PDGUT - 38

Thanks to the invaluable cases provided by Yan Ming, Yu Tian had been extremely busy lately. Not only did she need to thoroughly study these cases and select the most suitable angles for her science communication efforts, but she also had to oversee the orthopedic health videos being produced by Jiang Yuming and Ren Yali. She wished she could grow four hands to keep up with everything.

And perhaps good fortune was contagious. While her own self-media endeavors were flourishing, Song Chunxiang’s romantic life was also proceeding smoothly.

That evening, while Yu Tian was editing a video, Song Chunxiang knocked on the door and entered, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she shared a surprising piece of news—

“Dai has proposed to me.”

Song Chunxiang, who rarely displayed such shyness, hesitated: “I told him I’d come back and ask my daughter what she thought about it. Do you think this is moving too fast…?”

But Yu Tian couldn’t wait to hug her mother: “Mom, you don’t need to ask for my opinion. Whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.”

She was genuinely happy for her mother: “What’s too fast or too slow? At your age, are you really going to go through a ten-year-long courtship? Every minute is precious. If you’re sure you want to be together, then just do it!”

After repeated reassurances and guarantees from Yu Tian, Song Chunxiang finally let go of her worries, her face relaxing into a smile.

“I’ve been living alone for so many years, and I’m afraid I won’t get used to it. I thought about not registering our marriage right away and trying cohabitation first as a trial period...”

Yu Tian fully supported her mother’s idea.

However, plans often change faster than expected. Old Dai seemed more eager than anyone else. Just as Yu Tian’s mother began packing her things to move in with him for a trial cohabitation, he meticulously planned several more proposals, earnestly hoping that Song Chunxiang would give him an official commitment.

“He even said he’s planning to buy a house, hoping to give me security. After we register our marriage, he wants to buy another house, paying the down payment and loan himself, but putting both our names on the deed.”

Song Chunxiang naturally wasn’t interested in the money, but her hesitation slowly melted away due to Old Dai’s sincere and unrestrained attitude. She began to feel that her initial idea of cohabiting first and registering later was a bit too cautious.

Song Chunxiang was a careful person, and in the end, she insisted on trying cohabitation before making any further decisions.

Soon, with the help of Yu Tian and Dai Xin, Yu Tian’s mother officially moved into Old Dai’s downtown apartment.

It was only then that Yu Tian learned that Dai Xin had been living independently since he turned eighteen, renting his own place. Old Dai’s apartment, originally inhabited solely by him, now became lively with Song Chunxiang managing the household. Old Dai always wore a smile, treating Yu Tian’s mother with complete indulgence.

After Song Chunxiang moved in with Old Dai, Yu Tian visited them a few times. Seeing their harmonious relationship and contented lives, Yu Tian finally felt at ease.

She also had her own plans. The recent series of science communication videos she released had achieved excellent results. Especially after filming a short eye care knowledge video with Yan Ming as a trial run, the moment Yu Tian edited and released the episode featuring Yan Ming, his striking appearance alone caused a surge in traffic, giving her self-media account a small taste of going viral.

Faced with such remarkable traffic and exposure, it was imperative to produce more science communication videos quickly. However, Yu Tian’s original workflow—relying solely on herself and a few friends for every step from planning to shooting to editing—was no longer sufficient to keep up with the growth of her account.

“Little Yu, you need to rent a studio and hire some assistants to build a proper team. Streamline the entire process of planning, shooting, and post-production. You can focus on quality control and overall management, which will allow you to seize the traffic红利 (traffic红利 seems to refer to ‘traffic红利period’ meaning a period of rapid growth) and establish your science communication brand.”

With advice from Dai Xin and her own research, Yu Tian ultimately decided to take the plunge and commit to building this new venture.

The only issue was startup capital.

Fortunately, when Song Chunxiang heard about this, she immediately came up with a solution: “Rent out the house we live in now. It’s in a school district, so the rent won’t be low. Now that Mom is living with Old Dai, it’s a bit too big for you to live in alone anyway. Why don’t you temporarily rent a smaller place downtown, like your brother Dai Xin? You can use it as a studio during the day and live there at night. That way, we’ll still have some rent left over, which you can use for your business.”

This was indeed a viable solution.

Yu Tian had initially hesitated, but seeing how well her mother and Old Dai got along and hearing the happiness in her mother’s words—

“Old Dai is just too good to me. He wants to know where I am all the time. Even when I go grocery shopping and he can’t accompany me, he checks in every five minutes to ask where I am. I haven’t even checked up on him, but he’s checking up on me enthusiastically.”

Although Song Chunxiang spoke in a tone of complaint, her face blushed uncontrollably: “Really, we’re not young lovers anymore. Do we really need to be so inseparable? He doesn’t let me do anything, saying he’ll handle everything and just wants me to stay home and enjoy myself.”

A week later, Song Chunxiang proudly showed Yu Tian her hand adorned with an engagement ring and shared the exciting news that they planned to remarry next month on an auspicious day.

Though it was a quick decision, Yu Tian understood that remarriage among middle-aged and elderly people was different from young love. At their age, they cherished the time they had left together. Once they made up their minds to be together, the process was usually swift.

Just like some young people in their thirties who meet through matchmaking with the intention of starting a family, it often takes only a few months or half a year from meeting to marriage.

Fortunately, Old Dai and her mother were getting along well, appearing sweet and harmonious.

At this point, Yu Tian finally felt at ease and sincerely blessed her mother and Old Dai. Without further hesitation, she rented out their current home and leased a small storefront, using it as both a studio and a residence.

Meanwhile, Dai Xin provided substantial assistance.

“I’ll lend you a few people from my team for free. I’ll pay their salaries—they’re experienced workers in this field. Until you find suitable hires during your early stages, they’ll help you out and guide you along.”

Yu Tian initially refused, but Dai Xin was insistent: “Your mom and my dad are getting married soon, so we’ll be family. I’m your older brother now; helping my little sister is only natural, isn’t it?”

Dai Xin had always been kind to Yu Tian, but she keenly noticed that ever since her mother moved in with Old Dai, Dai Xin had become exceptionally nice to her—almost excessively so.

When Yu Tian set up her studio, Dai Xin practically put aside his own affairs, offering financial support, manpower, and resources. When Yu Tian tried to settle accounts with him based on market rates, he firmly refused.

“Not even boyfriend-girlfriend relationships reach this level!”

Thanks to Dai Xin’s help, Yu Tian was able to free up time to continue discussing the ophthalmology science communication project with Yan Ming. After discussing the main matters, she couldn’t help but share the recent happy events in her family, inadvertently praising Dai Xin.

“I feel like he genuinely treats me as his little sister. It’s such a stroke of luck to be related to their family.”

Perhaps because Yu Tian’s mother swiftly found a partner after her breakup and settled down, but Yan Ming’s father didn’t seem to be having much luck in his matchmaking journey. At least, there hadn’t been any rapid developments. Although Yan Ming graciously congratulated Yu Tian’s family on their joyous occasion, his expression remained indifferent when Yu Tian praised Old Dai’s family.

Jealousy truly distorted one’s face. After Yu Tian praised Dai Xin a few times, Yan Ming actually sneered—

“Excessive flattery without reason—how do we know if there aren’t other intentions?”

He elegantly cut into the steak in front of him with a knife and glanced at Yu Tian: “Don’t think too highly of men. Even siblings don’t stay this close after adulthood. Do you really think any man wants an adult sister? How old are you? You’re not a cute three- or four-year-old kid. Who would adopt a grown-up sister who needs financial support? Does he enjoy charity work that much?”

Having recently received Yan Ming’s help with the project, Yu Tian didn’t dare to refute him directly and could only silently grumble to herself.

“You may not want a sister like me, but there are plenty of people who would.”

And after all, relationships between people depend on chemistry and compatibility. Maybe Dai Xin just happened to click with her!

But when Yu Tian didn’t argue back, Yan Ming seemed unable to remain indifferent.

Even though the conversation had already shifted to ophthalmology cases, just before parting, Yan Ming unexpectedly brought the topic back—

“Are you not taking my words seriously?”

Yan Ming grabbed Yu Tian, who was trying to slip away: “Be careful. How long have you known that Dai Xin? Just because he’s been nice to you, does that mean you trust him so easily?”

“...” Yu Tian was at a loss for words. “You haven’t known me for long either. Why should I trust you?”

“It’s different with me,” Yan Ming said, looking somewhat gloomy. “I don’t say all those sugary, flattering words.”

Dai Xin hadn’t just talked a good game—he had actually worked hard to help Yu Tian set up her studio…

Just as Yu Tian wanted to defend Dai Xin, Yan Ming seemed uninterested in continuing the discussion.

He pursed his lips slightly and glanced at Yu Tian: “Never mind. I won’t say anything more. It’s none of my business anyway. You’re the ones who are family now.”

“...”

What had triggered this?

It must be because he’d encountered some difficult patients during today’s clinic hours and was in a bad mood, so he decided to pick a fight!

Yu Tian didn’t dwell on Yan Ming’s words. She had recently hired an assistant and was busy expanding her business, working tirelessly. However, seeing her studio gradually take shape gave her a real sense of accomplishment.

Feeling proud, Yu Tian invited her mother several times to come visit, but Song Chunxiang, caught up in wedding preparations and deeply in love with Old Dai, said she was busy making purchases and couldn’t spare the time. They only spoke over the phone a few times.

On the other hand, Qi Sihao mentioned seeing Yu Tian’s mother once at the hospital—

“I saw your mom today. She said she sprained her wrist and came to get some ointment.”

Yu Tian grew worried: “Is it serious? Did she come alone?”

“I asked her, and she said it wasn’t a big deal. Her new partner came with her. He seemed very attentive—never left her side and kept supporting her the whole time. I got busy later, so I didn’t talk to her much.”

Yu Tian immediately called her mother, wanting to visit, but Song Chunxiang refused—

“It’s nothing, just a sprain. You’re busy starting your business; don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Lately, I’ve mostly been out shopping for the wedding with Old Dai. If you come, you’ll just miss us.”

Though still concerned, Yu Tian felt reassured knowing her mother had Old Dai by her side. According to Qi Sihao, he accompanied her to the hospital for her check-up. After chatting with her mother a bit more, Yu Tian ended the call.

Lately, Yan Ming had been extremely busy. Besides his regular work hours, Yu Tian frequently sought him out to film science communication videos, occupying most of his free time.

However, near the end of one clinic session, he encountered a special patient.

The person arrived wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf, accompanied by a middle-aged man who appeared quite affectionate.

“Doctor, my wife has been staying up late these past few days. This morning, her eyes suddenly became bloodshot, and they feel uncomfortable. Is there any eye drops you can prescribe?”

Yan Ming responded routinely: “I need to examine her eyes. It would be best to do a fundus examination.”

At first, he didn’t think much of it, assuming it was just a routine check. But when he saw the patient’s name in the computer system, Yan Ming was shocked.

Song Chunxiang.

Wasn’t that the same name as Yu Tian’s mother?

When he looked up at the patient again, the woman removed her sunglasses, revealing bloodshot eyes and a weary expression that overshadowed her usual brisk and capable demeanor. At first glance, Yan Ming didn’t recognize her.

But it wasn’t just a coincidence—the person was indeed Yu Tian’s mother, Song Chunxiang.

“Are you…?”

But before Yan Ming could ask, Song Chunxiang interrupted him: “Doctor, my eyes are bloodshot like this, and they feel uncomfortable.”

Perhaps due to a cold, Song Chunxiang’s voice sounded unusually sharp. She cleared her throat uncomfortably and fell silent.

The weather that day was sweltering, and Yan Ming understood why she wore a hat and sunglasses to shield herself from the sun. However, Song Chunxiang also wore a scarf, which she didn’t remove even indoors. Clearly, she wasn’t cold—Yan Ming noticed sweat forming on her forehead and nose, and her cheeks were flushed red due to the scarf around her neck.

He studied Song Chunxiang’s face carefully. Aside from the redness and bloodshot appearance in her right sclera, there were no other abnormalities.

Song Chunxiang clearly recognized Yan Ming too, but when their eyes met, she avoided his gaze, appearing nervous. For some reason, she chose not to acknowledge him.

Yan Ming wasn’t foolish. Glancing at the man accompanying Song Chunxiang, he guessed this was likely the new fiancé Yu Tian had mentioned. Recognizing him as the son of his ex-matchmaking partner might only create unnecessary awkwardness.

Still, something felt off to Yan Ming. He stared at Song Chunxiang, softening his tone: “Why are your eyes so red? Is there a specific issue?”

Song Chunxiang remained silent, but the man quickly interjected with concern: “Doctor, she’s been staying up late and using her phone excessively during the day, straining her eyes. Plus, she’s been eating spicy hot pot every day, which has caused inflammation. That’s why her eyes are like this. It’s not a big deal, just uncomfortable. I was worried, so I brought her here. It shouldn’t be complicated, doctor. Can you prescribe some eye drops to reduce the redness?”

The man appeared genuinely caring, and his identity was clear—he was Song Chunxiang’s fiancé. Yet, something about the situation still felt unsettling to Yan Ming.

Staying up late and excessive eye strain could indeed cause bloodshot eyes, as could conjunctivitis or other eye infections. Red sclera was common, often manifesting as visible blood vessels. However, the severity of Song Chunxiang’s eye redness was concerning, and there was another possible cause.

“I’ll do a quick check.” Yan Ming raised a flashlight and gestured to Song Chunxiang: “Please lift your head slightly.”

The man accompanying Song Chunxiang watched Yan Ming closely, as if fearful of any misstep.

Fortunately, Yan Ming completed the examination quickly: “Alright, it seems to be due to lack of sleep. No major issues. I’ll prescribe some eye drops.” He glanced at Song Chunxiang and the man. “Please wait here for a moment.”

Yan Ming smiled apologetically: “The printer is out of paper. I’ll go fetch some and print the diagnosis and prescription for you.”

With that, Yan Ming calmly left the consultation room.

But the moment he stepped outside, his previously composed expression vanished.

Song Chunxiang’s scleral bleeding wasn’t caused by staying up late, allergies, or inflammation—it was due to trauma!

While pretending to examine her eyes and asking her to lift her head slightly, Yan Ming glimpsed faint bruises on Song Chunxiang’s neck beneath the scarf that had slipped slightly during the movement.

Clearly, someone had choked her.

The red sclera and hoarse voice were common symptoms of strangulation.

Her eye condition fit Yan Ming’s final suspicion—trauma.

If unaware of these details, the man accompanying Song Chunxiang appeared thoughtful and attentive. But after spotting the marks on her neck, his concern and eagerness to answer the doctor’s questions took on a sinister tone.

Using the excuse of a paper shortage, Yan Ming temporarily stalled the man, then began calling Yu Tian and alerted the police.

But it was too late.

When Yan Ming returned to the consultation room to try prolonging the visit, the room was already empty. The next patient had taken their place.

The next patient was quite enthusiastic: “Doctor, were you looking for the previous patient? They said they were in a hurry and couldn’t wait. Since it was just a matter of getting eye drops, the man said they’d buy them directly at the pharmacy and left in a rush with his wife.”

Yan Ming asked the next patient to wait and rushed out of the consultation room. However, the hospital lobby was bustling with people, and there was no sign of Song Chunxiang or the man.

Song Chunxiang had arrived near the end of the clinic hours. After finishing with the remaining patients and briefing the arriving officers, Yan Ming found that Yu Tian had coincidentally rushed over from her studio after receiving his call.

Yan Ming briefly explained what he had observed.

Yu Tian’s expression grew increasingly grave: “So you suspect my mother’s scleral bleeding was caused by being choked?”

“Yes.”

Yu Tian hadn’t seen Song Chunxiang for a while. First, she had been busy with her startup, and second, Song Chunxiang had repeatedly cited wedding preparations as a reason they hadn’t been able to meet.

This was indeed unusual for them.

The more Yu Tian thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

She recalled Qi Sihao mentioning her mother’s wrist injury a few days ago, combined with Yan Ming’s observations, and couldn’t shake her unease.

“I’m going to find my mom right now!”

But just as Yu Tian turned to leave, Yan Ming grabbed her. He pursed his lips, looking troubled: “Wait a moment.”

“Huh?”

“Do you plan to go alone?” Yan Ming gave her an incredulous look. “If I’m correct, your mother’s fiancé might have violent tendencies. Are you planning to reason with him by yourself?”

“...”

Yan Ming had indeed finished his afternoon clinic and could have gone home. But if Yu Tian remembered correctly...

“Didn’t you say you had plans tonight? Weren’t you supposed to have dinner with the girlfriend your dad introduced recently?”

Yan Ming paused, as if remembering only now, then averted his gaze and calmly replied: “Oh, it was canceled. I’m free tonight.”