Du Yu was the director of the emergency department at the People's Hospital. He had been the chief examiner at Fang Zhiyan's initial interview. Due to Fang's unimpressive educational background, Du had dismissed him without a second glance. Who would have thought that Fang would gain fame by saving a person on the street, inadvertently boosting the reputation of the Chinese Medicine Hospital?
His fame might not have been significant yet, but if Fang continued to gain recognition, it could be a substantial blow to the People's Hospital. Therefore, Director Meng Donglai was exceedingly furious, his ire directed at Du Yu, who remained silent and somewhat helpless.
As Fan Ziwei arrived, Meng Donglai glanced at him and asked, "What do you need?"
Fan Ziwei shook his head, replying, "Nothing, just passing by," before hastily retreating. Yet, as he turned away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of regret looking at the newspaper. "Such a shame to lose such a talent," he mused quietly.
Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyan arrived home after his night shift, feeling the fatigue of working through the night until eight in the morning. His exhaustion was exacerbated by being called by Chief He Dongfang. Finally home, he sought some much-needed sleep.
His younger sister had departed for school, while his mother, Jiang Xu, was sewing. Fang lay on the couch and covered his face with his clothes, swiftly drifting into sleep.
Watching her son, Jiang Xu felt a pang of concern and affection. Carefully, she closed the door, drew the curtains, and gently covered Fang with a thin blanket before retreating softly.
Fang slept until the afternoon, waking groggy and reaching for a cup to pour some water. He overheard faint sounds of conversation.
"We really appreciate Teacher Xu for bringing Zhixia home today," Jiang Xu was saying.
Beside her, Fang Zhixia gripped Xu Qiushuang's hand, joyfully jumping up and down. "Thank you, Teacher Xu."
Xu Qiushuang smiled and gently touched Zhixia's head. "No need to thank me, it's my duty as a teacher."
While she spoke, she frequently glanced around, seemingly searching for something.
Jiang Xu, sensing the situation, invited her, "Why not come inside for a while? It's already late; why not stay for dinner?"
Xu Qiushuang's eyes lit up, but she feigned politeness, saying, "I couldn't impose. I only came to drop off Zhixia."
But before she could continue, the room's door opened, revealing Fang Zhiyan.
Xu Qiushuang's eyes brightened, the world around her suddenly vibrant. She reached out, waving to Fang Zhiyan.
"Oh, Dr. Fang is home?"
"If you're available, Teacher Xu, join us for dinner," Fang Zhiyan offered with a polite nod. "You sent me broth earlier; let me return the favor with a meal."
This time, Xu Qiushuang didn't refuse.
The room was small, making her feel a bit constrained. Fang Zhixia took her to the study area in the bedroom, where she usually did her homework. Xu Qiushuang helped Zhixia with her assignments there.
Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyan and his mother Jiang Xu cooked in the kitchen.
"You know how to cook?" Jiang Xu observed her son, satisfied. Perhaps he had picked up culinary skills during college.
Fang shook his head, recalling his past life where he often cooked alone. Over time, he developed considerable culinary skills—a necessity rather than a choice.
Yet in this era, men who could cook were relatively rare.
As Fang Zhiyan adeptly worked, Jiang Xu's eyes widened with surprise. Soon, a fragrant aroma filled the air.
In the study room, Xu Qiushuang inhaled deeply, surprised, "Your brother can cook so well?"
Zhixia quickly countered, "No way! My brother's stingy; maybe it's a skill from his school days."
"He cooks but never for us, yet here he is cooking for Ms. Xu the second you visit."
Xu Qiushuang felt a warmth in her heart. Was he cooking specially for her?
Soon, Fang Zhiyan's voice beckoned them from outside—time for dinner. They ventured out to find a simple table setup with two dishes but with enticing aromas.
Xu Qiushuang stared at Fang Zhiyan, asking, "Dr. Fang, you can cook?"
"A little," he chuckled, "Please, enjoy the meal."
She sat down, savoring the food with quiet delight, while Fang Zhiyan ate with focus and clarity, occasionally picking a dish.
Caught by the scene, Xu Qiushuang found herself mesmerized, while Jiang Xu quietly chuckled, perceiving the unspoken connection.
She understood why Xu Qiushuang had been visiting more frequently—certainly to see her son. Despite their current modest living situation, Jiang Xu worried that such circumstances might deter any deeper connection.
Dinner ended, with Fang Zhiyan intending to clean up, but Jiang Xu intervened. "Why don't you walk Teacher Xu home? It's getting dark, and the alley can be unsafe."
Fang nodded, turning to Xu Qiushuang. "I'll walk you out."
With a nod of agreement, they left the rental home together.
In the dimly lit alleyway, only a few street lamps cast long shadows of the two, merging and intertwining into indistinct forms.
As they strolled, Xu Qiushuang observed the shadows. "Dr. Fang, you work at the Chinese Medicine Hospital? I saw your feature in the newspaper today."
"Yes, that was a lucky coincidence," Fang replied.
"But it takes more than luck to stay calm and skilled under pressure," Xu Qiushuang remarked. "You're really impressive, Dr. Fang."
Fang Zhiyan grinned, "You're too kind, Teacher Xu."
Halting at the main street, Fang gestured. "I'll accompany you to here; it's all clear from this point. Safe travels, Teacher Xu."
She nodded, then paused, turning back suddenly. "Dr. Fang, maybe we should exchange numbers. It'll be easier to reach you if Zhixia needs anything."