Principal Han was about to speak when Zhou Yansheng cut him off, continuing:
“By the way, Principal Han, did the school forget to explain that Qin Qing holds a bachelor’s degree from the Beijing Conservatory of Music? And as a military dependent, she is fully qualified to teach at the affiliated elementary school.”
“We just haven’t decided whether to take up the position yet, so she temporarily served as a substitute teacher. For such a misunderstanding to occur is truly…” He paused. “Just our bad luck.”
“We’re truly sorry. We listened to rumors and misunderstood Teacher Qin. We sincerely apologize.”
The apology came from Wang Bing’s father.
Wang Bing’s mother nodded along. “It’s all because of Zhao—”
She was cut off by her husband. “It’s all our fault. We’ll cover all medical and nutritional expenses.”
“If it weren’t for Teacher Qin risking herself, my son Wang Bing would have been the one injured. We thank you again.” Wang Bing’s father’s attitude was indeed sincere.
“No need for formalities, Staff Officer Wang. Saving a child is what anyone should do.” Zhou Yansheng’s tone was no longer stiff, and he directly addressed the visitor’s identity.
“Captain Zhou recognizes me? I didn’t dare acknowledge you earlier, afraid of being accused of name-dropping. After all, the fault lies with us this time.” Staff Officer Wang seemed somewhat embarrassed.
“You’re too polite, Staff Officer Wang. Please send my regards to Chief Zhao.” Zhou Yansheng’s words carried a hidden meaning.
Qin Qing’s heart skipped a beat. Chief Zhao? Related to Zhao Xiaolin?
Could their luck be that bad?
Still haunting them!
Principal Han and the others offered a few more words of concern.
Only Xiao Yang slumped his shoulders and muttered, “All that rehearsal for nothing. The most important pianist is on strike.”
Principal Han’s expression immediately darkened. There were less than half a month left until the performance.
He could only say coldly to Xiao Yang, “You figure something out!”
Xiao Yang ran to the bedside to complain to Qin Qing, telling her to rest well and not worry about school matters.
He ended mysteriously with, “Anyway, you’re just a temporary substitute teacher. Why bother with all this?”
The previously eased atmosphere grew awkward again.
Fortunately, a nurse came to change the IV drip, and Zhou Yansheng seized the opportunity to see the guests out.
The ward finally quieted down.
Zhou Yansheng took out a Swiss Army knife and began peeling an apple for the girl.
Qin Qing looked at him with stars in her eyes.
“Brother was so cool just now!”
“Brother would rather use his fists.” He handed the peeled apple to the girl.
Qin Qing: “…”
Not long after, another wave of visitors arrived.
Another fruit basket.
They were Zhou Yansheng’s colleagues.
The only ones Qin Qing recognized were Deputy Captain Xu and Instructor Chen.
They said they were here on behalf of the organization to offer their condolences.
“Instructor, given the special circumstances, taking a long leave isn’t too much to ask, right?” Zhou Yansheng was much more relaxed than before.
“As long as Old Xu doesn’t complain, we’ll turn a blind eye.” Instructor Chen was also accommodating.
“Don’t worry, take care of your sister-in-law at home. I’ll handle the small matters; we’ll discuss the big ones with you.”
Deputy Captain Xu was straightforward too. After all, he and Zhou Yansheng had been working together for a long time, and they had their tacit understanding.
Leaning against the headboard with her arm in a sling, she watched TV.
The pain in her back had eased somewhat.
It hardly hurt unless touched.
Some cold symptoms lingered, but none were severe.
“Brother, do you think this counts as enduring a trial?” Watching Zhou Yansheng bustling about, Qin Qing couldn’t have been happier.
“Children’s words carry no harm!” After working for quite a while, Zhou Yansheng set up a small table beside her bed.
It was larger than a nightstand, making it convenient for her to place things or eat meals.
“My legs are fine, I can get out of bed,” Qin Qing protested.
“Resting in bed aids recovery. Move as little as possible these next few days,” Zhou Yansheng said sternly, as usual.
“Brother, you’re worried about me.”
Qin Qing was in an excellent mood—this wasn’t a question but a statement.
She hadn’t expected the man to respond.
Though it was just a muffled “Hmm” forced from his nostrils.
Qin Qing was so happy she almost flailed her limbs again.
But seeing her arm in the sling, she thought better of it.
However, her good mood only lasted until after dinner.
For no other reason than… she wanted to take a shower.
The difficulty level was too high.
But between the fever-induced sweating and spending a night in the hospital,
she was truly uncomfortable all over.
Zhou Yansheng told her to endure it a little longer.
“Not even a little bit,” Qin Qing pouted.
The more she thought about showering, the more uncomfortable she felt everywhere.
“I’ll help you wash your hair first. For your body, we’ll wipe it clean,” Zhou Yansheng conceded domineeringly.
Qin Qing wanted to object, but meeting the man’s no-negotiation gaze, she instantly backed down.
But this young master had never served anyone in his life.
Trying to help her wash her hair properly, he had already soaked her collar before even applying shampoo.
“Zhou Yansheng, I’ll do it myself,” Qin Qing said with a look of disdain.
“Don’t move your arm,” Zhou Yansheng said, his movements clumsy but extremely careful.
Since her clothes were already wet anyway, Qin Qing simply sat on the stool, letting Zhou Yansheng fumble around, and even started making demands:
“Scratch a bit more on the left, it’s itchy… yes, yes, right there… and the front… ah… so comfortable.”
Zhou Yansheng took a deep breath, clenching his jaw. “Speak properly.”
Another “ah” caught in Qin Qing’s throat. Belatedly, she realized how awkward it was—her moaning, saying “itchy,” and “comfortable”…
“Oh…” she replied guiltily, sitting up properly.
The bathroom fell into silence.
Only the sound of running water and their breathing remained.
Qin Qing closed her eyes, feeling the man’s fingers moving through her hair.
His touch was so gentle.
The temperature of his fingers was even warmer than the water.
Especially when he washed the shampoo bubbles behind her ears, Qin Qing nearly let out another “ah.”
Zhou Yansheng watched as the girl’s skin flushed from the tips of her ears all the way down her neck, wishing he could finish as quickly as possible.
But the little girl’s hair was long and thick, requiring careful rinsing bit by bit.
It felt like an eternity before he finally finished, using a dry towel to pat her hair half-dry, struggling to wrap it properly before giving up.
“Go sit on the sofa. I’ll help you blow-dry it.”
He masked his embarrassment with sternness.
Qin Qing had learned her lesson, staying completely silent and behaving obediently.
She only protested softly when the man’s fingers accidentally tugged at her hair.
Finally, Zhou Yansheng turned off the hairdryer as if he had just finished a battle.
Both of them breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank you,” Qin Qing mumbled her gratitude.
Zhou Yansheng only ruffled the top of her head, not even wanting to speak.
Now this was what you called enduring a trial.
But the real trial was just beginning…
In the bathroom, the oil heater had raised the temperature inside to a scorching level.
Qin Qing truly didn’t have the courage to strip completely naked in front of Zhou Yansheng.
The two stood there staring at each other.
Before Qin Qing could move, Zhou Yansheng reached for the buttons of his own shirt.
“What… what are you doing?” Qin Qing’s throat tightened.
“Taking off my clothes.”
Zhou Yansheng shot the little girl an annoyed glance—couldn’t she see he was drenched in sweat?