PDGUT - 46

Because Yan Ming was called away for an emergency surgery, Yu Tian also tried to calm herself down and returned to the studio to work on editing.

After exposing the illegal medical aesthetics clinic, even though the other party persistently filed complaints in an attempt to take her video down, Yu Tian repeatedly cooperated with the platform to get it re-uploaded. As a result, the video still spread widely. Meanwhile, many victims were emboldened to come forward and share their own experiences publicly.

Though only a very small number of victims suffered from ophthalmic artery occlusion caused by hyaluronic acid injections, many others had been injected with fillers that contained growth factors and poly-L-lactic acid, substances that could stimulate uncontrollable collagen proliferation. This caused prolonged facial swelling in many victims, forcing them to undergo corrective procedures.

Yu Tian’s educational video was highly engaging and gained significant traction. On top of that, some victims posted before-and-after comparison photos (with their faces blurred) online, which caused an even bigger uproar.

Thanks to Yu Tian’s exposé, countless victims bravely stepped forward, connecting with one another in the comments section under her video. They formed groups, united in their decision to no longer silently endure the physical and psychological trauma caused by illegal medical aesthetics. Together, they vowed to fight for justice.

The illegal medical aesthetics clinic at the center of the controversy was forced to temporarily shut down due to the overwhelming public backlash, halting its harmful operations for the time being.

As Yu Tian read through the messages of gratitude left by victimized girls—some openly commenting, others sending private messages—she finally felt a deep sense of purpose in her work.

Though her efforts weren’t as direct as a doctor saving lives, they were impactful in their own way. If she could prevent people from falling into the trap of pseudoscience and fake medical aesthetics at the source, wasn’t this another form of “saving lives” that occurred earlier in the process?

Because of this episode, Yu Tian’s UP account traffic and follower count skyrocketed recently. She decided to capitalize on this momentum by editing all the footage Yan Ming had previously filmed and releasing it.

However, despite usually being completely focused on her work, when Yu Tian opened the footage Yan Ming had shot, her gaze kept drifting toward his familiar, handsome, yet cold face on the screen. Suddenly, she found herself feeling restless.

Her eyes seemed drawn inexplicably to Yan Ming’s lips.

Yu Tian touched her cheek, sensing a lingering warmth and faint trace of his presence.

Ugh.

Her heart felt agitated and cluttered.

Perhaps mirroring her mood, the wind outside began to pick up, darkening the sky. The banners hanging along the streets flapped loudly in the wind.

Rain was imminent.

Unable to concentrate, Yu Tian eventually had to shut down her computer.

Yan Ming wasn’t on night duty today, so he should have already finished work by now.

Yu Tian didn’t know how to face Yan Ming or what to say to him. To avoid running into him, she deliberately chose a different time to visit her mother at the hospital.

Ms. Song Chunxiang was recovering well. A new elderly roommate, around the same age, had moved into the ward. After chatting briefly with Yu Tian, Ms. Song quickly struck up a conversation with her new friend, effectively dismissing Yu Tian.

She told Yu Tian to go home and rest.

But where was Yu Tian supposed to rest?

Back at Yan Ming’s place?

Ever since Yan Ming kissed her that afternoon, Yu Tian couldn’t shake off a strange feeling. She didn’t know how to face him or what kind of atmosphere it would create between them.

The fleeting joy she felt during the kiss was quickly replaced by委屈 (grievance) and anxiety.

Because after kissing her, Yan Ming hadn’t made any further moves.

What did he mean by that?

It felt like he was just playing games, leaving things ambiguous.

He kissed her, but it was as if he hadn’t really kissed her.

Wasn’t he going to say anything?

For the entire afternoon, the man hadn’t sent her a single message.

For the Nth time, Yu Tian glanced at her phone, frustration building inside her.

But no matter how long she waited, Yan Ming’s message never came. Instead, Qi Sihao showed up.

Upon learning that Yu Tian was still at the hospital, Qi Sihao rushed over and dragged her into a nearby Western restaurant.

Qi Sihao said enthusiastically, “This meal is on me!”

Once Yu Tian sat down and opened the menu, estimating the average price per person, she immediately understood.

She looked at Qi Sihao. “What big favor are you asking for?”

Qi Sihao chuckled awkwardly. “What are you talking about? Can’t I treat my good friend to a meal without ulterior motives? Are you saying I’m only treating you because I want something? You’re insulting our friendship!”

Without Yan Ming around, Yu Tian reverted to her usual calm and rational self. She stared at Qi Sihao expressionlessly. “Fine, we’ll just eat. But don’t ask me for anything.”

“I won’t ask for anything,” Qi Sihao said with a thick-skinned smile. “With our relationship, shouldn’t you see that I’m in trouble and help me out without me even asking? Isn’t that what true friendship is about?”

“…”

Qi Sihao shamelessly ordered a bunch of expensive dishes. As soon as the food arrived, he started laying out his plan—

“So here’s the thing. Recently, Gao Mei and I have been getting along really well. We have a lot in common, even our senses of humor match. There’s also been some light暧昧 (ambiguity) between us. It feels like we both know there’s something there; we just haven’t crossed that line yet.”

Qi Sihao thought Yu Tian wouldn’t be interested in this part and was about to fast-forward to the main point when he noticed her staring at him with the stern expression of a school principal. “How exactly are you being ambiguous?”

“It’s all about eye contact! Like, when two people look at each other and then quickly look away—it’s those little heart-fluttering details.”

Yu Tian cleared her throat. “Doesn’t it ever escalate to, like, a kiss or something?”

“That’s not appropriate!” Qi Sihao said earnestly. “Eye contact is暧昧, but kissing? That’s just being a creep! Without a clear relationship, if a guy kisses a girl out of nowhere, it’s obvious he’s not looking for a serious relationship. He’s probably just trying to hook up!”

“…”

For some reason, Yu Tian didn’t feel reassured by Qi Sihao’s self-proclaimed moral high ground. In fact, she thought his face darkened even more.

“Oh,” Yu Tian said, crossing her arms. “And then what?”

“Well, I need something to happen that will push Gao Mei over the edge. Right now, she’s stuck in this mindset where she thinks we’re just friends. She’s still obsessed with pursuing Yan Ming. Since I’ve been lurking around her as her 狗头军师 (self-proclaimed strategist), she hasn’t realized her own feelings for me. Subconsciously, she still thinks she likes Yan Ming and ignores the fact that I’ve been by her side all along…”

Qi Sihao went on and on, setting up his elaborate backstory before finally getting to the point: “In situations like this, I need to suddenly have an ambiguous relationship with someone else to provoke her.”

“Sometimes, people don’t realize what they have until they think they might lose it. Only when there’s a risk of losing something do they realize who truly matters to them.”

At this point, Qi Sihao gazed at Yu Tian with a deeply sentimental expression. “Little Yu, you understand what I mean, right?”

“…”

“All I need is a little love from you, and I can finally escape singledom.” Qi Sihao’s eyes grew mournful. “I’m just a poor, love-starved man. Even Ren Yali doesn’t love me anymore. She’s already cozying up with Dr. Jiang Yuming. I heard they’ve half-heartedly gotten together. As for me…”

What about me?!

Yu Tian wanted to scream, but before she could glare at Qi Sihao, he quickly lowered his tone and begged her.

“But once I’m off the market, you’ll be next! After I succeed, I’ll introduce you to high-quality men—all from the medical field.”

Before Yu Tian could reject him, Qi Sihao pressed on, trying to persuade her. “Even if you’re not interested in worldly desires and want to focus on your career, don’t you still need doctors for your medical education videos? Getting to know these men in the medical system will give you a pool of potential collaborators. We rotating doctors have a group chat, and we regularly meet up. I’ve made a lot of friends. Plus, medical schools across the country are like one big network. Once you know one person, it’s easy to connect with their classmates later!”

That actually hit a nerve with Yu Tian.

Once she finished producing educational videos on ophthalmology and orthopedics, she planned to expand to other medical fields. She also intended to host live Q&A sessions, which would require a steady stream of doctors. She couldn’t keep relying on the same few people—she needed to diversify her sources.

Qi Sihao was right—getting to know more doctors really had no downside.

Seeing Yu Tian’s expression soften, Qi Sihao seized the opportunity: “And it’s not like I’m asking you to do anything special. You don’t have to take the initiative—just cooperate with me.”

After much deliberation, Yu Tian’s heart raced when Qi Sihao promised to collaborate on five more live Q&A video sessions.

Qi Sihao delivered his final blow: “You just need to cooperate for three days. If Gao Mei still doesn’t respond after three days, then I’ll admit defeat and give up.”

Three days didn’t seem like a lot of work.

Yu Tian confirmed once more: “Even if you fail to get into a relationship, you can’t go back on your promise to me.”

“Deal!”

This time, Yu Tian didn’t hesitate and immediately finalized the “collaboration project” with Qi Sihao.

But she didn’t expect the project to kick off so quickly.

Not long after, Qi Sihao couldn’t resist checking his phone when he heard a notification sound. He let out an astonished shout: “Damn! Gao Mei just baked a batch of cranberry cookies and is on her way to deliver them to Yanming. She’s almost at his doorstep!”

After saying this, Qi Sihao immediately turned to Yu Tian: “You’re currently staying at Yanming’s place, right? Let me drop you off.”

Yu Tian had been enjoying her post-meal dessert but was abruptly interrupted by Qi Sihao’s urgency. The man looked anxious: “Hurry up! We can’t let Gao Mei and Yanming spend too much time alone!”

With no other choice, Yu Tian reluctantly followed Qi Sihao as he rushed back in a frenzy.

Qi Sihao practically lunged at the doorbell as if catching someone in the act, unable to wait even a minute longer.

However, the moment Yanming opened the door, Qi Sihao’s demeanor shifted dramatically. He appeared calm and composed.

In the living room, Gao Mei had just arrived, holding a box of cookies and hadn’t yet sat down.

She looked surprised at the sight of them at the door.

Qi Sihao casually glanced at Gao Mei, not showing much concern. Then, with focused attention, he turned to Yu Tian: “I’ll only feel at ease once I’ve dropped you off at your brother’s place.”

As if suddenly remembering something, he immediately took off his jacket and, to Yu Tian’s astonishment, draped it over her shoulders.

“Cold, huh?” Qi Sihao’s tone carried both reproach and concern, slipping seamlessly into character. “Next time, wear more clothes when you go out at night. The temperature difference between day and night is huge lately. If you get sick, won’t I be worried?”

Damn Qi Sihao—usually, when he was cold, he’d snatch Yu Tian’s clothes to wear. Yet here he was, acting so convincingly, his acting skills surprisingly good…

The problem was that Yu Tian wasn’t cold at all. In fact, after being dragged over by Qi Sihao in such a rush, she was starting to sweat.

While she was practically itching to take off her own jacket due to the heat, Qi Sihao forced his thick coat onto her…

Meanwhile, Qi Sihao, having shed a layer, looked refreshingly cool.

After delivering his lines, Qi Sihao seemed even more energized. With an expression of deep affection and reluctance, he looked at Yu Tian: “Let’s go, Xiao Yu. I’ll feel better once I see you safely inside.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Yanming: “Senior, I entrust our Xiao Yu to you.”

“…”

Gao Mei clearly looked startled by this unexpected turn of events. Her face revealed confusion, followed by disappointment and melancholy.

This kind of emotional manipulation seemed to have some effect on her, though not overly obvious. Compared to Gao Mei’s reaction, Yanming’s expression appeared even darker.

But given that he had pulled several all-nighters recently, it was understandable that he looked tired.

What Yu Tian didn’t expect, however, was for Yanming to speak. His voice was light yet icy—

“If you’re so worried, why don’t you take her to your place instead?”

Qi Sihao froze for a moment, then flashed a shy smile, ready to respond.

But Yu Tian didn’t give him the chance. Feeling a twinge of bitterness, she quickly interjected: “Then I’ll stay at Qi Sihao’s place tonight. No need to trouble you.”

It seemed that her temporary stay at Yanming’s place was causing him inconvenience. His words sounded like he was trying to get rid of her.

In the immediate aftermath of her mother’s incident, Yu Tian had considered Qi Sihao, but he lived with his parents. Since they were neighbors, their house had the same layout as Yu Tian’s previous rental—a two-bedroom apartment. One bedroom was occupied by Qi Sihao’s parents, leaving only one spare room. If Qi Sihao wasn’t on night duty at the hospital, Yu Tian would have to sleep on the couch. Moreover, Qi Sihao’s mother had gone on vacation a few days ago, and his father was the only one home.

So initially, Yu Tian had planned to stay at a budget hotel within her limited means.

Yet, it was Yanming who had dragged her away, refusing to let her stay elsewhere and insisting she stay at his place.

And now he was changing his mind.

Right—tonight, Chen Xi was also coming to stay. Clearly, he found her presence bothersome.

Then why had he kissed her?

Feeling both resentful and angry, Yu Tian glared at Yanming, recalling Qi Sihao’s earlier words.

Was Yanming really considering casual flirting or a fling?

What a jerk!

While Yu Tian’s mind churned with thoughts, Qi Sihao remained steadfast in his role.

To maintain his persona, he almost immediately echoed Yu Tian’s decision: “That’s right, Xiao Yu. Why didn’t we think of it earlier? Just stay at my place. Pack your things, and I’ll take you home.”

But before Qi Sihao could reach out to grab Yu Tian’s hand, Yanming pulled her behind him.

“No need. It’s late, and it’s cold. Moving around will make you catch a cold.”

Yu Tian quickly tried to explain: “I won’t! I have a strong constitution…”

Yanming’s voice was icy: “I’m not worried about you catching a cold. I’m worried about Qi Sihao.”

He looked at Qi Sihao calmly: “You’re on duty tomorrow, and you’ve so kindly given your jacket to Yu Tian. If you catch a cold, not only will there be no one to replace you, but you’ll also burden the department and risk infecting patients. That wouldn’t be professional.”

“…”

“If you insist on escorting someone, you can escort Gao Mei.” Yanming stood up and took the box of cookies Gao Mei was still holding. “Thank you for the cookies. Since Qi Sihao is already here, why don’t you let him walk you out?”

Yanming smiled: “It’s not very safe to walk alone at night in this area. A few days ago, my dad’s girlfriend’s daughter was followed.”

Although Gao Mei’s face showed fear, she couldn’t help but say: “But I drove here…”

Yanming paused briefly but quickly regained his composure. He pointed at Qi Sihao: “But Qi Sihao didn’t drive here—he walked. I’m worried he might not be safe walking home alone. These stalkers nowadays are mentally unstable and don’t discriminate between men and women…”

Gao Mei was usually a very kind and gentle person. Even without the issue of being followed, just knowing Qi Sihao hadn’t driven, she would have offered to give him a ride. But this time…

Gao Mei looked extremely reluctant: “Qi Sihao looks perfectly safe to me. He doesn’t seem cold either. Walking outside will refresh him and make him more energetic for his shift tomorrow.”

However, under Gao Mei’s sarcastic remarks, Qi Sihao didn’t get angry. On the contrary, his complexion visibly improved.

Persistently, he said: “Gao Mei, just give me a ride. I sprained my ankle running emergency calls the other day, and it’s still not fully healed…”

Gao Mei instantly forgot everything else, her eyes widening in concern: “You sprained your ankle? What happened? Is it serious? Shouldn’t you see a doctor? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Watching the two of them exchange words and leave together, Yu Tian felt a pang of jealousy.

Even Qi Sihao seemed to have a real chance of getting into a relationship…

As for herself…

The more Yu Tian thought about it, the more stifled she felt. Deciding to retreat to the guest room to sleep, it seemed Yanming had no intention of addressing the kiss from earlier.

Yu Tian could have asked, but she didn’t want to.

Why should Yanming appear so nonchalant while she had to care so much?

If he was calm, she would be even calmer.

If he didn’t offer an explanation, then she didn’t want one either.

If he didn’t move, neither would she.

Whoever lasted longer would win.

Yanming seemed far too composed, as if everything that had happened this afternoon and tonight was completely natural, allowing him to handle it all effortlessly.

The man was even leisurely flipping through medical literature.

But just as Yu Tian reached the guest room door and was about to open it, Yanming’s voice finally came from behind—

“Don’t come home later than 9 PM from now on.”

Surprised, Yu Tian turned around to find Yanming still maintaining his relaxed reading posture.

“There’s a curfew rule in this house.”

Yu Tian’s eyes widened: “Since when? There definitely wasn’t one before…”

“It starts today.”

Yu Tian grew irritated: “Who decided that?”

Yanming closed the book, his glassy eyes locking onto Yu Tian: “I did.”

Under someone else’s roof, one must bow their head. Since this was Yanming’s house, what he said went. Yu Tian had nothing to argue about.

Her mother was recovering well from surgery, and if all went smoothly, discharge was imminent. The authorities’ efficiency was far higher than Yu Tian expected. Lao Dai had already been administratively detained for using violence against Song Chunxiang. Men like him, who dominated family members through violence and control, crumbled completely in front of public authority figures like the police. When the officers arrived, Lao Dai lost all his previous arrogance and became submissive.

Only then did Yu Tian realize that neither Dai Xin nor Dai Xin’s mother, despite enduring years of mental and physical abuse from Lao Dai, had ever thought to call the police, believing it would be useless and thus giving up on resistance altogether.

Unexpectedly, public intervention proved far more effective than they had imagined. Beneath Lao Dai’s intimidating exterior lay a weak and cowardly shell.

Perhaps men who resorted to violence to exert control over vulnerable family members were actually deeply insecure and pathetic, needing violence and dominance to compensate for their lack of self-confidence.

Now that Lao Dai was in administrative detention, judging by his current demeanor, Yu Tian felt confident that he would no longer pose a threat.

After careful analysis, Yu Tian had already cleaned out her studio earlier that day. She had ordered simple furniture like a bed, which would be delivered tomorrow. Once she added some daily necessities and tidied up, she could live comfortably.

Staying at Yanming’s place unclearly and without proper justification meant being subjected to his rules and restrictions.

Thinking this, Yu Tian paused and calmly said: “Thank you for letting me stay these past two days. I’ll move back to my studio tomorrow.”

Yanming didn’t respond directly. He simply glanced at Yu Tian: “Are you upset? Are you pouting?”

Before Yu Tian could retort, Yanming spoke first.

Shifting his gaze, his voice softened, like weightless mist slowly condensing into meaningful words—

“I get angry when you come home late.”

Yu Tian froze, but before she could respond, she saw Yanming raise his head. With his otherworldly handsome face, he calmly declared another fact in a tone of reproach—

“But if you don’t come home at all… I think I’d be even angrier.”