Chapter 22: Father

Zhu Zixiao’s words seemed to carry some sort of magical power. No sooner had he finished speaking than a figure appeared nearby.

Gu Tao, dressed in a white lab coat, hurried past the two of them. Upon catching sight of Fang Zhiyan, he subconsciously averted his gaze and turned his head, hoping to avoid recognition.

"Oh? Isn't that Senior Brother Gu?" Zhu Zixiao called out loudly on purpose.

Gu Tao picked up his pace and vanished in a flash.

Fang Zhiyan shook his head slightly, not bothering to pay him any mind. To him, Gu Tao was now insignificant. With Luo Yun still in the hospital, Gu Tao wouldn't dare make a scene, fearing he might be remembered by Mayor Luo and Director Tang, which would surely cost him his position at the hospital.

However, Fang Zhiyan was still a bit curious. His performance as the lead surgeon today had gone well, but he wondered if Director Tang would keep her promise regarding his eligibility for this year's professional physician qualification exam. It was already June, and the practical skills test was approaching. He wasn't qualified to sign up on his own, but if she registered him, he would be able to take the exam this year.

Opportunities are created by those who strive for them. Rather than guessing, it was better to go in and ask. With that in mind, Fang Zhiyan changed direction and headed straight for Luo Yun's ward.

"Hey? Wait! Where are you going?" Zhu Zixiao shouted, hurrying to follow. But when he saw Fang Zhiyan head toward the private ward, he stopped in his tracks.

"Good grief, this isn't just little Fang anymore; this is Brother Fang. From now on, I’m calling you brother." Zhu Zixiao shook his head, his expression complex.

Fang Zhiyan knocked on the door and entered only after hearing a response from inside. Luo Yun was resting in her hospital bed, with Tang Ya sitting by her side.

Seeing Fang Zhiyan, Tang Ya looked up. "It’s you? Is something the matter?"

"Nothing much. I just came to ask about what you promised me, Director Tang," Fang Zhiyan said directly. He was anxious, so he skipped the pleasantries.

Tang Ya paused, then tapped her forehead. "Look at me, I almost forgot. The registration is already done. Here are four forms for you to fill out. Just give them back to me once you're finished."

Fang Zhiyan let out a sigh of relief and took the forms, scanning them quickly. They were all standard materials, every one of them necessary.

"Thank you, Director Tang." Fang Zhiyan bowed his head, pulled a ballpoint pen from his pocket, and began writing rapidly.

On the bed, Luo Yun watched Fang Zhiyan with curiosity. She was deeply intrigued by the doctor who had saved her life. According to the newspapers, her condition had been critical; if not for his intervention, she likely wouldn't have survived. Yet, this man seemed completely indifferent and, unlike other doctors, didn't constantly hover around her. He had only come here, and even then, it was just to secure his qualification exam.

Unable to help herself, Luo Yun asked, "Are you really just an intern?"

Fang Zhiyan didn't answer; he finished filling out the forms and handed them to Tang Ya. Tang Ya glanced over them and gave a slight nod.

Luo Yun grew even more impatient. How could he ignore her? No doctor had ever dared to ignore her before—it was preposterous!

"Hey, you haven't answered my question. Are you really just an intern?"

Fang Zhiyan finally reacted. "Me? Yes, I am just an intern."

"Then how is your medical skill so incredible? How were you able to save me? Other attending physicians said my situation was extremely tricky and that most people wouldn't have known how to handle it. And I heard from onlookers that another doctor tried to save me, but when he acted, he pressed on my windpipe in the wrong place. Is that true?"

Fang Zhiyan nodded. "You have a petite frame. If one pressed the way he did, the position would be incorrect. It had to be a bit lower."

Luo Yun said "Oh," then continued, "Can you tell me about how you saved me? Although I was the one being saved, I had lost all consciousness at the time, and I’m quite curious about the process. I’ve been reading the newspapers for days, but it’s just not satisfying enough."

Not satisfying? Fang Zhiyan looked puzzled. What was wrong with this young lady? She was reading reports about her own rescue and still found it "unsatisfying"? What exactly did she want to be satisfied by?

Still, looking at her eyes, Fang Zhiyan sighed. *Fine, telling her won't hurt.* Besides, in this private room, he could consider it a bit of a break. He glanced out into the hallway; Zhu Zixiao and the others had already started their rounds with Dr. Cao. He could afford to slack off for a moment.

"Actually, it wasn't as dramatic as they made it sound." Fang Zhiyan proceeded to recount the events exactly as they happened. From his first-person perspective, it was truly thrilling. Luo Yun listened with sparkling eyes, and even Tang Ya nodded along repeatedly.

"I heard you graduated from the East Sea Second Medical University. Why didn't you continue your studies for an advanced degree?" Tang Ya asked.

Fang Zhiyan paused and explained, "No money."

Tang Ya was stunned by such a blunt excuse. Well, at least he was honest.

After finishing the story, Fang Zhiyan turned and left the ward to join the group for their rounds. Zhu Zixiao sidled up to him, looking mysterious and ready to speak, but Fang Zhiyan dodged him immediately. *Zhu Zixiao is no good; he’s a pure prophet of doom. Better stay away from him, or else if something goes wrong, it’ll be another headache.* Zhu Zixiao clicked his tongue in annoyance but didn't follow.

Soon, it was time to get off work. Fang Zhiyan packed his things and prepared to head home. Just as he was about to leave, a voice called out from nearby.

"Oh, Dr. Fang, what a coincidence! You're here too? Are you heading home?"

Fang Zhiyan turned and blinked in surprise. Standing before him was none other than Xu Qiushuang. *Wait, why have I been running into her so often lately?*

Fang Zhiyan nodded politely. "Yes, I'm off duty."

"That’s perfect, we’re going the same way. I just finished bringing dinner to my younger brother." Xu Qiushuang shook the food container in her hand. Fang Zhiyan acknowledged this with a nod.

They walked to the bus stop together to wait. Xu Qiushuang kept trying to start conversations, while Fang Zhiyan didn't say much. Yet, his cool, reserved demeanor only seemed to charm her even more.

"Does Teacher Xu also take the number seven bus?" Fang Zhiyan asked, surprised to see her board the same vehicle.

Xu Qiushuang gave a sweet smile. "Yes, I have to transfer at the next stop anyway. It’s all the same, and it just so happens to be on your way."

Fang Zhiyan understood. Just as he was about to say more, his phone rang. He apologized and answered. It was his mother, Jiang Xu’s, phone, but it was his younger sister, Fang Zhixia, on the line. Her voice was terrified and tearful. "Second brother, come back quickly! Dad is here, and he's going to hit Mom! Please, hurry back!"