Chapter 22: A Beautiful Dream, Bewitching and Intoxicating

Li Chao thought to himself that to improve his own medical skills, he could only accomplish this by saving lives. Since that was the case, the only path left was to rely on the clinic to achieve his goal.

The two of them sat in silence for a while, realizing it was getting late, so they gathered their luggage and headed toward the station. Once aboard the minibus, Li Chao chose a double seat, inviting Liu Dan to sit first before settling beside her himself.

Having had a bit of alcohol and endured a fright that day, Liu Dan had barely sat down before she leaned against Li Chao’s shoulder and drifted into sleep. As the bus swayed along its route, her softness brushed against him again and again.

Li Chao lowered his gaze, studying Liu Dan’s delicate, porcelain-like face. An indescribable feeling surged within him. He was well aware that his actions were somewhat inappropriate, yet deep down he couldn’t bear to push her away.

Suddenly, Liu Dan stirred slightly, mumbling something incoherent. Li Chao hurriedly leaned closer, listening intently. He heard her whisper, “Don’t leave me…”

Those simple words, like a jolt of electricity, ran through Li Chao, melting his heart into a cloud of cotton candy. Unable to help himself, he reached out and gently patted Liu Dan’s shoulder, soothing her in a soft voice, “Don’t worry, I won’t leave you.”

Liu Dan seemed to hear his promise, a faint smile of contentment appearing on her face before she slipped deeper into slumber. Gazing at her serene sleeping visage, Li Chao sighed inwardly, “This woman truly is an enigma…”

He shook his head helplessly, shifting his gaze from Liu Dan to the scenery outside the window, allowing himself to appreciate the passing landscape. Yet, his mind never fully settled on the view.

He noticed that Liu Dan’s breathing was becoming more rapid, her body trembling slightly. Li Chao grew concerned—was she having a nightmare? He looked down at her again.

Liu Dan’s eyes were tightly shut, her forehead beaded with sweat, and her lips drained of color. Alarmed, Li Chao reached out and gently nudged her shoulder, asking with concern, “Liu Dan, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

She didn’t respond, only furrowing her brow, seemingly trapped in a terrible dream. Li Chao’s worry deepened. He hesitated, unsure whether to wake her—he feared disturbing her might frighten her, but letting her continue in this state could harm her health.

After some internal struggle, he decided to wake her. Calling her name softly, he gently shook her shoulder, hoping to bring her out of her dream.

He continued to softly call her name as he gently shook her shoulder.

“Liu Dan, wake up… Liu Dan…”

His voice was tinged with anxiety and concern. Through Li Chao’s persistent efforts, Liu Dan finally opened her eyes slowly. Her gaze was hazy, as if veiled by mist, still not fully free from her nightmare.

She blinked, trying to clear her vision, but everything remained blurred. Seeing this, Li Chao leaned in, asking gently, “Are you alright? What did you dream about?”

His voice was low, as if afraid to startle her. Liu Dan’s chest rose and fell as she caught her breath, taking a moment before she could speak. Her lips, pale and trembling, managed to utter, “I… I dreamt someone was chasing me… I was so scared…”

Li Chao’s heart tightened at her words. He reached out, gently patting Liu Dan’s hand, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid, it was only a dream. Everything’s fine now. I’m here with you.”

His gaze was gentle and steadfast, offering a sense of reassurance. Liu Dan nodded, regaining her composure and only then noticing the closeness between herself and Li Chao.

Her cheeks flushed instantly, rosy as ripe apples, bright and alluring. She quickly straightened herself, putting some distance between them, inwardly berating herself: How could I lose composure like this in front of him?

The atmosphere grew awkward, neither knowing what to say next. Li Chao realized his own inappropriate behavior, scratching his head and forcing a laugh to break the tension.

Just then, a breeze swept through, rustling the leaves outside. Liu Dan’s long hair fluttered, concealing part of her face yet failing to hide her bashful expression.

Li Chao looked at Liu Dan, feeling a stirring in his heart. Suddenly, he found the girl before him so endearing, so worthy of concern.

He wished that time could stop at this moment.

The awkwardness lingered, making the air feel thick and heavy. Their eyes met briefly before each looked away, as if searching for a topic to break the stifling silence.

Finally, after a long pause, Li Chao broke the deadlock. He managed a somewhat forced smile and said softly, “Alright, let’s not think too much. We still have a long journey ahead.”

Liu Dan was somewhat relieved by his words, smiling and nodding in agreement.

Yet behind her smile lay a hint of unspeakable bitterness.

Although the two were no longer as intimately connected as before, their atmosphere grew subtly harmonious and nuanced. Occasionally, they would exchange a few words, sharing bits of life or reflections. Each sentence was spoken carefully, wary of touching each other’s sensitive nerves.

Time slipped by unnoticed as the minibus traveled along winding roads, the scenery outside changing continuously.

At last, they arrived at their destination.

As Li Chao and Liu Dan stepped out of the station, the sun was already sinking, the sky awash with vibrant hues of sunset—orange, red, and purple weaving together like a beautiful tapestry painted by nature. A cool breeze carried away the shadows in their hearts.

Standing on unfamiliar ground, facing the magnificent sunset, Li Chao and Liu Dan stopped simultaneously. They quietly admired the scenery before them, feeling the allure of nature. In that moment, all worries and confusion faded, leaving only peace and beauty within.

Perhaps this journey was only a small fragment of life; perhaps more challenges and trials awaited them in the days ahead. As long as they carried hope and courage in their hearts, no matter how rugged the path ahead, they would walk forward with resolve.

They exchanged smiles, as if casting aside all earthly troubles and cares. In this instant, the two remained immersed in the joys of their long journey, and Liu Dan’s unintentional gestures had evolved into a unique form of communication.

Her chest, rising high like a mountain, seemed to lose control, unconsciously caressing his sturdy body—a silent but intensely provocative dialogue of emotion. More audacious still, perhaps intoxicated by her dreams, her slender, jade-like fingers wandered aimlessly over his muscular form, occasionally brushing against certain parts of him.

This intimate physical contact stirred a complex tide of feelings within Li Chao’s heart, mingling inescapable frustration with an intense, indescribable attraction. Throughout the journey, those ambiguous, dreamlike sensations enveloped Li Chao in a haze—painful yet delightfully addictive.

On one hand, he was troubled and helpless by Liu Dan’s unconscious actions; on the other, this closeness awakened a deep, unspoken yearning and desire within him. The conflicting emotions entwined him like a tangled web, drawing him ever deeper, unable to break free.

Lost in endless confusion and inner conflict, he began a profound introspection.

Liu Dan’s face flushed, a unique feeling stirring within her heart. When she sensed the distinctive aura emanating from him—the alluring essence of masculine vitality—she felt her heart flutter, seized by an irresistible fascination and intoxication.