Chapter 19: Xu Qiushuang

Du Yu was the director of the Emergency Department at the People’s Hospital.

The very first time Fang Zhiyan had an interview, Du Yu was the chief examiner.

But at that time, due to Fang Zhiyan’s educational background, Du Yu didn’t even look at him and directly sent him away.

Who would have thought that after Fang Zhiyan saved someone by the roadside, he would become famous just like that?

Fame wasn’t the point; what mattered was the publicity it brought to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.

Now everyone knew that the Emergency Department of Jiang’an City Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital had a young, handsome, and highly capable doctor named Fang.

In the future, many patients might choose to return to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital for treatment.

At present, the impact wasn’t significant, but if Fang Zhiyan’s fame continued to grow, it would be a huge blow to the People’s Hospital.

Therefore, at this moment, Director Meng Donglai of the hospital was unusually angry.

Next to him, Du Yu shrank his neck, afraid to speak, his expression tinged with helplessness.

When Fan Ziwei approached, Meng Donglai glanced at him and slowly asked, “Is there something you need?”

Fan Ziwei shook his head repeatedly. “Nothing, nothing. I was just passing by.”

With that, he hurriedly turned away.

But as he turned and looked again at the photo in the newspaper, he couldn’t help but feel a bit wistful.

“What a pity. Such talent, one that could have been nurtured.”

“A pity indeed.”

Meanwhile, Fang Zhiyan returned home after his shift.

The night shift was tough; after staying up all night, he could only get off work at eight in the morning.

He had even been called over by Director He once.

Now, finally back, he could finally get some rest.

His little sister had gone to school, and their mother, Jiang Xu, was sewing clothes.

Fang Zhiyan lay down on the sofa, covering his face with a piece of clothing and soon fell into a deep sleep.

Jiang Xu glanced at him, her eyes flashing with tenderness.

Carefully, she closed the door, drew the curtains, and after covering Fang Zhiyan with a thin quilt, she turned and left the room.

That nap lasted until the afternoon.

Fang Zhiyan woke up groggily and reached out to grab a cup to pour some water, when faint voices drifted to his ears.

“Thank you so much, Teacher Xu, for taking the trouble to bring Zhixia back.”

Jiang Xu was speaking.

Beside her, Fang Zhixia happily held Teacher Xu Qiushuang’s hand, bouncing with joy.

“Thank you, Teacher Xu.”

Xu Qiushuang nodded and bent down to pat Fang Zhixia’s head.

“No need to thank me; I’m a teacher, it’s my duty.”

As she spoke, she frequently glanced around the room, as if looking for something.

Jiang Xu’s heart stirred, an understanding dawning.

“Teacher Xu, why not come inside for a bit?”

“At this hour, why not stay for dinner at our place?” Jiang Xu took the initiative to invite Xu Qiushuang in.

Xu Qiushuang’s eyes lit up with joy, though she feigned modesty. “Oh, no, I’ve just come to bring Zhixia back, I shouldn’t be staying to eat.”

“Never mind, never mind, I should be going back then.”

As she spoke, the door was pushed open.

A tall and graceful figure appeared before them.

Xu Qiushuang felt as if the world suddenly brightened.

She reached out and waved at Fang Zhiyan.

“So Dr. Fang is home.”

“Teacher Xu, if it’s convenient, please stay for dinner,” Fang Zhiyan nodded in greeting.

“You brought me meat broth before; today, I want you to taste my cooking.”

With that, Fang Zhiyan invited Xu Qiushuang inside.

This time, Xu Qiushuang did not refuse.

The house was small, and Xu Qiushuang felt a bit awkward in such a humble place.

Fang Zhixia quickly led her to the bedroom, where she usually did her homework.

So, Xu Qiushuang sat inside helping Fang Zhixia with her studies.

Outside, Fang Zhiyan and Jiang Xu cooked together.

“You can cook too?” Jiang Xu glanced at her son, growing more pleased by the minute.

Perhaps during his university years, her son had learned some culinary skills.

Fang Zhiyan shook his head but recalled that in his previous life, he often cooked alone.

Over time, he had honed quite a good cooking skill.

It was all out of necessity.

But in this era, men who could cook were still quite rare.

As Fang Zhiyan moved skillfully, Jiang Xu’s eyes gradually widened.

After a while, a rich aroma wafted through the air.

Inside, Xu Qiushuang sniffed deeply in surprise, asking, “Your brother cooks so well?”

“That’s not true!” Fang Zhixia started to protest.

“Brother is so stingy. His cooking must be from his school days.”

“He can cook but never made us meals. Teacher Xu, you’re here and my second brother is cooking — so unfair!”

Hearing this, Xu Qiushuang’s heart involuntarily warmed with sweetness.

Did he cook specially for her?

Soon, Fang Zhiyan’s voice came from outside.

“Dinner’s ready.”

The two of them walked out.

On the table were just two simple dishes, but the smell was delicious.

Xu Qiushuang stared at Fang Zhiyan and asked, “Dr. Fang, you actually cook?”

“I only know a little. Teacher Xu, please don’t mind. Help yourself.”

Xu Qiushuang nodded and sat down, eating slowly.

Fang Zhiyan held his bowl with one hand, occasionally picking up some food, his expression serious.

Watching this, Xu Qiushuang soon became captivated.

Jiang Xu chuckled quietly to herself nearby.

Could she not guess what was going on?

Why had Teacher Xu been coming so often these past few days?

First bringing meat broth, then bringing her daughter back?

In the end, wasn’t it all just to see her son?

It was a pity that her son still lived with her in this rented house.

Even if he liked her, he probably wouldn’t want to follow her.

Thinking of this, Jiang Xu sighed again, her eyes full of tenderness as she looked at her son.

After dinner, Fang Zhiyan wanted to wash the dishes but was stopped by Jiang Xu.

“You should see Teacher Xu home. It’s almost dark now, and our little alley isn’t very safe,” she said.

Fang Zhiyan looked up and then nodded.

“All right, Teacher Xu, come on, I’ll see you out.”

Xu Qiushuang nodded, and the two left the rented house side by side.

In the dim alley, only a few scattered lampposts stretched their shadows long and blurred, merging into one.

Xu Qiushuang tilted her head, studying the shadows on the ground.

“Dr. Fang, do you work at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital? I saw you in the newspaper today.”

“Yes, that was just a stroke of luck,” Fang Zhiyan nodded.

Xu Qiushuang replied, “Not everyone is that lucky. It takes enough experience and ability to remain so calm in that moment.”

“Dr. Fang, you’re really impressive.”

Fang Zhiyan smiled wryly. “Teacher Xu, you flatter me.”

He then stopped.

“I’ll see you here. The rest of the way is on main roads. Please be careful and stay safe.”

“All right.”

Xu Qiushuang nodded but then suddenly turned back after a few steps.

“Dr. Fang, why don’t we exchange phone numbers?”

“So if anything happens with Zhixia, I can reach you anytime.”