meet all his criteria, so he could spoil her, but there was a distance in their interactions. If she made a mistake, he could turn cold and indifferent in an instant.

Knowing she was meant to be his wife, he didn't treat her like he did other women—jumping into bed and then discarding them.

In many ways, Xiaoli was quite fortunate.

Xiaoli hated the way people looked at her, hated the harsh reality of it all. Her displeasure furrowed her brow as she pushed Xiao Chen away and limped out.

Xiao Chen was baffled, unsure of what had upset Xiaoli this time. He stood there, momentarily stunned, scratched his head, and then hurried after her, musing to himself.

A woman's heart truly is a mystery.