Because Yan Ming was called away for emergency surgery, Yu Tian also made an effort to calm down and returned to her studio to do editing.

After exposing the illegal cosmetic procedures, even though the other party persistently made underhanded moves and filed complaints, Yu Tian still responded each time and cooperated to get the content re-uploaded. As a result, the video ultimately achieved widespread distribution. At the same time, a large number of victims were encouraged and stood up to share their own experiences.

Although only a very few victims developed ophthalmic artery embolism due to hyaluronic acid injections, many other victims experienced continuous facial swelling after injections because the filler contained not only hyaluronic acid but also added growth factors and poly-L-lactic acid that stimulates uncontrollable collagen proliferation. These victims had to undergo corrective procedures.

Yu Tian’s educational videos were already very eye-catching and had strong dissemination power. When victims posted coded before-and-after comparison photos online, it caused an even greater uproar.

Because of Yu Tian’s educational exposé videos, a large number of victims now bravely stepped forward, connecting under Yu Tian’s educational exposé videos, forming groups and uniting together. They decided to no longer silently endure the physical and psychological trauma from the illegal cosmetic procedure aftereffects alone, but to fight for their rights together.

The illegal cosmetic surgery clinic also couldn’t continue operating due to this wave of public opinion, choosing to temporarily close and stop their continued harm to people.

Looking at the thank-you messages from those victimized girls who either publicly commented or privately messaged her online, Yu Tian finally truly felt that her current work also had meaning.

Although it was more indirect compared to doctors directly saving lives, if she could prevent victims from falling into the big pit of pseudo-medicine and pseudo-cosmetic procedures at the source, wasn’t this another form of “saving people” that stood at an even earlier stage than doctors?

Because of this episode, Yu Tian’s UP account traffic and followers had recently surged. She planned to take advantage of this momentum to edit and release all the material that Yan Ming had previously filmed.

However, Yu Tian, who had always been very focused at work, now opened the material that Yan Ming had filmed. Looking at that familiar yet handsome and coldly distant face in the camera, she suddenly became restless and agitated.

Her gaze seemed to unconsciously focus on Yan Ming’s lips.

Yu Tian touched her cheek, always feeling like some residual warmth and breath still lingered there.

Now.

Yu Tian’s heart was irritated and chaotic.

Perhaps to match her mood, outside the window, wind had somehow picked up, the sky darkened, and the banner advertisements on the street were blown about, making fluttering sounds.

It was about to rain.

She couldn’t concentrate.

In the end, Yu Tian had no choice but to close her computer.

Yan Ming wasn’t on night shift today, so at this time, he should have already gotten off work.

Yu Tian didn’t quite know how to face Yan Ming or what to say, so she deliberately avoided the time when she might encounter Yan Ming and went to the hospital to visit her mother.

Ms. Song Chunxiang was recovering very well. A new aunt of a similar age had moved into the hospital room. After Song Chunxiang chatted with Yu Tian for a while, she quickly started talking with this newly acquainted friend and sent Yu Tian away.

She told Yu Tian to go back and rest quickly.

But where was Yu Tian supposed to go to rest?

Go back to Yan Ming’s place?

Ever since Yan Ming kissed her that afternoon, everything felt somehow strange. Yu Tian didn’t know with what expression she should face Yan Ming again, and she didn’t know what kind of atmosphere it would become.

The secret joy from the moment of being kissed was quickly replaced by grievance and anxiety.

Because after kissing her, Yan Ming hadn’t made any further indication.

So what did he mean?

He looked just like a scumbag planning to play around with ambiguity.

Kissed, but also seemed like he hadn’t kissed.

Wasn’t he planning to say something?

This entire afternoon, this man hadn’t even sent a single message.

Yu Tian looked at her phone for the Nth time, holding back anger in her heart.

But waiting left and right, she didn’t wait for Yan Ming’s message. Instead, she waited for Qi Sihao.

Learning that Yu Tian was still at the hospital, he rushed over in a hurry and pulled Yu Tian into a nearby Western restaurant.

Qi Sihao enthusiastically said, “This meal is on me!”

After Yu Tian sat down and opened the menu, estimating the average price per person, she understood.

She looked at Qi Sihao, “What big favor do you want to ask of me?”

Qi Sihao felt somewhat embarrassed and laughed dryly twice, “Look what you’re saying! With our iron-clad friendship, can’t I just invite you for a meal without any particular reason? You’re making me sound so calculating! Inviting you to eat just to ask you for favors? You’re insulting my friendship with you!”

Without Yan Ming around, Yu Tian had returned to her calm and rational self. She looked at Qi Sihao expressionlessly, “That’s fine then. Just eating, don’t ask me to do anything for you.”

“I certainly won’t ask.” Qi Sihao quite shamelessly smiled ingratiatingly at Yu Tian, “With our relationship, shouldn’t it be that when you see me in trouble, without me even asking, you’d proactively go through fire and water for me?”

“…”

Qi Sihao very obsequiously ordered a bunch of expensive dishes. Once the food arrived, he started laying the groundwork—

“It’s like this. I’ve been getting along quite well with Gao Mei recently. I feel like we have common topics, even our sense of humor is very compatible, and there’s some subtle flirtation. I feel like we both kind of have an unspoken understanding, just short of breaking through that window paper.”

Qi Sihao thought Yu Tian wouldn’t be interested in this part and was about to fast-forward to the main point, but then he saw Yu Tian staring at him, asking expressionlessly like a disciplinary director, “How do you flirt?”

“Eye contact! Like when two people look at each other at the same time, then look away together, these kinds of heart-fluttering little details.”

Yu Tian cleared her throat, “Wouldn’t you kiss or something?”

“How could that be acceptable?” Qi Sihao said righteously, “Eye contact is flirtation, but kissing isn’t that being a hooligan? Without even establishing a relationship, if you just kiss, that’s outrageous! If a man acts like this, you can tell at a glance he’s not approaching this with the intention of a serious romantic relationship. Only someone wanting a hookup would act like this!”

“…”

For some reason, regarding his words proclaiming his proper values, Yu Tian as a friend felt no comfort at all. Qi Sihao even felt her expression had darkened further.

“Oh.” Yu Tian crossed her arms. “And then?”

“Then, I hope there could be something to stimulate Gao Mei a bit. Because her mental blind spot makes her think we’re just good friends, she still wants to pursue Yan Ming. After all, I’ve always been lurking by her side in the role of a strategist dog-head military advisor, so for a while, she can’t see her own heart, can’t change her inner positioning of me, and can’t take that step. She subconsciously thinks she still likes Yan Ming, ignoring me, who has always been by her side…”

Qi Sihao spoke logically, laying out a bunch of background before finally getting to the main point: “At times like this, I need to suddenly have an ambiguous object to stimulate her.”

“Many times, what’s always been by your side is taken for granted. Only when there’s a risk of loss can you realize who you need most.”

Qi Sihao said this while looking at Yu Tian with deep emotion, “Xiao Yu, you understand what I mean, right?”

“…”

“I just need you to contribute a little love, and I can escape singlehood.” Qi Sihao’s eyes were resentful, “I’m just a pitiful man lacking love. Even Ren Yali doesn’t love me anymore—she’s been getting cozy with Dr. Jiang Yuming, and I heard they reluctantly got together a few days ago. Only I…”

And what about me!

Yu Tian wanted to roar, but just as she glared at Qi Sihao, he very perceptively became submissive and humble.

“However, when I escape singlehood, that’ll be the day you escape singlehood too. After this succeeds, I’ll introduce you to quality men, all from the medical system.”

Without waiting for Yu Tian to refuse, Qi Sihao persuaded, “Even if you don’t have those worldly desires and want to focus on your career, you still need to continue finding doctors to cooperate with your medical educational videos, right? Getting to know these men in the medical system—wouldn’t this be your backup material library in the future? We, rotating doctors, have a group chat and regular gatherings. I’ve met quite a few friends, and medical schools nationwide are all interconnected networks. Once you know one of them, won’t it be easy to find their classmates later?”

This truly struck Yu Tian’s heart.

After she finished the ophthalmology and orthopedics educational video episodes, she would need to expand to other departmental fields. Later she also planned to do some live Q&A sessions, which would be quite doctor-intensive. She couldn’t just keep targeting a few sheep to constantly fleece—she needed to spread it out.

Qi Sihao was right; getting to know more doctors had no downside.

Seeing Yu Tian’s expression soften, Qi Sihao immediately struck while the iron was hot: “And it’s not like you have to do anything. You don’t need to take initiative—just cooperate with me.”

Yu Tian thought it over, and when Qi Sihao promised to additionally cooperate with her on five more video Q&A episodes, her heart was greatly moved.

Qi Sihao delivered the final blow: “Just cooperate for three days. If Gao Mei still doesn’t react after three days, then I have no chance, and I’ll give up.”

Three days sounded like not much workload.

Yu Tian confirmed again, “Even if you fail to escape singlehood, you can’t go back on what you promised me.”

“Deal!”

Yu Tian no longer hesitated and immediately finalized the “collaboration project” with Qi Sihao.

She just didn’t expect the project would launch so quickly.

Not long after, Qi Sihao couldn’t help but look at his phone when he heard a message notification, then exclaimed, “Holy crap! Gao Mei says she just baked a batch of cranberry cookies and is conveniently dropping them off for Yan Ming on her way. She’s almost at Yan Ming’s door now!”

After saying this, Qi Sihao looked at Yu Tian, “You’re temporarily staying at Yan Ming’s place, right? Let me drive you back then.”

Yu Tian had originally still been eating her after-dinner dessert, but was urged by Qi Sihao so much that she couldn’t finish it. This man looked anxious, “Hurry! We can’t let Gao Mei and Yan Ming have such a long opportunity to be alone together!”

Just like that, very helplessly, Yu Tian had no choice but to rush back with Qi Sihao in his frantic haste.

Qi Sihao rang the doorbell almost like he was catching an affair, as if he couldn’t wait even one more minute.

However, once Yan Ming opened the door, Qi Sihao, who had just been urgent and agitated, completely changed his demeanor, looking both calm and composed.

Inside the living room, Gao Mei also looked like she had just arrived, holding a cookie box in her hand, not even seated yet.

She looked at the doorway with surprise.

Qi Sihao coolly glanced at Gao Mei, appearing indifferent, then he looked at Yu Tian with focused attention: “Xiao Yu, I only feel at ease after sending you to your brother’s house.”

As he spoke, as if suddenly remembering something, he immediately took off his jacket and, to Yu Tian’s stunned amazement, draped it over Yu Tian’s shoulders.

“Cold, right?” Qi Sihao’s tone contained both reproach and heartache, simply getting into character within a second, “Next time you go out at night, you still need to dress warmer. The temperature difference between day and night has been too big recently. If you get sick, wouldn’t I feel terrible?”

Trash Qi Sihao—normally, when it was cold, he’d practically want to steal Yu Tian’s clothes to wear, but when acting, he seemed convincing. His acting skills were quite good…

But the problem was, Yu Tian wasn’t cold at all. Because she had been frantically pulled along by Qi Sihao to rush over here, Yu Tian was practically sweating at the tip of her nose now.

In the heat where she wanted to take off even her jacket, Yu Tian was forcibly draped with a thick coat by Qi Sihao…

And Qi Sihao, indeed feeling refreshed after taking off a layer of clothing, was obviously in much better spirits.

Now feeling cool and comfortable, Qi Sihao spoke with deep emotion and reluctance as he looked at Yu Tian: “Go on, Xiao Yu. I’ll watch you go inside, otherwise I won’t feel at ease.”

While speaking, he looked at Yan Ming: “Senior, I’m entrusting our Xiao Yu to you.”

“…”

Gao Mei was somewhat stunned by this unexpected development, showing some confusion on her face, followed by disappointment and melancholy.

This kind of stimulation seemed to indeed have some effect on her, though not very obvious, because in comparison, Yan Ming’s expression looked even worse than Gao Mei’s.

Though he had been pulling consecutive all-nighters for the past few days, probably accumulated fatigue hitting him today, so looking haggard was quite normal.

Yu Tian hadn’t expected Yan Ming to speak up.

His voice was light and airy, carrying a cold quality—

“Since you’re so worried, why not take her back to your place to stay?”

Qi Sihao was stunned for a moment, then showed a bashful smile, wanting to answer.

But Yu Tian didn’t give him the chance. Feeling somewhat bitter in her heart, she preemptively said, “Then I’ll stay at Qi Sihao’s place tonight. Won’t trouble you.”

It seemed her staying at Yan Ming’s house was indeed causing him trouble. His words sounded like he was showing her the door.

After her mother’s incident, Yu Tian hadn’t considered Qi Sihao first, but Qi Sihao lived with his parents. Being neighbors, the house structure was the same as Yu Tian’s originally rented place—only two bedrooms and one living room. One master bedroom was occupied by Qi Sihao’s parents, leaving only one room. If Qi Sihao wasn’t on night shift at the hospital, Yu Tian would have to sleep on the sofa. Moreover, a few days ago, Qi Sihao’s mother was still out traveling and not at home. With Qi Sihao on duty, only his father would be left at home.

So at that time, Yu Tian had immediately decided within her limited budget to stay at a budget hotel for a few days.

But it was clearly Yan Ming who had pulled her away, not letting her stay at a hotel, insisting she come stay at his place.

And now he was going back on it.

Right, Chen Xi was also staying over tonight, so he must find her an eyesore.

Then why did he kiss her?

Yu Tian looked at Yan Ming with resentment and anger. Qi Sihao’s recent words floated in her mind.

Could Yan Ming just want to fool around with ambiguous hookups…

Scumbag!

While Yu Tian’s mind was turbulent, Qi Sihao was still single-handedly maintaining his battlefield.

To maintain his persona, he almost immediately agreed with Yu Tian’s decision: “Right, Xiao Yu, why didn’t we think of that? You can stay at my place. Pack up your things and I’ll take you home.”

But just as Qi Sihao reached out to pull Yu Tian, she was yanked behind Yan Ming.

“No need. It’s very late and cold. Moving back and forth might cause a cold.”

Yu Tian almost immediately explained, “No way, I have a very good constitution…”

Yan Ming’s voice was chilly: “I’m not worried about you catching a cold. I’m worried about Qi Sihao.”

Yan Ming looked at Qi Sihao and said calmly, “You still have to work tomorrow, and you so enthusiastically gave your jacket to Yu Tian. If you catch cold, not only is there no one to replace you, but it would burden the department and easily infect patients. That doesn’t conform to professional ethics.”

“…”

“If you insist on giving someone a ride, you can drive Gao Mei.” Yan Ming stood up and took the cookie box that Gao Mei was still holding. “Thank you for the cookies. Since Qi Sihao is going the same way, why don’t you let him escort you?”

Yan Ming smiled, “It’s not very safe for someone to walk alone in this area at night. A few days ago, my dad’s girlfriend’s daughter was even followed.”

Although Gao Mei showed fear on her face, she couldn’t help saying, “But I drove here…”

Yan Ming paused, but quickly regained his composure. He pointed at Qi Sihao: “But Qi Sihao didn’t drive, right? He probably walked here. I’m worried it’s not safe for him to walk back alone. These stalkers nowadays might be psychologically disturbed and not discriminate between men and women…”

Gao Mei was normally a very kind and gentle person. Even without the stalking issue, just knowing Qi Sihao didn’t drive, she would proactively offer to give someone a ride. But this time…

Gao Mei looked very reluctant: “I think Qi Sihao looks quite safe, and he’s not afraid of the cold. A walk outside would make him more energetic and give him more energy for tomorrow’s shift.”

Under Gao Mei’s sarcasm, Qi Sihao not only didn’t get angry, but his expression visibly improved.

He shamelessly said, “Gao Mei, just give me a ride on your way. I sprained my foot a few days ago when rushing to the emergency room, and walking is still not very convenient…”

Gao Mei immediately forgot everything else, almost instantly widening her eyes, her voice concerned: “You sprained your foot? How did that happen? Is it serious? Do you need to see a doctor? Why didn’t you tell me!”

Watching the two of them go back and forth as they walked out together, Yu Tian felt somewhat sour inside.

Even Qi Sihao seemed to have hope of escaping singlehood…

Looking at herself in comparison…

The more Yu Tian thought about it, the more suffocated and short of breath she felt. Feeling puzzled, she planned to go back to the guest room to sleep, since Yan Ming also apparently had no intention of explaining that afternoon kiss.

Yu Tian could ask, but she didn’t want to.

Why should Yan Ming be able to act like nothing happened while she had to care so much?

If he was calm, then she had to be even calmer.

If he didn’t explain, then she didn’t want one either.

If the enemy doesn’t move, I won’t move.

Let’s see who could outlast whom.

Yan Ming appeared too composed, as if everything that happened this afternoon and tonight was very natural, allowing him to handle everything with ease, no matter what.

This man was even leisurely flipping through medical literature.

But when Yu Tian walked to the guest room door and was about to open it, Yan Ming’s voice finally came from behind—

“Don’t come home later than nine PM in the future.”

Yu Tian turned around in surprise, finding that Yan Ming still maintained his leisurely reading posture.

“The house has curfew rules.”

Yu Tian’s eyes widened: “When was this established? There wasn’t any before…”

“Starting today.”

Yu Tian was somewhat annoyed: “Who made this rule?”

Yan Ming closed his literature, his glass-like pupils staring at Yu Tian: “I did.”

When you’re under someone’s roof, you have to bow your head. Yan Ming’s house was indeed Yan Ming’s to rule, and Yu Tian had nothing to say about it.

Yu Tian’s mother was recovering quite well after surgery. If all went smoothly, discharge would be in the next day or two. After reporting to police for injury verification, law enforcement efficiency was much higher than Yu Tian had expected. Old Dai had already been administratively detained for using violence against Song Chunxiang. Men like him, who used violence against family members and displayed extreme controlling behavior and dominance in front of family members or intimate partners, would completely lose their aggressive edge when facing public authority like the police. Almost as soon as the police came to the door, Old Dai lost his previous arrogant demeanor and became submissive and compliant.

It was also then that Yu Tian learned that neither Dai Xin nor Dai Xin’s mother, although they had suffered long-term mental control or violent treatment from Old Dai, had ever thought of calling the police, because they always felt calling the police was useless, so they completely gave up resistance.

They just hadn’t expected that public authority intervention was more effective than they had thought. Although Old Dai appeared fierce on the outside, his inner self was nothing but a weak and cowardly empty shell.

Perhaps men who try to gain control by using violence against family members in vulnerable positions are more inferior and pathetic inside, which is why they need to compensate for their confidence through violence and control.

But now that Old Dai was administratively detained, seeing his appearance, Yu Tian somewhat felt that she wouldn’t face threats from him in the future.

Therefore, after careful analysis, Yu Tian had already gone to organize her studio during the day. She had ordered simple furniture like beds and other household items, just waiting for delivery tomorrow. After adding some daily necessities and cleaning up, she could live quite comfortably.

Staying at Yan Ming’s place so unclearly, without proper justification, and having to be managed by Yan Ming in this and that way.

Thinking of this, Yu Tian paused and also said calmly, “Thank you for taking me in these past two days. I’ll move back to my studio tomorrow.”

But Yan Ming was noncommittal. He just glanced at Yu Tian: “Unhappy? Sulking?”

Yu Tian was about to refute and argue, but heard Yan Ming speak first.

He looked away, his voice becoming somewhat light, like some kind of incorporeal mist, weightless, yet slowly becoming substantial words through subtle word combinations—

“When you come home late, I get angry.”

Yu Tian was stunned, but before she could say anything else, she saw Yan Ming lift his head, using his inhumanly beautiful face, with a tone of reproach and accusation, but a calm expression, to announce another fact—

“But if you don’t come home, I think I’d be even angrier.”