Accidentally Marked My Ex’s Crush, the Ice-Cold Goddess O - Chapter 54: Don’t Get on My Bed

Chapter 54: Don’t Get on My Bed

Jiang Ci deliberately chose to return in the evening. Before coming back, she sent a message to Dr. Gu, saying she would pick her up at the hospital.

Dr. Gu didn’t reply, either because she was busy with work or didn’t want to respond.

Whatever the reason, Jiang Ci got off the highway and headed straight to the hospital.

At night, few restaurants were open. When passing a burger place, she bought three combo meals and four pizzas.

At the hospital, Jiang Ci carried the food to Little Aunt’s office, placed it on the desk, and took out two pizzas to share with the colleagues in the office. She came often, so the colleagues were familiar with her and didn’t refuse. They thanked her and started eating.

Jiang Lan was on duty tonight. After finishing her rounds, she returned and saw Jiang Ci, a tall figure, standing straight at the door. Inside the office, her colleagues were hungrily devouring something.

Jiang Lan asked her, “Back from your business trip?”

Jiang Ci nodded lightly, “Hmm, I bought some food for you and your colleagues. The pizza is the durian flavor you like, and the cola has ice. Go inside and eat while it’s hot.”

“Alright, I got it. Dr. Gu just finished surgery; she should be in her office now.” Coming to the hospital right after a business trip, it was obvious she was here for Dr. Gu.

Jiang Ci didn’t argue. She hummed, took the burger and pizza she bought for Dr. Gu, and went to find her.

At the office door, it was closed. In the past, she would’ve checked if the handle was locked, but since Little Aunt said Dr. Gu was likely inside, she knocked twice. No response.

Jiang Ci waited a dozen seconds, still no sound. She reached to try the handle, and unexpectedly, it opened.

The door cracked open, light spilling out. Jiang Ci hesitated, then slowly pushed it open and entered. The spot by the window was empty. She looked around the office and finally saw Dr. Gu lying on the sofa.

The air conditioning was on, making the room chilly. Dr. Gu had taken off her shoes, lying face inward, covered with a black coat, curled up small, not at all like her usual cold demeanor.

Jiang Ci closed the door, tiptoed to the coffee table, bent down, and gently placed the burger and pizza down, trying not to disturb her rest. But Dr. Gu still woke up from the noise.

“Sorry, I woke you,” Jiang Ci said softly.

Gu Feiran sat up, putting the coat aside. Still groggy, she moved her feet off the sofa, found her slippers, and put them on. Rubbing her forehead and brushing her hair, she said, “I wasn’t asleep, just tired. I was resting for a bit.”

Jiang Ci stood watching her, feeling a bit sorry. “I bought a fried chicken burger and pizza. Want to eat?”

Gu Feiran looked up at the food on the table. Her eyes were empty, bloodshot, and she was too tired to speak much. She only gave a faint hum.

Jiang Ci walked over, crouched down, opened the bag, and took out the cola, burger, fried chicken nuggets, fries, and corn.

The pizza was pineapple shrimp flavor, unsure if Dr. Gu liked it.

After opening everything, Jiang Ci didn’t let Dr. Gu use her hands. She put on disposable gloves, fed her a fry, then tore the fried chicken into small pieces or strips. The burger and pizza were also broken into small pieces for her to eat easily.

At first, Gu Feiran wanted to eat by herself, but after being fed for a while, she found it nice not having to lift a finger.

So, she let Jiang Ci feed her bite by bite.

Eating too much greasy food at night wasn’t good for the stomach or body. Gu Feiran stopped after eating about half full, shaking her head.

Jiang Ci asked, “Want some more cola?”

“No,” Gu Feiran said.

Jiang Ci stopped feeding, ate the pieces she’d broken off, and packed the untouched food back into the bag.

After eating and resting, Gu Feiran had the energy to stand. She changed clothes and left with Jiang Ci.

At the parking lot in the complex, Jiang Ci carried the bags, following Dr. Gu. Her gaze fell on the suppressant patch on Dr. Gu’s neck, recalling how uncomfortable she was during her last heat. Jiang Ci wanted to ask if she needed a temporary marking but felt awkward since they hadn’t seen each other in half a month. She wasn’t afraid of rejection, just unsure how to bring it up.

They took the elevator to their floor and walked to the shoe cabinet. Jiang Ci took out Dr. Gu’s slippers and placed them at her feet, then took out her own. During her absence, the slippers had been washed and looked slightly fuzzy.

Gu Feiran noticed and said tiredly, “If you don’t like the fuzz, there’s an identical new pair inside.”

“No, I don’t dislike it. It just looks cuter now. No need to change; it’s fine,” Jiang Ci quickly put them on.

Gu Feiran hummed and opened the door to enter.

Jiang Ci followed closely.

After showering in the guest room, Jiang Ci, as usual, went to Dr. Gu’s room to sleep. She opened the door and saw Dr. Gu already showered and lying in bed, her body under the covers, only her round, dark head visible, looking very cute.

Jiang Ci watched for a moment before climbing the steps.

There were two blankets on the bed. Normally, Jiang Ci would sleep under the other one, but thinking of Dr. Gu’s heat, she lifted Dr. Gu’s blanket, slowly lay down, and hugged her from behind.

When Jiang Ci reached to hold her, Gu Feiran slightly opened her eyes but closed them again, too sleepy.

Jiang Ci knew she wasn’t asleep and said, “Your heat is here. Need me to temporarily mark you?”

Gu Feiran didn’t answer. The bedroom was quiet.

Jiang Ci waited, but with no response, she slowly let go, slipped out of the blanket, and lay back in her original spot.

The next morning, Jiang Ci wasn’t woken by the alarm but by coughing from the bathroom. She woke, thought she misheard, confirmed it was Dr. Gu’s voice, and ran barefoot to the bathroom. There, she saw Dr. Gu bent over, one hand on the sink, coughing muffledly.

“Dr. Gu,” Jiang Ci reached to support her frail frame, full of worry. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Gu Feiran held her arm, shook her head lightly, and said hoarsely, “It’s fine, just a cough. I’ll rest a bit and be okay. Go back to sleep.”

Jiang Ci frowned. “You’re burning up and coughing like this. How can you not go to the hospital? I’ll take you.”

Gu Feiran held her again and said, “It’s just my heat. Two suppressant shots will do.”

“Suppressant shots?” Jiang Ci recalled the pain in her neck gland when she took suppressants. If she hadn’t been desperate, she might not have endured it. How could she let Dr. Gu bear that pain?

So, Jiang Ci bent down, picked Dr. Gu up, carried her from the bathroom, and placed her back on the bed. Ignoring her consent, she tore off the suppressant patch and leaned to bite her neck.

In her weakened state, Gu Feiran turned slightly, reached up, and accurately covered Jiang Ci’s mouth to stop her.

Jiang Ci pulled her hand away, pressed it firmly on the pillow, and said seriously, “Why use suppressants when I’m here? Your frail body can’t handle even one shot.”

She leaned down again to bite.

Gu Feiran, hands pinned, could only shout, “You haven’t brushed your teeth. Go brush.”

That stopped Jiang Ci instantly. It was indeed an issue. She let go, ran barefoot back to the bathroom, grabbed toothpaste and a brush, used the Bass brushing method for three minutes, rinsed twice, and returned.

While brushing, Gu Feiran sat up, blanket over her, clutching her pajama collar tightly. Her expression was dazed from the heat, mixed with intense desire, like a blooming rose, vibrant and alluring.

Jiang Ci knelt on the bed with one knee, held Dr. Gu’s trembling body in her arms, brushed her long hair aside, and bit down on her gland.

Worried about causing pain, she bit lightly at first. When the gland opened, she bit harder. Dr. Gu collapsed in her arms, breathing heavily, trembling more intensely, as if losing all reason.

As Jiang Ci bit, she felt Dr. Gu’s rapid breathing and the strength of her fingers gripping her. There was pity in her eyes. For a moment, she wished Dr. Gu was also pheromone-deficient, so she wouldn’t have to endure this torment.

Jiang Ci bit for about a minute, feeling the gland close. She stopped promptly to avoid a deep bite that might lead to a permanent mark or pregnancy.

After the temporary marking, Jiang Ci gently lowered Dr. Gu, holding her fully and comforting, “It’s okay now. You were stubborn last night. If I’d marked you when I asked, you wouldn’t be suffering this morning.”

Gu Feiran’s breathing slowly calmed, her eyes clearing. Ignoring Jiang Ci’s words, she said, “Your feet touched the floor. Don’t get on my bed.”

Jiang Ci immediately straightened her feet, dangling them off the bed. The expensive bedding couldn’t be dirtied.

With over an hour before the alarm, Jiang Ci took her slippers to the bathroom, washed her feet, put them on, returned to bed, and slept another hour.

At breakfast, Jiang Ci asked Aunt Liu for disposable gloves, peeled half a plate of shrimp, and put the shrimp meat in Dr. Gu’s bowl, asking, “How many days does your heat usually last?”

Gu Feiran, “Four days.”

Jiang Ci, “How long does one temporary mark last?”

Gu Feiran replied, “It depends on both parties. In my case, if an S-level alpha…”

Before she finished, Jiang Ci interrupted, “There’s no S-level alpha here, or any other alpha. Just me, a pheromone-deficient alpha. No need for other examples; they don’t apply.”

Gu Feiran looked at her, stopped giving examples, and said, “Your temporary mark lasts two or three days. For the remaining one or two days, I can handle it with a suppressant patch.”

Jiang Ci, “Hmm, eat.”

She peeled the last shrimp and put it in her bowl.

While eating, Jiang Ci’s phone vibrated with a message. She opened it, and after seeing who sent it, her expression turned strange.

Gu Feiran noticed, wanted to ask what it was, but thought better of it since they never pried into each other’s private lives.

She didn’t ask.

After breakfast, at the entrance while changing shoes, Jiang Ci finished first and stepped out. She crouched to tie Dr. Gu’s sneaker laces and said, “I have something urgent this morning and can’t drive you to work. Can I call you a car?”

Gu Feiran, “No need.”

Jiang Ci felt uneasy, “It’s urgent and can’t be delayed. I’ll call you a car.”

Gu Feiran repeated, “No need.”

Jiang Ci tied the laces, stood up, and was about to feel guilty when Gu Feiran said, “I have a driver.”

She walked past her to the elevator.

Jiang Ci froze, touched her head, and felt embarrassed for insisting on calling a car.

They took the elevator to the underground parking lot. As the doors opened, a custom luxury car pulled up.

Dr. Gu walked over, opened the door, got in, and the driver drove off.

Jiang Ci sighed. She was, after all, reaching too high for Dr. Gu.

Jiang Ci drove out of Dr. Gu’s complex, floored the gas, and headed to YR Research Center. On arrival, she told the staff, “I’m Jiang Ci. I have a morning appointment with Teacher Gu.”

The staff smiled warmly, “Teacher Gu mentioned you, Miss Jiang. Please follow me.”

Jiang Ci nodded, “Good, thank you.”

YR Research Center was where Teacher Gu worked.

Before returning yesterday, Jiang Ci had contacted Teacher Gu’s assistant through someone, asking if she could meet to discuss cooperation. She hadn’t held much hope, but Teacher Gu agreed readily.

The staff took Jiang Ci to the tenth floor by elevator, knocked, and said, “Miss Jiang, please enter.”

Jiang Ci, “Thank you.”

The staff, “You’re welcome.”

Jiang Ci stepped inside. The office was high-tech, mostly white, with green plants everywhere, giving it a lively feel.

Gu Mushi was watering plants. Jiang Ci walked behind her and said, “Teacher Gu, hello.”

Gu Mushi, mid-watering, turned to look at Jiang Ci. Tall, in a fitted black suit, sharp and handsome, with good proportions, her features resembled her mother and mom somewhat. Truly their daughter.

After sizing her up, Gu Mushi continued watering, “I heard you want to discuss work. Is it about Jiang Group and Shengding’s collaboration?”

Jiang Ci nodded, “Yes, we’re working with Shengding on an AI project. You’re an expert in this field, so we’d like to invite you as our technical consultant. I wonder if you’re interested. Salary is negotiable.”

“Salary?” Gu Mushi moved right and said, “How much can Jiang Group offer?”

Jiang Ci wanted to say five million but recalled Dr. Gu mentioning shares. “If you agree to be our consultant, I can discuss with Shengding to give you 1% of the profits as salary.”

Gu Mushi, “1% of profits? That’s based on your product selling. If it flops, I get nothing.”

Jiang Ci rephrased, “We can put it in the contract. If we profit, you get 1% as salary. If we don’t, we’ll still pay you five million. What do you think?”

Gu Mushi, nearly done watering, straightened and said, “Five million, average.”

Jiang Ci’s head spun. For a senior consultant, this wasn’t low, but Gu Mushi, with fame and wealth, wasn’t easily swayed. She upped it, “Seven million.”

Gu Mushi smiled, “You raise it without hesitation, no bargaining.”

Jiang Ci, “Seven million is what Jiang Group can offer. It’s far from your worth. If you’re willing, we can discuss further.”

Gu Mushi looked over, “I see. Go back for now. I’ll consider it. I don’t know how long, but I’ll message you whether I agree or not.”

After just a few words, Jiang Ci felt uncertain, but with Gu Mushi dismissing her, she couldn’t push. “Alright, I hope you’ll consider it seriously. Everyone at our institute looks forward to your arrival.”

Gu Mushi, “Hmm.”

Jiang Ci nodded again, turned, and left. As the door closed, Gu Mushi laughed, muttering, “Everyone at our institute looks forward to your arrival—nicely said.”

That evening, Jiang Ci left work to pick up Dr. Gu at the hospital. As usual, she sent a message. Unlike before, Dr. Gu replied almost instantly.

Jiang Ci: I’ll pick you up.

Gu Feiran: No need, I’m already home. I’m tired and going to sleep. Come tomorrow.

Jiang Ci checked the time. Only ten. Usually, Dr. Gu wasn’t off yet. Well, early rest was good, less strain.

Jiang Ci: Alright, good night.

Gu Feiran: Good night.

“Xiao Ran, so late, who’re you texting?” Fu Ruanyi asked while eating steak.

Gu Feiran put her phone down, “Hospital matters.”

Fu Ruanyi, “You’re off work. Don’t reply to work messages. Look how thin you’ve gotten. If I see you this thin next time, quit and rest.”

Gu Feiran picked up her knife and fork, “It’s fine.”

Fu Ruanyi worried, “Fine? If you think I’m wrong, let Grandma and Mom talk to you.”

Fu Xianqing chimed in, “Xiao Ran, Grandma agrees. Work’s not as important as you. If you insist on being a doctor, I can arrange a private hospital—work without being busy.”

Gu Feiran focused on cutting steak, “Really, no need.”

Fu Ruanyi grew suspicious.

Just a regular General Surgery Department job, so tiring, low pay, yet Xiao Ran stayed. Could there be someone she liked there? She’d have to ask around. What if there was?

“Come, try my black pepper steak,” Gu Mushi said, wearing an apron, bringing another plate of steak from the kitchen to the table.

All three looked, their expressions blank: “…”

Black pepper or blackened steak?

Gu Mushi saw their faces, “What? It smells good. A bit charred, but no big deal. Xiao Ruan, Xiao Ran, try it.”

Gu Feiran frowned slightly, “Mom, medically, this food isn’t recommended.”

Gu Feiran was tactful. Fu Ruanyi was blunt, “Mom, if you keep wasting food, a calf might cross oceans and continents to stare at you from your bedside tonight.”

Gu Mushi, “…”

Fu Xianqing tsked, “What’re you saying at night?”

Then, to Gu Mushi, “It’s late. Stop cooking. Tomorrow’s the weekend. If you want, cook all day for them.”

Fu Ruanyi objected first, “Grandma, if you let Mom cook all day, I’ll take Xiao Ran and run away, leaving you to eat her food alone.”

Fu Xianqing, “…”

“Fine, I won’t cook,” Gu Mushi gave up, took off her apron, draped it on the chair, and sat down.

Fu Ruanyi cut the burnt parts off her steak, eating while asking, “Mom, you met Jiang Ci today. What’s she like?”

Fu Ruanyi glanced at Xiao Ran’s reaction. She ate quietly, no response.

Was she overthinking?

Gu Mushi chuckled, “Jiang Ci? Not bad. Her mom was the campus beauty back then, and she inherited a lot, especially her clean, fresh vibe, like her mom. But she’s more refined. Her speech is calm, reasoned, better-tempered than her mother.”

Fu Ruanyi, “High praise. Grandma and I think she’s ambitious and charming.”

Gu Mushi leaned forward, arms crossed on the table, “You and Mom are businesspeople. I deal with tech. We see people differently. Oh, Xiao Ran, have you met Jiang Ci?”

Gu Feiran focused on eating, “Met her a few times at the hospital. Not close, no opinion.”

Gu Mushi, “I heard she failed differentiation at eighteen. She’s an alpha but pheromone- and gland-deficient. Medically, is there a cure?”

Gu Feiran, “No known cure yet.”

Gu Mushi, “Could it be life-threatening?”

Gu Feiran, “Possibly.”

Gu Mushi felt pity, “She’s a good kid. It’d be a shame if she died young from this.”

Gu Feiran said no more, finishing her last bite of steak.

Fu Ruanyi watched Xiao Ran’s calm reaction and dropped it. With a life-threatening condition, Xiao Ran wouldn’t fall for Jiang Ci—it’d ruin her future.

Fu Ruanyi said, “Mom, will you agree to be Jiang Group’s consultant? Their offer’s not great.”

Gu Mushi had thought it over, “I’ll go. I was interested in their project when I heard about it. Plus, you’re an investor. If it succeeds, we profit.”

Fu Ruanyi had no issue, “Fine, your call.”

Gu Feiran listened, her thoughts drifting to life-threatening risks and when a counter-mark might succeed.