Chapter 45

Almost immediately, Zhou Bai received a message of expenditure from the bank. The expression on his face was delicate.

A visitor who came to see Zhou Bai raised his brow, and bent at the waist to peek at his phone. “He’s handling your finances?” the visitor said, shocked.

Bothered by his prying behaviour, Zhou Bai put down his phone and changed the topic. “Why are you here?” he asked.

“What do you mean by this, Zhou-zong1, my business partner suddenly fell sick, it’s reasonable that I should come for a visit.”

“I’m fine, thank you very much.”

“Zhou-zong, you really turn hostile faster than turning a page of a book, two days ago…”

Halfway through his speech, Jian Ci pushed the door open and entered. “Mr. Zhou, you don’t have a change of clothes here right, I’ll head home and pack… Ah, h-hi.”

Spotting a visitor in the ward, Jian Ci greeted him instantly.

“You’re Jian Ci right? Hi, I’m Qiao Zhiqi,” that person turned and smiled.

At first glance, two descriptions sunk into his mind; first was “graceful”, and next was “handsome”. His appearance exuded an aura of a son from an aristocratic family, despite his low-profile and casual wear, it failed to hide his nobility.

Feeling uneasy, Jian Ci put down the plastic bag and shook his hand. The other person was an unfamiliar figure, and Zhou Bai did not seem to have any intention of introducing him; the air was filled with an awkward silence.

Trying to make a conversation, Jian Ci fished out a small fruit knife. “Do you want some apples?” he asked.

“I’m not eating!” Zhou Bai declined resolutely.

“It’s alright, thank you,” Qiao Zhiqi politely refused.

“…” Two replies with the same meaning, but how could there be such vast difference in the expression? Jian Ci thought.

“I’ve already said no, why are you still peeling its skin!” Zhou Bai added.

“I’m having it myself,” Jian Ci responded innocently..

“…”

Not bothered by the cold-shoulder he has been given, Qiao Zhiqi politely said, “Since Zhou-zong is fine, I feel relieved. I still have something on, shan’t bother you anymore then.”

“Good-bye2,” Zhou Bai said.

“We were at least once acquainted, Zhou-zong you’d better not forget everything in a flash…”Qiao Zhiqi signalled with his hand that Zhou Bai should drop him a call.

Those words were rather intriguing, Jian Ci felt that it was kind of weird.

Zhou Bai frowned, not reacting to it.

“Thank you for coming, Mr. Qiao,” Jian Ci put down the skinless apple, and walked the visitor to the door.

Qiao Zhiqi gave him a nod, casually strolling his way out.

When Jian Ci turned his head, he realised that the apple was already half-bitten.

Remaining silent, Jian Ci walked over and buttoned up Zhou Bai’s patient gown. “Your lungs are inflamed, don’t catch a cold.”

“…”

This is so unfair, why didn’t he bite the bait?

Footnote:

1总, a title attached to the surname used to address a president of a company.

2慢走, literally means walk slowly, a common phrase say good bye to someone in Chinese (usually in a formal setting).