Chapter 23: Just go home?

The atmosphere in the ward hadn’t been good; illness isn’t joyful. But since Su Ai and her family arrived, laughter filled the ward.

Other patients relaxed, infected by their happiness.

The doctor, during his rounds, smiled: “I could hear your laughter from far away.”

“It’s rare to see such cheerfulness in a hospital.”

After dinner, Su Ai cleared the dishes, planning to wash them later at their rented apartment. She peeled an apple for Ji Yang, giving half to Lele.

“You eat too?”

Ji Yang offered his half to Su Ai.

Su Ai took a bite from Ji Yang’s apple.

“Eat, why wouldn’t you? One bite for you, one bite for me.”

Ji Yang stared at the apple Su Ai had bitten, lost in thought.

“Eat it, why aren’t you eating? Do you dislike me?” Su Ai smiled.

“No.”

Ji Yang blushed slightly and took a bite of the apple.

“When I took Lele to the movies today, I noticed there weren’t any snacks sold near the cinema.”

“I was thinking of selling popcorn and milk tea there tomorrow.”

“What’s milk tea?”

Ji Yang knew what popcorn was; people made it during winter festivals.

But they used a machine that made a loud bang and smoke.

“A popcorn machine would be too loud near the cinema. Would they let you set up a stall?”

They lowered their voices since it was a business idea.  A overheard idea could cause trouble.  Their closeness reflected their hushed tones.

“No machine needed; I’ll use a stove.”

“A stove?”

Ji Yang was incredulous.

“You can’t pop corn in a frying pan.”

This was common knowledge; Ji Yang feared Su Ai didn’t know.

Su Ai from her past life didn’t, but she did now.

The corn used in frying pans was processed, special corn.

Ordinary corn would only burn; it wouldn’t pop.

But Su Ai had another method.

“I have another way, but I need to try it.”

“Milk tea is made by stir-frying tea leaves and mixing them with milk, adding a little sugar.”

“That’s the simplest milk tea.”

Milk tea powder would be easier, but it wasn’t available in China then, and Su Ai didn’t know where to get it.

“Where can we get fresh milk?”

“No need for fresh milk; use milk powder. The effect is the same.”

Modern milk tea had many variations with pearls, taro balls, desserts, and fruit teas but Su Ai lacked the resources.

She would use the simplest method.  Even simple sweet milk tea could make some money.

Ji Yang saw Su Ai’s planning; it wasn’t a whim.

“If you want to try, go ahead. Tomorrow, Lele can stay with me. If I need to use the toilet, Lele can help. You can buy the supplies and try.”

“Don’t stress too much. If it sells, great. If not, we can share it.”

Starting a business or setting up a stall was risky then; many people were hesitant due to past experiences.

Su Ai expected to persuade Ji Yang, but he agreed readily, even comforting her.

His eyes held no suspicion or impatience with her plans, only acceptance and indulgence.

Their closeness, their intertwined breaths, made Su Ai act impulsively.

She leaned in and lightly kissed Ji Yang’s lips, a fleeting touch without a sound.

There were others in the ward.

Su Ai wasn’t the type to seek intimacy in public.

Su Ai remained calm, but Ji Yang’s face flushed crimson.

He looked around nervously, relieved to see everyone occupied and no one noticing.

Even Lele was playing with his game console.

He looked at Su Ai: “Don’t do that in public.”

Even though attitudes had become more open, it didn’t mean they could be so casual.

He was a man; it was fine for him, but if people saw Su Ai acting like that often, gossip would target her.

“You mean it’s okay if we’re not in public?”

His eyes widened.  He hadn’t meant that; why was Su Ai twisting his words?

Seeing Su Ai’s hopeful expression, Ji Yang blushed intensely but whispered in her ear:

“When we get home.”

Home?

What would they do at home?

Su Ai had only wanted to tease Ji Yang with a kiss.

But his words made her imagine more.  Her throat tightened slightly.

“What will we do at home?”

That was Ji Yang’s limit.  Facing Su Ai’s question, he buried himself under the blanket, saying nothing more.

His shyness made Su Ai want to carry him to their rented apartment.

But the doctor had repeatedly told him to avoid movement.

Even with her desires, Su Ai couldn’t disregard his condition.

Taking a deep breath and standing up, Su Ai decided she couldn’t stay near Ji Yang; he was a flirt.

Constantly seducing her.

If Ji Yang heard her thoughts, he would cry foul.

When had he seduced Su Ai?

It was Su Ai who was constantly acting inappropriately.