Chapter 8: Cherishing Each Other (2)

"Are you coughing?" The doctor asked without even looking up, grabbing a pen.

Yeran's formulaic smile froze on her face, as she felt that something was amiss. What does it mean to be so beautiful? Nevertheless, Yeran restrained her temper and replied, "I’m sorry, but our company requires that secretarial candidates come from professional colleges; it has nothing to do with appearance. Your cousin does not meet the educational requirements, so I cannot assist."

After taking a shower, Ye Ran wrapped herself tightly in the quilt, closed her eyes, and began to fall asleep while counting sheep. In the middle of the night, she was awakened by the heat, drenched in sweat, but did not dare to uncover the quilt. She turned over, thinking that if she let this sweat out, the fever would subside, so she endured it and continued to sleep

My name is Xiao Qi, and I am pleased to meet you

Then let's go home now Nightran raised her hand to glance at the watch, it was past 9 o'clock

The scene opens with Ge You, Liu Jialing, and others gathered around a hot pot, and Ye Ran smiles and says, "This hot pot is quite creative"

Ye Ran walked side by side with Jiang Hao into the venue. When they took their seats, Jiang Hao thoughtfully took Ye Ran's water and popcorn, smiling as he said, "Buying early is not as good as being just in time; this ticket was purchased quite timely."

It is not just mysterious; I feel that my great-aunt could at least find me a horse that is not sickly, let alone a steed of a thousand miles. Ye Ran holds no hope at all, to avoid disappointment later.

Ye Ran frowned slightly. The appearance of Jiang Hao here was certainly not a coincidence. However, what could his enthusiastic visit mean, especially as he came uninvited, if viewed from the perspective of a friend? It was truly perplexing.

"Jiang Hao, do you like me?" Ye Ran could no longer hold back the question, gazing at Jiang Hao who was focused on driving with his hands on the steering wheel.

Her head was indeed very dizzy, and she could barely open her eyes. Thus, Ye Ran obediently allowed Jiang Hao to take her to the hospital for treatment

Auntie looked at Xiao Qi and Ye Ran, and began to chat with them, saying with a smile, "I will go get you something to eat, you two take your time to chat."

"Jiang Hao, thank you." Ye Ran turned her face before getting out of the car and smiled as she expressed her gratitude to him

"Don't say you have a master's degree; you have a doctor's degree, yet our company doesn't hire either!" Ye Ran's face was filled with helplessness, her brows furrowed so tightly that they could crush a fly. What on earth is going on? She struggled to restrain her urge to explode.

That depends on how you think about it said Ye Ran with a smile

"First, eat the meal I owe you before we talk about anything else," Jiang Hao joked, "Hearing your voice today makes me feel that you are full of energy, so you must be in good spirits."

Indeed, the movies being made nowadays are quite talented said Jiang Hao with a smile

All day long, Ye Ran has been absent-minded. The last time, Zhu Wen's mother truly left Ye Ran feeling uneasy for a long time. Just think about it, what if her future husband ends up with a mother-in-law like that? How would she cope with it?

The next morning, the phone call from his mother woke the soundly sleeping Ye Ran. It turned out that that aunt was still persistent and had brought a white horse for Ye Ran to identify whether it was a prince. As a result, he was arranged for a blind date that evening, and due to his mother's authority, Ye Ran did not dare to refuse.

When I logged onto QQ, Ye Ran changed her signature: Not all who ride white horses are princes; even Tang Seng has a little white horse. When will I, this Bo Le, encounter a thousand-mile horse

Ye Ran thought to himself, in this day and age, a doctor's degree and "sea turtles" are abundant, what is so remarkable about a master's degree? Nevertheless, he still presented a professional smile and said, "Hello, my name is Ye Ran"

Yeran, what do you think of me? I am about to graduate from school... Can you arrange a job for me? I am a master's degree holder. Xiao Qi rubbed his hands together and asked earnestly.

After work, Jiang Hao picked up Ye Ran on time and headed straight to Harbor City. After enjoying a sumptuous seafood meal, the two of them left the restaurant feeling satisfied. Jiang Hao suggested, "It's still early; how about we catch a movie?"

Yeran felt so heavy-headed that she could not lift her head, and she squinted her dark eyes, watching through the gaps as Jiang Hao patiently helped her wait in line. To her surprise, she felt a sense of peace that made her want to fall asleep.

Ye Ran nodded obediently, feeling a bit apologetic as she expressed her gratitude: "Yes, thank you so much for today"

"I have a cousin who wants to work at your company. What position do you think can be arranged for her?" Xiao Qi asked with a serious expression.

Are we going home now?" Jiang Hao repeated Ye Ran's words with a smile, teasingly saying, "Are you sure 'we' are going home?" He emphasized the word 'we' particularly strongly.

Jiang Hao smiled and raised his eyebrows, "To be remembered by a beautiful woman, regardless of the means, is indeed an honor."

The premiere of this city invited stars to attend, so after the movie ended, the main actors came out to meet the audience. The presence of the stars caused an immediate sensation in the cinema

Ye Ran raised her eyes and quietly gazed at Jiang Haojun's elegant profile, a sense of unknown feelings spreading within her heart

Ye Ran shook her head; she was not particularly interested in celebrities and did not have any favorites. There were plenty of celebrity photos online, and if she had to squeeze into a crowd just to take a few pictures, it really wasn't worth it

I went to the emergency room, just go to the second floor. Jiang Hao supported Ye Ran as they entered the duty doctor's emergency room

Auntie whispered to Ye Ran beside her, "He is a master's degree holder"

"How can you say that? At the very least, let me be a workshop director! You are a manager, and you can't even handle such a small matter? You really are wasting your position!" Xiao Qi glanced at Ye Ran with dissatisfaction.

It seems that apart from Chen Mingxuan, no other man has ever existed in Ye Ran's concept; she has never considered that she might like another man, and has never approached the issue from this perspective... Perhaps, all these years, she has been living in her own world

Perhaps happiness arrives too suddenly, causing one to doubt its authenticity. At this moment, Ye Ran would rather believe that she and Jiang Hao are good friends than to think of anything else, fearing that she might not be able to bear the consequences of disappointment

Ye Ran nodded slightly, watching Jiang Hao leave, then closed the door, a sense of unusual melancholy surging in her heart

You are studying sports, with a major in badminton. What do you think is the professional relevance to our foreign trade clothing company? What can you do? Procurement? Orders? Even if your English is good, you still can't handle it, as we all specialize in clothing-related English

Jiang Hao made a good suggestion, and Ye Ran readily agreed: "Alright, I will contact you later"

Yeran, holding a large bucket of popcorn and wearing a face full of innocent joy, said to Jiang Hao: "I bought the largest bucket of popcorn; it should be enough for both of us to eat later"

The next morning, when Ye Ran woke up, she felt sticky all over. She reached up to touch her forehead; the temperature was normal. Feeling relieved, she quickly got out of bed and rushed to the bathroom to take a shower. After finishing her shower, she emerged feeling refreshed, only to be greeted by the ringing of her phone. Ye Ran shuffled in her slippers to the bedside, picked up her phone, and saw that it was a call from Jiang Hao. She hurriedly answered the call, saying, "Hello, hi."

Indeed, Jiang Hao admitted with a serious demeanor

"Yaran, has the fire been extinguished?" Jiang Hao's gentle voice came through the microphone

Ye Ran weakly shook his head, relying on Jiang Hao's support to barely steady himself. He glanced at the registration hall: it was after hours, and most of the registration windows were closed, leaving only two open for duty. Consequently, there was a line at the registration area that was not short but also not long. Ye Ran sighed inwardly at his misfortune, thinking that even seeing a doctor required waiting in line, and he must avoid getting sick in the future

However, no matter how carefully the boy cherished her, treating her like a treasure in his hands, he still left her without warning, disappearing for many years without a trace. After that, when she felt unwell, she would go alone to the impersonal hospital to see a doctor and get medicine. Memories would surge towards her like a tide, Chen Mingxuan, who had once warmed her so genuinely, yet without any forewarning, took back that warmth, leaving her even lonelier from then on. Disliking being buried under such memories, Ye Ran would not go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary. Gradually, for a common cold or discomfort, she would just rest and manage to get through it.

Ye Ran smiled at Jiang Hao without speaking, focusing intently on the screen as the film began to play

Jiang Hao emerged immediately, asking, "What is it, are you looking for a talented horse, Bo Le?" Before Ye Ran could respond, he uncertainly added, "It wouldn't be for a blind date, would it?"

"You only remember the flat tire." Jiang Hao chuckled, "I think I have only had a flat tire once."

Jiang Hao leaned closer, whispering to Ye Ran, "Yes, let's go eat hot pot another day"

As the story unfolds gradually, the character of the bandit played by Jiang Wen engages in a battle of wits and courage with the clever steward portrayed by Ge You, against the wealthy gentry Huang Silang played by Chow Yun-fat. The scenes are grand in scale, and the plot is tightly woven, ultimately concluding with the death of Huang Silang.

There might be, but I'm not sure. After saying this, Ye Ran hurriedly explained, "I was feeling dizzy from the fever yesterday, and I don't even know if I handled things properly. If there is nothing wrong, I will have some free time; if there is an issue, then I will have to work overtime."

Ye Ran walked out of the Old Three Teahouse amidst her great-aunt's look of regret. After letting out a heavy sigh, she raised her eyes and noticed a familiar car seemingly parked at the street corner. Uncertain, she took a few steps toward the car, and through the half-rolled-down window, a familiar handsome face smiled warmly at Ye Ran.

It feels great to have someone concerned so early in the morning, and Ye Ran's lips naturally curled up in a joyful smile as she said lightly: "The fever has subsided. Well, thank you so much for yesterday. Another day, I will treat you to a meal"

"What are you daydreaming about? Hurry up and get in the car," Jiang Hao said, gesturing with his lips towards the passenger seat.

Let's talk about it in the evening. Night was a bit embarrassed to trouble Jiang Hao and gave a vague answer

Ye Ran was amused by Jiang Hao, pushed open the car door, and while stepping out said: "Then you should head back, drive carefully."

Ye Ran shook his head and said softly, "It doesn't hurt."

I have eaten. However, I still need to have another meal. Transforming sorrow and anger into appetite

My cousin graduated from high school and is quite beautiful. Xiao Qi took a photo out of his wallet and said straightforwardly, "Look, could you arrange for her to be a secretary or something next to the boss?"

"Where can I go for a blind date?" Jiang Hao asked curiously

"It was just the last time that I was greatly shocked at the Old Three Teahouse." Ye Ran, filled with indignation, vented to Jiang Hao about Zhu Wen and his extraordinary mother, leaving Jiang Hao horrified. He asked several times, uncertainly, "Is that true? Is there really such a blind date and a difficult mother-in-law?" After receiving Ye Ran's affirmative response, Jiang Hao sympathetically said, "Ye Ran, I feel that your blind date today is quite mysterious."

Jiang Hao asked Ye Ran, "Do you want to go take some photos?"

Jiang Hao held the car key, unlocked the door, and smiled at Ye Ran, "Before we each head back to our own homes, should I first take you home?"

"Should I pick you up that evening?" Jiang Hao asked, then added seriously, "It's not easy to get a taxi over there."

"That is certainly necessary." Ye Ran consciously walked to one side of the car, opened the door, and sat inside, fastening the seatbelt with ease. Finally, he deliberately added, "This time the car won't have a flat tire, will it?"

Ye Ran is a fairly attractive single young woman. If she had been somewhat oblivious before, now that Jiang Hao's feelings are so apparent, she naturally begins to wonder if Jiang Hao has feelings for her.

Ye Ran stared blankly at Jiang Hao, contemplating whether he would say he liked her or not, but she never expected him to ask her back. Thus, she nodded and then shook her head, uncertainly saying: "I don't know"

Ye Ran thought that Jiang Hao seemed to have some feelings for her, which made her inexplicably nervous, though more so it was a contradiction that she herself could not clarify. She had previously complained about why her blind date candidates were not as normal as Jiang Hao, but when it came to truly considering Jiang Hao as a blind date or a boyfriend, she felt that something was not quite right.

"Jiang Hao, did you come specifically to wait for me?" Ye Ran asked with a smile

Ye Ran and Jiang Hao chatted aimlessly for a while, and before long, they arrived at Ye Ran's home

Jiang Hao rushed over and supported Ye Ran as they moved forward, his handsome brows tightly furrowed, and he asked with concern: "Ye Ran, are you alright?"

Ah? Ye Ran was somewhat surprised. In her understanding, going to the movies was an essential step for couples on a date, while she and Jiang Hao were merely friends who got along well. Watching a movie together felt somewhat inexplicably strange.

Ye Ran's expression changed awkwardly, realizing that her words carried ambiguity. She hurriedly smiled and said, "Who is 'we' with you? Of course, everyone should return to their own homes."

Jiang Hao smiled, fearing they might get separated. Naturally, he reached out and took Ye Ran's arm, walking out together with the crowd dispersing.

When words do not resonate, even a half-sentence is too much. Ye Ran's forehead and temples throbbed a few times; he pursed his lips and wisely chose to remain silent, no longer speaking

It is not impossible to make occasional guest appearances.

Upon arriving at the hospital, just as I got out of the car, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness and unsteadiness. I stumbled slightly, but fortunately, I was quick enough to grab hold of the car door, otherwise, I would have surely fallen.

I have lived for twenty-eight years and taken so many rides, yet it was only during that one time with you that I encountered a flat tire for the first time. " Ye Ran said with utmost seriousness, "There is no helping it, the memory is still fresh.

Upon exiting the cinema, a refreshing evening breeze swept in, dispersing the unknown restlessness of the night. She took a deep breath and remarked with a smile, "Ah, the lines in movies these days are so classic."

Ye Ran obediently replied: "I am not coughing."

After arriving at the company, Ye Ran first carefully checked whether there were any errors in the documents approved yesterday. She also organized the items that had not been processed in time and handled them uniformly. The entire morning was extremely busy, but her mood was good, and she maintained a smile throughout, resulting in high work efficiency

Jiang Hao helped Ye Ran sit on a chair and said while looking at the queue, "You sit here and wait for a moment, I will go register for you."

Ye Ran let out a heavy sigh, no longer wanting to struggle with memories, nor to be at odds with her ailing self. She forced a smile as she watched Jiang Hao finish registering and walk towards her with a concerned expression. In that moment, a warmth flowed through her heart, a feeling known as being touched. It turns out that when one is ill, it is truly easy to feel anxious and lonely; having someone accompany you feels truly wonderful.

"What are you being polite for?" Jiang Hao said with a disapproving pout, "You are being distant, aren't you?"

That is, hehe. Ye Ran was quite pleased with herself; her antiviral resistance was still quite good

Jiang Hao turned around, waved his hand, and said, "Then I will take my leave. Call me if you need anything"

Ye Ran felt a sense of relief, and then heard him say: "You have no sincerity at all in your blind date, how can you be like this?"

Jiang Hao was momentarily taken aback, then turned his face and smiled at Ye Ran, asking in return: "So do you like me?"

In the afternoon, Jiang Hao called to ask, and Ye Ran gave him a definite answer. She was available, and they agreed that he would come to pick her up to go to Haigang City for seafood.

While Jiang Hao was purchasing tickets, Ye Ran went to buy water and popcorn

The doctor measured Yaran's body temperature, which was still 37.6 degrees Celsius. Then, he asked her to open her mouth, examined her throat and tongue, and then slowly inquired: "Does your throat hurt?"

Ye Ran closed the car door and said to Jiang Hao, who was laughing inside the car, with a hint of annoyance: "I will drive you home, and then you can send me back... I will send you again, and then you can send me again... Do you think this is a prime-time soap opera, with endless farewells?"

After randomly eating something, Ye Ran and Jiang Hao went to the cinema to watch a movie before returning home

I truly do not know whether to say it is my honor or misfortune that you remember the flat tire incident so clearly said Jiang Hao, gripping the steering wheel and smiling wryly

What was in the content, Ye Ran completely could not remember, only filled with thoughts about whether to break through this veil or not. Should she pretend to be ignorant in front of Jiang Hao, or simply ask for the truth? If she pretended to be ignorant, she could maintain the facade and continue being friends. However, Ye Ran was the kind of person who could not keep things bottled up inside; if she did not clarify things, she would feel uneasy in her heart.

After Auntie left, Xiao Qi asked a series of chaotic questions. Just before Ye Ran's patience ran out, he finally got to the point and asked: "Ye Ran, are you the Human Resources Manager at XX Company?"

Ye Ran was momentarily taken aback, then forced a smile, saying, "Did you wait specifically for me? I am truly touched. Let's go, I invite you to dinner."

Alright, I will call you again before I finish work to confirm. If you are free, we can go eat seafood together

Why? How could you look down on me! Xiao Qi was furious and slammed his fist on the table

Hmm. I don't know either. Jiang Hao turned his face and looked ahead while driving

Then there is no major issue; the tonsils are not inflamed, there is no cough, just a fever, and a fever-reducing injection will suffice. The doctor confidently wrote on the prescription in a flamboyant manner and added, "There is nothing serious, no need to worry"

"Today is the premiere of 'Let the Bullets Fly', and I really want to go see it," Jiang Hao said hesitantly to Ye Ran. "I heard this movie is quite good."

"Have you not had dinner yet?" Jiang Hao asked with a furrowed brow

Ye Ran replied perfunctorily, "Yes!"

"Well, if you are not at ease, then accompany me back home," Jiang Hao said to Ye Ran with a sly smile on his warm and handsome face, speaking in a serious manner. "After I drive back home, I will take you back."

Alright, you may leave. Goodbye. " Ye Ran glanced at Jiang Hao, curled his lips, waved his hand, and turned to head home.

"Are you free tonight?" Jiang Hao asked with a smile

Yeran smiled formally and retorted, "What is your cousin's level of education? What are her plans?"

Jiang Hao said this, and Ye Ran nodded busily, "Alright, let's go watch a movie"

I must thank you for accompanying me for dinner and watching a movie. Jiang Hao smiled broadly and said, "To express my gratitude, I will definitely treat you to dinner again another day"

It turns out that Ye Ran's strength and independence were cultivated merely due to a lack of reliance; at the beginning, she also yearned for care and affection

Ye Ran merely leaned against the door, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth

After work, Ye Ran arrived punctually at her great-aunt's famous Lao San Teahouse, where she met her blind date, Xiao Qi. Ye Ran discreetly stole a few glances at his true appearance; he was quite fair-skinned, but his face was somewhat oily, his nose slightly flat, and while his eyes were passable on their own, the overall makeup gave an impression that was somewhat uncomfortable.

"Yeran, to be honest, I am not very satisfied with you," Xiao Qi said with a serious expression

After getting the injection, Jiang Hao had a hasty dinner and then took Ye Ran home. Before leaving, he kindly advised, "Make sure to drink plenty of water later, keep warm, and if you sweat a lot, the fever will subside."

Thank you, doctor. Jiang Hao helped Ye Ran sit on the chair and then took the initiative to take the prescription and queue up to collect the medicine

"Alright, let's leave it at that." Ye Ran didn't even want to argue. "Brother, whose sincerity is truly lacking? Are you here for a blind date, or are you looking for a backdoor to get a job?"

Yes.

In a moment of distraction, I recalled the time in high school when she would occasionally suffer from minor ailments. Chen Mingxuan would always be the first to bring her medicine, inquiring about her well-being with genuine concern. His expression, filled with care and tenderness, seemed to wish that it were he who was unwell, rather than Ye Ran