Zhan was sitting alone in a quiet hospital ward, his head resting on the bed with his eyes half closed. A cup of caffeine drink, still half full, sat untouched on the nearby table. Just then, Dr. Jing entered the ward alongside another doctor, Dr. Han. They both walked toward him. Dr. Han frowned slightly and asked,
"Why didn't you lie down?"
Startled, Zhan lifted his head quickly, realizing he hadn't even heard them come in. Sleep was already tugging at him. Dr. Jing glanced at the cup of coffee and noticed it was only half finished.
"Why didn't you drink it all?" he asked.
Zhan shook his head slowly. "It was enough."
A nurse entered the ward carrying a blood pressure gauge. Dr. Han instructed, "Check his BP again." The nurse gently took Zhan's arm and began measuring. After a moment, she looked up and said, "It's almost normal, sir."
Dr. Jing studied Zhan's face, then said softly, "Maybe you should lie down and relax for a while."
Zhan stood, removed his shoes carefully, and lay down on the bed. The two doctors turned and walked out together.
As they moved down the hall, Dr. Han glanced at Dr. Jing. "When was he employed here? I've never noticed him. And as far as I know, there wasn't any vacancy. Even if there was, it's usually the influential families who get those spots."
Dr. Jing rubbed the back of his neck. "I heard it was a transfer."
Dr. Han nodded thoughtfully. "But he's really good. Honestly, he's the kind of nurse I like to work with. He's calm, composed, and handles procedures with precision. He did all the sutures perfectly without needing direction. Not every nurse can manage intradermal sutures. Even Dr. Balogun commended him."
Dr. Jing agreed. "I noticed too. It surprised me. But I think the workload stress is weighing him down. He also mentioned he hasn't been feeling well."
"He needs to work on his diet," Dr. Han said. "Less carbs, more balance. Hypotension isn't something to take lightly."
"True," Dr. Jing replied with a nod.
Near six o'clock, Dr. Jing returned to the ward. He touched the side of the bed gently, and Zhan slowly opened his eyes.
"How are you feeling now?" Dr. Jing asked.
Zhan sat up, rubbing his eyes lightly. "Better."
"Good. But please, avoid too many carbs. Your blood pressure shouldn't stay this low. Add more vegetables to your diet."
Zhan stayed silent, only nodding faintly.
After a pause, Dr. Jing continued, "By the way, you said you were planning to return to Foshan this evening? I don't think it's realistic to travel back and forth every day. The distance is too much."
Zhan quickly cut him off. "I've already discussed it with my aunt and her husband. Since you said you'd help me get this job, they suggested I find a place here in Guangzhou....maybe even a student hostel...so I can stay closer. Then, whenever I'm free from work, I can go back to Foshan."
But as he said it, even Zhan himself felt the words sounded a bit unconvincing. Dr. Jing watched him closely, his expression unreadable, as if studying him carefully. Zhan's heartbeat quickened; he lowered his head nervously, wondering if the doctor had seen through his excuse.
After a few seconds of silence, Dr. Jing finally said, "Alright. But honestly, when I mentioned arranging work for you, it would have made sense for your aunt or uncle to accompany you here...just to confirm everything. These days, you can't be too careful. Yet it seems neither of them showed up."
Zhan's chest tightened, his mind racing for an answer. Within seconds he managed to piece together something and replied quickly, looking up at Dr. Jing.
"The day I came with that woman and her little girl...the one who passed away...my aunt was with us too. She returned home afterward, but I told her this was the hospital I'd be working at…"
Dr. Jing looked at him and asked, "Even so, Sean, what's your connection with that aunt of yours in Foshan? I mean, what kind of relationship do you two have?"
Zhan felt uneasy but kept his composure, answering, "She was once married to my father before he passed away."
Dr. Jing frowned slightly. "So she's your stepmother?"
Zhan nodded, trying to get off the bed as if the questions were becoming too much. Dr. Jing pressed on, "How about your mother?"
Zhan gave him a short glance and replied, "But I already told you my parents are gone." His tone hinted at annoyance, and even Dr. Jing noticed.
Dr. Jing continued, "What about your relatives on your mother and father's side?"
Zhan sighed, "Doctor… they're all in Suzhou. I only came to Guangzhou because of my admission here. I didn't know it would be cancelled. Otherwise, I don't have anyone here...just my stepmother in Foshan."
Dr. Jing nodded slowly. "Alright, I understand. For now, I'll take you somewhere to spend the night since it's late and you said you'll head back to Foshan. But first, call your stepmother and let her know. That way, you can both figure out an alternative place to stay in Guangzhou."
Quietly, Zhan muttered, "Okay." Inside though, he was wondering where exactly he would end up staying. Still, he found himself trusting Dr. Jing almost immediately. There was something about the doctor...his caring, kind, and approachable nature...that reminded Zhan of Yibo. The similarities unsettled him. Dr. Jing was not only compassionate but also observant, just like Yibo. Zhan realized he needed to stay sharp and answer every question carefully so nothing suspicious would arise.
Zhan glanced up and noticed Dr. Jing still watching him closely, as though analyzing him. He quickly said, "Then maybe I can just stay in the hospital tonight."
Dr. Jing shook his head. "No, the hospital isn't a place to sleep unless it's absolutely necessary. You need proper rest. Go and collect your things. I'll get my car keys...I have to come back later anyway; there's a surgery scheduled for tonight."
Zhan murmured, "Alright." When Dr. Jing left the ward, Zhan followed him, though he was still dizzy.
Only two hours earlier, Zhan had been in the operating theatre with senior doctors, including a foreign surgeon, trying to save four wealthy accident victims. He had been asked to pass syringes and instruments, only to be stopped by a surgeon who didn't realized he hadn't even officially started working there yet. His heart had been pounding the whole time, even though he'd once been among the best students during his clinical rotations. Now, however, nerves and fear overwhelmed him...yet he managed to compose himself and work steadily.
After two exhausting hours, dizziness overcame him, and Zhan collapsed. Doctors rushed to his side immediately.
At the reception, Nurse Hannah handed him his bag and uniform, saying warmly, "Hope you're feeling much better now, Nurse Sean?"
"Yes, I'm fine now," Zhan replied with a faint smile. The other nurses just stared at him silently. Hannah continued, "So, we'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yes," Zhan answered politely. At that moment, Dr. Jing appeared with his car keys. Zhan bid Hannah goodbye and followed him, once again under the curious eyes of the staff.
Once they were in the car, Dr. Jing asked, "So, which hospital did you train in, Sean?"
Zhan's stomach tightened as he tried to recall what he'd told him earlier. Quickly, he invented a name and gave it without hesitation.
Dr. Jing pressed further. "And in which city was that?"
Zhan replied cautiously, "Like I told you...it was in Suzhou."
Dr. Jing nodded. "Right, I remember. And how many years did you train?"
"I trained for quite a while," Zhan answered vaguely.
"No wonder," Dr. Jing said with a smile. Then he paused, as if he was about to add something more, but he stopped himself and instead said, "Anyway, it's fine. You did very well in the theatre earlier. I was honestly impressed. You were calmer and more composed than some nurses who have been at this for years."
Zhan smiled faintly and said, "Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome," Dr. Jing replied.
He didn't say anything more, and they drove in silence for nearly twenty minutes. Zhan sat quietly, gazing at the bustling streets of Guangzhou. When they reached a quiet neighborhood, Dr. Jing honked at the gate of a large house. The gate opened, and even then, Zhan still didn't feel anxious or fearful...he couldn't quite explain the trust he already had in Dr. Jing, despite knowing him for barely over a week.
Dr. Jing parked the car and got out. Zhan followed, holding a small bag with his uniform inside. Two boys, about thirteen years old...brothers, from the look of them....were playing ball in the yard. As soon as they noticed Dr. Jing, one of them grabbed the ball and both chorused, "Gege, welcome back!"
"Didn't you have lessons?" Dr. Jing asked.
"We already finished," they answered together.
They greeted Zhan politely, and he returned the gesture with a small nod, quietly observing their handsome faces. Dr. Jing motioned to him. "Come on, let's go inside."
Without hesitation, Zhan followed him into the sitting room. An elderly woman, who looked to be in her mid-fifties, was seated with the housemaid, chatting. Dr. Jing settled onto a chair and said warmly, "Mother, good evening."
Zhan sat on the floor, watching the woman Dr Jing had just addressed and greet her too. She returned his greeting, then smiled at him. "Oh no, don't sit there. Come up and sit properly."
Zhan smiled politely. "No, it's fine here."
She turned to Dr. Jing. "So you called me while you were already on the way?"
He shook his head. "Not at all, I didn't even leave the office yet. Mother, we're going into the theatre after seven, so I'll head back now."
She nodded. "Alright, then. May it go smoothly."
He smiled faintly. "Thank you." Then, glancing at Zhan, he added, "Sean, feel at home."
Rising to his feet, he asked, "Mother, how is Grandma?"
"She's asleep, I believe," she replied.
"Alright, then. I'll come by tomorrow," he said before stepping out of the sitting room.
The woman turned her attention back to Zhan. "Welcome, Sean. How's work?"
Still smiling politely, Zhan answered, "It's going well."
"I hear you're from Foshan?" she asked.
"Yes," Zhan replied.
"That's quite far," she remarked. "You'll need an alternative arrangement. Why don't you take a rest? It's almost night." she added "Koi, please take him to guest room"
The maid stood up quickly. "Yes, Ma'am." She led Zhan to a quiet room and left him there. Zhan sat down on the edge of the bed, exhaling slowly.
***
By 8 o'clock, he was still in the guest room when a bright-eyed little girl, no more than eleven years old, wandered in. She immediately began chatting with Zhan in English. From the moment she laid eyes on him, she had been drawn to him and now wouldn't leave his side.
Zhan chuckled and said, "You still haven't told me your name."
The girl burst out laughing. "My name is Fai, but everyone calls me Mimi."
"Nice name," Zhan said with a nod.
She leaned closer. "Uncle, what's your name?"
Zhan answered softly, "Sean."
Just then, his phone began to ring. Mimi dashed to grab it for him and handed it over. "Uncle, when you finish your call, call me, okay?"
Zhan smiled. "Alright, I will." She skipped out of the room.
It was Dr. Jing calling. After exchanging greetings, he asked, "Hope you're comfortable, Sean?"
"Yes, I am. Thank you very much," Zhan replied.
"That's my in-laws' house," Dr. Jing explained.
Zhan blinked in surprise. "I don't understand…"
He clarified, "It's my wife's family home. That was her mother."
Zhan was stunned. For a moment, he didn't even know how to respond.
NB
Sorry, short chapter.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛