"Damn it!" When Chen Er saw Qiangzi being so unrighteous, she immediately cursed. The next second, she came to her senses. The big shot standing in front of her was obviously a much tougher nut to crack.
"Hehe, um, Jiang Cong..." Chen Er forced out a couple of dry laughs, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere. But under Jiang Cong's solemn gaze, she couldn't utter a single word.
"How old are you? You're still so irresponsible to yourself." There was a hint of reproach in Jiang Cong's tone. Although he still had a poker face, Chen Er could see the olive branch he was subtly offering her.
"I'll be more careful in the future. This was just an accident, really. I promise." Chen Er managed to squeeze out two crocodile tears like a drama queen and piously made her promise.
Jiang Cong didn't say a word. Instead, he just quietly stared at Chen Er, as if lost in thought.
Chen Er put on an innocent and naive look. Her watery eyes were misty, and coupled with her pale and skinny face, she looked extremely pitiful.
Chen Er had no idea what Jiang Cong was thinking. But given the current situation, she had to act like an innocent high - school student to handle the situation.
"Have you always been like this before?" Jiang Cong asked this question with a double meaning. It was hard to tell if he was testing her or just simply asking.
Chen Er didn't show any sign of uneasiness. Instead, she continued Jiang Cong's words quite naturally, "I'm used to living a carefree life. As long as I'm full, I don't have to worry about anyone else."
No matter what Jiang Cong was up to, Chen Er secretly decided to stay calm. Anyway, she had already found a way to keep Jiang Cong in check.
Somehow, Chen Er felt that the relationship between her and Jiang Cong was like a cat - and - mouse game. She was cunning and full of tricks, but Jiang Cong was no less shrewd. He always took unexpected approaches. This kind of well - matched confrontation made Chen Er eager to conquer Jiang Cong.
Jiang Cong's expression became even more peculiar. He sighed and gently pulled Chen Er into his arms.
It was hardly a proper hug. Jiang Cong's arms only loosely encircled Chen Er. The faint fragrance of tea wafted into Chen Er's nostrils in strands.
Chen Er leaned her head on Jiang Cong's shoulder and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that she had passed this test. Otherwise, given Jiang Cong's personality, he wouldn't have let it go so easily.
Where Chen Er couldn't see, Jiang Cong closed his eyes tightly. Only his constantly fluttering eyelashes betrayed his unpeaceful state of mind.
In fact, he wasn't overthinking. He was just worried and heart - broken for the past Chen Er. Before he got to the emergency room, he met the doctor who treated Chen Er.
From the doctor, he learned that Chen Er didn't utter a single sound during the gastric lavage. She cooperated very well. You know, the irritation of gastric acid and the gastroscopic examination were too much for even a boy like Qiangzi.
But Chen Er really surprised the doctor. The doctor sighed and told Jiang Cong, who was automatically regarded as Chen Er's guardian, that Chen Er was strong - willed and patient.
Jiang Cong remained calm on the surface, but inside, his heart was in turmoil. What kind of dark and miserable family could make Chen Er so precocious, using all her nonchalance to cover up her wounds?
Was it really just simple precocity and independence?
For the first time, Jiang Cong regretted that he hadn't appeared earlier. Maybe the bad things wouldn't have happened. But there were no ifs in this world. The established facts had been set and couldn't be reversed. All people could do was to accept them.
"From now on, I'll be with you. I won't let this happen again." Jiang Cong stroked Chen Er's long hair that had grown to her shoulders. The soft touch made him reluctant to let go.
Chen Er hid in Jiang Cong's arms, not daring to make a sound. Her mind was filled with crazy complaints. Who could tell her how things had suddenly turned out like this!
In other aspects of dealing with people, Chen Er was experienced and skillful. But when it came to feelings, especially the feelings between her and Jiang Cong, she was still a bit green and truly innocent.
Feelings were beautiful, so Chen Er was extremely cautious, fearing that she might accidentally ruin this hard - won beauty.
"Okay, I believe you." Chen Er imitated Jiang Cong and hugged him back.
Not far away, Qiangzi watched the two of them being intimate in the ward. There was a sincere smile on his face. He just hoped that Chen Er would be happy. It didn't matter to him whether the person beside Chen Er was him or not.
Fortunately, Chen Er hadn't eaten much seafood. After she finished an IV drip of glucose, she could be discharged from the hospital. Qiangzi, however, had eaten too much and needed to stay in the hospital for observation.
When they got home, it was already four o'clock in the morning. The sky was just starting to lighten. Chen Er was a bit sleepy. Her head bobbed on the sofa. Eventually, she couldn't resist the fatigue and fell into a deep sleep.
Jiang Cong helplessly walked into the bedroom, took out a thin blanket, and covered Chen Er with it. "Have a good rest. Leave everything else to me."
Since Chen Er had just had a gastric lavage, she couldn't eat spicy food. Jiang Cong cooked a pot of thick, fragrant, yet light porridge for her.
He looked at his watch. It was already seven o'clock. Chen Er wasn't an irresponsible person. She forced herself to wake up from her sleep. Her groggy mind was completely awakened by a burst of delicious smell.
"It smells so good!" Chen Er sniffed and sat down at the dining table. She said in a rapturous tone, "Jiang Cong, it's such a pity that you didn't become a chef. With your looks and cooking skills, you're definitely the Takeshi Kaneshiro of the culinary world!"
Jiang Cong shamelessly said, "I'm also a good - looking guy in the police force. Outstanding people are always self - illuminating."
Chen Er: "..." You're awesome.
Chen Er chose to ignore Jiang Cong's self - praise. Her mind was completely focused on the delicious breakfast. Her cheeks were stuffed full, looking like a cute little hamster.
Jiang Cong wasn't seeing Chen Er eat like this for the first time. He silently placed a glass of warm water in front of her in case she choked.
"Okay, I'm full." Chen Er contentedly stroked her slightly bulging belly and let out a small belch. "After eating your food, I feel like my brain is working at full speed. I'm sure I'll win!"
Jiang Cong just smiled but didn't say a word. He let Chen Er take a short nap and then woke her up. He drove her to the exam venue.
Up ahead was a blocked road. Vehicles were prohibited from passing. Jiang Cong stopped the car and gave Chen Er his last reminder, "Don't be impatient. Take it steady."
Chen Er made a fist gesture, opened the car door, and jumped out full of energy.