Chapter 28

Li Xuan actually knows how to drive, but he refuses to drive to work.

He really enjoys it when Su Xingchuan drops him off every morning, then gives him a reluctant kiss at the hospital entrance. Once he's out, he glances back and there's Su Xingchuan, smiling at him from a distance.

He walks into the hospital with his bag on his back.

The security guard originally didn't dare greet him, but Li Xuan took the initiative to curve his lips and nod. The guard was startled and quickly said, 'Good morning, Dr. Li.'

Li Xuan also said, 'Good morning.'

Watching Li Xuan enter the hospital gate, the guard muttered to himself, 'What's gotten into him today? Dr. Li actually smiled.'

The Men's Health Hospital is relatively much more idle compared to other general hospitals. Li Xuan unhurriedly walked into his consultation room, changed into his white coat, and turned on the computer.

The calling machine started working, gradually broadcasting mechanical reminders for consultations. The door of Li Xuan's office was knocked on, and some men with worried expressions came in.

At first, they might question Li Xuan's medical skills because of his age and appearance. But after a few rounds of communication, they'd feel that this icy young doctor is actually very professional.

Li Xuan wrote prescriptions for them and watched them leave. While waiting for the next patient, he glanced at his watch.

It's ten in the morning.

By rights, Su Xingchuan should be arriving soon.

Su Xingchuan had held back for half a month. Last night they almost crossed the line. Li Xuan actually wanted it too, but as a doctor, he upheld professional ethics and finally stopped Su Xingchuan from going further. Su Xingchuan deflated in his arms and kept biting his neck.

Li Xuan pulled the collar of his turtleneck up a bit more.

To cover up the hickeys.

*

The patients on the benches were getting fewer and fewer.

Su Xingchuan checked the time and prepared to get up and take a number.

Even though he was a doctor's family member, he still followed the rules, made an appointment in advance, and then pretended to sit in the waiting hall, watching patients go in and out. He deliberately timed it for the last moment, waiting until Li Xuan was about to get off work before knocking on the door.

Maybe it's because they've been together so long and have a telepathic connection.

He just walked in and before he could make a sound, Li Xuan sensed the familiar presence, tilted his body, and saw Su Xingchuan.

Su Xingchuan raised an eyebrow at him.

Li Xuan maintained an icy face and ignored him.

Little Dr. Li at home acts all cute and sweet like a kid, but once at work he transforms. In his white coat, his bangs neat and clean, when silent he's calm and collected, emitting an aura that says stay away. For the first time, Su Xingchuan clearly felt that Li Xuan is no longer twenty years old.

He's the twenty-seven-year-old Dr. Li.

His Adam's apple couldn't help bobbing. Su Xingchuan got a naughty thought: he wanted Li Xuan to buy a white coat to wear at home.

'Dr. Li.'

He called out with a straight face, but Li Xuan ignored him.

'I'm number twenty-four.' Su Xingchuan handed the registration slip to Li Xuan and deliberately acted, 'I'm here for a follow-up today.'

Li Xuan extended a hand toward him. As soon as he reached out and held it, Li Xuan flipped his hand and slapped it.

Little Dr. Li said, enunciating each word: 'CT report.'

'...' Su Xingchuan handed his test report to Li Xuan.

He'd had a series of tests yesterday, and this morning as soon as he got the report he rushed to Li Xuan for a follow-up. He thought, I can't wait any longer—tonight, I'll set up a candlelit dinner, candlelight flickering, wine scent in the air, and then just go with the flow.

Li Xuan took it, looked it over, and said nothing.

The smile on Su Xingchuan's face suddenly froze. 'Wh-what's wrong?'

Li Xuan's expression turned grave.

'Don't scare me, baby!' Su Xingchuan leaned in and looked at it with Li Xuan. 'I think the conclusion seems fine.'

After a few seconds, Li Xuan 'mm'ed.

'Nothing wrong.'

'...'

Su Xingchuan breathed a sigh of relief as if he'd survived a catastrophe.

He pinched Li Xuan's cheek. 'So bad. If I get scared sick, Dr. Li will have to take full responsibility.'

Li Xuan stared at him steadily, tilted his head a little, and Su Xingchuan immediately stopped being mad. He leaned over and kissed him.

Just then, Zou Ying came in. 'Dr. Li, the cafeteria at noon—'

She stopped mid-sentence.

Su Xingchuan released Li Xuan and smiled at Zou Ying.

Li Xuan didn't hide anything, just asked, 'What about the cafeteria?'

Zou Ying stammered, 'The ca-cafeteria has beef claypot, first come, first served.'

Li Xuan said, 'Got it, thanks.'

Su Xingchuan stood up and said to Zou Ying, 'I'm Dr. Li's boyfriend.' He turned to Li Xuan, 'How should I address her?'

'Zou Ying,' Li Xuan said.

'Miss Zou, hello.'

Zou Ying forced a smile, having never encountered this situation, and laughed a bit awkwardly. 'Hello, you two look so good together.'

Su Xingchuan's brow lifted slightly, clearly pleased with that comment.

Zou Ying closed the door for them.

Su Xingchuan walked over, locked the door, and then hugged Li Xuan who was about to take off his white coat. 'What kind of claypot? Is it good? Can I go to the cafeteria as a doctor's family member?'

Li Xuan said, 'Sure.'

Su Xingchuan stopped Li Xuan's hand, but instead placed his own hand over it, helping Li Xuan unbutton.

Just unbuttoning, there's still a shirt underneath the white coat.

But Su Xingchuan deliberately slowed down his movements.

The atmosphere turned suggestive.

Li Xuan turned his head away and whispered, 'I'm hungry.'

Su Xingchuan said, 'I'm hungry too.'

'...'

Obviously, they weren't talking about the same thing.

The last button undone, Su Xingchuan lowered his head and captured Li Xuan's lips. Li Xuan was forced to tilt his head back, both hands clinging to Su Xingchuan's shoulders just to stay on his feet.

Su Xingchuan brushed his lips against the corner of Li Xuan's mouth. 'Never felt it before, but now I finally get it: what uniform temptation means.'

For some reason, Li Xuan suddenly felt a bit nervous.

'Su Xingchuan.'

'Hmm?'

'Although... but, don't go too crazy.'

Su Xingchuan chuckled softly. 'I'll try to restrain myself. Definitely won't turn Dr. Li into patient Li.'

Li Xuan bit him on the shoulder.

Li Xuan led Su Xingchuan to the cafeteria. Two undeniably handsome men walking together drew a lot of curious glances. Su Xingchuan asked, 'Aren't you afraid people will see and gossip about you?'

Li Xuan shook his head. 'Not afraid.'

Li Xuan walked naturally beside Su Xingchuan, his posture straight, completely unfazed by the probing looks from others.

Su Xingchuan was moved deep inside.

Li Xuan used his own card to pay for two steaming bowls of beef claypot, and the two sat across from each other. In front of colleagues, Li Xuan didn't act too clingy; he sat obediently, legs not swinging around. But as he ate, he secretly reached his chopsticks into Su Xingchuan's bowl and snatched the beef offal he loved.

Watching Li Xuan eat always made Su Xingchuan feel incredibly happy.

He suddenly said, 'After the new year, let's go abroad and get our certificate, okay?'

Li Xuan was stunned for a moment.

'Like you said, with rings, finding a church.'

Li Xuan lowered his gaze to the steaming claypot and didn't speak for a long time. Su Xingchuan leaned closer. 'What's wrong? Let me take a look—there's a kitten over here moved to tears.'

Li Xuan glared at him. 'As if.'

Su Xingchuan still smiled. 'Then it's settled. When the time comes, I'll arrange everything.'

Li Xuan shook his head.

Su Xingchuan was about to ask, but Li Xuan said, 'Let's arrange it together.'

Su Xingchuan broke into a slow smile.

'Alright.'

But man proposes, God disposes. Li Xuan got off work early today, but Su Xingchuan had an urgent matter and had to work overtime at the office. He messaged Li Xuan, telling him to go home first.

Li Xuan replied with an okay, but didn't follow Su Xingchuan's plan. He rode a shared bike to the building of the Investment Company.

This was his first time coming to Su Xingchuan's workplace.

Unlike Su Xingchuan, he wasn't the type to fit in right away, so he just stood downstairs and waited.

The moment Su Xingchuan stepped out of the elevator, he saw Li Xuan sitting at the entrance of the office building lobby, perched on a step, head lowered, muttering softly.

Su Xingchuan came closer and stood behind him to listen to what he was muttering.

'Iceland, Sicily, Bali... church...'

So he was thinking about the wedding.

Su Xingchuan pulled him into his arms. Just then, Xie Liang walked out, and the moment he saw them he squinted his eyes, 'Oh my, oh my.'

Li Xuan turned his head away and refused to look at him.

Xie Liang laughed, 'Dr. Li, Xingchuan was so anxious today, he couldn't sit still for a single minute, like there were nails hidden in his chair.'

The tips of Li Xuan's ears turned red.

Su Xingchuan waved his hand at Xie Liang, telling him to get lost quickly.

With Xie Liang's noisy voice gone, Su Xingchuan asked, 'Xuanxuan, where do you want the wedding?'

Li Xuan said, 'Haven't decided yet.'

'We'll think about it together when we get home.'

Unfortunately, after getting home, let alone picking a church, even getting married was forgotten. Before the door was even shut, he pressed Li Xuan against the wall by the entryway, one hand protecting the back of Li Xuan's head, the other pulling off Li Xuan's coat.

Su Xingchuan seemed too impatient.

For the first time, Li Xuan felt nervous before this kind of thing. His body stiffened. Su Xingchuan noticed Li Xuan's bewilderment, so he stopped and touched his nose to Li Xuan's. 'Did I scare you, Xuanxuan?'

Li Xuan pretended to be calm. 'Nope.'

'Then shall we continue?'

Li Xuan's breath caught, and Su Xingchuan already picked him up and carried him to the bathroom. Normally Su Xingchuan was too gentle and meticulous; Li Xuan had forgotten what the twenty-year-old hothead Su Xingchuan was like, and how he'd been so worn out he couldn't get out of bed, running a fever and drinking only liquids for days.

His smooth back pressed against the icy tiles. Even as steam filled the air and the heat inside him rose, Li Xuan still felt a bit cold. But he didn't say anything; he just tilted his head back and obediently accepted Su Xingchuan's impatience.

Li Xuan thought: I just like Su Xingchuan too much.

Time had ceased to be a perceptible dimension. Li Xuan couldn't remember how long he'd stayed in the shower. Water poured down like a storm, a thorough release, followed by an unbearable alternation of hot and cold. Intermittent kisses became a catalyst, and love crashed against the shore's limits like waves, leaving white foam behind.

Neither Su Xingchuan nor Li Xuan could tell who was the wave and who was being swept away.

Su Xingchuan was too assertive.

Only in the later half did he return to his usual tenderness, murmuring sweet nothings in Li Xuan's ear.

Li Xuan buried his face in the blankets, but Su Xingchuan fished him out. Worn down past endurance, he could only plead, 'I'm sleepy.'

'You go ahead and sleep.'

Li Xuan was speechless with frustration.

Looking at the night sky outside, Li Xuan guessed it was probably past midnight. He turned over, cupped Su Xingchuan's face, and said with tearful eyes and a pitiful look, 'Husband, let me off.'

Su Xingchuan was briefly stunned, then smiled. 'Alright.'

Before drifting off to sleep, Li Xuan heard Su Xingchuan ask, 'Dr. Li, how do you think my recovery is going?'

Dr. Li had no strength left at all.

Su Xingchuan pressed on, 'Dr. Li, do I need a third follow-up?'

Li Xuan let out a whimper, and Su Xingchuan couldn't help laughing.

'So annoying.' Li Xuan said resentfully.

The moment his eyelids closed, he was asleep.

Su Xingchuan stroked his cheek, then pressed a kiss to his forehead and said softly, 'Good night, baby.'

The next day, Li Xuan slept until noon.

When Xu Zhengdong passed by Su Xingchuan's place, on a whim he decided to come up and check on the couple. He ended up waiting in the living room for ages before Li Xuan finally woke up. Not only did he not come out to greet his uncle, he even yelled from the bedroom like a little lord, 'Su Xingchuan, I want water!'

Su Xingchuan immediately brought water in.

Xu Zhengdong suddenly noticed a bag from the Men's Health Hospital on the coffee table. He assumed it was Li Xuan's stuff, but upon closer inspection, he saw the patient name was Su Xingchuan.

Amid a pile of incomprehensible medical terms, he caught the word 'vas deferens' and his heart jolted.

Su Xingchuan had a hard time coaxing Li Xuan out.

Li Xuan shuffled into the living room with his hair a mess. Xu Zhengdong held up the test report and asked, 'What's this?'

'Isn't it written on there? Su Xingchuan.'

Li Xuan had just gotten out of bed and immediately flopped down on the sofa.

Xu Zhengdong lowered his voice and asked quietly, 'Xingchuan... that aspect...'

Li Xuan suddenly thought of how Su Xingchuan had tormented him the previous night, so he started a rumor: 'Mm.'

Su Xingchuan brought breakfast to the living room and was just about to coax Li Xuan up when he sensed a strange look. Xu Zhengdong looked at him, first shook his head, then sighed regretfully.

Su Xingchuan was puzzled.

Li Xuan suddenly added, 'I was the one who performed the surgery on him.'

Xu Zhengdong stood up and patted Su Xingchuan's shoulder. 'A while back someone gave me some sea cucumber and deer antler. Do you want some?'

Su Xingchuan was stunned for a long moment, then suddenly realized: '...'

He said to Li Xuan, 'Xuanxuan, if you don't explain things clearly to your uncle, I really will start eating sea cucumber.'

Li Xuan froze, immediately scrambled up from the sofa, and honestly told Xu Zhengdong that Su Xingchuan had absolutely no problems in that department.

.

.

After the new year, Su Xingchuan and Li Xuan together chose Bali as the wedding location.

The church sits on an island, and from inside you can see an endless expanse of azure sea. That day the sun was bright, white seabirds cut across the sky, and everything was beautiful just right.

Li Xuan stood in front of the mirror while Xu Nianzhi helped straighten his collar.

He looked at his mother, and Xu Nianzhi smiled.

Ten minutes before the ceremony began, Li Xuan, sitting alone in the dressing room, suddenly felt nervous. As if by telepathy, at that moment, Su Xingchuan knocked and came in.

He hugged Li Xuan from behind and kissed his cheek.

'Don't be nervous, baby.'

The two were in the middle of a tender moment when Xie Liang knocked outside and called, 'Xingchuan, are you in there? Come out for a sec. The pastor's here; do you want to go over the vows with him?'

Su Xingchuan said okay, and was about to let go of Li Xuan when Li Xuan grabbed his hand and signaled him to come closer.

Su Xingchuan leaned down, and Li Xuan whispered in his ear, 'I don't think I've ever formally said that thing to you.'

'What thing?'

'I love you.'

Su Xingchuan's smile spread through his eyes.

Li Xuan awkwardly opened his heart: 'The first time I met you in that alley, you shielded me behind you. That day there wasn't a trace of light in the alley, you had your back to me, I couldn't even see your face clearly, but I still fell for you.'

'At that moment I thought, I want you to stay by my side forever.'

Su Xingchuan lowered his head and kissed his lips.

Su Xingchuan, stay by my side forever. Let's take it slow, make it long, love deeper, and meet again in the next life.

—END—