Gold-Medal Lawyer Alpha and Her Doctor Jiang - Chapter 7: Pre-Dinner Dessert

Chapter 7: Pre-Dinner Dessert

Jiang Zhiyi: You like being fed by others so much, tonight Sister will feed you well. [Smile]

Calling her “Sister” and using a smiley emoji—too enthusiastic, right? Cen Qingyi suddenly felt hot. She picked up her water glass, took a sip to calm herself, and put on a composed act.

Qin Zhen glanced at Jiang Zhiyi, “Order what you like to eat.” As she reached for the bell, Jiang Zhiyi said calmly, “I don’t like Japanese food. You guys eat.”

“Hmm, that’s true.” Gu Tinglan quickly smoothed things over. She glanced at Jiang Zhiyi across the table, “Zhiyi, how about Japanese ramen? It tastes pretty good.”

Cen Qingyi sat upright, her back too straight. Her waist actually ached a bit, and the Jiulixiang scent was too close.

“No need.” Jiang Zhiyi turned her head to look at Cen Qingyi and suddenly asked, “Does this afternoon’s promise still stand?”

Cen Qingyi’s heart skipped a beat. She suddenly recalled their midday agreement. Who could’ve thought the “next time” for their next meeting would come so soon?

“It stands.” Cen Qingyi cleared her throat. She couldn’t avoid it anyway, “Anytime works.”

“Then tonight.”

“…” Cen Qingyi lost her appetite even more. She wouldn’t really feed her, would she? Wait, what was she thinking?

**

Qin Zhen spoke less, with Gu Tinglan mostly keeping the conversation going. Halfway through, Qin Zhen went to the restroom, and the atmosphere in the private room turned icy.

Cen Qingyi wondered how Jiang Zhiyi managed not to feel awkward. She didn’t eat or play with her phone, just sat there composedly, her presence so strong it was impossible to ignore.

The air seemed to freeze, and Cen Qingyi felt a sense of suffocation, “I’m going to the restroom too.”

As Cen Qingyi escaped, Jiang Zhiyi’s phone vibrated. Gu Tinglan sent a WeChat message: Ancestor, take it easy. I’m in the industry, after all. I have to give Qin Zhen some face.

Jiang Zhiyi typed a single “Good” but hadn’t sent it when Gu Tinglan sent another message: I heard about the hospital thing from Sister Mu. Whatever’s between you two, settle it privately. Don’t make a scene at the table, okay?

Jiang Zhiyi sent the “Good.” Qin Zhen leaned back in her chair, arms crossed over her chest, and finally spoke, “Really planning to pretend you don’t know me forever?”

Jiang Zhiyi didn’t look up, her fingers typing on the screen, seemingly ignoring Qin Zhen.

Qin Zhen’s face darkened. She heavily reminded, “Stay away from her.”

Jiang Zhiyi raised her eyes, expressionless, “Are you talking to me?”

“Jiang Zhiyi, you’re being very childish.”

Jiang Zhiyi put away her phone, her fingers lightly tapping the table, a faint smile curving her lips.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Qin Zhen’s face turned completely cold, “The ‘good deeds’ you’ve done, don’t think I don’t know.”

Qin Zhen stood up, grabbing her bag and coat, “She’s not someone you can touch.”

“Heh.” Jiang Zhiyi stood up too, “What if I already touched her?”

“I won’t let you off.” Qin Zhen walked toward the door. Jiang Zhiyi reached it faster.

Cen Qingyi pushed the door open just then. Jiang Zhiyi suddenly raised her right hand, hooked it around Cen Qingyi’s neck, and gripped her chin tightly with her left hand, leaning in close.

Cen Qingyi was stunned, forgetting to push her away. Jiang Zhiyi suddenly bit hard, causing Cen Qingyi to cry out in pain, a metallic taste of bl00d in her mouth.

**

Cen Qingyi’s lip was broken. Jiang Zhiyi’s faint red lips were also stained with bl00d. She raised her hand to wipe the corner of her mouth, giving Qin Zhen a half-smile while speaking to Cen Qingyi, “I’m hungry.”

Cen Qingyi didn’t know about the tense standoff in the restaurant moments ago. The hot potato was now in her hands, with Gu Tinglan behind her, Qin Zhen to her left, and Jiang Zhiyi in front of her, all watching her.

“You can’t eat people even if you’re hungry.” Cen Qingyi’s mouth hurt as she spoke. She half-joked to ease the shock from that moment, “It’s about time. I’ll go get Xiao Ji.”

Cen Qingyi turned to leave. Gu Tinglan shot Jiang Zhiyi a dark glare, thinking: Ancestor, is this your idea of “Good”?

“Sister Zhen, shall we head to the VIP passage?” Gu Tinglan主动 opened the door. As Qin Zhen passed Jiang Zhiyi, she gave a fierce glare, clearly warning: You just wait.

Gu Tinglan linked arms with Qin Zhen and walked toward the passage. She turned back to wink at Jiang Zhiyi. Jiang Zhiyi licked her lips, the taste of bl00d still lingering.

Xiao Ji and Cen Qingyi hurried over together. Xiao Ji quickly said goodbye and headed to the passage.

Under the bright lights, the two finally faced each other. Jiang Zhiyi’s gaze was just like that night at the bar.

Their eyes met, and an invisible pressure hit Cen Qingyi. She looked away first, slightly lowering her head, “What do you want to eat? I’ll treat you.”

“Did you drive?” Jiang Zhiyi didn’t answer, asking instead.

“I did.” Ugh, why was she obediently answering again?

**

Jiang Zhiyi sat in the passenger seat of the black Volvo XC60. Before starting the car, Cen Qingyi covered her mouth and hissed, asking, “Tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll navigate.”

“Does it hurt?” Jiang Zhiyi turned to look at her.

“You’d know if you tried.” Cen Qingyi wasn’t upset until she asked, but now she was a bit angry. Jiang Zhiyi always teased her—at the bar, fine, but even at the hospital, asking about her scar, and just now, making her look foolish with those sneaky moves under the table.

“That’s the price.” Jiang Zhiyi showed no pity. Meeting Cen Qingyi’s questioning gaze, she lazily leaned back in the seat, “Tonight, I want to eat something you cook yourself.”

This woman! Don’t go too far! Cen Qingyi gritted her teeth but couldn’t say it. She owed her a favor, so she swallowed her anger, “Fine, but my cooking’s terrible.”

“Oh.”

“And,” Cen Qingyi gripped the steering wheel, her broken lip stinging. She frowned, “After this meal, we’re done.”

Jiang Zhiyi gave a soft chuckle. The bright giant billboard outside the window was a bit dazzling. She glanced at Cen Qingyi, “What thing between us?”

“The hospital thing.” What else could it be? Surely not that night? Cen Qingyi didn’t know what Jiang Zhiyi was thinking.

“Oh.” Another single word. Jiang Zhiyi’s fingers slowly traced something on the window, stroke by stroke. Cen Qingyi caught it in her peripheral vision—she was writing her own name.

Jiang Zhiyi tapped the spot where she wrote. She remembered her father often saying: Kids don’t lack memory. They know they’re wrong but keep making mistakes because they know the cost isn’t too high.

Jiang Zhiyi withdrew her hand, quietly leaned back in the passenger seat, and didn’t move, seemingly asleep.

**

Cen Qingyi’s lip hurt a bit. She couldn’t help wanting to lick it, tasting bl00d, her nerves twitching with pain.

Every time this happened, Cen Qingyi thought, This person’s crazy. Aren’t doctors supposed to be mature and steady? Jiang Zhiyi must have a split personality, who knows when she’ll snap… Cen Qingyi’s thoughts wandered as she drove home, feeling uneasy.

Home, so small, so simple.

Cen Qingyi didn’t recognize all the brands on Jiang Zhiyi, but they looked expensive. Even her white coat had an air of nobility.

The scent—ah, the Jiulixiang scent. Undeniably, it smelled really good.

The long, congested road was irritating. Cen Qingyi’s random thoughts stopped as she neared her home. She remembered her fridge was nearly empty. She needed to buy groceries. Thinking of the long traffic jam to her door, she unbuckled her seatbelt, “I need to buy groceries. What do you want to eat?”

Jiang Zhiyi didn’t respond. Cen Qingyi thought she was being difficult but instinctively lowered her voice, “Are you asleep?”

Cen Qingyi leaned over. Jiang Zhiyi’s curled lashes covered her cold eyes, making her look less cold at that moment.

Especially with the faint blush on her cheeks, she seemed shy, adding a touch of gentleness and charm.

The air was filled with faint Jiulixiang. The scent grew stronger up close. Cen Qingyi shook her head helplessly. It was her first time seeing an omega like Jiang Zhiyi, so unguarded around an alpha. Wasn’t she afraid of being taken advantage of?

And coming to her house for dinner? Not afraid she’d pull something? Cen Qingyi gave a wry smile and sighed softly.

Cen Qingyi didn’t turn off the engine, leaving the heater on. She gently opened the car door, careful not to disturb the sleeping person.

**

Cen Qingyi had no clue what to buy. She didn’t know what Jiang Zhiyi liked, just thought her dignified demeanor deserved something fancy. Since this was likely their first and last dinner together, she’d buy expensive ingredients.

When Cen Qingyi returned, Jiang Zhiyi was awake, fiddling with her phone.

Cen Qingyi carried heavy bags in both hands, “Let’s go up.” Her breath formed thin mist as she spoke; the weather was too cold.

Jiang Zhiyi got out, thoughtfully locking the car for her, and reached out, “Give me one.”

“I’ve got it.”

“Give me one.”

“…” While Cen Qingyi hesitated, Jiang Zhiyi grabbed a bag from her hand. As Cen Qingyi tried to flex her fingers, a cold hand suddenly gripped hers. JiangTreasure continued to hold her hand, Jiang Zhiyi walked ahead, “Let’s go.”

Cen Qingyi stared in a daze at the sudden hand-holding, unsure whose home they were heading to.

Her palm was warm. She instinctively wanted to warm the cold hand, so she squeezed it, coughing to break the awkwardness, “Your hand’s always this cold.”

“No one cares.”

“A doctor who’s superstitious.” Cen Qingyi muttered. Jiang Zhiyi suddenly tugged her, “Got any alcohol at home?”

“You want to drink?” Cen Qingyi was surprised, quickly adding, “Is that a good idea?”

“What’s wrong with it?” A faint, shallow smile crept onto Jiang Zhiyi’s fair face, her bright eyes reflecting Cen Qingyi. Uncomfortable under her bold gaze, Cen Qingyi looked away, “You can drink, but don’t get drunk.”

The same mistake couldn’t happen twice.

Especially when sober, Cen Qingyi reminded herself.

**

“You rest. I’ll call you when it’s ready.” Cen Qingyi naturally wouldn’t let a guest cook, but Jiang Zhiyi followed her into the kitchen, “I’ll watch you cook.”

Cen Qingyi inwardly laughed. Was she afraid of tampering? Why didn’t she worry earlier?

Every time Cen Qingyi turned, she met Jiang Zhiyi’s direct, steady gaze. She’d guessed wrong—Jiang Zhiyi seemed to be there to watch her.

Cen Qingyi kept her head down, avoiding unnecessary eye contact.

She’d said her cooking was bad and considered making it awful on purpose, but she couldn’t bear to. Each ingredient was carefully cultivated, deserving to be turned into delicious dishes to honor the sweat and storms it endured.

If not for the Jiulixiang scent wafting in the kitchen, Cen Qingyi might’ve felt like today was just another day.

Cen Qingyi was quiet, and Jiang Zhiyi seemed even more so. If she didn’t speak, they could go without a word.

Cen Qingyi didn’t have to worry about entertaining at home. Jiang Zhiyi leaned against the doorway, out of the way, with nothing blocking her view.

The sound of running water stopped. A cleaned lobster sat on the counter. Cen Qingyi rubbed her wet hands, blew on them by her lips, and continued washing the next item.

Cen Qingyi liked to prepare everything methodically before cooking. She showed Jiang Zhiyi only her profile, her sharp features tracing beautiful lines.

The aroma of the food couldn’t mask the strong musk scent, stronger than before. Jiang Zhiyi breathed it in, her body filled with an invasive fragrance.

No lunch, no dinner—Jiang Zhiyi’s hunger wasn’t just in her stomach.

Full of color, fragrance, and flavor—perhaps there was another meaning. The allure of a busy figure far surpassed the sizzling dishes in the pan.

When the temptation was strong enough, the prey couldn’t resist striking. Like Jiang Zhiyi now, she walked behind Cen Qingyi and hugged her waist.

Cen Qingyi’s heart jolted, her words stumbling, “W-What are you doing?”

“Are you hungry?” Jiang Zhiyi buried her face in Cen Qingyi’s solid back. Cen Qingyi stiffened, holding back, “A bit, but we’ll eat soon.”

Jiang Zhiyi stood on her toes, aiming for Cen Qingyi’s nape. Cen Qingyi quickly turned, avoiding her glands falling “into the tiger’s mouth,” and asked nervously, “What are you doing?”

Jiang Zhiyi raised her eyes with a faint smile, “Pre-dinner dessert.”

Cen Qingyi suddenly understood, stiffening and stepping back, “Can I skip it?”

“Guess.”

“I can.”

“Guess again.”

“…”