As Zhan stepped out of the MD's office, he headed toward Dr. Jing's office. Just at the doorway, they ran into each other. Dr. Jing looked at him curiously.
"Done already?" he asked.
Zhan pursed his lips. "Please, when you get to his office, bring me my credentials."
From that tone, Dr. Jing instantly knew something had gone wrong. "Tell me," he said gently, "how did it go with him?"
Zhan sighed. "Honestly, I've started making excuses for him in my mind. He doesn't seem… well. If you ask me, he shouldn't even be allowed to leave his home in that state. His parents aren't helping him by letting him be out like this."
Dr. Jing burst into laughter, caught off guard. Zhan exhaled and stepped aside, looking weary. For a moment, Zhan wondered if the MD really did have a mental problem...maybe from stress or overwork. Dr Jing quickly composed himself and asked, "But did he at least ask you the questions he was supposed to?"
Zhan lifted his head and looked at him. "No. He was just rambling nonsense and picking faults where there weren't any."
Still smiling, Dr. Jing asked, "So, will you wait until we're done in theatre?"
Zhan shook his head. "No, I'll go to the CEO's office. I'll leave my bag in your office first."
"Oh... you've met her already?" Dr Jing asked.
"Yes," Zhan replied, "she came by and saw me."
Dr. Jing's smile deepened. "I love this bond that's starting to form between you and the CEO. I like it. And you know, she doesn't trust people easily. Yet with you... it seems different. Her office is usually out of bounds; apart from the MD, maybe only Dr. Ajay ever goes in. She's that private…"
Zhan didn't respond, but Dr Jing handed him his keys. "Lock up after you drop your bag."
"Alright," Zhan said.
When Dr Jing left, Zhan went inside, placed his bag down, then locked the door and headed upstairs to the CEO's office. Dr. Elliana Alfred, he read silently from the gold plate on the door. Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door opened....revealing the MD.
Zhan immediately dropped his gaze and slipped past him into the office without a word. The MD froze, baffled. Did I just open the door for this brat? His jaw tightened as he locked the door behind him and walked away.
Inside, Zhan approached the couch where the CEO sat with a magazine in hand. She looked at him warmly, then gestured toward the coffee machine. "The coffee maker is over there."
He went over, only to find there was no coffee powder. Returning to her, he said quietly, "There's none here."
She set down her magazine. "Go to Dr. Shen Yi's office and bring it. I took mine home last time."
"Okay, Ma," Zhan said, turning to leave.
Though he wished Dr. Jing were around... because he dreaded another encounter with the MD....he had no choice. Steeling himself, he headed upstairs once more. He knocked lightly on the MD's door.
"Who is it?" came the curt voice.
Zhan opened the door slowly. The MD was bent over his table, examining Zhan's transcript. In an instant, he swept another set of papers on top of it....too late, Zhan had seen. Zhan kept his eyes down and said calmly, "The CEO asked me to collect the coffee powder."
Without looking up, the MD sneered. "It seems you've decided to disrespect me again. Why do you keep barging into my office like it's your bedroom? Are you alright?"
"I knocked first," Zhan replied evenly.
The MD raised his head for the first time, his expression hard. "And who gave you permission to enter?"
Zhan met his gaze silently, refusing to answer. Then, spotting the jar of coffee powder the MD had used earlier, he walked around the desk to pick it up. The MD's eyes followed him in disbelief.
As Zhan turned to leave, his foot snagged on the charging cable. The expensive laptop slid off the desk and hit the floor with a thud. Zhan froze, his chest tightening, then dropped to his knees to check it. He lifted it carefully, inspecting the screen.
"I… I'm sorry," he stammered, his voice low but steady.
He placed the laptop back on the desk and, almost without realizing, set the jar of coffee powder beside it and a key. Then, with quiet determination, he picked it up the coffee powder and left the office, closing the door behind him.
Outside, Zhan let out a long breath, his heart still pounding. Maybe the MD didn't notice what he did to his laptop, he thought. Without wasting more time, he returned to the CEO's office. Within minutes, he had brewed the coffee.
The CEO, who had stopped reading her magazine, watched his every movement with calm interest. When he placed the cup and saucer gently on the table in front of her, she smiled.
"Thank you, dear," she said softly.
"You're welcome, Ma," Zhan replied, a small smile on his face.
She studied him closely. "Are your parents here in Guangzhou?"
Zhan nodded. "Yes, Ma."
The CEO's expression softened even more. "Zhan, every movement of yours reminds me of my late friend. It's been so long since I felt this kind of ache in my heart. Even when I returned to England, you somehow stayed on my mind. I think I even asked Shen Yi about you once or twice."
Zhan lowered his head, his heart thudding with an emotion he couldn't name.
She lifted her cup. "You may go now. Thank you, dear."
But he didn't move. Only when she raised her eyes to him did he finally speak, his voice quiet. "But Ma… you said you'd introduce me to your friend's relatives."
She gave a faint smile. "Of course I will. But not today....I'm busy now. Tomorrow we're traveling to the Shanghai workshop, and in two days I'll be heading back to England. I have work waiting there."
Zhan nodded slowly. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," she replied.
He turned and walked toward the door, his steps measured. The CEO's eyes followed him, unblinking, until he disappeared.
Zhan completely forgot about Dr. Jing's office keys until he reached the second floor and noticed he wasn't holding them. His mind immediately raced...where had he left them? Could it be in the MD's office or perhaps in the CEO's?
As he walked down the corridor, he noticed Dr. Jing's office door slightly open. That startled him...Dr. Jing rarely left his office unlocked. Pushing the door open, Zhan froze. The MD was standing by Dr. Jing's desk, holding Zhan's backpack in his hands.
The MD quickly set it down with a blank expression, then casually gathered some files from the desk.
Zhan was too shocked to speak. What on earth was he looking for in my bag?
When the MD noticed him, Zhan stepped aside, still watching in disbelief.
"What were you looking for in my bag, Sir?" Zhan finally asked.
The MD replied flatly, "Oh, it's your bag? I thought it belonged to Dr. Jing." Then without another word, he walked out of the office.
Zhan rushed over to his bag, unzipping it quickly. Inside were his phone, ATM card, glasses, and a small perfume bottle. Nothing seemed missing...but what exactly had the MD been after? Is he even okay?
Zhan sat down, staring at the bag, unsettled. The thought nagged him...maybe he had left the keys in the MD's office after all.
- - - -
Around 1:00 p.m., Dr. Jing finally walked into his office.
Zhan stood up, clearly frustrated. "I've waited all day."
"Mn," Dr. Jing replied, "I was called into the MD's office as we came out of theatre. Did you even get lunch?"
"I've been waiting for you. My driver is already outside. I'll eat once I get home." Zhan picked up his bag.
"Oh, alright," Dr. Jing nodded. "I believe the MD already input your data. Write down your account details for me later. For now, your working hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You'll officially resume next Monday."
Zhan gave a small smile. "Okay, thank you."
"Your scrubs should still be at Mother Cang's place," Dr. Jing added. "I'll pick up a set from the MD's office now, since you said your driver's waiting."
He left for the MD's office. Inside, the MD was packing his laptop and textbooks.
"We're leaving together with the CEO," the MD said. "Once I drop her off, I won't be returning until after the workshop. I already delivered the list of three doctors and three nurses we selected for Shanghai tomorrow. Please take my car home later this evening."
"You're not going home tonight?" Dr. Jing asked.
The MD looked up. "Don't you remember? We're going straight to the hotel to meet my foreign colleagues. You know I dislike driving at night. Sorry for inconveniencing you again."
Dr. Jing chuckled. "Why didn't your colleagues just lodge at your house?"
Before the MD could answer, the CEO entered with the list he had given her. Handing it back, she asked, "I see only three nurses here. Why not four?"
"We only selected three, Ma'am," the MD replied politely.
"Add Zhan to the list," she said calmly.
The MD looked up sharply, startled. He scratched his head. "But Ma'am, there's no ticket left on that flight. The airline only released ten after a cancellation, and we secured all of them."
Dr. Jing almost choked on his saliva shocked...they hadn't even booked tickets yet!
"That's fine," the CEO said, turning to leave.
As soon as she stepped out, Dr. Jing shook his head. "Dr. Shen Yi, you're unbelievable. What's the harm if Zhan goes? People like him need this kind of exposure."
The MD snapped, "He's not going. He only just got employed... barely as an intern. Senior staff who've been here for years don't always get sent to Shanghai. Why should he, a newcomer with no experience?"
"But the CEO personally said he should be included. She knows he's new," Dr. Jing pressed.
"As MD of this hospital, I said no," the MD retorted coldly. "Besides, he doesn't even have full employment status yet. He hasn't done service; he just submitted his results and jumped straight to work. No way."
Dr. Jing muttered, "It sounds like jealousy to me…"
"Exactly," the MD admitted without shame.
Dr. Jing sighed, then turned to leave.
"Book the flight immediately," the MD ordered. "Ten seats."
"Alright," Dr. Jing replied, shutting the door behind him.
Returning to his office, Dr. Jing said, "Zhan, if it's alright, I'll collect the scrubs from Mother Cang's later tonight and drop them off at your place. There aren't any available now."
Zhan stood up. "Okay, thank you."
"You're welcome. Greet your mom for me," Dr. Jing smiled.
"She will hear," Zhan said softly, leaving the office. His driver had been waiting outside for quite a while.
By 2:00 p.m., Zhan arrived home. Opening the sitting room door, he found Hai Kuan sitting alone. Twice, Hai Kuan lifted his head to look at him, as if to make sure it was really Zhan.
Zhan walked in with a small smile. "Gege, when did you come?"
Hai Kuan's face darkened. "When did you start dressing like this whenever you go out?"
Zhan froze, glancing at him. Slowly, he walked closer.
"Gege… what's wrong with my dressing?"
"You're asking me? So you left your casual style back in Beijing, huh?"
"It's just a suit," Zhan protested, pouting slightly. "It's not a big deal, besides..."
"Keep quiet," Hai Kuan cut him off sharply, his tone calm but firm.
Lan Yi stepped out from the kitchen and paused, watching them. Calmly, Hai Kuan said,
"Don't you ever dress like that again in this house. Were you trying to impress someone at the hospital?"
Lan Yi frowned. "What do you mean he shouldn't dress like that again? What's wrong with his clothes? Why shouldn't he dress like that?"
Hai Kuan lifted his head, surprised to see her standing there. He hadn't realized she had come out. Zhan only pouted, lips pressed tight.
Hai Kuan muttered, "So what was he attending...a wedding reception, or receiving an award, Mama? Since when is this how someone dresses for an interview?"
Lan Yi replied firmly, "That's none of my business, Hai Kuan. Let him dress how he wants... as long as it's not shorts and a singlet, I don't see the problem with a suit."
Hai Kuan stood up abruptly and left the sitting room for his bedroom. Zhan followed him with his eyes, sulking.
"Leave him alone," Lan Yi told Zhan softly. "Go upstairs, shower, and come back down. I've finished cooking."
Zhan greeted her respectfully, then went upstairs. Around 3 o'clock, he came back down after bathing and changing clothes. He served himself from the food Lan Yi had left in the dining area, took one spoonful, then stopped. Rising to his feet, he walked quietly to the room Hai Kuan had gone into earlier.
He knocked gently.
The door opened, and Hai Kuan stood there, looking directly at him. Without asking permission, Zhan slipped inside and turned back to him, eyes wide and pitiful.
"Gege… did I really dress indecently?"
Hai Kuan shut the door and returned to sit down. Zhan followed, watching him closely.
"Your mother said it wasn't indecent," Hai Kuan said flatly. "She's got your back."
Zhan gave a small smile and crouched in front of him. "Alright then, forgive me, Gege. I won't do it again. And anyway, from now on I'll be in uniform every day, not home clothes."
Hai Kuan just stared at him, saying nothing. Zhan stood. "Have you eaten?"
"Yeah."
"Then I'll go have mine."
He turned to leave, but Hai Kuan called, "Zhan."
Zhan froze. It was unusual for his older brothers to call him by his name directly. They mostly called him Baby, never Zhan.
"When you're done tonight, come back. We need to talk."
Zhan blinked, puzzled. What could we possibly have to talk about?
He nodded slowly. "Alright then."
Hai Kuan just watched him walk out.
By a little after 7 p.m., Zhan's phone buzzed on the table. He assumed it was Yibo... he had missed two of his calls earlier... but when he picked it up, it was Dr. Jing.
"Zhan, I picked up your scrubs from Mother Cang's," Dr. Jing said after their greeting. "Can I drop them off tonight? You know we're leaving for Shanghai tomorrow morning, and we'll probably return on Monday."
"Oh, okay. Thank you," Zhan replied.
"What's your address?"
"I'll text it to you."
He ended the call and sent the address. Fifteen minutes later, Dr. Jing called again. "I'm outside."
Zhan got up, first letting Lan Yi know, then stepped outside, wearing a long jacket. He eyed the car curiously, wondering if Dr. Jing had changed vehicles.
As he approached, the car window lowered. Dr. Jing smiled. "Good evening, Zhan."
But Zhan's eyes caught on the front seat. The MD was sitting there.
That startled him.
Dr. Jing came out of the car, went to the back seat, and pulled out the folded scrubs, handing them to him. "Security stopped us at the gate. They wanted to know who we were visiting."
Zhan smiled faintly. "You should've just told them it was me."
Laughing, Dr. Jing said, "Yes, of course. It's your place." Then, lowering his voice, he added, "You haven't greeted your boss yet, have you?"
Zhan glanced again at the car. Through the mirror, he saw the MD avoiding his eyes, pretending to scroll through his phone with a stiff face.
"Good evening," Zhan said softly.
The MD didn't answer.
Dr. Jing leaned toward the car and tapped the window. "He greeted you, sir."
The MD snapped impatiently, "Stop wasting my time. You know people are waiting for me."
Zhan turned to Dr. Jing. "Thank you, Doctor. See you tomorrow."
"Give my regards to your mom," Dr. Jing smiled.
"I will," Zhan said politely, before shooting the MD a glance filled with unspoken resentment. He turned back inside, leaving them.
Dr. Jing returned to the driver's seat. The MD muttered, "You're only spoiling that boy, treating him like some special case. Now he probably thinks I followed you here, in his stupid little head. He acts so full of himself. What's so special about this neighborhood?"
Dr. Jing sighed. "I even suggested dropping you at a restaurant so I could deliver his scrubs first, but you refused."
"I'm not the type to hang around in eateries," the MD replied curtly.
Dr. Jing chuckled. "Well, at least now you know his place… in case...."
The MD shot him a sharp look. "In case what?"
Dr. Jing only smiled. "In case, someday you decide to pay a personal visit."
Back in his room, Zhan saw several missed calls from Yibo. He smiled, about to dial back, then remembered Hai Kuan's request. We'll talk later tonight.
Placing the phone aside, he slipped on his jacket again and headed downstairs to Hai Kuan's room.
He knocked gently.
After a moment, Hai Kuan opened the door. He usually disliked anyone barging into his space, but Zhan had grown used to this. He stepped inside. Hai Kuan shut the door and returned to his chair.
"I said later at night," Hai Kuan reminded.
Zhan widened his eyes innocently. "But Gege, it's already dark everywhere."
"It's not even 8 yet," Hai Kuan said, still working on his laptop.
Zhan pouted. "I'm eager to know what you want to tell me. Is it about how I dressed earlier?"
Hai Kuan looked at him. "Mama already said your outfit suited you."
Zhan chuckled. "Then if that's the issue, I've apologized. I won't repeat it."
"That's not it," Hai Kuan said firmly, shutting his laptop. He leaned back.
"I just want to know what your next plan is. This year you graduated from university. Right after, you found a job. So… what's next for you?"
Zhan gave a small smile, lowering his gaze. "What do you mean, Gege?"
"I mean… is that all you aim for in life?"
Zhan slowly looked up at him, heart heavy. How he wished Hai Kuan could understand the silent desperation eating at him...the need to meet even one of his real blood relatives. He hated himself for longing so much, but he couldn't suppress it. For months now, it had gnawed at him, a quiet ache he couldn't shake.
But he couldn't admit it. Not yet.
So he lowered his eyes again, saying nothing.
Hai Kuan studied him, then said quietly, "You've gone silent."
He gathered his courage and said, "Every day, one of my biggest wishes is that good things will always find me, Gege. Not only me, but everyone... I always hope good fortune follows them."
Hai Kuan looked at him and said, "Zhan."
Zhan lifted his eyes to meet his brother's. Hai Kuan continued, "So in all your wishes, there's nothing about marriage?"
Zhan blinked, then smiled faintly and lowered his head. "That's a matter of timing, Gege. When the right time comes, it will happen."
Hai Kuan asked more directly, "Tell me the truth. Is there something between you and that doctor? I mean Dr. Jing."
Zhan's eyes widened. "Not at all. He already has a wife and two kids."
"Oh, so you mean it's only men with wives that are off-limits? Even our father has two wives," Hai Kuan pressed.
Zhan chuckled softly. "No, that's not what I mean. What I know is, legally, the second one isn't even recognized as a wife."
Hai Kuan narrowed his eyes. "So you're saying you couldn't marry someone who's married...or even someone who once had a wife?"
Zhan lowered his head. "It's not really my concern."
"My friend, who happens to be married, saw your picture and said he likes you. You're saying you wouldn't be able to marry him?"
Zhan raised his eyes to look at his brother, then bit his lip and stayed quiet. Hai Kuan leaned back. "I'm serious."
Zhan remained silent, just staring at him. After a pause, Hai Kuan lowered his gaze and said, "I was only joking... he doesn't have a wife. He's single, a barrister too. Are you interested? That's what I really wanted to talk about."
Immediately, Zhan's heart sank... Dr. Kexing's face flashed in his mind. Hai Kuan, watching carefully, noted every flicker of emotion. After a few seconds, Zhan whispered, "Gege… I don't think I'll ever love again."
Tears welled in his eyes, and he quickly wiped them away. Hai Kuan remained quiet, studying him. Finally, he said, "Zhan."
Zhan lifted his gaze, wiping the wetness from his lashes. Hai Kuan asked, "Why won't you let yourself love again?"
Zhan broke down in tears. "I don't want to remember the past. Whoever marries me now would need to know everything about who I am… and after that, no parent would want their child tied to someone like me."
Hai Kuan's expression softened. "Even Mama and Baba?"
Zhan stared at him, confused by the question, but before he could process it, Hai Kuan pressed on firmly, "Forget the past you're clinging to and focus on your future, Zhan."
Zhan didn't reply... he just kept looking at him. Hai Kuan continued, "So I want you to give this man a chance."
Still, Zhan said nothing.
Hai Kuan's voice deepened. "Don't entertain anyone else."
Zhan forced a small, strained smile but said nothing.
"Promise me," Hai Kuan insisted.
Zhan looked at him helplessly. It was as though Hai Kuan could read his thoughts when he added, "You know I'd never push you toward something that would hurt you, right, Baby?"
Zhan lowered his gaze.
"So now promise me you won't let anyone else get close," Hai Kuan repeated.
Zhan nodded slowly. "Alright, Gege."
"Good. You can leave."
Zhan stood, walked out with tears brimming again, and returned to his room.
- - - -
Around nine o'clock, after his shower, Zhan called Yibo.
Min, who was in the sitting room, heard Yibo's phone vibrating on the couch. She stood, eyeing the screen. The caller ID showed "Baby ❤️." She kept staring at it until Yibo walked out from the kitchen, holding a cup of tea. Without a word, she turned and walked to her room. Yibo didn't even glance her way; he picked up the phone and answered.
"Where have you been?" Zhan greeted softly.
"I should be the one asking that," Yibo teased. "I've been calling you all day."
Zhan chuckled. "My phone was on silent earlier. How are you?"
"Good. How was your interview today?"
"It went well."
"No problems?"
Zhan shook his head, though Yibo couldn't see him. "None."
"Have you started processing your transfer yet, Gege?" Zhan asked.
"Not yet."
Zhan frowned. "Please do it soon. Don't make us miss you too long."
"I'll try, Baby. I miss you all too. How's Mama?"
"She's in her room. Granny Ai already left?"
Yibo laughed. "Yeah, I drove her all the way to Yantai yesterday. She said she couldn't handle public transport."
Zhan smiled. "Poor Granny. By the way, Gege, if I want to talk to sis Shu, how can I reach her?"
Yibo sighed. "I don't really know."
"I tried calling her several times, but both lines were switched off."
"Maybe she turned them off," Yibo murmured, then fell silent.
After a few moments, Zhan spoke again, "Please, Gege, do follow up on the transfer request, okay?"
"I'll start tomorrow, Baby. I promise."
Zhan's voice softened with relief. "Good. I'm going to bed now."
"Alright, dear. Sleep well," Yibo replied warmly.
"Bye."
When the call ended, Yibo leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes. Since the family moved to Guangzhou, his life felt empty. He lived on tea and coffee, grabbing food at restaurants, but even then, nothing felt right. He wasn't himself anymore. At first, he thought he could wait another two or three months before applying for transfer, but now he knew he couldn't. The weight of missing them... and having only Min around... was suffocating. He needed to get back to his family, no matter what.
~**~
On Sunday evening, after getting ready, Zhan stepped out of his room and into the sitting room where Lan Yi was watching TV. She looked at him and asked,
"Should we leave this visit until tomorrow evening after work instead, son?"
Zhan sat beside her and said, "No, Mama, let's go today, please. I've already cooked. I know tomorrow I'll come home tired."
Lan Yi nodded. "Alright then, let's go."
She stood up, went to her room for her phone and bag, and they both headed downstairs. Zhan stopped in the kitchen first to take out the food warmers he had prepared earlier and carried them to the car. The driver was already waiting in the compound. After giving him the address, Zhan opened the back seat for Lan Yi, waited until she got in, locked the door, and then went around to the front seat.
The drive took about thirty-five minutes before they arrived at the house. The driver parked by the gate. Zhan got down carrying the two food warmers, while Lan Yi stepped out and told the driver to wait for them.
It was Koi who opened the sitting room door. Seeing Zhan, she hugged him warmly, delighted. "Welcome, come inside!"
Smiling, Zhan entered with Lan Yi, placing the food warmers on a table. After greeting Lan Yi, Koi excused herself. "Let me call Mother Cang, she's inside."
Before long, she returned with Mother Cang, who entered with a bright smile. She welcomed them warmly, and Zhan moved closer to greet her.
"It's been a while, Sean," she said cheerfully. "Just the other day Jing was telling me your mother had returned to Guangzhou. I thought you'd stop by sooner."
Zhan smiled. "I was in Beijing for two weeks, that's why, Mother Cang."
Cang glanced at Lan Yi. "So this is your mother, yes?"
Lan Yi smiled quietly, while Zhan nodded. "Yes, she is."
After they exchanged greetings, Lan Yi thanked her for looking after Zhan. Cang waved it off with a smile. "Oh, nonsense....it's nothing."
Zhan then asked, "Is Wei Po inside?"
"She's in her room. Go in and greet her," Cang replied.
"I cooked for her," Zhan added.
"That's thoughtful of you. Very good of you, child,"Cang said warmly.
Zhan rose and turned to Lan Yi. "Mama, let's go greet Wei Po."
Lan Yi followed him, while Koi carried the food warmers behind them to the room. Wei Po was overjoyed to see Zhan. After greeting Lan Yi, she praised him endlessly.
"This child of yours truly never forgets kindness. I haven't seen a young man as considerate as him in a long time. Look, he even cooked for me...how thoughtful! Do you know what I had earlier today? Just four small pieces of cassava. I felt like I was in jail."
Lan Yi smiled faintly, watching her. Their original plan was to leave early, but Wei Po kept Lan Yi in long conversation, so they ended up staying until nearly six o'clock. Cang joined them later, sitting in the room as well. Every now and then, Wei Po would scold her for one thing or another, but Cang simply ignored it.
Eventually, they managed to excuse themselves, though Wei Po insisted she'd send Dr. Jing to drive her over soon.
On their way home, Zhan glanced at his mother and whispered, "She's just like Granny Ai, don't you think, Mama?"
Lan Yi laughed. "Honestly, she's even sharper than Aunt Ai. Cang really tolerates a lot with her."
Zhan chuckled. "True. Mother Cang doesn't argue back at all."
- - - -
The next day, when Zhan got to work, Dr. Jing and the MD hadn't yet returned from Shanghai. That gave Zhan peace of mind; he carried out his duties without stress. Deep inside, he secretly wished they would stay longer in Shanghai... and even better, that MD himself could be transferred to the Shanghai branch permanently.
That night, just as he was preparing for bed, his phone rang. It was Yibo. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he answered softly after they greeted.
"Was it successful, Gege?" Zhan asked.
Yibo sighed. "No, Baby. They said not until three months."
Zhan's heart sank immediately. For almost four days, Yibo had been trying hard to secure his transfer back to Guangzhou, with even Qiren stepping in to help. Zhan had been clinging to the hope that tonight Yibo would bring good news. When he stayed quiet, Yibo lowered his voice and said, "Why so silent?"
Zhan whispered, "What do you want me to say?"
Yibo chuckled. "Say congratulations."
Zhan blinked in surprise. "Wait... does that mean the transfer worked?"
"Yes, Baby."
Zhan couldn't contain his joy.
"But it was Baba," Yibo explained, "he's the one who found a way. Without him, it wouldn't have been possible."
Zhan's face lit up. "Congratulations, my Gege. I'm so happy for you! So when do you resume work here?"
"Not until Monday next week. But by Friday, I'll be back in Guangzhou," Yibo promised.
Zhan smiled, relieved. "That's wonderful, Gege. I can't wait."
He wanted to ask whether Min would be coming with him, but he held back.
"I should call Mama now and tell her," Yibo said gently. "I told you first before her."
Still smiling, Zhan whispered, "Alright, Gege. Bye."
When Yibo called Lan Yi to tell her the good news, she was overjoyed. Then she asked, "So what will you do about that girl?"
Yibo answered, "She can just return to her parents' house."
Lan Yi shook her head firmly. "No, Yibo. That's not an option. You'll have to bring her along. The chalet here is almost twice the size of the one you're staying in now. You'll just have to make some compromises and come together."
Yibo fell silent, caught off guard. He hadn't expected Lan Yi to say that. In a gentle voice, she added, "I understand how you feel, but bear with it for a little while. I can't support you continuing with Min, and even you know the reasons for that."
His mood soured instantly, but he said nothing.
By Wednesday morning, Zhan arrived at the hospital. After checking on a patient in one of the wards, he was returning to reception when Dr. Jing came in with the MD. The moment Zhan spotted them, he quickly turned away, pretending not to notice. He hurried into another ward as though he had something urgent to do.
The MD noticed, his gaze lingering on Zhan's retreating figure, but said nothing at first. A nurse greeted them politely. The MD started up the stairs, but then turned back, removing his glasses and looking at the nurse sharply.
"Has my office been cleaned today?"
The nurse stood quickly. "Yes, sir. The cleaner always tidies your office and returns the spare key to the secretary. He does that every day, even when you're not around."
"Fine," the MD said. "I want my library shelves thoroughly dusted and cleaned today. When we came in, I thought I saw more than just you here."
"Yes sir," the nurse nodded nervously. "It was me and Nurse Sean, but he went into Ward 3 to see a patient."
"Good. Tell him what I said. He'll be the one to do the work. Send him to my office immediately."
The nurse nodded again. "Okay sir."
Dr. Jing, watching in disbelief, leaned closer and asked, "Since when does a nurse clean your office? We have plenty of cleaners."
The MD smirked. "Starting today. Didn't you see the way that boy ignored us, walking straight into the ward like we weren't worth his greeting? He'll clean every corner of my office today. And if he repeats that behavior, I'll do worse next time. Arrogant boy."
Dr. Jing could only smile faintly, following behind him.
The nurse rushed to deliver the MD's message. When Zhan heard it, he frowned. "He wants me in his office? But I still need to give this patient an injection after lunch."
"I'll take care of it," the nurse said quickly. "Just go... he said he's waiting for you."
Unimpressed, Zhan left the ward, muttering under his breath. Yesterday, when the MD wasn't around, the hospital had felt so much more peaceful.
He knocked on the office door three times before a curt voice finally called, "Come in."
Zhan entered, stood before the MD's desk, and said stiffly, "Good morning, sir."
The MD didn't reply. He simply gestured toward the library shelves. "Take out all those textbooks and journals. Dust and clean them. Start with that."
Zhan stared at him silently, unwilling to answer.
"What are you waiting for?" the MD asked sharply.
Without a word, Zhan walked over and began removing the heavy textbooks one by one. He stacked them on the floor, dust rising into the air. Soon, he began to feel it in his nose and throat. He coughed, covering his mouth, but the dust irritated him further.
Moments later, his chest tightened. He bent over, gasping for breath.
The MD, alarmed, hurried over. "Do you have asthma?" he asked, quickly pulling Zhan away from the dusty shelves and settling him into the office chair. But Zhan's breathing only worsened.
For once, the MD....usually calm and confident....looked completely rattled. Medicine bottles, inhalers, even emergency injections were stocked in his office cabinet, but he stood frozen, unable to act.
Just then, Dr. Balogun walked in. Taking in the scene, he rushed over. "What happened?"
"Breathing trouble," the MD muttered, helpless.
Dr. Balogun immediately understood. He fetched a pill from the cabinet, poured some water, and handed it to Zhan, helping him swallow. For nearly fifteen minutes, he stayed by Zhan's side, calming him until his breathing finally began to ease.
The MD just stood there like an untrained doctor, watching.
"Are you okay now?" Dr. Balogun asked gently.
Zhan, pale and weak, nodded slightly, though pain lingered in his chest.
"Good. Go upstairs and rest in any empty ward," Dr. Balogun instructed.
Zhan pushed himself to his feet, but as he tried to leave, the room spun. He stumbled backward. Before he could hit the floor, the MD caught him.
"His blood pressure is low," Dr. Balogun noted.
The MD laid him on the office's examination bed, still tense and uneasy.
"Do you have coffee powder here?" Dr. Balogun asked. "He needs a cup to stabilize."
The MD grabbed his teacup, washed it hurriedly, then froze, staring blankly at it as though unsure what to do next.
Dr. Balogun stepped forward, took the cup, and said firmly, "I'll handle it."
Within minutes, he returned with a cup of coffee and handed it to the MD. "Here. Let him drink this. I have a patient waiting in my office.... I'll come back once I'm done."
The MD nodded, clutching the cup as he turned to look at Zhan, whose eyes were closed, his breathing still uneven.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛