Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

Jun’s POV

Zian’s shift ends at 7, but I’m so restless, panicked, and sleep-deprived that I leave the team meeting midway just to be here in the hospital.

Z is one of the best neurosurgeons and my best option to discuss Yiren’s case.

After pleading and endless kisses, I finally manage to get that damn medical report she considers her future. But Z barely glances at it and sets it aside.

"Will you say something?" I can’t stop tapping my feet restlessly on the polished floor.

"Ning already showed this to me. Yiren carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, which gives her a 50% chance of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease."

Suffer. No. I won’t let her suffer.

"And you didn’t tell me about it. Even when you knew I was starting to feel differently for her?"

"Doctor-patient confidentiality," he reminds me. "I took an oath, Jun." He pauses, his eyes softening. "Besides, it was Yiren’s right to tell you. I can’t betray her trust, even if I’m closer to you than her."

Dammit. I can’t fight against him when he’s right. He’s only trying to protect her from emotional stress.

"And?" I press.

He doesn’t answer, and that sends my heart plummeting into my stomach.

"This disease has no treatment. Yes, there are tests and trials underway, but that’s all," Z says as he leaves his chair, sitting next to me. He shifts into the role of a friend instead of a doctor.

I look him in the eyes, desperate. "She hasn’t shown any signs of Alzheimer’s yet. There must be something—preventive measures, medicines, injections—anything!"

My relationship with Yiren is delicate. I know she’s walking on eggshells, scared of the future. And I know it’s the only thing stopping her from fully embracing us.

"Please, Z. Help me," I beg, dropping my head into my hands. "Please... save my Yiren. Please..."

"What’s happening?" The calm, authoritative voice that’s been my anchor my entire life cuts through the tension.

I turn at the sound of Shishi’s voice, and he presses a hand on my shoulder, turning the chair. I can’t look him in the eye.

He grabs my jaw gently, his brows furrowed. "Why are you crying? What happened to Yiren?"

I hand him the medical report.

Minutes pass.

"I see. Do you think Muse cell therapy could work for her?"

"Shishi," Zian warns.

That catches my attention. "What? Is there a treatment? Why haven’t you told me about it?" My voice edges on panic. I swear I’ll kill this guy if he doesn’t give me an answer I can work with.

Shishi offers a small smile, the kind that calms me, like a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

"Muse cells," Shishi begins, "found in the bone marrow and connective tissue of nearly every organ, are a type of non-embryonic stem cell. They can migrate to damaged tissues and contribute to repair and regeneration. Zian’s been working on it with Dr. Mari from Japan, who first discovered it in 2010. It’s a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s."

"Z!"

Zian raises his hands. "I don’t have much data to support it. I barely started working on it last year."

Wait. I’ve seen him feature in magazines and get invited to international conferences. I haven’t paid attention before because it all seemed like boring medical stuff.

"Was the conference in the USA about this?" I remember Shishi was one of the chief guests. That’s when my entire family stormed back into my life.

"Yes," Zian says. "It looks promising, but it’s still under study." He nudges me with his elbow. "And knowing you, you’ll put all your hopes into it. Please, understand—be realistic. We’re not magicians."

For a moment, I really thought it was magic. Shishi rubs my back. "Talk to Yiren about it. No matter what, we’re with her. Tell her not to worry."

I sniff, my nose stinging. "Won’t you ask me to leave Yiren now that our future is uncertain?"

Shishi chuckles softly. "I’d have killed you and Jianyu if you asked me to leave Suyin." There’s a teasing smile in his voice. "I expect no less from you."

Zian grins. "Don’t even ask me. I’d do the same for Vivian, and I’d gladly open you up on my operating table, stuffing chili in your organs."

I roll my eyes. "Yes, that’s great description. You should spend less time with Xion."

"Pot, kettle, black," he quips.

I flip him off, and he copies my gesture.

I know the road ahead is going to be tough, but these guys just made it a little more bearable.

I glance at Shishi. "That doesn’t mean I’m forgiving you for what you did."

He snorts, giving me a nonchalant look. "Sure, whatever, continue." He turns toward the door. "Send three team t-shirts to my house by the weekend. Make sure the sizes are correct, or you’re answering to Suyin."

The corner of my mouth quirks. That’s why our fights never last long—because we’re shameless and don’t care.

Z and I discuss the Muse treatment and how it will be carried out. Since Yiren hasn’t shown any signs of Alzheimer’s, they’ll just monitor her with regular checkups and necessary medications to maintain the quality of her life.

I can’t wait to talk to her about this. I hope this gives her new hope. Zian even promised to get me an appointment with one of his university professors, a gene scientist, to discuss our options for conceiving.

If I want to convince Yiren, I need to cover every possible corner, leaving her no reason to refuse us.

"Thanks, Z," I say.

"Two t-shirts and VIP passes for the first race. And I want a test drive—" he starts.

I glare and growl at him, "My precious."

"Quit that, you possessive alpha. I’m doing the test drive. Period. It just depends on whether you let me do it nicely, or if I have to go through adorable Yiren."

"Asshole."

I’m in a much better mood when I leave the hospital, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’ll make sure to donate to Z’s research.

"Sir, we’re here."

I snap out of my thoughts and look ahead at the seven-star luxury cruise, ready for tonight’s party.

I know exactly what it is.

Yifan is going to announce his car and team.

Stupid him—he unknowingly booked Xion’s cruise for the event. Xion’s not only the King of the Underworld, but he’s also known as the Lord of the Sea. And that ship? It’s his precious jewel.

"Yiren?"

"I got the update. Madam is getting ready inside," my chief of security answers.

"Let’s go."