Chapter 97 Zhao Jinzong’s Indifference

Chapter 97: Zhao Jinzong's Indifference

Chen Su was wearing canvas shoes, and the scalding porridge quickly soaked through the top of his shoes.

His entire body froze, and he didn't feel the burn at all.

Until Zhao Jinzong's body tilted slightly, and his gaze seemed about to turn toward him. Chen Su immediately lowered his head and crouched down, using a tissue to wipe the hot porridge off his shoe.

The porridge burned through the tissue, scalding Chen Su's fingertips, and only then did he feel the heat.

Zhao Jinzong turned his head, glanced sideways at Chen Su, and with his long legs, slowly walked away in Chen Su's peripheral vision until he disappeared. Only then did Chen Su dare to lift his head.

He went to buy another bowl of porridge. Anxiety drove him to smoke one cigarette after another at the shop entrance, but the thick tobacco smell did nothing to ease his nerves.

Chen Su couldn't stop thinking: Why did Zhao Jinzong come to Lishi? Lishi was quite remote… Did Zhao Jinzong know he was still alive? Was Zhao Jinzong looking for him? Zhao Jinzong wouldn't look for him… Was he here for a hospital visit?

Countless questions ran through his mind.

Chen Su felt only numbness and panic.

On his way back with the hot porridge, he bought a mask and put it on, and quickly returned to the infusion area.

Shi Xiangyang was asleep. The nurse looked at Chen Su and said with a smile, "Your kid is very well-behaved. The IV is almost done."

Chen Su: "…Okay."

Chen Su didn't explain. He walked over to Shi Xiangyang and sat down gently.

Shi Xiangyang woke up anyway. Chen Su opened the porridge. "It's almost finished. Have something to drink, and I'll take you back to the hotel in a bit."

"Okay, thank you, Teacher."

Shi Xiangyang took the hot porridge, and with his bony hands, scooped the millet porridge spoonful by spoonful.

Suddenly, thunder and lightning flashed outside the window, and rain poured down in torrents.

The pounding rain carried a biting chill.

Chen Su hadn't brought a suitcase or an extra coat when he came, so he was bound to get soaked now.

Chen Su frowned irritably.

After Shi Xiangyang finished the porridge, he put the to-go container aside. He felt a bit better, gradually regaining some strength, and his dry throat was slightly relieved. He looked at Chen Su and asked, "Teacher Chen, why did you come?"

"Teacher Xu said you were sick, so I came to see you."

"Will you go back after the competition ends, Teacher Chen?"

"I'll go back once you're better."

"Teacher Chen… does my grandpa know?"

"I didn't tell him. I didn't want him to worry."

"Okay…" Shi Xiangyang smiled at Chen Su. The rain outside was too loud, and soon he grew worried too. "Teacher, the rain is so heavy."

The nurse came to remove the IV needle and said with a smile, "Yeah, there's a typhoon making landfall in Lishi recently. Be careful when you go out."

The nurse reminded them, "The IV is done. If he still has a fever tomorrow, bring him back. Acute gastroenteritis is quite miserable—vomiting and diarrhea. You can stop the montmorillonite powder once the diarrhea is over."

"Okay, thank you."

Chen Su took the medicine, took Shi Xiangyang's hand, and left the infusion area.

When they got to the emergency department entrance, Chen Su stopped.

The rain was coming down hard and fast. Chen Su took out his phone to book a ride, planning to wait for the car before stepping out, so he wouldn't get as wet.

As it turned out, a singer was giving a concert in Lishi that night, and it was exactly the time the concert was letting out. He couldn't get a ride at all, so Chen Su could only wait.

The longer he waited, the more anxious he became.

He didn't know if Zhao Jinzong had left. What if he ran into Zhao Jinzong? Chen Su held Shi Xiangyang's hand tighter and tighter.

Shi Xiangyang shook his hand. "Teacher Chen, what's wrong?"

Chen Su snapped out of it. "Nothing."

He loosened his grip.

Chen Su never got a ride from the app. The worst thing he feared still happened.

A figure appeared beside Chen Su, giving off a faint incense pheromone. He could clearly hear the silver tassels swaying. Chen Su's whole body stiffened. He didn't move, didn't even breathe. His gaze froze in the distance, not daring to look sideways.

"Hey… isn't that the General Bureau uniform?"

"That guy is tall and handsome. Is he a high-level alpha?"

"He has more presence than a model."

The voices behind him made Chen Su even tenser.

Zhao Jinzong stood with one hand in his pocket, staring straight ahead.

In the distance, Uncle Wen ran over with an umbrella. As he got closer, his eyes first fell on Chen Su. Their gazes met, and Uncle Wen's eyes shifted to Zhao Jinzong. Zhao Jinzong's face was cold and stern. Uncle Wen seemed about to say something but stopped himself, ultimately saying nothing to give it away. But Chen Su knew Uncle Wen must have recognized him.

Uncle Wen handed an umbrella to Zhao Jinzong. "General Administration, the umbrella."

"Mm."

Zhao Jinzong took the umbrella, opened it, but didn't leave. He turned to look at Chen Su. "Leaving?"

After a long pause, Chen Su forced out a single word: "Mm."

How could Zhao Jinzong not recognize him?

Uncle Wen, being very perceptive, reached out to Shi Xiangyang. "Come, I'll hold your hand."

Shi Xiangyang looked up at Chen Su, seeking his approval. Chen Su let go of his hand and said flatly, "It's fine."

Chen Su stepped under Zhao Jinzong's black umbrella. Uncle Wen carried the child behind them.

As Chen Su walked, his steps were stiff, his palms covered in cold sweat. He waited for Zhao Jinzong to ask him something—to accuse him, to get angry… but Zhao Jinzong didn't say a single word to him.

Zhao Jinzong's indifference made Chen Su carefully hide the watch on his wrist.

Zhao Jinzong was a gentleman. If it had been anyone else waiting for the rain to stop at the hospital, he would have shared his umbrella with them. It was just a small favor.

From the emergency entrance to the roadside parking spot, only a few hundred meters, but because of the oppressive silence, the distance felt unbearably long.

When they finally got to the car, Chen Su felt that time had passed quickly.

Uncle Wen helped Shi Xiangyang into the passenger seat, then opened the car door and asked, "Where to, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Su mentioned the name of a hotel.

Zhao Jinzong stood still holding the umbrella. Chen Su understood and bent down to get into the car first. The rear partition wasn't up, and the interior was lit by a warm yellow light.

Zhao Jinzong closed his umbrella and got in. Uncle Wen closed the car door, returned to the driver's seat, and started the car.

Inside the car, it was completely silent.

Chen Su spoke up first: "Thank you."

"Mhm."

Zhao Jinzong's tone was cold.

Chen Su thought that Zhao Jinzong probably hated him.

A person who detests omegas had been deceived by an omega who pursued and loved him for over half a year—anyone would be disgusted.

It was a matter of principle.