7
Panicking, I hurried back to the hospital.
When I pushed open the door, the bed was empty—there wasn’t a single person in the room.
My dad’s phone was ringing loudly on the bedside table.
Just as I was about to go look for him, I heard the sound of a toilet flushing from the bathroom, followed by the sound of someone washing their hands.
“Dad, you scared me to death! Why didn’t you answer your phone?” I couldn’t hold back my frustration and pushed the door open, yelling.
But inside the bathroom was a teenage boy, bent over, apparently unable to use both hands, his pants not fully pulled up.
He was biting the waistband of his sweatpants with his teeth.
The scene—
I have to admit,
was pretty attractive and tempting.
Ryan Lee glanced at me, then looked away, calmly continuing to wash his hands.
My ears turned red and I was about to sneak out quietly.
But then I heard him speak:
“Lily Wang, come here.”
8
Was he calling me?
Maybe it was his commanding, matter-of-fact tone, but I felt a little indignant.
Who does he think he is, ordering me around like that?
Does he really think I’ll just go over if he calls?
Wouldn’t that make me look totally spineless?
I stiffened my neck and didn’t move.
Ryan’s dark, almond-shaped eyes suddenly glinted with amusement. Leaning against the sink with his arms crossed, he smirked,
“What, are you afraid I’ll do something to you?”
Afraid? Not a chance.
I’m famous for being bold.
So I strutted right up to him, trying to look tough, but as soon as I opened my mouth, my voice wavered: “Do… do what?!”
Ryan chuckled for a moment, then looked down and said slowly,
“Help me tie my waistband.”
I froze, my scalp tingling.
Wow, this guy really knows how to throw out a curveball.
9
My hands trembled as I reached toward his waistband, but halfway there, I pulled back.
I said righteously, “I’m not that kind of person. Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?”
Just then, I heard my dad humming a tune as he pushed open the door to the hospital room.
Oh no, how was I supposed to explain being in the bathroom with Ryan Lee?!
And Ryan didn’t even have his pants on properly!
While I was panicking, Ryan suddenly leaned in close to my ear and whispered,
“If you don’t help me tie it…
“I’ll call out.”
Me: “…”
This guy—so shameless and unreasonable!
How could he take advantage of me so casually?
With no other choice, I braced myself and tried to imagine I was tying up a piece of pork belly. I didn’t know if it was nerves or what, but I just couldn’t get the simple knot right.
Ryan must have noticed.
He raised his hand, revealing the IV needle taped to it. His expression relaxed a bit as he explained in a calm voice, “It’s really inconvenient with this.
“I’m not trying to take advantage of you.”