Chapter 12: You Are Above Me
That question, after much deliberation, Song Yanzi chose not to ask.
She gently caressed his face and then inquired, "Aren't you planning to make it public?"
"Publicize what?" The man set his phone aside and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Such an obvious evasion made her all the more certain she wouldn’t let it go, so she pressed on relentlessly.
Song Yanzi’s soft hand stroked his chin. "To thank you for helping Mr. Li’s child get admitted, don’t leave tonight."
The man’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.
He lowered his head and kissed the center of her brow. "To show my sincerity, you’re on top."
Just as their kiss grew more passionate, an ill-timed phone call rang again.
In the heat of the moment, Shen Yichi prepared to turn off his phone.
Yet, upon seeing the caller ID, he had no choice but to answer.
In the end, Shen Yichi left.
Whatever could make him stop so abruptly was undoubtedly serious.
It was the weekend, and Song Yanzi wasn’t working.
Today was the day her brother went to the hospital for check-ups and rehabilitation.
Every weekend without fail, Song Yanzi would be there.
Because it was the weekend, the hospital was crowded and parking spots were scarce.
The driver went to look for a spot while Song Yanzi pushed her brother ahead.
They reached a rather steep incline, and she struggled to push.
Feeling her effort, Song Yanting, seated in the wheelchair, turned the wheels with his hands.
Together, the siblings laboriously moved forward at a snail’s pace.
Song Yanzi gave it her all, though it was exhausting.
At that moment, a man suddenly appeared to help.
With his assistance, pushing became much easier.
Once they reached a flat section, Song Yanzi quickly thanked him. "Sir, thank you very much."
The man, dressed sharply in a suit and exuding charm, replied warmly, "You’re welcome; it was nothing."
After a pause, he asked enthusiastically, "Which department are you headed to? I can help."
Song Yanzi sized him up—the man was handsome and kind, radiating a refreshing warmth.
Before she could respond, Song Yanting declined, "Thank you for your kindness, but it’s no trouble."
After the man left, she resumed pushing the wheelchair toward the lobby.
"Brother, are you hungry? Should I buy you something first?"
Song Yanting replied, "Not hungry. I'll eat after the check-up."
"Okay."
The hospital lobby bustled with people as Song Yanzi pushed her brother toward the elevator.
Four years ago, her brother had an accident in a car crash that injured his leg.
Since then, he had been undergoing rehabilitation.
There was some progress, but it was subtle.
He had considered giving up, but Song Yanzi refused, urging him to persist with treatment and therapy.
She believed wholeheartedly that he would recover and walk again.
After the check-up, she accompanied her brother to the rehab department.
Since the therapy sessions were long, she went to the surgery department to find Nan Xi.
Nan Xi was sitting in her office and, upon seeing Song Yanzi, was not surprised.
She knew Song Yanzi would come on this day.
Song Yanzi approached and pulled out a chair. "Doctor Nan, I’m feeling unwell. Could you take a look?"
Nan Xi, professional as ever, asked, "Tell me your symptoms."
She pretended to jot down notes with a pen.
Song Yanzi’s acting was convincing. "I just feel lethargic, completely weak all over."
Nan Xi raised an eyebrow. "Your case is easy to treat. I’ll prescribe something. You just need to hire eight male models at a nightclub tonight. That’ll cure you for sure."
Song Yanzi stared at the serious-looking woman and said, "Wow, Doctor Nan, you’re a miracle worker. I’m saved!"
The two shared a glance and burst into laughter.
After the joke, Nan Xi asked, "How’s your brother doing?"
It had been years, yet there was no significant improvement, which was distressing.
Song Yanzi seemed a bit disappointed. "About the same. No real progress."
Seeing her downcast, Nan Xi comforted her, "Don’t give up. He will get better."
Song Yanzi nodded slightly.
Nan Xi stood. "Come on, I’ll take you to eat. Your brother’s rehab will take a long time. Let’s eat first, then bring him some food."
Every time they met, Nan Xi would treat her.
The hospital cafeteria’s food was quite good.
At the elevator entrance, Nan Xi pressed the button.
While waiting, they chatted.
Nan Xi mentioned that last night, Sheng Zhiyi had been rushed to the hospital with acute gastroenteritis, and Shen Yichi had also appeared.
They were about to get engaged soon, so it made sense he was there with his fiancée.
The reason Shen Yichi, usually composed and self-controlled, had left in such a hurry was finally clear.
Nan Xi called softly, "Zizi."
"Hmm?"
Nan Xi looked up to see Song Yanzi’s expression was calm, showing no emotion.
Receiving no response, she glanced sideways. "What’s wrong?"
Nan Xi smiled faintly. "Nothing."
That question was her forbidden zone—not to be touched.
Song Yanzi knew what she wanted to say and replied calmly, "It has nothing to do with me. I don’t care."
She and Shen Yichi had ended things four years ago.
Had she not sought him out two years ago during her darkest hour, they would never have crossed paths again.
Nan Xi was about to speak when the elevator doors opened.
Two people stood inside.
Seeing who they were, both Nan Xi and Song Yanzi were momentarily stunned.
Their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze.
Song Yanzi and Nan Xi both withdrew their gaze and exchanged a look.
After a few seconds, they stepped inside together.