Visit from Friend

The warm morning sun filtered through the windows as Xiao Ning sat on the edge of Bing Rong’s couch, still recovering from his recent confrontation with Dong Fenro. His body ached, though he tried his best to hide it. The poison had weakened him again after his escape, and he knew he needed to be cautious.

As he sat there, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Bing Rong, who had been making tea in the kitchen, glanced at the door, her brow furrowed. “I’ll get it,” she said, walking over and opening it.

Standing there, with his usual calm and composed expression, was Hei Fen—Xiao Ning’s best friend and a doctor in the Army. Hei Fen gave Bing Rong a polite smile, though his eyes flicked toward Xiao Ning, clearly concerned about his condition.

“Good morning, Captain Bing,” Hei Fen greeted formally, stepping inside. “I was in the area and thought I’d stop by to check on Xiao Ning.”

Bing Rong smiled and nodded. “That’s thoughtful of you, Hei Fen. He’s been… resting.” She gestured toward the couch where Xiao Ning sat, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Hei Fen walked over to his best friend, keeping his professional demeanor intact. “I heard you weren’t feeling well, Xiao Ning,” he said, the unspoken concern for his friend masked by the tone of a routine check-up. “Mind if I take a look?”

Xiao Ning nodded slightly, knowing Hei Fen had come to check on the effects of the poison more than anything else. “Yeah, sure. I’ve been feeling a bit off lately.”

As Hei Fen leaned in to assess Xiao Ning’s condition, he spoke in a low voice, so only Xiao Ning could hear. “The poison’s still active, isn’t it? You need to be careful, especially with Bing Rong around. We don’t want her finding out the truth just yet.”

Xiao Ning gave a slight nod, his face unreadable. “I know.”

Bing Rong, unaware of their quiet exchange, glanced at them from the kitchen. “Is everything okay?” she called out.

Hei Fen straightened up, giving her a reassuring smile. “Everything’s fine. Just a bit of fatigue, nothing too serious. He should be back to normal with a bit of rest.”

Before they could continue, another knock echoed through the apartment. Bing Rong raised an eyebrow in surprise. “It’s busy around here today,” she muttered as she went to answer the door.

This time, it was He Xiaxia—Bing Rong’s best friend and fellow officer. She strode in with her usual energy, flashing Bing Rong a wide grin.

“Rong! I heard Xiao Ning was here, so I thought I’d drop by,” He Xiaxia said with a playful smirk. “But it looks like I walked into a reunion. Hey, Hei Fen!” she added, waving casually at Xiao Ning’s best friend.

“Xiaxia,” Hei Fen greeted politely, though his expression remained calm and composed as always.

Bing Rong laughed, giving her friend a hug. “You always know when to show up at the busiest times.”

“I’m a master of timing,” He Xiaxia replied with a wink before she glanced over at Xiao Ning. “So, how’s the lucky fiancé doing? I heard you’ve been a bit under the weather.”

Xiao Ning smiled awkwardly, not sure how much He Xiaxia knew. “I’m okay. Just a little tired.”

He Xiaxia raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, stepping closer to Bing Rong. “Tired, huh? Well, I’m sure someone is taking great care of you,” she teased, nudging Bing Rong with her elbow.

Bing Rong rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “Xiaxia, don’t start.”

“Oh, I’m just getting started,” He Xiaxia said with a laugh, her eyes gleaming mischievously. “You two are so cute together. It’s like watching one of those romance dramas—except, you know, with martial arts and secret missions. And don’t even get me started on how close you’ve been lately. It’s like you’re glued to each other!”

Xiao Ning felt a flush rise to his cheeks, and even Bing Rong looked a little flustered. “Xiaxia, we’re not.....”

“Oh, don’t try to deny it!” He Xiaxia interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. “You’re practically inseparable. I’m honestly surprised you haven’t moved in together already. But then again, with the wedding coming up…” She gave Bing Rong a knowing look, wiggling her eyebrows.

Bing Rong groaned, though she couldn’t hide the smile spreading across her face. “Xiaxia, I swear, you never stop.”

He Xiaxia grinned, clearly enjoying every moment of teasing her friend. “Of course not! It’s my job to keep things interesting. Besides, I have to make sure you two stay on track. Can’t have my best friend dragging her feet on the engagement forever, now can I?”

Bing Rong glanced at Xiao Ning, her expression softening for a moment before she looked back at He Xiaxia. “We’re taking things one step at a time,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “We’ve been through a lot lately, and there’s still a lot we need to work out.”

He Xiaxia’s playful expression softened slightly, her teasing tone giving way to something more sincere. “I know, Rong. I just want to see you happy. Both of you.”

Xiao Ning, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke up. “Thank you, Xiaxia. We appreciate that.” He glanced at Bing Rong, his expression warm. “We’re working through things, but we’re getting there.”

He Xiaxia beamed, her usual energy returning. “That’s what I like to hear! Now, let’s make sure this engagement goes off without a hitch.”

Bing Rong shook her head, laughing softly. “With you involved, Xiaxia, I’m sure it’ll be anything but quiet.”

The group spent the next few minutes chatting and laughing, the tension between Xiao Ning and Bing Rong easing with each playful comment from He Xiaxia. Hei Fen remained quiet, observing but not interrupting, his mind still focused on Xiao Ning’s condition.

Finally, after a few more rounds of teasing and jokes, He Xiaxia clapped her hands together. “Alright, I better get going. Duty calls, and I have to get back to the station. But I’ll see you both soon—and don’t forget, Rong, I’m keeping an eye on you two lovebirds.”

Bing Rong groaned, though her smile remained. “I won’t forget, Xiaxia.”

He Xiaxia gave a final wave before heading out, leaving the apartment buzzing with the energy of her visit.

Hei Fen stood up soon after, giving Xiao Ning a pointed look. “You should rest. If you push yourself too hard, it’ll only make things worse.”

Xiao Ning nodded, understanding the hidden message. “I’ll take it easy.”

Bing Rong smiled as she walked Hei Fen to the door. “Thanks for stopping by, Hei Fen. It’s good to know he’s in capable hands.”

“Always,” Hei Fen replied, his calm demeanor never wavering. He gave Xiao Ning one last glance before heading out.

As the door closed, Bing Rong turned to Xiao Ning, her expression soft. “Your friends are really looking out for you, you know.”

Xiao Ning smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. “Yeah, they are. I’m lucky to have them.”

Bing Rong sat down next to him, their hands brushing as they settled into the quiet of the apartment. It felt different now, more comfortable.... more open. And as Xiao Ning leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment of rest, he knew that, despite the challenges ahead, things were slowly falling into place.

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