Initially, Ning Ran planned to hail a cab and make her way back to Red Maple City. However, she couldn’t bear to leave Nan Chen behind. So, in the end, they checked in to a nearby hotel.
After Nan Chen consumed the pills they bought from the pharmacy, he felt better.
Nevertheless, Ning Ran insisted on bringing him to the hospital because she was afraid that his condition would worsen.
No matter what, Nan Chen refused to visit the hospital as he deemed it a trivial issue.
With that, Ning Ran proceeded to call Cheng Xiangyun and asked her to take care of her children on her behalf for the time being as she would have to spend the night elsewhere.
Cheng Xiangyun assured Ning Ran that her children had behaved themselves. She had tucked them in since a few hours ago.
She even reminded her to appreciate the time they were alone. Cheng Xiangyun told her it would be the best time of her life.
Ning Ran begged to differ and rebuked her friend’s statement.
Nan Chen asked the moment he stepped out of the bathroom after he took his shower, “Who’s on the line?”
“Cheng Xiangyun.”
“Really?”
“Who else could it be? How are you felling?”
“Fine. Actually, it’s not a big deal either.” Nan Chen stated arrogantly, behaving as though nothing had occurred.
“Thankfully, everything is fine. I thought you finally learned how to savor spicy food. You could have told me-”
Nan Chen approached Ning Ran in a domineering manner while lowering his head. He then stared at her in the eyes as he repeated himself, “Have I not made myself clear? I’m fine.”
Ning Ran was taken aback by Nan Chen’s reaction. She took a step back immediately because she was afraid something bad might befall her. “You’re right! I’m pretty sure you’re as fit as a fiddle!”
“It’s your turn to take a shower,” Nan Chen suggested as he pointed in the direction of the bathroom.
“That won’t be necessary. Since you’re fine, I shall make my way home immediately.” Ning Ran reached for her bag and was about to leave.
“The production had come to an end. You don’t have to return to the set anymore, right?” Nan Chen reminded her.
“Exactly! I wanted to return home because I don’t always get a break. Finally, I get to drop my kids off and pick them up from school! I can’t wait to make them their meals throughout the entire day!” Ning Ran shared her upcoming plan for her day off with Nan Chen.
“It’s too late. We’ll talk about it tomorrow morning.”
“What do you mean?”
“It means you’re staying for the night.”
“H-Huh? W-We’re the only ones in the room…”
“What about it? It’s not the first time either, right?”
Ning Ran was rendered speechless by Nan Chen’s words because he was right; it wasn’t the first time they spent a night by one another’s side.
“Fine. I’ll take a shower first, but please go ahead and sleep first. You don’t have to wait for me.”
Upon hearing her statement, Nan Chen stared at Ning Ran and asked, “Why does it sound the other way round? It sounds like you’re asking me to wait for you.”
They had checked in at a suite. There were a total of three bedrooms. Hence, they could spend the night in separate rooms. Hence, it wasn’t necessary for Ning Ran to give Nan Chen a heads-up at all.
“I mean you should go to bed as soon as possible since you’re not feeling well. Bye.” Ning Ran waved at Nan Chen.
Coincidentally, the moment Ning Ran stepped into the bathroom, she started feeling unwell.
It turned out she was on her period.
Damn it! It’s supposed to be two days later! What’s wrong with my body? Is it because of the food I have consumed? Oh, God! What should I do? I didn’t have the things I need with me.
She opened the door and attempted to reach out to Nan Chen.
“Mr. Chen!”
Since he didn’t hear her, she decided to yell once more, “Nan Chen!”
Finally, she heard a man’s voice, asking as footsteps closed in, “What do you want?”
“Can you please grab me a certain something?” Ning Ran requested.
“What is it? Are you craving another bottle of beer?”
“No. I need you to get me something because it’s the time of the month.” Ning Ran flushed as she brought up her request.
“What do you mean? What exactly are you talking about? Are you trying to waste my time?” the ever-so-naive Nan Chen was confused.
“What the heck? Why would I want to waste your time? I’m talking about having my periods! Have you not paid attention during your biology class?” Ning Ran got worked up all of a sudden.
“Oh,” Nan Chen replied.
“What? Hurry up and get going already! I need it desperately!” Ning Ran urged.
Nan Chen hesitated. In the end, he told her the truth, “I have never bought the thing you’re talking about.”
How am I supposed to get it for you when I have never purchased it throughout my entire life?
“It doesn’t really matter because you can get it almost everywhere. I’ll tell you the brand that I have been using. Please drop by the convenience store next to the hotel and grab it on my behalf,” Ning Ran requested.
“Fine.” Nan Chen finally gave in to her request and headed out to grab the things she needed after she told him the brand.
Although she wasn’t aware of the actual time, she was certain it had been at least thirty minutes since Nan Chen’s departure.
Ning Ran got anxious. She couldn’t be sure the reason he took so long when there was a convenience store next to the hotel. It was literally only two minutes away.
Did he lose his way? He’s having an upset tummy, but he’s not drunk, right?
She had no choice but to wait for Nan Chen’s return. Finally, after another few minutes, Nan Chen came back.
He had the things she needed with him and handed them over to her through the opening of the door.
Thankfully, Nan Chen had got the right brand.
After Ning Ran took her shower and sorted things out, she walked out of the bathroom. Meanwhile, Nan Chen was on the couch.
He had his eyes glued to the television in a serious manner as there was a live broadcast of the European Football League. Nan Chen had always been a huge fan of sports events. Therefore, he couldn’t hold back his excitement.
“What took you so long?” Ning Ran asked.
“I couldn’t get the brand that you have requested.”
“Huh? Wasn’t it available at the convenience store next door?”
“Yes. It took me some time because I made a few trips to different stores,” Nan Chen explained himself in a serious manner.
Ning Ran found Nan Chen hilarious because of his serious attitude. She couldn’t believe he had taken her matter seriously and insisted on purchasing the brand she told him.
“T-Thanks…” Ning Ran replied timidly.
Nan Chen had his eyes glued to the television and paid no heed to Ning Ran.
She cast a glance at Nan Chen and noticed he couldn’t be bothered by her due to the intense match that was broadcasted.
Since she wasn’t sleepy, she decided to sit by his side and join him.
Ning Ran wasn’t a hardcore football fan, but she would, occasionally, take note of the outcome of grand matches, such as the World Cup and EUFA Champions League.
Although she could only grasp a few concepts of the match, she had a basic understanding of the rules.
Nan Chen turned around after some time and noticed Ning Ran had her eyes glued to the television as well. He asked, “Are you a football fan?”
“I do watch occasionally.”
“Who’s your favorite?” Nan Chen got his interest piqued and asked.
“Ronaldo!” Ning Ran replied without any hesitation because he was the only one she was familiar with.
“Why?” Nan Chen asked.
“What do you mean why? It’s because he’s a handsome man!”
Nan Chen was at a loss for words all of a sudden. He turned around and focused on the match once more.
He’s handsome? Are you sure he’s a match for me in terms of look?
Not long after that, the first half ended with a tie.
Ning Ran finally got sleepy. She stated, “I’ll go to bed first. Please enjoy yourself.”
“Let’s go to bed together.” Nan Chen switched off the television.
“Huh?”
Nan Chen rolled his eyes and returned to his room because Ning Ran had misperceived his words.
Halfway through the night, Ning Ran was roused from sleep due to the racking sensation she detected.
She couldn’t ignore the sensation she felt. Thus, she brought herself up and switched on the light.
In the end, she made up her mind and headed over to the living room to get herself a glass of warm water. The moment she reached the side of the kettle, she switched on the light and heard footsteps closing in.
It turned out Nan Chen had been roused from sleep as well.
“I’m so sorry for interrupting your sleep,” Ning Ran apologized.
“What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Nan Chen dashed over to Ning Ran’s side as she crouched with a pale look.
“It hurts a little. I’m here to get myself a glass of warm water.”
“Shall we head over to the hospital?” Nan Chen suggested.
“No, that won’t be necessary. I just need to get myself a glass of warm water.”
“Do you need some brown sugar?” Nan Chen asked.
“How do you know brown sugar helps?”
“That’s a suggestion from the search engine.”
“Why are you searching something of sorts?”
“I want to have a better understanding of your condition, so I can be of aid. After all, you have to go through a similar thing every month, right?” Nan Chen queried in a serious manner.
Ning Ran felt a heartwarming sensation from the bottom of her heart.
“I should have bought a packet of brown sugar when I went out a few hours ago. I’ll go get it immediately.”
“Wait! That’s too much! Why don’t you head back to sleep? It’s getting late. I’ll recover in no time,” Ning Ran assured Nan Chen.
“It’s fine. I’m sure the twenty-four hours convenience store has it. Wait for me.”
“N-No! W-Wait…” Ning Ran tried to stop Nan Chen, but he had departed before she could get in his way.
Soon, he returned with a packet of used brown sugar.
“There isn’t any brown sugar available in the store. Thankfully, the cashier on duty was a female and she had brought along some brown sugar with her. She handed this over to me,” Nan Chen told Ning Ran.
I guess it must be great to be a handsome man, huh? She’s willing to hand over her precious brown sugar without much thought.
