Given their years of friendship, even if they didn't make it public, it wouldn't affect them getting closer.
In fact, going public would bring more trouble.
They couldn't ignore the pride of Dean Jiang and the Vice Dean.
It wouldn't be good if he rejected the two deans, and she went public about being with him right after.
She looked at him. "Maybe for now, we keep it quiet?"
Shi Wenli guessed she had many concerns, but they were about to finish eating and needed to get back to the OR, so there wasn't time to discuss it further.
He nodded. "Okay."
They could talk more about it after work in the evening.
Throughout the meal, she occasionally took food from his plate.
Shi Wenli didn't think much of it; those two dishes were exactly what she liked.
Sitting by the window not far away, Qi Ruo sensed something interesting.
She had already finished eating and put down her chopsticks, waiting for Jiang Yang across from her.
Seeing Shi Wenli in person today, he was indeed as her father had said—mature, reserved, and outstanding in demeanor.
Even in loose, shapeless scrubs, his straight, broad shoulders were unmistakable. Whether standing or sitting, he exuded a natural calmness that was remarkably eye-catching.
Earlier, when Jiang Yang called him over to sit together, he said he was going to find Dr. Xu. At that time, she didn't know whether Dr. Xu was male or female.
Later, when she looked up, she saw Shi Wenli sitting across from a beautiful female doctor.
The beautiful doctor's mask was hanging around her neck, revealing fair, glowing skin.
She studied the doctor carefully. She had a full oval face, soft jawline, and lively, bright eyes.
If she were a man, she'd also want to sit across from Dr. Xu.
She asked Jiang Yang quietly, "Hey, Yangyang, does Director Shi like that Dr. Xu?"
Jiang Yang was gnawing on a rib. "Sister Ruo, think a bit more sophisticated. Just because they sit together doesn't mean he likes her. They're work meal buddies; they always eat together."
Qi Ruo shook her head. "Doesn't seem like just meal buddies."
Jiang Yang laughed. "They've known each other for years. Before I even came to the hospital, they were already collaborating on projects. They're both workaholics, more insulated than ceramic. How could there be any sparks?"
In the hospital, any couple was surprising, except those two—it was absolutely impossible.
"They do everything openly and aboveboard. There's none of the thoughts you're implying!"
"What do you know..."
Qi Ruo omitted the curse word. "You're still young; you don't get it. Nothing can escape my sharp eyes."
"Dr. Xu likes Shi Wenli." She said it decisively.
Jiang Yang picked up his soup bowl and downed half of it in one go.
"Sis, don't be so absolute, or you'll end up eating your words."
Qi Ruo couldn't be bothered to explain to this kid.
She had also had a crush before, and had been secretly in love with someone for years, so how could she not understand Dr. Xu's feelings?
When you like someone, the joy in your eyes can't be hidden.
When she ate with the person she liked, she also always used the excuse of liking a particular dish and took it directly from his plate, never ordering it herself.
Feeling bored, she asked Jiang Yang if he wanted to make a bet.
Jiang Yang wasn't unwilling: "If we really bet, I'd win unfairly."
Qi Ruo: "What do you mean?"
Jiang Yang didn't say anything.
Qi Ruo read his mind at a glance. "I raised you since you were a kid. You know my character. Do you think I'd tell anyone?"
After an internal struggle, Jiang Yang gave up. "Dr. Xu can't possibly like Brother Shi. She has someone she likes."
"Dr. Xu has someone she likes?" Qi Ruo thought it unlikely. She lifted her chin. "Spill it. Don't worry, once we leave the cafeteria, I'll forget everything."
Only then did Jiang Yang feel free to speak. "She did, but... they broke up not long ago. That guy was too much of a jerk."
Qi Ruo: "Jerk should be kicked to the curb. Switch to liking someone like Shi Wenli."
"..." Jiang Yang was speechless. "Can you not insist that Dr. Xu likes Brother Shi just because you want to win the bet? She was with her ex for many years; she won't just forget him that easily."
As for the ex, Xu Qinghe never talked about it privately, probably because the guy was too rich, and she didn't want people gossiping behind her back.
He knew about this because Xu Qinghe and her boyfriend were spotted on dates by colleagues from cardiac surgery several times.
A few years ago, a colleague ran into Xu Qinghe and her boyfriend at Yonghe Temple on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
That day, the temple was packed with people. Choosing to worship there at that time showed they were truly in love.
Just half a year ago, another colleague saw them shopping together for Crocs. The guy carried her purse and shopping bags the whole time, very attentive.
At that time, the colleague even sighed in the cardiac surgery group chat that rich and loyal men still existed.