Chapter One, Two, and Three: You brat, don't try that with me! (Requesting monthly tickets and initial subscriptions!)
Chapter 123: Stubborn Sister, Don’t Play That Game with Me!
A Burberry trench coat hugged her slender figure, and the sunglasses shading half of Zhao Jinzhi’s face deepened the crease between her brows.
Upon hearing the doctor’s words, she replied calmly, “Doctor, I can take responsibility for her. If there are any issues, please speak directly to me.”
Dr. Chen nodded in acknowledgment.
“What brought the patient here for examination?”
“She participated in several stage plays a few days ago. During rehearsals, she felt a lump near her throat. She used anti-inflammatory medication, but it showed no signs of subsiding.”
Hearing the reason for the visit, the doctor nodded again and took a ballpoint pen from his pocket to mark several spots on the ultrasound report.
“Right thyroid nodule, measuring 1.8 by 2.6 centimeters. Uneven echogenicity, poor elasticity. Significant abnormal blood flow signals; cancer cannot be ruled out. The situation is not very optimistic. Miss, please arrange for the elderly lady’s hospitalization.”
Hearing the doctor’s verdict, Zhao Jinzhi showed no fear, as if she had long anticipated this outcome.
After a moment’s thought, she took out another ultrasound report and placed it before the doctor.
It was dated six months earlier.
“Doctor, is it progressing rapidly?”
Seeing her composed demeanor and comparing the two reports, the doctor felt somewhat awkward. “So you already knew? Yes, comparing the two, it is progressing rapidly. However, with current medical advances, surgery combined with iodine-131 therapy has a fairly high five-year survival rate. In fact, if recovery after surgery goes well, this illness might not significantly affect life expectancy. My recommendation is to proceed with surgery as soon as possible.”
At this, Zhao Jinzhi removed her sunglasses and fixed her gaze on the doctor. “Will the surgery have any side effects?”
“There will be some,” the doctor nodded. “After all, losing the thyroid means hormone secretion relying solely on medication, which cannot match the body’s natural production. This may accelerate aging, cause weight gain, and potentially affect mood, even leading to depression.”
“Of course, these are theoretical risks. Actual effects depend on the individual.”
After hearing the explanation, Zhao Jinzhi silently nodded.
Accelerated aging,
Weight gain,
Depression—
More unbearable than death.
After a pause, she raised her head. “May I ask why one would develop this disease?”
“That’s difficult to explain,” Dr. Chen pursed his lips. “There is still no definitive explanation for the cause. But clinical cases suggest the illness is closely related to personality. Those who bottle up emotions and rarely express feelings—what traditional Chinese medicine calls ‘internal Qi stagnation’—have a higher likelihood of developing this condition.”
“I understand.”
Having obtained the answer she sought, Zhao Jinzhi stood up.
“Ah?”
Looking at the woman who picked up the ultrasound report and thanked him before gracefully departing, Dr. Chen scratched his head.
“You could have just taken the report, but the pen is still clipped inside!”
...
After spending the entire afternoon, Li Shixin made an important decision.
He would grow a beard.
When he first arrived at Rong Shop, his body was frail and spirit listless. To look younger and avoid giving the impression that he might drop dead at any moment wherever he went, he had tried to appear as youthful as possible.
Now, having eased many of his most painful ailments through rejuvenation, his mental state improved, and he began considering another matter.
Appearance!
The old man’s face was naturally handsome, belonging to the rare class of men who had been irresistibly charming in their youth. If he cleaned up too neatly, it might betray a lack of confidence.
Yes,
An old man lacking confidence.
A little stubble, a bit of grooming, and his aura of a dashing elder would be undeniable.
Glancing at the system panel, which showed a physical age of 62 years and 222 days, Li Shixin raised his brow.
Forget all that fuss about waves and brightness—he needed to master his demeanor!
Ding-ling-ling.
At that moment, his phone rang.
Seeing Zhao Min’s name on the screen, he answered, “Little Zhao, is everything alright now?”
“Big Brother, I’m leaving. Come out for some tea.”
...
At Runfengyuan Commercial Street, inside a private room of the tea house named Sheng Ming Xuan.
“Little Zhao, why leave so suddenly? Didn’t you say you’d stay at Rong Shop for a while?”
Li Shixin frowned as he looked at Zhao Jinzhi reclining casually in the royal chair opposite him.
Her blue-and-white porcelain cheongsam traced the curves of her body exquisitely. With one hand, she skillfully rinsed the tea utensils with boiling water, her movements both unhurried and elegant.
In response to Li Shixin’s question, she smiled faintly. “The life of a wanderer is like floating duckweed—when it’s time to come, you come; when it’s time to leave, you leave. What’s the matter, Big Brother, reluctant to see me go?”
Ahem.
Taking the tea handed to him by her delicate hands, Li Shixin cleared his throat.
Stubborn sister, don’t try that on me!
“Little Zhao, you’re acting a bit unusual today.”
Zhao Jinzhi blinked. “Am I? Then tell me, how so?”
“Hmm.” Li Shixin took another look at her, shifting his gaze away from her two long legs clad in stockings. “You seem younger, and perhaps a bit more carefree.”
Thinking of the doctor’s words earlier, Zhao Jinzhi’s eyes dimmed slightly.
“How do you feel about that?”
Chuckling, Li Shixin replied, “How you live is your own decision. Why ask me? If you feel good, then that’s good enough.”
Hearing his nonsense, Zhao Jinzhi smiled.
“Big Brother, I invited you here today for two reasons. First, I’m leaving; a farewell gathering is in order. Second, I want to ask you something.”
“What is it?” Li Shixin sensed the question might be unusual.
“You... knowing your health is fragile and your time limited, how do you maintain such a positive attitude and vitality?”
“Ha.”
Li Shixin had expected a question like, “Would you mind dating someone who might suddenly drop dead?” or “If a wealthy woman driving a Maybach took a liking to you, would you go along with her?” or “If you had a spouse now, could you still fulfill basic physical needs?”—the kind of profound philosophical or ethical inquiries.
He had already braced himself to give a polite rejection.
But hearing this question, he chuckled and straightened up. “Little Zhao, tell me—would living miserably change the fact that I might have a stroke any moment?”
“No.”
“So, is there even a need for me to answer?”
Zhao Jinzhi smiled.
Raising her teacup, she studied Li Shixin carefully, her gaze complex. She sighed softly. “Big Brother, you truly look much younger than when I first met you.”
“You noticed?”
Li Shixin raised an eyebrow. “So don’t overthink things; strive to make every day comfortable and joyful. Even if death is near, one can still have spirit. As we age and time grows short, if life goes badly, it’s better to lie down in the coffin early and find peace.”
At these words, Zhao Jinzhi paused mid-pour, then lifted the corner of her mouth and raised her teacup.
“Wise words—I’ll remember them.”
She drained the now lukewarm tea, rose, and picked up a white mink shawl and embroidered clutch from the nearby coat rack. Slowly, she walked toward the sliding door of the private room.
Before leaving, she turned and smiled at Li Shixin. “Big Brother, I’m off.”
“Oh.” Li Shixin lowered his eyelids, his gaze fixed on the dregs in his cup. “Take care.”
“This time, I’ll probably be very busy after I return. I don’t know when we’ll meet again. When we do, who knows if you and I will still be the same as now? Won’t you give me a parting message?”
“You wear a cheongsam with such charm; you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in one.”
“Thank you. Your beard makes you look very handsome—the most spirited old man I know.”
With a soft rustle near the entrance, the clicking of high heels faded into the distance.
Shortly after, the sliding door was knocked upon.
A waitress with a face more suited to internet fame than elegance bowed as she entered.
“Hello, sir. Ms. Zhao has already settled the bill and left a box of premium Da Hong Pao tea for you. She asked me to tell you that drinking more tea will be good for your health.”
Looking at the tea box on the tray, its exquisite Su embroidery and festive packaging redolent of wealth, Li Shixin smiled faintly.
“How much is this tea worth? Can it be exchanged for cash?”
“Uh...” The waitress looked embarrassed. “This tea was brought by Ms. Zhao herself and stored here. We’re not exactly sure of the price.”
“Oh.”
“Keep it for now. I have a feeling we’ll have the chance to share tea again.”
Hearing it couldn’t be cashed in, Li Shixin clicked his tongue.
...
Outside Sheng Ming Xuan, a glossy black Maybach waited patiently at the entrance.
“Director Zhao, where to?”
“The airport.”
“Returning to Huhai?”
“Yes. Is everything ready?”
“Rest assured, Director Zhao. All is set, just awaiting the signing meeting. But... this veteran actor...”
The driver’s words halted mid-sentence as an icy glare flashed in the rearview mirror.
“Too much talk. I’ve warned you once. This is the second time. There will be no third.”
“Yes, Director Zhao!”
“Drive.”
“Yes!”
With that, the Maybach smoothly pulled away, heading straight for Rong City Airport!