Chapter 52 Injury

Chapter 52: Injury

Meng Suizhi held out his hand, "Oh, what’s up? Can you read palms?"

Chen Su touched Meng Suizhi’s hand, but his body still showed no reaction at all... Since his first confirmed episode in college, Chen Su hadn’t touched anyone until that time in the study, when the person he touched was still Zhao Jinzong.

Chen Su froze in place.

That evening when he got home, he also asked Xiao Li to hold out his hand so he could touch it, to confirm whether his condition was as he had suspected.

The answer came fast.

Chen Su’s skin hunger only manifested with Zhao Jinzong.

Chen Su found it utterly bewildering.

Xiao Li looked at Chen Su, who was lost in thought, tilting his head, "Brother, what’s wrong with you today?"

Xiao Li didn’t know about Chen Su’s illness, but Chen Su had warned him not to have physical contact, so Xiao Li had always been careful to avoid it. He didn’t know what was going on today... Chen Su suddenly touched him, as if conducting some special experiment.

Chen Su smiled and said it was nothing.

The next day, Chen Su went to work as usual. It was the last two days of the New Year holiday. The Drug Supervision Bureau called all members together for an annual summary and held a half-day meeting. After the meeting, on the way back to the lab base, the members gossiped about Zhao Jinzong.

It was good news.

It was said that a happy event was imminent.

Chen Su’s body stiffened slightly, and he walked faster.

When he used facial recognition to enter the lab base, Meng Suizhi caught up, "You okay?"

"It’s nothing."

Chen Su smiled faintly at Meng Suizhi, with a calm expression, changed into his lab coat, and entered the lab.

During the afternoon experiment, Chen Su’s hand was burned by a reagent—his left hand.

Meng Suizhi tried to help Chen Su remove his glove, but Chen Su dodged, "No need. I’ll handle it outside."

Chen Su left the lab, found an empty restroom, and ran his hand under the faucet for a few minutes. His hand still hurt, so he took time off and went to the hospital.

The doctor saw the scar on the back of Chen Su’s hand, merged with a tattoo, and was startled, "Your hand..."

"It’s nothing. I did it to myself a while ago," Chen Su said calmly.

The doctor frowned as he treated the wound, "Be careful these next two days. Don’t let it get airless or put pressure on it. Apply medicine promptly, or it will fester easily."

"Okay."

Chen Su put the medicine in his pocket, and as soon as he left the hospital’s outpatient room, he put his glove back on.

Chen Su left the hospital, bought a pack of slim cigarettes at a nearby convenience store, and put one between his lips. Just as he was about to light it, the Enigma’s voice came from behind, "Chen Su."

Chen Su’s lips quivered. He put his left hand in his pocket and took the cigarette away with his right.

"Director Zhao," Chen Su said, turning around and forcing a smile.

"You took time off?"

"Yeah."

"Where are you hurt?" Zhao Jinzong’s eyes carefully scanned every inch of exposed skin on Chen Su.

Chen Su said dismissively, "It’s nothing."

"Chen Su." Zhao Jinzong frowned, "Are you going to tell me yourself, or should I find out?"

The Enigma’s tone was threatening.

Chen Su curled his left fingertips slightly in his pocket, "It’s really nothing serious. My hand got burned by a reagent. It’s already been taken care of."

"Which hand?"

"Right hand."

Zhao Jinzong’s gaze darkened, "Say that again."

"..." Chen Su’s heart raced. After a second of hesitation, he insisted, "Right hand."

"You hesitated." Zhao Jinzong stepped closer to Chen Su, fixing his gaze on Chen Su’s left hand, which was in his pocket, saying nothing.

Zhao Jinzong’s brows furrowed deeply, his expression dark—clearly angry.

Chen Su insisted, "It’s really not that serious."

"Show me your hand," Zhao Jinzong ordered.

"..." Chen Su feared Zhao Jinzong would use his domination ability on him. He took a shallow breath and lowered his head, "I have a tattoo on my hand. It’s not appropriate."

Zhao Jinzong’s tone was heavy, even angrier, "I know. It doesn’t matter."

"It does matter."

Chen Su was insistent. He could show the tattoo to Meng Suizhi or Xiao Li, but not to Zhao Jinzong.

This was Chen Su’s secret.

It was for this very reason that Sheng Beiqing had forced him into marriage.

"Chen Su," Zhao Jinzong called his name softly, his tone filled with disappointment and helplessness, "Is it that anyone can see it, but not Zhao Jinzong?"

Chen Su could come to the hospital to see a doctor, but he refused to let Zhao Jinzong see his tattoo.

Zhao Jinzong had received some special treatment, but only during his rut, when his alpha symptoms flared up. Each time it ended, any privilege was cruelly revoked.

In Chen Su’s view, their relationship was worse than that of a doctor and patient.

Chen Su said, his tone cruel, "Yes."

"So, what’s the reason for your concern?"

What did Chen Su’s occasional concern for Zhao Jinzong even amount to?

The Enigma was usually not confrontational, didn’t dispute with Chen Su, didn’t demand explanations. He just acted from the standpoint of a suitor, not expecting anything in return. Today was an exception.

As Chen Su had thought, everyone has their limits.

Zhao Jinzong had been turned down too many times; sooner or later, he would get tired, give up, and walk away.

Maybe today’s the day we say goodbye.

Chen Su packed away all his emotions and love, saying each word deliberately: "Guilt."

"Accidentally marking you was wrong, and hurting you was my fault." Chen Su's throat tightened. "Zhao Jinzong, I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done for me."

Chen Su was really just saying: "You’re great, but I still can’t forget Sheng Beiqing."

After speaking, Chen Su lowered his head. He thought Enigma would leave in anger or slip away in silence. Anyway, after today, they probably wouldn’t stay in touch.

Zhao Jinzong didn't leave. His polished leather shoes stood still in front of Chen Su.

Enigma knew everything, but didn't get angry or blame him.

Zhao Jinzong changed the subject. "Does the wound hurt?"

Chen Su was stunned. "..."

"Does it hurt or not?"

"It doesn't hurt." Chen Su’s voice was so hoarse it was barely recognizable.

Zhao Jinzong handed Chen Su a couple of candies. "I'll take you back."

"..."

Chen Su hadn't driven here, and inexplicably, he got into the car with Enigma.

In the car, Chen Su’s hand was clenched tight in his pocket, itchy and sore.

He watched Zhao Jinzong beside him, eyes closed, brows furrowing deeper, his expression pained.

Chen Su didn’t realize that the more regret Zhao Jinzong felt, the harder he was to get rid of.

Zhao Jinzong regretted letting Chen Su make his own choices two years ago, only to watch him end up this broken.

Even knowing Chen Su's thoughts, Enigma wouldn't leave again. Chen Su lacked judgment, too quick to get hurt.

Now, Chen Su was like a withered flower, needing plenty of love to revive him.