PDGUT - 26

After Yu Tian successfully defended her “cake battle” and returned to the private room where her mother and Old Dai were waiting, she finally let out a deep sigh of relief.

It was Yan Ming’s birthday today. If she hadn’t run into him, she could have pretended she didn’t know. But since she had already stumbled into such an awkward situation—and even mentioned sending a cake to Yan Ming’s group—it would be hard to back out without actually delivering one.

Yu Tian wasn’t stingy. After some thought, she opened a food delivery app.

Unfortunately, the restaurant was located in an expensive area. After searching around, she found that all the nearby cake shops were popular internet stores with booming business. Without placing an order at least three days in advance, there was no chance of buying a cake on the spot.

Shops farther away either fell outside the delivery range or couldn’t find a courier willing to make the trip.

Yu Tian originally wanted to choose a reputable brand store, but after much searching, she found only one shop that had stock available for immediate delivery and had decent reviews.

With no other options, she settled for this one.

The shop’s selection of cakes was limited, and the only available design was somewhat outdated. But at this point, she couldn’t afford to be picky, so Yu Tian chose it.

Since the shop handled its own deliveries, Yu Tian specifically added a note in the order, asking the staff to include a birthday card and ensure they told the recipient that the cake had been pre-ordered. She then submitted the order and paid, finally feeling a sense of relief.

This way, both appearances and practicality were covered, ensuring a smooth resolution for everyone involved.

By letting Yan Ming know that she had pre-ordered a birthday cake for him, it would show that she had indeed thought of him. It would also give him some respect and save face in front of Gao Mei and the others.

After hastily ordering Yan Ming’s cake, Yu Tian fully focused on the dinner with her mother’s new partner and his family.

Old Dai and Dai Xin seemed very easygoing. Although most of the conversation revolved around everyday topics, and this was Yu Tian’s first meeting with them, there were no awkward silences. In fact, Yu Tian found plenty to talk about with Dai Xin, especially since they both had experience in self-media.

However, the main focus of the meal was still on their parents. Afterward, when Dai Xin cut the cake, he praised Yu Tian’s baking skills enthusiastically.

Dai Xin was warmer and more down-to-earth than Yu Tian had expected. Not long after they parted ways, he hosted a live-streaming session and repeatedly promoted Yu Tian’s account, actively driving traffic to her channel.

When Yu Tian thanked him, Dai Xin responded frankly: “What’s there to thank me for? I’ve always wanted a little sister. We might become family someday, so don’t be so formal with me.”

After putting down her phone, Yu Tian felt a wave of gratitude welling up inside her.

Compared to Yan Ming, this brother was infinitely better.

He was grounded, warm, proactive, and sunny!

Unlike Yan Ming, who was cold as ice and moody.

Thinking about how many times she’d tried to get close to Yan Ming, only to be met with cold indifference, Yu Tian felt a mix of grievance and anger.

Why were people so different from one another?

What Yu Tian didn’t know was that while she had spent a fulfilling evening in good spirits, Yan Ming’s experience was far from pleasant.

Not long after Yu Tian left, Yan Ming received the cake she had sent.

The cake clearly wasn’t as exquisite as the one Yu Tian had made herself. The design was old-fashioned, with a large peach in the center and phrases like “Blessings as Vast as the Eastern Sea, Longevity Like the Southern Mountain” written on it. The style looked like something meant for an elderly matriarch’s 80th birthday celebration.

But that wasn’t the most absurd part. The real kicker was the birthday card that came with the cake.

Before opening it, Yan Ming still held a sliver of hope for Yu Tian’s humanity.

But once he opened it and read the message inside, that hope vanished completely.

Inside the makeshift card was a folded page with black text printed plainly:

“Please write a birthday message wishing Brother Yan Ming a happy birthday. When delivering, emphasize that the cake was pre-ordered—a month in advance—and absolutely do not let them know it was just ordered last minute! Thank you!”

“…”

Yu Tian, bravo. Well done.

Not only did you scramble to order a cake at the last minute, but you also picked a lazy shop that didn’t bother thinking and simply printed your delivery instructions directly into the card.

Yan Ming felt his emotions reach their peak once again.

The peak of anger.

Birthdays were supposed to be joyful occasions, but Yan Ming felt like he was on the verge of being driven to frustration on his special day.

After the birthday party ended, Yu Tian quickly put the incident behind her. It was time to focus on work, as the upcoming free clinic was approaching.

Coincidentally, Qi Sihao was responsible for distributing ophthalmology health brochures during the clinic and had promised to help hand out Yu Tian’s survey questionnaires. With everything else ready, Yu Tian focused on finalizing the questionnaire.

Early on the day of the clinic, Yu Tian urged Qi Sihao to wake up early so they could arrive at the community hosting the event.

Upon arrival, however, she realized the scale of the event was larger than she had anticipated. Many departments from the First Affiliated Hospital were participating, and the ophthalmology department alone had sent quite a few doctors. Among them was none other than Yan Ming.

A long queue had already formed in front of him, and several elderly women were sizing him up, chatting enthusiastically.

Qi Sihao couldn’t help but pout: “Every year it’s like this. Whenever he comes, there are always elderly women asking for his contact information to introduce him to their daughters or nieces.”

Following Qi Sihao’s gaze, Yu Tian glanced at Yan Ming. Despite his coldness toward her, he was always patient and gentle with his patients. His naturally handsome face carried a polite and approachable smile that inspired trust.

He treated others well but didn’t extend the same courtesy to her.

He hadn’t even said thank you after eating her cake!

Fine, she wouldn’t dwell on it.

Yu Tian shifted her focus and began her interview and research work.

To avoid disturbing the clinic operations, Yu Tian positioned herself at the end of the line, starting with the elderly people waiting at the back.

The weather was hot, and though it was early morning, the lack of wind and the crowd of elderly people made Yu Tian feel a bit stifled.

She had just collected over a dozen questionnaires when she heard commotion to her left.

“Someone fainted!”

Although there were many doctors at the clinic, they were all surrounded by layers of people. With the long lines and the noise of conversations, the cry for help couldn’t quickly reach the doctors’ ears.

Frowning slightly, Yu Tian pushed through the crowd and saw an elderly man lying on the ground.

The person shouting for help was another elderly man of similar age. He repeatedly clarified: “I didn’t touch him. He mentioned feeling dizzy and coughed a few times, saying he couldn’t catch his breath. Before I could say anything, he suddenly collapsed.”

“Everyone, please step aside and give the elderly man some space.”

After dispersing the crowd a bit, someone had already brought over a doctor participating in the clinic—

“A doctor is here! A doctor is here!”

Yu Tian, who had been kneeling to check the man’s vital signs, breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. She looked up but froze.

The doctor was Zheng Tingfu.

Whether he was there to boost his resume, he had joined the clinic.

Zheng Tingfu spotted Yu Tian and hesitated awkwardly before quickly squatting down.

After briefly examining the patient and asking his acquaintances about his medical history—hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.—Zheng Tingfu quickly made a diagnosis:

“It appears to be sudden cardiac arrest caused by acute myocardial infarction.”

He decisively began preparing to perform CPR.

Though cardiac arrest was serious, with a professional doctor handling the CPR and someone having already called 120, it should have been a reassuring situation.

In theory, Yu Tian could have left at this point.

But something felt off.

As she stepped out of the crowd, she paused to ask the fainting man’s friend nearby: “Did your friend say anything before collapsing? Were there any other symptoms?”

“He mentioned he had just finished acupuncture. Then I noticed him coughing and struggling to breathe. Suddenly, he collapsed.”

The man thought for a moment and added: “He’s usually very calm, but today, maybe because of the heat, he seemed unusually irritable.”

An idea formed in Yu Tian’s mind: “Did he go to a proper hospital for the acupuncture?”

“No, it was in our neighborhood. An older sister taught herself acupuncture. It’s cheap, her technique is good, and she also does cupping. We all go to her.”

At that moment, Yu Tian had only one thought.

This was bad!

Without hesitation, she pushed through the crowd and rushed back to Zheng Tingfu and the patient.

It wasn’t a heart attack—it was tension pneumothorax!

Both myocardial infarction and pneumothorax could cause chest tightness and pain, and both could lead to cardiac arrest. However, the earlier coughing suggested possible pneumothorax, and the recent non-professional acupuncture was a significant risk factor for tension pneumothorax!

For tension pneumothorax patients, CPR should not be performed first!

They needed to release air!

Every second counted in emergency care.

Breathless, Yu Tian ran to Zheng Tingfu and stopped him from pressing: “It’s pneumothorax! Release the air quickly!”

Unfortunately, Zheng Tingfu ignored her. Unable to calmly accept advice from Yu Tian, he put on airs as both a senior and a doctor: “Yu Tian, I’m the doctor here. You…”

Saving lives was the priority.

Yu Tian couldn’t care less about his ego. She yanked Zheng Tingfu aside and quickly grabbed a thick needle from his emergency kit.

Second intercostal space along the midclavicular line on the affected side.

Yu Tian had studied pneumothorax emergency procedures thoroughly and was confident she could handle the situation.

Ignoring Zheng Tingfu’s objections, she raised her hand, ready to insert the needle.

But at the critical moment, someone stopped her hand.

She looked up to see Yan Ming had arrived without her noticing.

Without a word, he pulled her aside, his gaze stern.

“Step back.”

Before Yu Tian could explain, Yan Ming examined the patient and, without hesitation, swiftly performed the air release procedure.

Once Yan Ming arrived, other medical staff quickly gathered. Soon, the ambulance arrived, and the paramedics lifted the elderly man onto a stretcher, placing an oxygen mask over his face.

With its distinctive siren blaring, the ambulance sped away.

The elderly man would likely be fine.

Yu Tian exhaled in relief.

She felt a mix of satisfaction and pride as she glanced at Yan Ming.

Though reluctant to admit it, demonstrating professionalism in front of him secretly made her feel a bit smug.

She had always seemed clumsy in his presence and secretly hoped for his praise or thanks, especially with Zheng Tingfu standing awkwardly to the side—it felt like a moment of vindication.

Straightening her back, Yu Tian prepared to receive Yan Ming’s acknowledgment of her accurate judgment.

Yan Ming did speak, but his words were far from what she expected.

“What were you doing just now?”

His voice carried no hint of approval or praise, only anger: “Yu Tian, today is a charity clinic. There are plenty of doctors here. These kinds of emergencies are not for you to handle.”

Yu Tian was stunned, and her heart filled with grievance and disbelief.

Yan Ming had actually scolded her in front of Zheng Tingfu.

She instinctively tried to defend herself: “But there wasn’t enough time. I’m confident in handling pneumothorax emergencies. I knew I could save him...”

“Yu Tian, are you a doctor?”

Although Yan Ming had never been particularly warm toward her, this stern and admonishing tone was something Yu Tian had never encountered before.

It was clear he hadn’t finished reprimanding her, but the long queue of patients waiting for him demanded his attention. He shot Yu Tian a glare before turning and walking away. Following him was Zheng Tingfu, who had stood awkwardly on the sidelines earlier.

Watching the two figures in white coats walk away, Yu Tian felt a bitter taste in her heart.

It was sour and astringent, like cotton fabric soaked in water overnight during summer—when pulled out, it carried the dampness of being wet, along with water that couldn’t be fully wrung out, leaving a heavy, burdensome feeling in her hands.

Yu Tian felt tears welling up in her eyes, and she struggled hard to hold them back from spilling over.

Her heart ached terribly.

Was it her fault that she couldn’t become a doctor?

Did all her knowledge count for nothing just because she wasn’t practicing medicine?

She only wanted to help save the elderly man’s life.

Was it because she failed to become a doctor that even her right to save lives would be taken away?

During her clinical courses, she’d been criticized by teachers for being clumsy, but for some reason, Yan Ming’s criticism hit her especially hard.

Was it because he needed to maintain professional camaraderie with Zheng Tingfu?

If he praised her, it would be equivalent to slapping Zheng Tingfu in the face, solidifying the fact that Zheng’s misdiagnosis nearly harmed the elderly man. Zheng Tingfu was Yan Ming’s colleague whom he saw daily, while Yu Tian was now a complete stranger—barely even a friend.

The choice between the two was obvious. Without much thought, Yu Tian understood.

But her heart still hurt, mixed with不甘.

Yu Tian instinctively looked at her injured hand. The feelings of grievance, regret, and humiliation surged again.

She really, truly didn’t want to be friends with Yan Ming anymore.

Thankfully, they hadn’t become family. Thank goodness Yan Ming hadn’t become her brother.

In frustration, Yu Tian kicked a pebble on the ground.

Holding back her emotions, she had just finished collecting all the survey questionnaires when she received a call from Dai Xin.

At the last family gathering, Yu Tian had mentioned to Dai Xin her plans for an educational program and casually said she would be conducting research in this neighborhood today. Unexpectedly, Dai Xin remembered.

“Little Yu, I happen to be nearby your research area running some errands. Now that I’m done, it’s almost lunchtime. Let me pick you up so we can grab a bite.”

Though she couldn’t see Dai Xin’s face, just hearing his voice conveyed vivid enthusiasm.

“Perfect. If the free clinic hasn’t ended yet, I can film some footage of your research. It might come in handy when editing the program later—it’s always good to be prepared. Wait for me for five minutes; I’ll navigate my way there immediately.”

After hanging up, Yu Tian instinctively glanced at Yan Ming, who was still surrounded by elderly patients offering free consultations.

Indeed, people were defined through comparisons.

In Yan Ming’s eyes, there were only patients—no other members of the opposite sex, whether girlfriends or sisters.

This new brother, Dai Xin, was far gentler and more approachable than Yan Ming, the former “brother.”

This was exactly the kind of brother she had always hoped for!

Not like Yan Ming, who was cold, gave her no kindness, and even lectured her.

True to his word, Dai Xin arrived three minutes later at the community where the charity clinic was held. Radiating warmth and vitality, he waved at Yu Tian, his eyes brimming with tolerance and gentleness.

Quickly retrieving professional equipment from his car, he began directing Yu Tian on positioning and filming some video material of her conducting research at the clinic. When Yu Tian reviewed the footage afterward, she couldn’t help but marvel at Dai Xin’s professionalism as a top creator. His framing, lighting, and angles were impeccable.

“Mission accomplished. Let’s go eat, and I’ll tell you about the platform’s recent support plan for small creators in the knowledge field. You should consider taking advantage of it.”

Yu Tian was naturally interested: “But wait a moment.”

She ran over to Qi Sihao: “Qi Sihao, my brother is taking me out for lunch. I won’t be eating with you today.”

Qi Sihao paused, aware of the rumors about Yu Tian’s mother’s new relationship. He realized the “brother” Yu Tian referred to was the son of her mother’s new partner.

He quickly nodded, winking at Yu Tian: “Got it. Go have lunch with your brother. We doctors will eat together after the clinic ends.”

Yan Ming stood beside Qi Sihao, but when Yu Tian approached, he didn’t spare her a glance or even a fleeting look, instead continuing to converse with an elderly patient.

Yu Tian felt a pang of disappointment, unsure what she had been expecting.

But Yan Ming’s behavior was understandable—they were practically strangers now, barely better than passersby.

Yu Tian was an optimistic and resilient person. She quickly shook off these emotions and skipped toward Dai Xin.

Her mother’s current romance was proceeding much smoother than the previous one with Yan Wenhua. Old Dai and her mother were progressing rapidly, and her mother had even gently asked Yu Tian for her thoughts on remarriage, signaling serious intentions to start a second chapter in life.

This was exactly what Yu Tian wanted to see.

Her mother had sacrificed enough raising her in the first half of her life. Now, she deserved her own happiness.

Last time, with Yan Wenhua, Yu Tian had gotten her hopes up too soon. But judging from her mother’s interactions with Old Dai this time, it seemed things might actually work out!

Once seated in the restaurant, looking at Dai Xin flipping through the menu across from her, Yu Tian found him increasingly agreeable.

There weren’t many good restaurants near this old neighborhood. The one Dai Xin chose was a homely diner—not particularly upscale but clean, cozy, and tastefully decorated. Each table was curtained with floor-length drapes, giving it an ancient inn-like charm.

Dai Xin ordered a few dishes and let Yu Tian choose a few more. Then he delved into discussing how creators could attract followers and utilize platform promotions. He held nothing back, sharing everything he knew, leaving Yu Tian enlightened and wishing she had a notebook to jot down every word. She truly benefited greatly.

When she finally came to her senses, she realized the food had arrived. Their small restaurant was bustling with customers in the surrounding booths, all chatting animatedly. Business was good, but Yu Tian had been so absorbed in learning that she hadn’t noticed.

After Dai Xin spoke at length, he sheepishly scratched his head: “Am I being too forward? Do you find it strange? I really want a little sister—I unconsciously think of you as a real sibling. I feel we’re quite fated...”

Thinking about how Dai Xin might become her future brother, Yu Tian’s heart fluttered.

If there was a chance they’d become family, she needed to foster a good relationship!

Flattery always worked—ancient wisdom proved套路 won hearts.

“Not at all,” Yu Tian smiled. “I’ve always wanted a big brother.”

Thanks to Dai Xin’s warm and sunny demeanor, her flattery flowed effortlessly: “I’ve actually dreamed of having a brother for years, even imagining what he’d be like.”

“The brother in my mind works in today’s popular live-streaming industry but isn’t purely sales-driven. Instead, he’s a creator with a sense of social responsibility—tall, handsome, cheerful, generous, and approachable. He’s not cold and distant, but warm and easy to talk to, unlike those aloof types who are hard to get along with. He’s the kind of lovable, warm-hearted guy everyone adores.”

As she spoke, Yu Tian couldn’t help but think of Yan Ming and his infuriating scolding face.

Receiving Yu Tian’s goodwill and compliments, Dai Xin couldn’t help but smile: “I’m glad you don’t think I talk too much.”

“No way! Some people think cool, silent brothers are attractive, but not me. Those kinds of guys make terrible brothers—emotionless, hard to approach, and unpredictable. I prefer straightforward, cheerful personalities. The more talkative, the better—it’s easier to connect!”

“Plus, I deeply admire someone like you who can make a living as a freelancer. A brother like you has both time and money—a role model for me. And you can always meet up for meals and bond. You’re a hundred times better than those brothers who are always busy working overtime, leaving no time for family communication!”

Seizing the moment, Yu Tian continued to shower praise: “In short, the sunny and outgoing type is the only image I’ve ever envisioned for a brother. Any other type wouldn’t work for me—I can’t accept any other kind of brother.”

Yu Tian looked at Dai Xin earnestly: “Only this kind of brother is what I want and can accept. Honestly, with others, I can’t instantly see them as brothers. At my age, unfamiliar types would remain just that—strangers.”

Having rehearsed similar lines before, Yu Tian delivered these smoothly, almost effortlessly. She even felt a subtle gratitude toward Yan Ming.

Before meeting Dai Xin, hadn’t Yan Ming served as practice for perfecting her flattery skills? Now, delivering these rainbow-flavored compliments to Dai Xin felt like second nature.

And flattery worked differently on different people.

All her past attempts to ingratiate herself with Yan Ming hadn’t garnered much response, but Dai Xin was different—he graciously reciprocated her kindness—

“I’ve always wanted a little sister, and you perfectly match the ideal image of a sister in my mind.”

See! How could Yan Ming compare to Dai Xin?

Yan Ming only treated her coldly, while Dai Xin was like a breath of spring breeze.