The phone ringing awakened He Suye before six in the morning. As he answered, a girl on the other end urgently exclaimed, “Dr. Liu, come quickly! The patient in bed 18 is in critical condition!”

He immediately felt stunned. Just as he was about to tell her she had the wrong number, she apologized profusely, “I’m sorry, wrong number, wrong number!”

He hung up with a wry smile but couldn’t fall back asleep, so he got up.

In the late dawn of winter mornings, the sky was still grayish at nearly six. He dipped bread in hot milk, eating with one hand while flipping through his thesis with the other. His eyes scanned incessantly, feeling increasingly blocked. He sighed, “That Liu Jie is getting more and more sloppy. Doesn’t he fear the boss reprimanding him for submitting a thesis like this?

He casually crossed out large sections of useless content with a pen and called Liu Jie.

Liu Jie was sleeping like a log in the duty room, and the phone ringing startled him awake. Seeing it was He Suye, he started complaining, “Big Brother, are you having hormonal imbalance? Getting up so early!”

He Suye frowned. “What nonsense did you write in your thesis? No wonder you don’t dare to submit it to the boss yourself. Get your pen out, I’ll read it to you, and you’ll cross out whatever needs to go. No arguing. When I’m on duty, I’ll go to the inpatient department. Please give me a call when you’ve finished.

Liu Jie obediently complied, grinning. “I knew Big Brother couldn’t bear to see me in a tough spot.”

In the morning, he didn’t need to do ward rounds, but because he had prescribed some herbal supplements to certain patients, he needed to check on their progress and adjust their treatment accordingly.

As he stepped into the endocrine and metabolism ward, he found several doctors and nurses gathered, murmuring. One of them spotted He Suye and greeted him, “Dr. He, isn’t it strange? A patient who was fine yesterday suddenly took a turn for the worse today?”

He pondered for a moment. “Was it your ward that had the emergency this morning?”

“Indeed. It was a patient with thyroid ophthalmopathy, admitted just two days ago.”

“Thyroid ophthalmopathy leading to heart failure?”

Another doctor chimed in, “Could be. Nobody knew at the time. It was just for observation upon admission. But now, everyone’s afraid of lawsuits against the hospital. Ah you know, strange occurrences have been plaguing our department lately. Two patients within a week—one with thyroid ophthalmopathy, the other with heart and kidney failure. With New Year’s just around the corner, the whole ward feels gloomy and anxious.”

A young nurse piped up, recklessly, “At least it’s not another SARS outbreak. What’s this compared to that?”

He Suye’s heart skipped a beat. The expressions of the two experienced doctors changed abruptly, and the head nurse scolded the young nurse sternly, “Don’t talk nonsense. Do your job!”

From the ward entrance, a nurse shouted, “The director is here!” Promptly, everyone scattered. Shaking his head, He Suye headed straight to the duty room to find Liu Jie. SARS, the epidemic that had once terrified the nation, hadn’t been mentioned in a long time.

It was such a bleak year. Those who had worked in this hospital knew that everyone had been so close to death, both familiar and unfamiliar faces falling one after another. They incinerated their bodies along with any belongings. Everyone felt that they had truly existed, only to disappear without a trace.

The winter sunlight always seemed hazy, as if smeared on the sky but not penetrating the ward. He Suye looked up at the sky, feeling a sudden emptiness in his heart.

He thought he should go see his mother.

His alma mater was very close to the hospital, practically across the street. The school closed that year, prompting many students to attempt escaping over the back wall. However, they were caught, isolated, and eventually punished. He had once considered doing the same, not only because he hadn’t been home in a long time, but also because two of his closest family members were in this hospital.

He wasn’t afraid of the natural disaster; he simply wanted to check on their well-being at the hospital. However, it never materialized. The once lush ivy no longer adorned the mottled red walls, replaced by the scent of Chinese herbal medicine from the school pharmacy. The playground lay abandoned, covered in dry grass, reflecting the neglect of the old campus, now frequented mostly by graduate and doctoral students, with sparse human presence.

He knocked on the door and entered respectfully. “Professor Yang, I’ve brought Liu Jie’s thesis.”

The old man chuckled. “He Suye? Liu Jie probably didn’t dare to bring it himself, fearing I’d scold him. Come, sit down, and let’s talk.” Taking the thesis, he flipped through a couple of pages. “Liu Jie has improved quite a bit. Or rather, Xiao He, did you help him revise it?”

He Suye could only nod. The old man took off his glasses and asked carefully, “Are you not considering studying clinical medicine for your Ph.D.? Only focusing on switching to internal Chinese medicine, becoming a doctoral student under Gu Ping?”

He took a deep breath. “I’ve made up my mind. I’ve already talked to Professor Gu about it. I’ll probably start after the New Year.”

The old man sighed regretfully, shaking his head. “It’s a pity. A promising clinical talent like you was snatched away by Chinese medicine. Your grandfather must be delighted, but your father must be fuming.”

He smiled. “I’ve always wanted to study Chinese medicine, and it has nothing to do with my family.”

The old man nodded. “That’s good. Nowadays, few young people are studying Chinese medicine. If this continues, our country’s traditional medicine will disappear. We all know you’re very promising. Study hard!”

After chatting for a while, he got up to leave, but Professor Yang stopped him. “Oh, Xiao He, could you do me a favor?”

He Suye nodded. “Professor Yang, please tell me, I’ll do my best.”

The old man smiled. “Don’t be so nervous. It’s just a lecture by a professor from a university in the United States, but he’s very interested in Chinese medicine. I’ve already talked to Gu Ping. Could you handle this for me? Do you have the time?”

He smiled. “No problem, but remember to treat me to a meal!”

After finishing work at noon, He Suye went to the flower shop and finally bought some tulips after visiting several stores. He then took the bus to the outskirts.

The cemetery was a rarely visited place, but almost everyone would come here at some point in their lives. It was also the final resting place for many. So, people always hoped to visit as infrequently as possible, after all, seeing familiar faces depart was a sad and helpless thing.

He gazed at the tombstone for a long time, his mother smiling at him. In his memory, his mother always smiled.

“Suye, Mom, and Dad are going to work now. Be good and don’t run around at home. There’s bread and milk on the table if you get hungry.”

“Suye, it’s okay if you didn’t do well on the exam. Just work hard, okay? Don’t cry, be good!”

“Suye, Mom knows she hasn’t been there for you. Mom’s been too busy with work, no time to accompany you, not even time for your parent-teacher meetings. But Suye, you’ve grown up to be so sensible and outstanding, and Mom is very proud of you.”

His heart felt sour, his eyes reddening. He heard from the doctor that when his mother passed away, she was still smiling and said, “The person I’ve let down the most in my life is my son, Suye. Don’t blame your father, Suye. It was my choice. Don’t blame him.”

But he still blamed his father. There was a knot in his heart that grew tighter with time, and now he couldn’t untie it.

He placed the tulips down and reached out to touch the tombstone, which was spotless.

His thoughts were endless, once they started, they couldn’t be stopped.

“Mom, does Dad still come to see you twice a week? Do you know? I haven’t seen him for a long time. I don’t know if he’s okay. Do you know?”

“Mom, I’ve decided to study Chinese medicine, even though Dad wants me to specialize in cardiovascular medicine. Do you know? My first choice for the college entrance examination was Chinese medicine, but Dad changed it to integrated Chinese and Western medicine without my consent, which is why I hold a grudge against him.”

“Mom, I like Chinese medicine, probably because of Grandpa. When I was a kid, I loved watching him prepare Chinese herbal medicine and treat patients. One day, he sat me down in his rocking chair and said, ‘Suye, your name itself is a Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese medicine isn’t just about herbs; it’s also a field of study. Each herb has its taste and characteristics, bitter, sweet, sour, spicy, and pungent. They’re made into prescriptions, each with its taste and effect, but the intricate principles of healing, like life, are understood by few.'”

The afternoon sun suddenly faded, and a cold wind began to blow, with signs of rain looming. The petals of the tulips swayed in the wind as if signaling an impending shower.

He stood up, and smiled at the tombstone, “Mom, I’m leaving now.”

Instead of going home directly, he went to his grandfather’s house in the old city.

He Suye’s grandfather was a renowned old Chinese doctor, whose family lineage was said to date back to imperial physicians of the Ming and Qing dynasties. He had been the president of the Chinese Medicine University before being appointed as the director of the Health Bureau. After retiring, he had been leading a semi-retired life.

The name He Suye was given by him.

After entering the house, He Suye didn’t go straight to the study. He sniffed at the medicinal herbs drying in the courtyard one by one. It was Grandma He who first saw him. “Old man, Suye’s here!”

At this moment, He Suye was frowning at a certain medicinal herb, and Grandpa He stood behind him, reminding him, “It’s the root of a tulip. You’ve forgotten all these things, you brat!”

Feeling embarrassed, he muttered softly, “I rarely use this herb, mostly considering it as an ornamental plant.”

He Yeye chuckled and squatted down, picking up a piece and examining it in his hand. “Phlegm-dissipating Brain-clearing Pill and Qi-activating Diaphragm-relaxing Powder both contain this. It tastes bitter, is balanced, and non-toxic, promotes Qi circulation, resolves depression, cools blood, and breaks blood stasis. It treats various pains in the chest, abdomen, sides, and ribs, loss of consciousness, mania, fever-induced coma, hemoptysis, hematuria, and jaundice. Take a look, your knowledge is lacking, young man.”

He Suye said solemnly, “I plan to transfer to the Chinese Medicine College for my PhD, specializing in internal medicine, under the guidance of Gu Ping.”

He Yeye was surprised. “That old guy? The one who used to quarrel with me every day when he was young? He’s strict. His students used to call him the ‘Master of Extinguishing Dao’. Boy, you’ll have a hard time after you go!”

He Suye didn’t respond, just quietly looked at the tulip root in his hand and said softly, “Grandpa, I brought tulips to see Mom today.”

There was a long silence, and He Yeye stood up. “It’s been a long time since you’ve been home. Go see your dad too, although I’m his dad and your granddad, I can’t meddle in the affairs between you two. Although your dad has made many mistakes, but… sigh…”

He nodded but hesitated a bit. “I’ll go when I have time, Grandpa, don’t worry. I’m also at fault, but it’s hard to explain for a while.”

Grandma, He called from the living room, “Old and young, dinner’s ready. Suye, we have your favorite sweet and sour spare ribs today!”

He Yeye hurriedly collected the medicinal herbs and shouted at him, “Kid, it’s going to rain. Hurry up and bring in the herbs before you eat!”

He Suye felt like he had traveled back to his childhood all of a sudden. The courtyard was filled with medicinal herbs and the scent of honey pills. He remembered stealing honey and being punished by sun-drying herbs. Then one day it suddenly poured rain, and he and his grandparents scrambled to collect the herbs. Although the herbs weren’t soaked, he ended up drenched and caught a cold for a few days. But during those days, he had honey to eat every day.

The honey jar always ran out, but he believed that honey would never run out.

He Suye left very late, and it started to drizzle on the way.

After getting off the bus, he slowly walked in the rain, not in a hurry. He had a tiring and oppressive day, with past events replaying in his mind repeatedly, leaving him feeling somewhat defeated. He wanted to stand in the rain and clear his mind.

Suddenly, a blue umbrella blocked his view. He turned around and saw Shen Xifan smiling awkwardly as she explained, “Hey, He Suye, you’re too tall. The umbrella doesn’t reach you. What are you doing standing there? Didn’t you see I’m struggling to hold it up!”

Her slightly damp bangs fell over her forehead, and her face was full of smiles. She was wearing a blue cotton coat, jeans, and sneakers, holding a large bouquet of tulips in her left hand, all purple, and struggling to hold up the umbrella with her right hand.

He quickly took the umbrella from her, feeling something slowly melting in his heart.

Every time he saw Shen Xifan, he felt that she was very happy, at least carefree. He envied her a bit. Shen Xifan liked to smile. Even when she was sick, she had a smile on her face, as if saying, “It’s okay, I’ll get better soon. It’s nothing serious.”

Her smile amidst the bouquet of tulips was truly beautiful.

He suddenly felt that the bouquet was very eye-catching, and he blurted out, “Who gave them to you?”

Shen Xifan was taken aback, then smirked, “Who gave them? The hotel just hosted a birthday party for a rich girl, and there were leftover tulips, so I took them. How does it look?”

He Suye smiled. It was his first genuine smile of the day. “Very beautiful!”

She used her hand to push half of the bouquet towards him. “If you like them, take half. It’s free anyway!”

He tilted the umbrella towards her, shielding her firmly. “Girls don’t give flowers to guys. Silly!”

Shen Xifan looked at He Suye, then at herself, and chuckled awkwardly, “That’s better. He Suye, you take the flowers first, then give half to me, and say, ‘Miss Shen Xifan, please accept this.’ That way, it’s reasonable and proper!”

Consequently, he brought half of the tulips home, feeling somewhat silly. However, for the first time, he took great care of the bouquet, finding a vase, watering them, and even adding a vitamin C tablet. Despite his cluelessness about plants, he had never cared much for flowers and grass, unable to keep even a cactus alive.

But he hoped that the bouquet of tulips would last a little longer. When they withered, he planned to dry their petals and make bookmarks out of them. They should be beautiful.

His mother also loved tulips. Coincidentally, her name was Yu Niexiang.

He began to ponder whether he should have a good talk with his father, about himself and the future.

In the corner, holding up that blue umbrella, Shen Xifan’s home was originally in Unit 7, Building 301 of Block F. She had a seemingly amiable father who would tell him to drink some herbal tea to avoid catching a cold and a gossipy mother who was said to be going through menopause. It seemed like a very ordinary yet happy family.

Sometimes, when he was younger, he would wonder what it would be like if his parents weren’t the director and the head nurse. Would he not have to cook for himself, bid his parents goodnight to an empty house, or awkwardly explain to teachers why no one came to parent-teacher meetings? But he learned to accept reality at a very young age.

It wasn’t resignation. He knew that independence was something he would learn sooner or later, and there wasn’t much difference between learning it sooner or later.

He was a mature and sensible child.

But he had once hoped that one day, his home would be lively, filled with the laughter of his parents. Now, it seemed like an extravagant wish. He felt that the sense of family happiness Shen Xifan exuded was what he lacked and what he longed for.

He wanted to get closer to her, to absorb her warmth.

When Shen Xifan returned home, her mother was exuberantly telling her father about the results of the matchmaking meeting.

She immediately called a halt to it. Her mother looked at her suspiciously, “You spent so much time talking and laughing with him, was it just for a free meal?”

“Does a matchmaking meeting have to lead to a romantic relationship? Can’t we just be friends?”

Her mother chuckled dryly, “Hey, that’s a novel idea! Matchmaking is about finding a partner, not making friends. If it works out, you develop a relationship; if not, you pass!”

Shen Xifan was confused. What did “pass” mean? Her father poked his head out and kindly reminded her, “She means ‘pass’!”

Her mother slammed her copy of the Metropolitan Daily on the table. “No interruptions, no alliances, listen to me!”

Her father’s head immediately disappeared, while Shen Xifan felt helpless and frustrated. What kind of ineffective medicine did He Suye prescribe that did not affect her mother?

He Suye, He Suye, such a strange name. Who would name someone using traditional Chinese medicine?

Shen Xifan lay on the table with a vocabulary book spread out before her, but her mind started to wander uncontrollably. Soon, her draft paper was covered with his name. Annoyed and embarrassed, she crossed out his name one by one, took a deep breath, and walked to the window.

The night was beautiful, the moon was bright, and the city was full of lights. Everyone had their things to do, time would slowly pass, and everything would happen and end in due course, becoming memories. But how could one know what would happen next? For example, what would happen between herself and Yan Heng?

Thinking about him was pointless, but how could she forget those memories? The intense love, the searing pain, the overwhelming tears, and the hopeful expectations were ultimately dashed.

Was she still hoping he would come back?

Foolish, she had been foolish three years ago. Would she still be a fool that even she would despise three years later?

The next day, as soon as Shen Xifan entered the office, she saw a bouquet of tulips on her desk. She was slightly surprised and picked up the card, recognizing the familiar handwriting: “Dai Heng.” Unaccountably, she felt annoyed and pushed the bouquet aside, staring blankly.

Unexpectedly, Xu Xiangya saw it, her eyes lighting up as she picked up the bouquet and smelled it, entranced. “How much did this bouquet of tulips cost? Quite extravagant!”

Shen Xifan stood up to make tea, not turning her head. “If you like them, you can have them.”

Xu Xiangya didn’t respond immediately. “Who is Dai Heng? Where did you hook such a rich man?”

Shen Xifan smirked, deliberately changing the topic. “A rich man? What kind? A green turtle? The kind with a green shell that belongs in a museum or an aquarium? How much per pound?”

Xu Xiangya gasped, “Did I hit a sore spot? President Cheng is looking for you. He wants your opinion on the cocktail party plan. You better go. Are you sure you don’t want the flowers?”

Shen Xifan pulled out a purple bud. “They’re all yours. You know I don’t like flowers.”

Xu Xiangya shook her head. “Nonsense, you love tulips. I bet you have some unresolved issues with this person, and you’re taking it out on these beautiful flowers. What a waste!”

Shen Xifan was speechless. It wasn’t that she hated Yan Heng, but she was put off by his actions. What was he trying to do? Apologize or show lingering feelings? Yet, deep down, there was a sliver of joy in her heart.

She suddenly felt very confused, like a tangled mess needing a sharp knife.

But one thing was certain: she wouldn’t be a fool again.

Yan Heng sent flowers for five consecutive days, each day a different color of tulips. Shen Xifan knew that these flowers were flown in during winter, and not typically found in local flower markets. Yan Heng’s lavish gestures left her puzzled about his intentions.

The Christmas cocktail party was a success. Dongke Software spared no expense, booking the largest venue at Gu Nan Hua Court and reserving three villas and a golf course as raffle prizes for the guests.

However, the employees of Gu Nan Hua Court could only watch others enjoy themselves on this sweet holiday.

The grand crystal chandeliers illuminated every corner of the venue. Most of the men present had brought female companions. In this glamorous setting, women in elegant dresses and elaborate makeup mingled around. As both a staff member and a guest, Shen Xifan wore simple makeup and attire, feeling out of place.

Dongke had invited several prominent figures from the electronics and software industries. She recognized a few CEOs from IT summits, and Gu Nan Hua Court’s senior management was also in attendance.

In contrast to others, she maintained an unusual quietness. Positioned in a corner, the dazzling lights left her feeling somewhat dazed. A phrase crossed her mind: “Their happiness, my emptiness.” Noisy surroundings were never her preference; they caused her to lose herself.

The hotel atmosphere often made her feel out of sync. Lacking Xu Xiangya’s social finesse, Ding Wei’s sharpness, or Lin Yishen’s decisiveness, she relied on her persistence and wit.

She wanted to go home, make a cup of jasmine tea, chat with her parents, or go out for a walk. Maybe she would run into He Suye. Her restless feelings were all reflected in her bright, expressive eyes, making them sparkle.

The crystal chandelier scattered light like golden dust falling on her dark hair, resembling golden embroidery on black brocade. The woman in the white dress stood quietly in a corner as if she had just stepped out of an old, yellowing book, blending poorly with the lively background.

Some men glanced back at her from time to time, but she didn’t notice.

Ling Yufan, holding a crystal glass, was bantering with a beautiful woman and sipping French cognac. His gaze casually fell on Shen Xifan. He found her intriguing. Sometimes she was serious and businesslike, cold like a hotel machine. Other times, she was childish, her eyes full of dissatisfaction when he deliberately picked on her. Yet, beneath it all, there was a quiet strength. She seemed to prefer calm and solitude, making her solitary figure seem out of place in the bustling scene.

Moreover, perhaps she meddled a bit too much.

When he was ill, she sent him herbal tea for colds. Though he appreciated it, his guarded nature made him question her intentions, wondering if her kindness had an ulterior motive.

He had been observing her for a long time and suddenly felt an urge to tease her.

There was a commotion at the entrance. Shen Xifan saw President Cheng and other executives immediately move forward to greet the newcomers. In the middle of the group stood Yan Heng, shaking hands, greeting, and chatting with them.

Had anyone told her Yan Heng was coming? If so, she would rather have fallen ill.

President Cheng waved her over, and she reluctantly approached. “Mr. Yan, hello!”

Yan Heng was dressed in a suit without a tie, and wearing glasses. He looked refined but with a touch of nonchalance. He extended his hand. “Manager Shen, thank you for your hard work these past days. I’ll be relying on you for a while longer.”

His fingers were slightly cold, as she remembered them—long and strong. Once, this hand had led her through the prime of her life, full of blossoms. She never thought they would shake hands like this.

She felt a bit of sweat in her palm but maintained a calm expression. “Mr. Yan, it’s my pleasure to assist you.” She tried to pull her hand back, but Yan Heng held it firmly, determined not to let go.

Shen Xifan met his gaze gracefully, her eyes stern. Yan Heng smiled slyly and suddenly released her hand. She retreated with composure, but inside, something began to crumble. Any longer, and she would have completely broken down.

Yan Heng had never been a match for him.

Suddenly, a woman shouted, “Hey, watch where you’re going! You spilled wine all over me!”

All eyes turned to Ling Yufan, who had wine spilled on his chest by a nervous bartender. His white shirt was soaked, and the bartender kept apologizing, looking anxious. “Manager Shen, please handle this.”

What could she do? She nodded reluctantly. “I’m sorry, please come with me.”

Ling Yufan raised an eyebrow. “I need to change. Manager Shen, please take my clothes to the laundry.”

Agreeing with a nod, she trailed behind him as they exited the venue. Sensing Yan Heng’s gaze on her back, she braced herself for potential criticism. Yet, paradoxically, this situation offered her a chance to evade further scrutiny.

Ling Yufan’s room was a bit messy, with clothes strewn casually on the sofa, and newspapers scattered on the table. Shen Xifan thought Ling Yufan must be someone who valued his privacy, otherwise, why wouldn’t he allow housekeeping to clean on time?

In the spacious room, just the two of them, Ling Yufan didn’t speak, and she fell into a long silence. The atmosphere became tense for a moment, then unexpectedly, a bit ambiguous.

He started changing clothes right in front of her. Shen Xifan was surprised, but she quickly regained her composure. If she saw him in an embarrassing situation, it would only be awkward for her. She lowered her eyes, staring at the carpet, counting how many flowers were on it.

Suddenly, Ling Yufan spoke up. “Shen Xifan, don’t you like attending parties?”

She was surprised by his question and chuckled lightly. “That’s work. I can’t say whether I like it or not.”

There was a probing look on his face. “You can’t say whether you like this kind of work. Why?” His expression softened, and under the light, there was a kind of incredible sincerity in his eyes, making it impossible for Shen Xifan not to respond.

“Perhaps I don’t like this kind of work, but I can do it well. So, it’s a balance. At least I can make a living from it.”

He smiled, then changed the subject back to a lighter tone. “Shen Xifan, can work in a hotel help you marry a rich man?”

Shen Xifan knew that in many people’s eyes, working in a hotel was seen as an illegitimate profession for women. Many girls either ended up being kept or married to one of the guests. So, this kind of job was often seen as opportunistic.

But she had never had such thoughts. All she wanted was to become a competent hotel manager, nothing more.

Now, she was misunderstood by others.

Oh well, people like him grew up in suspicion, always afraid of being cheated out of a single penny. They took pleasure in suspecting and undermining others. They were twisted from a young age, lacking love and proper care. The more she explained, the more confused it became. It was better to keep silent. She felt a bit annoyed with herself for feeling some inexplicable fondness for him just now.

Picking up his clothes, she looked fearlessly at him, her gaze now tinged with disdain. “Mr. Ling, I don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss such deep issues between guests and staff. Your clothes are here. I’ll leave now, and they’ll be brought back to you tomorrow. Good night, and Merry Christmas!”

Ling Yufan was momentarily stunned, and then he smiled. He found Shen Xifan’s expression when she got angry just now cute. If he had pushed her into a corner at that moment or made some move, how would she have reacted? Maybe she would have bitten him, slapped him, and then scolded him.

It was better than her always being so cold.

After dropping off the clothes at the laundry, she left the hotel, walking alone on the way home.

In the bustling city on Christmas Eve, lights illuminated the streets, everyone’s faces beaming with smiles. Girls leaned on their boyfriends, parents carried their children, and kids clamored for candy from Santa Claus. Flower girls weaved through the crowd.

Suddenly, her phone rang, an unfamiliar number, but the voice was familiar. “Shen Xifan, guess who this is?”

She was curious. “Li Jie, how did you get my number?”

He sighed. “No fun. You guessed it too quickly. By the way, what are you doing now?”

“On my way home.”

Li Jie sighed again. “That’s so boring. There’s no event tonight. How about coming over? My senior brother and I are at a tea and wine bar on Guangyuan Road, ‘Er Ya.'”

Was He Suye there too? Shen Xifan thought for a moment, but before she could respond, Li Jie continued, “There are others too, but it’s nothing. I’ll introduce you to them later. Everyone is easy to get along with. Don’t hesitate. Senior Brother will be surprised to see you!”

She was moved by these words and agreed, but soon after, she began to feel a bit hesitant. Would it be too impulsive to go so abruptly? Yet deep down, she wanted to go.

“Er Ya” was the kind of refreshing bar favored by white-collar workers and those with a taste for the finer things.

As soon as she entered, she spotted a group of people sitting by the intricately carved wooden table in the innermost corner, enthusiastically chatting away. With just one glance, she recognized He Suye—graceful and handsome, his smile resembling a crescent moon, with deep dimples that made him stand out in the crowd.

Li Jie waved to her as she approached. “Over here!”

She walked over, and Li Jie introduced each one. “These are all Big Brother He’s disciples, and this is our little junior sister.”

Shen Xifan noticed among the many boys there was only one girl, stunning and exuding confidence. The beauty stood up. “I’m Fang Kexin, the only junior sister here. I study cinematography and I’m currently an intern doctor.”

Shen Xifan sat beside Li Jie. Being outgoing and accustomed to working in the hospitality industry, she naturally conversed with wit and politeness. Before long, everyone became acquainted.

He Suye watched her with a gentle smile, not initiating conversation, but his gaze never left her.

A petite boy suggested, “Let’s play something. How about charades?”

Another one chimed in, “Sounds good! Let’s do herbal prescriptions. The loser has to drink whiskey, a twelve-year-old Chivas Regal—fair enough!”

Shen Xifan immediately felt lost at the mention of “herbal prescriptions,” something she had never heard of before. She looked to He Suye for help.

He Suye stood up, gesturing for Li Jie to move over, then sat beside Shen Xifan, comforting her in a low voice, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”

Li Jie watched them with a sly smile, while Fang Kexin’s expression shifted slightly, lost in thought.

“Starting with four strokes, Big Brother He, you go first!”

“Five Ling Powder—Cinnamon Twig, Bai Atractylodes, Poria, Poria Cocos, Alisma Orientale. Zhang Ming, you’re up next with six strokes.”

“Mudan Licorice Decoction—Bai Mudan, Prepared Licorice Root. Seven strokes, Shen Xifan.”

Everyone looked curiously at Shen Xifan, who hesitated before saying, “Good Companion Pill—Kaoliang Ginger, Amomum Villosum.”

Immediately, someone burst into laughter. “Big Brother He, you’re helping her cheat! No way, you have to drink! “

Li Jie waved his hand. “Let Big Brother He assist her. He’ll name two and then Shen Xifan, you must remember them. Let’s go all out and try to defeat Big Brother He!”

She hadn’t expected so many herbal medicines, and some of the names were quite strange and difficult to pronounce. She could only stammer, “Sinking Sandalwood Qi-Reducing Powder—Sandalwood, Licorice, Amomum, Atractylodes… and… I can’t remember the rest…”

Helplessly, she blinked at He Suye, who remained unfazed, still smiling at her.

Everyone burst into laughter. Li Jie pushed a small glass of wine towards her. Shen Xifan frowned, but someone beside her quickly grabbed it and downed it in one go. She exclaimed, “He Suye, I lost!”

Everyone caught on, urging He Suye, “Big Brother He, have some mercy!”

Only Fang Kexin looked somewhat uncomfortable, deliberately turning her head to drink water.

Shen Xifan felt embarrassed, secretly grateful, while He Suye nonchalantly reminded her, “Looks like I need to choose simpler names. You can’t remember the long and complicated ones.”

She could only smile sheepishly.

The night stretched past eleven before it concluded, and Shen Xifan hadn’t expected to find such ease and joy with this group of people. Perhaps it was the nature of doctors—meticulous and conscientious—especially those studying traditional Chinese medicine, who tended to be sensitive and considerate of others. Talking and spending time with them made her feel cared for.

The previous discomfort at the reception vanished instantly. Now, everything seemed beautiful.

Shen Xifan walked ahead, occasionally turning back to chat with He Suye. “He Suye, it seems like all the herbal prescriptions you mentioned tonight contained agarwood. Why is that?”

He Suye smiled. “Because you resemble this medicine!”

Curious, she waited for him and then gently tugged at his sleeve. “Why?”

“Agarwood, also known as aloeswood, is not only a superior type of wood but also a medicinal herb. Its aroma is fragrant and its properties are spicy, dispersing and opening up. It enters the kidney, spleen, and stomach meridians, making it the finest among qi-moving herbs. The mysterious and unique fragrance of agarwood gathers the essence of the heavens and earth over thousands of years, exuding richness, elegance, and warmth. I feel you are quite similar to it—both your character and essence are things that become more appreciated and enjoyable with time and exploration.”

As he spoke, Suye’s face blushed slightly, perhaps due to the alcohol. His words were bold, more direct than usual.

Yet he hadn’t consumed much; he remained quite sober. It was just that upon seeing Shen Xifan for the first time today, his heart had inexplicably skipped a beat. And now, watching her radiant smile, witnessing her cunning during the cheating, her helplessness and mischief when losing the game, his mood soared, like an inflated balloon filled with happiness.

The streetlamp cast a halo around Shen Xifan, clad in white attire with a long coat draped over her. She seemed afraid of the cold, constantly jumping and swaying her jet-black hair.

Suddenly, He Suye had a strange thought—being with her brought him immense joy. Whether it was her shrewd and capable side or her helpless demeanor, he found it intriguing. The deeper he delved, the more there was to discover, and the more surprises he encountered.

Christmas Eve was indeed sentimental.

Shen Xifan hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up, “He Suye, I’ve noticed that I’m particularly happy when I’m with you, for no apparent reason.”

He smiled as if expecting it. Did he not know where her darting eyes always landed, how she liked to sneak glances at him and then casually look away? They had only spent a few times together, yet she had already shown signs of affection towards him, and he surprisingly didn’t reject it. Sometimes, he even secretly hoped for it to be more evident.

Tonight, it was unmistakable.

At times, while heading downstairs for errands, he pondered if he’d bump into Shen Xifan at the supermarket, urging her to opt for fruits over biscuits. Midway through his thesis, he’d gaze out the window, contemplating her whereabouts in the sprawling residential area. Would she wrestle with insomnia again or grumble about another ailment, seeking treatment?

Initially surprised, he soon found solace in acknowledging his feelings for her. No need to debate; he already harbored them.

The nature of his emotions puzzled him. With Zhang Yiling, he sensed dependency, gratitude for her support during tough times. Their dynamic revolved around mutual kindness, despite her lack of romantic affection.

But with Shen Xifan, he felt a newfound sense of duty. Perhaps due to their age difference?

After dinner, Shen Xifan was browsing the internet at home when her mother called out, “Fanfan, are you having breakfast at home tomorrow morning?”

Responding with an “mmm,” she requested seaweed egg drop soup and pan-fried dumplings.

Her mother then asked her to go to the supermarket for seaweed and vinegar, as well as take out the trash.

Glancing at her cotton slippers, Shen Xifan said, “I don’t want to go to the supermarket. It’s such a hassle to change shoes just to go out.”

Shen’s mother’s expression changed dramatically. She played the victim, saying pitifully, “I’m getting old, even asking my daughter to do something is difficult. I might as well go to a nursing home in the future. Sigh!”

She immediately jumped up. “I’ll go, I’ll go!” She rummaged through the shoe cabinet on the balcony and found the cotton tiger-head slippers she used to wear in college. Taking the bag of trash with a grudge, she thought, Mom is getting more and more experienced in the battle of wits, knowing that I won’t yield to force.

The winter night was really cold, and her mind was a bit sluggish. She momentarily felt like she was back in college, dragging these tiger-head slippers around the dormitory area.

Just as she entered the supermarket, a man was on his way out. Their eyes met, and Shen Xifan was momentarily stunned. Looking around, she muttered to herself, “Am I in the right place? This is a supermarket, and I’m not sick. Why am I seeing this guy?”

Unexpectedly, He Su Ye overheard her words and burst out laughing.

She immediately snapped out of it. Su Ye’s smile was really cute, and her heart skipped a beat. She started speaking incoherently, “Sorry, Dr. He, you’re here at the supermarket too, what a coincidence!”

He Su Ye found her speech somewhat strange but chose not to dwell on it. “Just here to buy some things. Do you live around here?”

She nodded, then inquired, “Do you also live here? I’ve never seen you in all these years.”

He Su Ye elaborated, “I moved here a few months ago. Perhaps I haven’t explored much yet. Nonetheless, this neighborhood offers great convenience for transportation and shopping.”

Shen Xifan was at a loss for words for a moment, and could only nod in agreement. He Su Ye found it amusing. She was not tall, barely reaching his shoulder, looking like a child being scolded by her parents. He lowered his head and asked, “Is the medicine I prescribed difficult to swallow?”

Her face inexplicably became a bit warm. She thought to herself, “He Su Ye, you’re standing too close. While appreciating the closeness, she confessed, “I’m not feeling up to it today.” Pretending to contemplate, she remarked, “Bitter, isn’t it always bitter? It’s quite a struggle to swallow!”

He Su Ye rummaged through his bag and took out a large bowl of jelly, patiently saying, “Medicine should be taken properly. If it’s bitter, eat this jelly after taking the medicine. Be obedient!”

Shen Xifan stood there dumbfounded. Just as her heart was about to blossom, she heard He Su Ye continue, “Children in the hospital refuse to take their medicine, so we use this to coax them…”

She looked up, somewhat puzzled. “Dr. He, am I a child?”

He smiled. “You’re not a child, but you act like one. I’ll go ahead now. Remember to pick up your medicine tomorrow!” Then, he unexpectedly glanced at her round tiger-head cotton slippers and left.

Shen Xifan held the jelly in a daze, watching He Su Ye’s retreating figure. She felt a bit annoyed, but couldn’t hide the smile creeping onto her lips. For him, she wondered if she was a bit special as a patient.

Back at home, as she dropped the plastic bag, her mother approached, smiling, “Fanfan, how about going out to dinner with Mom tomorrow?”

Immediately feeling overwhelmed, she said, “Mom, I don’t want to go on blind dates. Just give up!”

Shen’s mother chuckled instead of getting angry, coming closer to persuade her daughter, “This time, Mom has picked a doctor for you. What do you think? He’s from the People’s Hospital. Interested? Auntie Yang says this young man is quite impressive…”

Shen Xifan interrupted, “What’s his name?”

“You’ll find out when you go, won’t you?” Shen’s mother teased, glancing at the jelly in her daughter’s hand. “Even though you’re an adult, you’re still eating kids’ stuff…”

She hid the jelly behind her back. “So, I’m just a child, right? Tomorrow night, I’ll go, okay?” Ignoring her mother’s cheering behind her, she walked straight to her room, closed the door, and collapsed on the bed, giggling at the jelly.

The next morning at the morning meeting, Director Cheng announced that on Christmas Eve, a certain software company in the city would hold a large party at a hotel, so tasks were assigned to each department. After some suggestions were made, the meeting adjourned.

Xu Xiangya was excited. “Xifan, we’ll get to see a lot of handsome guys again. How lucky!”

Shen Xifan was gloomy. “I don’t want to see handsome guys at all. I just want to go home and sleep.”

Xu Xiangya shrugged. “No wonder you haven’t had any romantic encounters in three years. It turns out your estrogen levels are out of balance—you’re not thinking about men, you’re thinking about sleep. But you still have to attend. You missed last year’s party, and you can’t skip it this year.”

She thought to herself, this year she was really at the beck and call of others; there was no escaping it.

The IT summit had just ended a few days ago, and several senior executives had already left the hotel.

The morning sun pierced through the winter mist, the air slightly damp. Shen Xifan walked back after seeing off the guests, inevitably passing by the F area villas.

She saw Yan Heng sitting by the window, just gazing out at the lawn outside, his handsome face somewhat hazy.

It felt familiar.

Once, in the music department’s practice room, Yan Heng sat by the window, his head still calm under the summer sun, but his gaze distant and melancholy. With just one glance, she became inexplicably drawn to this rumored playboy. She felt he wasn’t as happy as he appeared.

And now, was he unhappy too?

It had nothing to do with her—she was being nosy again.

Finally getting off work, she hurried home to prepare for the blind date in the evening.

Changing out of her professional suit, Shen Xifan tied her hair into a ponytail and put on a simple red plaid cotton coat. Removing her makeup, she only applied a light layer of lip gloss. She felt that a fresh look suited her better.

With a nervous and curious heart, she went to the tea house’s private room. Surprisingly, the male lead this time was quite high-profile. He arrived ten minutes late, causing Shen Xifan to recognize him at first glance—the uniquely styled doctor she had bumped into at the hospital last time.

He introduced himself breathlessly, “I’m Li Jie. Sorry, Miss Shen, I forgot my keys in the dormitory just now, so I had to go back to get them. Sorry for the delay.”

Sure enough, there was a bunch of keys hanging from his pinky finger. Shen Xifan was curious. “Your keychain is unique!”

The irregularly shaped blocks, the gray-white surface with longitudinal cracks and brown streaks, looked smooth and cute.

Li Jie paused for a moment, then smiled. “It’s fossilized dragon bone, picked up from the specimen room back in school.” Handing it to Shen Xifan, he explained, pointing at it, “These are the fossils of ancient mammals like three-toed horses, rhinos, deer, cattle, elephants, etc. You see, this piece is from a joint, hence the honeycomb-like pores, which conveniently serve as a keychain. Dragon bone is a medicinal herb, with a neutral nature, it enters the liver meridian, calming the liver and subduing yang, invigorating blood, and calming the mind…”

Shen Xifan found him particularly easygoing. Noticing how his thick black eyebrows moved up and down as he spoke, she couldn’t help but wonder. Why did medical professionals always seem so passionate and confident when discussing their field, just like He Suye.

Li Jie seemed to recognize her too. “Miss Shen, why do you look so familiar? Have we met before?”

Perking up, Shen Xifan replied, “Maybe at the hospital. Mr. Li, do you know Dr. He? I went there last time to get cold medicine.”

Li Jie suddenly realized. “Oh, that time! You mean Dr. He Suye, right? He’s my senior brother. What a coincidence!”

Shen Xifan was about to burst into tears of excitement, but she couldn’t let him see that her interest was in He Suye rather than him. She could only nod. “Dr. He is indeed a great doctor!”

Unexpectedly, Li Jie opened up. “Our families have been friends for generations. He’s a year older than me. We grew up together. I used to get into trouble, stealing dates from people’s trees, breaking windows and stuff, and He Suye always took the blame for me because his parents were busy working and sent him to elementary school early. I didn’t expect him to keep up, so he ended up being three grades ahead of me…”

Shen’s mother, peeking through the door crack, saw the lively scene: Li Jie passionately telling stories while drinking tea, and Shen Xifan listening intently, occasionally refilling his cup. She felt pleased, thinking the blind date was probably going well. The charm of doctors was indeed irresistible. However, she didn’t know that the two inside were discussing something completely unrelated to the blind date—someone outside of their acquaintance.

Finally, Shen Xifan asked curiously, “Why did Dr. Li come for a blind date?”

Li Jie chuckled. “Just call me by my name. Doctors like us have a small circle. This blind date was arranged by my mom. I wasn’t keen on it at first, but talking to you is quite relaxing, and it feels like we’ve known each other for ages. Of course, Miss Shen, why are you here for a blind date?”

She blushed oddly. Li Jie continued, “Just now, Miss Shen kept discussing my senior brother. Do you… have feelings for him?”

She quickly shook her head. “No, I just… I just found him interesting, so I…”

The more guilty she felt, the harder it was to explain. Her embarrassment was evident to Li Jie.

Li Jie blinked. “It’s okay. Did you think my senior brother was quite nice? Don’t worry, he doesn’t have a girlfriend right now. If you’re interested, I can help you!”

Shen Xifan was puzzled. There was no reason she would fall for a doctor she had only met a few times, with less than an hour of conversation. Just because he was handsome, exceptionally friendly, exceptionally talented, and seemed to have a good impression of her, did that mean she liked him? Was she being frivolous?

She had to clarify, “Li Jie, I just think He Suye is great and I want to be friends with him. Just like I think you’re easygoing and nice, so I want to be friends with you.”

Li Jie felt embarrassed. “I misunderstood. Miss Shen, don’t be angry. How about I treat you to dinner as an apology?”

Shen Xifan inwardly scolded herself for being too suspicious, then smiled. “Just call me Shen Xifan. If we’re going to be friends, calling me Miss Shen feels too formal. I’m hungry, let’s go eat!”

They exchanged smiles, both feeling a strong connection. But as for being a couple, that was out of the question!

They went to a Northeastern cuisine restaurant where business was booming. With no private rooms available, they had to sit by the window near the door. Li Jie was worried that Shen Xifan might mind, but to his surprise, she pointed at the bustling crowd outside and squinted with a smile. “Li Jie, look at everyone bustling around, while we’re here leisurely enjoying our meal. It feels nice.”

He found her easygoing nature very comforting.

They ordered three signature dishes, and though not many, the portions were generous and the flavors delightful. They enjoyed their meal immensely. However, halfway through, Shen Xifan felt like someone was watching her. When she looked up, she blurted out, “Dr. He?”

Li Jie immediately looked up too, seeing He Suye pushing the door open. His first words were directed at Shen Xifan. “Why didn’t you pick up your medicine today? Did you forget again? I just reminded you yesterday!”

Shen Xifan could only smile sheepishly. “I forgot. I’ll go tomorrow, I promise!”

After they finished their meal, the bill arrived, and both reached for their wallets simultaneously. Li Jie quickly paid, and Shen Xifan generously offered, “I’ll treat you next time!”

As she headed to the restroom, He Suye couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. “How did you two meet?”

Li Jie tapped the bowl with his chopsticks as if telling a story. “Senior Brother, this blind date was set up by my mom. But we hit it off instantly, just like old friends. No romantic feelings involved!”

Pausing for a moment, he added, “I feel like I’m here on your behalf. It’s a strange feeling!”

He Suye was taken aback. “Me? Blind date? What nonsense!”

Shen Xifan and He Suye lived in the same neighborhood. Even though Shen Xifan wasn’t in the best mood at Times Square, He Suye observed her constantly scanning the surroundings with a smile, and he found himself uplifted by her demeanor.

The street was bustling with people. In five days, it would be Christmas, followed by New Year. Shops were adorned with Christmas trees and colorful lights, and windows were sprayed with the words “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy New Year!” The music fountain in the square shimmered in all its colorful glory.

Suddenly, he felt someone tugging at his coat. Looking down, he saw a girl selling flowers. She said to him, “Big brother, buy a bouquet for your girlfriend!”

He was at a loss for words. Shen Xifan burst into laughter. “Little girl, he’s my dad, you’ve got it wrong!”

He Suye watched Shen Xifan giggle, feeling helpless, wearing a red and black checkered cotton jacket. Her hair in a ponytail, her big eyes sparkling with energy, she didn’t look like a 25-year-old professional, easily mistaken for a high school student. The little girl looked at them in disbelief and walked away, still suspicious. He sighed, “I am getting old.”

Shen Xifan comforted him, “Dr. He loves jelly, young at heart even if not in age!”

They walked to the supermarket in the neighborhood. She darted inside while He Suye waited at the entrance. After a short while, she came out carrying a large bag of items. Shen Xifan asked him, “He Suye, do you like sweets?”

It was the first time she called him by his name. He couldn’t quite describe the feeling. The way she said “Suye” with her soft accent had a special charm, reminiscent of the sticky sweetness of the honey pills his grandfather used to make.

He nodded, “Yes, I do. Why?”

She pulled out a bar of Dove chocolate. “A return gift for the jelly. Dr. He, make sure you brew your medicine well. This is a patient’s token of gratitude to her doctor!”

He accepted it with a smile. Shen Xifan’s face turned slightly red, probably regretting her boldness. Keen-eyed as he was, he instantly understood the girl’s intentions.

However, for the first time, he didn’t mind someone showing such straightforward affection toward him, not even Zhang Yiling.

In the afternoon, the Chinese medicine building was sparsely populated. He Su Ye squatted in the pharmacy, assisting the pharmacist in decocting medicine.

As the attending physician, he didn’t need to personally decoct medicine in the pharmacy. However, being a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner often left him with spare time, and he enjoyed the various medicinal herbs, watching them boil in the pot, and the aroma spreading, blending bitter with sweet. Since the pharmacy had just hired a novice who was unfamiliar with the process, they often needed guidance on whether to use strong or mild heat.

He picked up the prescription, which he had written himself. Shen Xifan seemed like a nice name, but when pronounced, it sounded like… “Rice Porridge? Serving Rice Porridge? Her family must be very practical!”

Huanglian was very bitter, but the other herbs were sweet in nature and balanced, so the medicine shouldn’t be too difficult to drink. After finishing a month’s worth, he planned to prescribe a porridge made with Chinese arborvitae seeds or grind some sour jujube seed powder to assist with insomnia.

However, he couldn’t be sure if this girl would develop any other problems. Meeting three times in two weeks was quite frequent for a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and a patient.

But with her, it seemed there was always something unexpected or miraculous.

Then, a nurse from the outpatient department approached him. “Dr. He, Director Liao from the inpatient department is calling for you.”

He dropped the prescription, instructed the pharmacist to control the heat, and then went straight to the inpatient department.

Director Liao was already waiting for him in the office. “Xiao He, come with me to the wards. With the sudden drop in temperature recently, some patients have developed coughs. Phenylpropanolamine doesn’t seem to be very effective, and I didn’t dare to try codeine or similar drugs. Can you see if you can prescribe some Chinese medicine? This is what you, practitioners of integrated Chinese and Western medicine, are best at!”

He Su Ye felt embarrassed. “I’ll do my best!”

He carefully examined the patients, and prescribed medicine, and since they were all from the digestive department, their ailments were mostly related to the stomach and intestines. He didn’t dare to use too strong of a prescription and added some herbs to soothe the liver, regulate qi, warm the stomach, and invigorate the spleen.

One patient asked him, “Doctor, I vomit yellow-green gastric fluid every time I take the Chinese medicine. What’s wrong?”

He glanced at the medical record and explained, “It’s probably because the powder of Bletilla striata is a bit irritating. But it’s nothing serious. If you feel uncomfortable, you can ask your attending physician to reduce the dosage from three times a day to twice.”

Director Liao leaned over to look. “Oh, it’s one of Xiao Xu’s patients. Why didn’t he mention this?”

Suddenly, the lights in the ward went out. Winter afternoons were already dark, and the patients were startled. A nurse quickly ran over. “Maybe there’s a power outage. We’ll have power back soon!”

The power did return, powered by the hospital’s internal generator, but it only supplied electricity to the emergency and inpatient departments. Director Liao kindly said, “Xiao He, I’ll have the nurse bring the medicine again tomorrow. It’s hard for you to work without electricity in the Chinese medicine building.”

He Su Ye nodded. “I’ll go get the prescription first. If the power comes back, I’ll have them decoct it immediately and deliver it.”

Director Liao patted his shoulder. “That’s good. Give my regards to your father!”

He Su Ye nodded, but he thought about how long it had been since he last saw his father.

Luckily, there was no power outage at home. He Su Ye was just about to open the door when he heard footsteps behind him, followed by a familiar voice, weak but with a hint of pleading. “Senior Brother, please treat us to a meal!”

He turned around in surprise. “Li Jie, Fang Kexin, what are you doing here?”

Li Jie looked frustrated. “The school had a power outage. Senior Brother, you know how pitiful our school is. The old campus doesn’t even have a generator, and the cafeteria isn’t serving. The nearby restaurants are closed…”

“So you came here to freeload a meal?” He Su Ye smiled. “Come in, there’s not much food at home, but you guys can make do.”

Although dinner was simple, He Su Ye was skilled in cooking, and they kept praising the food.

Li Jie was He Su Ye’s junior brother, and their families were close. He had always regarded He Su Ye as an older brother, and he felt at home in his house, just as he did in his own. After dinner, he tossed the dishes and chopsticks and went online to play games. Fang Kexin felt embarrassed. “Senior Brother, sorry for the trouble.”

He Su Ye smiled. “It’s okay. How can I let guests wash the dishes? I’ll do it.”

Fang Kexin could only wander around the house. He Su Ye’s home was just like his own: simple, and refreshing, with various medical books, prescriptions, and half-written papers piled on the study desk. She suddenly remembered when she last visited: two years ago, when Senior Brother and Senior Sister Zhang Yiling broke up.

No one knew that four years ago, she secretly admired He SuYe. She and Li Jie were high school classmates and coincidentally enrolled in the same university, becoming good friends. She constantly heard from Li Jie how excellent Senior Brother was academically and how kind he was. He had been her idol since childhood and always took the blame for her.

The first time she went out to eat with Li Jie, she saw He SuYe smiling as he served dumplings to Zhang Yiling, not touching his chopsticks, but focusing on Zhang Yiling with tender, affectionate eyes. She fell in love with He Su Ye almost instantly, with his handsome and gentle demeanor. At that moment, she believed in love at first sight.

But what right did she have to disturb them? He Su Ye and Zhang Yiling were a well-known exemplary couple. Everyone who knew them would marvel at their perfect match. She could only obediently act like a little junior sister in front of him, silently paying attention to his every move, consciously or unconsciously imitating Zhang Yiling’s style, asking him about various medical cases, even though he wasn’t in the imaging field, just to be around him for a while. She thought they would get married and have cute children, accompanying each other for the rest of their lives. But everything ended with Zhang Yiling going abroad.

She couldn’t understand how two people in love could just break up like that, across a vast distance, without any connection.

She still remembered what He Su Ye said to Zhang Yiling that rainy night, in front of her and Li Jie: “If you want to leave, then go ahead. If you leave, please don’t regret it. I respect your choice, and I ask you to respect my feelings.”

That night, He Su Ye drank heavily for the first time, while Zhang Yiling remained silent. She vaguely felt that Zhang Yiling going abroad wasn’t just a simple matter, but she would probably never know the full story.

After Zhang Yiling left, He Su Ye disappeared for a while, and even Li Jie couldn’t find him. Then one day, she saw He Su Ye getting off the bus with a backpack, looking much thinner and haggard. When she asked him, he said he had been doing free clinics in the mountainous areas for three months. His smile seemed somewhat forced, and she felt distressed. She felt heartache, so she became even nicer to He Su Ye. She didn’t dare to fantasize about replacing Zhang Yiling’s position, she just wanted him to be better, and that would be enough.

One day, He Su Ye said to her, “Junior Sister, find someone who will treat you well. I’m not worth it.”

That was when she realized that although she thought she had hidden her feelings well, He Su Ye knew everything. He had always rejected her tactfully, citing work, papers, or other reasons, and she believed he was that busy.

She finally understood that He Su Ye was the most principled person. Love was love. If someone loved you, that was enough, and if they didn’t, they wouldn’t cling to temporary warmth. However, she could never be that person.

He Su Ye had many medicinal herbs at home, all specimens made in school. Zhang Yiling especially loved herbs ending with the character “香” (xiāng), such as cloves, patchouli, Agastache, costus root, agarwood, sandalwood, benzoin, musk, and sweet wormwood. She had studied these few herbs carefully.

She had a sweet tooth, so she liked Agastache the most, also known as fennel. Large fennel was Chinese star anise, indispensable for stewing fish or braising meat, while small fennel could be stir-fried, cold-mixed, used in dumplings, or used with cloves and cardamom to make premium beef.

However, it wasn’t suitable for people with excessive yin and strong fire.

She held a pack of fennel seeds, lost in thought. He Su Ye walked over and explained to her, “Fennel seeds have a pungent and sweet flavor, which helps to invigorate the qi, strengthen the stomach, dispel cold, and relieve pain. Most importantly, they can also be used for cold dishes and dumpling fillings.”

Fang Ke Xin nodded, “I love eating these. Big fennel seeds are also very fragrant, and Senior Brother’s essence-rich beef is amazing.”

He Su Ye felt a bit embarrassed, “What I make is just average, but these big fennel seeds are harmful to the body, as they easily cause internal heat. It’s better to eat less of them.”

She smiled mischievously, “It seems like today’s spicy lamb is quite heating, isn’t it?”

He Su Ye pointed to the living room, “I specially made some turtle jelly and mung bean soup. Hurry up and go, don’t let Li Jie, that glutton, eat it all!”

Although it was just ordinary mung bean soup and turtle jelly, they tasted delicious and refreshing, perfect for consumption after heavy, greasy meals.

Li Jie was busy eating, while Fang Ke Xin asked, “Senior Brother, how do you make this turtle jelly? Can it be made at home?”

“It’s somewhat complicated. You can buy turtle jelly powder to make it at home, but real turtle jelly is made from over twenty Chinese medicinal ingredients such as turtle shell, smilax glabra, atractylodes, bitter ginseng, ligustrum lucidum, schizonepeta tenuifolia, raw rehmannia, and chicken bone grass. It nourishes yin, nourishes the kidneys, moisturizes dryness, protects the skin, eliminates acne, regulates the viscera, and clears heat and toxins.”

Li Jie interjected, “Senior Brother, we haven’t seen you make it since Junior Sister Zhang Yi Ling left.”

Fang Ke Xin glared at him, “Focus on eating yours well, don’t just talk for the sake of talking!”

He Su Ye laughed, “It seems like it’s been a long time since I made it, hasn’t it? Over a year since Zhang Yi Ling left?”

Fang Ke Xin was surprised. For the past two years, this was the first time she had heard He Su Ye mention Zhang Yi Ling. She had always thought that she was his taboo, buried deep in his heart, wounds that he wouldn’t easily reveal. But now he was so casual about it as if discussing the weather.

It took Fang Ke Xin a while to react, “Senior Brother, how do you feel about Junior Sister now…?”

“It’s been two years since everything happened.” He Su Ye smiled, “Why bother with lingering regrets? It was her choice, and I have to respect it. Besides, she left decisively. No matter how much I miss her, I can’t hold onto her. So, it’s all in the past.”

In He Su Ye’s eyes, there was pure equanimity, devoid of sorrow or grief, completely different from that rainy night two years ago.

He had let go and moved on, while she, like every other person trapped in the past, didn’t know when she could let go. If she couldn’t let go, how could this life be happy?

After finishing their meal, the two bid farewell. He Su Ye was left alone, lost in contemplation as he gazed at the specimens in the study.

These were all brought back by Zhang Yi Ling from school. She always believed that to excel in traditional Chinese medicine, one needed to be immersed in it. She was a woman of great ambition, never allowing herself to fail—always striving for the best grades, the most unique clothing, and even insisting on finding the best boyfriend. But was she truly the best herself?

Perhaps because her exam scores were never as high as his, especially in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

Despite being such a strong woman, she eventually chose a path of no return. He still remembered that slightly chilly autumn day when the dean called them into the office and solemnly announced that there was one spot available for a government-sponsored study abroad program, and the faculty had unanimously decided that one of them would take it. As for who, they could decide between themselves.

Studying integrated Chinese and Western medicine abroad, particularly with a focus on traditional Chinese medicine, was undeniably challenging. Feeling disheartened afterward, he observed the longing in Zhang Yi Ling’s eyes, softening immediately. He consistently strived to offer Zhang Yi Ling the best, and this time was no exception.

But he miscalculated. He thought Zhang Yi Ling would come back to discuss it with him. He thought she would convince herself to give up. If it was her wish, he would accept it. He would let her go because he loved her so much.

However, she didn’t return for three days. On the fourth day, he saw her standing by his bed and saying, “He Su Ye, I’m leaving. The department notified me that I’ve been chosen to study abroad in the United States.”

He smiled and congratulated her, but inside, he was deeply saddened. Suddenly, he noticed the bruises on Zhang Yi Ling’s neck and immediately realized. He grabbed her hand abruptly and shouted, “How did you get that spot? Tell me!”

Zhang Yi Ling coldly pushed him away. “I got it with my means. Is that enough for you, He Su Ye? I know as long as your grandfather speaks up, the dean will surely give you the spot, so I had to take action first.”

With all hope lost, what else could he say at this point? He told her, “If you said you wanted the spot, you know I would have given it to you. Why do you have to degrade yourself like this?”

She looked at him calmly. “I don’t want to owe you anything. I want to leave without any attachments.”

What a “leave without any attachments.” He could only ask, “Zhang Yi Ling, did you ever love me?”

He didn’t get an immediate answer, but he finally got one.

On the rainy night before Zhang Yi Ling left, she said, “Since I was a child, I always wanted the best—the best grades, the best clothes. I told myself that I wanted the best boyfriend, the best husband. So, He Su Ye, I loved you, but I loved the best version of you. I’m going abroad, and I’ll meet someone even better. So, I won’t love you.”

The truth revealed that this strong woman only wanted a man who could match her, not He Su Ye.

He sighed, collected his thoughts, started cleaning up the kitchen, and then opened the fridge to check tomorrow’s breakfast ingredients. Turns out, there were no eggs or bread left. He dressed himself and prepared to go to the supermarket in the neighborhood to buy some groceries.

Shen Xifan’s attention was drawn to a spider. She was already somewhat nearsighted, but unfortunately, she had forgotten to put on her glasses during her inspection rounds.

The supervisors were somewhat nervous. The scene was already quite eerie: Shen, dressed in a deep blue professional suit, assumed a thoughtful pose, staring fixedly at a certain corner, her gaze distant as if anticipating something. It wasn’t until Zhang suddenly exclaimed, “Ah! There’s a big spider!”

Shen Xifan nodded satisfactorily. “Could it be that our hotel’s ecological environment is too good? Even spiders are crawling in here?”

The head of the guest room department, with a sincere attitude, said, “Manager Shen, it’s my negligence.”

She nodded. “I’ll come back to check again at five o’clock in the afternoon. Remember, it’s for all areas. I won’t find it troublesome.”

Back in her office, she turned on her computer to check the department’s accounts. Just as she had read two lines, the computer suddenly made a “pop” sound and went dead. She carefully sniffed. Wasn’t the computer burning? She then glanced at the indicator light on the water dispenser. Oh, there was a power outage!

The engineering department immediately called. “Manager Shen, there’s a large-scale power outage in the city, so we’re using the hotel’s generator. However, due to the large range of power usage, the administrative building is temporarily without power. Please understand.”

Shen Xifan responded with an “Okay.” She then put on her coat and went out, calling her father. Shen’s father said there seemed to be a large-scale power outage in the east of the city, but their home in the west was still receiving power. She sighed in relief. “I’ll be home a little later tonight.”

The lobby was a bit chaotic. Perhaps the sudden power outage had caused the elevators to stop abruptly. Although it was only for a moment, some guests were startled. A little girl seemed panicked, repeatedly calling out “Mom.”

The lobby manager, Ding Wei, explained the situation. Fortunately, the guests understood, and the situation was quickly brought under control.

Shen Xifan squatted in front of the little girl and asked, “Little friend, where’s your mom?”

The little girl, with a childish voice, spoke haltingly, “I… just now… my mom was still here… when the power went out… it was chaotic… I was pushed here… and then my mom was gone…”

She had no choice but to take the little girl to the security office, pull up the lobby surveillance footage, and let her identify. The little girl was clever, pointing at a woman of average height and saying, “This is her!”

Shen Xifan signaled to rewind the footage. When the woman turned around, her face was directly facing her. She was suddenly stunned. Guning Yuan?

She pointed at the screen and asked, “Are you sure this is your mom?”

The little girl nodded. “Mom suddenly said she wanted to go out. I didn’t want to stay at home alone, so I secretly got into her car and followed her there. But when we got here, my mom disappeared in the blink of an eye.”

“What’s your name?”

“Zhou Siqi.”

Shen Xifan breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it wasn’t someone surnamed “Yan” or “Dai.” However, this little girl seemed to be around six or seven years old. How could she be Guning Yuan’s daughter? There was not the slightest resemblance between them. Perhaps she wasn’t her biological child.

“Auntie will help you find your mom now. You stay here with Uncle Security and don’t wander around, okay?”

“Auntie!” The little girl pleaded timidly, “When my mom comes, can you ask her not to hit me? Siqi is so scared!”

Guning Yuan. How many years had it been since she thought of that name? She had been deliberately ignoring that memory, but three years later, it was forcibly dug up. It still hurt, like a freshly coagulated blood clot. A gentle touch would cause it to bleed again.

Yan Heng was affectionate, but she couldn’t blame him. If she were clever enough, she wouldn’t have willingly jumped into it. But even if she was intelligent, she would become powerless in front of love. He would only love one person, and pamper one person. In front of him, you were a princess. But his affection for each person had an expiration date. When he felt it was no longer fresh, you expired. Then, like canned pineapples, you were packed up and thrown into the trash.

And he was too good, like a drug invading the mind, corroding the heart, and then seeping into the skin, occupying inch by inch. Slowly, irresistibly, every drop of blood in the body shouted his goodness. He was an addiction, with no cure.

But Shen Xifan couldn’t help but ask in her heart, Guning Yuan, this time you came to find Yan Heng, do you want poison or an antidote?

She didn’t need to personally go find Guning Yuan. Moreover, she had been deliberately avoiding Villa Area F. But, she didn’t know why. Perhaps it was reluctance, unfinished business, perhaps there were more reasons. She wasn’t the little girl who cried in hiding when she saw Yan Heng with another girl anymore. But what did she want now? She didn’t know.

After a deeply memorable first love ended, three years later, when both parties met again, what kind of expression should be used, what kind of words should be said, she didn’t know. But many times, everything didn’t need an explanation, and there was no way to explain it.

Yan Heng was wearing very little. Indeed, standing opposite him was Guning Yuan, the former belle of the chemistry department. Now, her glory had faded, and her delicate makeup couldn’t hide the haggardness of her face. Perhaps her marriage was not happy, Shen Xifan speculated.

She didn’t disturb them, just stood far away, unable to hear their conversation, only seeing Guning Yuan grabbing Yan Heng’s arm, only to be fiercely thrown away by him. Then she staggered out, her eyes full of tears.

Shen Xifan took a deep breath and called out, “Wait, Miss Gu!”

Gu Ningyuan and Yan Heng both turned their heads, one with surprise and the other with annoyance. Shen Xifan casually said, “Miss Gu, your daughter is in the security room of the lobby. Please take her away. Also,” she paused, “the child didn’t mean any harm by following. Please don’t blame her!”

Gu Ningyuan forced a smile, noticing Shen Xifan’s name tag, and paused slightly, “I didn’t expect you to work at this hotel. Nice to meet you. I’m very busy today, let’s schedule a time to talk privately another day.”

Shen Xifan wanted to scream, “Even if you invite me on a trip to the Maldives, I won’t go. I’m scared of you!” But she kindly added, “Please don’t scold your daughter!”

Gu Ningyuan smiled and walked away, saying, “My hand hurts just thinking about hitting her…”

Left facing Yan Heng alone, they were close but in an extremely awkward atmosphere. She had to break the silence, “Mr. Yan, there was a large-scale power outage in the city earlier. I hope it didn’t inconvenience you.”

Yan Heng shook his head, sounding somewhat softer, “Xifan, do we have to be so distant?”

She was suddenly at a loss for words, regretting coming here to stir things up. As she turned to leave, Yan Heng’s voice came from behind, causing her breath to hitch, immobilizing her.

“Xiaofan…”

“Shen Xifan, your name sounds a lot like porridge, but that’s just congee, very fragrant, just like you. You have to slowly savor it to appreciate its flavor!”

“Shen Xifan, now that you’re my girlfriend, calling you by your name doesn’t feel intimate enough. I’ll just call you Xiaofan!”

“Xiaofan, Xiaofan, do you like this name? What? Sounds like a dog’s name? How could it be? If you were a dog, you’d be the cutest dog in the world and the laziest!”

“Xiaofan, let’s break up. You’ve changed. You’re not the same Xiaofan anymore. Goodbye, Shen Xifan!”

Yan Heng smiled somewhat bitterly, “Xiaofan, only you know my tastes. I don’t like spicy food but I love hot pot. I don’t eat fish, only fish soup. Every meal I’ve had for the past three years, was it all instructed by you to the chef? You haven’t forgotten anything about me in three years, have you?”

Her eyes welled up uncontrollably. Shen Xifan dared not turn back, just the sound of a familiar name made her so moved and nostalgic. If she continued, she didn’t know how to face the scarred past and the uncertain future.

The wounds of a lifetime couldn’t be healed with words or forgotten over time, but with happiness. She was just lost, wondering if happiness had been taken away by him or if it had never existed.

Suddenly, the intercom buzzed with the supervisor’s voice, “Manager Shen, do you want to inspect the hygiene at five o’clock?”

“I’ll be there right away. Okay, wait for me in front of Building 1.”

Shen Xifan dared not say goodbye, as if she had never said “goodbye” to him. Even if it was their last meeting, she didn’t say “goodbye.” This time, she just softly whispered, “Mr. Yan, I have something to attend to. Goodbye.”

She always said that “goodbye” had two meanings—one was “see you again,” and the other was “never see you again.” She didn’t like either meaning, because she didn’t want to part with him, nor did she want to miss the chance to meet him again.

But things always went against her wishes.

Walking around the artificial lake in Area C, she suddenly felt powerless. With the winter wind, she tried hard to clear her mind. She reminded herself that she couldn’t bring personal emotions to work, let alone have ambiguous relationships with clients. She had always been meticulous and sensitive but highly disciplined.

Taking a deep breath to adjust her state, straightening her uniform, she smiled at herself, repeatedly murmuring, “Guest room, door locks flexible, no fingerprints, room number clean and tidy, walls and ceiling free of spider webs, stains…”

As she recited, she turned to leave but saw a car parked in front of Villa No. 2. A stunningly attractive woman stepped out of the car. Upon closer inspection, she seemed to be a famous model.

Shen Xifan sighed inwardly. Ling Huoshui, you’re truly a demon, but unfortunately, too many people fall for your charms. Then she thought, if she took a picture of this scene and sold it to gossip magazines, she would make a fortune. Then she’d get fired, sued, and thrown in jail, with her parents taking turns visiting her—forget it, she’d better walk away quietly.

But she couldn’t help but glance sideways, seeing Ling Yufan leaning against the door, smiling at her. Without his glasses, he was incredibly charismatic. Shen Xifan immediately put on a bitter face, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

She calmed herself, clasping her hands together, silently reciting, “When faced with a dead end, turn back to shore to exchange for RMB.”

After checking all the floors, Shen Xifan nodded in satisfaction. “The hygiene is very good, I’m pleased. Thank you all for your hard work this afternoon!”

Then she prepared to go back to the office to tidy up. As she passed by the Chinese restaurant, she hesitated, then doubled back, exaggeratedly sniffing the air. She hurried to the backstage operation room to find Xu Xiangya. “Ivory, will there be fennel dumplings tonight?”

Xu Xiangya jumped. “Are you a dog with such a keen sense of smell? You can smell it from that far away? Hey, what are you up to? Fennel in winter is hard to come by. Even if we found some, it’s not for you to eat! Give up!”

She was annoyed. “Is it for Yan Heng? No, give them all to me. He prefers celery dumplings!”

Xu Xiangya’s eyes lit up. “Really? Are you serious?”

“Not kidding, not kidding!” She reached out to grab the exquisitely packaged dumplings in the blue and white porcelain bowl. The delicate patterns made them look exquisite, and fit for VIPs.

Chef Li chuckled. “No problem, Manager Shen. If you like them, take them to go. There’s still a lot left, we can make more. Oh, Manager Xu, are we making celery or fennel dumplings now?”

Shen Xifan answered for Xu Xiangya. “Celery ones for Mr. Yan, with a bit more sugar. He likes them sweeter. Use aged vinegar, he doesn’t like balsamic! As for the remaining fennel ones, make them together with some cabbage dumplings and distribute them to various departments as a token of appreciation. The winter solstice is coming soon, let’s celebrate, and everyone has worked hard for this meeting.”

The assistant nearby packed the dumplings and added a bowl of noodle soup, placing it beside Shen Xifan.

Xu Xiangya was extremely frustrated. “I’m such a failure as the head of the catering department. How about we swap roles?”

Shen Xifan quickly shook her head. “No way. I’m afraid I’ll lead to corruption. You know I can’t resist Chef Li’s excellent cooking. Besides, aren’t you afraid I’ll bankrupt the hotel?”

Everyone laughed, except for Yan Heng, who stood not far away, his expression somewhat lonely.

He still remembered that Shen Xifan was a food lover, not as picky as he was but extremely fond of good food.

The first time he saw her was in the second year of a law elective class. Winter mornings were the most torturous, with most people sleeping until just before class and rushing in with milk and bread, openly eating in class. Because it was an elective course, the teacher just smiled when faced with such situations. Some unreliable teachers would borrow money from classmates during breaks to buy breakfast. He had been borrowed from several times, and even repaid double the amount. In short, winter was a great excuse for laziness.

Shen Xifan had slipped in through the back door ten minutes after class started, carrying a lunch box. She sat casually in the second-to-last row by the window, in front of him. Then she opened the lunch box, immediately releasing a burst of steam and the aroma of rice and noodles. He was surprised—she was so bold to bring steamed dumplings from the cafeteria to class.

Not only were there dumplings, but she also added some vinegar. Immediately, nearby classmates turned to look at the source of the aroma, smiled, and then turned back, tacitly acknowledging her breakfast. But she was also self-aware, lifting the bench and squatting by the window to eat. The moment she took the first bite, he smelled it—it was fennel dumplings.

At that time, he was suffering greatly, his empty stomach starting to rebel against the aroma of the dumplings. His mind began to wander due to a lack of blood supply. He wanted to tell her, could she not eat here? The aroma was too tempting, it was seriously affecting the class.

Just then, as she sat up to drink water, he gently tapped her back with his pen and whispered, “Classmate, could you please eat the dumplings outside?” But he didn’t know what she heard, he just saw her pause slightly, then reach for the lunch box, shaking her head. She took out half a pack of digestives from her bag. “There’s half a dumpling left. If you’re hungry, have these first!”

He could only laugh at himself, reluctantly accepting the cookies. He didn’t dare to move for a while, intending to return them to her at the end of class. But she suddenly jumped up, shouting, “It’s mealtime! Hurry up and grab food, or there won’t be any left!”

He, holding half a pack of cookies, was at a loss. It wasn’t until later that he realized Shen Xifan had misunderstood his words as “Can you, classmate, give me the dumplings?”

Yan Heng thought she hadn’t changed. She still loved eating dumplings, adding plenty of vinegar, then drinking water until her lips turned white, and gulping it down.

He suddenly realized that the three years gone by felt like three seconds, and he had never altered his memories. The days of youthful recklessness were gone forever, but he could never return to that time to make up for his mistakes.

She, she must hate him, right?

Due to work reasons, Shen Xifan spent most of her time at the hotel. Her office was always filled with the scent of Chinese herbs. Lin Yi Shen would often tease her when passing by, “Saint Shen, are you concocting elixirs again?”

Xu Xiangya was curious, “Xifan, why do you take Chinese medicine every day? Menopause?”

Shen Xifan frowned, “If I were going through menopause, you’d be at my funeral soon. I’m taking medicine for an external wind-cold.”

Xu Xiangya pretended to be amazed, “Wow, external wind-cold! You’re so professional!”

“It’s not me who’s professional, it’s that handsome doctor.” She muttered to herself, picturing He Su Ye’s smile with dimples on the right side of his face.

But Xu Xiangya had sharp ears and immediately started gossiping, “A handsome doctor? Who? Is Xifan in love? Wow, the uniform fantasy, doctor, white coat, so professional!”

Shen Xifan shot her a look, “Your fangirling skills are also quite professional!” She then took out a bag of Chinese herbs and waved it in front of Xu Xiangya, “The price of admiring a handsome doctor is quite heavy. It’s fleeting happiness followed by prolonged suffering!”

Xu Xiangya rolled her eyes, “It doesn’t matter. I’ll pretend to be sick, get my prescription, and throw it away after seeing the doctor. After all, the patient’s focus isn’t on the medicine, but on the handsome doctor!”

The head of guest services, Zhang Jie, called out, “Manager Shen, Mr. Ling is back. Do you want to go now?”

She shook her head, “He’s probably busy with a bath and dinner right now. Wait until 7 o’clock to come find me. By then, he’ll have finished dinner and won’t have started working, so we won’t be disturbing him.”

Suddenly, Xu Xiangya leaned in, “Xifan, Ling Huoshui is quite handsome too. But he doesn’t look like a decent person. Not as upright as Yan Heng. I’ve seen him in entertainment magazines more frequently than in business publications!”

Shen Xifan was curious, “Has that guy caused any trouble for you guys?”

“Not at all!” Xu Xiangya leaned in to smell the Chinese medicine cup. “This smells terrible! But Ling Huoshui isn’t as picky as Yan Heng. He often flirts with the girls in our department, making me feel a mix of love and hate!”

Shen Xifan felt annoyed, so she drank the medicine in one gulp, leaving Xu Xiangya dumbfounded, exclaiming, “Talent! Pure talent! Shen the Talent!” -_-!

In the afternoon, while she was resting, she received a call from her dad, which surprised her. As soon as she picked up, her dad’s voice sounded pitiful, “Fanfan, is your mom going through some phase? She’s been so difficult and stubborn lately.”

“The menopausal syndrome?”

Her dad eagerly nodded, “Yes, yes, that’s it! I feel like I’ve become a poor peasant at home, bullied by her every day. If I say something, she complains. I say one thing, and she retaliates with ten. Can’t I even speak anymore? She’s the one who talks the most!”

Shen Xifan could only comfort her dad, “Dad, you know her temper. It’s always been bad, but now, with the hormonal imbalance during menopause, she’s even more irritable. Just give her the silent treatment, passive resistance. Eight years of resistance during the Anti-Japanese War and three years of resistance between the Nationalists and Communists tell us—one must persevere for victory!”

“Will that work?” Her dad hesitated.

She solemnly assured him, “If it doesn’t work, I’ll take the brunt of it. Our family is known for our loud voices. I’ll talk to her when I go home, but work is really busy right now, and I’ve been staying at the hotel all this time. You just have to bear with it for now.”

Her dad reminded her a few more times before hanging up. She sighed. She also wanted to stop her mom’s bad temper and dispel the idea of arranging blind dates for her everywhere.

Seven o’clock came, and she went to find Ling Yufan. This time, she put on an extra layer of clothing, thinking, “It’s not worth catching another cold for you. If I’m going to feel anything, it’ll be for the handsome doctor this time.”

She knocked on the door for quite sometime before someone answered. Ling Yufan was wearing glasses and a thick sweater, speaking with some impatience, “Manager Shen, what’s the matter? Are you here to ‘personally’ compensate me this time?”

His face was somewhat pale but with a slight unhealthy flush. And his wire-rimmed glasses diminished his charisma by half. He didn’t look like a ladies’ man at all.

Ignoring Ling Yufan’s provocation completely, she explained her purpose formulaically. Before she could finish speaking, Ling Yufan suddenly grabbed her hand. Startled, she struggled to break free, then slightly bowed, “Mr. Ling, please behave yourself. I’ll take my leave.”

Ling Yufan chuckled, “Just teasing you. You haven’t reached the level where I can’t help myself yet!”

She shot him a glare, “Mr. Ling, goodnight!” Then she walked away without looking back, leaving behind Ling Yufan’s uncontrollable laughter.

As she left the C area, Shen Xifan felt annoyed, continuously rubbing her hands. Suddenly, she was surprised to realize that when Ling Yufan grabbed her just now, her palms felt hot. And thinking back, it seemed his complexion wasn’t quite normal today either. He probably caught a cold too.

She secretly felt pleased. Those who play with others will be played with. Turns out, fate is fair after all. Ling Yufan, you just calmly follow in my footsteps, Shen Xifan. Of course, she comforted herself with these wicked thoughts, this is also heaven punishing you for your frivolous behavior towards women. Ling Yufan, you should be content.

After a good night’s sleep, when she was preparing to work energetically, disaster struck. Her mom, from who knows where brought a “white knight” and asked her to evaluate him.

During the morning meeting, Shen Xifan was completely distracted, only jotting down a few words and then a whole page with the word “伯乐” (Bo Le), which means horse trainer in Chinese. Back in her office, she lamented, “Why isn’t there a prince here to appreciate me? It’s always either a dark horse or a white horse. If I don’t play the role of Bo Le, who will?”

She decided to sabotage her mom’s plan again. This time, this person seemed too pretentious, with eyes like Bai Yansong and a face like Wu Mengda. Her mom whispered on the side, “His advantage is that he’s a certified public accountant, very good at accounting!”

Shen Xifan thought to herself, “Actually, he’s here to spy on his daughter’s finances for you, you nosy busybody!” She didn’t discriminate against him based on appearance, but this successful man had extraordinary self-confidence, repeatedly boasting about how he could see through false accounts. She occasionally cooperated by exclaiming, “Wow, you’re amazing! I admire you so much!”

The man swelled even more, and finally, he dug out a heartfelt confession from the depths of his heart, “Actually, I just want to find someone who will treat my mom well. I’m too busy, and I don’t have time to take care of her.”

This time, Shen Xifan made an even more admiring and amazed expression. “Wow! You’re so clever. How did you know that this girl needed money and wanted to apply as a nanny? How much do you pay per month?…”

Sure enough, the blind date was a mess again!

Being scolded back to the hotel by her mother made her feel relieved inside, but she still had to pretend to look sorrowful on the surface. Shen’s mother scolded her from the restaurant back to her hotel. When she got upstairs and took out her phone, her mother continued scolding her until the phone ran out of battery. Shen Xifan now deeply felt how difficult her father’s situation was. So, the next afternoon, with a fervent desire to rescue menopausal women, she came to the hospital.

But her motives were not pure. It was just that she didn’t always see He Suye when she got medicine. She could only catch glimpses of him when she registered and waited in line for treatment. His dimples would surface when he smiled, and she could hear his gentle voice. Feeling somewhat foolish, she acknowledged that not all the reasons were her fault. At least fifty percent of the blame fell on that handsome doctor.

Facing Shen Xifan, He Suye had become accustomed to it. From insomnia to fever, if this girl made trouble resulting in stomach pain, bloating, edema, or fatigue, he could accept it calmly. And there was no need to hide his dimples in front of her, but it was still better to maintain some professionalism as a doctor.

However, Shen Xifan hesitated for a long time and couldn’t come up with a reason. He Suye was puzzled. What kind of illness was so difficult to talk about?

Finally, she blushed and asked, “How can menopausal syndrome be treated?”

He Suye widened his eyes and flipped back the cover of the medical record. “25 years old? Menopause ahead of time?”

She quickly waved her hand, “Not me, my mother.”

He Suye said, “Oh,” and asked, “Why not let your mother come and see herself?”

“I wouldn’t dare!” Shen Xifan felt a headache when it came to this. She completely forgot that she was talking to He Suye, “My father is now oppressed and can’t say a word. I’m harassed by noise pollution every day. Who in my family dares to mention this to her? It’s completely a feudal society. You tell me, if a woman keeps babbling in your ear for half a day, constantly calls until the phone runs out of battery, harasses you every other day with something, and meddles in everything… Um… Doctor He, am I talking too much?”

He Suye smiled, his eyes full of laughter. “No, no, I just feel very sorry for you. You’re so pitiful that you have nowhere to vent, so you came to the hospital to vent.”

She hesitated, “What should I do? Can you prescribe medicine now?”

He Suye shook his head, “I’m not very confident about this, but I can give you a few dietary therapy recipes to try at home. Lotus seeds, longan flesh, and rock sugar in appropriate amounts, boiled into porridge with boiling water, then add rock sugar before consuming. Or, black fungus and rice boiled into porridge, add jujube dice and mix in rock sugar. These two recipes have the effects of nourishing blood and lowering blood pressure, nourishing yin and tonifying the stomach, and invigorating the spleen, and replenishing qi.”

He then took out a piece of white paper. “Let me write it down for you so you won’t forget again.”

After writing it down, He Suye handed it to her. She pondered for a moment before asking, “Dr. He, what should someone do if they catch a cold but don’t like injections or medicine?”

He thought for a moment. “They can drink cold relief tea. Do you want me to write down some recipes for you?”

She took advantage of the situation and nodded eagerly, looking like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He Suye found it amusing but restrained his laughter, and proceeded to prescribe for her.

Shen Xifan looked at He Suye, feeling somewhat absent-minded. She silently wondered why all the men she met through blind dates were such “special” individuals. Why hadn’t she encountered an outstanding man like He Suye, who seemed so amiable and gentle? Suddenly, she felt annoyed by these blind dates.

Then, she blurted out, “Dr. He, is there any medicine that can dispel my mother’s thoughts of arranging blind dates for me?”

He Suye was writing seriously when the pen slipped with a “whoosh,” leaving a faint mark.

Shen Xifan hastily explained, “I spoke out of turn, please don’t take it seriously!”

He Suye thought for a moment, his expression serious. “Miss Shen should go to a marriage agency. This hospital doesn’t provide such services. I’m only responsible for curing patients, not for treating healthy people.”

As she went out to pay, Shen Xifan felt secretly pleased. The service from the handsome doctor today was truly exceptional. If it weren’t for her unexpected behavior at the end, it would have been perfect.

She muttered to herself as she walked, “Five Divine Tea: 6 grams of tea leaves, 10 grams each of schizonepeta, perilla leaf, and ginger. Boil in water over low heat for 15 minutes, then add 30 grams of brown sugar and drink twice a day, as needed. It can dispel wind-cold, relieve pain, and is suitable for symptoms such as wind-cold colds, aversion to cold, body aches, and lack of sweating…”

She continued to laugh foolishly, “Five Divine Tea, with perilla leaves inside…” Lost in thought, she bumped into someone in front of her. When she looked up, she saw it was also a doctor, not tall, but with a very distinctive appearance, definitely unforgettable.

Feeling embarrassed, neither she nor the doctor knew what to say, so they just smiled at each other and went their separate ways.

Back at the hotel with the medicine, she instructed Xu Xiangya to take care of her mother, who was in a bad mood. Then, she endured until the end of her shift and carried a big bag of things home to take care of her menopausal mother.

Shen’s father was surprised to see his daughter back home. Shen Xifan explained, “Dad, I’m here to rescue you from the fire and water!”

She mentioned feeling anxious and experiencing night sweats the previous night, leading to a restless sleep. She nodded. “Dad, please go to your study first. I’ll prepare porridge for Mom. She woke up early and couldn’t fall back asleep until afternoon when I returned from school. Today, I’ll inquire with the doctor about some dietary therapy recipes. Perhaps they’ll be helpful.”

Lotus seeds nourish the heart and kidneys, invigorate the spleen and moisten the lungs, clear heat and calm the mind, and lower blood pressure. Longan is warm and sweet, nourishing the heart and spleen, and replenishing qi and blood. It is used for insomnia, forgetfulness, palpitations, dizziness caused by deficiency of the heart and spleen, and rock sugar supplements the middle burner and benefits qi, moistens the stomach, and moistens the lungs.

The kitchen was filled with the aroma of rice porridge, mixed with the faint medicinal scent of lotus seeds and longan. Finally, rock sugar was added. Suddenly, a sweet fragrance filled the air, and the slightly warm steam carried the sweet scent, spreading throughout the house.

At the dining table, Shen’s father passed his bowl over. “Fanfan, give me another bowl of porridge. It’s delicious.”

Shen Xifan looked at him incredulously. “Dad, this is for Mom to eat. It’s for treating menopausal syndrome!”

Shen’s father chuckled. “It’s okay. Your old man will be there soon too. It’s better to be prepared in advance.”

Shen’s mother glared at him, and Shen’s father quickly changed his tune. “Serve the rice, serve the rice. Porridge is not filling enough!”

She had to return to the hotel at night, but she promised herself she would stay at home for a while once this project was over. Shen’s father only let her leave after she made this promise.

Winter was undeniably frigid, with bone-chilling gusts of wind. Starting tomorrow, she intended to begin drinking Isatis Root and Lonicera Tea to ward off influenza.

A sweet and rich fragrance clung to her clothes, distinct from the coolness of licorice. Instead, it was reminiscent of the enduring sweetness of rock sugar—a comforting and lingering flavor that warmed the heart and lungs, mirroring her mood, which was sweet and carefree.

Suddenly, the image of He Suye’s deep dimple on his right cheek flashed through her mind, bringing a smile to her face. It resembled rock sugar, refreshing in summer and comforting in winter.

After dinner, Shen Xifan intended to sleep early, hoping to bury those damned memories under her slumber. However, a supervisor ran over, shouting, “Manager Shen, there’s trouble!”

She immediately jumped up, fully alert. “What’s going on?”

“A guest in Villa 7 of Sector C has complained about Room Service!”

Her temples started throbbing again. “Villa 7, Villa 7, Ling… what’s his name?”

The supervisor nodded.

“Let’s go take a look.”

The winter night was extremely cold, and Shen Xifan wore only ordinary attire. The thin fabric did little to fend off the chill, especially near the water in Sector C where the wind was strong and biting. She shivered, sneezing several times in a row.

Upon arriving at Villa 7, she saw Ling Yufan leaning against the door, with only one button of his shirt done up. He played with his glasses, smiling faintly. Beside him stood a service staff member, hair disheveled, shoulders trembling, tears streaking down their face, and makeup smudged.

Shen Xifan guessed what had happened but had to play dumb in front of this young master. She cautiously asked, “Hello, Mr. Ling, may I ask what you’re unsatisfied with regarding our Room Service?”

Ling Yufan squinted his peach blossom eyes, appraising Shen Xifan slowly. “Your hotel’s Room Service options are quite extensive. I didn’t expect it to include sleeping with guests.”

She felt a surge of anger but maintained a calm tone. “Mr. Ling, perhaps you can clarify. We will rectify any shortcomings.”

He snorted coldly and said, “Can’t you see what’s happened, Manager Shen?” as the wind blew his unbuttoned shirt, revealing his muscular physique.

Shen Xifan patiently explained, “I believe this must be a misunderstanding, Mr. Ling. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please forgive me for not managing my staff properly.”

“Misunderstanding? How can it be a misunderstanding? Heh, Manager Shen, you’re quite the joker. I merely ordered some late-night snacks, and your Room Attendant mistook me for a delicacy. How do you explain that?”

Shen Xifan didn’t believe for a second that the room service staff had thrown themselves at him. Despite her inner conflict, she spoke, “Mr. Ling, we will handle this matter seriously. Tomorrow morning, we will provide you with a satisfactory response. As a gesture of apology, I will personally send you a VIP card. You can also enjoy one round of golf for free and become a member. Please understand that accidents happen due to our negligence!”

Ling Yufan chuckled, a smile that seemed both mocking and disdainful in Shen Xifan’s eyes. Suddenly, he leaned in close to her, his breath ambiguous. “Would Manager Shen be willing to ‘personally’ compensate me?”

Shen Xifan remained unfazed, her expression unchanged. She bowed to him. “If Mr. Ling has no further concerns, I will take my leave. We will inform you of the resolution tomorrow. Goodnight!”

Ling Yufan paused for a moment, put on his glasses, and gave Shen Xifan an amused look. Sensing her unwavering gaze, he felt intrigued. He glanced at the service staff and supervisor, then stepped into the room. Only then did Shen Xifan heave a sigh of relief.

None of them spoke as they left Sector C and walked along the path. Shen Xifan asked, “What exactly happened?”

The young girl sobbed, “Manager, it wasn’t me, I just took the late-night snack in, and then he, he wanted me to… to…”

Shen Xifan raised an eyebrow. “It’s probably not that simple, is it? He made a move, and you fell for it. Then unexpectedly, you got bitten back, didn’t you?”

The young girl remained silent, biting her lip, wanting to argue. “Manager Shen, I…”

Shen Xifan’s expression turned stern. “Do you want to resign voluntarily, or shall we terminate your employment? You decide.”

“Manager Shen!” The girl pleaded tearfully, “Please don’t make me leave, please?”

Shen Xifan rubbed her temples wearily. Her voice sounded weak. “Go settle your salary at the Finance Department tomorrow. I won’t say more. You’ve disappointed me because sometimes, a mistake can be fatal, with no chance for redemption. I won’t mention this incident in your evaluation. It’s better if you resign voluntarily.”

After a pause, she sighed. “Sister Zhang, take her back first. I’ll go check on something else. Don’t let anything else happen.”

She walked along the forest path, her thoughts in disarray. She remembered being dismissed from the student union for a mistake. At that time, she had run to Dai Heng in tears, and Dai Heng had told her that some mistakes don’t have a chance to be corrected, so it’s best never to make them in the first place. She couldn’t understand then. She didn’t understand why, if it wasn’t murder, arson, or robbery, she couldn’t be given another chance. Now, she understood. Dai Heng was right. Fundamental mistakes cannot be forgiven.

Dai Heng, Yan Heng… something stuck in her heart, making her feel stifled. She diverted her thoughts by looking at the moonlight.

Originally, she had planned to go from Sector C to Sector F, then circle back to Sectors A and B. However, she remembered that the man lived in F3, so she stopped at the entrance of Sector F, instructing the supervisor to check and report back to her.

By chance, she glanced at F3 and saw the lights on, a scene she was very familiar with—Dai Heng didn’t like going to the study room or the library. Whenever he studied in the dormitory, he liked to turn on all the lights. He explained it was a habit he had developed over the years. When he was young and his mother wasn’t home, he felt afraid, so he turned on all the lights in the house to feel safe.

At that time, she had felt that Dai Heng was like a light. With him around, she felt safe.

The next day, Shen Xifan felt unwell, experiencing weakness throughout her body. During the morning meeting, Lin Yishen sat next to her and glanced at her from time to time. At the end of the meeting, he asked, “Xiaofan, why is your face so flushed?”

Hearing this, Xu Xiangya also came over to look, touching her forehead and exclaiming, “Oh dear, Xifan, you have a fever!”

Finally, they alarmed Cheng Zong. “Manager Shen, go to the hospital to get checked out. You don’t need to be on duty today.”

She sighed inwardly, feeling unlucky, but she couldn’t afford to neglect it. After returning home, she measured her body temperature. It wasn’t too high, just 37.6 degrees Celsius. Her throat didn’t hurt, and it couldn’t be tonsillitis. She had been a frequent patient since she was young, and the nurses and doctors at the hospital all knew her. Her health had improved a lot as she grew older, but she still caught a cold from time to time.

Obediently, she went to the hospital for a check-up, refraining from mentioning her fever, afraid of being isolated as a suspected SARS patient. She registered at the respiratory department outpatient clinic, luckily finding few people there, and was called in after a while.

She was a little nervous. “Doctor, could it be SARS?”

The chief physician assured her confidently, “Absolutely not. It’s just a chill. Your tonsils aren’t inflamed, and you’re not coughing. You just have a low fever. There’s no need for injections. Just take some cold medicine.”

Hesitantly, she asked, “But will taking medicine be too slow? I’ve been busy with work lately!”

The old doctor kindly suggested, “Traditional Chinese medicine treats colds faster. Why don’t you try seeing a TCM doctor?”

So she went to see a TCM doctor. However, the TCM building was particularly crowded today, with mostly young expectant mothers and elderly people. Shen Xifan could only submit her medical records at the front desk and sit aside, waiting for her turn to be called.

The opposite Chinese medicine shop emitted waves of bitter and astringent smell, mixed with some warmth, which made her, who was already feeling drowsy, even more lethargic. Unconsciously, her body felt heavier. In a daze, she remembered when she was in college and fell ill.

Back then, she was still Dai Heng’s darling. He spoiled her, accommodated her, and worried about her. Whenever she sneezed or coughed, he would fuss over her for a long time. But in the winter of her sophomore year, she caught a bad cold.

She remembered those days when Dai Heng skipped classes to accompany her to the hospital for IV drips. The cold medicine flowing into her veins made her shiver, and Dai Heng held her hand with his own, while she leaned drowsily on his shoulder, half asleep and half awake, silently praying for the medicine to drip slower. She had no appetite, so he cooked vegetable porridge in the dormitory and brought it to her, wrapped in a cotton jacket, feeding her spoonful by spoonful, while he had to settle for cold leftovers from the cafeteria. When he left, he would kiss her, their lips intertwined, not caring at all if the cold virus would infect him.

But later, he didn’t want her anymore. He was with another girl, and she couldn’t hold onto his heart anymore. The day after they broke up, she got caught in the rain all day and ended up in the hospital again. This time, there was no one to accompany her, so she had to pay for the IV drip herself and texted Dai Heng, “I’m sick, can you come to see me?” His reply was only, “Shen Xifan, we have nothing to do with each other now. Why are you still clinging to me?” Tears fell from her eyes onto the IV drip, and she silently repeated to herself, “Yes, I’m all alone now. I have to live well even if I’m alone. But why do I still miss the warmth of being with you when I was sick?”

Shen Xifan felt numb all over, only hearing someone calling her name by her ear. She abruptly opened her eyes, noticing that the corners of her eyes were slightly moist. She turned her head and was startled. “…Doctor He…”

He was somewhat surprised, then gently asked, “The nurse called your name several times, but there was no response. It’s already noon, and there’s no one else here. I just came out and found you here. Are you sick?”

She exaggeratedly sniffled, “I have a fever!”

He Su Ye smiled, “You’re crying because you have a fever? Come in, let me take a look at you.”

Shen Xifan stared at the doctor in a daze, stood up, and followed him. His broad shoulders made her feel very reliable.

“It’s just a simple fever,” He Su Ye reassured her. “It’s not atypical pneumonia. You can relax now. No more crying, okay?”

She felt guilty, “I’m sorry to trouble you, Dr. He.”

“It’s okay, it’s just an external fever. Two doses of Chinese medicine will do the trick.”

Shen Xifan muttered to herself, “External fever? Ephedra and Cinnamon Twig Decoction?”

He Su Ye burst out laughing, “You can’t take that. That medicine is too strong. With your weak body, you definitely can’t handle the sweating it induces.” He paused, “How do you know about this prescription?”

She felt a bit embarrassed. “Back when I was in school, I translated some materials on traditional Chinese medicine. It took me a lot of searching through books to find them, so it left quite an impression on me.”

He Su Ye took out a pen and began to write the prescription, reciting as he wrote, “Honeysuckle, forsythia, fermented black beans, dandelion, bupleurum, astragalus, saposhnikovia, poria, patchouli, Spinelli, ginger, red dates. That should do.”

She pointed to “patchouli” and said, “I particularly like this name!”

He Su Ye nodded. “Patchouli—aromatic, resolves turbidity, promotes appetite, dispels summer heat. It’s used for fever with chills, initial dampness and heat, and chest stuffiness.” Then he added, “Actually, patchouli is also an ornamental plant.”

She didn’t know how to respond, so she just nodded, taking the prescription and preparing to leave.

He Su Ye called out to her, “You’re still running a fever. How about this, you go pay first, and I’ll go prepare the medicine for you. You don’t have to come back this afternoon to pick it up. Can you wait half an hour?”

Shen Xifan was stunned. This doctor was so kind. She mechanically thanked him, “Thank you so much, Dr. He!”

Sure enough, after more than half an hour, He Su Ye came out with a package of medicine. She touched it and found it still warm. The doctor instructed her, “Three times a day, for two consecutive days. Don’t forget again!”

Shen Xifan frowned. “Dr. He, I’m going to be overwhelmed by Chinese medicine!”

He gave her a look like, “Why is this patient so obtuse?” “If you take this one, you can skip the other one. But if you feel it’s not enough, two prescriptions won’t conflict!”

Feeling embarrassed, Shen Xifan smiled awkwardly. She thought to herself that apart from sometimes being brusque, this doctor was pretty good.

Back at home, she immediately took out the medicine, which was still warm. Pouring it into a bowl, she smelled a slight spicy fragrance, unprepared for its bitterness compared to the last one. Despite the unpleasant taste, she forced herself to drink it all in one go, enduring the nausea. After rinsing her mouth several times with water, she finally recovered, sensing a lingering spiciness between her lips and teeth, likely from the patchouli and ginger, yet rich and mellow.

Recalling the saying, “Good medicine tastes bitter,” she acknowledged its effectiveness as sweat soon started beading on her forehead, relieving her fever. Crawling into bed and covering herself with thick blankets, she fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, she touched her forehead and found the temperature normal, feeling relieved by the efficacy of Chinese medicine. With a muttered acknowledgment, “Chinese medicine works,” she turned over and went back to sleep.

When she woke up the next morning, she felt refreshed. However, her pajamas were soaked in sweat, so she went to take a shower. Halfway through, her phone rang loudly. She ignored it, but it kept ringing.

After getting dressed and coming out, she saw that it was Xu Xiangya calling. She smiled and didn’t bother to answer. She took out some juice and eggs from the fridge, toasted some bread, and set them on the table. Enjoying the warm sunlight, she began to eat breakfast.

Her phone rang again. She reluctantly answered, and Xu Xiangya’s voice came through, full of complaints. “Xifan, what does Yan Heng want to eat? I’ve asked everyone, but no one has any ideas, so I had to come to you.”

She was taken aback, and the bread she was holding fell. Xu Xiangya was still complaining, “Should I just buy some dog food? The waiter said he frowned when he saw breakfast this morning and only took a few bites.”

Shen Xifan knew Yan Heng was extremely picky. She asked, “What did you prepare for breakfast?”

“Fried eggs, whole wheat bread, milk, ham, and jam.”

She sighed. “The eggs should be 80% cooked, leaving the yolk runny. Replace the whole wheat bread with milk toast. He only eats white cherry rose jam. The milk should be warm, preferably Mengniu or Yili. Replace the ham with mashed potatoes.”

Xu Xiangya sighed, “He’s so damn picky!” Then she was curious, “Xifan, how do you know all this? It’s not in the information.”

Feeling awkward, Shen Xifan evaded, “I just found out yesterday. I’ll remind you during work.”

Xu Xiangya sighed again. “You better come early. This old man is waiting for you to arrange his meals!” Then she hurried away with her notebook, muttering, “Hurry, I’m going!”

Shen Xifan chuckled. How could she be so skilled? After being with Yan Heng for three years, she naturally knew his taste. He was fond of eating but extremely picky. She had once made soup and washed her hands for him. How could she not know his likes and dislikes?

There was a bitter and spicy taste in her mouth, probably from the patchouli. She drank a lot of water but still felt spicy and bitter.

At noon, Yan Heng went to dine and found that the hotel’s meals were to his liking. He praised Xu Xiangya, who felt embarrassed and explained, “Mr. Yan, thanks to Manager Shen of the Guest Services Department. You should thank her!”

Yan Heng paused with his chopsticks in hand. Indeed, besides his mother, who else understood his tastes so well? He was extremely picky with food, yet Shen Xifan patiently cooked for him. Even if he didn’t like it, she never complained. She always said her cooking skills weren’t good enough. But why did he only realize how good she was long after she had left him?

As soon as Shen Xifan stepped through the door, the phone started ringing, confirming her expectations. Even with her eyes closed, she could anticipate the caller. Opting for comfort, she kicked off her high heels and casually collapsed onto the bed, allowing the phone to persistently ring until it became nearly unbearable, only then did she reluctantly pick it up.

Holding the receiver at arm’s length, she braced herself for the incoming tirade. An angry voice bellowed from the other end, berating her, “Shen Xifan, you wretch! You claim to be sick? I believe you’re mentally deranged, completely unhinged!”

With a resigned sigh, she confessed candidly, “Yes, I am sick. Mentally unwell.”

Her father could be heard in the background trying to calm her mother down, “Why are you yelling at her? If she doesn’t want to go on blind dates, she doesn’t have to. Why do you keep worrying about it? She’s an adult, not a child!”

Her mother, even more infuriated, retorted, “Am I wrong? I’m doing this for her good, and both of you treat me like the bad guy. Do I even have a say in this house? Am I still considered a person?”

Her father fell silent immediately. Shen Xifan’s mother continued her tirade, “Shen Xifan, I’m telling you, forget about that scoundrel Dai Heng. Stop pining for him. Do you think you’re some sort of martyr?”

Feeling a mix of emotions, Shen Xifan picked up the receiver and explained, “Mom, I’ve been over him for a long time. Can we just not talk about him anymore?”

“Refusing to discuss him won’t change anything. Even if I refrain from mentioning him, you’re still fixated on him. Let me be clear: either find a boyfriend promptly or comply with these blind dates. If you dare to repeat today’s behavior, I’ll disown you, you ungrateful daughter!”

Her mother persisted in scolding her for an extended period before eventually hanging up.

Shen Xifan stared blankly for a moment, sighed, and got out of bed to heat her medicine. The microwave released a thick, rich scent, a blend of bitterness and sweetness.

She tried a small spoonful; it was slightly sweet. The Huang Qin (Scutellaria) was likely in a small quantity, and the sweetness of licorice and red dates masked the bitterness. Pinching her nose, she gulped down the entire bowl and quickly rinsed her mouth with water.

The lingering sweetness of the licorice stayed on her lips and tongue. After the initial bitterness, the sweet aroma of the licorice gradually took over. She felt a slight warmth spread through her body, making her a bit drowsy. After days of accumulated fatigue, she finally succumbed to sleep the moment her head hit the pillow.

The next day, she woke up feeling rejuvenated and went to work with renewed energy. Though winter was approaching, the air was still somewhat humid and stifling, but she was in high spirits.

She made her rounds at the Jing Pavilion first, finding everything in order. As she entered through the back door, she saw the lobby manager, Ding Wei, looking haggard. Curious, she asked, “Ding Wei, what happened?”

“It’s quite a significant incident, yet not entirely unexpected,” he remarked, shaking his head. “Last night, a man barged into the lobby and grabbed a female guest. Security promptly intervened, but the guest was understandably upset. We spent the entire night consoling her.”

Sympathizing, Shen Xifan nodded, “Thankfully, the situation didn’t escalate to the guest room side, or I’d be at my wit’s end.”

While the Gu Nan Hua Court might not boast the city’s most luxurious accommodations, it was renowned for its distinctive rooms. Divided into Jing Pavilion and New Pavilion, the former offered Chinese-style rooms, suites, and villas, while the latter provided Western-style accommodations.

Shen Xifan’s sense of pressure was certainly justified, given the circumstances.

At that moment, her walkie-talkie crackled, and the secretary to the general manager’s voice came through, “The general manager wants to see you in his office.”

Shen Xifan felt a bit anxious as she headed towards the general manager’s office. Ding Wei, noticing her discomfort, teased, “Have a big lunch to vent your frustration!”

She shot back with mock annoyance, “Ding Wei, do you want me to hire some thugs to come and cause trouble here? Then you can have some late-night snacks!”

When she arrived at the office, Cheng Dongqian was already waiting for her, along with the managers from the public relations, security, and engineering departments. Cheng signaled for her to take a seat. “I’ve called you all here to discuss the VIP reservations. I want everyone to be fully aware of the situation.”

The secretary distributed the documents, and Shen Xifan skimmed through them. The hotel was hosting VIPs for the upcoming IT Summit.

No wonder there was such a fuss. Wealthy clients were always a big deal.

She pitied her already frazzled nerves; they were about to get a lot more strained.

The documents outlined the responsibilities: “The guest services department must coordinate with the front desk to manage room assignments. We need to keep up-to-date with guest histories, gather feedback, and pay special attention to VIP reservations. Regularly verify room statuses and assist in alleviating the check-in rush. Ensure full staffing during peak hours, monitor room availability in the system, and provide timely updates to the front desk for sales adjustments. Collaborate with the food and beverage department to manage room service and minibar replenishments, and help with the breakfast service rush by possibly diverting some meal services.”

She sighed as she flipped through the pages. There were numerous VIPs, and the tasks seemed daunting. She mentally cursed her luck.

Before she could complete her thoughts, Xu Xiangya, the manager of the food and beverage department, walked in carrying a stack of documents. “Here you go, study these thoroughly. Let’s collaborate effectively,” he said, extending the papers towards her.

Shen Xifan rolled her eyes.

With all this work, she wouldn’t be able to go home anytime soon. Stuck in her office, she spent her time drafting plans and organizing various materials. Her head throbbed, and she thought about the medicine waiting in her kitchen. She decided she’d pick it up during dinner time.

Just as she returned, she saw the Public Relations Manager, Lin Yishen, looking for her. He said that Mr. Duan, who was attending the IT Summit, had already arrived, a full week ahead of schedule.

Things never go as planned. She rushed back to the office in a flurry, searching for documents. Luckily, Lin Yishen was quite helpful. Coincidentally, Xu Xiangya was on duty in the catering department, prompting her to assign the catering responsibilities to him, allowing her to concentrate solely on managing the rooms.

After instructing the Front Office Manager and the Security Department, she reserved the waterside villa at the Scenic Pavilion. Still feeling uneasy, she went to inspect it, checking cleanliness and facilities. Even the supervisor who accompanied her seemed nervous, and afraid of making any mistakes.

A little after nine o’clock, Mr. Duan, accompanied by General Manager Cheng, entered the Ancient Southern Courtyard. Shen Xifan stood by, trying to maintain her composure.

Mr. Duan expressed his satisfaction with the dinner, praising it repeatedly. Engaging in personal conversation with General Manager Cheng, he mentioned not having enjoyed hometown snacks in years and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. It seemed Xu Xiangya had passed the test.

Upon being escorted to the villa area later, Mr. Duan expressed surprise, remarking, “The General Manager understands my taste so well!”

General Manager Cheng called Shen Xifan over. “It was all arranged by our room manager; I can’t take credit for it!”

Mr. Duan praised her, albeit with broken Mandarin. “Manager Shen is very meticulous. I am very satisfied, extremely satisfied!”

Shen Xifan carefully opened the packet of Chinese medicine, poured it into a cup, and heated it. The catering department brought dinner and supper. She almost choked several times, grabbed the wrong cup, and accidentally drank the medicine as water, making her cough and choke on her food.

Yet, the licorice taste remained sweet, mirroring her contentment. Although fatigued, she felt genuinely happy.

Considering the need to organize some documents that evening, she absentmindedly reached for a packet of instant coffee. Recalling her doctor’s advice to quit coffee for the sake of her health, she hesitated and ultimately decided to put it back down.

She started to feel silly, thinking about the doctor with dimples who prescribed Chinese medicine for her. He was exceptionally patient, and she realized that half of the medicine’s effectiveness came from his demeanor. She felt uplifted and relieved, summoning up all her energy to focus on the documents.

Several group bosses and executives stayed over the next few days, but fortunately, they weren’t very demanding. They were content with whatever arrangements Shen Xifan made, and she earned quite a bit of praise.

Out of habit, she went to get her Chinese medicine, only to find it was all gone. Checking her schedule, she realized there were no VIPs coming today. After giving some instructions, she hurried off to the hospital to pick up her medicine.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine building was as quiet as ever. She immediately spotted the handsome doctor heading towards the pharmacy and asked, “Are there any more pangolin scales and tortoise shell gel?”

Someone inside called out, “Just arrived!”

Suddenly, the doctor turned around, mildly surprised to see her. “Why are you only coming to get your medicine now?”

“I only finished taking it just now!” Shen Xifan was also puzzled.

“Surely you haven’t been taking one packet a day? I remember prescribing you two packets a day.”

“Oh—I forgot!”

The doctor seemed somewhat displeased. After all, they found disobedient and self-righteous patients quite a headache. He sized up Shen Xifan and asked, “Have you been very busy lately?”

Shen Xifan nodded. “Busy day and night, always on edge even when sleeping, afraid of any sudden emergencies.”

“How’s your sleep now?”

“It’s much better!” Shen Xifan exclaimed excitedly. “Though it’s still difficult to fall asleep, I no longer suffer from insomnia all night long.”

The doctor smiled. “That’s good to hear. Remember, the dosage is two packets a day. If you take too little, the effects won’t be as noticeable. And don’t forget to come get your medicine.”

Shen Xifan hesitated for a moment but couldn’t resist asking, “Dr. He, is Su Ye a type of Chinese herb?”

The doctor stopped in his tracks, turned around, and smiled. He had a youthful appearance, with a hint of playfulness in his gentle demeanor. “Su Ye, or more precisely Zi Su Ye, has a warm nature and a spicy taste. It disperses cold, regulates qi, and harmonizes the stomach. By the way, during winter, you can drink ginger, scallion, and Su Ye drink. Use 15 grams of scallion white, 10 grams each of fresh ginger, and Su Ye, boil them in water, and sweeten them with brown sugar. It can dispel wind, scatter cold, warm the lungs, and relieve cough. If you’re not used to drinking it, you can also cook Su Ye porridge.”

The nurse called for him from across the room. He smiled and said, “I have to go now. If you have any questions, you can ask me when you come to pick up your medicine.”

Shen Xifan scratched her head, silently thinking, “I wonder why you took on the name of a Chinese herb.”

Back at the hotel, Xu Xiangya rushed into the office to complain to her, “Xifan, there’s a woman causing trouble! She said our steak wasn’t cooked well, claiming there were blood vessels, even though she asked for it to be medium-rare!”

Shen Xifan glared at her. “Don’t call me Xifan!”

Xu Xiangya sighed. “I’m not complaining about that. I just saw a very picky person among the VIPs today, and I didn’t know what to do, so I came to ask you.”

Shen Xian smiled. “And you have someone you can’t handle—” She took the documents and suddenly realized, “Yan Heng, the CEO of Zhongyu. Hmm… I don’t have his information either…”

Xu Xiangya pretended to faint. “I’m just complaining a bit. The job is tough, getting paid is even tougher, and serving people is the toughest!”

Shen Xifan waved the documents. “Pay attention. Making a mistake could cost us our heads!”

Xu Xiangya laughed loudly. “You’re harsh!”

Five days later, “MT” President Ling Yufan checked in. General Manager Cheng had repeatedly instructed that this was the VIP among VIPs and must not be neglected. Ling Yufan was the third son of the Ling family, responsible for the electronic sector of Ling’s Family Group, with full support from the Ling family conglomerate. “MT” was undoubtedly the leader in the IT industry. Ling Yufan himself was talented, holding a Ph.D. in Electronics from Harvard and a Master’s in Business Administration.

Later, she would find out just how difficult this person was to deal with.

Not to mention his striking appearance with those mesmerizing peach blossom eyes and an aura of charm exuding from him. Without years of cultivation, Shen Xifan might not have been able to resist his powerful magnetism.

This young master was exceedingly particular, almost impossible to please. He seemed to be deliberately finding faults, from staying in the presidential suite at the Scenic Pavilion to switching to a villa, constantly complaining about the facilities and cleanliness. Sometimes she was so irritated she felt like smothering him with a blanket.

Moreover, he seemed unfriendly toward her. She could sense a certain aloofness and disdain.

On the last day, “Zhongyu” CEO Yan Heng checked in. Mr. Cheng had given prior instructions that Yan Heng, the son of his longtime friend and intending to establish a branch here, was to be accommodated. Additionally, Yan Heng planned to hold a product launch event at the Ancient South Court and was a significant client of the hotel, to be treated with utmost attention.

This guest was personally received by Mr. Cheng, which made her delighted.

As she descended from the executive building, preparing to inspect the regular maintenance of the Jingge villa area, suddenly a girl ran over from the opposite direction, shouting, “Manager, something’s wrong!”

She recognized Xiao Li from the executive suite, and her heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly asked, “What’s going on?”

“There’s a foreign guest who suddenly fainted in their room. Manager Ding on duty has already gone, and Mr. Cheng is preparing to receive the guest. He said for you to go over and take a look.”

Fortunately, the foreigner was only suffering from low blood sugar and had temporarily fainted. Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. After dealing with the situation, Shen Xifan had no choice but to return to the villa area from the lobby.

However, as she stood in the lobby, a Mercedes-Benz pulled up, and two individuals emerged—Mr. Cheng and Yan Heng. Initially intrigued, she turned her gaze toward them, but suddenly froze in place at the front desk, unable to take a single step.

Who was Yan Heng? He was Dai Heng!

Three years had changed him significantly. The greenness had faded away, leaving him mature and sophisticated. His demeanor was extraordinary, a far cry from before.

Three years could indeed change many things.

Yan Heng was her first love. They had parted ways three years ago, each going their way. She had never expected to encounter him here. Wasn’t her life a bit ironic?

He also noticed Shen Xifan. Their eyes met briefly, and her mind went blank with a thunderous crash. Mr. Cheng seemed to sense something, glancing at Shen Xifan and then at Yan Heng. “This is our room manager, Manager Shen,” he said tactfully.

His tone was measured, not trying to conceal anything. “I just felt a bit familiar. Uncle Cheng, let’s go first.”

As he left, he cast another glance at Shen Xifan before entering the elevator. Once the doors closed, they passed each other again.

Shen Xifan sighed softly, experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. After a moment, she turned and made her way towards the villa area. Unbeknownst to her, Lin Yi stood not far away on the stairs, his lips quirking up in a wry smile.

Recently, I’ve Started Having Insomnia

Insomnia often brings immense suffering. In the quiet of the night, facing the silent world of darkness, you become much more calm and rational than during the day. After such calm and rationality, you sadly discover that you often get very close to the truth and essence of things. For those accustomed to being ostriches, this instills fear and unease. At least, that’s how I perceive it.

Thinking about the past, the present, the future, interpersonal relationships, how to conduct oneself, past naivety, and current growth—since I can’t sleep anyway, I might as well make meaningful use of the time.

Many thoughts often lead nowhere. In other words, thinking about them is futile. Yet, I stubbornly keep thinking, with many ideas entangled together. Forcefully untangling them is impossible; pulling harder only exacerbates their entanglement, leading to trouble and pain. So, the only way is to let them entangle while I observe.

Shen Xifan lay wide awake, listening to the ticking of the clock. She gave up resisting insomnia, resigned to staring into the vast darkness, her thoughts wandering.

She sighed and turned over. It had been five days in a row. If this continued, she would go mad. The tension from the day refused to relax at night. Working in a hotel was already a high-intensity job, especially as a manager in the housekeeping department. She wondered if she might die from overwork.

Thinking about work brought her inexplicable anxiety. She couldn’t say if she liked or disliked the job, only that it was enough to make a living. Despite securing the job through personal connections, smoothly ascending to the managerial position within three years, and projecting an image of success to outsiders, the pressure persisted. Now, she was losing sleep over it.

Hugging her pillow, she groaned and knelt on the bed, deciding that she must get some sleeping pills from the hospital the next day.

She finally fell into a hazy sleep, but not long after, her mother’s call woke her up. It was just past seven. She felt like crying but had no tears. After finally drifting into sleep, she was abruptly awakened once more.

As usual, Shen’s mother nagged, “Fan Fan, Aunt Wang next door wants to introduce a young man to you. He’s a returnee. Though he’s not very good-looking, he has a house and a car…”

Shen Xifan, irritated due to lack of sleep, snapped, “To hell with the returnee! Who cares!”

Her mother exclaimed in surprise, “Fan Fan, are you still not awake?”

“I haven’t slept at all, Mom. I’ve been suffering from insomnia and feel like I’m dying. Ask Aunt Yang to get me some sleeping pills. If this continues, your daughter will turn into a skeleton!”

Her mother accused, “You can’t just take sleeping pills, Fan Fan. Why don’t you see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor? Herbal treatments can be effective too. “Your father was upset and improved after just two doses…”

Shen Xifan scratched her head, thinking that maybe seeing a TCM doctor wouldn’t be a bad idea. She had nothing but money left, and now even sleep was out of reach.

In the TCM clinic, she waited for a long time without seeing anyone. The TCM building stood deserted, with only a few people across the street at a large pharmacy. They held prescriptions and small scales, amidst neatly arranged small compartments. She remembered how, as a child, her grandmother would take her to a famous old TCM doctor whenever she had a cough. A cure required only three doses.

Suddenly, a nurse appeared. Shen Xifan quickly called out, “Nurse, where’s the doctor?”

The nurse glanced at her medical record and apologized, “Sorry, miss. Dr. He just went to the acupuncture room. I’ll call him for you. Please wait a moment.”

Just then, a tall man came out from the innermost room, supporting an elderly gentleman. The nurse pointed at Shen Xifan and called out, “Dr. He, you have a patient!”

Shen Xifan had expected TCM doctors to be elderly with white hair and beards. She had never seen such a young doctor, and he was very handsome—truly handsome. Even among the elite guests she received at the hotel, this man could score over ninety. However, his expression was cold.

Feeling regretful, Shen Xifan wished she had dressed better instead of showing up in casual clothes with dark circles under her eyes.

The doctor asked, “What’s troubling you?”

Shen Xifan grumbled, “Insomnia, for five days straight!”

To her surprise, the doctor smiled, revealing a deep dimple on his right cheek, “That’s not insomnia. But have you always had poor sleep?”

She thought for a moment and nodded, “I have trouble falling asleep, wake up easily, and can’t fall back asleep. Recently, I haven’t slept at all.”

He pointed to the armrest, “Let me take your pulse.”

His warm fingers touched her cold wrist, making her feel uneasy. Though she knew he was just doing his job, she felt a bit nervous, especially facing such a handsome face. She prayed he wouldn’t notice her slightly accelerated heartbeat.

After a moment, the doctor removed his hand, flipped open her medical record, and gave a diagnostic conclusion, “You have a deficient constitution and emotional stress; your liver and kidney yin is deficient, and your liver yang is hyperactive, leading to insomnia from excessive internal heat and overthinking. This damages your heart and spleen.”

Stunned, she murmured, “Is it that serious?” Am I beyond help?”

The doctor’s expression shifted slightly to surprise before he smiled and explained, “Your constitution is inherently weak, and some worries have exacerbated it, leading to internal heat.” Do you often feel irritable, restless, have trouble sleeping, mouth sores, and dry mouth?”

Shen Xifan muttered, “Wow, you hit the nail on the head!”

The doctor began writing a prescription, “I’ll give you a month’s worth of medicine. Treating insomnia usually takes time, so be patient. Maintain a regular lifestyle, avoid alcohol and coffee, and—” He glanced at her, “Girls shouldn’t be too competitive. Relax and try activities like yoga.”

“But is there any medicine that can make me sleep tonight? I’m desperate for sleep!”

The doctor seemed incredulous but patiently replied, “Run three laps around the hospital. “When you’re exhausted, falling asleep comes naturally.”

Left speechless, Shen Xifan watched him write the prescription. She noticed his name badge was blurry. She leaned in slightly, discerning that he was an attending physician, but couldn’t read his name. The doctor noticed and asked, “Is there something unusual about me?”

Feeling awkward, Shen Xifan quickly shook her head, “No, I was just looking at the medicine you’re prescribing.”

He smiled and pointed to the prescription, explaining, “Huang Lian and Huang Qin to clear the heart, Dang Gui, Sheng Di, Shao Yao, and Zao Ren to nourish yin and blood, Gan Cao to harmonize, Dou Chi and Zhu Ru to clear stagnation, and Bai Zi Ren, Wu Wei Zi, and He Huan Pi to calm the heart.”

Shen Xifan nodded as if she understood, even though she didn’t. The doctor kindly added, “Take the prescription and pay over there. Are you getting it pre-decocted?” He wrote “pre-decocted” on the prescription. “You can pick up the first three doses at 4 PM today.”

She agreed, took her medical record, and left the clinic. Upon stepping outside, she noticed the prescription signed with his name—”He Suye.” Curiosity piqued, Suye sounded like the name of a medicinal herb.

At noon, she went home and received a call from her mother. “Fan Fan, did you see the doctor? Oh, you’re taking Chinese medicine? Good, good. By the way, I need to tell you something. Tonight…”

Shen Xifan immediately interrupted, “I’m not going on any blind date, Mom. Give it up!”

“No, no, it’s not a blind date,” her mother quickly explained. “Just a family dinner. You’ve been so busy with work that you’ve forgotten about your parents. We’re like lonely old people at home!”

Feeling slightly guilty, Shen Xifan reluctantly agreed, “Alright, alright. I know. But I need to pick up my Chinese medicine this afternoon.”

Her mother, seizing the opportunity, said, “Great! Meet us at the Starbucks in the Dayang Plaza at six!”

In the afternoon, Shen Xifan slept soundly, as if touched by some magical aura from the TCM clinic. She slept until five o’clock and woke up with a start, realizing she was late. She hurriedly dressed and took a taxi to the hospital.

People were gradually leaving the outpatient department. She rushed to the pharmacy, finding its lights half off. Regretting her delay, she muttered, “Oh no, my medicine!”

Luckily, the window wasn’t fully closed. She looked around but hesitated to call out. Holding her receipt, she felt awkward. Just then, the doctor from the morning stepped out of the dispensing room. Seeing her, he smiled and said, “I was waiting for you. We close at 5:30.”

Shen Xifan felt like she should bow and apologize but was relieved to see the doctor’s face showed no annoyance. He handed her a package of medicine and instructed, “Twice a day. Come back in three days for the next batch.”

He spoke with a dimple that appeared and disappeared, making him look so young! She immediately understood that without his cool demeanor, who would trust such a youthful-looking doctor?

Naturally, Shen Xifan was late. She arrived carrying a big bag of Chinese medicine, with no makeup on. When her mother saw her, she gave her a light slap on the head, prompting Shen Xifan to protest, “I’m a patient, remember!”

At the restaurant, Shen Xifan was surprised and pleased that her mother had finally decided not to praise home-cooked meals and instead invited her to French cuisine. But soon, she saw an aunt with a beaming smile approach their table.

“Why is there someone else? Is it Dad?” she asked while washing her hands.

“No, your dad had something come up at school. I invited an old friend who lives nearby. Oh, and her son is coming too,” her mother replied with an innocent smile.

What could she do?

When she sat down, a young man had already taken a seat next to the aunt, sneezing and clearing his throat loudly. She frowned; she couldn’t stand people who drew attention to themselves, especially someone who looked more like the horse than the prince beside it.

“Have you been waiting long?” she asked politely.

He looked up, his expression changing slightly with a hint of surprise. She was secretly pleased. Even without makeup, Shen Xifan knew she was attractive.

“Yes, I have another event to attend soon. Aren’t you a bit young to be on a blind date?” he said thoughtfully, but she caught a slight hint of arrogance or disdain in his eyes.

Shen Xifan didn’t want to engage with him. So what if he was a wealthy bachelor? There were plenty of those at the hotel. She focused on her foie gras and cheesecake.

The “white horse” was somewhat surprised. Shen Xifan’s elegant demeanor immediately won him over, and he began to talk, ranging from mother-child relationships to the Iranian nuclear issue, finally ending with, “What do you like?”

“Work,” she replied nonchalantly. “As a hotel manager, I’m always thinking about the guests.”

He wasn’t fazed and even found a topic, “Yes, work is good. I love working too…”

Shen Xifan quickly pretended to check her watch, “Oh, I have to work tonight. You all continue eating.”

With that, she left in a huff.

Her mother was furious. She had taken a liking to this “white horse.” Just as she was about to call Shen Xifan back, the young man leaped up and chased after her.

“Miss Shen!” the “white horse” cried out, “Please, go out with me!”

Shen Xifan paled with fright and shook her hands, saying, “I’m sorry, but I haven’t made that decision yet!”

“Bai Horse” muttered to himself, “Miss Shen is beautiful, her work is excellent, and most importantly, she’s very ambitious. I admire this about her. A woman should be financially independent. I detest those who rely on others like helpless birds…”

Despite feeling a sense of certainty, she wanted to vomit blood, but managed to feign a pitiful look. “Thank you, but I’m ill!”

“White Horse” was surprised, “Miss Shen, what illness do you have? Is it serious?”

“I have gynecological issues!” She lifted the bag of Chinese medicine. “You know, working in our hotel industry, it’s unavoidable…”

Before she could finish her sentence, “White Horse” dashed away. Shen Xifan took a few steps, then burst into laughter as she entered the bathroom. With no one around, she couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably, leaning against the wall.