PDGUT - 22

When Yu Tian returned home, she was preoccupied with thoughts. Unfortunately, her mother was in a great mood, her face rosy, humming songs as she walked.

“Xiao Yu, tomorrow I’m going hiking and on a short trip to the neighboring city with some friends. We’ll be out for two days. Will you be okay taking care of yourself?”

Ms. Song Chunxiang’s recent leisure activities were quite rich. Yu Tian had already heard her enthusiastically arrange times with several old friends. The luggage for the short trip was already packed and stacked by the entrance.

Yu Tian hadn’t figured out how to phrase things properly yet, and now seeing her mother’s cheerful demeanor, she felt it would be somewhat of a downer to bring up Yan Wenhua at this moment.

“Mom, don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Go enjoy yourself. When you come back, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

Ms. Song Chunxiang was full of smiles and readily agreed.

Yu Tian saw her off to the station. Just before leaving, her mother remembered something and reminded her: “By the way, you don’t need to pick me up when I return. A friend will come, and they’ll conveniently take me back.”

“Alright.”

Before boarding the bus, Ms. Song Chunxiang hesitated for a moment: “When I come back, I also have something important to talk to you about.”

Yu Tian nodded.

Thinking about Yan Wenhua’s matter, Yu Tian felt somewhat distracted. Fortunately, after seeing her mother safely onto the bus and returning home, her self-media work diverted much of her attention.

The materials previously collected and the outlines compiled were almost all revised. Yu Tian planned to use Qi Sihao’s current rotation in ophthalmology to start from ophthalmology. She decided to begin with common eye diseases and eye hygiene knowledge, utilizing Qi Sihao as a human resource to shoot the first episode of an ophthalmology-themed series.

However, since starting his rotation, Qi Sihao’s workload had been substantial. His evenings were either spent on night shifts or helping Gao Mei strategize on how to pursue Yan Ming. Yu Tian didn’t feel right occupying large chunks of his time, so after preparing two days’ worth of shooting scripts, she decided to make use of the fragmented time between when he finished work and met Gao Mei to shoot some footage in the small park outside the First Affiliated Hospital.

Unexpectedly, when Yu Tian arrived at the hospital according to the agreed time, Qi Sihao was delayed because one of the outpatient patients requested additional tests, requiring him to assist with some basic ophthalmological examinations. As a result, Yu Tian waited for an hour at the entrance without seeing Qi Sihao but unexpectedly encountered Gao Mei, who had arranged to meet Qi Sihao.

Today, Yan Ming was on duty at the outpatient clinic. Gao Mei chose this time to “look” for Qi Sihao, naturally hoping to coincidentally meet Yan Ming after work.

Upon seeing Yu Tian, Gao Mei’s face lit up with joy.

“Xiao Yu! Are you here to wait for your brother?”

Gao Mei was gentle, generous, inherently pure, and straightforward. After a few interactions, Yu Tian had developed a good impression of her.

Seeing Gao Mei dressed up meticulously and the anticipation in her eyes when mentioning Yan Ming, Yu Tian felt sorry for her.

Gao Mei was so nice; pairing her with Yan Ming would be a waste!

Yan Ming was highly skilled professionally, but his moral judgment was lacking. He could justify infidelity so brazenly. In the future, wouldn’t he be flying both red and colorful flags?

Yu Tian felt she couldn’t let Gao Mei jump into the fire pit knowingly.

“Not waiting for my brother,” Yu Tian smiled brightly. “I’m waiting for Qi Sihao for something.”

Gao Mei was indeed taken aback: “Ah, I originally planned to have dinner with Qi Sihao. Am I disturbing your important matters?”

“No way. Qi Sihao is very reliable. He never stands people up, and he has a strong sense of punctuality. If he promised you, he will definitely do it. My task here is just to shoot a small feature on ophthalmology basics. It doesn’t require much time and won’t affect you two.”

Gao Mei was deeply smitten with Yan Ming. Directly belittling Yan Ming wouldn’t have a good effect. Instead, praising their benchmark reference, Qi Sihao, would subtly suppress Yan Ming through negative comparisons.

Yu Tian briefly introduced her self-media science popularization project and began lavishly praising it: “Previously, I made a few small science features on medical common knowledge in daily life. I thought everyone knew these things, but after posting the videos, I realized that what we medical students consider basic medical knowledge, many ordinary people actually don’t know. Although they are short videos, many fans left comments saying that after watching our videos, they went to the hospital for further check-ups and discovered some health risks, allowing for early intervention and treatment with good results.”

“Qi Sihao listened and felt my concept resonated with him. He put forth great effort to help me film the material to contribute to the cause of medical science popularization. He is very passionate, thinking solely about being a successor to the socialist cause...”

Yu Tian wanted to continue lavishing praise on Qi Sihao, but their conversation was interrupted by Qi Sihao’s greeting.

Following the sound, Yu Tian looked up and saw him running down the corridor.

Yu Tian quickly thought of something: “Sister Gao Mei, I can finish filming quickly. Why don’t you join us? Once we’re done, I’ll return Qi Sihao to you, and you can go have dinner.”

Unfortunately, Gao Mei was still hesitating, looking towards the entrance of the corridor, obviously waiting for someone who hadn’t appeared yet.

Yu Tian didn’t give Gao Mei any more time to hesitate. Without further ado, she pulled her along into the small park.

With Gao Mei present, Qi Sihao changed from his usual playful demeanor to being fully engaged and righteous. His manner while explaining medical knowledge was so dignified that he seemed ready to be praised at a commendation meeting. Without even needing to scold him, he nailed it in one take.

It’s true what they say—focused men are the most charming. Qi Sihao, in his white coat, looked serious, and Gao Mei was clearly mesmerized.

Qi Sihao didn’t disappoint Yu Tian either. Through the camera lens, his eyes were focused, constantly glancing at Gao Mei, earnest and solemn.

The filming went very smoothly, and Gao Mei’s face turned noticeably red.

This was the perfect time to strike while the iron was hot!

Taking advantage of Qi Sihao stepping away to change clothes, Yu Tian struck up another conversation with Gao Mei.

“Qi Sihao helps me film this stuff for free as voluntary labor. I don’t pay him, but he is extremely enthusiastic. He keeps telling me that my science popularization efforts raise public awareness about health and encourage people to seek medical treatment proactively. He really wants to participate in filming actively. He believes it’s a way to further extend the light and warmth of the medical profession. He voluntarily suggested helping me film a few episodes and encouraged me to keep doing it, bringing medical science popularization into ordinary people’s lives—it’s accumulating merit and virtue.”

At this point, Yu Tian half-sighed: “My brother can’t do this. No matter how much I ask him to help film a few episodes, he refuses, thinking it’s a waste of his time.”

Gao Mei faltered but instinctively tried to defend Yan Ming: “Your brother is a chief physician, much busier than Qi Sihao, with many more patients. It’s understandable that he doesn’t have time.”

Yu Tian pretended to nod understandingly: “Yes, I understand. My brother is busy. He’s especially patient with patients. Last time, a young girl was upset, and he chatted with her for half an hour, turning her tears into laughter. Some patients even add him on WeChat, and occasionally, they chat a bit in the evening.”

She casually added: “My brother may seem cold, but he actually has a lot of personal charm. Several times when I came to the hospital, I bumped into young patients coming to eat with him. It feels like he can become real-life friends with many patients.”

“On the other hand, Qi Sihao isn’t as good in this aspect. Especially with young female patients, he shows no courtesy. Whatever they ask, he replies dryly and officially. I’ve heard many female patients complain that he lacks empathy, saying my brother appears cold but is warm-hearted, whereas Qi Sihao appears warm but is cold inside.”

Yu Tian enthusiastically looked at Gao Mei: “Sister Gao Mei, why don’t you tell Qi Sihao next time? He shouldn’t treat patients like that. He should be like my brother, gentle and approachable. Look at my brother, how good his opposite-sex relationships are!”

Gao Mei’s face reddened slightly: “I, I don’t think it’s appropriate...”

Yu Tian seized the opportunity: “Qi Sihao doesn’t listen to me, but I notice he pays special attention to your opinions and suggestions. Every time you invite him, he cancels other things and takes it very seriously.”

Gao Mei looked a bit embarrassed, as if she had just realized something, blushing slightly: “I’ll try next time.”

“Then I’ll leave it to you! Qi Sihao and I grew up together. He is quite rigid in this aspect. How could he not have dated anyone? Too naive. In terms of social graces, he’s far less experienced than my brother.”

Sure enough, Gao Mei furrowed her brows slightly: “Your brother... has he dated a lot before?”

“I’m not too sure about that.” Yu Tian flicked her hair, feigning distress. “But we graduated from the same school. Back then, many people chased after my brother—too many to remember. Not only girls but also boys!”

“...”

Gao Mei’s face couldn’t hold up anymore.

Yu Tian steeled herself, deciding to deliver another heavy blow—

“Sister Gao Mei, stop waiting for my brother. He’s been in the outpatient clinic for so long and hasn’t come out yet. He probably went to the restroom.”

Gao Mei was surprised: “To the restroom? No, he...”

Yu Tian didn’t give Gao Mei a chance to interrupt. She continued: “You know, he sits for long hours during his clinic shifts. Prolonged sitting brings various odd ailments, some of which are hard to mention. Taking longer in the restroom is normal, but don’t worry about it. His body is actually quite healthy.”

No wonder it’s said that once fans turn black, their strong admiration and love can transform into intense hatred.

That was true. Yu Tian finally experienced the mindset of a fan whose idol-filter had shattered. She delivered a few more sarcastic remarks about Yan Ming.

But for some reason, perhaps because she attacked Gao Mei’s ideal prince charming, Gao Mei’s expression became increasingly awkward and indescribable. She started blinking frequently at Yu Tian.

“What’s wrong with your eyes, Sister Gao Mei?” Yu Tian thought for a moment. “Let Qi Sihao take a look when he comes back. Blinking so frequently? Qi Sihao is very attentive! You might have conjunctivitis. Don’t worry. For such conditions, you don’t need to see my brother. Qi Sihao is enough. My brother looks down on treating such minor illnesses...”

“Xiao Yu, your brother...”

Even at this moment, she’s still thinking about Yan Ming!

Yu Tian showed a sincere smile and grabbed Gao Mei’s hand: “Sister Gao Mei, take my advice. Stop waiting for my brother. Once he enters the restroom, he won’t come out for a while. And even if he does, he surely has plans to go eat with someone. I see it’s getting late. You should go have dinner with Qi Sihao!”

Yu Tian patiently persuaded her: “Leave my brother to me. I’ll take him to buy some health supplements later! Unlike Qi Sihao, who is still young, my brother is 28, practically 30. At this age, a man’s health starts to decline. Calcium, multivitamins, kidney health—all those need to be supplemented...”

“But your brother is already here...”

Finally regaining her voice, Gao Mei anxiously glanced at Yu Tian a few times, then pointed behind her, adding insult to injury: “He’s been here for a while... behind you.”

“...”

Gao Mei kindly explained: “When we came to the park to shoot earlier, I texted your brother to let him know he could come here...”

Thank you so much, Gao Mei.

What’s the most painful thing in life?

That would be getting caught gossiping about someone behind their back.

Yu Tian’s emotions churned within her. Just moments ago, she was full of bravado, but now she instantly cowered. She didn’t even dare to turn her head, instinctively shrinking her neck and head like a quail facing a chicken, feeling extremely awkward.

Gao Mei wasn’t much better off than Yu Tian. She didn’t know where to look: “Yan Ming, would you like to join us for dinner?”

Yu Tian couldn’t see Yan Ming’s face, but her inner fear intensified. She felt like a student caught cheating by the principal, unsure of what punishment awaited her.

In this tense and fearful wait, Yu Tian heard Yan Ming’s calm and indifferent voice from behind her.

Only then did she realize Yan Ming had walked very close to her. His voice was nearly right beside her.

“Not eating together.”

As the words fell, Yan Ming finally walked in front of Yu Tian, appearing in her line of sight. He glanced down at her and then smiled at Gao Mei: “What Yu Tian said is correct. I have plans.”

So he really had plans. Yu Tian breathed a sigh of relief.

Yan Ming’s attitude seemed normal and natural. There was no fluctuation in his voice, showing no signs of anger. It seemed he hadn’t heard her earlier rant against him.

Thank goodness.

But Yu Tian’s relief didn’t last long. Yan Ming casually continued—

“After dinner, I still need to see a doctor. You know, prolonged sitting invites all sorts of strange ailments.”

“...”

Yan Ming had his hands in his pockets, his gaze vaguely scanning over Yu Tian: “I didn’t expect my sister to care so much about me. I assume she’s already arranged everything for my medical check-up?”

“...”

“What are you still standing there for?” Yan Ming smiled gently. “Let’s go. Aren’t you taking me to buy health supplements?”

“...”