Chapter 22 – The Doctor

Previously, during the concert, they had left hurriedly out of consideration for Xiang Ning’s feelings, not paying attention to what happened afterward. It wasn’t until they arrived at the company that they learned the scene of He Rong comforting Xiang Ning had been captured by a camera, and a sharp-eyed audience member recognized them, keeping them on the trending list all night. Fortunately, they weren’t celebrities, so it only caused a small stir.

The PR department didn’t dare disturb the president in the middle of the night, only stopping some negative comments. When He Rong and Xiang Ning arrived at the company, the PR director nervously presented the file for their opinion.

He Rong looked at it and told the PR director, “Suppress it. It’s not the right time yet.”

The director didn’t dare ask when the right time would be and left to carry out the order.

He Rong looked at Xiang Ning, who was sitting obediently beside him. He thought for a moment and called Assistant Yuan, who had just returned from maternity leave, “Find me a reliable psychologist.”

Xiang Ning looked over, his eyes showing resistance and determination, but ultimately, determination won.

He Rong placed a thick cushion on the sofa and patted Xiang Ning’s head before sitting down. The sofa was slightly adjusted to be closer to the desk, allowing him to check on Xiang Ning from time to time. Xiang Ning held the small cookies Xiao Ye bought, munching like a hamster storing food for winter.

He Rong’s hand stopped involuntarily, staring for a long time.

Xiang Ning ate slower and slower, eventually turning his head away. He Rong smiled, looking at the back of his head, and continued working, occasionally glancing at Xiang Ning’s red, almost bleeding ears.

So cute.

He Rong twirled his pen, suddenly realizing he was acting like a high school student secretly observing his crush, and shook his head.

When the first leaf of autumn buried itself in the soil, Zhou Yi’s talent show was coming to a dramatic end. The final seven contestants had to create a new song and rehearse within two weeks, then perform on stage for the judges and audience. The rules allowed for guest performers, and after much consideration, Director Lin decided to invite Xiang Ning.

Xiang Ning was stunned and quickly refused, “I can’t speak.”

“I know,” Director Lin sighed, explaining his thoughts, “Zhou Yi’s voice is a bit cold, and I don’t think it suits him to sing with others. He’s not great at composing or writing lyrics. I thought it would be better if you wrote the song and he sang it, which wouldn’t violate the rules.”

Xiang Ning hesitated, saying he needed to think about it, and left the office.

The He family’s business wasn’t limited to the entertainment industry; other sectors were the main focus. When Father He was in charge, he feared He Rong would take his place and gave him a half-dead entertainment company. Little did he know, He Rong not only revived it but excelled, and when he reclaimed the other companies, he bought this building as the headquarters, partly for Xiang Ning’s convenience.

Xiang Ning took the elevator to the top floor, waiting for He Rong to finish work.

In the afternoon, He Rong accompanied him to see the psychologist.

Xiang Ning sat in the passenger seat, tense the whole way. He kept looking at He Rong, knowing he shouldn’t disturb him while driving, but he couldn’t help it, as if looking at him a few times would calm him down and give him a sense of security.

He Rong took his hand during a red light, kissing it and reassuring him, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid.”

Xiang Ning’s fingertips turned red to his ears, and he nodded lightly.

The first session with the doctor was brief. The gentle lighting and soft fragrance gradually calmed Xiang Ning, and he communicated with the doctor using a writing board. The doctor spoke slowly while typing on the keyboard. By the time the session ended, two hours had passed.

Xiang Ning nodded to the doctor and left. He Rong, wearing glasses, sat by the door, with a little girl standing timidly beside him, biting her finger and staring at He Rong’s phone.

He Rong’s phone was playing an animation, and he was casually flipping through a magazine, ignoring the little girl, as if unaware of what was playing.

The doctor saw the little girl and led her to the side, apologizing to He Rong, “I’m sorry, Mr. He. This is a colleague’s child. Her mother must have had something to do. Did she cause any trouble?”

He Rong put away his phone and shook his head, moving to the side to talk to the doctor.

Xiang Ning waited on the side, and when he turned, he saw the little girl staring at him. Xiang Ning smiled at her, and she pointed at his phone, looking expectantly.

Xiang Ning didn’t understand and smiled awkwardly, turning away.

The little girl wasn’t too disappointed, bowed, and hid in a nearby office.

He Rong left with Xiang Ning, smiling. Xiang Ning noticed and felt a glimmer of hope, his heart lifting.

Perhaps he really could speak again.

That evening, Xiang Ning remembered what Director Lin had said and hesitantly asked He Rong. He Rong said it was his decision, but after a moment, he asked when it was, taking out his phone to coordinate with the doctor, moving to the balcony as he spoke.

When he returned, He Rong nodded, and Xiang Ning breathed a sigh of relief, happily agreeing to Director Lin.

He Rong, however, pulled him back into his arms and asked a new question, “You won’t be home for two weeks. What about me?”

Xiang Ning was taken aback, thinking seriously for a moment, then pushed the youngest cat into his arms, smiling happily.

He Rong, moved, couldn’t resist kissing him. Xiang Ning responded, and the youngest cat meowed in annoyance, struggling out of He Rong’s arms and kicking him as it left.

Xiang Ning tugged at his collar, pointing to the bedroom, wanting to change the location. He Rong, pretending not to understand, held his hand and changed direction.

The sofa offered limited space, and their breathing intertwined, gradually losing rhythm.

Xiang Ning was given a scarf and looked at He Rong helplessly. He Rong pretended not to notice, taking out a coat and comparing it, still not satisfied, and found another one. Xiang Ning sighed, pulling He Rong’s attention back and wrote, “It’s not that cold there. I won’t have space for all this.”

“It won’t be a problem,” He Rong disagreed, wishing he could go with him.

“I’ll buy more when it gets colder.”

“Have your assistant buy them. Don’t run around yourself.” He Rong was still worried, but time was running out. The program’s car was waiting at the entrance, and he had just called the assistant.

Xiang Ning petted each of the three cats, quickly kissed He Rong’s cheek, and hurried out the door.

He Rong watched the door close, surrounded by the three cats, touching his cheek. He smiled, holding the eldest cat, feeling the youngest cat tugging at his pants, trying to climb up.

“What are you doing?” He Rong moved his leg, and the youngest cat fell but continued to cry. He Rong tapped its head, threatening, “Your dad will be gone for two weeks. If you don’t behave, I’ll throw you out and get a new, well-behaved cat. See who will protect you.”

The eldest cat meowed in agreement. The youngest cat meowed twice and retreated to the cat bed, not coming out again.

He Rong smiled, but it felt hollow, looking at the time. Xiang Ning had only been gone for ten minutes.

Just ten minutes, and he was already missing him.