Overdo

He had never been disciplined by anyone. When his adoptive mother took him in, he was already around ten years old. Having been mature since childhood, she treated him like a little adult and was always very polite to him. Later, when he reunited with his biological parents, his entire world seemed to turn upside down. His biological mother felt an indescribable guilt toward him, and since she was as delicate as a dodder vine, he often ended up making decisions for her. As for his biological father... he seemed to feel even more indebted to him, so he indulged him with doting affection. Today, with her tone—half-scolding, half-angry—his heart suddenly stirred. It felt as if someone were lightly brushing a feather against it, both pleasant and uncomfortable, an unbearable, subtle itch.

He said softly, "Thank you."

She retorted, "What are you thanking me for?" as usual, glaring at him. "You don’t even know how to manage your own money. What will you do in the future without any savings? I’m treating you as a friend, that’s why I’m reminding you."

He chuckled. The har gow wrappers were translucent, revealing the pink shrimp and green vegetables inside. Dipped in vinegar, only the sweet fragrance of the shrimp reached his mouth. She considered him a friend... He would strive to go even further, reaching new heights.

The next day was chaotic and hectic. With many patients and several colleagues temporarily assigned to the special ward, they were even more short-staffed. A surgery lasted until four in the afternoon, and by then, his stomach was growling with hunger. After handing over his shift, he spotted small cakes in the break room, and his eyes nearly lit up with excitement. Xiao Zhou said quickly, "He bought these for three-fifty. He waited for you here all afternoon. Said he suddenly got orders to return to base tonight. Too bad he didn’t get to see you."

"Ah, no fate then. But as long as there’s cake to eat, whether I see his handsome face or not doesn’t really matter. Though handsome guys are pleasing to the eye, and though our conversations were quite engaging, the Chevrolet Prince is still more tantalizing." While devouring the cake, she sighed with regret over the prince she had encountered by chance that day. If not for Three-Fifty interrupting, she might have had a romantic start with the prince.

Xiao Zhou exclaimed in surprise, "Since when did you find him engaging?"

She brushed the cake crumbs off her hands. "Just these past few days. Once I got to know him, I realized he’s actually quite interesting. Too bad he’s not the Chevrolet Prince." At the mention of the Chevrolet Prince, Xiao Zhou’s eyes also lit up, and she eagerly shared, "This morning, when I passed by the garden in front of the special ward, I saw two or three young men talking on the corridor from a distance. All of them were exceptionally handsome. Oh my, they must be either wealthy or noble—so-called scions of prestigious families, even more striking than movie stars."

She finished another small cake and, with the professional tone of a seasoned fangirl, advised Xiao Zhou dismissively, "If you want to meet them, it’s simple. Just carry a medicine tray over, accidentally drop it with a clatter, and they’ll surely help you pick it up. Isn’t that how it always goes in movies?"

Xiao Zhou couldn’t help but give her a light tap. "Fangirl! That’s the special ward. It’s so tightly guarded even a fly can’t get in. How could you possibly get close to the prince with a medicine tray? Unless you transform into a butterfly and fly in." She sighed, her face full of longing. "If only I were assigned to the special ward."

Struggling to speak through a mouthful of cake, she managed two words: "Dream on!"

Dream on! It really was just a dream!Huayue pinched her thigh hard, gasping in pain from the sting. This wasn’t a dream—it really wasn’t. The head nurse had just announced her transfer to the special care ward. Good heavens! The special care ward. Her heart felt like a hundred—no, five hundred—rabbits were hopping wildly inside.

Although she was only assigned to the outermost duties, on her very first shift, she actually ran into the Chevrolet Prince. He was coming down the corridor toward her—it was him, really him… She recognized that handsome face at a glance. He seemed to recognize her too, nodding slightly with a smile. Oh heavens… she needed a moment to swoon… Did he actually remember her? The prince with a photographic memory!

Sure enough, that rich, deep voice sounded again, “Miss, are you all right after that day?”

She grinned so widely her eyes nearly disappeared into slits. “I’m fine, I’m fine.” Finally, she had successfully shown off her adorable dimples. He extended his hand politely, “I haven’t introduced myself yet. My surname is Mu, Mu Shiyang. I’m a secretary in the First Office of the Shuangqiao Official Residence.” So blissful, so blissful… She now knew the Chevrolet Prince’s name, his position, and even got to shake his hand… Beaming, she replied, “My surname is Fang, Fang Huayue. I’m a nurse in the Hematology Department of Jiangshan General Hospital, recently transferred to the special care ward.”

The Chevrolet Prince’s smile was utterly captivating. His next words nearly made her faint from happiness—he actually asked politely, “I wonder what time Miss Fang gets off work? Would I have the honor of inviting you for a cup of coffee?”

The honor! Such an honor!

Today was truly blessed. First, she was transferred to the special care ward, then she coincidentally met the Chevrolet Prince, and finally, he invited her for coffee. Ever since her twentieth birthday, happiness had been washing over her in waves—so much joy it felt like she might drown in it.

The only downside was that the Chevrolet Prince didn’t come alone. He actually brought two companions. With two glaringly bright third wheels shining, what was he thinking? Mu Shiyang introduced them: one was named Huo Mingyou, the other Li Hannian. Both were exceptionally poised and impressive, almost on par with the Chevrolet Prince. For the sake of having three princes present, she decided not to mind.

But these three princes were a bit odd. All three watched her with keen interest, their gazes carrying a hint of curiosity and scrutiny. Fortunately, they were perceptive; as soon as they noticed her awareness, they immediately restrained themselves. Mu Shiyang politely recommended the restaurant’s signature dessert, the cherry pudding.

It was indeed delicious—fragrant, sweet, smooth, and refreshing. She ate with relish, and then Huo Mingyou recommended the raspberry ice cream, followed by Li Hannian suggesting she try the Portuguese egg tarts. She began to feel the urge to roll her eyes. What did they take her for, a pig? Mu Shiyang, ever sharp-witted, immediately explained with a smile, “Sorry, we all thought you were eating so heartily, and being with you makes the meal more enjoyable.”