025. Liu Ying's Invitation

Liu Ying rolled her eyes at Lin Shan in response.

She found herself increasingly curious about him. He had clearly been in a desperate situation, yet suddenly, he seemed to have undergone a complete transformation. Now, possessing such miraculous medical skills, he appeared to her like a treasure chest, and her desire to uncover his secrets grew stronger by the day.

"I think you’d be better suited for this doctor role than I am," Liu Ying teased.

Lin Shan waved his hand, his tone turning slightly more serious. "For Uncle Deng’s condition, I have my ways. But in medicine, specialization is key; cases like cancer still depend on you. As for us, a man and a woman working together makes the labor feel effortless."

Liu Ying blushed, but she felt no annoyance at his somewhat forward remark—only a sense of shyness. She lowered her head and said, "You’re just full of nonsense. I’m leaving now; I have other patients waiting."

With that, she exited the room.

Lin Shan turned around cheerfully, only to find Lin Wei squinting at him. Feeling a bit awkward under her gaze, he asked, "What’s wrong with you, girl? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Lin Wei scoffed softly, "Brother, stop saying you aren't interested in Dr. Liu. I can tell there’s definitely something fishy going on between you two."

Lin Shan shrugged, not bothering to deny it. "I’m divorced now, a single man. It’s perfectly normal for me to interact with eligible young women."

Lin Wei pouted, looking somewhat displeased, though she said nothing more and turned back to her phone. Lin Shan paid no mind to her subtle change in mood and went to lie down nearby, returning to the other world to continue his medical studies.

Lin Jiabao watched Lin Wei, then shifted his gaze to Lin Shan, sighing inwardly. He had already sensed the truth of the situation, but Lin Shan seemed to have never even considered it in that light.

A while later, while still in the other world, Lin Shan felt his phone vibrate. His dual-world portal had an incredible feature: the mobile signal actually carried through. He could only conclude that 5G was truly impressive.

He checked his phone and saw a message from Liu Ying. "Are you free tonight? I’d like to treat you to dinner."

Lin Shan smiled and replied, "Dr. Liu, I cannot accept a reward for which I haven't earned the merit."

Liu Ying replied quickly, "Thank you for helping me save Uncle Deng today. If he had remained in a coma, I would have been in a lot of trouble. I really want to thank you."

"Alright, where?"

"At the Little Egret outside the hospital. I get off at five-thirty."

"Got it. I'll wait for you at the hospital entrance at five-thirty."

After sending his reply, Lin Shan practiced the Small Jade Sun Fist for a while before returning to the main world at five-thirty.

Seeing Lin Shan wake up, Lin Wei immediately leaned in and asked, "Brother, what are we eating tonight?"

She was still on vacation for a few more days before returning to school.

Lin Shan stood up and said, "I have plans, so I won't be eating here tonight."

Lin Wei gritted her teeth and asked softly, "Is it with Dr. Liu?"

Not noticing the tone of her voice, Lin Shan nodded. "Yes, she invited me to dinner to thank me in person."

Deng An, who was eating dumplings nearby, laughed. "Ah Shan, it looks like you’ve got a chance! Dr. Liu is a good girl; make sure you hold onto this."

Lin Shan smiled without answering and turned to leave the room.

Beside Lin Jiabao, Lin Wei’s expression dimmed. Watching Lin Shan walk away, she looked conflicted, as if grappling with an important decision.

At that moment, Lin Jiabao spoke up. "Weiwei."

Lin Wei snapped out of her thoughts. "Yes, Dad, I'm here."

Lin Jiabao looked at her intently and smiled. "Weiwei, all these years, he has always treated you like his own sister, but you aren't his real sister after all. Some things in life require you to fight for them yourself. No matter what, I will support you."

Lin Wei’s face turned bright red. She had thought her secret feelings were well-hidden, never imagining that Lin Jiabao had seen through them long ago.

"Dad... what are you talking about? Stop saying such nonsense. I’m going to get the food!" She stood up and fled the room as if escaping.

On the other side, Lin Shan stood at the main entrance. It was exactly five-thirty when a voice rang out nearby.

"Lin Shan~"

Lin Shan looked over to see Liu Ying standing gracefully not far away.

She had shed her white coat. She wore a white T-shirt layered under a beige cardigan. Without the concealment of the lab coat, her magnificent bosom stood out prominently. Looking down, her waist was slender enough to be encircled by one's hands. A specific phrase flashed through Lin Shan’s mind: "Slender beauty bears rich fruit."

There was no doubt that Liu Ying possessed such a figure, and it was no wonder Hua Xiong couldn't get her out of his mind. She wore light blue jeans that perfectly accented her frame; her outfit was not revealing at all, yet it highlighted her every asset.

On her feet were simple white canvas shoes. Despite her modest attire, she still drew the gaze of nearly every man nearby.

Lin Shan took in the sight and complimented her, "You look beautiful."

"Really?" Liu Ying tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a blush rising to her cheeks, and she countered with a question.

Perhaps many people had complimented her, but coming from a stranger, it would have felt intrusive. However, as Lin Shan and she were now at least friends, the compliment didn't feel out of place; instead, it brought a faint warmth to her heart.

"Of course. It’s quite intimidating walking beside you; people must think I’m some wealthy tycoon."

Liu Ying gave a soft smile and stepped forward to walk side by side with him.

In a corner hidden from their view, another gaze was watching them. From his office, which faced the main entrance, Hua Xiong witnessed Liu Ying and Lin Shan walking away together.

"Bitch," Hua Xiong cursed, "I wondered why she kept refusing to yield. So, she’s already found herself a man. She’s probably been used and thrown away by now."

As Hua Xiong spewed his vitriol, Ruan Yan, who was kneeling on the floor, was working diligently. A moment later, there was a sharp intake of breath.

Ruan Yan swallowed, stood up, and looked at the departing Lin Shan. "Director, that man seems quite capable. He actually saved Deng An."

Hua Xiong sneered, "A blind cat catching a dead mouse. That little punk dares to fight me for a woman? He’s tired of living."

Ruan Yan pursed her lips and looked at Lin Shan again. He was one hundred and eighty-three centimeters tall and quite handsome. Having spent time grooming himself lately, he looked perfectly matched with Liu Ying.

*It would be a miracle if Liu Ying actually liked you,* she thought. *If it weren't for my promotion, I wouldn't bother serving you.*

Unaware of Hua Xiong’s hidden surveillance, Lin Shan and Liu Ying arrived at the Little Egret restaurant.

It was a popular "internet-famous" music restaurant with two levels. The ground floor featured a platform for live singers. They sat on the second floor, and once seated, Lin Shan handed the menu to Liu Ying. "You order."

Liu Ying took the menu naturally and asked, "Lin Shan, do you drink?"