What did these young masters take her for? A professional dining companion? Still, she had to say something. "Actually, a healthy appetite is the most important thing. Food is the paramount necessity of the people—humans get almost all their calories from food. Look at you three grown men—you don’t even eat with as much enthusiasm as I do."
Huo Mingyou replied with a smile, "We had afternoon tea with the gentleman, so we’re not hungry yet."
If they weren’t hungry, why had they invited her to such an expensive Western restaurant? Wait, what had he just said? They had afternoon tea with the gentleman... She had almost forgotten that the three young masters before her were all from prominent families, holding high positions. She sighed inwardly. "I imagine that when you’re with such important figures, even the most delicious food would taste like wax."
But one advantage of working in the VIP ward was that she could not only meet elegant and distinguished young gentlemen but also encounter beauties. Real beauties!
She truly was a beauty—no more than seventeen or eighteen years old, with bright eyes and gleaming teeth, poised and captivating. Though she wore only the simplest short qipao, it looked exceptionally lovely on her. The way she stood in the courtyard, glancing around, made her eyes seem to sparkle. She couldn’t help but ask, "Miss, is there anything I can help you with?"
Beauties were like this—they smiled before speaking, making one feel instantly at ease. "Ah, thank you, but I’ve already spotted my friend." She turned her head, and Mu Shiyang approached from the end of the corridor. The young beauty beamed, intimately linking her arm with his. Mu Shiyang said, "I didn’t think you’d come today." The young beauty replied, "Mother was worried and insisted I come." When their eyes met, their gazes were inseparable, as if glued together.
Standing side by side, they were like a pair of immortals from a jade terrace. Even the term "celestial couple" couldn’t do them justice. She sighed inwardly. It was over—the Chevrolet Prince was already taken, and her silly crush had once again come to nothing.
As she lowered her head to tidy the cotton wool in the medicine tray, Mu Shiyang unexpectedly noticed her. "Miss Fang." She looked up, smiling to show off her adorable dimples. Even though the Chevrolet Prince was out of reach, losing to such a beauty was no disgrace. Mu Shiyang introduced them: "This is Miss Murong. And this is Miss Fang Huayue."
That surname made her gasp inwardly, but Miss Murong beamed with delight. "Ah, Sister Fang, hello." Surprisingly, this young lady showed no trace of arrogance or condescension, addressing her as "sister" right away. But why were Miss Murong’s dark, gleaming eyes scrutinizing her so intently, smiling like a little cat that had stolen something? She responded with neither humility nor pride, "Miss Murong." Miss Murong said cheerfully, "My family calls me Pan'er. Sister Fang, you can call me Pan'er too."
This young lady was unusually warm toward her, but why did she feel a hint of conspiracy in that warmth?
In any case, these wealthy and powerful families were all a bit peculiar. Though the VIP ward had strict rules and tedious tasks, the work itself was quite relaxed. Each shift was only four hours long. That day, as soon as her shift ended and she stepped out into the corridor, she ran into a familiar figure.
She blurted out, "Zhuo Zheng!"
He turned around, looking startled. When he saw it was her, he seemed even more shocked. "What are you doing here?"
She was equally puzzled. "What are you doing here?"He froze for a moment before saying, "I came with my superior."
She asked, "Then are you going back right away? I've been transferred to the special care ward."
He slapped his forehead and said, "Wait, you said you were transferred to the special care ward. When did you transfer here?"
He was acting so strangely, as if he was very reluctant to see her here. Hmph, she didn't even care to see this brat anyway. It was truly haunting—even after transferring to the special care ward, she could still run into him. She rolled her eyes at him again, "I transferred a long time ago, the same day you returned to your unit."
He froze once more and asked, "Are you off work? I need to talk to you about something." She chuckled, "You're acting so serious. When you're serious, I find it amusing." As a result, he laughed too and led her to a lounge. It was strange—the moment they were alone, she felt a bit odd. Perhaps it was because he was staring at her. She coughed, "Why are you staring at me?" He answered frankly, "Because I think you're very pretty." Even with her thick skin, she couldn't help but blush. He was something else, actually managing to make her blush. He asked, "While I was away, did anyone give you trouble?"
No one had given her trouble, but what was with his expression—so tender and affectionate?
The atmosphere was really a bit strange. Why was he standing so close to her? So close that her heart was racing, her pulse quickening, and her breathing becoming rapid. She suddenly jumped up from the chair, accidentally bumping into his chin. She clutched her forehead, "That hurts!" How unlucky. Even worse, the inner door suddenly opened, and someone came in.
It was actually Miss Murong. As soon as she saw Zhuo Zheng, she spread her arms and hugged him, looking overjoyed. "You're back. If you hadn't come back soon, I would've called you." Her affection was palpable. Zhuo Zheng wrapped an arm around her waist, his face full of adoration, "With so many people fussing over you, why do you still need me back?"
Miss Murong pouted, "What can they do? You know how it is."
What was up with this Miss Murong? Just a few days ago, she was all lovey-dovey with Mu Shiyang, and today she was hugging and clinging to Zhuo Zheng. She didn't care about Mu Shiyang anymore—couldn't control him anyway. She had always valued friendship over romance. Mu Shiyang was romance, so he could be dismissed, but Zhuo Zheng was a friend, and she absolutely couldn't stand by and watch him get taken advantage of.
But Miss Murong grabbed Zhuo Zheng's arm, "Father has asked about you several times. He wants you to go in."
Zhuo Zheng glanced at her, as if he wanted to say something but held back. Miss Murong gave him a gentle push, "Hurry up. I'll take care of Sister Fang. No one's going to eat her."
Zhuo Zheng said, "Alright then." He turned and whispered to her, "I'll go see Father first. I'll explain everything to you later."
Explain? What was there to explain? For some reason, she felt a bit sour inside. It must be because she despised this young lady for not only stealing the Chevrolet Prince but also not knowing how to cherish him. She was actually two-timing. Truly an angelic face with a devilish heart.
The angelic face was full of smiles, "Sister Fang, may I invite you for a cup of tea?"
"I'm in a hurry to go to the market to buy groceries."
The angel looked wistful, "I think grocery shopping must be such fun."Indeed, how could this young lady who’s never lifted a finger in her life understand the joy of haggling over every penny? She became animated the moment the topic came up. "Let me tell you, grocery shopping is an art. You have to judge the quality of the produce, and bargaining is the most crucial part. First, you must remain expressionless. Second, counter with a low offer. Third, advance step by step..." Before she could finish explaining her bargaining tactics, a nurse knocked and entered. "Miss, you have a phone call."