"Since we're so destined, Dr. Meng, would you mind adding..."
"You mean Meng Shang?"
Ada repeated the name in surprise. After confirming she hadn't misheard, her smile abruptly fell, and she frowned at Jiang Ruoqi.
But Jiang Ruoqi remained the same—her smiling eyes reflecting the lights, impossible to tell how serious she was. It was just like countless past gatherings when she'd spot an attractive man and casually tease about him.
"Isn't he your Mr. Su's childhood friend? Why the hesitation? Is there something wrong with his character?"
Ada sighed deeply. If it were just a character issue, that would be fine. She wouldn't have to waste words; she'd guarantee Jiang Ruoqi would run faster than a rabbit.
"Yes, they're childhood friends. They've been close since they were kids. But I haven't interacted much with Meng Shang. Just based on intuition, he seems like a good person. Decent job, handsome, and has a good vibe. But..."
But for two high-quality people to develop feelings, one of them has to bend first.
Ada glanced at Jiang Ruoqi again. Seeing her lower her head and nod, the smile still on her lips, she couldn't help but worry more. "But he works in the mainland. His family, friends, and colleagues are all there. He won't be based in Gangcheng in the future."
The implication was that if it were just a fling, fine. But if Jiang Ruoqi actually dated Meng Shang, they'd be in a long-distance relationship. Setting aside loyalty, to take it further, one of them would have to give up their career and start over in the other's city.
She knew Jiang Ruoqi had an unusually strong career drive, so she could probably rule out the option of sacrificing herself for love. But just sleeping with Meng Shang seemed even more unrealistic...
After all, Miss Jiang was all show. She was lazy and a neat freak. Her past relationships seemed like she was just looking for a dinner companion.
They'd start with 'love at first sight,' but then she'd find the guy too troublesome. Before even kissing a few times, she'd break up. When asked why, she'd brush it off with 'the dish doesn't suit my taste.'
Ada pursed her lips. It wasn't that the dish was wrong, but that Jiang Ruoqi had someone in her heart. No matter how well she painted a tiger, she couldn't capture its bones, so she couldn't bring herself to take a bite.
As for Meng Shang, Ada couldn't guarantee he was consistent inside and out. But given his profession, he seemed restrained and ascetic, probably the type to keep himself clean.
Though, who knew? The conduct of surgeons had become a meme. Who could say what he was like behind the facade?
"I know," Jiang Ruoqi said, licking her lips without surprise.
Ada pressed: "You know? How do you know? Did you know him before?"
Jiang Ruoqi raised an eyebrow and turned back: "He's Su Yansheng's childhood friend. Your Mr. Su isn't from Gangcheng, so his friend probably isn't either. Without the advantage of studying there, people rarely choose to leave their hometown to live and work. So it wasn't hard to guess he's based inland."
"Well, that makes sense."
That logic was sound. But Ada fell silent after responding, feeling there was something subtle she was missing.
But Jiang Ruoqi didn't give her time to dwell on it. Casually, she continued: "So, which city does Meng Shang work in now?"
"Xinhai. It's pretty convenient to fly to Gangcheng."
"I can't remember the exact hospital, but he's already an associate chief physician." After giving the main information, Ada grabbed Jiang Ruoqi's forearm and emphasized: "You know, doctors are super busy! Especially busy! They usually don't have time to accompany their girlfriends!"
Jiang Ruoqi nodded helplessly. Besides this young lady who had connections and could coast in the secretarial office, which working person wasn't busy?
Ada thought Jiang Ruoqi had taken her advice and moved on to other topics about how busy doctors were. But Jiang Ruoqi let it go in one ear and out the other, her gaze still on Meng Shang.
He stood tall and graceful with a noble temperament, yet his figure wasn't frail. The white shirt outlined faint muscle lines on his forearms and chest. Wearing an ordinary black suit, he exuded a unique sense of seriousness.
"Working in Xinhai is pretty good," Jiang Ruoqi remarked, meant for herself, but caught Sophia's attention. To her, it seemed loaded with meaning, and she frowned at Jiang Ruoqi.
"What's so good about it? I'm only used to staying in Gangcheng." Ada, oblivious to the exchange between the two, continued: "Seven, if you really want to get to know Meng Shang, go ahead. He's a handsome guy; you won't lose out."
Before she finished, Sophia turned and glared at her.
But Ada was the type of beautiful airhead who never liked to think. Now she looked innocent: "What's wrong? Sophia, do you like Meng Shang too? Then you can both try your luck—may the best woman win! I'm fair; whoever gets him, I'll be happy."
Sophia gave up resisting, took a deep breath, and nearly gritted her teeth: "Use your brain at work, will you!"
"Don't slander me! I always use it!"
The 'culprit' Jiang Ruoqi smiled so much her eyes crinkled. She linked arms with both of them and walked inside: "Alright, alright. Let's go in and toast."
By then, the sun had completely sunk into the sea. As the lights came on, there were few elders in the banquet hall. The young people gained freedom, chatting and drinking in small groups, the atmosphere relaxed, more like a party.
The best man, Mr. Meng Shang, who had been busy all day, finally got a break. He slipped away from his friend and stood in a quiet corner, massaging his temples.
For today's trip to Gangcheng, he had swapped shifts with colleagues a month in advance. After last night's night shift, he had headed straight to the airport, arrived late, and barely rested before being called to work by his friend.
Meng Shang had refused to be a best man several times. If it weren't for his long-standing friendship with Su Yansheng and how persistent that guy was, he really wouldn't have come.
His temples still throbbed from lack of sleep. Rubbing didn't help, and coupled with his worries about trivial matters, he felt even more restless.
He was naturally good-looking. With his brows slightly furrowed in thought, he attracted repeated glances from the young women around. Some bold ones approached him, but Meng Shang was oblivious, turning them down by claiming he didn't understand Cantonese.
His rejection was obvious, and since he wasn't a local, the girls gave up. Meng Shang finally had some peace.
The indoor heat was stifling. He used his slender, beautiful fingers to undo his tie, pulling it down hard. With the tie loosened, he unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. His collar opened, revealing the clear collarbone beneath the crisp shirt.
Jiang Ruoqi saw this scene from a distance. While appreciating the view, she couldn't help smiling. Leaving behind Ada, who was held up again, and a speechless Sophia, she picked up a half-full champagne glass from the buffet table and walked straight toward Meng Shang.
"Hello, Dr. Meng."
The greeting was etched into his DNA, taking him back to the noisy cardiothoracic ward. Meng Shang's wandering thoughts returned. He turned and lowered his gaze to meet Jiang Ruoqi's smiling eyes.
She was wearing a champagne-colored one-shoulder gown, cascading over her shoulders, and her skin seemed dazzlingly fair under the lights.
Meng Shang hastily averted his gaze, only to accidentally meet her curved fox-like eyes again. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes reflecting both him and undisguised curiosity and admiration.
For no reason, Meng Shang's heart thumped heavily twice.
But the timing was wrong, the occasion inappropriate.
So he planned to use his usual excuse, ready to say he didn't understand Cantonese. But then he realized she was speaking the most standard Mandarin.