Married in a Daze - Chapter 49
Chapter 49
Qin Zhenzhen woke up as the sky was just beginning to brighten with the first hint of dawn. She opened her eyes, tilted her head slightly, and saw Lu Ruyun sitting beside the bed.
Lu Ruyun was leaning against the headboard, a pillow propped between her back and the white wall behind her. She had no idea how long she'd been sitting there like that. At this moment, her head was bowed low, her long hair completely covering her cheeks.
Qin Zhenzhen's gaze softened. Her arm snaked around Lu Ruyun's waist, pulling her into an embrace. The movement woke Lu Ruyun, who opened her eyes in a daze. The moment she tried to move, she let out a sharp hiss of pain.
Her neck, hanging at that angle for so long, was incredibly stiff and sore.
She pressed her fingers to her neck, massaging it in an attempt to relieve the pain. Qin Zhenzhen's wrist was still resting on her waist. Hearing the sound, Qin Zhenzhen nuzzled closer, burying her head against Lu Ruyun's hipbone and rubbing her face there.
Lu Ruyun's body immediately went rigid.
She slowly lowered her head to look. Qin Zhenzhen was still asleep, burrowing into her like a cat, arms encircling her waist, hair a disheveled mess. She seemed to have found a satisfying position, letting out a soft sigh.
Lu Ruyun's hand, which had been about to push her away, froze mid-air, unable to complete the motion.
How could she not crave this kind of warmth?
If she had never experienced this feeling before, she could have continued living her life without feeling lonely.
But once you've had it, pushing it away again is incredibly difficult.
Lu Ruyun's hand fell powerlessly to her side, then rested on Qin Zhenzhen's bare shoulder.
The skin beneath her touch was cool.
Instinctively, Lu Ruyun pulled the blanket up to cover Qin Zhenzhen's shoulder.
Still deeply asleep, Qin Zhenzhen sniffed. Her nose was filled with a cool, fresh fragrance.
A slight smile curved the corners of her lips.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the tree leaves outside the window. It was almost November, and the sunlight wasn't harsh, just a gentle, warm and comfortable blanket spread over them.
The hospital room was silent. A knock came at the door. Lu Ruyun looked up and instinctively whispered, "Come in."
The person outside seemed not to have heard, and kept knocking. The sleeping Qin Zhenzhen mumbled irritably, grunted a couple of times, and burrowed even deeper into Lu Ruyun. One leg swung over Lu Ruyun's thighs. Because Lu Ruyun was sitting up, Qin Zhenzhen's thigh pressed directly against her feet. The skin was delicate and smooth, rubbing against the top of Lu Ruyun's foot a couple of times. Lu Ruyun curled her toes, a flush creeping up to the tips of her ears.
She cleared her throat softly and pushed Qin Zhenzhen away, scrambling off the bed as if fleeing. After smoothing her clothes, she walked to the door. Just as she was about to open it, she turned back to look at the still-sleeping Qin Zhenzhen, sighed, walked back to the bedside, and tucked the blanket tightly around her.
She opened the door.
He Shuangshuang stood outside, holding her phone, looking like she was about to call.
"Come in," Lu Ruyun said in a low voice, massaging her still-aching neck.
Seeing her movement, He Shuangshuang asked with concern, "What's wrong? Didn't sleep..."
The word "well" died in her throat as she saw someone slowly sit up on the hospital bed. Her mouth fell open. Qin Zhenzhen stretched languidly. "Morning."
He Shuangshuang stared dumbfounded. "Morning."
The freshly awakened Qin Zhenzhen looked refreshed and full of energy. Her hair was a mess, adding a touch of laziness. Sunlight danced across her delicate eyebrows and eyes, making her skin appear even more fair and translucent.
He Shuangshuang looked disbelievingly from her to Lu Ruyun. "Did you two sleep together last night?"
Lu Ruyun pursed her lips, but before she could answer, Qin Zhenzhen spoke first. "Is that a problem?"
He Shuangshuang paused. "N-no problem."
An awkward atmosphere settled over the room. Qin Zhenzhen, however, seemed oblivious. She threw off the blanket, got out of bed, and walked straight into the bathroom. Behind her, a stunned He Shuangshuang blinked, then looked at Lu Ruyun.
Lu Ruyun's expression was placid, revealing nothing.
The two of them were silent for a long moment, hearing only the sound of running water from the bathroom. Lu Ruyun looked at He Shuangshuang. "When can we complete the discharge procedures?"
He Shuangshuang snapped out of her stunned state a little. "If there are no issues, you can be discharged today."
Lu Ruyun nodded. "What time is Doctor Ding coming?"
He Shuangshuang glanced at her watch. "In about an hour."
Their conversation finished just as Qin Zhenzhen emerged from the bathroom. Lu Ruyun brushed past her and went inside, leaving only Qin Zhenzhen and He Shuangshuang in the room.
They looked at each other. He Shuangshuang's face showed hesitation. "Are you sure?"
Qin Zhenzhen lowered her head to straighten her clothes, answering nonchalantly, "I never joke about things like this."
He Shuangshuang frowned. "But..."
Qin Zhenzhen interrupted her. "I know you don't like me. We can't stand the sight of each other. But this time, I hope we can cooperate."
"Don't you also want what's best for her?"
"I want that even more than you do."
Her pretty face was serious, her expression earnest, her bright eyes filled with sincerity. He Shuangshuang met those eyes and, after stewing for a moment, finally muttered under her breath, "I don't dislike you quite as much now."
Qin Zhenzhen's lips curved upward. "Likewise."
He Shuangshuang had never imagined a day would come when she could have such a conflict-free conversation with Qin Zhenzhen. The dynamic between them had begun to change not long ago, but she had simply ignored it. Now, facing this face, trying to get angry and yell seemed almost impossible.
He Shuangshuang averted her eyes uncomfortably. "I'll go handle the discharge procedures. Doctor Ding will be here soon. Ruyun... Ruyun is in your care."
Qin Zhenzhen watched her figure disappear through the door, which closed behind her. She took her phone from the bag nearby and saw several missed calls.
They were from Meng Xin.
There were also a few unread messages.
—Zhenzhen, did you go to the hospital?
—Zhenzhen, Director Yu contacted me. Joining the crew the day after tomorrow. Contact me ASAP.
Qin Zhenzhen checked the time of the last message; it had been sent this morning. She dialed Meng Xin's number.
It was noisy on the other end, even early in the morning. "Zhenzhen?"
Qin Zhenzhen hummed in acknowledgment. Meng Xin continued, "Ji Lu already contacted me. You just happen to have no schedule these two days, so stay at the hospital. Don't forget the opening ceremony the day after tomorrow."
"Okay. Thanks, Sister Meng."
Meng Xin: "No trouble. Just be mentally prepared."
Qin Zhenzhen lowered her gaze. Be mentally prepared.
It was probably because of Tang Ya. The online discussions about her collaboration with Director Yu were still heated, with many people looking forward to it. Director Yu kept his projects tightly under wraps. One could easily imagine the uproar that would ensue when he announced her joining the crew the day after tomorrow.
Meng Xin offered a few words of comfort when she didn't hear a reply. Qin Zhenzhen made some agreeing noises and hung up. Turning her head, she saw Lu Ruyun coming out of the bathroom. She was still wearing the hospital gown, which was a bit too big, making her look even thinner.
They exchanged a glance. Lu Ruyun asked, "Where's Shuangshuang?"
Qin Zhenzhen composed herself. "She went to handle the discharge."
Lu Ruyun gave a barely perceptible nod. "Thanks."
Qin Zhenzhen didn't respond. Lu Ruyun continued, "Sorry for wasting your time last night."
"You're welcome."
Qin Zhenzhen chuckled lightly. "As Teacher Lu has said before, we occasionally have to play the role of a loving newlywed couple. What's a little trouble like this?"
Her nonchalant attitude left Lu Ruyun speechless for a few seconds.
Qin Zhenzhen generously stuck her leg out, waving it in front of Lu Ruyun. "See? I've even prepared the prop for our 'affection'."
Lu Ruyun: "..."
She pressed her lips together, a complex expression on her face.
When Ding Wenwei entered the room, the two were sitting separately, one on the sofa, the other on the bed. Qin Zhenzhen was looking at her phone, browsing the news. Online reports about Lu Ruyun's hospitalization were still everywhere. Opening any website or forum would bring up phrases like "Lu Ruyun hospitalized."
Lu Ruyun Studio's statement refuting the rumors.
Lu Ruyun's manager's declaration was also mixed in, being pushed high by fans.
The screen was filled with all sorts of concern, some genuine, some fabricated.
—Is Teacher Lu okay? Oh my god, I can't imagine. How old is she even? Is she thirty yet??
—She's fine! Her studio already debunked it. It's just exhaustion. How did it become a terminal illness in your mouths?
—Honestly, something feels off. It started feeling weird from the moment she and Qin Zhenzhen had that flash marriage.
—Weird my ass! Are you all sick? Why are you obsessed with people's private lives? Annoying. They get married, you say there's a problem. They get sick, you say there's a problem. Is even breathing wrong?
Qin Zhenzhen's gaze shifted from her phone to Lu Ruyun, who was being examined nearby. She blinked and put her phone away.
On the other side, Ding Wenwei made a couple of notes on the medical chart. "All the test results are back. Nothing major. Just get plenty of rest..."
Lu Ruyun nodded from time to time. Qin Zhenzhen walked over to her side. Ding Wenwei closed the chart and nodded to Qin Zhenzhen. "In other respects, pay a bit more attention."
Qin Zhenzhen: "Okay."
Lu Ruyun glanced at her before looking away. After giving his instructions, Ding Wenwei left the room with the nurse. Qin Zhenzhen started packing Lu Ruyun's things into a bag. Lu Ruyun quickly reached over and took the pajamas, putting them in herself. "Thank you. I can do it."
Qin Zhenzhen nodded.
Lu Ruyun thought for a moment and spoke. "If next time I end up in..."
"There won't be a next time."
Qin Zhenzhen cut her off crisply. Seeing Lu Ruyun look at her in surprise, she shrugged. "I'm very busy. I hope there isn't a next time."
"Besides, Teacher Lu is so eager to keep a distance from me. You probably don't enjoy being alone in a room with me either. So no next time is for the best, right, Teacher Lu?"
Lu Ruyun held back a breath. "Right."
Hearing her tone, Qin Zhenzhen lowered her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Lu Ruyun finished packing her things and picked up the phone from the nightstand to call He Shuangshuang. Suddenly, the door to the hospital room was pushed open. He Shuangshuang rushed in, a fine sweat on her forehead, looking at Lu Ruyun and speaking urgently. "Ruyun, something's happened."
Lu Ruyun's right eye twitched inexplicably. Her voice was calm. "What is it?"
Before He Shuangshuang could finish, Qin Zhenzhen's phone rang. She glanced at Lu Ruyun and He Shuangshuang, frowned, and answered. "Hello?"
Ji Lu's voice on the other end was panicked. "Zhenzhen, have you checked Weibo? It's all about you and Teacher Lu."
Qin Zhenzhen didn't even hang up the phone, immediately opening the Weibo app. At some point, the number one trending topic had changed from "Lu Ruyun Hospitalized" to—EXCLUSIVE REPORT: IRREFUTABLE PROOF LU RUYUN AND QIN ZHENZHEN'S MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE!
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