Sun Yan immediately fell silent.
She glanced at Shen Qingli a couple of times, feeling more and more certain that something big must have happened — otherwise, why would she refuse to mention anything about the military?
But since the conversation had already hit a wall, she didn’t dare press further. One wrong sentence, and they might become enemies.
She lowered her head and focused on eating.
Throughout the meal, Shen Qingli didn’t speak again. After absentmindedly finishing her food, she returned to the consultation room, took off her white coat, gathered her things, and left.
But just as she stepped out of the hospital entrance, a casual voice sounded from the side:
“Shen Qingli.”
She froze mid-step and turned her head.
Su Jinshen stood by the bus stop. His broad shoulders and narrow waist filled out the crisp military uniform, his posture tall and straight like a pine in winter.
No matter how she felt about him — she had to admit, he was very good-looking. The kind of good-looking that, every time she saw him, her eyes lingered for a moment before her heart stuttered uncontrollably.
She drew in a slow breath, suppressing that foolish, unwanted flutter in her chest. Then she lowered her gaze and chose not to respond — nor to walk over.
Seeing her stubbornly remain where she was, a suffocating frustration crawled into Su Jinshen’s chest. He hated the feeling of her shutting him out like this. So he took the initiative, walking toward her.
“How did you get a job at this hospital?”
His tone was gentle — but Shen Qingli didn’t soften.
“What does it have to do with you?”
His brows furrowed even deeper, clearly displeased by her attitude. Still, he forced his temper down and tried again.
“Did Comrade Zhao recommend you?”
Shen Qingli’s eyelashes fluttered — as if she hadn’t heard him correctly. She lifted her gaze. His handsome face was cold, waiting for her answer.
That uncontrolled flutter in her heart twisted into something sour and constricting.
She couldn’t believe he had the nerve to ask her that. She was a properly trained medical student — how could he think that way of her?
Yes, she was recommended — but only because she had the ability to back it up. Otherwise, no ordinary person could just walk into a major hospital and be handed a scalpel.
But by bringing up Zhao Wenbo, he was implying she had gone begging favors. That she got in by leaning on another man.
A bitter smile curled at her lips, the sourness flooding through her chest like a tide.
In her past life, she would’ve been in tears, desperately trying to explain. But now? She swallowed down the lump in her throat and deliberately provoked him:
“So what if he did?”
That struck home. His face darkened instantly, a storm gathering behind his eyes.
“If he helped you get in, you’re not working here.”
His voice was louder now, sharp enough that a few passersby turned to stare.
Shen Qingli’s pride flared hot. Even with tears threatening, she refused to back down.
“My life is none of your business. I will work here.”
The vein at Su Jinshen’s temple pulsed. His voice dropped, cold and cutting.
“You know he likes you, and you still accept his help? You think there’s such a thing as a free favor? If you accept something from him, how are you planning to repay him? What are you going to pay with? Yourself?”
Shen Qingli’s nose stung. Her heart clenched so tightly it hurt to breathe. Eyes red, she stared at him — unable to believe he’d said that.
If she hadn’t lived through one lifetime already, she might have collapsed then and there.
So she lashed back, recklessly:
“Since you know everything, hurry up and divorce me. Then I can be with him!”
Su Jinshen went silent, speechless with rage, staring at her stubborn expression — so furious he couldn’t even get the words out.
He’d only assumed she got the job through a recommendation — and aside from Zhao Wenbo, he genuinely couldn’t think of anyone else.
He had even sent Zhou Jiarun away so they wouldn’t argue in public and be overheard.
And now? She not only admitted it so easily — she actually said she’d divorce him for Zhao Wenbo.
She had been the one who begged to marry him. And now she was the one asking for a divorce. Did she not understand that a divorce in a military marriage could jeopardize his entire future?
His gaze turned icy. “Don’t even think about it.” With that, he walked away.
Shen Qingli stood rooted to the spot, like a punctured balloon deflating slowly. Her limbs were so heavy she felt she couldn’t even lift a finger.
She was exhausted — utterly exhausted.
In her previous life, she had tried so hard to communicate, to live well with him — but he acted like she didn’t exist, barely speaking a few words to her in a day.
This life, she had sworn she wouldn’t cling to him — yet he still pushed her to the point of breaking.
She was done. She boarded the bus and left without looking back.
After the argument, the bystanders nearby immediately began whispering:
“Wasn’t that Dr. Liu just now?”
“Looks like they were really going at it.”
“I heard her husband is in the military. That guy in the uniform — couldn’t see his rank from here, but if they’re fighting like that, it must be him.”
Zhao Wenbo had just arrived at the hospital entrance and overheard the gossip.
He froze for a second, worry flickering in his eyes.
He didn’t know Shen Qingli well, but judging by Su Jinshen’s cold face alone, he didn’t seem like an easy person to get along with.
After hesitating for a moment—
The next morning, he went to the general surgery department. Through the door crack, he saw Shen Qingli bandaging a patient’s injured arm.
Her expression was gentle as always, giving careful instructions — her temperament quiet and refined, like an orchid blooming in a secluded valley.
He lingered at the door, gaze fixed on her — not daring to interrupt, yet feeling his dislike for Su Jinshen twist even deeper.
How could anyone raise their voice at someone like her? If he had a wife like that… he’d treasure her, not scold her.
Perhaps his gaze was too intense, because when the patient left, Shen Qingli lifted her head and spotted him.
She paused. “Did something happen to your injury?”
Zhao Wenbo snapped out of it, suppressing the flutter in his chest, and shook his head shyly.
“No, it’s fine now.”
She nodded. His presence surprised her, but she didn’t pursue the conversation.
After all, she was a married woman — and Zhao Wenbo had feelings for her. Talking too much would only invite trouble.
Silence fell, awkward and heavy. Finally, he spoke:
“So… Qingli, did you argue with your husband yesterday? What happened?”
“Just a small matter,” she replied lightly. She wasn’t surprised he knew, but she didn’t want to elaborate.
He frowned, voice low with frustration on her behalf:
“A small matter, and he argued with you out in public? That’s disgraceful.”