Spellbound Hearts - Chapter 81 - Deep Schemes

Song Zhaoli’s like on the post was immediately noticed by Wu Rui. Wu Rui assumed it was Qiu Lin and felt a sense of satisfaction, thinking their camaraderie during training hadn’t been in vain.

While Wu Rui was busy with his social media, Ji Xuan was in the kitchen messaging Han Jiacheng, inquiring about Mother Ji’s current health status.

After a few minutes, Han Jiacheng replied: “For now, things seem stable.”

Ji Xuan: “If there’s a matching kidney donor now, when can we proceed with the surgery?”

Han Jiacheng: “At least three months later. She needs to undergo dialysis for three months.”

Ji Xuan: “Alright, I understand.”

Han Jiacheng: “Is there a donor for the kidney?”

Ji Xuan: “Yes.”

Han Jiacheng: “Then let’s plan for three months later. I’ll send you the donor’s guidelines shortly. Make sure the donor reviews them.”

Ji Xuan: “Thank you, Dr. Han. I appreciate your help.”

Since the day Han Jiacheng had embarrassed Ji Xuan at the hospital, he felt guilty. Now, he took the opportunity to ease his conscience: “It’s my duty.”

After sending the message, Han Jiacheng added, “I always prioritize my patients. Sometimes my words may seem harsh, but I mean no harm.”

Ji Xuan understood the subtext and replied: “I get it. I’ll rely on you for my mom’s care.”

Han Jiacheng: “It’s my responsibility.”

After finishing the conversation with Han Jiacheng, Ji Xuan exited the chat and casually browsed through her social media. The first post was Wu Rui’s picture of the four dishes and a soup, with only one like-from Qiu Lin.

Ji Xuan glanced at it and suddenly remembered her promise to treat Qiu Lin to a meal back in Yan City. She tapped her screen, navigated to her contacts, found Qiu Lin’s WeChat, and sent him a message: “Have you eaten?”

Qiu Lin replied instantly: “?”

Ji Xuan rephrased: “Did you drop President Song home?”

Having finished cooking dinner, Ji Xuan assumed Qiu Lin had already completed the task. However, she was unaware that Song Zhaoli was heading to the Song residence, doubling the usual travel time.

Song Zhaoli saw Ji Xuan’s message, his lips curling slightly as he typed: “Yes, what’s up?”

Ji Xuan: “Do you have any plans tonight? If not, would you like to come over for dinner?”

Song Zhaoli, sitting in the backseat with his long legs stretched out, replied expressionlessly: “I saw Wu Rui’s post. I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to come.”

Ji Xuan responded: “It’s fine. It’s not just us; Wu Shu is here too.”

Song Zhaoli: “Isn’t it just you and Wu Rui?”

Ji Xuan: “No.”

Song Zhaoli’s stern expression softened slightly. After about half a minute, he replied: “No, you guys are having a family dinner. It wouldn’t be right for me to join.”

After sending the message, Ji Xuan replied with an amused emoji-a cartoon face with big eyes and a toothy grin.

Song Zhaoli looked at his phone, a hint of amusement in his eyes: “Isn’t it?”

Ji Xuan: “Three’s a crowd, but four can make a mahjong table.”

Song Zhaoli: “Isn’t four two crowds?”

As Ji Xuan received Song Zhaoli’s message, she nearly spat out the water she had just sipped, unable to contain her laughter.

With a smile, Ji Xuan was about to reply when a new message popped up: “President Song called me for overtime.”

The implication was clear-he couldn’t come even if he wanted to.

Ji Xuan wasn’t sure if he was being truthful, but she replied: “Let’s reschedule.”

Song Zhaoli: “Alright.”

Thinking the conversation was over, Ji Xuan pocketed her phone, ready to move on, when it buzzed again.

She paused and pulled out her phone once more.

The screen displayed a message from ‘Qiu Lin’: “I think President Song has helped you a lot. You should treat him to a meal.”

Ji Xuan hesitated before responding.

Another message from ‘Qiu Lin’ followed quickly: “Just a suggestion. It’s your decision.”

Ji Xuan pondered for a moment, agreeing with Qiu Lin’s point: “I’ll pick a weekend to invite President Song. You should join us.”

‘Qiu Lin’: “I suggest you invite President Song alone to show sincerity.”