201 Solving the Love Problem

So, yes, Eric knew all about love and its trials, tribulations and pitfalls. He had learnt it the only way that there was – by living it!

He also knew that Hui was far from being ready for a woman with a complicated past like Jia Li's. In fact, Hui probably had zero idea about the kind of person that she actually was. But looking at him tonight, he realised that his friend had already crossed over to the deep side. He definitely would need some help in finding his rhythm, else he would drown.

Dr Adams came there with the physician who had first examined Jia Li. Adams had been rudely woken up from his sleep but he didn't utter a single word of complaint. He was a man who loved to do research. But nobody in the entire city had been willing to sponsor it, until Hui came along and placed his faith in him. Not only did he have a swanky laboratory of his own today, but also a private clinic with a few beds, in the prestigious part of the city, all courtesy Ying Hui. So if Hui summoned him, he would come and tend to even a small paper cut for him. But this was the first time that he had been asked to come in and check upon a woman. Till date, his benefactor had only utilised his services for his ageing parents' check-ups. Dr Adams's acquaintanceship with him went way back, since the time that they were both aspiring young adults.

Hui had been known to keep women at bay since then.

Despite the sleep lurking behind his eyes, he was extremely curious to know who the mystery lady was.

"Thank you for coming here at such a short notice, Doc. I am sorry to have caused this inconvenience to you," Hui addressed him formally.

Dr Adams waved it away and replied, "let's go look at the patient. I have seen her reports and have had a conversation with the doctor here. I have a fair idea about the situation now."

Hui followed the two doctors inside the room where she was sleeping.

He couldn't take his eyes off the comatose Jia Li. His heart wasn't ready to reconcile this image with that of a laughing, singing woman from few hours ago. Before the doctor had arrived, he had already identified the problem and its consequences. He was grateful to Eric for saying it out loud so that he was forced to face the truth rather than skulk behind one excuse or another.

His thought process had run its analysis:

Problem –

• Never felt before emotions which are forceful and impacting day to day functioning

Symptoms –

• Irrational reactions to situations involving a particular person

• Inconsistent behaviour with regards to one person versus the others

• Unable to apply all previously held beliefs and principles with this person

Hypothesis –

• It is to be assumed that a non-precious element (Jia Li) is getting converted into a precious and rare one

• Most likely, it is too late to stop the above mentioned process, since the reason for its start itself is unknown

Consequences –

• May cause extreme discomfort in the future. A sample of the same has been experienced tonight (the anguish caused due to her getting hurt)

• The subject (Ying Hui) may end up undergoing transformation in his characteristics, display unpredictable, irrational behaviour

Conclusion –

This is an extremely risky situation, with unknown results and far reaching effects. If possible, kindly avoid getting further involved.

Hui sighed when he recalled the conclusion that his mind had drawn. Of course, he gave no outward sign of having discovered something this momentous. Right now, he just absorbed it within himself and concentrated all his attention upon the woman who was lying on a hospital bed because of him.

Dr Adams straightened up after checking Jia Li's vitals.

"As the doctor here had diagnosed, there is a mild concussion which the patient has suffered. She may experience dizziness, impaired vision or hallucinations for the next forty eight hours at the max. Otherwise, she is fit as a fiddle," he said cheerily.

"You mean, we can discharge her tomorrow? Would it be alright if we shifted her first thing in the morning to London under the supervision of an efficient nurse?" he asked.

Hui wanted the best team looking after Ms…, no, looking after Jia Li. She was no longer Ms. Lin in his head.

The doctor told him that it was possible and that he would make the necessary arrangements. Hui thanked both the doctors and left Eric with them for ironing out the details.

"There is something different about you, right now. I can't put my finger on it but I am totally sensing it. Care to share it with me?" Eric asked him, after tending to the formalities.