Chapter 53 - Frustrating Moments

Su Xiang went to the hospital to study under the specialists of the Oncology department. She got to visit the patient she wanted to help while watching the doctors work on improving his health.

Su Chen stopped by at one point at the request of the department, and he got to see the patient in front of Su Xiang. The reason for his summoning was that Su Chen worked on the clinical trials of such cases, collecting information for primary research purposes.

He broke down the news to the patient and his family about the results. "You have what is referred to as a type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma--Burkitt. Though we started treatment, we will monitor your progress, and we have a few alternatives to see what works with your body."

"What's the survival rate?" asked the patient.

Su Chen's lips thinned. "I can't guarantee it. But there is a 70-80% chance of surviving."

The patient sighed of relief.

"But again, I can't guarantee it. Everybody operates differently with medications. Some work, some don't. But what I can guarantee is that our physicians work hard to improve on the health of our patients," Su Chen said.

Su Xiang smiled to herself without him noticing. Su Chen spoke the words of her mother, someone who embedded the values of quality care, and that it came before anything. Su Chen was a great example of her parent's mission, just as how she aspired to be.

"Thank you, Doctor Su," said the patient.

Su Chen grinned before turning to face Su Xiang. He took her aside, behind curtains, away from the patient, and she paid full attention to him, awaiting instructions. He was older than her, more experienced in the field.

"I want you to report if he's made any progress or not with the medication," he said to her.

Su Xiang nodded. She waited for him to say anything more, but he didn't speak. Su Chen gazed at her, studying her expression.

He looked at her impassively, whereas she remained calm. "Anything else?" she questioned him.

"No," he answered.

Su Xiang took a deep breath; her chest expanded as she attempted to walk past him, but he grabbed her forearm gently. Su Xiang glanced up at him, searching for an explanation beneath his sea-green eyes. "Is there something you're upset about?" he asked her sincerely.

Su Xiang glanced away from his burning and questioning gaze. "No," she responded.

"Look at me," he said low and soft.

She did.

Her face was close to his since he pulled her in. "Are you all right?" he asked gently. Su Xiang faced him steadily; she wasn't sure how to answer. "I'm fine. How else am I supposed to feel?"

Su Chen's expression changed; he was despondent and low in spirits. Su Xiang gritted her teeth. She didn't have a valid reason to be mad at him; she wasn't even entirely sure why she was upset with him in the first place.

Her expression softened. "I'm not upset, Chen. I guess I need time to process some things," she said.

"Why?" he responded desperately.

Su Xiang smiled grimly. "I am afraid you'll forget about me," she teased with a clenched heart. She then scoffed shortly after admitting that, "I sound selfish. I'm sorry."

Su Chen instinctively pulled her in for an embrace. He held the back of her head, gently stroking her golden hair. "I can't ever forget you; I promise."

Su Xiang's eyes widened. She lifted her arms, circling him. She hugged him back, and they held each other for long moments.

When Su Chen tried to let go, Su Xiang refused, startling him. Su Xiang refused because she didn't want him to see the redness in her eyes. After another long moment, she finally let go.

"All I want is for you to be happy, Chen," she said with a small smile.

Su Chen swallowed hard. "Thank you," he forced out.

Su Xiang opened the curtains, walking away from him. All she wanted for him was to be happy. And for him, she will get passed the uneasy feeling she had about his sudden engagement. If that was what he wanted, then who is she to stop it?

...

Song Luli spent days and long hours working on her drafts. Some of her ideas were not flowing, and she felt like ripping her hair from the scalp. She grunted a few times, and Long Jie could tell that she was visibly stressed.

He worked alongside her in their study room. He rose from his seat to stand behind her as she sat in her chair. Long Jie ran his fingers through her hair, tying it into a ponytail since she kept pulling it during moments of frustration. She looked rather cute with it tied up.

"Do you want to express your ideas to me?" he asked her.

Song Luli sighed. "Not yet; it's not ready. But once I have them, I will pitch them to you first," she said. Long Jie gave out a warm smile.

"I will wait, then."

Song Luli grinned at him; she was happy that he wanted to support her, but in moments like this, she needed to thrive on her own. She will rely on his support, but she tried to gather her thoughts first.

Long Jie bent down to give her an upside-down kiss on her lips suddenly, leaving her stunned. "Why did you kiss me?" she questioned him curiously.

"I felt like it," he responded.

Song Luli gazed at him. "Seems like a valid reason," she admitted.

Long Jie returned to his seat, working on his computer.

"I'm returning to J city for another short trip," he announced.

Song Luli glanced at him. "Oh?" she replied.

He met her stare; his eyes grew cautious. "I want you to come with me."

Song Luli froze. She recalled him talking about it before, but she thought it was something he considered during the heat of the moment. After all, that day, she didn't expect to have missed his presence. And it seemed as if it affected him, too.

"I will go," she told him. She hadn't seen his work in action, it was something for her to look forward to.