In my line of sight, Chu Ge's hands were slightly red, indeed showing signs of burns, but it didn't seem too serious.

Some dead skin soaked in medicine was about to naturally fall off, and in certain places, baby-like tender flesh had started to grow back.

Chu Shiyao blinked and said in an exasperated tone, "Are you kidding me? Just this level of burns, and the doctor who treated you wrapped your hands in such thick bandages?"

Chu Ge laughed, "Hmm, who wouldn't agree? Your hospital is really shady; this is a textbook case of exploiting the situation."

Not disagreeing with Chu Ge, Chu Shiyao nodded firmly, "Yeah, I think so too."

If Chu Shiyao knew exactly how severe Chu Ge's burns were when he was first admitted to the hospital, she would not be reacting like this now. She would definitely be inspecting him up and down, left and right, front and back, inside and outside... uh, forget the inside; she can't see that.

In short, she would be absolutely astonished at such a terrifying recovery ability.

However, since Chu Shiyao didn't know the initial state of Chu Ge's burns, she could comment so confidently and still have the mood to share these hospital jokes with Chu Ge.

Actually, it's not even a joke; hospitals in the country are really that shady. To put it bluntly, hospital profits are much higher than some criminal behaviors.

Chu Ge stretched comfortably, chuckling, "So, do you think I can be discharged?"

"Don't rush yet; let me remove all the bandages and take a look first."

As she spoke, Chu Shiyao started removing the bandages from Chu Ge's body one by one using various tools, observing carefully with her little hand supporting her chin.

"The situation looks optimistic, but I think you should stay for a few more days to observe; just in case of any sudden changes."

Chu Ge felt exasperated inside. What's there to observe? Over the years in the organization, far worse situations countless times didn't even allow the chance for hospital treatment; biting through was the only way.

But he knew that if he were to discharge now, Qin Ruojing would definitely oppose, and he could imagine Qin Ruojing looking all stern and righteous.

Forget it; might as well stay a few more days. With He Junming and Chu Shiyao around, the time won't be too unbearable.

Nodding to Chu Shiyao, Chu Ge smiled, "Since you said so, I'm more comfortable trusting you than anyone else. I'll enjoy a few more days in peace here, but please don't wrap me up like a mummy again; at least let me take care of basic living, can you?"

Subconsciously glancing in Chu Ge's direction, Chu Shiyao replied, "No problem, just lie down; I'll apply the medicine for you."

Following instructions, Chu Ge lay down, continually cooperating with Chu Shiyao's requests, watching her deftly change his dressing and reapply a layer of bandage that was much thinner than before.

I must say, being taken care of by Chu Shiyao, like a king, felt quite glamorous and enjoyable.

During the process of changing the dressing, Chu Shiyao's pure face bore no sign of her usual playful demeanor, her big, clear eyes filled with focus.

Her nurse outfit accentuated her shapely figure, emanating an angelic aura, and every gesture, no matter how subtle, radiated professional competence, making Chu Ge feel nothing but comfort.

Once Chu Shiyao finally finished treating Chu Ge, beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and upon surveying her handiwork, a satisfied smile spread across her pure face.

"Hmm, I think I did a good job. Brother Chu, I didn't hurt you just now, did I?"

"Nope, it was great."

Chu Shiyao giggled, playfully sticking out her tongue, "So Brother Chu, handle whatever you need to do. I'm going to check on He Junming; if you feel bored alone, just come over."

Chu Ge nodded, and Chu Shiyao left the room.

Watching Chu Shiyao's retreating back, Chu Ge looked at his newly bandaged but much more functional hands, feeling both relieved and just a tad regretful.

The relief came from finally not having to feel as disabled, unable to even manage a trip to the toilet.

As for the regret, Chu Ge didn't quite understand why; perhaps because the past few days had been surprisingly pleasant?

After moving his slightly stiff hands around, once they regained full flexibility, he went to the restroom to deal with nature's call, and then started exercising in the room. Before he knew it, the morning had passed.

"Gurgle"

Chu Ge's stomach growled, and when he checked the time, he realized it was already past twelve o'clock.

Sitting on the chair by the bed, he picked up a can of eight-treasure porridge, unsure who had given it to him, and just as he was about to open it, footsteps came from the doorway. Immediately afterward, the door opened, and a group of colleagues from the Operation Management Department walked in.

Mo Xiaoran, holding a cute bear-shaped silver thermal lunchbox, met Chu Ge's gaze, and a hint of panic flashed through her eyes. She quickly lowered her gaze, blushing, focusing on her toes. Her slightly long bangs gently fell, covering her graceful face, concealing her expression at that moment.

Despite not being able to see, Chu Ge knew that the face, as graceful as a Jiangnan woman, was now likely showing a slightly pursed lip, eyelashes fluttering, both shy and embarrassed.

With a silent sigh, Chu Ge realized that Mo Xiaoran might be serious about him.

Shifting his gaze from Mo Xiaoran to lead Ji Songtao, Chu Ge put down the eight-treasure porridge and stood up from the chair by the bed.

"Minister Ji, Feifei, why are you here again?" he asked, with a slight tone of reproach.

It wasn't that Chu Ge was ungrateful; he truly considered these colleagues of the Operation Management Department as his own, not needing any pretentious cordiality with them. He just felt they were working and visiting him, especially in such hot weather — it was too much trouble.

Furthermore, judging by the time, they must have come right after their lunch break, probably without having eaten.

Ji Songtao seemed surprised at Chu Ge's words, looking somewhat awkward. As a worldly-wise person used to politeness, he truly wasn't sure how to respond to such a direct question from Chu Ge.

"Vice Minister Chu, do you really not welcome us? We were all missing you so much; sigh! How heartbreaking!"

While Ji Songtao was awkward, Feifei wasn't polite with Chu Ge, pretending to wipe away nonexistent tears as she jokingly exclaimed.

Chu Ge looked at Feifei amusingly, rolling his eyes at her, "You're all thunder and no rain, where's the sadness?"

"Tsk, Vice Minister Chu, you're being unfair. Do you really want to see me cry for you to be happy? Huh? You've recovered quickly, haven't you? When we came yesterday, your bandages were still so thick, and now, what a change in a day."

Feifei returned the eye roll to Chu Ge, and as she noticed the champagne-colored bedding on the hospital bed, she paused before giving a mischievous grin.

"I was wondering why Chu Shao didn't want us here, so that's why, huh? You're staying in the hospital under...certain circumstances."

As Feifei said this, everyone else noticed the anomaly on the bed too, showing expressions of sudden realization. Lu Gang looked at Chu Ge with admiration, while several girls suppressed giggles with peculiar expressions.

The only one not laughing was Mo Xiaoran, who held the bear lunchbox handle tightly.

When she instinctively lifted her head and saw the obviously feminine bedding, she bit her lower lip tighter and lowered her head even more.

Being teased by Feifei wasn't new to Chu Ge, so he didn't bother explaining. After all, explanations wouldn't help, and he simply smiled helplessly.

"Alright, since everyone's here, have a seat and take a break. There's fruit over there. Lu Gang, my hands aren't convenient to wet, could you wash some for everyone?"

"Okay." Lu Gang agreed cheerfully, feeling honored that Chu Ge asked him specifically to help, happily filling a plastic fruit basket and humming into the bathroom to wash them.

"Vice Minister Chu, you haven't eaten yet, have you? I...I made something for you. I don't know if you'll like it, but...could you try it?"

After everyone else found a place to sit, Mo Xiaoran was the only one still standing. She approached Chu Ge, seemingly needing a lot of courage, and held up the bear lunchbox to Chu Ge, pressing her lips together as she spoke.

Looking at Mo Xiaoran's eyes flashing with nervousness and anticipation, and the bear lunchbox she held for several seconds, Chu Ge hesitated several times before finally smiling and saying "thank you," taking the lunchbox.

When Chu Ge took the lunchbox, Mo Xiaoran felt much relieved, smiled shyly, and whispered "you're welcome," sneaking another glance at the champagne-colored sheets before sitting down beside Feifei on the companion bed.

Mo Xiaoran was never one to vie with others, but the more she interacted with Chu Ge, the more she noticed his good traits.

This time, she felt she couldn't remain shy like before. This time, no matter what, she would strive for her happiness!

In Mo Xiaoran's shy smile and expectant gaze, Chu Ge opened the bear lunchbox.

The first thing he saw were two dishes, ordinary yet not so ordinary.

One was spicy smoked tofu, and the other, stir-fried shredded potatoes.

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