Outside the Hospital.
An ambulance had been parked at the entrance long before anyone arrived.
Vice Director Li stood beside it, the fine mist of rain gently touching his weary face. Though it's said that joy invigorates the spirit, housing two mentally ill patients in his hospital left his heart uneasy.
He raised his hand without pretense to wipe the raindrops from his face, inadvertently revealing a sleek, intricately crafted digital watch—one of considerable value and high demand.
A subtle air of understated elegance mischievously crept into his presence.
"Sir, the rain is falling. You should return inside. I'll personally escort the patients back to Qingshan Mental Institution," the humble driver said with a hint of hopeful reverence.
He yearned for the Vice Director's approval. In his mind, such recognition could transform his fate entirely.
He had read the Vice Director's latest post on social media—words brimming with sincerity and lofty ideals. Between the lines, a quiet signal emerged: Vice Director Li was soon to shed the 'Vice' from his title.
And that single character would be consigned to history.
The driver fantasized about one day leaving a comment under such a post—seemingly ordinary yet profoundly moving words of admiration.
But recognizing the gulf between himself and this high-ranking official, he restrained the impulse. Merely having access to such a feed was an honor; to leave behind clumsy words, or even dare to press "like," felt blasphemous.
"You…" Vice Director Li looked at the driver and shook his head. "I must deliver them myself. Only when I see them safely return to Qingshan with my own eyes will I find peace."
"You are truly a devoted and exemplary leader," the driver replied earnestly.
Flattery, when well-delivered, paves the way to ascension.
He had once been a principled man, unwilling to curry favor. For years he served at the emergency center with impeccable driving skills—capable of drifting precisely across drainage lines.
Yet ten years passed, and he remained just a driver.
Meanwhile, a younger colleague who joined the team years later climbed the ladder rapidly through shameless flattery, becoming his superior within two years.
He refused to accept it. I am more skilled. I am more capable. My driving surpasses his. Why, then, am I overlooked?
Until one day, a drunken superior clapped him on the shoulder and said:
"You're exceptional. I see it clearly. But I can't afford to lose you. If you go, where could I find another as talented? Just stay with me until I retire."
"As for him—he's got no real skills, but he flatters me well. His departure wouldn't even ripple the surface."
"Anyone can leave… except you."
That night, the driver reached an epiphany: It's not that I wasn't good enough. I was too good to let go.
Vice Director Li, expressionless but clearly in good spirits, offered him a Baile cigarette.
The driver received it as if it were a priceless relic, lighting it with great care. He took a single drag, eyes widening in blissful awe.
"A fine cigarette… smooth and rich in flavor, its hue alluring, the smoke clean and pure… it is, indeed, a fine cigarette."
But he wasn't smoking tobacco—he was savoring an opportunity for praise.
"Fourteen yuan a pack. Strong, but hardly luxurious," Li commented dryly.
He took a deep breath, eyes scanning the hazy hospital entrance. He longed for the sight of two familiar silhouettes. Only after ensuring their return would his heart settle.
"Sir," the driver said solemnly, "You've saved countless lives. Like a divine angel descended to Earth… even the cigarette you offer carries the scent of heaven. I am honored—truly honored—to smoke it."
Vice Director Li gently patted the man's shoulder, once again unintentionally revealing the popular, elegantly designed digital watch. He said nothing, but his gaze conveyed it all:
You've done well.
At that moment…
The figures he'd been waiting for emerged.
Several doctors wheeled over two emergency stretchers, marveling at the scene. To be personally escorted by the Vice Director—such a privilege must be reserved for the most distinguished VIP patients.
"What's going on here?"
Li frowned at the sight of Old Zhang sprawled across one stretcher. "There's nothing wrong with him. Why is he taking up space?"
A doctor replied helplessly, "He insisted on lying down. Said he wouldn't leave otherwise. We had no choice."
Vice Director Li looked utterly drained. Are they even human?
Our medical staff fought tooth and nail to save their lives, restoring them to health. We could forgive them for not offering thanks—but must they always cling to our resources?
Forget it.
Forget it.
If it means getting them out, we'll even throw in the stretchers free of charge.
As for Lin Fan—he had once donated hematopoietic stem cells. Now, the doctors ran a full body check-up, just in case. Regardless of how unwelcome he might be, it was their duty as healers to be thorough.
It wasn't that we didn't want to see him again.
He simply came too often—so often it wore down our very souls.
Distance brings beauty. Occasional meetings nurture bonds.
Too many, and all charm fades. We hope they understand.
Lying on the stretcher, Lin Fan calmly watched the grey sky. He raised his hand toward the falling rain.
Why is it that raindrops fall from such heights and land softly on the face—painless?
If a man were to fall from the sky, would it hurt?
A question worthy of reflection.
Through the mist, Zhang Hongmin hurried over. Upon hearing Lin Fan was leaving, he had rushed to bid farewell. Despite Lin Fan's condition, the man had saved his daughter.
"My benefactor… Thank you. Thank you so much. When she's well again, we'll come visit you."
But Lin Fan offered no reply. He gazed skyward, unmoved by emotion—his spirit in communion with nature.
Energy gathered within him through practiced inner techniques, as the ambient particles of life flowed gently into his body.
"Lift them up. We're leaving," Vice Director Li ordered.
He stamped out the cigarette and waved, eager to depart. Turning to the driver, he said, "Take the passenger seat. I'll drive today."
"Sir, to learn from your driving is the honor of a lifetime," the driver said with utmost sincerity.
Li said nothing more.
His intention was clear:
Not even the shattering of heavens, the crumbling of earth, or the collapse of oceans would stop me from returning these two patients to Qingshan.
Bee-boh! Bee-boh! Bee-boh!
The ambulance sped from the hospital like a bullet. Vice Director Li's hands steady on the wheel, he performed a flawless drifting turn—the dragon's tail swinging wide—before vanishing from the doctors' view.
His mission was weighty. Had there been a reporter nearby, a photo of the ambulance's taillights might have made the morning headlines:
"Vice Director Personally Escorts Heroes Home."
Those left behind swore they could hear voices from the ambulance:
"Sir, your driving is extraordinary! I've never seen anything like it."
"Could you teach me someday?"
(End of Chapter)