Yunyi returned to the office from the back ward and immediately extended her spiritual power toward the building opposite.
However, the distance she could probe was limited. She only saw people coming in and out of the small door over there, and there were always people watching closely.
She guessed that the dilapidated courtyard opposite might well be a stronghold for those people.
It was a truly inconspicuous location, one that could easily go unnoticed if a person wasn’t careful. The small door was set back a bit from the alley entrance, its panels so old and ragged that, at first glance, they looked as though they might fall over with the slightest nudge.
But this made Yunyi even more suspicious. It seemed that, come nightfall, she would have to go on a counter-surveillance mission to see what exactly was going on inside.
When Huo Jingrui came in, Yunyi asked, "What have you made?"
Huo Jingrui’s previously cold gaze softened into one of indulgence. "Minced meat tofu, stir-fried potatoes with cured meat, and steamed rice," he said. "And I especially made you an egg soup."
As soon as the lunchbox was opened, the aroma wafted out. "Smells good," Yunyi remarked.
Huo Jingrui looked apologetic. "If not for today’s special circumstances, I could have made even better dishes with the ingredients you brought out," he said. "Once we’re through this busy period, I’ll really show you my cooking skills."
He had timed his visit, guessing they’d be finished eating by the time Qiao Shaoguo returned.
Yunyi also knew he would definitely be busy tonight. "Hurry up and sit down to eat," she urged, "so you won’t go hungry if something comes up later. It’s not good to work on an empty stomach."
Huo Jingrui glanced outside the door and leaned in close to Yunyi. "Are you worried about me?" he asked.
Yunyi didn’t deny it; after all, she knew exactly who he was.
She took a small medicine bottle from an office drawer. "This is a powerful hemostatic powder," she explained. "Keep it on you for emergencies."
Huo Jingrui didn’t stand on ceremony with Yunyi. "Thank you," he accepted.
After Yunyi sat down, she urged again, "Eat quickly."
She was afraid he might have to leave before they even finished eating.
So, during this meal, aside from Huo Jingrui initially serving Yunyi some food with his chopsticks, the two exchanged only a few words, mostly focused on eating.
Coincidentally, just as they finished eating, Huo Jingrui was about to take the lunchbox back to the small courtyard. At that moment, he saw Qiao Shaoguo approaching, supported by someone. The two men exchanged glances from a distance.
But Qiao Shaoguo made sure to speak to Yunyi as well. "Doctor Chu," he said, "please take a look at Xiaoliu; his arm is injured."
Yunyi stepped forward. Indeed, Xiaoliu was injured. However, whether it was deliberately inflicted, or if he was genuinely hurt and Qiao Shaoguo was merely taking advantage of the situation, she couldn’t tell.
Yunyi helped Xiaoliu with a checkup and asked nonchalantly, "Thank goodness the wound isn’t too deep. How did you get hurt?" ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝕟𝕖𝕥
Xiaoliu looked utterly dejected. "I don’t know which damn fool broke glass over in the workshop area," he lamented. "You’d think they’d clean up after themselves. And now I’m the unlucky one."
She looked up at Xiaoliu. He didn’t seem to be lying. It was likely he was unaware and had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time, conveniently providing Qiao Shaoguo with an excuse to come over.
Given that, Yunyi naturally decided to cooperate. She deliberately kept up a conversation with Xiaoliu, making small talk to create an opportunity for Huo Jingrui and Qiao Shaoguo to communicate.
After all, it was better for ordinary people to know less about certain matters to avoid any complications.
To prevent further issues, Qiao Shaoguo and Huo Jingrui communicated entirely through lip-reading.
After Yunyi finished bandaging Xiaoliu’s wound, she instructed, "Keep the wound dry for the next few days, and it’s best not to use this hand for now. Although the wound isn’t deep, it’s long, and it also affects your wrist."
Xiaoliu gave a wry smile. "There’s a whole pile of work waiting for me. I didn’t expect to end up practically handicapped. I don’t even know what to say."