On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the hospital was almost packed. Lin Mengmeng spent the morning in a flurry of activity.
At noon, during the break, Lin Mengmeng was about to head to the cafeteria when she encountered Shao Tingyu stepping out of the neurology department. She was about to greet him but froze upon seeing Dai Xinyan behind him.
Dai Xinyan was their high school classmate and Shao Tingyu’s first love. The two walked side by side towards a ward, not noticing Lin Mengmeng’s gaze.
Outside the ward, Dai Xinyan playfully blinked at Shao Tingyu, her words carrying a hidden meaning: “Dr. Shao, I’ll be troubling you to take care of me during this time.”
Shao Tingyu nodded, watching her enter the ward before turning to leave, only to see Lin Mengmeng standing a few steps away.
Their eyes met. Shao Tingyu’s face turned from gentle to cold, and he walked into the elevator with a chill.
Lin Mengmeng’s eyes darkened slightly as she followed into the elevator.
Silence spread in the cramped space. Recalling the scene from earlier, Lin Mengmeng couldn’t help but break the silence: “Why is Dai Xinyan here?”
Shao Tingyu responded indifferently: “She’s here for treatment.”
Lin Mengmeng’s face showed a flash of surprise: “What’s wrong with her?”
“It’s none of your business.” Shao Tingyu’s words made Lin Mengmeng’s throat tighten, but remembering his past relationship with Dai Xinyan, she understood that regardless of whether she was his patient, he would likely take care of her.
Suppressing her bitter feelings, she changed the topic: “Should I wait for you after work?”
“No need.” Shao Tingyu averted his gaze. As the elevator door opened, he stepped out briskly without hesitation.
Lin Mengmeng watched the man’s retreating figure, unsure of what to feel.
The workday passed quickly. Upon entering the Shao family home, Lin Mengmeng saw the dining table already laden with food.
Shao’s mother was surprised to see only Lin Mengmeng: “Why are you alone? Where’s Tingyu?”
Regarding the divorce, neither she nor Shao Tingyu wanted the family to know yet. Lin Mengmeng lied: “Tingyu is still busy; he asked me to come first.”
But as she spoke, Shao’s mother’s phone rang. She answered: “Tingyu, what’s the matter?”
