Perhaps she had already expected how this blind date would turn out, so Yu Yiling didn’t ask much.
Lin Yunxu let out a quiet sigh of relief—at least he didn’t have to rack his brains for excuses.
“It’s not that your aunt doesn’t want to ask,” Yu Jingyun said, releasing her grip as Lin Yunxu’s shirt fell back down, covering the scar at his waist. “She just doesn’t know what to do with you anymore. The wound’s healing well, but you’re still in the peak period for scar tissue growth. Don’t scratch if it itches—I’ll prescribe something for you later.”
Lin Yunxu nodded as he straightened his clothes.
It had been a while since his stitches were removed. He had only come to the hospital for a check-up—to reassure his family.
The Yu family was large. Lin Yunxu had three maternal uncles, and on his grandparents’ side there were many relatives as well.
Over the years, some had become leading doctors at top-tier hospitals or university medical centers, others were deeply involved in research, or worked in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
Rongmu Hospital was a private hospital founded by his eldest uncle. Backed by the Yu family’s long-standing medical tradition and reputation, it held significant influence in the medical field.
Yu Jingyun, his cousin, worked there.
After confirming that Lin Yunxu was in good health, Yu Jingyun finally relaxed and chatted casually:
“You’ve only got this one aunt. Don’t push her too far. When you were brought in injured like that, she cried her heart out.”
At her words, something in Lin Yunxu softened.
If it came to crying, no one surpassed Yu Yiling. She could cry with countless shades of emotion for any role, all with artistic precision on camera.
But this time, it had been genuine heartbreak—raw and unrestrained.
The last time had been years ago, when she was under massive online backlash.
She hadn’t cried for herself, but she broke down because young Lin Yunxu was dragged into it, cursed and insulted along with her.
Only twice—and both times, it was for him.
Seeing him fall silent with lowered eyes, Yu Jingyun patted his shoulder. “Take care of yourself. Your aunt and uncle just want you safe and healthy. Think of them before you act.”
Back in February, he had been on a business trip to T Country when a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck.
Natural disasters couldn’t be predicted, but Lin Yunxu had had a chance to reach safety. Instead, he went back to save a child and was caught in a collapse.
Reinforcing steel from the building had nearly pierced through his torso. Only his waist and abdomen were injured—already a miracle.
But the wound was deep, and he lost a lot of blood. While waiting for rescue, dust and bacteria in the air caused infection.
By the time he was pulled out, he was already in shock, barely clinging to life.
When Yu Yiling saw the news, she fainted on set. Several elders in the family nearly ended up hospitalized as well.
Lin Yunxu was out of contact for 28 hours. For both the Yu and Lin families, every second felt like torture.
Now that it was over, it could be called a close call.
But at the time, if he had been sent to the hospital any later, he might not have survived.
Because Yu Yiling was a public figure, news about him trended for days, marked as “explosive” on the hot search lists.
As people dug deeper, videos and surveillance footage from the disaster site surfaced—including the building where he had been attending a conference.
“You didn’t hesitate at all to protect that child,” Yu Jingyun said softly. “When we saw you buried under the collapsed structure, not caring about your own safety… it broke everyone’s hearts.”
“…So I shouldn’t have saved them?”
His voice was light, almost as if it could be carried away by the wind.
Yu Jingyun fell silent, then sighed.
As a doctor, she couldn’t say he shouldn’t have saved the child. But as family, she understood her aunt and uncle—she just wanted him safe.
Lin Yunxu smoothly changed the subject. “Where are the others?”
“Bad timing. They’re all in surgery.”
“Then I’ll treat them to a meal another day. I’ll head back first.”
Yu Jingyun checked the time. “Perfect timing. Tangyuan was just brought over—take him with you.”
“Alright.”
Tangyuan was her son’s nickname—his full name was Tang Li’an. He was just over a year old.
Yu Jingyun was leaving for out-of-province training tomorrow, and her husband was away on a business trip. Since Yu Yiling was resting at home and missed the baby, she had offered to take him in for a few days.
So it had already been arranged—Lin Yunxu would pick him up on the way back.
Yu Jingyun teased, “You’ve got no hope of having kids yourself, so your aunt might as well enjoy looking after Tangyuan and get a taste of grandparent life.”
Lin Yunxu stood up with a smile. “Then I’ll thank you for that.”
Yu Jingyun still had work, so he didn’t linger. After saying goodbye, he left.
He lowered his head, checking work emails while waiting for the elevator. When it dinged, he put his phone away and looked up.
Inside the elevator was a nurse and an elderly man in a wheelchair, one leg in a cast.
Despite the injury, the old man looked spirited. His gaze fell directly on Lin Yunxu.
He carried an imposing presence—stern and dignified even at rest.
Lin Yunxu remained composed. Only when they were about to exit did he step in, casually helping steady the wheelchair as it rolled over the threshold.
The nurse, who had recognized him, thanked him. “Thank you, Mr. Lin.”
“No problem.” He smiled faintly and pressed the button for the first floor.
As the elevator doors closed, Lin Yunxu met the old man’s gaze again.
The wheelchair was still facing him.
He was used to being looked at—whether for his appearance or because people recognized him as Yu Yiling’s son.
This man was clearly neither.
There was no malice in his gaze—only a faint kindness that didn’t quite match his imposing aura.
So Lin Yunxu simply nodded politely before the doors shut.
Spring had warmed, and the afternoon sun was bright and gentle.
After picking up Tangyuan, Lin Yunxu took him to a nearby park and sat on a bench.
The sunlight finally felt warm enough to chase away lingering dampness, leaving people lazy and relaxed.
Lin Yunxu took a bite of his ice cream—cold and sweet.
He didn’t particularly love sweets, but after being forced into a health-conscious routine recently, a bit of rebellion had crept in.
“Ah—ah!”
Tangyuan’s babbling pulled him back to reality.
Looking down, he saw the chubby toddler in the stroller staring at him, drooling, fingers in his mouth.
Lin Yunxu laughed. “You want some?”
“Ah!”
He held the cone near the baby’s mouth. Tangyuan leaned forward eagerly—only to bite air.
Confused, he stared again.
Lin Yunxu pulled it back, wiped his drool, then offered it again—only to snatch it away and take a bite himself.
Seeing the baby’s blank expression, he burst out laughing.
Children at this age were the most amusing—they understood a little but couldn’t fully express themselves.
“Waaah—!”
“…Alright, alright.”
Feeling slightly guilty, Lin Yunxu leaned in and gently brushed his nose against the baby’s soft cheek.
The scent of vanilla wrapped around him—soft and comforting.
Tangyuan immediately forgot why he was upset.
He stared blankly, then remembered—food.
He cried again.
Lin Yunxu leaned in again, soothing him.
Each time, the baby seemed to reset—forgetting even to cry.
Eventually, Tangyuan gave up pretending, letting out a few lazy “ah” sounds, then smiling whenever Lin Yunxu leaned close.
Lin Yunxu couldn’t help laughing too.
In the end, the “battle” ended when he handed the baby a homemade finger biscuit.
One ate ice cream, the other gnawed on biscuits. They basked peacefully in the sun.
Ji Zhanming hadn’t expected to run into Lin Yunxu near the hospital.
After not seeing him for so long, one blind date seemed to have tied them together in unexpected ways.
Even while teasing the child, it was clear—his temperament was genuinely gentle.
Children were sensitive. Only in a stable, calm environment would they feel secure.
Seeing Lin Yunxu finish his ice cream, wipe the baby’s hands, and prepare to leave, Ji Zhanming had intended to go on his way.
But when he saw him pick up the child, he changed direction and walked over.
Lin Yunxu didn’t know what had gotten into Tangyuan—he suddenly fussed, insisting on being held.
Sighing, Lin Yunxu picked him up.
The baby immediately melted into his arms.
“You’re clingy, aren’t you?”
Just as he reached for the stroller, Tangyuan suddenly arched backward—
!!
Lin Yunxu’s heart jumped as he reached to catch him—
—but another hand moved faster, supporting the baby’s back.
Lin Yunxu’s hand landed directly over the man’s.
Tangyuan was pressed safely back into his arms.
Unaware of the danger, the baby cheered happily.
Lin Yunxu’s heart finally steadied. He withdrew his hand and looked at the man beside him.
“Thank you.”
Ji Zhanming removed his hand, lightly supporting Lin Yunxu’s elbow. “Use both hands. At this age, one arm isn’t enough—they’ll slip right out.”
“You sound experienced.”
“There are children in my relatives’ family.”
After a pause, he extended his arms. “Mind if I hold him?”
Lin Yunxu blinked, momentarily confused.
“Aren’t you here for a check-up?” Ji Zhanming said calmly. “Should you be lifting weight?”
Lin Yunxu smiled, understanding.
“My thanks wouldn’t be enough. Why would I mind?” He adjusted the baby. “But you should ask him.”
Ji Zhanming held out his hands.
Tangyuan, having just been lightly scolded, quickly leapt into them.
Relieved, Lin Yunxu pushed the stroller as they walked toward the parking lot together.
“Are you here because you’re unwell?” he asked casually.
“A family elder is injured. I came to check.”
Lin Yunxu nodded and didn’t probe further.
They soon reached the car.
After a long afternoon, Tangyuan was already dozing, quietly settling into the car seat.
Lin Yunxu fastened the seatbelt. When he stood up, he saw Ji Zhanming had already folded the stroller and placed it in the trunk.
Tall and well-built in a dark suit, he looked steady and reliable.
“Thank you for today,” Lin Yunxu said sincerely.
“If anything had happened to him, I’d have to apologize on my knees.”
“It’s nothing. Just helping out.”
Lin Yunxu understood—no need to make more of it than necessary.
A difficult person.
Fortunately, he wasn’t trying to get close.
“Alright. You should go check on your family. I won’t keep you.”
After they parted, Ji Zhanming returned to the hospital.
As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he saw his grandfather—sitting in a wheelchair, one leg in a cast.
“I heard you fell. How bad is it?”
“Nothing serious,” the old man waved him off. “Why come all the way?”
“Just to be sure.”
As Ji Zhanming moved behind him to push the wheelchair, he noticed through the window—
the park below, not far away.