“How could that be? Secretary Yin is about to marry Dr. Bao, don’t talk nonsense.”
My hand, about to push the door, froze midair.
Another voice, likely not from our department, spoke. “I’m not talking nonsense. My friend works in the government. Secretary Yin indeed has a new love – the granddaughter of a former deputy mayor.”
“Climbing up to high-ranking officials and abandoning Dr. Bao? Isn’t that shameless?”
“Dr. Bao probably doesn’t know yet. She seems quite happy recently,” said a nurse from our department.
Another nurse chimed in: “Have you noticed Dr. Bao’s engagement ring is gone?”
“Yes, I saw that too. Maybe she knows something? She’s been forcing a smile these days.”
“Definitely. Besides comforting dying patients, when have you ever seen Dr. Bao smile? She’s smiling at everyone now, clearly putting on an act.”
“Makes sense. Alas, how could Secretary Yin do this? Men are all heartless.”
“You don’t understand. The deputy mayor has fallen from power, Secretary Yin lost his backer, so he naturally wants to climb onto another…”
I pushed open the door, and the creaking sound startled everyone inside.
I stood in the doorway and smiled. The office was eerily quiet.
Our department’s nurse looked helplessly at Dr. Li, since he had a decent relationship with me.
“Dr. Bao, aren’t you off duty today?” Dr.
Li, I really appreciate your understanding regarding my leave request.”
“Of course,” he replied, nodding. “Take the time you need.”
With a grateful smile, I replied, “Thank you.” The nurses exchanged knowing glances, still buzzing with the new information about my ex-boyfriend.
“Li, are you busy these days? I want to swap shifts for something important.”
“Not busy. I can cover your shift.”
“Thank you! I’ll ask the director for leave.”
After getting the leave and arranging next week’s shifts, I went home to pack. Upon entering, I told my mom: “Mom, a friend is sick. I’m going to the hospital to take care of him.”
Seeing me pack my toiletries, my mom understood. “Bingbing, who’s sick?”
I hesitated. “Ye Zhengchen.”
My mom anxiously asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing serious, just some minor injuries. He’ll be fine after some rest.”
“You’re going to take care of him?”
