Chapter 94: An Air of Flirtation, Drenched in Sweat

Living alone as a woman was never easy; countless little tasks had to be handled personally.

“Dan, turn on the light and give it a try,” Li Chao said from the top of the ladder.

Liu Dan followed his instructions and flipped the switch. Instantly, the room was flooded with bright light.

Li Chao climbed down and said, “Dan, the bulb’s been changed. I’ll head home now.”

At that very moment, something entirely unexpected happened.

Liu Dan parted her red lips and walked forward slowly. “I just took a shower...”

“Could you stay with me a little longer tonight?”

She placed special emphasis on the word stay, her meaning unmistakably intimate.

Hearing that, Li Chao drew a sharp breath, genuinely startled.

Was she really being this direct?

His breathing quickened at once.

Then Liu Dan went on, “Back then, you said there was something holding you back, that you couldn’t accept our relationship. But now I’m single again. Can’t we be together? I won’t care about any of that. I only want to be with you.”

From her words, it was clear that she sincerely wanted to spend the night with Li Chao.

“Dan, I...”

Before he could finish, Liu Dan’s sudden kiss sealed his lips. Like the brightest firework in the night sky, it ignited every feeling between them in an instant.

At that moment, Li Chao’s mind seemed to be overtaken by a deafening roar. All reason and restraint trembled on the brink beneath the surging tide of emotion.

He knew very well that he was a man in the prime of his life; how could he remain unmoved by such overwhelming passion?

Liu Dan’s initiative was like the fiercest summer sun, melting away every trace of hesitation and struggle in his heart.

He no longer hesitated. Clenching his jaw, he pulled Liu Dan tightly into his arms, as if he meant to fuse her into his very bones and blood.

With the faint creak of the wooden bed, the room filled with more than the sweetness of love; it overflowed with the deepest collision of two souls.

In that instant, time seemed to lose all meaning, leaving only the warmth and fulfillment of two hearts pressed close together.

More than an hour later, when everything finally settled, Liu Dan lay beside Li Chao, drenched in fragrant sweat, her body soft and languid, her eyes shining with satisfaction and happiness.

She turned her head slightly to look at the man who had just shared her passions, and an unnameable feeling rose within her. In a low voice, she asked, “Xiao Chao, who do you think is better, me or Yu Xin?”

The sudden question dropped like a pebble into still water, sending ripples across the surface.

Li Chao stiffened and immediately sensed the subtle trap hidden within it.

He knew a question like this often concealed a woman’s sensitivity and unease. One careless answer could easily spark needless misunderstanding or quarrels.

So he smiled faintly and deftly defused the awkwardness with a classic nonanswer: “You’re both good.”

Those two words showed no favoritism and no neglect. They expressed his fondness for Liu Dan while preserving the respect Yu Xin deserved.

Clearly, Liu Dan was not satisfied. She shot him a delicate glare, her eyes carrying a hint of coquettish complaint and displeasure.

“Yu Xin isn’t even here now. Can’t you just coax me a little?”

Her tone held a trace of spoiled affection, as though she were scolding Li Chao for being too dull to understand romance, yet it was impossible to truly be angry with her.

Hearing this, Li Chao felt a warm current rise in his chest.

He understood that Liu Dan was testing his feelings in her own way, and also seeking a deeper confirmation of what he felt.

He gently took her hand and said softly, “In my heart, each of you has your own strengths. You’re both very important to me. But right now, I only want to cherish every moment I have with you.”

Those words flowed into Liu Dan’s heart like warm water, filling her with a sense of safety and happiness she had never felt before.

She leaned tightly against Li Chao’s chest, as though the whole world had gone still for them.

Li Chao, flustered by her sudden praise, scratched his head with an awkward grin. “All right, whatever you say. You’re the best.”

Simple as it was, the line was full of indulgence and yielding, and Liu Dan’s smile blossomed even brighter.

Looking at her satisfied expression, Li Chao could only sigh inwardly and mutter to himself, women were truly creatures both lovable and helpless, even over something like this they had to compare notes.

Still, on reflection, wasn’t that also one of life’s small joys?

After that tender night, the hour grew late, and Li Chao returned to his small room by moonlight.

Lying in bed, he could still smell Liu Dan’s unique fragrance on his breath. That scent was like a spell, carrying his thoughts further and further into dream.

In the dream, he and Yu Xin and Liu Dan were swimming together in the clear little stream near the village entrance, laughing and splashing as white skin glimmered in the sunlight with an irresistible sheen, making his heart race and his restraint falter.

A dream may be lovely, but waking was a mess.

The first rays of morning sunlight slipped through the curtain and fell across Li Chao’s somewhat embarrassed face.

He shook his head helplessly, gave a wry laugh, and got up to change the underwear made damp by his dream.

Yet even then, the lingering sweetness and stray fantasies remained in his mind, and he could not help but wonder whether those so-called group pleasures that existed only in dreams might ever become reality.

It was only a fleeting thought.

After all, reality and dreams were separated by mountains and rivers, and there was also the question of Yu Xin’s and Liu Dan’s feelings and whether they could accept such a thing.

He knew very well that matters of the heart had to be handled with care; they could not be decided rashly.

A new day began. As usual, Li Chao washed up quickly, then enjoyed a warm breakfast.

After that, he set out for the clinic.

The clinic was one of the centers of his life, and also the place where he helped the villagers and realized his own value.

Late that morning, a sudden roar of engines sounded at the village entrance.

A brand-new Porsche rolled slowly into the village, drawing every eye.

A man stepped out, dressed in a crisp suit and carrying an air of refinement. He was a sales representative from the Porsche dealership in Wannan City, here specifically to deliver the license plate for some lucky buyer in the village.

The sight sparked lively discussion among the villagers and also stirred a bit of curiosity and anticipation in Li Chao.

He thought to himself, Which villager has such deep pockets, to buy a luxury car like a Porsche?

Li Chao watched the Porsche representative drive away and once again marveled at the superb service of a major brand.

Then his attention was drawn to a convoy approaching from afar, especially the familiar Mercedes, which immediately told him Zhou Shaofeng had arrived.

Zhou Shaofeng brought his convoy with him: a van and two construction vehicles, all of them parking in grand fashion in front of the clinic.

The scene quickly drew the attention of the villagers of the Li family settlement, and curious murmurs spread through the crowd.

After getting out, Zhou Shaofeng headed straight into the clinic, found Li Chao, and asked when the work would officially begin.

Li Chao answered with a smile, saying they were making the final preparations. He asked Zhou Shaofeng and his team to get ready first, while he and Yu Xin would finish packing up as soon as possible.

Over the next stretch of time, Li Chao focused on treating the remaining patients in the clinic, making sure they received proper medical care before the renovation began.

Meanwhile, Yu Xin busied herself sorting through the clinic’s belongings, separating what needed to be kept from what could be thrown away.

Since the plan was to rebuild and reconfigure everything, many of the old items would be replaced, making the packing much easier.

Yu Xin worked briskly and soon had most of it organized.

The two exchanged a smile, both filled with hope and confidence for what lay ahead.

As the clinic gradually emptied, Li Chao also finished the last of his consultations.

He stood up and said to Yu Xin, “All right, we’re pretty much ready. We can tell Zhou Shaofeng and the others to get started.”

Yu Xin nodded, and together they walked out of the clinic to inform Zhou Shaofeng and his team that work could begin.

At once, Zhou Shaofeng began directing everyone. The van unloaded tools and materials, while the construction vehicles started marking out the work zone. The entire site became busy, yet orderly.

The villagers continued watching from a distance, but their eyes now held more anticipation and excitement.

For the Li family settlement, the clinic’s reconstruction was not merely a building project; it was a sign that the village’s medical conditions were about to improve.

Standing to the side, Li Chao and Yu Xin watched it all unfold, hearts full of emotion and relief.

Faced with the imminent start of construction, Li Chao and the team quickly and efficiently solved the matter of lodging.

The two empty rooms in the clinic became their temporary resting quarters, and with everyone working together, the moving was completed at remarkable speed.

Sun Peng, Zhou Shaofeng, and the workers they had brought all showed impressive strength and teamwork, and before long, everything from both courtyards had been moved into the clinic.

As the roar of the excavator rose, the dilapidated walls and houses gradually collapsed in clouds of dust, marking the official start of the reconstruction.

The villagers gathered at a distance. Though they kept to the side, their curiosity and murmurs rose and fell without end.

“What’s all this for?” someone asked in confusion.

“I heard Xiao Chao plans to rebuild everything from scratch,” another person, better informed, replied.

“What about Yu Xin’s family place?” someone else asked.

“I’m guessing the two of them have long since been together in secret. Didn’t you see how even the houses are being merged this time?” one villager said half-jokingly.

Within all that chatter, there was no shortage of speculation and teasing about Li Chao and Yu Xin’s relationship, but there was even more anticipation and blessing for the new life they were about to begin.

In the countryside, building or renovating a house was never just about material construction; it was also a reflection of human ties and family standing.

Everyone gave Li Chao and Yu Xin’s decision ample attention and respect.

Of course, there were also villagers who felt a quiet pang of envy and jealousy.

Perhaps they had once had the chance to help Li Chao, but for one reason or another they had missed it.

Now, seeing Yu Xin rewarded after caring for him for half a year, they could not help feeling regret.

But at this moment, no one dared speak ill of Li Chao or Yu Xin in public.

Everyone knew that in a village, where everyone knew everyone else, reputation and image mattered immensely.

Once the trust and respect of the villagers were lost, it became very hard to stand one’s ground there.

Even if some were dissatisfied or envious, they chose silence and blessings instead.

They hoped Li Chao and Yu Xin would complete the renovation smoothly and live a happier, better life.

Indeed, in a rural setting, building a house or renovating one often came with tangled relationships and hidden obstacles.

Without enough ability or standing, one could easily run into all kinds of overt and covert roadblocks and petty sabotage.

The conflicts and tragedies caused by house building were all the more heartbreaking for how helpless they made people feel.

But now Li Chao, relying on his strength and influence, had ensured that the renovation could proceed without a hitch, and no one dared interfere.

This was not only because the villagers recognized his personal ability and accomplishments, but also because he had built good relationships with them and earned their respect and trust.

During the renovation, after moving everything that could be used, Li Chao left the rest of the work to Zhou Shaofeng and his team without worry. He knew Zhou Shaofeng’s professionalism and sense of responsibility, and believed they would complete the job on time and with quality.

As for Li Chao and Yu Xin, they chose to stay in the clinic for this period, which was both convenient and worry-free.

Meals, lodging, and daily needs were all handled there, sparing them the trouble of running back and forth.

At first, Yu Xin had worried that the villagers would gossip. But later she discovered that not only did no one mind, they actually looked at her with envy.

That change took her by surprise and gave her comfort, and it made her more convinced that her choice had been the right one.

In rural society, relationships and reputation often mattered more than anything else.

Li Chao and Yu Xin were able to win the villagers’ recognition and respect not only because of their strength and ability, but also because of their character and integrity.

In this real and complicated world, money’s power was often magnified without limit, until in some corners the notion of scorning poverty but not vice quietly took root.

Yet for Li Chao, he seemed to have stepped out of that strange spiral and found his own peace and fulfillment.

Freed from outside threats and the restraints of money, he could devote himself wholeheartedly to the things he loved, whether healing patients, practicing his skills, or simply enjoying a game. It all made him feel deeply satisfied and happy.

In such a life, Li Chao not only enjoyed physical and mental ease, but also continued to accumulate strength and grow.

The ancient tower in his mind, the source of his mysterious power, was also slowly revealing a new chapter as he advanced through his efforts.

The progress meter leading to the second level was nearly full, heralding the arrival of new opportunities and challenges.

Li Chao was filled with expectation. He longed to know what treasures were hidden on the second level, for that would become a new source of motivation in his future explorations and struggles.

At the same time, a fresh trend was sweeping through the dining scene in Kaiyuan County.

Jiangnan Spring Restaurant, as the industry leader, had relied on its spirit of innovation and outstanding quality to successfully develop a new nourishing medicinal cuisine.

The launch of the medicinal dishes not only enriched people’s dining choices, but also stirred widespread attention and debate across the county seat.

Round after round of advertising bombardment made the medicinal dishes nearly synonymous with the county itself, and especially among the wealthy who pursued a higher-quality life, Jiangnan Spring Restaurant’s offerings had become all the rage.

This fever for medicinal cuisine not only demonstrated Jiangnan Spring Restaurant’s leading position and innovative power in the catering industry, but also injected fresh vitality into the economic development of the entire county.

As for Li Chao, a physician of remarkable skill, he might well draw inspiration from this culinary craze and combine traditional medicine with modern food culture to create even more delicious and healthful fare.

In the afternoon, Li Chao received a call from Liu Lele inviting him. Although he had originally leaned toward keeping a low profile, after considering the close connection between his future plan to establish a raw-material planting base in the Li family settlement and the catering industry in Kaiyuan County, he ultimately decided to accept the invitation and attend Jiangnan Spring Restaurant’s new medicinal cuisine launch event.

He made careful preparations for the occasion. First, he arranged the clinic’s affairs properly and gave his assistant Sun Peng the day off so he could focus entirely on the event.

He also entrusted the reconstruction of the old house entirely to Zhou Shaofeng, ensuring that everything would proceed in an orderly fashion.

On the morning of the launch, Li Chao drove to Kaiyuan County together with Yu Xin.

They did not go directly to Jiangnan Spring Restaurant, but first took a detour to Wanlong Department Store.

Li Chao knew that a formal occasion called for proper attire, so he decided to choose an appropriate outfit for himself.

Inside Wanlong Department Store, Li Chao stepped into a brand-name shop. The store was elegant, and the merchandise was arrayed in dazzling abundance.

He selected a shirt and a pair of dress trousers with care, striving to preserve his own style while also showing respect for the occasion.

Fortunately, the shopping experience did not involve any snobbish people. The clerks were warm and professional.

After some consideration, Li Chao finally found a set he was satisfied with.

Once he changed into the new clothes, his whole appearance transformed.

Already handsome and tall, he now looked even more imposing and graceful in the well-fitted shirt and trousers.

Yu Xin watched from the side, her eyes full of admiration and pride.

Even the shop assistants were stunned by the transformation, casting him looks of envy and appreciation.

At that moment, Li Chao deeply felt the truth of the old saying that fine clothes make the man.

He understood that presenting oneself appropriately in the right setting was not only self-respect, but also a form of courtesy and respect toward others.