Because of her mother's medical issues, Tao Xinrou hadn't slept well for days. Tonight, she lay in bed staring at the ceiling for an hour.
Her phone screen lit up and dimmed, lit up and dimmed.
She opened the appointment app—always zero slots available. She opened her chat with Zheng Shuhui, typed a message, then deleted it. She scrolled through her contacts, but had no idea who could help.
She really had no way out.
Last time, she had asked him for advice and it got resolved smoothly. She had been elated for days, feeling like even the biggest problems would be solved at his hands.
But this time was different.
She couldn't just go up to him again and say, "President Ying, a friend of mine's mother can't get an appointment," could she?
Using the same excuse twice—even with her thick skin, she couldn't bring herself to say it.
And besides...
She turned over and buried her face in the pillow.
Besides, she already owed him too much.
Seeing a scalper on the second-hand app reply that each slot cost 5000, Tao Xinrou didn't dare even read it.
She wished someone would come and save her.
*
The next morning, Tao Xinrou crawled out of bed with dark circles under her eyes and groggily went to wash up.
Just as she finished brushing her teeth, she heard Tao's mother's voice from the living room: "Xiao Fang? Why are you here so early? Are you looking for Xiaorou? She's still washing up. I'll go call her."
"No need, Auntie. I'm here for you."
Tao Xinrou paused mid-brush.
For my mom?
She pricked up her ears.
"For me? What is it?" Tao's mother was obviously taken aback.
"I heard from Xiao Tao that you need a follow-up check-up soon, and that the First Municipal Hospital isn't convenient. I've made an appointment with a specialist at Mingde Hospital for next Wednesday morning. Does that work for you?"
Tao Xinrou nearly jammed the toothbrush down her throat.
What?!
"Mingde?" Tao's mother's voice rose. "Th-That's a really hard appointment to get! Xiao Fang, how did you manage it?"
"I happen to know a doctor there. Just give me your medical insurance card, and I'll handle the paperwork. Don't worry about the check-up; I'll let you know the exact time later."
"Oh my, this... Xiaorou, come out here!" Tao's mother was clearly at a loss.
Tao Xinrou's mind went blank.
How did he know?
She had only been lying in bed last night agonizing over it—she hadn't said a word to him!
Did her predictive ability somehow transmit her thoughts?
Tao Xinrou frantically rinsed her mouth, wiped her face, and rushed out of the bathroom.
In the living room, Ying Jingsheng had already entered a phone number into Tao's mother's phone.
"Auntie, when the time comes, contact this assistant of Dr. Wang. Don't worry about anything else; I've already arranged it with him."
Tao Xinrou stood there, looking at Ying Jingsheng.
He looked up and met her gaze. His face showed no particular expression as he simply said, "Take your aunt to see Dr. Wang at Mingde Hospital next Wednesday."
"Oh my, Xiao Fang, this is really too much trouble for you."
"Auntie, don't mention it. It's the least I can do."
Tao Xinrou opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found herself speechless.
Ying Jingsheng was already walking toward the door. As he passed her, he paused and said in a voice only she could hear, "Next time, just tell me directly. Otherwise, I won't know what you're trying to say."
Then he left.
Tao Xinrou stood there, bewildered.
*
With her mother's medical problem solved, the weight on Tao Xinrou's mind finally lifted, but an even greater sense of guilt washed over her.
She looked at her phone and just wanted to close her eyes and stab herself.
How could she have sleepily mistaken Ying Jingsheng for a scalper?
She was such an idiot!
Sitting at her desk, Tao Xinrou wished she could travel back in time and shake herself awake.
XR: Sorry, 5000 is too expensive. Can I pay in installments?
XR: My mom's condition is serious.