Chapter Thirty: Injustice

Under my firm opposition, Hua Jingjing finally abandoned her idea of buying a laptop. Still, she handed me a long list, stretching from daily necessities to snacks, from books and magazines to electronic gadgets—an entire sheet filled with detailed requests. Not only were the brands specified, but also the exact quantity and specifications. What truly troubled me was that she had even written down underwear on the list.

How could I, a grown man, go buy women’s underwear? The mere thought was unbearable.

Yet my objections were overruled by Hua Jingjing. She insisted, “I bathe every day. What am I supposed to change into? Unless you’d rather go to my house and bring them for me?”

That was impossible!

Fortunately, the underwear she wanted was available in bulk at the supermarket, sparing me from the embarrassment of having to select them at the women’s counter. Reluctantly, I agreed.

The whole afternoon, I dashed from mall to supermarket, lugging bag after bag. Never in my life had I shopped so frantically. Grumbling about the inconvenience of women, sweating and panting, I carried, tucked, shouldered, and hauled all of Hua Jingjing’s requested items back to her luxury hospital room.

She was delighted, showering me with praise for my efficiency. All I could do was force a self-deprecating smile. After a brief rest, I bought her dinner and promptly excused myself. Exhausted, I just wanted to collapse into bed.

Hua Jingjing produced a bank card and said, “Tomorrow, when you come, withdraw ten thousand yuan for me from Development Bank. I might need you to buy more things.”

My mouth dropped open in shock. “What? More shopping?”

She shot me a glare. “Why, are you unwilling? Planning to back out?”

“It’s not that. I just think you’ve bought enough already. You’re only here for observation and treatment for a couple of days. No need to stock up as if you’re moving house.”

“I want to, and it’s none of your business.”

I could only shake my head and mutter, “Women! Strange creatures, truly incomprehensible!”

Hua Jingjing smiled, ignoring my reluctance, and pressed the card into my hand. “The password is 328396. Remember it? Oh, and I asked the doctor earlier—you paid five thousand for my emergency treatment? Tomorrow, when you withdraw the money, keep five thousand for yourself. I don’t need a pauper like you footing my bill. Save your money for cigarettes.”

Of course she had to pay me back. I’d borrowed that money myself. Thinking this, I took the card without ceremony, slipped it into my pocket, bade her farewell, and left without looking back.

As I was leaving, I heard her call, “Tang Qian! You must come early tomorrow!”

At home, I ate hurriedly and explained my expenses in passing, mentioning only that a colleague needed money for urgent medical care. Then I rushed to my room, plugged in my phone, and fell into a blissful sleep.

The next morning, after washing up, I unplugged my phone and turned it on. Instantly, I was flooded with messages—seventeen in all. Every one was from the mobile company, alerting me to missed calls, all from Qiu Jieqin.

With a sigh, I dialed her number.

“Hello, were you looking for me?”

“Hmph! You finally show up? You really have some nerve! A whole day and night with your phone off. If you can’t stand me, just say so—why hide? Don’t you realize how worried I was? I thought something had happened to you!”

“It wasn’t that, my phone died and I wasn’t home to charge it, so—”

“Hmph! Who believes that? Even if your phone was dead, couldn’t you use another to call me? I spend all day thinking about you, but you never care about me at all. You… you have no conscience.”

I had no answer.

After a pause, Qiu Jieqin spoke softly, “Tang Qian, I really miss you. Can’t you treat me a bit better?”

I listened in silence, moved by her words. Indeed, after two days of sparring with a cunning, ruthless boss, I was utterly worn out. It was so much better to be with Qiu Jieqin. At least she genuinely cared for me—there was no need to guard against her. With her, I felt warmth.

Thinking of her kindness, I felt guilty. I really had been too cold to her.

On impulse, I said into the phone, “Let’s go to the movies tonight. Honestly, I want to see you too.”

“Really?” She was overjoyed. “You’re not lying?”

I laughed. “Why would I lie? Are you coming?”

“Of course! What movie? I’ll buy the tickets!”

“I’ll treat you! Doesn’t matter what we see—I’m exhausted and just want to relax. Eight o’clock tonight, I’ll meet you at the entrance of the Zhonghua Cinema.”

“Alright, it’s a promise!”

“It’s a promise.” Smiling, I hung up, but the thought of tending to that boss again wiped the smile from my face.

Listlessly, I told my family I was leaving, withdrew ten thousand yuan from Development Bank, and took a taxi to Guangfu Hospital. When I opened the door to Hua Jingjing’s room, the doctor was conducting a routine check.

Seeing me, Hua Jingjing exclaimed, “Why are you so late? I’m starving! Where’s my breakfast?” I was momentarily stunned, realizing I hadn’t bought anything. “What do you want to eat? I’ll get it now.”

She was clearly displeased. “Is this how you take care of someone? Late, and no food. Are you trying to annoy me? I want steamed buns—hurry up!”

Early in the morning and already being scolded, I was irritated but restrained myself since someone else was present. I turned and left. Still fuming, Hua Jingjing puffed her cheeks, while the doctor smiled and said, “Men can be careless sometimes, don’t take it to heart. I think your boyfriend is quite devoted—he was really anxious when he brought you in yesterday.”

Hua Jingjing blushed, murmuring, “Really? Actually, he… he…” She meant to say he wasn’t her boyfriend, but somehow couldn’t bring herself to say it. Her expression was shy and joyful, girlish in every way. The doctor smiled and shook his head, “Alright, let’s check your temperature again.”

I bought a basket of steamed buns, packed them in a plastic bag, and returned to the room. The doctor was gone. I handed them over, none too gently. “Here are your buns, take them.”

Hua Jingjing, however, smiled mysteriously, showing not the slightest displeasure at my attitude. She took the buns and asked cheerfully, “Have you eaten?”

I answered curtly, “Not hungry.”

Unfazed, she ate with relish. Between bites, she said, “The doctor just told me my illness isn’t serious anymore. I’m still a bit weak, but a few days of rest will fix that.”

I replied, “Well, please hurry up and get better. I’m tired of looking after you every day—it’s exhausting.”

Hua Jingjing’s brows knitted. “What? Are you fed up? Then don’t come! Who are you showing off for?”

Already angry, her words set me off immediately. “You said it yourself—nothing would make me happier! Here’s the ten thousand yuan I just withdrew, minus the five thousand you owe me. That leaves five thousand, and here’s the card. I’ll leave them here. I have things to do, so I won’t stay. Goodbye!” I placed the money and card on the bed and turned to leave.

Hua Jingjing, both shocked and angry, shouted, “Tang Qian! Don’t you dare! Stop right there!”

But once my temper flared, who cared? I ignored her and kept walking. In desperation, Hua Jingjing leaped barefoot from the bed, slammed the door shut, and blocked the handle with her body. With a look of grievance, she said, “You lose your temper just because I said a few words? I’m a patient, can’t you be a bit more considerate?”

I stared in surprise at the seemingly pitiful Hua Jingjing—was this really the same domineering, capricious boss I knew? Surely she wasn’t plotting some new scheme?

Unsure how to respond, I paused and said seriously, “I may be your subordinate, but we are equals in dignity. You have no right to boss me around. I take care of you out of principle, but I’m not obligated to—you shouldn’t think I’m easy to push around. I’m telling you, I won’t serve you anymore. Move aside, I’m leaving.”

Hua Jingjing’s eyes immediately filled with tears, about to spill over, her lips trembling, “Why are you so angry? Is it not enough that I admit I was wrong? How could I bully you? If anything, you’ve been the one bullying me these past two days! I never dared to do anything to you!”

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face. Seeing her like a wronged little wife, I couldn’t help but laugh and cry at once. “Why are you crying? Wipe your tears now!”