Shi Wenli said, "I have a girlfriend."
"I knew someone as outstanding as you couldn't be single. Is she also a doctor?"
"Yes. A colleague."
"That's good. You surgeons are busy; someone in the same field can understand each other."
Shi Wenli opened his WeChat QR code. "This transient dizziness of yours should be nothing serious. If it happens again and you're unsure whether to come to the hospital, feel free to consult me anytime. I might be late replying when I'm busy. Just remember to rest, take walks in the park when you have time, and don't stress too much."
"Thank you, old classmate." Tao Han added his WeChat.
He was just as down-to-earth as in middle school.
When others hesitated to ask for his contact information, he never acted aloof or pretended not to notice.
"By the way, what is your sister doing now?"
"Also a doctor, in cardiac surgery."
"Impressive!"
She had been accompanying her father in the cardiac surgery ward recently and had been too preoccupied with his illness to notice if there was a female doctor named Shi in that department.
It was great—both siblings had made it through.
Tao Han edited her WeChat notes. "It'll be easier to keep in touch now. Let's catch up during the Spring Festival break. I won't keep you—go eat. I need to check on my dad."
Shi Wenli assumed she was heading to her parents' for lunch and said goodbye.
He left via the doctor-only passage.
"Director Shi, what a coincidence."
As he went downstairs, Wu Xiaofeng's voice came from behind.
Shi Wenli stopped to wait for him.
Wu Xiaofeng was a golden boy at the hospital, having become deputy director of orthopedics at a young age.
He usually kept his distance and wasn't overly warm with anyone.
But because he and Shi Wenli were university alumni, only two years apart, and had known each other since school, he was particularly enthusiastic toward Shi Wenli.
Wu Xiaofeng clattered down the stairs quickly and raised his chin. "Lunch is on me today."
Shi Wenli apologized. "Next time I'll treat. I have something to do at noon."
An hour ago, Xu Qinghe had messaged him a photo of his dining table, with her pens and case notes on it.
Wu Xiaofeng teased, "Shi Miao isn't home, so what urgent business could you have? Rushing off for a date?"
Shi Wenli said, "Dr. Xu is waiting for me to eat."
Hearing it was with Xu Qinghe, Wu Xiaofeng didn't think anything of it. Instead, he assumed Shi Wenli had invited her out to take the opportunity to persuade her.
It was high time someone talked some sense into her.
Xu Qinghe had always specialized in anesthesia for two top-tier fields—neurosurgery and cardiac surgery. Rotating to basic departments was a downgrade for her.
Once you're downgraded, if you still adhere to strict anesthesia standards and refuse to compromise, conflicts easily arise.
Recently, she had become increasingly daring in canceling surgeries; two days ago, she had even canceled Director Yin's surgery.
Rumor had it that Director Yin called her personally, but she didn't show him any face.
When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat are bound to suffer.
Next week, she'd be scheduled for orthopedic surgeries. If she ended up in his group...
Hopefully, she wouldn't.
Speaking of Xu Qinghe's temper, Wu Xiaofeng kindly suggested to Shi Wenli, "If you have any suitable friends, introduce one to Dr. Xu. A person's life can't be all work; otherwise, over time, problems are bound to arise."
Shi Wenli also felt that work occupied almost all of Xu Qinghe's time. On her days off, he tried to spend as much time with her as possible.
--
When Shi Wenli got home, the living room was empty.
A light trickling sound came from the kitchen.
Xu Qinghe had prepared the ingredients and wiped down the counter; she was rinsing her hands under the tap.
She couldn't cook, so she had sliced some small potatoes and a few carrots, waiting for Shi Wenli to come back and roast them. She would also blanch some broccoli and pan-fry two steaks—a simple lunch.
The kitchen door pushed open; she turned at the sound.
Seeing him, her heart inexplicably settled.
Shi Wenli's first words were, "Are you hungry?"
"No, I've been snacking all morning on fruit."
Xu Qinghe pointed to the potato and carrot chunks on the plate. "I don't know how to roast them—I can't get the seasoning and temperature right."
"No problem, I'll handle it."
Shi Wenli noticed her hands were wet and reached to untie her apron from behind. "Feel like Western food?"