Chapter 103: May I Walk You Home?

Seeing Chen Zhe awkwardly rubbing the back of his head, Pei Zhuxuan understood it was a well-meaning lie. Yet, Chen Zhe’s clumsy fib made her feel as if she was being treated like a fool.

“Chen Zhe, just to be safe, I think it’s better to go to the hospital for a check-up,” she suggested softly, noticing the slight furrow in his brow. After a brief hesitation, she spoke up, knowing that a sprain could be either minor or serious.

If left untreated, a severe sprain might lead to ligament laxity, osteoporosis, arthritis, and other complications—conditions that could seriously derail an artist’s career. She couldn’t bear the thought of Chen Zhe jeopardizing his promising path just by trying to help her. That would haunt her conscience forever.

“You’re right, A-Zhe. We should get you checked out—after all, you have a shoot tomorrow,” Lin Xiuhao chimed in. Watching Chen Zhe resist the idea of going to the hospital, Lin Xiuhao guessed his stubborn streak was flaring up again. Though reluctant, he stepped forward to persuade him.

“But I really think it’s nothing serious, just a slight sprain,” Chen Zhe protested. Pressured by the two, he wavered, convinced that a little medicinal ointment would suffice.

“Then I’ll call Yuqi and let her know. She specifically told me to inform her if anything happened to you,” Lin Xiuhao said, pulling out his phone with a calm expression as he prepared to relay what sounded quite serious.

“Wait, wait, Xiuhao, I was wrong, don’t call my sister. I’ll listen to you guys—I’ll go to the hospital, okay?” Chen Zhe quickly held up his hand to stop him, fearing the scolding that would follow if his sister found out. Facing a rabid opponent alone had been too dangerous.

Knowing his sister Chen Yuqi’s temperament, he was sure she’d scold him first, then immediately report the incident to their parents. The very thought made Chen Zhe sigh resignedly and give up his resistance, agreeing to go with Lin Xiuhao and Pei Zhuxuan to the hospital.

“And this young lady?” Lin Xiuhao asked, relieved to hear Chen Zhe’s consent. He pocketed his phone and turned to Pei Zhuxuan, who stood facing Chen Zhe.

Since Chen Zhe had just addressed her by name using “xi,” it was clear they knew each other, but the formality suggested they weren’t very close.

“I’m Pei Zhuxuan, the manager. Chen Zhe got injured because of me, so I want to come with you to the hospital. At least, I should cover the medical expenses,” she said, trying to summon courage to speak to a stranger, suppressing her usual fear of unfamiliar men.

She kept telling herself this was for Chen Zhe, her lifesaver, so she must not back down, absolutely must not.

“Well…” Lin Xiuhao hesitated. Although her reasoning made sense, he was still uncertain. After a pause, he looked to Chen Zhe, leaving the decision to him.

“Bringing Pei Zhuxuan with us is fine, but you have to promise me one condition!” Chen Zhe’s lips curved slightly. He tried to step forward, but the sharp pain in his right foot made him gasp and furrow his brows again.

“What’s the condition, Chen Zhe?” Pei Zhuxuan instinctively took a step back as he moved forward, but quickly caught herself, stopping the retreat.

The word “condition” sent her mind racing with wild guesses—perhaps Chen Zhe wanted her to date him, or maybe help him pursue someone like Jiang Seqi.

Thinking of Jiang Seqi snapped her out of her daydreams. Blushing faintly, she chided herself for overthinking before she steadied her breath and asked him directly.

“Pei Zhuxuan, can I walk you home later?” Chen Zhe’s unexpected question caught both Pei Zhuxuan and Lin Xiuhao off guard, making them exclaim in surprise. The statement was so easily misconstrued.

“Why are you both so shocked?” Chen Zhe tilted his head in confusion, unable to understand their reaction.

“This… this… Chen Zhe, isn’t that a little too soon?” Pei Zhuxuan covered her chest, stepping back nervously, her voice trembling.

“Yeah, A-Zhe, you’re just about to debut, isn’t that inappropriate? At least you should report it to the company first!” Lin Xiuhao groaned, rubbing his forehead. Chen Zhe’s words had nearly knocked the wind out of him. But after recovering, he realized Chen Zhe was indeed an artist full of surprises—not only delightful but also startling.

“It’s not too soon. It’s almost ten o’clock now. Do I really need to report to the company just to walk a friend home?” Chen Zhe found their reactions baffling. It seemed Pei Zhuxuan’s earlier shock had left her disoriented, and Lin Xiuhao’s strictness about such a trivial matter felt a bit overbearing.

Thinking this, Chen Zhe’s tone grew a bit annoyed.