Chapter 1398: So That's How It Is (Part 1)

Slowly stepping onto the chair, cautiously unscrewing the light bulb, Xiao Rou was contemplating where to place the bulb in her hand when suddenly the phone in her other hand rang.

Seeing the caller ID, Xiao Rou was startled and pressed to answer: “Hello?”

“You just called me, what’s up?”

On the other end, Zhou Qi’s deep voice came through, a long-awaited sound that left Xiao Rou dizzy, unconsciously taking a step back.

“I… ah…”

The room was already dark, and with the backward step, her balance instantly faltered, and Xiao Rou directly fell off the chair.

Her back hit the side of the bed, and while there was no sensation there, a piercing pain shot from her ankle.

The bulb she was holding earlier also shattered with a “pop.”

Xiao Rou felt the world spinning, not knowing where her phone had gone.

“Hello? Hello, hello?…”

Faintly, Xiao Rou could hear just a few weak sounds, and soon, even those faded away.

Xiao Rou remained on the ground for quite a while, before attempting to stand up. But as soon as she leaned on a hand, she drew it back, not knowing where it landed, yet clearly realizing it touched the bulb shards scattered all over.

Xiao Rou felt like crying. How could she be so clumsy, even getting herself hurt changing a bulb?

On the other side, Zhou Qi almost instantly jumped up from his chair upon hearing the scream.

Today was a team member’s birthday, and they had seldom thrown a party. Just now, with all the commotion, Zhou Qi had missed noticing Xiao Rou’s call.

Having just quieted down, Zhou Qi checked his phone and returned her call only to hear Xiao Rou’s scream.

Zhou Qi sprang up from the chair, startling those around who were about to head back to their rooms.

“Brother Qi? Wha…”

Before the words could finish, Zhou Qi’s figure had already darted out.

Everyone watched him disappear at the doorway, exchanging confused glances: “What’s going on?”

“No idea.”

“Did something happen?”

The team Zhou Qi was part of wasn’t far from Xiao Rou’s home, and he practically sprinted all the way there.

He arrived at Xiao Rou’s doorstep shortly, knocking on the door heavily, but no response came. Zhou Qi furrowed his brow and kicked the door.

The door lock here was installed by him before, reliable quality, not something to be kicked open with mere force.

The loud noise drew neighbors to poke their heads out, only to be met with Zhou Qi’s cold glare that sent them scurrying back inside.

After about three minutes, Zhou Qi had lost count of the kicks when finally there was movement. Xiao Rou opened the door from inside, the lock already somewhat misshaped.

Xiao Rou stayed on the floor for a long time before cautiously getting up. She hadn’t yet reached the bedroom door when she heard a series of loud banging noises outside.

With her foot twisted, Xiao Rou could only jump through the pain to open the door.

“Your… what’s wrong with your foot?”

Zhou Qi’s gaze first fell on Xiao Rou’s raised foot. She obviously hadn’t expected him to come, leaving her momentarily speechless.

She could only stammer, “Sprained, just a bit.”

Zhou Qi furrowed his brow, without another word, he simply picked Xiao Rou up in his arms.

In that instant, Xiao Rou’s whole body tensed, her mind completely blank.