Chapter 41

Your Eyes Can’t Be Called Innocent

The summit on the treatment and repair of burn and inhalation injuries was held as scheduled in mid-December. Pei Zhen’s crash course allowed Hu Xiu to quickly master the categories of external injuries, and she successfully translated two full English papers.

Hu Xiu worked with Pei Zhen to complete the entire PPT presentation. The Chinese and English versions were finalized after two overnight sessions. Hu Xiu felt like her eyes were about to pop out.

There were five young doctors presenting their specialized reports, covering topics from respiratory and thoracic surgery to reconstructive surgery. Pei Zhen was the closing speaker, finishing with the longest and most complex repair step, which also served as an endorsement of his medical expertise.

Hu Xiu, sitting at the interpreter’s desk, had already lost her voice. When their eyes met, she received a bit of encouragement —

His composed demeanor was the best calming agent. As colleagues working together on the same stage, Hu Xiu found herself twice as motivated. This felt far more valuable than any romantic or marital relationship.

Most importantly, the conference was held at their hospital. Although it was restricted to professionals, the reception hall was broadcasting the event. She had already informed her father in advance, inviting him to stop by whenever possible.

Her senior sister was the bilingual host for the event, and though Hu Xiu was in an inconspicuous corner with her headset, she still gained a lot of presence with her real-time translation.

Even if her father could only stay for five minutes, he would see that his daughter was far from an insignificant figure at the hospital.

To ensure accuracy, Hu Xiu had crammed ten pages of subject-specific keywords and memorized professional terms explained by Pei Zhen. While translating, she could easily recall them. Occasionally, unfamiliar terms would arise, but Hu Xiu would quickly react based on her understanding and ask for clarification from the speaker in the next sentence, guiding them to explain in more detail.

Simultaneous interpretation may seem calm and composed during each session, but in reality, it’s the result of at least a week of sleepless preparation, with confidence only possible if the content is thoroughly reviewed beforehand.

After the event concluded, Hu Xiu hadn’t even removed her headset when Pei Zhen came offstage, bowed, and quietly gave her a thumbs up in the shadows.

Hu Xiu breathed a sigh of relief. This translation was something Pei Zhen specifically requested her to accompany him throughout. Many leaders from the hospital and professors from abroad had high expectations for Pei Zhen’s project research, and Hu Xiu, as a five-month administrative intern, had already participated in more than ten large conferences at the hospital as an interpreter. This time, she even had a connection with a medical school in the U.S. Her presence was quietly overshadowing that of Chen Yang, who had been an intern for three years.

Although she felt a bit guilty, in a hospital where both competence and relationships matter, Chen Yang, after three years of diligent work, had remained largely unnoticed. Opportunities ultimately went to those with controversy and outstanding abilities.

She had planned to skip the celebratory dinner, but the deputy director personally called for her to attend. After packing her bag and putting on her coat, she found Pei Zhen already waiting outside.

Perhaps men like wearing black sweaters in winter, and Pei Zhen’s black sweater and trousers made his legs look impossibly long — the word “tall” seemed to have been created just for him.

Standing at the door, Hu Xiu looked up and realized that just with his shoes on, he was already nearly 1.9 meters tall. The more she looked, the more curious she became: “How tall are you really…”

“You think I’m as tall as you want me to be.” He seemed unwilling to talk about it: “Let’s go in my car. They’ve already gone ahead. We shouldn’t keep the director waiting.”

The same fragrance lingered in the car, and Hu Xiu leaned against the passenger seat, drowsy. When she opened her eyes again, they were already in the parking garage. Pei Zhen’s voice was soft: “We should head upstairs.”

His voice was gentle, like he was talking to a young daughter.

At the private room of Jinniu Garden on the second floor, when Hu Xiu and Pei Zhen entered, Director Cai made a joke: “Incredible, look how well-matched you two are. The last pair we had this well-matched were the doctors from the infertility department, Xiao Jin and his girlfriend. I think they’re about to get married soon?”

Before Hu Xiu could react, Pei Zhen calmly continued the conversation: “Dr. Jin’s girlfriend isn’t so easily won over. She’s been working with him on the PGH project, and they’ve had plenty of arguments over the experimental work.”

“Marriage and daily life are just like that, there has to be some adjustment. I think Xiao Hu isn’t like the typical Chinese girls. Chinese girls can be tough, but Xiao Hu is gentle, just like her appearance — graceful, suited for family life.”

“Xiao Pei isn’t bad either. I remember Xiao Pei had a foreign girlfriend before, didn’t he? I’ve seen her around the hospital. It seems he’s never actively pursued anyone before; this time, he’s truly showing his sincerity.”

Pei Zhen smiled awkwardly: “Director Cai, I’ve heard the yellow wine here is particularly good. Let me pour you a glass.”

Hospital dinner parties are just like family gatherings for the elders, full of subtle matchmaking. Hu Xiu, starving, absentmindedly nibbled on some avocado toast, scanning the hospital leaders.

She’d been there for a few months and still hadn’t recognized everyone, but this was a good opportunity. She was the type that elders liked. If she sweet-talked a little, she might gain favor with everyone at the table.

But she felt uncomfortable saying it. It felt too insincere, and sitting next to Pei Zhen, there was always the feeling of using him to gain favor.

Chapter 41: Your Eyes Can’t Be Called Innocent

After six hours of translating the entire conference, Hu Xiu had finally made her presence known. She hoped everyone would remember her as the hospital’s interpreter, Teacher Hu.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, her senior sister raised her glass: “Xiao Hu was excellent today, all thanks to Dr. Pei’s great recommendation. I really think she’s perfect for reconstructive surgery.”

“Why not directly give her a permanent position in reconstructive surgery and leave the administrative spot for Chen Yang?” the deputy director added with a smile.

Sure enough, it was exactly what Pei Zhen had said. Pei Zhen didn’t object, casually lifting his glass: “It all depends on whether Teacher Hu has this ambition. She spent about ten days preparing for this conference, getting up at 7 AM for work at the hospital, and still dealing with some personal issues. She’s very dedicated to her work and has the spirit of a doctor.”

“You really know her well,” Director Cai said with a hint of sarcasm. “Chen Yang doesn’t have that kind of mind. He’s been dating his girlfriend for eight years, but their relationship is lukewarm. He can’t even afford a house near Jinyun Road. He’s not sharp.”

With Director Cai’s words, Hu Xiu was once again reduced to a woman who relies on a man. The food in front of her suddenly lost its appeal.

Hu Xiu endured, reminding herself that she couldn’t be too blunt—she had to master the art of language! After holding it in for a while, she finally said, “There are so many doctors around the hospital. If I don’t study hard, I won’t be able to keep up with everyone. I will never take any work lightly, no matter which department I end up in. I really appreciate all your efforts.”

The director smiled broadly: “The girls we recruit here are indeed not to be underestimated.”

Without even having a drink, Hu Xiu successfully made her exit. She couldn’t help but appreciate the simplicity of a Shanghai-style dinner: everyone focused on eating, speaking directly to the point. After the event, everyone was eager to head back to the hospital or home, as though racing to be the fastest.

Pei Zhen, in a good mood after having a drink, called for a driver. While waiting, he went to a LOEWE store on the second floor and bought a brooch for Hu Xiu: “You’ve worked so hard following me all these days, getting up early and staying up late.”

“It’s me who’s learning from you. Why are you giving me a gift?”

“I’m so harsh, never letting anything slide. I don’t even realize if I say something wrong,” Pei Zhen said, tilting his head and holding out the gift. “It’s nothing valuable, just a small congratulation for your successful first major translation. It’s probably the first time you’ve done such a long one, right?”

“Mm...”

“That’s really impressive,” Pei Zhen said, glancing at his phone. “Take it. The driver should be here soon. We need to head downstairs.”

In the car, Pei Zhen seemed to be in a good mood. Hu Xiu, feeling a little dizzy, thought about how Pei Zhen had truly spent so much time with her in class, and despite his busy schedule with surgical consultations and preparing for the conference, he still took the time to buy her a brooch rather than splurging on a shirt for himself.

At that moment, Hu Xiu couldn’t help but feel a little sympathy for the tall, handsome doctor.

Sitting in the backseat, she noticed how sharp his features were. Long hours of work had left fine lines around his eyes, but they also gave him an air of calmness.

The car moved smoothly, and Hu Xiu noticed a blanket on the backseat window. Quietly, she spread it over him.

Just being near him made her a bit alert. Pei Zhen opened his eyes and took a deep breath. “Sorry, I thought the nurse called me to the emergency room.”

Hu Xiu’s hand didn’t stop covering him with the blanket. “We’re in the car now. Don’t be so nervous. It’s just the two of us.”

“I actually don’t want to sleep. It’s rare to have some time alone with you in the car. But I’m so tired. After being tense for so long, it feels like the spring is loose.”

“A few days ago, I treated a food delivery rider. His back and neck were burned, his hair had fallen out, and his phone was still taking orders. I got a bit anxious and snapped at him. He said, ‘Doctor, you earn a high salary, but my time is money. I can’t afford to waste it.’“

“But I couldn’t let him go, seeing his skin so badly damaged. Can you guess what I said?”

“What?”

“I told him, ‘Maybe our salaries are similar, but trust me, if you don’t get an infection in three days, your salary will surpass mine.’ Isn’t that a little heartbreaking?”

“Are you kidding?”

“Really. I’m still relatively new at the hospital. Dr. Jin, who I’m close with, works in the infertility department. He was hired by a U.S. company for a high salary. His one-month salary is equal to my four months. But you can’t measure saving lives with money. Many times, I wonder if putting all my energy into pursuing you is just another way of letting you down.”

“Maybe you don’t care much about money, but I... can’t give you the time.”

“You’re so interesting. If you’re with me and want a lot of love, you’ll be in pain most of the time.”

The car turned onto a small road, nearing home. Hu Xiu poked his leg: “Dr. Pei, you’ve had too much to drink. I’ll accept the gift, but if I get the chance, I’ll buy you one too.”

After saying goodbye to Pei Zhen, Hu Xiu went upstairs and lay on her bed. She looked at the newly repaired ceiling and thought that life seemed to be finally getting on track. Once she was officially employed, she’d have more time to learn about the industry and truly change people’s impression of her through her abilities.

It seemed that Pei Zhen had quite a few admirers, and his ex-girlfriend was certainly not an ordinary person. At least, she would focus on improving herself at the hospital before considering other matters.

As soon as her cheek touched the pillow, sleep overtook her. This was one of Hu Xiu’s flaws — as soon as any part of her face came in contact with something soft, be it a pillow, shoulder, or even her arm on a desk or piano, she would fall asleep instantly. But just as she fell into sleep, she was jolted awake by a vibration from her phone. It was Diao Zhi Yu.

“Hello?”

“I just saw Pei Zhen drop you off.”

“Diao Zhi Yu, are you haunting me? Did you come to my building again?” Hu Xiu walked to the window and looked down. “Where are you?”

“I was riding past your street. I went to look for someone else and took a few pictures. What do you think, I’m not a stalker.” His tone hinted at something more: “Are you and Pei Zhen... in a relationship?”

“No…”

“Oh…”

“If there’s nothing else, I’m going to sleep. I’ve been following the conference all day, and my head feels like it’s splitting.”

“I... I really think you’re on a whole other level. Every time I think you’re seriously flirting with me, the next second I see you with another man.”

“Huh?”

“If you’re trying to lead me on and tease me, I’m not buying it.”

Hu Xiu felt her anger rising: “We’re all friends. We came back from the same dinner party. It’s perfectly normal for him to see me home, just like how you saw me home. A gentleman like you wouldn’t let me go home alone after dark.”

Diao Zhi Yu laughed on the other end of the phone: “Alright, I got it.”

Hu Xiu tried to clear her drowsy thoughts: “Are you jealous?”

“We don’t have any defined relationship, what’s there to be jealous of?”

This answer actually made Hu Xiu more awake. She realized that trying to confront him head-on was pointless. If she wanted to win a man’s heart, she had to know when to show weakness. She cleared her mind, but her voice still murmured: “But when you called me, you really seemed to care. I’m a bit happy. Diao Zhi Yu, I’ve had a bit to drink, so don’t talk to me like this when I’m drunk, I’ll... start imagining things.”

“Still drinking?”

Of course, she hadn’t drunk much. But Hu Xiu smiled coquettishly: “Just a little. There are things in life you can’t have, and being a little tipsy helps me daydream. Anyway, I’ve taken a shower and I’m in bed now. If I keep talking, I’ll sleepwalk.”

“Hu Xiu…”

“Hm?”

“I really don’t get it. What exactly do you want from me?”

The curtain was left open, and moonlight shone on the floor, casting a silver-gray glow that seemed to reflect the shadow in her heart.

Even the kindest people have moments when they feel like exploding with grievances, but the timing just isn’t right, and speaking out feels like a weak position. Now, though, it felt pointless to keep suppressing it. Hu Xiu controlled her racing heart, leaving the last sentence with a hint of sadness before hanging up: “Actually, you confuse me too. After all, when you look at Lin Qiuyi, your gaze is far from innocent.”