Spellbound Hearts - Chapter 73 - The Ambiguous Friendship

Over the next week, Song Zhaoli didn’t visit the hospital or contact Ji Xuan privately, as if he had vanished into thin air.

In contrast, Qiu Lin made a point of visiting the hospital every day, ensuring his presence was felt.

Ji Xuan thought he was simply being kind, and over time, they developed a semblance of friendship.

Mother Ji was quite fond of Qiu Lin and often subtly inquired about the type of girls he liked, hoping to set him up with someone.

Away from Song Zhaoli’s watchful eyes, Qiu Lin seemed like a different person, very chatty.

Whenever Mother Ji suggested introducing him to a girlfriend, he always showed interest, never dampening her enthusiasm.

“Xiao Qiu, there’s a young lady downstairs, a teacher, 25 years old, very nice. Would you consider her?”

Ji Xuan was preparing to return to Qing City the next day, and Qiu Lin was helping her pack. He turned to Mother Ji with a smile, “Sure, Aunt Zhao, I’ll think about it.”

Mother Ji added, “She’s also quite pretty.”

Qiu Lin replied, “Then the chances might be slim. She probably wouldn’t be interested in me.”

Mother Ji, ever protective, had already taken Qiu Lin as one of her own. She frowned and said, “Why wouldn’t she be interested? You’re such a great guy, Xiao Qiu. You need to have more confidence in yourself.”

Qiu Lin’s smile deepened, “Aunt Zhao, to be honest, you’re the first person to ever praise me like this.”

Mother Ji was curious, “Don’t your parents praise you?”

Qiu Lin candidly said, “Forget praise, if they don’t criticize me when I go home, it’s because I had a lucky day.”

Mother Ji was surprised and took him seriously, “How could they be like that? Having a son as good as you is such a blessing.”

Listening to the conversation between Mother Ji and Qiu Lin, Ji Xuan chuckled quietly, whispering to Qiu Lin, “My mom believes you.”

Qiu Lin whispered back, “I’m telling the truth.”

Ji Xuan raised an eyebrow, “Do your parents really treat you like that?”

Qiu Lin said, “You’ll see. My status at home is like that free bowl you get with instant noodles-too good to throw away, but unnecessary to keep.”

Ji Xuan laughed, “Your status at home is quite low then.”

Qiu Lin sighed, “Exactly, even Hua has a higher status than me.”

The name Hua clearly wasn’t a person’s name.

Ji Xuan followed up, “Hua is?”

Qiu Lin explained, “A stray dog my mom picked up while dancing in the square. It’s a male, but she named it Hua and dresses it in skirts, even puts bows on its head.”

Whether it was Qiu Lin’s vivid description or Ji Xuan’s low threshold for humor, she burst out laughing after he finished.

Realizing it might be inappropriate, she stifled her laughter and said, “Your mom is quite interesting.”

Qiu Lin replied, “It’s not about being interesting. My mom studies Taoist principles, focusing on balance. With my dad and me, there are already two men in the house. According to her theory, Hua has to stay with her, or else our home would become unbalanced with too much masculine energy/influence…”

Ji Xuan bent over to place the last piece of clothing in the suitcase, trying not to laugh out loud, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Qiu Lin noticed but pretended not to, moving to the bedside to continue discussing matchmaking with Mother Ji.

That evening, when Qiu Lin left the hospital, Ji Xuan personally escorted him downstairs.

In the elevator, Ji Xuan expressed her gratitude to Qiu Lin.

She thanked him for all his help over the past week.

Qiu Lin felt a bit guilty, hesitant to accept the thanks, and stammered, “No need to be so formal. I enjoy spending time with Aunt Zhao.”

Ji Xuan understood, “When we’re back in Qing City, let’s find a time for me to treat you to a meal.”

Qiu Lin neither dared to agree nor refuse, vaguely replying, “We’ll see. I’ve been off for a week, and work will probably be piled up when I return.”

Qiu Lin held a significant position at Song Group.

Ji Xuan nodded, “Alright, we’ll see how your schedule looks.”

After seeing Qiu Lin off, Ji Xuan took the elevator back upstairs.

As she reached the door of the hospital room, she suddenly remembered something and took out her phone to send Qiu Lin a message on WeChat: Assistant Qiu, I forgot to ask earlier, what kind of food do you like?

Qiu Lin replied instantly: ??

Ji Xuan: If you’re too busy later, I can cook and bring it to the office for you.

At that moment, Qiu Lin was on his way back to the hotel, unaware of the impending danger.

As soon as he got out of the car, his phone buzzed twice in his pocket.

Qiu Lin paused, took out his phone, and glanced at the screen, nearly dropping it in shock.

President Song: Ji Xuan asked what kind of food you like. She’s planning to cook and bring it to the office when she returns to Qing City.