Professor Hu tore off his glasses and flung them onto the desk, finally unleashing his long-simmering anger. He slammed his hand down with a bang, practically shouting, "Why can't you people just appreciate the cycles you're born with as people with special physiologies? They're a gift from nature!"
"Professor, please calm down."
"Get up first."
Yuan Chen had approached without Shen Yi noticing. He caught Shen Yi by the arm and pulled him out of his chair without waiting for a response. As he dragged the still-dazed Shen Yi toward the consulting room door, Professor Hu's voice chased them from behind:
"Both of you only ever come running to me for suppressants! You're driving me mad!"
The door slammed shut with a bang. The two men, who had all but been thrown out of the consulting room, immediately found themselves surrounded by curious looks in the hospital corridor. Yuan Chen released his grip.
"When exactly is your heat period?"
"Around November fifth."
"Will you need time off?"
Shen Yi rubbed his arm, which had gone numb under Yuan Chen's grip, and quietly averted his gaze. Rather than concern for his heat period, this felt more like a routine question to confirm the work schedule.
"Yes, I'll need time off."
"Have you arranged a suitable partner?"
"President Yuan, that's a private matter. I'd rather not disclose it."
Even though they both knew the situation, Shen Yi still found it difficult to discuss his partner arrangements with Yuan Chen himself. Besides, he didn't have a partner at all.
After Shen Yi drew that boundary, Yuan Chen fell silent for a moment. The muscles in his cheek tightened almost imperceptibly, then relaxed, emotions churning beneath his gaze.
"Is that so? It seems you already have plans."
"Taking leave is fine, but you must