CH 40

The outcome of the trial was good, so Ji Yao returned to his normal work the next day.

Amidst their busy schedules, Ji Yao’s colleagues in the department took five minutes of their time to hold a short “dispelling bad luck ritual” for him. The main procedure involved holding a cup of warm water, raising it to the sky, the earth, and Ji Yao, and then attempting to pour the remaining half cup of water into Ji Yao’s hand, watching as he drank it.

“They’re all skilled doctors, is this necessary?” Ji Yao said somewhat speechlessly, “Stay away from outdated superstitions.”

The colleague who covered his shifts the most raised his cup, waved his hand confidently, and said, “What’s wrong with drinking water? Drinking eight cups of water a day is healthy!”

Balancing scientific knowledge and superstition, it really felt like the attitude of a modern young person.

A young nurse leaned against the door frame with a mischievous grin and chimed in, “How’s it going, Dr. Ji? My spell for reversing bad luck and banishing negativity was effective, right?”

Seeing her, Ji Yao immediately remembered the incident where she had “betrayed” him by talking to Jiang Heng behind his back. His temples throbbed in pain, and he pointed at her from across the room. Despite his gritted teeth and fierce expression, it lacked any real intimidation.

The surgery department was incredibly busy that day, and the young people dispersed after a few minutes of chatting, each heading off to perform surgeries.

Ji Yao had been absent for a few days, so he had a rare moment of leisure that morning. After finishing his ward rounds and completing his medical reports, he found himself with some free time and couldn’t help but glance at his phone multiple times.

The chat window with Jiang Heng had been in his contacts since the night before, and it remained quiet and still. The empty chat box stood out at the top of his contacts, drawing Ji Yao’s attention from time to time.

Jiang Heng was a composed individual who always seemed in control and unflappable, as if everything that happened was within his expectations. This made it difficult for Ji Yao to predict his intentions at times.

He gradually realized he was becoming absent-minded. While he was in work mode, he could manage, but whenever he had a moment of leisure, his focus wavered. He would write two lines and erase four when attempting to write a paper, and he even accidentally picked up red sugar ginger tea instead of coffee while making himself a cup.

He finally realized this couldn’t continue. So, Ji Yao opened his phone, he couldn’t help but clench his teeth and send Jiang Heng a message.

“Has the fever subsided?” he asked.

It was now exactly 2 PM Beijing time, and Jiang Heng was likely busy with work, which explained the lack of an immediate response.

Ji Yao walked to the tea room, disposed of the ginger tea powder, flicked off the water droplets from his hand, and made himself a fresh cup of coffee.

It wasn’t until Ji Yao was back at his desk that Jiang Heng’s reply finally arrived, although a bit late.

“Much better.”

Jiang Heng’s response was cool and detached, but he also attached a photo, which slightly softened the sense of distance caused by the words.

The photo displayed a digital thermometer reading, showing a temperature of 37.2 degrees Celsius, which had returned to normal.

Ji Yao opened the image, then zoomed in and examined it more closely. He realized the photo had been taken in dim lighting, resembling an early morning shot.

Jiang Heng wasn’t the type to show vulnerability, so this photo was likely prepared in advance for someone specific, and the implication was clear.

Ji Yao licked his lips, edited and re-edited his words in the chat box, and replied with a simple “Got it.”

This time, Jiang Heng didn’t reply, but the previously empty chat box was now filled with text, and the photo occupied a third of the screen, making a significant impact.

Satisfied, Ji Yao locked his phone screen and went on to do his serious work.

On the 53rd floor of the Phase 1 Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Guojin Center, Jiang Heng put away his phone and motioned for the waiter to place the black truffle mushroom soup in front of the person across from him.

“Put the clear soup on my side, thank you.”

Ge Xing looked up from his lamb chops, puzzled, at the clear and simple soup bowl in front of Jiang Heng. He asked with raised eyebrows, “Are you a vegetarian now? why are you eating this plain?”

“Just taking care of my stomach,” Jiang Heng said as he put away his phone. 

“sure,” Ge Xing signaled playfully, “Let’s just chat freely.”

Last night, Ji Yao impulsively sent Ge Xing a red envelope. Unexpectedly, Ge Xing had sensed something unusual from it, and thus he acted swiftly, buying a ticket and flying over.

For these rich second-generation individuals with money in hand, they were idle to the point of being restless all day long. If they encountered any gossip, they would eagerly listen, even considering taking a hot air balloon to hear it. Jiang Heng had returned to the company to sort some documents, but before he could finish his day, Ge Xing had intercepted him in the office building, inquiring about how he was “doing lately.” 

Ge Xing was closer to Jiang Heng, so he didn’t dare disturb Dr. Ji, who was busy saving lives. He only bothered his old friend

Jiang Heng raised an eyebrow and didn’t say anything, unlocking his phone screen and bringing up the chat interface. He slid his phone across the table to Ge Xing.

Ge Xing made a surprised sound and, struggling with a “this isn’t right,” he wiped his hands and scrolled through the chat history.

Unfortunately, their rekindled contact had been rather cool, there were only five messages in total, hardly enough to scroll through.

“Qingbo falsified the information,” Ge Xing said in distress, “He clearly told me the bartender saw you two hugging and walking together.”

Jiang Heng: “…”

Rumors were truly dangerous. Just a couple of words from someone, and even the people involved wouldn’t recognize themselves.

“Just regained contact, so there’s not much to talk about,” Jiang Heng stirred the soup with a spoon. “Let’s take it slowly.”

Having been friends with Jiang Heng for many years, much longer than Ji Yao, Ge Xing carefully observed Jiang Heng’s expression and let out a faint sigh.

He returned the phone to Jiang Heng and tentatively asked, “What do you mean by ‘taking it slowly’? Do you still have feelings for him?”

“If I didn’t have feelings, I wouldn’t have come to Shanghai.” Jiang Heng smiled.

Jiang Heng knew he had made a wrong decision back then.

He should have used a more mature and straightforward approach to end the relationship between him and Ji Yao. Rather than leaving abruptly in the heat of the moment and disappearing from his life.

From childhood to adulthood, Jiang Heng had always been aware of one thing—acting immaturely could lead to trouble and countless problems.

For example, Ji Yao.

If he had been more composed at the time and said “let’s break up” on the spot, calmly addressing and straightening out the issues that had arisen, then they could have walked away with the situation untangled. Ji Yao might have felt upset and found it difficult to adjust, but after three years, he should have started a new phase of life and left the past behind, finding someone more suitable for him.

But at that time, Jiang Heng hadn’t said anything, so the unfinished business remained. It was like a lingering tail, preventing both of them from moving forward.

“What about him?” Ge Xing asked.

“He’s not married and he came to Shanghai. That’s the most obvious answer.” Jiang Heng said.

“Marriage” triggered Ge Xing’s sensitive nerves. He had come all the way here to listen to gossip, and he almost sprayed his mushroom soup all over the table when he heard that word. He barely restrained himself and almost choked on his own emotions.

“Did he plan on getting married before?” Ge Xing asked puzzled. “to someone else?”

“Yes,” Jiang Heng affirmed.

Ge Xing’s eyes took on an odd expression for a moment. He looked at Jiang Heng for a while, then let out a soft sigh. He said, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have played matchmaker.”

“It’s not as serious as you think.” Jiang Heng said with a chuckle.

“So what are you planning to do?” Ge Xing asked. “Give it another shot? Isn’t it embarrassing to tread the same path again?”

The question Ji Yao never managed to voice, relayed through Ge Xing, landed in Jiang Heng’s ears once more. Jiang Heng smiled and reached for a napkin to dab at his mouth.

“Who would fall into the same pit twice?” Jiang Heng said softly.