I’ve Got this Cannon Fodder’s Back

Chapter 68 - I’ve got this Undercover Agent’s back (7)

Chapter 68: I’ve got this Undercover Agent’s back

He obviously sounded very much like he was trying to pull off a scam but the way he said it had been so bold and confident that the people listening to him could hardly put up a rebuttal.

The director shifted his eyes away from the apprehended troublemaker to the patient before him with the sharp and nimble moves. Obviously, the patient’s recovery progress was extremely satisfactory. For some unknown reason, the director’s back couldn’t help tensing up. He considered his words and said cautiously, “Mr. Gu, your body has already recovered very well…”

Gu Pingming raised his eyebrows slightly. He then raised his hand to cover his shoulder. The director gave a start and quickly turned around to find someone. “Somebody, come here! Help Mr. Gu to check—”

“No trouble, I have a doctor.”

The corners of Gu Pingming’s lips ticked up and he interrupted him warmly. He pulled Lu Baiyu, who had been standing to the side, into his arms and nodded politely to the director. “If there’s anything else I can help with, please feel free to look for me.”

The director now understood the actual meaning behind his words. The director was stunned and hurriedly thanked him politely. He watched him lead the young interning doctor out of the duty room. Turning his attention back to the mess in front of him, he couldn’t help letting out a light sigh.

There were a lot of matters that couldn’t be resolved using pre-set rules.

As a doctor, it was not difficult to understand the anxiety and misunderstandings felt by patients and their families due to the serious disparity in knowledge regarding medicine, diagnosis and treatment. However, encountering matters like this, will still inevitably make them feel somewhat sad.

If more people were willing to believe that doctors were always the ones who hoped the most to heal the sick then maybe everything would be much better.

The director stood rooted on the spot for a long time. With a disappointed sigh, he turned to the man whose eyes, as before, were still tinged red and said, “Come with me and let’s have a talk.”

*

Lu Baiyu was led all the way back to his hospital room by Gu Pingming.

Liang Xia had disappeared. Seeing the situation, he had probably slunk away with the porridge. Gu Pingming couldn’t be bothered about him for the time being. He only made a mental note as he helped Lu Baiyu sit on the bed. He then raised his hand to unbutton his white garment.

“You’re all wet. I’ll do it.”

Lu Baiyu held the hand that was undoing his collar. He raised his head slightly, his eyes falling onto his body.

Gu Pingming had blocked most of the water for him. His clothes were wet and sticking to his skin. The rooms were air conditioned and if he didn’t pay attention, he might catch a cold.

Although he was sure of the extent of Gu Pingming’s physical recovery, he was not sure whether today’s fierce fight had any effect on his body. Lu Baiyu’s hand that was holding his, slid down unobtrusively to get his pulse. But before he could do so a warm palm stopped him and held his hand steady.

“I’m fine, Baiyu, let me see your injury.”

Gu Pingming spoke softly. He took off his jacket and threw it aside. He then took a towel did a few cursory swipes. He gently unbuttoned his shirt and peeled his damp clothes off him.

A week of restorative exercise had proven to be very effective. The muscles on his body showed signs of the strong and powerful form he had in the past. With his broad shoulders and longs arms, the greater part of his body encircled the young doctor. He could very easily completely embrace the other.

Lu Baiyu raised his head from within his arms. His eyes touched on scars that still appeared as frightening as before. He covered it lightly with his palm. His hand was then caught by Gu Pingming and kissed. He raised his hand and unbuttoned the shirt under his white coat.

Bruising on half his shoulder appeared.

Gu Pingming couldn’t help but pause. His eyes constricted. He held his breath as he carefully touched it with the back his hand. “Does it hurt?”

Lu Baiyu’s figure trembled slightly. The outer corner of his eyes instinctively narrowed and he shook his head gently. “It’s okay—”

He didn’t manage to speak the rest of his words as they were already drowned in a half-punishment kiss.

Worried about his wound, Gu Pingming didn’t dare use any force at all. He only lightly bit on the corner of his lips. His voice was pressed down so low as to sound slightly hoarse, “I’m worried, Doctor Lu. When I worry, I feel anxious. I can’t breathe. I don’t feel well…”

Seeing that the other party’s scamming technique was getting better and better, Lu Baiyu looked delighted. He promptly changed his words, “It’s not that serious. It’s be fine if I apply a bit of medicine on it later.”

The palm of his hand was cold. Gu Pingming did not rush to refute, still looking at him.

The little doctor’s face was still pale but his black eyes were as light as though faintly dabbed with gentle ink. It contained a soft smile, still warm and clear as before. Gu Pingming couldn’t detect any excessively complicated emotions in his eyes.

Maybe he really didn’t feel any grievance.

Such a thought passed through Gu Pingming’s mind for an instant. There was an unexplainable unclear but intense emotion in his chest. He gentled his strength and embraced the person into his arms. Carefully avoiding his wound, he gently stroked his thin back. “Baiyu, I’m here.”

The very fact that he didn’t feel wronged, caused people to feel terribly wronged for his sake.

Gu Pingming gasped lightly. He gripped his shoulders, creating a bit of space between them. He stuffed his chest with countless things he wanted to say. Head bowed, he pondered how to express himself clearly.

Before he could speak, the body between his arms moved. Their eyes met and Lu Baiyu softly hmm-ed in agreement, lowering his head against his shoulder.

His chest that was slightly chilled by being splashed with water was then filled with light warmth. Suddenly, there was now a place for all the things he wanted to say. Gu Pingming’s chest felt warm. He raised his arms to embrace his body. He wanted to speak but found that the weight against his shoulder seemed a little heavier.

“Baiyu?”

Gu Pingming’s heart tightened and he held his left shoulder to make him look up.

The young doctor’s face seemed paler. Cold sweat faintly dripped from his forehead. The corners of his lips were pursed lightly. His head was slightly raised to look at him.

“Does it hurt?”

Looking into the dizzy light in his black eyes, Gu Pingming frowned and tried to sound him out.

Lu Baiyu has always been good at enduring pain. Gu Pingming was already expecting not to receive a reply. Just as he was about to put on his clothes and take Lu Baiyu to get an x-ray, the little doctor in his arms nodded gently. Lu Baiyu closed his eyes and rested his head against his shoulder once again.

In fact, the system had already prepared painkillers for him. But at times like this, he can feel more at ease by relying on the other a little. He can put everything into other’s hands without thinking about anything.

He can just relax for a little while. There was no danger now. It was fine if he relaxed for a little bit.

Lu Deng completely relaxed his mind. He wasn’t in any rush to deal with his physical condition. He simply instinctively pressed harder against his shoulder. He had used so much of his strength that his body was faintly trembling.

Gu Pingming’s chest tightened suddenly. He carefully protected the person against his bosom. He lowered his head and gently kissed his pale forehead drenched in cold sweat. “I know, I know—it must be very painful. Let’s go get it check right away and see if your bones had been hurt. I know how to treat this kind of injury best. I’ll help you deal with it, okay? Soon, it’s won’t be painful anymore. I promise. In a bit, it won’t hurt at all…”

He rarely ever needed to really coax someone. Faced with the situation now, he felt that no matter what he said, it wouldn’t be enough. Feeling flustered, he coaxed the other softly. Just as he was about to see just how badly Lu Baiyu was injured, the black eyes nestled against his chest opened once again. Unexpectedly, there was the light of a clear and warm smile at the bottom of his trembling eyes.

Gu Pingming was slightly startled. He leaned over to look at his little doctor. He raised his hand to stroke his clammy cheek, gently wiping his high and handsome brows with the pads of his fingers.

The little doctor seemed to be happy.

Obviously, he had been wrongly accused and injured on top of that. The pain was so intense that the light in his eyes was shaky and yet he was still so happy.

It seems he hasn’t been spoiled enough.

Looking at the sincerely satisfied light in his sleek black eyes, Gu Pingming’s eyes were stained with deep and helpless tenderness. He chuckled quietly and raised his hand to straighten his bangs. “Let’s get you examined…I’ll just change clothes quickly. Behave, okay?”

Lu Deng listened to him. He went out with him, allowing himself to be half-carried by Gu Pingming. The corners of his lips curled up softly.

Detecting its host’s emotional change, the system that had been hurriedly adjusting the painkiller, went through two rotations of buffering, it hesitated for a long time, weighed down with anxiety before it nonetheless change the quick-acting painkillers to the slow-release ones. It then reluctantly returned to the standby state.

Hearing that it was Dr. Lu who had been bruised on the arm during the ruckus, the rehabilitation center gave the green lights all the way and it didn’t take long for the test results to come out.

Mild bone fracture, but not enough to require surgery. He will need a small splint and one or two months of recuperation for it to fully heal.

Between doctors, there weren’t that many scruples and their description of injuries was usually much more crude and direct. Lu Baiyu nodded earnestly but Gu Pingming, listening by his side, frowned. He couldn’t help but ask, “Does he need to pay attention to his diet? Is there anything else he needs to pay attention to normally? Can he shower? Can he take sick leave?”

This was the first time a patient asked so closely about a doctor’s condition. Lu Deng’s orthopedic colleague was going crazy from wanting to learn the gossip but he still did not dare to be negligent. He immediately regained his usual friendliness towards patients and showed him a patient smile.

“There aren’t any foods in particular that he needs to avoid. When you go back, just eat healthy and rest with peace of mind. Take care to get enough rest. Excessive movement is not allowed. You can apply Chinese medicine externally. Our Chinese medicine department has it. Just take it back and boil it. Taking showers won’t interfere with his recovery. Just pay attention to not get the injury wet, if possible—”

The patient was about to take their attending physician into his arms. His orthopedic colleague cautiously looked at the two of them. Braving the hazards, he valiantly gave an assist. “If possible, it’s better to have someone around to help him. Doctor Lu is injured and I can issue a certificate to the director asking for leave for him…”

Doctor Lu blinked from between the arms of his patient. Gu Pingming behind him already understood. He shook hands with the orthopedic doctor. “Thank you, doctor, for your hard work.”

…

After coming out of the director’s office, Patient Gu, who had successfully extended his hospital stay for another month, took his little doctor back home, feeling very satisfied.

*

An injured Lu Baiyu seemed to have finally become a little less sensible.

It was just a short journey back home leading him by the hand but Gu Pingming could clearly feel that the little doctor beside him was really happy.

His lips were clearly pale to the point that it made people worry. When he walked a little bit too fast, he had to stop and rest for a while. A thin layer of sweat had appeared on the tip of his nose, but his eyes were still bright and crystal clean. He happily looked around with a smile. Obviously, he was fully enjoying his present situation.

Finally, he managed to calm himself down. He took the other into his arms, away from the front of the crepe stand. Gu Pingming couldn’t bear it though and he stopped. He took out some cash and he paid for a crepe with ice cream, feeding it to his lips. “Eat slowly. Or you might get a stomachache.”

Lu Baiyu was very obedient. He took two small bites and slowly let it melt on the tip of his tongue. His brows curved into a soft and satisfied arc.

Gu Pingming lowered his head a little to look at him. His heart quietly melted into feeling soft and aching.

It may be due to his profession, they were obviously peers of the same age, at that age when they were supposed to be willful and wanton, playing to their heart’s content but the young doctor had already begun to become particularly patient and reliable.

Although he might not have more than any other person, those small expectations that had been accumulating for a long time was still brought front and center now that he was injured and feeling a great amount of discomfort. His eyes were bright as he looked up at him. He stood before him, exceptionally honest, filled with expectation.

It was as if it had never even crossed his mind that Gu Pingming wouldn’t agree to give to him whatever he wanted, like he was certain that Gu Pingming wouldn’t disappoint him, failing to deliver.

Perceiving his gaze, Lu Baiyu raised his head and handed him the ice cream.

Gu Pingming smiled and nodded. He lowered his head and took a bite. He then turned to the door of the building, leaning against the narrow and dim stairwell. He lowered his head to kiss him.

Such unreserved trust weighed heavy on his chest. But it also rose up into his heart, heating it up until it felt burning hot.

He liked his little doctor like this. He even hoped that he could be more willful. All the things that others have experienced and even those they haven’t, what the both of them had once been looking forward to as part of their growing up but never managed to get, if possible, Gu Pingming wanted to let him experience all of them.

The week-long tempering of his body had been fruitful. His significantly improved lung strength has managed to increase the duration of their kiss. The coolness and sweetness of the ice cream melted in his mouth. The coolness and warmness were intertwined and his heart was bursting with warmth.

Lu Baiyu, under the effect of his injury, became unsteady on his feet, panting lightly. Gu Pingming let him go and smiled. He then bent his head and kissed him again. Suddenly, he leaned over and, avoiding Lu Biayu’s injury, he suddenly picked him up bridal style.

“Pingming–”

His leg was still injured. Lu Baiyu couldn’t help but worry. Holding his arm, Lu Baiyu wanted to get down but Gu Pingming took him deeper into his arms. “I’ll be going upstairs with a heavy load. Dr. Lu can check the results of my rehabilitation.”

The little doctor was considerate by nature. Even when he did his best to be willful, he merely squatted in front of a crepe stand. Gu Pingming decided he would practice what he preached. He was going to teach him other things.

Gu Pingming could teach him how it was like to be bathed while in someone’s arms.

After taking a bath, he could also ask to eat a couple of rice dumplings. After eating dumplings, he could have his stomach rubbed while idly leaning on the sofa to watch TV. And he could watch TV until he fell asleep.

The special feature on the Dragon Boat Festival was being shown on TV. It was filled with happy laughter and cheerful voices while outside the window, the city was quietly ablaze with lights.

The sleeping Lu Baiyu didn’t seem to be in any more pain. His forehead was nuzzled against his neck. His breathing light and drawn out. His thin back leaned against his arms, evenly going up and down. The expression on his face was clearly relaxed and comfortable.

Gu Pingming lowered his voice to the quietest it would go. He lowered his head and dropped a kiss on his forehead. He fumbled in his pocket and in the last few minutes of the Dragon Boat Festival, he pulled out the colorful rope and tied it to his right wrist.

*

Three days after the incident in the rehab center, Dr. Lu, who was on leave due to injuries, returned to the rehabilitation center with his patient.

Gu Pingming walked him to his office but didn’t rush to leave. He carried his suitcase in and spread it out. He tidying up his bed until it was comfortable for use and then, taking the luggage with him, stood to the side.

Lu Baiyu pursed his lips. He went over to lie down obediently and pulled the quilt to his chin. He blinked up at him.

Lu Baiyu’s exceptionally meek display made Gu Pingming too surprised to utter a word. He smiled helplessly. He drew closer and bowed his head to lay a kiss. Touching his forehead, he said, “Can you sleep well now?”

Lu Baiyu had been recuperating at home for three days, but he couldn’t relax for even a moment. Not only did he meticulously supervise Gu Pingming’s rehabilitation every day but he also secretly stayed up late every night to craft the second phase of his rehabilitation plan. If it weren’t for Gu Pingming waking up in the middle of the night to find that the little doctor in his arms was still fiddling with his mobile phone, he wouldn’t have discovered it.

“If we temper your body well, it will return to the same condition as it was before…”

With the system purchasing medicines from the mall, the effects were much better than ordinary rehabilitation. Lu Baiyu lay on the bed honestly. He held on to his sleeve with one hand, the light in his black eyes earnestly and persistently.

“…The busier I am now, the better you will be in the future.”

His chest was trembling slightly when he met the light in those eyes. Gu Pingming fell silent for a short while. He then took a deep breath. He pushed down the thought that maybe he didn’t have any sort of future and grasped his hand tightly.

Lu Baiyu gripped his hand back and raised his head slightly. His eyes were filled with warmth but his strength was unexpectedly firm.

“I know, but you also have to take care of yourself. Let’s work together…”

Gu Pingming’s voice paused and his grip tightened. “Let’s work together to get better in the future, okay?”

With his assurance, the young doctor curved his brows with a smile and nodded gently.

Wanting Lu Baiyu to sleep more peacefully, Gu Pingming didn’t plan to stay in the office to distract him. He leaned over and kissed his forehead, “I’m going to do my rehab plan that you made. You can go down and examine me once you wake up.”

His palm covered that pair of eyes. Only when the person on the bed breathed steadily did he get up and walk out soft, carefully closing the office door.

For the first few days he’d been making the most of his time and working well into the night. When Lu Baiyu woke up, the sky outside the window had dimmed.

According to the time, Gu Pingming should still be doing the last set of anaerobic training in the training hall. After a full sleep, his body had regained its strength. Lu Baiyu sat up, supporting his arm. He did a simple washing up and avoiding the injury, put on his white coat. He took the key with him and went out.

The training hall was not located inside the building. It was quite a distance away and he had to pass through almost half the area of the center.

The evening wind was cool and Lu Baiyu adjusted his neckline with his one hand. He was about to take a shortcut to cut through to it when something caused his footsteps to suddenly stop. A sharp light flashed within the depths of his eyes.

At the same moment, the system’s warning sounded in his mind, “Be careful, host! Three people are tailing you and are planning to kidnap you — I bought a Puffer Fish bomb! Do you want to blow them up!”