PDGUT - 17

After finishing her barbecue feast, Yu Tian hummed a cheerful tune as she strolled home with Qi Sihao.

Along the way, Qi Sihao was busy giving unsolicited advice to Gao Mei via voice messages on how to pursue Yan Ming, presenting himself as some sort of master strategist.

Unfortunately, his intentions were far from pure, and his advice was nothing but terrible—

“Based on my observations, Brother Yan Ming doesn’t like overly forward or aggressive girls. He prefers someone who quietly supports him in the background. You know, being a doctor, he’s already so busy, so what he needs is a considerate, gentle, and nurturing partner—someone who can keep things running smoothly at home while he focuses on work without worries.”

“The other day, I casually probed him about this, and he clearly expressed that he dislikes those who make a big show of pursuing someone. He finds such girls too ‘high-maintenance’ and fears they might not be understanding when his career gets even busier in the future…”

“So, my suggestion for you is to take it slow. Don’t be too obvious in pursuing him. Instead, aim for a gradual, heartfelt connection. Be a gentle presence by his side, and eventually, like boiling a frog in warm water, you’ll win him over!”

On the other end of the line, Gao Mei, unaware of Qi Sihao’s ulterior motives, eagerly agreed: “Qi Sihao, you’re such a good person!”

“…”

While Yu Tian rolled her eyes in exasperation, Qi Sihao remained unfazed, his face calm and composed. “People always call me a living Lei Feng. Why do you think my WeChat name is ‘Qi Sihao Is A Great Guy’? It’s because of my stellar reputation among the masses!”

He continued earnestly: “And don’t worry—I’ve already thought of a way for you to get closer to Brother Yan Ming. When you come to the hospital, don’t look for him directly—it’ll only annoy him. Instead, pretend you’re here to see me, saying you’re my friend visiting me for fun. Since I’m currently rotating through ophthalmology, if you visit me, you’ll naturally run into him.”

“As long as you meet him, you’ll have opportunities to interact. Over time, he’ll get to know you and recognize your qualities!”

Gao Mei was completely convinced and immediately made plans to visit the First Affiliated Hospital after work the next day. Qi Sihao readily agreed, promising to invite Yan Ming along for dinner to orchestrate a “coincidental” meeting.

However, once the call ended, the ever-so-kind Qi Sihao turned to Yu Tian with a sly grin.

“You know, legally speaking, swapping my head in that photo could be grounds for a lawsuit. You could be sued for defamation or violation of portrait rights,” he said mockingly.

“But since we’re friends, I’ll let it slide this time. However, as a friend, you should repay me somehow.”

Yu Tian quickly defended herself: “I already paid for the barbecue earlier!”

Qi Sihao shot her a glare: “Do you really think money can solve everything? You replaced my handsome face—the pride of my existence! This is an insult to my dignity!”

“…” Yu Tian sighed. “Fine, then what do you want as compensation?”

“Tomorrow, help me get rid of Yan Ming,” Qi Sihao said, making a slicing motion across his throat. “Use all your strength to eliminate him. Make sure he doesn’t appear in front of Gao Mei.”

“But I don’t have a reason to go there again,” Yu Tian hesitated. “He didn’t seem too pleased with my new Photoshop job yesterday. I’d rather not provoke him further…”

Qi Sihao, however, remained confident: “The weather forecast says there’ll be heavy rain tomorrow. Just come over to deliver an umbrella to your dear Brother Yan Ming. You know, his car is parked far away, and it’s quite a walk to the parking lot. It’s also hard to hail a taxi in such weather.”

This plan seemed a bit ridiculous.

“What if he already has an umbrella?” Yu Tian asked skeptically.

“He won’t. Trust me—he never carries one.”

“?”

Qi Sihao smirked: “Even if he does, I’ll make sure to steal it.”

“…”

Yu Tian tried to steer her mischievous friend back to the path of righteousness: “Isn’t this kind of behavior against the core socialist values? It’s not very moral, you know.”

“What do you mean? I’m doing this for the greater good of the nation!”

Qi Sihao shamelessly continued: “The country is facing a population crisis, and with my excellent genes, it would be a crime to let them go to waste. So I’ve decided to sacrifice myself for the sake of humanity by passing on my ancestral chromosomes. But to do that, I need to find a partner. Your Brother Yan Ming clearly isn’t interested in Gao Mei, so why let her waste her time on him?”

“…”

“And besides, in that Photoshopped picture, he stole my body! If I lose my body, the least he can do is lose his umbrella, right?”

“…”

Since Yu Tian had consumed a bit of beer during the barbecue, she didn’t take Qi Sihao’s words too seriously. That is, until late afternoon the next day, just before the hospital’s closing time, when she received a message from him.

He sent a photo of an umbrella.

[Qi Sihao Is A Great Guy]: Took the umbrella. Also took Gao Mei with me.

Yu Tian stared at her phone screen in disbelief. She hadn’t expected Qi Sihao to actually go through with his conniving plan—pretending to be helpful while tricking Gao Mei into going somewhere else to “accidentally” meet Yan Ming, all while swiping Yan Ming’s umbrella.

Looking out at the torrential rain, Yu Tian sighed deeply, picked up two umbrellas, and reluctantly headed out.

She couldn’t let Yan Ming get soaked in the rain, could she?

Yu Tian took a taxi to the hospital, but the moment she stepped out of the car, she regretted her decision.

Because standing at the hospital entrance, she spotted Yan Ming.

Despite his family background, which would allow him to wear high-end designer brands or at least recognizable luxury labels, Yan Ming was dressed in simple, ordinary clothes—similar to any office worker, though looser and more casual.

Yet even amidst the bustling crowd, he stood out effortlessly.

Some people are simply born with the ability to shine.

Yan Ming wasn’t just good-looking; more importantly, he carried himself with an upright posture and unparalleled elegance.

The hospital entrance was chaotic—a mix of anxious patients’ families, dejected or agitated patients, hurried doctors, and people displaying a range of emotions: numbness, concern, tears, and sorrow.

Yet Yan Ming was distinct.

His expression exuded a gentle compassion. Despite his privileged background, where he could have chosen a less demanding career, Yan Ming never flaunted his status. He was always refined and understated, yet every movement radiated grace and nobility. Even though he prioritized comfort over expensive clothing, his innate sophistication couldn’t be concealed.

From Yu Tian’s perspective, in the misty rain, everything around her appeared gray and hazy. Yet Yan Ming stood out like the sole protagonist illuminated in an otherwise dim scene—an effortlessly captivating nobleman who naturally drew attention.

At that moment, a young, beautiful woman was anxiously conversing with him, and Yan Ming patiently and warmly responded.

Even as a bystander, Yu Tian felt the soothing effect of Yan Ming’s demeanor. His expression flowed like a gentle stream—not urgent like a rushing river, but steady and persistent, washing away the anxiety and fatigue in others’ hearts.

As she approached, Yu Tian finally heard their conversation.

The young woman, clearly one of Yan Ming’s patients, asked timidly: “Doctor Yan, may I add you on WeChat? I’d like to consult you about my recovery progress later…”

Judging by the young woman’s expression and tone, Yu Tian could tell this was likely just an excuse to ask for Yan Ming’s contact information.

To her surprise, however, Yan Ming handed over his WeChat ID without hesitation, not even pausing for a second.

Yu Tian pursed her lips, suddenly feeling a pang of unhappiness.

Objectively speaking, the young woman was indeed beautiful, but…

Holding her umbrella, Yu Tian sidestepped to glance at her reflection in the glass facade of a nearby office building.

In the mirror-like surface, her own face stared back at her.

Pouting slightly, Yu Tian glared at her reflection, almost questioning her appearance for the first time in her life. Was it possible that Yan Ming didn’t find her attractive enough? After all, she had struggled so much to obtain his contact information, while both Gao Mei and this young woman had acquired it with ease.

Yu Tian stood on the hospital steps, a few steps below Yan Ming and his charming female patient.

Having successfully added him on WeChat, the young woman grew bolder. In a soft voice, she said: “Doctor Yan, you didn’t bring an umbrella, did you? The rain is heavy, and I heard your car is parked in the outdoor lot, quite a distance from here. Let me walk you there under my umbrella—it’s on my way anyway.”

At that moment, Yu Tian’s regret reached its peak.

She realized how presumptuous she had been.

Even without his umbrella, Yan Ming wouldn’t lack for companionship to the parking lot.

There were plenty of people eager to offer him an umbrella or shower him with kindness.

It was clear she wasn’t needed.

On the contrary, she had rushed here after receiving Qi Sihao’s call, fearing Yan Ming might get wet. In her haste, she hadn’t bothered to change into something presentable, opting instead for a comfortable but shapeless cotton dress. Worse still, the hem of her dress was now splattered with mud stains, standing out starkly against the pale yellow fabric.

Fortunately, her umbrella fully concealed her face, and Yan Ming remained engrossed in conversation with his beautiful patient.

Since no one had noticed her, Yu Tian decided to turn around and leave, pretending she had never come.

But just as she began descending the steps, she heard Yan Ming’s cool, steady voice.

“Yu Tian.”

His tone was calm and natural: “I’m here.”

After speaking, Yan Ming turned to the young female patient beside him: “Thank you for your kindness.”

He gestured toward Yu Tian: “I already have someone to pick me up.”

Yu Tian, caught off guard by her name being called, hesitantly raised her umbrella and finally got a clear view of Yan Ming’s face.

His expression was serious, paying no heed to the young woman’s evident disappointment at being rejected. Without a backward glance, he walked straight toward Yu Tian.

And as Yu Tian lifted her umbrella, the young woman’s gaze followed, landing on Yu Tian’s face.

Upon seeing her, the young woman’s expression shifted to one of even deeper resignation and defeat.

Before Yu Tian could fully process what was happening, Yan Ming had already reached her side and extended his hand: “Where’s my umbrella?”

Yan Ming’s demeanor remained calm and composed, but for some reason, under his steady gaze, Yu Tian felt herself growing nervous and flustered. She had brought a large bag, and though the second umbrella was clearly inside, the bag suddenly seemed like a bottomless pit. She rummaged around for what felt like an eternity, pulling out her hair clip and hand cream—but not the umbrella.

The rain grew heavier, and because she hadn’t found the umbrella quickly enough, Yan Ming had no choice but to step under her umbrella.

Under the small umbrella, Yu Tian and Yan Ming stood close together.

She finally felt the humidity and oppressive heat of Rong City’s rainy season. Perhaps it was the low-pressure suffocation of the rainstorm, but Yu Tian experienced a fleeting sensation of oxygen deprivation, her heart beginning to race uncontrollably.

The more nervous she became, the more the umbrella seemed to conspire against her, making the search feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

The already heavy rain intensified as a sudden gust of wind swept through, making the downpour unbearable.

Even under the umbrella, the wind-driven rain began drenching both Yu Tian and Yan Ming.

Finally, Yan Ming sighed in exasperation: “Let me handle it.”

He gave Yu Tian a pointed look before resignedly reaching into her bag himself.

Instinctively, Yu Tian tried to pull her hand away, but she was too late.

Her hand remained stuck in the act of searching, still failing to find the umbrella, but instead brushing against Yan Ming’s hand.

It felt like an electric shock. Yu Tian hastily pulled her hand out of the bag, her exaggerated movement causing her hair clip to tumble out.

It was one of those fabric hair clips she’d bought from a roadside stall, printed with trendy phrases. They hadn’t been expensive, and she’d chosen one that said “Money First” because they were selling five for twenty yuan. As a bonus, she’d picked up four others. The one that had just fallen out bore two bold, glaring words—

“Slut.”

“…”

Of all things, why did this one fall out?

Yu Tian felt utterly speechless. Today really wasn’t her day. Normally so efficient, she couldn’t understand why she became such a clumsy mess whenever Yan Ming was involved.

Fortunately, Yan Ming didn’t seem to notice. At that moment, he retrieved the umbrella from Yu Tian’s bag and promptly opened it.

With two umbrellas now shielding them, he stepped out from under hers, like an intruder retreating from her territory.

The rain continued to pour, but Yu Tian inexplicably felt the air grow less stifling, almost refreshing.

Yu Tian tried to compose herself. Smiling faintly, she held up her umbrella and prepared to exchange a casual remark.

But before she could speak, Yan Ming bent down and picked up her fallen hair clip.

“Slut,” he read aloud, his tone teasing. He handed it back to her. “Your tastes are quite unique. Here you go.”

“…”

It sounded almost like an accusation…

Yu Tian hastily snatched the hair clip, her heart racing. In an effort to regain composure, she cleared her throat and decided to change the subject.

“Brother Yan Ming, how did you know I’d come to bring you an umbrella today?”

“And I didn’t even call out to you earlier, yet you recognized me at a glance. Did you secretly expect me to come deliver one?”

This wasn’t entirely speculative on Yu Tian’s part. Though initially surprised and flustered when Yan Ming called out to her, a flicker of pride soon followed.

“Mm.”

Yan Ming’s affirmative response sent a wave of secret delight coursing through Yu Tian. She looked up at him, her lips curving into a smile: “Did you think I’m actually a decent person? That’s why you assumed I’d come to bring you an umbrella in the rain?”

Though she didn’t expect equal reciprocation from her idol, receiving Yan Ming’s acknowledgment felt like an unexpected gift.

For once, Yu Tian felt a rare sense of pride.

It seemed that despite his outward coldness, Yan Ming inwardly recognized her integrity after their subtle interactions.

But before her excitement could fully bloom, Yan Ming’s cool voice drifted out from under the umbrella.

“You would’ve come, of course.”

The sound of the rain mingled with Yan Ming’s icy tone, carrying an elusive undertone that seeped into Yu Tian’s ears.

“Didn’t you ask Qi Sihao to take my umbrella?”

??

!!!

Yu Tian was completely blindsided by Yan Ming’s words. She stared at him wide-eyed.

After a long pause, she stammered: “You… you knew?”

“Mm.”

“He sneaked into my office, confirmed with the nurse which umbrella was mine, and then took it without hesitation.”

“…” Yu Tian feebly attempted to defend herself. “Could it have been a misunderstanding? Maybe it wasn’t him—it could’ve been some random passerby who looked like him.”

She forced a laugh: “After all, Qi Sihao’s face is pretty generic. Out of ten men on the street, five or six look like his brothers. You know, the kind of face that blends into the crowd. Hahaha.”

Yan Ming glanced at her: “I checked the surveillance footage.”

He added: “He wasn’t wearing a mask.”

There was no particular expression on Yan Ming’s face, but Yu Tian mentally cursed Qi Sihao a thousand times over.

What an idiot! Can’t even steal an umbrella properly without getting caught! At least check the cameras first and wear a mask!

Though mortified, Yu Tian couldn’t just vanish. She forced herself to continue: “If you already caught him red-handed stealing your umbrella, why didn’t you just call him and make him return it?”

“I already knew his purpose for taking it.”

Yan Ming finished speaking and fixed his deep, penetrating gaze on Yu Tian, walking beside him.

She had commendable mental fortitude. Despite a hint of guilt, she managed to maintain a detached, nonchalant demeanor even after being exposed.

Yan Ming hadn’t personally reviewed the surveillance footage; Jiang Yuming had done so enthusiastically.

Upon discovering that Qi Sihao had intentionally taken Yan Ming’s umbrella, Jiang Yuming was baffled. Why would Qi Sihao, whom Yan Ming had treated kindly—even buying pajamas for—go out of his way to swipe his umbrella during such a torrential downpour? But Yan Ming had an inkling.

It was likely because of Yu Tian.

Qi Sihao had taken the umbrella so Yu Tian could use it as an excuse to come to the hospital entrance and find him.

After all, Yan Ming had just rejected her dinner invitation, and it seemed Yu Tian hadn’t given up yet.

Thus, when Jiang Yuming offered to share an umbrella and escort him to the parking lot, Yan Ming declined. He decided to wait patiently for Yu Tian to show up.

And he was right—Yu Tian indeed came.

Yan Ming had originally intended to address the matter sternly, but upon seeing her slender figure in the pouring rain, her long dress splattered with mud, and her rain-soaked strands of hair fluttering in the wind, he ultimately chose to drop only a subtle hint.

After all, upon reflection, Yu Tian hadn’t done anything wrong. Matters of the heart weren’t something she could control.

Yu Tian had no idea what Yan Ming was thinking; she was too stunned.

Was Yan Ming a god?!

How did he know Qi Sihao’s purpose in stealing the umbrella?!

Had he already seen through Qi Sihao’s feelings for Gao Mei during their last meeting?

No wonder he was her idol—so astute and perceptive!

Yu Tian stole a glance at Yan Ming walking beside her. While cursing Qi Sihao in her mind for being so inept, she couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming surge of admiration for Yan Ming.

Even in the storm, Yan Ming’s posture remained upright. Around them, people struggled with their umbrellas being blown askew, but Yan Ming’s umbrella stood firm.

His pale, slender fingers were delicate and refined, seemingly holding the umbrella handle with effortless grace. Yet Yu Tian knew the strength concealed beneath that gesture.

Yan Ming walked through the rain without the usual awkwardness or discomfort others displayed in such weather. He resembled a figure stepping out of an ink painting, the storm merely a dramatic backdrop to his presence, lending the scene an almost poetic filter.

Yu Tian’s nervousness and unease resurfaced.

Having rushed out without changing into rain boots, her shoes were now soaked, each step becoming increasingly awkward.

Though walking side by side, Yu Tian couldn’t shake the strange feeling that she and Yan Ming belonged to different worlds.

A wave of embarrassment, awkwardness, and helplessness washed over Yu Tian in the midst of the storm.

Desperate to find a safe topic, she felt uneasy in the silence, as if it concealed some subtle, unspoken tension. She was eager to break this faintly ominous feeling.

“This was mainly Qi Sihao’s idea. I opposed it from the start—I thought it was wrong. These contrived ‘coincidental’ encounters aren’t exactly moral or fair to the person involved…”

Yu Tian had intended to explain herself, but for some reason, Yan Ming’s expression carried an enigmatic smirk, as though he were silently watching her perform.

“Let’s not talk about fairness for now. You already took my umbrella—why did you turn around and leave the hospital after coming all the way here?”

His voice was icy: “If I hadn’t called out to you, you would’ve just slipped away, wouldn’t you?”

“You went through the trouble of stealing my umbrella, but when push came to shove, you tried to run? Planning to escape without taking responsibility or facing the consequences?”

“…”

This time, Yu Tian truly felt mortified.

Hadn’t Yan Ming been chatting with that pretty female patient just moments ago?

How had he even noticed her leaving?

She mumbled defensively: “I wasn’t running away—I just thought you didn’t need me. After all, there were plenty of beautiful female patients willing to offer you their umbrellas.”

Yu Tian continued with growing conviction: “I saw how quickly you exchanged WeChat IDs with her. It made me think maybe you liked that type. Since she invited you to share an umbrella, I didn’t want to intrude. I figured giving you two some private space was the polite thing to do, so I turned around and left.”

Yan Ming seemed amused, almost laughing at her logic: “So, should I thank you and Qi Sihao for taking my umbrella, since it gave me the opportunity to share one with someone else?”

Yu Tian forced a laugh: “Well… you could say that…”

Yan Ming’s tone remained cold: “But where exactly did you get the idea that I have feelings for my female patients?”

This point irritated Yu Tian: “When it came to adding me on WeChat, you hesitated and made excuses. But with others, you’re always so quick! For Gao Mei, sure—it makes sense because we have mutual friends, and it was part of a matchmaking setup. Out of courtesy, you had to add her.”

“But this female patient is a complete stranger. As a doctor, you can’t possibly accept every patient’s request to exchange contact information—it’d be endless. I remember you rejecting a middle-aged patient’s request to add you on WeChat before. So, why did you agree so readily this time? Clearly, you must’ve had some interest in her…”

Yu Tian had initially rambled without expecting Yan Ming to respond.

But to her surprise, he actually spoke up—

“This patient isn’t from Rong City, and her family isn’t well-off. Her father is ill, and she’s working as a livestreamer to repay debts, going on air late into the night every day. It’s tough for her. Adding her on WeChat was purely to minimize her trips to Rong City for follow-ups.”

“The equipment at the ophthalmology department in her hometown hospital is fine, but the doctors reading the reports may lack expertise. Every three months, she can get an eye exam there, then send me the results. As long as everything looks good, she won’t need to travel all the way to Rong City—she can just follow my earlier advice for post-op care.”

“The travel expenses for a family like hers are a significant burden.”

Ah…

“So, adding her on WeChat was to reduce her visits to Rong City. How could you possibly think I wanted anything more with her?”

“Refusing to share an umbrella with her was also to avoid giving her false hope.”

Oh…

“And considering all the effort you and Qi Sihao put into stealing my umbrella, it would’ve been rude of me not to play along, right?”

“…”

“Though now that I think about it, that umbrella’s frame was already broken, and there was a hole in the canopy.” Yan Ming chuckled. “It had been sitting in the hospital for too long and got damaged by a stray cat that wandered in.”

“…”

At this point, Yan Ming cast a slightly concerned glance at the sky: “With this heavy wind and rain, I hope Qi Sihao is doing alright. I wouldn’t want him catching a cold—it’d affect his night shift tomorrow. Isn’t today under a red rainstorm warning?”

“…”

Just then, a bolt of lightning illuminated the sky.

Yu Tian felt a pang of foreboding as she gazed at the torrential downpour. Stealing Yan Ming’s umbrella indeed led to no good outcome.