【016 She’s Already Seen Us】
Zhuang Yiyi said, “I don’t have time.”
Chen Ding asked calmly, “Well, when do you have time? You must have three or four days off a month; I can adjust my schedule to suit yours.”
Chen Ding propped his head up lazily as he looked at her, his expression inadvertently betraying a sense of determination.
Zhuang Yiyi said, “Next Wednesday, then.”
“Alright.” As if a thought had occurred to him, Chen Ding emphasised, “This time, you mustn’t stand me up.”
Zhuang Yiyi had indeed been thinking the same thing. “I won’t.”
Qian Zhang was standing in the hospital corridor looking out when he spotted Qian Yi sunbathing outside. He rang Zhuang Yiyi to ask when she’d be finished, then went to find Qian Yi.
Qian Yi saw him approaching. “Cousin.”
Qian Zhang sat down beside him. “How have you been feeling lately?”
Qian Yi replied, “Pretty good.”
Qian Zhang said, “That’s good to hear. At this rate, you’ll be discharged soon. Who knows, we might even be able to celebrate the New Year together before the holidays. By the way, are you going back to your hometown for the New Year this year?”
Qian Yi gave a bitter smile. “Cousin, you know full well what my family situation is like. No one wants me there. What would I go back for?”
Qian Zhang said, “Who says no one wants you? I want you there, and Grandad and Grandma want you there too. They’ve all been missing you terribly. You really should go back this year. Bring Hongya along as well. You haven’t been home for so many years; Grandad and Grandma haven’t stopped talking about you.”
Qian Yi’s eyes stung. He lowered his head, not wanting anyone to see him like this. He’d never been favoured by his parents since childhood; everyone treated him like a burden. Only his cousin, and Grandad and Granny, ever cared about him.
He wanted to go back too, but every time the thought crossed his mind, his father’s words—‘Don’t you dare come back, you bloody disgrace!’—would echo in his head!
He gave a bitter smile. “I’d better not.”
Qian Zhang didn’t know why, all of a sudden, this cousin of his had become such a stranger to them. Now he wouldn’t even come home. He said, “If you don’t want to, I won’t force you. But do give Grandad and Granny a call when you have time. He’s always talking about you. They really miss you.”
“Mm.” Qian Yi missed them too.
Qian Zhang checked the time and stood up. “I won’t disturb your rest then. I’m off to work.”
Just then, he spotted Chen Ding coming out of the outpatient clinic entrance. He strode over, called out to Chen Ding, and asked with a smile, “How did your chat with Dr Zhuang go?”
Chen Ding replied, “It went well.”
Qian Zhang was pleased to see a familiar face and signs that the patient was improving. He took out his mobile. “Let’s add each other on WeChat. If you have any concerns later on, you can message me anytime.”
That evening in Suzhou, Chen Ding had heard his grandmother mention Qian Zhang. She’d said he’d always been a kind-hearted soul, and that whenever he needed a haircut, he’d go to Old Zhang’s, even though the result always looked like a dog had chewed on his hair—yet he’d keep going back.
Just as his grandmother had described. Chen Ding smiled as he scanned the QR code.
Qian Yi, watching from a short distance, saw the two of them chatting. As soon as they parted ways, he hurried after Qian Zhang and asked, puzzled, “Cousin, how do you know Chen Ding?”
“What’s the matter?” Qian Zhang asked, puzzled. “His grandmother is from our neighbourhood too. Last time she took a tumble, she came to see Grandad for treatment. He brought her over, so we had a bit of a chat. Do you know him as well?”
“Oh, we were university classmates.”
Qian Zhang couldn’t see why a mere university classmate would prompt Qian Yi to come running over to ask about him. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Is he the dorm mate you mentioned before—the one who’s very handsome, comes from a happy family, and is quite wealthy?”
Qian Yi recalled the time he’d spoken to Qian Zhang about Chen Ding and scratched his head awkwardly. “Cousin, I was young back then.”
Qian Zhang didn’t believe him; he still felt Qian Yi was mired in jealousy and self-doubt. Otherwise, why would he have ended up in hospital? He patted Qian Yi on the shoulder. “His family’s well-off—that’s his own business. We don’t compare ourselves to others. You’re doing quite well yourself now; you’re no worse off than anyone else.”
Qian Yi had been given the same advice before; he gave an awkward laugh, then hesitated before asking again, “Did he come to the hospital to see a doctor?”
Qian Zhang gave him a disapproving look. “You’ve finally managed to stabilise your emotions; don’t let other matters spoil your mood.”
“No. No.” That wasn’t what Qian Yi meant either. “I just wanted to know if he came to see a doctor. “I know what’s wrong with him; I just wanted to ask. Just to show I care.”
“He’s helped me a lot this time—with my hospital stay and making up with Hongya. So, I’m just concerned about him.”
As Qian Yi spoke of Chen Ding’s help, the gratitude on his face seemed genuine, so Qian Zhang believed him and replied, “He is here for treatment. But I’m not sure exactly what’s wrong with him. He asked me to step out first so he could speak to Yiyi in private. Yiyi is your attending physician, Zhuang Yiyi.”
Qian Yi still wanted to know whether Chen Ding had come to see a psychiatrist because of erectile dysfunction. He pondered for a moment and said, “Right.”
Seeing him deep in thought, Qian Zhang couldn’t help but offer a few more words of advice: “The most important thing for you right now is to get well as soon as possible. Don’t worry about anything else.”
Back in the consultation room, another patient had already entered. Qian Zhang took the computer and recorded the patient’s details one by one. It was nearly 12 o’clock when he’d finished seeing the morning’s patients.
Only then did Qian Zhang have time to ask, “Yiyi, that patient called Chen Ding this morning—what was he here for?”
Zhuang Yiyi rubbed her stiff neck as she walked out. “Why are you suddenly asking about him?”
Qian Zhang caught up with her. “His grandmother knew my grandfather. And he helped Qian Yi…”
Zhuang Yiyi stopped in her tracks. “He helped Qian Yi? What’s your relationship with Qian Yi?”
Qian Zhang smiled. “Qian Yi is my cousin. You know, the one I mentioned before—my uncle’s son. We grew up together.”
“Come to think of it, I haven’t thanked you yet. Why don’t we have dinner together tonight?”
Zhuang Yiyi didn’t agree. She felt a sense of unease deep down. She hadn’t expected the lie she’d asked Chen Ding to tell to have such a knock-on effect. Qian Yi was Qian Zhang’s cousin; Qian Zhang’s grandfather knew Chen Ding’s grandmother. If Qian Yi told Qian Zhang, and Qian Zhang told his grandfather, and his grandfather told Chen Ding’s grandmother… Chen Ding’s reputation would be ruined.
And the next day, during his rounds, Qian Yi had specifically asked her what psychological issues Chen Ding had come to the hospital for.
Zhuang Yiyi could roughly guess at Qian Yi’s motives—curiosity, concern, or perhaps a sense of psychological equilibrium. Whatever the reason, even bound by a doctor’s duty of confidentiality, she would not reveal it.
Yet Qian Yi’s enquiry had stirred a subtle sense of guilt in Zhuang Yiyi towards Chen Ding, and so, as agreed, she stayed at home the following Wednesday.
But she hadn’t expected the destination to be in Lin’an—a two- or three-hour drive away.
Sitting in the speeding car, Zhuang Yiyi wondered, “Why go so far? Couldn’t we just pick any old place?”
“The scenery’s lovely there,” Chen Ding turned to her and said with a smile. “We can soak in the hot springs whilst taking in the views. Since we’re on holiday, we might as well make the most of it.”
Zhuang Yiyi thought Chen Ding had a point. Besides, he certainly knew how to enjoy himself.
They soon arrived at the hot spring resort. Their room was a mountain-view duplex villa, quiet and serene. Zhuang Yiyi tossed her bag onto the sofa, pushed open the balcony door, and immediately saw the hot spring pool outside. Standing there, she could feel the unique tranquillity of nature. Taking a deep breath, Zhuang Yiyi felt a sense of ease wash over her.
“What do you think? Not bad, is it?” Chen Ding stood beside her.
“It’s lovely,” Zhuang Yiyi replied. “Have you been here before?”
“Yes. I came here for a team-building trip with the office. It was all right.”
Zhuang Yiyi said, “I’ve never been here before. I always thought the journey was too much of a hassle. I usually just go to the ones nearby.” Then, as if a thought occurred to her, she added, “The first time I went to a hot spring in Hangzhou, it was actually my ex-boyfriend who invited me.”
After Zhuang Yiyi had spoken, she didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with what she’d said, but Chen Ding sighed deeply. “Darling, we’re out here having fun together—why are you bringing up your ex-boyfriend?” Although he said this, he didn’t seem genuinely upset; he smiled as he nudged Zhuang Yiyi. “Come on, let’s grab a bite to eat first, then have a look around.”
Zhuang Yiyi let him lead her along, feeling genuinely puzzled. Why didn’t he press her further about her ex-boyfriend? Why didn’t he ask?
The pair arrived at the buffet restaurant.
Zhuang Yiyi was just helping herself to a tart when an unexpected person walked up beside her.
“You’re a quick one.”
The familiar teasing tone made Zhuang Yiyi’s heart skip a beat. She turned slowly and met the enigmatic smile of Han Rong. Han Rong gave her a leisurely thumbs-up.
“……”
“What are you doing here?” Zhuang Yiyi asked.
“The little intern asked me to come for a hot spring.”
Zhuang Yiyi turned her head and spotted the familiar intern in a corner. Their eyes met, and the intern flashed her a cute smile.
“……”
“Can you keep this a secret?” Zhuang Yiyi asked.
Han Rong zipped her lips shut. “Don’t worry, I’m tight-lipped. So, is that the reason you had a spat with Yao Mu?”
Although that wasn’t quite right, the person involved was indeed Chen Ding. “Mm.”
“Dr Yao really is petty,” Han Rong chuckled. “Right then, I’m off. Have a lovely time.”
Thanks to Han Rong’s sudden appearance, Zhuang Yiyi’s good mood had settled down a little. She didn’t really want too many people to know about her and Chen Ding’s situation. If they found out, there would be gossip—first about the marriage, and then, once they divorced, about the divorce.
Chen Ding returned after finishing a work call and keenly sensed that Zhuang Yiyi’s mood wasn’t as high as before. “What’s wrong? Tired?”
Zhuang Yiyi shook her head; she was still thinking about Han Rong having spotted them. She looked at Chen Ding sitting opposite her, and an idea suddenly struck her.
“You go ahead and eat. I’m not hungry.” With that, she pushed the plate of egg tarts towards Chen Ding.
Chen Ding took a bite of an egg tart. “Shall we go for a stroll then?”
Through Chen Ding, Zhuang Yiyi caught sight of the couple in the corner, still intimately feeding each other. “No rush. Let’s wait until you’ve finished your tart.”
Once he’d finished, Zhuang Yiyi casually led Chen Ding towards Han Rong’s table. Chen Ding took her hand; Zhuang Yiyi tried to slip it away discreetly, but failed.
Chen Ding didn’t realise she was doing it on purpose, but as they walked, he spotted Han Rong being fed nuts by a man. He let go of Zhuang Yiyi’s hand and whispered, “I’ve seen your colleague.”
Zhuang Yiyi replied calmly, “She’s already seen us.”