The Summit on Treatment and Repair of Inhalation Injuries from Burns and Scalds was held as scheduled in mid-December. Hu Xiu, through Pei Zhen's intensive review sessions, quickly mastered the classifications of surface injuries and successfully translated two full English papers.
The entire PPT handout was completed by Hu Xiu in collaboration with Pei Zhen. The team working on the Chinese and English versions pulled two all-nighters to finalize it, leaving Hu Xiu feeling as though her eyeballs were bulging from exhaustion.
Five Youth doctors delivered specialized reports at the event, covering topics from respiratory and cardiothoracic surgery to Reconstructive Surgery. Pei Zhen, as the final speaker, concluded with the most prolonged step in the treatment process—repair—which also served as a certification of a physician's capability.
Seated at the interpretation booth, Hu Xiu's voice was already hoarse. When she exchanged glances with Pei Zhen, she received a bit of encouragement—
His confident demeanor was the best tranquilizer. Collaborating as colleagues on the same stage ignited double the motivation in Hu Xiu, far more valuable than romantic or marital relationships.
Most importantly, the conference was held at their own hospital. Even though attendance was restricted to professionals, the lobby broadcasted the event. Hu Xiu had long informed her father and invited him to stop by if he passed through.
Her senior colleague served as the bilingual host for the conference. Though Hu Xiu was stationed in an inconspicuous corner with her headset, she garnered significant attention through her real-time interpretation.
If her father stayed for even five minutes, he would realize his daughter was no ordinary figure at the hospital.
To ensure accuracy, Hu Xiu had compiled key terms from the discipline into ten pages for intensive memorization. Pei Zhen had explained the professional terminology beforehand, allowing her to recall it effortlessly during translation. Occasionally, unfamiliar terms arose, but she responded swiftly based on her understanding and refined her approach through subsequent feedback, guiding detailed explanations.
Each simultaneous interpretation session appeared calm and composed, but it was underpinned by at least a week of sleepless preparation. Confidence stemmed from thorough previewing of the content.
After the event concluded, Hu Xiu hadn't even removed her headset when Pei Zhen, after bowing on stage, discreetly gave her a thumbs-up from the shadows.
Hu Xiu breathed a sigh of relief. This interpretation task had been personally requested by Pei Zhen for her full accompaniment. Many hospital leaders and foreign professors held high expectations for Pei Zhen's research projects. As an administrative intern with just five months of experience, Hu Xiu had already participated in interpretation for over ten major hospital conferences. This time, with a live connection to a American medical school, her prominence quietly surpassed that of Chen Yang, who had been interning for three years.
Though she felt somewhat guilty, in a hospital environment where both capability and connections matter, Chen Yang had worked diligently yet... remained relatively unnoticed. Opportunities often ultimately favor those who are controversial and exceptionally capable.
She had intended to skip the evening celebration, but the vice president personally insisted Hu Xiu attend. After packing her bag and putting on her coat, she saw Pei Zhen waiting outside the door.
Perhaps men prefer wearing black sweaters in winter. Pei Zhen's black sweater and trousers made his legs appear as if they started from his chest—the word "tall and slender" seemed tailor-made for him.
Standing at the doorway, Hu Xiu looked up at him. Wearing just leather shoes, he approached 190 cm. Growing increasingly curious, she asked, "How tall are you exactly..."
"As tall as you think I am," he replied, seemingly unwilling to discuss it. "Let's take my car. The others have already left. We shouldn't keep the dean waiting."The car still carried the same scent of perfume. Hu Xiu dozed off in the passenger seat, and when she opened her eyes again, they had already arrived at the underground garage. Pei Zhen’s voice was exceptionally soft: "We should head upstairs now."
It was as gentle as if he were speaking to his young daughter.
In the private room at the Taurus Pavilion on the second floor, Hu Xiu and Pei Zhen had just stepped inside when Director Cai teased them: "How remarkable! Look at what a perfect match they are. The last couple we had who were this well-matched were from the infertility department—Doctor Jin and his partner. Aren’t they about to get married soon?"
Before Hu Xiu could process the remark, Pei Zhen smoothly replied: "Doctor Jin’s girlfriend isn’t one to be easily won over. They’ve been working together on the PGH project, and they’ve had their fair share of arguments over the experiments."
"Marriage and life are like that—it’s all about adjusting to each other. I don’t think Xiao Hu is like Hua Xia. Hua Xia has a tough temper, but Xiao Hu is gentle, just as soft-spoken as she looks—perfect for home and family."
"Xiao Pei isn’t lacking either. I remember he once had a foreign girlfriend, didn’t he? I saw them near the hospital. It seems he’s never actively pursued anyone before, so this time he must be quite sincere."
Pei Zhen gave an awkward smile: "Director Cai, I hear the yellow wine here is particularly good. Let me pour you a glass."
Hospital banquets were much like family gatherings with elders—they were never without matchmaking undertones. Hu Xiu was faint with hunger, sipping avocado smoothie through a straw while observing the hospital’s senior and junior leaders.
Even after several months, she still hadn’t memorized all their faces, but occasions like this were perfect opportunities. She was the type elders favored—a few sweet words, and she could easily double the goodwill of everyone at the table.
Yet, she found it hard to bring herself to do it. It felt too obsequious, and the intention would be too obvious. Besides, sitting next to Pei Zhen, it felt as though she were leveraging his influence to gain favor.
She had just managed to shine during a six-hour translation session—if anyone were to remember her, she hoped it would be as Hu, the hospital interpreter.
Just as the thought crossed her mind, her senior colleague raised her glass: "Xiao Hu performed so brilliantly today, all thanks to Doctor Pei’s recommendation. I think she’s truly suited for Reconstructive Surgery. Why not assign her the full-time position in Reconstructive Surgery and leave the administrative role to Chen Yang?"
"That’s an idea worth considering. Doctor Pei could guide Xiao Hu steadily, and she could pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences afterward—a few extra years of study wouldn’t hurt," the vice president said with a smile.
It was exactly as Pei Zhen had predicted. Without refuting, Pei Zhen raised his glass and went along: "That depends on whether Teacher Hu is willing. She prepared for over ten days for this conference, doing crash courses with me at the hospital from seven in the morning, and she even had some family issues to deal with. She’s truly dedicated to her work—she has the makings of a doctor."
"You seem to know her quite well," Director Cai remarked pointedly. "Chen Yang doesn’t have that kind of insight. He’s been in a lukewarm relationship with his girlfriend for eight years, renting on Jinyun Road without being able to afford a home. His emotions aren’t of much use either—he just doesn’t have the smarts."
With Director Cai’s words, Hu Xiu was once again cast as a woman relying on a man to get by. She was so irritated she couldn’t even eat the dishes in front of her.Hu Xiu restrained herself repeatedly, knowing she couldn't confront directly—she absolutely had to master the art of language! After holding back for a long time, she finally said: "Surrounded by doctors in the hospital, all with solid foundations and working so hard, if I don't study I won't be able to keep up with everyone."
"Wherever I'm assigned next, I won't take my work lightly, and I'm truly grateful for everyone's guidance."
After she finished speaking, the dean beamed with delight: "The young women we recruit really can't be underestimated."
Having successfully left without drinking a single drop of alcohol, Hu Xiu reflected how Shanghai dinner tables were refreshingly straightforward—everyone focused on eating, speaking directly to the point, then returning to the hospital or heading home, almost competing to see who could walk faster.
Pei Zhen, having drunk some alcohol, called a designated driver and was in good spirits. While waiting, he bought a brooch from the second-floor LOEWE store for Hu Xiu: "You've been following me all these days, working from dawn to dusk. You've worked hard."
"I'm the one learning from you, why are you giving me gifts?"
"I'm so strict, never yielding an inch when I'm right, never even knowing which words might be wrong." Pei Zhen tilted his head and held the gift before her: "It's nothing expensive, just consider it congratulations on your first major victory. Was this your first time doing such lengthy translation work?"
"Mm..."
"That's really impressive." Pei Zhen checked his phone: "Take it, the driver will be here soon, we need to head downstairs."
Sitting in the car, Pei Zhen seemed to be in good spirits. Hu Xiu, feeling slightly dizzy, held the small gift bag and thought how Pei Zhen had genuinely accompanied her through all these classes. Between surgeries and consultations, he still had to prepare for this conference—his efforts were no less than hers. And his first stop after leaving was buying her a brooch rather than getting himself a new shirt.
Thinking of this, this handsome 190cm doctor truly evoked a pang of tenderness.
Viewing him closely from the backseat, the doctor's features appeared strikingly defined. Long-term overtime work had etched lines around his eyes, yet they added a touch of steadfast maturity.
As the car drove smoothly, Hu Xiu noticed the blanket in the backseat and quietly unfolded it to cover him.
The mere contact made him alert. Pei Zhen opened his eyes and inhaled sharply: "Sorry, I thought a nurse was calling me to the emergency room."
Hu Xiu continued adjusting the blanket: "We're in the car now, don't be so tense. It's just us here."
"Actually, I don't want to sleep—it's rare to have a moment alone with you in the car. But I'm truly exhausted. After prolonged tension, there's always this feeling of a spring unwinding."
"A few days ago I treated a delivery rider with burns on his back and neck, his hair completely gone. His phone kept receiving new orders, and I got impatient and snapped at him. He said, 'Doctor, your salary is high, but my time is money—I can't afford delays.'"
"But seeing his flesh torn open, I couldn't possibly let him leave. Guess what I said?"
"What..."
"I said our salaries might actually be similar, but believe me—if you complete three days of treatment without infection, your earnings will surpass mine. Sounds a bit bleak, doesn't it?"
"You're joking."
"Seriously. I'm still relatively junior at the hospital. That Doctor Jin I'm close with—his infertility department is American-funded. He was genuinely hired with a high salary, earning four times my monthly income."
"But saving lives and treating illnesses can't be measured by money. Often I wonder—if I pursue you with all my determination, would that be another form of letting you down?""You may not care much about money, but I... can't give you time either."
"You're so interesting, and if you want a lot of love when you're with me, you'll suffer most of the time."
The car turned into the small lane, nearing home. Hu Xiu poked his leg: "Dr. Pei, you've had too much to drink. I'll accept the gift, and if there's a chance, let me give you one too."
After saying goodbye to Pei Zhen, Hu Xiu went upstairs and lay on the bed. Looking at the newly repaired ceiling, she felt that life had finally gotten on track recently. After becoming a regular employee, she'd have more time to understand the industry and truly change people's impressions of her through her abilities.
Pei Zhen seemed to have many admirers, and his ex-girlfriend was definitely no ordinary person. At least she should wait until she reached a certain level at the hospital before thinking about other things.
As her cheek touched the pillow, drowsiness quickly set in. This was probably a bug in Hu Xiu's system - whenever a small patch of skin on either cheek touched something soft, be it a pillow, a shoulder, or her arms resting on a desk or piano, she could fall asleep in an instant. But just as she drifted off, she was awakened by vibrations from her phone. It was Diao Zhiyu.
"Hello?"
"I just saw Pei Zhen bring you back."
"Diao Zhiyu, are you haunting me? Hanging around near my building again?" Hu Xiu walked to the window and looked down: "Where are you?"
"I was cycling past the small lane near your place, returning a camera to someone else. What are you thinking? I'm not a stalker." His tone was suggestive: "You and Pei Zhen... are you dating?"
"No..."
"Oh..."
"If there's nothing else, I'm going to sleep. I followed the conference all day today, my head is about to split."
"I... I really think you're playing at a high level. Every time I think you're seriously flirting with me, the next moment I see you with another man."
"Huh?"
"If you're trying to lead me on while playing hard to get, I'm not falling for that."
Hu Xiu was furious: "We're all friends. We came back from the same dinner, it's normal for him to give me a ride, just like how you'd see me home. Someone as gentlemanly as you wouldn't let me go home alone after dark either."
Diao Zhiyu laughed on the other end of the phone: "Alright, I get it."
Hu Xiu tried to organize her drowsy thoughts: "Are you jealous?"
"We don't have any established relationship, why would I be jealous?"
This actually sobered Hu Xiu up. Never confront head-on. To win a man's heart, you need to know when to show weakness. Though clear-headed, her voice became a murmur: "But I'm a bit happy that you called specifically because you care. Diao Zhiyu, I'm a little drunk. Don't talk to me like this when I'm drunk, I might... get delusional."
"You drank too?"
Of course not. But Hu Xiu giggled coquettishly: "Just a little. When there are things in life you can't have, being tipsy helps with daydreaming. No more talking, I've showered and I'm in bed. If we keep talking, I'll start sleepwalking."
"Hu Xiu..."
"Hmm?"
"I really can't figure out what you want from me."
She had forgotten to close the curtains. Moonlight cast from the floor to the ceiling, the silver-gray light like the shadows in her heart.Even kind-hearted people have moments when they feel so wronged they want to erupt—it's simply that the timing isn't right, and speaking out would feel unjustified. But there's no need to endure any longer now. Suppressing her racing heartbeat, Hu Xiu left one last sorrowful remark before hanging up: "To be honest, you puzzle me too. After all, when you look at Lin Qiumei, your gaze can hardly be called innocent."
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