Ah! The Villains I Forced to Turn Evil Can Read My Mind-Chapter 274
Lou Tingsi’s mind wandered as he stole a glance at her profile.
She was so close to him.
Close enough to catch the fragrance of her hair and see the thick, curled lashes framing her eyes.
His gaze drifted downward, lingering on the delicate slope of her nose before settling on her lips.
Qiao Chuchu paused her brush, lost in thought as she nibbled her lower lip.
His eyes darkened, and he swallowed unconsciously.
Qiao Chuchu pondered for a moment, shifting her stance absentmindedly.
The sharp click of her high heels against the floor made his breath hitch, his gaze growing more intense.
Unaware, Qiao Chuchu continued sketching and remarked, "You're a good father—better than many I've seen."
He stared at her parted lips. "Isn’t it common sense to treat someone you love well?"
Her brush stilled, and she glanced at him. "Not everyone has that common sense."
Lou Tingsi chuckled. "You’re right."
He looked at her hand holding his. "Growing up, I thought relationships were about mutual torment, judging by how my parents treated each other. But when it’s my turn, it feels different."
Qiao Chuchu perked up, ears practically twitching with curiosity. "How so?"
Lou Tingsi tilted his head up at her, speaking deliberately. "I dream about her. When I see something nice, I want to buy it for her. I could never hurt her—not even a little. How could I, when I truly care for her?"
His Adam’s apple bobbed as her scent intoxicated him. He leaned in closer. "I can’t help but spoil her, smile at her without thinking. And because I adore her so much, I crave her touch—even just her fingertips brushing mine. A little is enough to linger in my mind."
His gaze grew hazy as he inched toward her lips. "Just a little is enough to savor—"
BANG BANG BANG!!
The violent knocking jolted Lou Tingsi back to reality!
Qiao Chuchu’s gossip-fueled excitement was cut short as she walked to the door. "Huh? When was this locked?"
She muttered as she opened it, only to be met with Pei Che’s murderous glare.
And he wasn’t alone—everyone who had been feverish was there.
Before she could speak, Pei Che gripped the back of her head. "What were you two doing?"
His grip was rough as he scrutinized her lips and neck. "You didn’t do anything, did you?!"
Qiao Chuchu blinked, baffled. "We were just drawing. Lou Tingsi gave me a pair of high heels and a tiara."
She carefully removed the tiara. "Why are you all awake?"
The others glared at the tiara with dark expressions.
Pei Che exhaled in relief when he found no signs of intimacy, though his anger simmered. "We woke up and you were gone, so we came looking."
Truthfully, they’d waited too long for her return and panicked.
His gaze shifted to Lou Tingsi.
Lou Tingsi lounged on the sofa, legs crossed, radiating irritation at the interruption as he stared back at Pei Che.
Pei Che narrowed his eyes. "Qiao Chuchu, go to bed."
She hesitated. "But the drawing isn’t finished."
Pei Che’s sharpened gaze bore into her. "Go. To. Sleep."
She stiffened, sensing his anger, and looked to Pei Yuan. "Big brother?"
Pei Yuan patted her head, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Get some rest. You’ve worked hard."
Reluctantly, she glanced at Lou Tingsi one last time before leaving.
Pei Che turned his icy stare on Lou Tingsi. "You’ve got nerve, sneaking in while we were sick."
Lou Tingsi smirked lazily. "You’ve all had your alone time with her. Why act so threatened? I’ve been nothing but gracious."
He twirled a pencil in his right hand, propping his chin on his left. "Funny how you’re all hypocrites. Why waste energy ganging up on me when you could be making actual moves?"
Their expressions darkened.
Pei Fengnong stepped forward. "If you’re so ‘gracious,’ does that mean you’d accept anything?"
Lou Tingsi nodded. "Of course."
Pei Fengnong pointed out the window. "Pei Mu, Pei Ci—throw him off the balcony."
Lou Tingsi: "?"
---
The next morning, Qiao Chuchu received mixed news from Doctor Zhao.
Good news: the eleven feverish patients stayed fever-free until 8 a.m.
Bad news: by 10 a.m., their fevers returned—and one more person had joined the sick.
This chapter is updat𝙚d by freeweɓnovel.cøm.
Qiao Chuchu: "...Don’t tell me it’s Lou Tingsi."
Doctor Zhao nodded gravely. "It is. Apparently, he spent three hours on the balcony last night and caught the flu. Not surprising, given how contagious it is."
Qiao Chuchu frowned. "But why was he on the balcony?"
The doctor shrugged. "That’s beyond my expertise."
She strode into the "ward," now with an extra bed.
Lou Tingsi slept fitfully, cheeks flushed, brows furrowed in discomfort.
Twelve men now lay weak and feverish.
Qiao Chuchu: "..."
Doctor Zhao advised, "Their relapse has left them weaker. Expect less energy today, and keep them hydrated."
She nodded, instructing Little Xie, "Prepare twelve thermoses of hot water and plain congee for breakfast. Add plenty of side dishes—nothing too strong."
When she had a fever, bland food was all she could stomach.
Another housekeeper approached. "Miss Qiao, you have a guest."
The twelve patients weakly pried their eyes open. "Who...?"
Qiao Chuchu: "? You’re sick but still nosy?"
The housekeeper stifled a laugh. "It’s Mr. Lin Shen."
She sighed. "I’ll greet him."
Hopefully, he wouldn’t catch the plague too.
Lin Shen waited anxiously at the door until it opened.
His face lit up. "Chuchu?"
Had she come just for him?
Qiao Chuchu stood in soft ivory loungewear, offering an apologetic smile.
Lin Shen’s heart skipped despite her odd expression. "Long time no see."
He lifted an elegant shopping bag. "I brought you a gift."
She blinked in surprise.
[He got me something too?]
[I’ll need to make a thank-you list.]
Lin Shen: "?"
"Too"?
Who else gave her gifts?
She motioned him inside, handing him a sealed mask. "Come in, but wear this. Half my household is sick."
Lin Shen put it on. "Your brothers?"
"Not just them," she sighed.
[There are twelve patients in here now.]
Lin Shen: "?"
Twelve?!
He put on his mask and asked urgently, "Can I go take a look?"
