Chapter Eleven: Childhood Sweethearts

A moment later, Lin Yu and two other men dressed in green work uniforms entered the office. They first verified everyone's identities one by one and then proceeded to handle the reassignment procedures individually.

After completing the process, it was time for lunch.

"Shi Yi."

Jiang Shiyi looked toward the voice.

A few steps away, Lin Yu had just stopped the car and rolled down the window to greet her. "Ready to eat?"

Jiang Shiyi responded with a cold, succinct "Mm."

"Get in the car. Today, let me play host."

Jiang Shiyi was about to refuse, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught a familiar figure.

Perhaps preparing to go out, he wasn’t wearing his usual camouflage and black combat boots. His tall, upright frame was clad in a black trench coat, the hem fluttering lightly in the breeze, adding an aura of restraint to his presence. Especially striking was his deeply chiseled, stern face, drawing immediate attention.

At this moment, Huo Yixun, who was about to fetch a car, also spotted Jiang Shiyi, his eyes narrowing slightly.

She wore casual clothes and simple Lenin-style pants, her long black hair tied back casually, exuding a clean and neat beauty. Her radiant looks remained unchanged, and even with such a simple hairstyle, she carried an air of carefree elegance—a blend of beauty and resilience.

Just as Jiang Shiyi was about to tuck her hair behind her ear and greet him, Huo Yixun merely glanced once, expressionless, then withdrew his gaze and swiftly walked away.

The distance between them was not far, about two or three meters. Passersby who saw Huo Yixun immediately showed him respectful salutes.

And so, they passed each other by.

A crisp, cool scent of cedar wood wafted past Jiang Shiyi.

Cedar wood is a fragrance often used to scent clothing.

Its aroma is always sharp and aloof.

The smile on Jiang Shiyi’s face stiffened.

Minister Huo!

Enjoying the game of desire and retreat, are you?

I shall oblige wholeheartedly!

Jiang Shiyi reached out and opened the front passenger door of Lin Yu’s car, gracefully sliding in...

Sitting behind the wheel, Huo Yixun watched the scene unfold, his tongue pressed against his teeth before a cold sneer escaped.

Watching the car fade into the distance, his expression grew even colder.

This was something Huo Yixun hadn’t noticed...

The black Mercedes rolled along the asphalt road.

Lin Yu gripped the steering wheel with both hands and asked, "What do you want to eat?"

Jiang Shiyi was straightforward. "Something light. I've been taking care of my skin lately."

Lin Yu pressed the accelerator.

Inside the car, Jiang Shiyi remained mostly silent, her mind occupied—what was that man going out for?

Lin Yu didn't disturb her.

He would quietly look at her when waiting at traffic lights.

He had never looked at a woman so blatantly before.

In the past, Jiang Shiyi was just a little girl who would run after him.

Now, she had blossomed into such a stunning beauty.

Half an hour later, Lin Yu parked the car in front of a porridge restaurant.

The place was popular, bustling with customers.

Jiang Shiyi chose a window seat and, after ordering, Lin Yu took the initiative to ask about her future work plans.

Mentioning work finally brought Jiang Shiyi back to her thoughts.

At that moment, she noticed through the window Huo Yixun entering with a woman.

The woman’s appearance was pure and simple. She wore a pink Braga dress adorned with a delicate white lace trim around the square neckline, which accentuated her fair skin. Her black hair was tied up with a white butterfly bow.

Though this style might seem somewhat old-fashioned in later times, it was quite fashionable in their era.

Her small, heart-shaped face was framed by large, shiny black eyes resembling grapes, with long fluttering lashes that couldn't hide the tall figure reflected in her gaze.

Who was this woman to Huo Yixun?

A childhood sweetheart?

Jiang Shiyi quickly dismissed the thought; Huo Yixun didn’t seem like the type to have a childhood sweetheart.

That woman probably adored Huo Yixun, judging by the loving look in her eyes.

However, this love was restrained.

What was she holding back?

As they approached, Jiang Shiyi deliberately averted her gaze, as if they were strangers.

At this moment, Lin Yu also spotted Huo Yixun, stood up, and greeted him.

"Minister Huo, would you like to join us for a meal?"

Huo Yixun’s eyes instinctively flicked to Jiang Shiyi. Politely, he smiled, "I won’t disturb you."

Lin Yu smiled and kindly introduced Jiang Shiyi to Huo Yixun.

"Shi Yi, this is Minister Huo from the Second Military District, part of the same system as our hospital."

"Minister Huo, this is my cousin, Jiang Shiyi. She just joined our hospital today."

Meanwhile, Huo Yixun lifted his gaze toward them. When his eyes settled on the smiling woman, they turned cold.

Jiang Shiyi elegantly approached Lin Yu’s side, smiling at Huo Yixun. "So you’re the renowned Minister Huo. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

As she spoke, she noticed the man’s gaze grow colder.

But Jiang Shiyi paid no mind. She smiled again, "I didn’t expect the usually aloof Minister Huo to have such an adorable girlfriend."

With that, Jiang Shiyi cheerfully extended her hand to the woman. "Hello, I’m Jiang Shiyi."

Chen Lanxin’s intuition stirred unease, but facing Jiang Shiyi’s poised and confident manner, she could not afford to lose face.

"Hello, I’m Chen Lanxin, a friend of Yixun’s."

The atmosphere immediately became subtle.

In truth, Chen Lanxin had been quietly assessing Jiang Shiyi. She admitted Jiang Shiyi was very beautiful—her aura was cool and elegant, with a hint of allure in her brows.

But Chen Lanxin was no slouch either. As the daughter of the Chen family, her beauty and background easily put her above ninety percent of women.

Still, Jiang Shiyi barely paid her any attention.

Because she saw a trace of fear in Chen Lanxin’s expression.

Jiang Shiyi’s eyes casually swept over the man’s stern face before turning to Lin Yu. "Since Minister Huo has plans with his lady, we shouldn’t keep them."

Lin Yu smiled.

Huo Yixun stared at her innocent expression that cleverly masked cunning, chuckling under his breath as he moved toward a nearby table.

Men are always perceptive. Lin Yu’s actions had revealed the truth to Huo Yixun.

For some reason, although he should have felt relieved—after all, this clingy woman wouldn’t bother him anymore—at this moment, he felt a tightness in his chest.

While waiting for their meal, Jiang Shiyi got up to go to the restroom.

When she came out, she saw Huo Yixun standing by the artificial rock garden, arms crossed.

Sunlight cast shadows on his brows. Though seemingly relaxed and casual, there was an air of dominance about him.

Jiang Shiyi walked past him without looking sideways, but suddenly the man reached out and pulled her behind the rock garden.

An intense, chilling pressure descended.

Jiang Shiyi did not resist. Instead, she smiled and looked at him. "Minister Huo, what are you trying to do?"

The man’s gaze was sharp as he stared at her, his voice deep. "Is this why you came to the hospital?"

Jiang Shiyi chuckled lightly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes. Do you think there’s something wrong, Minister Huo?"

Huo Yixun’s broad shoulders, clad in his coat, nearly shielded her entirely against his chest.