ChatGPT said: The Bavarois came so suddenly, it caught Qian Duoduo completely off guard.
For a moment, she didn’t even know how to react.
She stood frozen for several seconds before finally forcing a smile and saying, “I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Lu. You should keep it for yourself— I’ve got plenty of snacks at home…”
“This dessert is to thank you for finding my knife,” Lu Qiming replied. “You don’t need to feel like you’re getting something for nothing, or that you owe me.”
Qian Duoduo choked slightly, coughing twice as her ears turned red.
Sometimes she really admired how easily this man could read people’s thoughts.
The truth was, she didn’t want to accept the dessert because she didn’t want to owe him anything.
The more they exchanged favors, the more tangled things would get, which went against her original intention.
But since he said it was a thank-you gift, accepting it now seemed natural.
“Alright then, thank you.” After some thought, Qian Duoduo took the dessert. At the same time, she handed Lu Qiming his military knife with her other hand, smiling as she said, “Here’s your knife.”
He reached out to take it, and in the brief moment their hands met, her fingers lightly brushed against his— soft and cool to the touch.
Lu Qiming’s heart skipped a beat.
The flower-printed dessert bag was now in her hand, while the knife that had brought them into contact returned to his.
The transaction complete, Lu Qiming realized it was time for this meeting to end.
“When I called earlier, were you still asleep?” he asked, his tone casual, like chatting between friends.
“Yup.” Qian Duoduo smiled at him, neither forced nor shy, showing not the slightest embarrassment at being caught sleeping in. “It’s Saturday. I didn’t get much rest during the week, so I have to make up for it on the weekend.”
Her smile was like the glow of sunrise— warm but not glaring, simply comforting. Lu Qiming was momentarily dazed by that gentle expression and didn’t respond right away.
Qian Duoduo looked at him, blinking, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of probing. “Mr. Lu, don’t you sleep in on weekends?”
Lu Qiming said, “I don’t sleep well. Once it’s light out, I can hardly fall back asleep.”
After a brief pause, he added, “Sorry for coming over so early and waking you.”
“It’s fine. I’m off today— I can nap whenever I want.” The corners of her eyes lifted playfully.
Then something seemed to come to mind, and she smiled, saying, “You said you have trouble sleeping— maybe try some traditional Chinese medicine. My grandpa had insomnia for a while, but after seeing an old doctor at the TCM hospital and taking a few prescriptions, he got a lot better.”
Lu Qiming nodded. “Alright, I’ll try to find time for an appointment.”
She enthusiastically recommended, “Go to Mingyi Clinic and look for the specialist named Shao. My grandpa always sees him.”
“Got it.”
“How did you get here, Mr. Lu?”
“I drove.”
“Oh…” Qian Duoduo glanced at the time and smiled, testing the waters. “Well, I won’t keep you then. Thanks again for the Bavarois. Bye?”
“Mm, goodbye.” Qian Duoduo turned and walked away.
Lu Qiming stood where he was, watching her go.
She was dressed casually, winter clothes thrown over her pajamas.
And yet, even in such a getup, she was as beautiful as a soft ink painting— graceful figure, elegant neck and shoulders, her smooth long hair gleaming gently in the sunlight, making it hard to look away.
He stood there for a long time, not turning around until her figure had completely disappeared from view.
Honestly, he was a bit regretful.
She’d said she was free today with no work— should he have asked her to catch a movie? Get coffee? Take a walk in the park?
But would she have agreed?
Lu Qiming suddenly frowned ever so slightly, lifting a hand to press his brow.
Lately, his insomnia had been getting worse, and the headaches more severe. Maybe he really should take her advice and go see a doctor.
*
Walking through the gate of the residential complex, Qian Duoduo stopped by the delivery station to pick up a package.
A few days ago, her grandmother had called and told her that the wedge pillow she’d previously bought for her grandfather had become misshapen, asking her to order a new one.
Qian Duoduo had spent quite a while browsing online, even consulting a nurse friend who worked at a hospital, and eventually ordered an electric model from a domestic brand.
Back home, she casually placed the Bavarois on the dining table, then grabbed some scissors to open the package.
After the sound of running water, the bathroom door opened and Zhao Jingxi came out wearing Qian Duoduo’s fleece-lined nightdress.
“You’re back already? Didn’t chat with Number Eleven for a bit longer?” Zhao Jingxi leaned lazily against the wall, her posture relaxed and alluring.
“He just came to pick something up. I gave it back, and that was that. What’s there to talk about?” Qian Duoduo replied offhandedly, pulling the electric wedge pillow out of the box and examining it from all sides. “Look at the new pillow I bought for my grandpa. What do you think?”
“Looks good,” Zhao Jingxi said, bending down to squat beside her. “By the way, how’s your grandpa doing?”
Hearing that, Qian Duoduo’s expression didn’t change in the slightest. She smiled and said, “He’s been taking traditional Chinese medicine after finishing chemo. Lately he’s looked pretty energetic.”
Zhao Jingxi nodded. “That’s good.”
After checking to make sure there was no issue with the pillow, Qian Duoduo pulled out her phone to confirm receipt of the package, then casually made a call.
Once the line connected, an elderly but kind and slightly frail voice came through the speaker. “What’s the matter, Duoduo?”
“Grandpa,” Qian Duoduo greeted with a smile. “Grandma said your pillow was worn out. I bought you a new one—I’ll bring it over this afternoon.”
Grandpa Qian coughed twice, sounding a little disgruntled. “Your grandma, I swear. That pillow’s still usable— no need to buy another. How much was it? I’ll transfer you the money.”
“It wasn’t expensive,” Qian Duoduo said. “Alright, Grandpa, I’ll talk to you more when I come by later.”
At that moment, Grandma Qian’s voice faintly came through the phone, calling, “Tell her to come over for lunch!”
Qian Duoduo laughed. “I’m having lunch with a friend today. I’ll come by this afternoon.”
“Alright,” Grandpa Qian said cheerfully. “See you then.”
After hanging up, Qian Duoduo packed the pillow back into the box.
It was too big, so Zhao Jingxi quickly stepped in to help.
Once they were done, Zhao Jingxi straightened up and stretched.
Her gaze swept across the room and landed on the dessert bag on the dining table. Her eyes lit up. “What’s this?”
“Oh.” Qian Duoduo had actually forgotten about the Bavarois until Zhao Jingxi mentioned it. “Bavarois,” she replied casually.
Zhao Jingxi noticed the logo on the packaging and exclaimed dramatically, “Wow, my dear girl, how did you know I was seriously craving sweets this morning, and even went all the way to Cloud Sugar Box to get their signature dessert for me? I’m seriously touched!”
Qian Duoduo smiled and turned her head to look at her. “It’s from Lu Qiming. If you want it, go ahead and eat it.”
The moment Zhao Jingxi heard that, she instantly lost interest. “It’s a love-filled breakfast from your blind date? What am I supposed to do with that?”
“Just eat it. He’s not gonna know anyway.”
“Are you sure I can?”
“Mm!”
“Then I won’t hold back.” The starving Zhao Jingxi decided not to stand on ceremony.
She opened the box, leaned on the dining table, and began eating.
Between bites, she said casually, “Looks like this Number Eleven is really into you. Don’t you feel anything at all?”
Qian Duoduo’s eyes flickered faintly, then she shook her head slightly.
“Seriously? Nothing?” Zhao Jingxi snorted, spoon still in her mouth as she teased, “Cold little iron tree— you’ll never bloom even in ten thousand years. He got hurt for you, brought you breakfast, and your heart’s still a rock?”
Qian Duoduo didn’t mind the teasing. She walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge and peeked inside, asking, “What do you want for lunch?”
“I’m homeless now, a total drifter. I’ll eat whatever I can get. Who am I to be picky?”
“My mom made dumplings before she left.” Qian Duoduo pulled out a bag of frozen handmade dumplings and set them on the counter to thaw. “Let’s have dumplings.”
“Yes, ma’am, Queen Duoduo.”
*
That Bavarois ended up entirely in Zhao Jingxi’s stomach.
After they finished the dumplings, Zhao Jingxi volunteered to do the dishes, claiming that freeloading without contributing was inexcusable, so she’d pay rent by doing housework.
Qian Duoduo couldn’t help but laugh and let her be. She changed into fresh clothes, put on some light makeup, and grabbed the electric pillow to head out.
“Don’t forget to take out the trash on the table, thanks,” Zhao Jingxi reminded her with a smile.
Qian Duoduo glanced over.
It was the dessert box that had held the Bavarois, along with the branded packaging from Cloud Sugar Box.
She waved her hand and dumped them all into the trash can, then turned and headed out.
Around one in the afternoon, Qian Duoduo drove to an old street in the Anshan District of the southern part of the city.
Her grandparents lived in employee family housing— just six walk-up buildings in the whole complex.
The place was small, and the buildings, worn and faded by time, stood like aging figures— quietly removed from the glitz of the modern city.
Qian Haisheng had brought it up several times, suggesting they move in with him, but Grandpa Qian always refused.
In his own words, “I’m old, don’t want to move. I’ve lived in this place my whole life. I’m used to everything here.”
Her grandparents lived on the third floor.
Carrying the bulky package up the stairs was no easy feat.
Qian Duoduo had to take breaks along the way and eventually made it up, panting.
“Grandpa, Grandma!”
“Aiya!”
Seeing her granddaughter sweaty and out of breath, Grandma Qian’s brow furrowed with concern. “Child, you didn’t even call when you got downstairs. That thing’s so heavy, why carry it up by yourself? You’re too much sometimes!”
“It’s not that heavy, just the stairs are brutal…” Qian Duoduo exhaled and nudged the package through the doorway, bending down to change her shoes. “Honestly, you two should just listen to Dad and move in with us. It’d be easier for us to take care of you.”
Grandma Qian took her granddaughter’s thick coat and whispered, “You know how your grandpa is. Stubborn as a mule. Never willing to admit he’s getting old. He thinks he doesn’t need taking care of.”
“What nonsense are you saying now?” Grandpa Qian came out of the bedroom.
Time had bent his back and turned his hair completely white, but his eyes were still sharp, carrying faint traces of his younger self’s vitality.
Grandma Qian muttered, “I’m just stating facts.”
Their bickering had lasted a lifetime, and Qian Duoduo found it endearing—there was something warm about the way the two elders interacted.
She opened the box with a bright smile. “Grandpa, come try the new pillow I bought you!”
“Leave it for now,” Grandpa Qian said. “Go wash your hands— your grandma made chicken soup.”
Qian Duoduo was stunned. “I already ate lunch!”
“It’s just a bowl of soup. Won’t take up any room in your stomach.” Grandpa Qian beamed as he patted her on the head. “Be good.”
As they spoke, Grandma Qian brought over a steaming bowl of fragrant soup.
Qian Duoduo had no choice but to wash up and sit down to drink it.
Her grandparents sat nearby, gazing at her.
Her cheeks were rosy, her skin pale and smooth like a ripe peach— utterly lovable.
Out of nowhere, Grandma Qian asked, “Duoduo, any updates lately?”
Qian Duoduo blinked in confusion. “Updates on what?”
Well, guess not.
Grandma and Grandpa Qian exchanged a helpless glance.
“Girl,” Grandpa Qian said gently, with a smile tinged with melancholy, “I’m not getting any younger. Can you hurry up and find someone, so this old man can rest easy?”
“You’re in great shape, Grandpa. Don’t overthink things.” Qian Duoduo smiled and lowered her head to drink the soup.
A moment later, Grandma Qian got up to clear the dishes.
Qian Duoduo followed her into the kitchen to help.
She glanced behind her and lowered her voice. “Grandma, does Grandpa have a cold? I kept hearing him cough.”
Grandma Qian sighed but didn’t answer.
Qian Duoduo’s heart tightened. “What’s going on?”
“He’s had chest tightness and coughing since last week. Says sometimes he can’t catch his breath. He didn’t want you all to worry, so he wouldn’t let me say anything.” Grandma Qian quietly wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Time shows no mercy…”
As soon as she found out something was wrong, Qian Duoduo insisted on taking Grandpa to the hospital for a checkup.
The registration hall at the Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital was packed—like dumplings boiling in a pot, people everywhere.
Fortunately, the veteran doctor Grandpa usually saw was on duty today.
After a detailed consultation, he recommended a chest CT scan.
Qian Duoduo went to the CT department alone to schedule it, leaving her grandparents waiting outside the clinic.
As she waited in line, nervous and distracted, she followed the queue forward— until a familiar silhouette brushed past her.
Tall and coolly poised, sharply defined, standing out in the crowd.
She froze.
That person looked like…
Qian Duoduo blinked, then instinctively reached out and lightly tugged at the corner of the man’s coat.
Feeling the faint pull, Lu Qiming paused mid-step and looked back.
His gaze first landed on his sleeve— just a bit of fabric held between two slender fingers.
The nails were painted a soft, fresh shade of green, making her pale skin look even more like porcelain.
His expression grew still, and he slowly lifted his gaze.
“It really is you?” the girl said in a soft gasp of surprise.
Lu Qiming met her eyes directly.
People say you can’t force love. But with a fate like this, how could he not be haunted by it?