The Best Thing

Having just finished a surgery, He Suye finally relaxed his tense nerves and let out a sigh of relief, casually pushing open the office window.

A gentle breeze brushed his face, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers from a distance. He recognized it immediately—osmanthus. Shen Xifan had always loved osmanthus. In the early morning, at midnight, or after a cool rain, clusters of pale yellow blossoms weighed lightly on the branches, their fragrance subtle yet rich, seeping deep into the heart even without a breeze.

Freshly picked osmanthus, preserved in honey, could be used to make Sweet Osmanthus Dumplings in winter—sweet and intoxicating.

Just then, a nurse knocked on the door. "Doctor He, please get ready. We’ll take your photo soon."

He paused for a moment before glancing at the nurse, who pointed at his name tag. Understanding dawned on him—this was standard procedure after transferring to a new hospital.

He took off his white coat, straightened his hair in the mirror, and suddenly remembered something.

It was before their wedding when they went to his department to hand out wedding candies. When he came out, he found Shen Xifan standing dazedly at the entrance, staring at something. Curious, he followed her gaze and realized she was looking at his photo on the bulletin board.

She glanced between the photo and him before concluding, "Good thing you’re not very photogenic, or else most patients would probably come just for you."

He found it odd. "Is it that bad? Why do so many people say I don’t photograph well?"

"No!" she insisted. "It’s just that the real you is even more handsome. Don’t be ungrateful, Doctor He—you’re already plenty good-looking."

He burst out laughing. "Really? I never noticed."

Shen Xifan smiled faintly, pressing her lips together. "The first time I saw you, I was stunned. I couldn’t believe there was such a handsome doctor in the hospital—I almost doubted my own eyes."

"Ah, now that you mention it, I remember. Back then, you kept staring at me while I was writing the prescription. I didn’t think you were checking what medicine I was prescribing—so what were you doing?"

"Uh… I was trying to read your name. But I couldn’t see it back then—only the words ‘Attending Physician.’"

"Wasn’t it written on the prescription?"

"How was I supposed to know? Doctors’ handwriting is always so messy. Printed versions are much clearer. Besides, if you prescribed the wrong medicine, I’d need to know who to complain about."

He was momentarily speechless. Shen Xifan grinned and squeezed his hand. "Just kidding. How could I have doubted your skills back then? You threw out so many medical terms that I was completely awed. I just thought, ‘This doctor seems really reliable.’"

Noticing the faint dimples on He Suye’s face, she added, "But back then, you were always so stern and serious. I thought you were the cold, aloof type. Who knew you’d laugh so easily, looking so young?"

He Suye couldn’t help but chuckle. "During my internship, my mentor always said I looked too young to give patients a sense of security. So they paired me with Qiu Tian, saying he’d make me seem more mature. But then Qiu Tian suddenly turned over a new leaf and acted all serious—so serious that even I didn’t dare laugh. In the end, we both went back to the dorm and laughed for ages."

Shen Xifan blinked. "So that’s how you trained your serious demeanor. Truly, behind every successful man stands another successful man."Suddenly, the phone rang—it was Grandpa He urging them to come back for dinner. Before leaving, Shen Xifan couldn’t resist stealing a few more glances at the photos and quietly whispered to him, "He Suye, next time we take photos, try to look uglier!"

At the time, he agreed without hesitation, "I’ll do my best!"

After the photoshoot, several doctors and nurses gathered around the computer to review the results. The photographer picked up the file, confirmed the details, and said to him, "Doctor He, you’re a military officer, right? The regulations here require a photo in uniform."

He Suye looked troubled. "My uniform is at home—I don’t usually wear it to work."

The photographer smiled. "No problem. There’s another batch tomorrow. You can come back then to retake it."

He nodded. "Sorry for the trouble. Thank you."

As he was packing up in his office to head home, he received a call from Shen Xifan. "He Suye, I have a class reunion tonight, so I won’t be back for dinner."

"Alright, then I’ll go to Grandpa’s place. Call me when it’s over, and I’ll pick you up?"

"No need. We agreed no one brings family. It’s fine—I’m not a kid anymore."

He could only remind her, "Don’t drink too much, and come back early. If you can’t get a taxi, call me, okay?"

Shen Xifan laughed on the other end. "I’ve had my ID for over a decade—I’m not an underage girl, Doctor He!"

Even before parking, he caught a faint floral scent—Grandpa’s osmanthus had bloomed. The rain-washed green leaves looked especially vibrant, though the tiny golden buds were still sparse, some no bigger than grains of rice or just tiny flower buds. His heart suddenly swelled with joy.

As soon as he stepped out of the car, he saw He Shouzheng in the yard. The boy seemed to have grown taller in just a few days and was as clingy as ever. "Uncle, come quick! Help me pick that bigger bud—I can’t reach it."

Curious, he asked, "What do you need it for?"

"To preserve with honey. Mom taught me."

He couldn’t help but smile. "I’ll pick it for you, but you have to get me a basket too."

"Are you making some too? Grandpa still has a jar from last time in the kitchen cabinet."

"Yep. Your auntie loves Sweet Osmanthus Fermented Rice Dumplings."

He Shouzheng pouted. "It’s Sister Shen. Calling her ‘auntie’ makes her sound so old."

He Suye teased, "You’ve always called me ‘uncle.’ Don’t I sound old too?"

He Shouzheng nodded solemnly. "Well, you’re not exactly young. Marrying Sister Shen is like an old cow eating tender grass!"

A large jar of honeyed osmanthus, its delicate fragrance seeping through every crevice.

During the family dinner, the conversation somehow turned to children. He Suye had been quietly eating when the elders suddenly asked, "Suye, when are you and Xifan planning to have kids? You’re not getting any younger."

A mouthful of rice nearly choked him. He swallowed with difficulty and forced an awkward smile. "We’re both really busy right now—haven’t thought about it yet."

Grandpa He chuckled. "I get that, but a child makes a family complete. Look at your cousin’s family—how wonderful they are. He Shouzheng is so clever and delightful."

He Shouzheng beamed. "If Uncle has a kid, that means I’ll be older than them! Finally, I can be the big one!"They had considered the issue of having children before, but Shen Xifan had always been reluctant to start a family so early. As for him, although he valued family deeply, his work kept him extremely busy. Before being transferred to the Military District General Hospital, he was either performing surgeries or working overtime, often woken up at night by emergency calls. Because of this, he wasn’t too keen on having children either.

Now that they were married, with a family and the prospect of children, he believed it was time to take responsibility. That had always been his way of thinking.

But since both of them had settled down now, it was time to bring the matter up again.

He would find a chance to talk to her about it another day. If she still wasn’t willing, then so be it—these things should happen naturally.

On the way home, a light rain began to fall. Due to traffic congestion, it took him more than twice the usual time to get back.

Looking up from downstairs, he saw the lights in their home already on, the warm yellow glow spilling out, filling his heart with warmth. Just like always, he knew she was waiting for him inside.

As he opened the door, the faint aroma of alcohol greeted him. He frowned slightly—it seemed Shen Xifan had been drinking quite a bit again.

The living room lights were on, but there was no sign of her. He called out a few times but got no response. Turning the knob of the tightly shut bedroom door, he found Shen Xifan sitting motionless on the bed, propping her head up with one hand, smiling faintly at the wardrobe.

Perhaps due to the alcohol, her cheeks were flushed with an alluring pink, her bright mood evident in the corners of her eyes and the arch of her brows. When she saw him enter, she pouted and cooed in a sweet, teasing voice, "Husband, put this on for me to see."

He took a closer look and was surprised. "A military uniform? Why wear it now?"

"Just put it on for me—" Shen Xifan narrowed her eyes. "I’ve never seen you in one before. Why doesn’t your hospital require uniforms anymore?"

Taking the clothes she handed him, he explained, "Only department heads wear them now, or maybe interns. The Military District General Hospital has a lot of external hires these days—unless you’re in the field, you can’t tell the real deal from the knockoffs."

After changing into the uniform, he reached for a tie, but Shen Xifan stopped him. "This one doesn’t go well with the uniform. Next time, I’ll buy you a navy-blue one. I saw a nice VERSACE one before—at the time, I thought it didn’t match anything, but now I see it’d be perfect with this."

He Suye chuckled. "Satisfied? Can I change out of it now? But I have to ask—why the sudden urge to see me in a military uniform?"

"Today, I heard some women say men look their best in uniforms, and then I thought of your dad—he looked so handsome in his military gear, a real dashing figure back in the day." Standing on the bed, she leaned down toward He Suye’s face, exhaling a faint, intoxicating breath of wine. "But you look even better in it than he did. You were already so striking, but now—heh—"

He laughed, meeting her burning gaze. "You flatter me, wife. Now, can I—"

Before he could finish, her lips—soft yet possessive—silenced him. The taste of wine lingered on her lips, intoxicating. There was no space between them, their breaths quickening, bodies pressing close, skin against skin, like a storm whipping up towering waves. The clash of lips and tongues was a fierce, dazzling battle.

But then he suddenly remembered something important and gasped out between ragged breaths, "Today—"Under the soft glow of the lights, her shimmering eyes silently tempted him. Shen Xifan smiled sweetly, a hint of mischief in her expression. "Forget it, let's not overthink it. Let things take their natural course..."

Fine. The last thread of his rationality snapped. So be it—let nature take its course.

Golden sunlight seemed to dance before his eyes. He Suye couldn't help but open his own, propping himself up to check his watch. The person beside him stirred restlessly before squinting sleepily. "What time is it?"

"Still early. You don’t have work today—sleep a little longer."

Shen Xifan nuzzled into her pillow, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "Tired..." she murmured, the word slipping out like a dream before she sank back into deep slumber.

He gazed at her affectionately for a long moment, unable to resist pressing a kiss to the corner of her lips before getting dressed to make breakfast.

Sweet Osmanthus Fermented Rice Dumplings—though not a seasonal dessert, starting the morning with a bowl fragrant with osmanthus was an indulgence. A pity such a delicacy could only be enjoyed alone.

He left a bowl in the microwave with a note about breakfast, then returned to the bedroom to retrieve his military uniform.

Perhaps it was the alcohol last night, but the little imp had been unexpectedly bold. Thankfully, at the critical moment, they had retained enough sense not to desecrate the uniform.

After folding it neatly into a bag, he suddenly remembered the invoice his cousin had asked Shen Xifan to pick up. He had no choice but to return and gently rouse her. "Where’s that invoice? Cousin’s been asking for it."

"Inside my wallet... get it yourself," she mumbled drowsily.

Her wallet was crammed with cards. It took him a while to spot the invoice wedged stubbornly between two credit cards. As he carefully pulled it free, a photograph fluttered out.

Picking it up, he couldn’t help but chuckle. It was his old hospital ID photo—the one she had teasingly called "unphotogenic and distorted."

Such a contrary little thing. If it was so unflattering, why carry it around secretly without telling him?

Had she mentioned it earlier, he would’ve picked his most handsome photo for her to keep. Just like how he always carried her prettiest picture in his own wallet.

Well, he’d confiscate this one for now.

The second batch of photos were all military doctors in their dark green uniforms. Several intern nurses had sighed admiringly, "So handsome! Men really look best in uniforms."

He was the last to take his photo. Afterward, the photographer pointed at the screen. "Doctor He, should we use this one?"

He smiled. "Let’s stick with the other one. Could I get a copy of this privately?"

The photographer, puzzled and slightly offended, pressed, "But I think this one turned out better."

He Suye replied politely, "Exactly. That’s why we’ll use the other one."

His phone vibrated in his pocket. A message from Shen Xifan: "He Suye, when you took the invoice earlier, did you see a small photo?"

Feigning ignorance, he replied, "What photo? Didn’t notice anything."

Another message arrived almost instantly. He could practically picture her panicking. "Oh no—did some admirer steal it yesterday, or did I lose it? Are you sure you didn’t see it?"

"What photo? Is it important?"

"Of course it’s important! It’s your photo! This is terrible—"He chuckled inwardly, comforting her, "I'll give you another one when I get back. Our hospital is taking new staff photos."

"Remember to save the most handsome one for me. Use the less handsome ones for work."

He laughed, casually slipping on his white coat. Just as he picked up his phone to reply to a message, another one from her came through—

"Come home early tonight. I’ll make Sweet Osmanthus Lily Seed Soup. Remember to come back early!"

"Got it, I will."

Walking from the outpatient department to the inpatient ward, he crossed a patch of greenery. The rich fragrance of osmanthus wafted over, and he looked up to see tiny petals drifting down like a fine drizzle ahead. The grove of osmanthus trees had bloomed in unison, their scent saturating the air around him.

Reaching out to catch the delicate petals, he envisioned the next blooming season—perhaps by then, he would have a complete family of three.

Lin’s Side Story

The coffee on the desk had long gone cold. Only when he touched the icy rim of the cup did he snap out of his thoughts. Without looking up, he called out to his secretary, "Lucy, a cup of coffee, thanks!"

But no one appeared as expected. Lin Yishen glanced around in confusion—the office was empty. Checking the clock on his desk, he realized it was already two hours past closing time. He had been completely absorbed in numbers and reports.

With a wry smile, he stood up to pack his things. A red wedding invitation lay quietly in one corner of the desk, its vibrant hue stirring a pang of envy in him. His gaze drifted outside—the city sparkled with lights, vibrant even in early spring, devoid of any desolation. Glowing lanterns, emerald waters, drifting clouds, and twinkling stars mirrored each other, a dazzling interplay between heaven and earth.

Forever awake, yet forever alone.

Back then, Wen Wei often stayed late at the office, then slipped away alone to the rooftop terrace. The bustling business district stretched beneath her feet, a sea of lights, infinite in its splendor. She loved watching the flickering lights against the night sky—it brought her a sense of peace and reassurance.

That evening seemed no different from any other. Wen Wei sat on the rooftop with her coffee, about to stand when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning abruptly, she saw Lin Yishen standing in the shadows of the lights—tall, strong, exuding a rare warmth tinged with loneliness. Yet, it felt unreal, as if he were both farther away and closer than ever.

He walked over and sat beside her. "A city so beautiful, yet so lonely."

Wen Wei smiled. "Finding hope in despair!"

Lin Yishen burst into laughter, and Wen Wei joined in. She spread her fingers, letting fragmented light filter through. Squinting with amusement, she glanced at him, and he met her gaze. Both sensed an unspoken shift in the air.

In the end, they went for dinner together—Crab Roe Chicken Kidney Cutlets, Chrysanthemum Yellow Croaker Soup, Songjiang Perch, Scallop Lettuce—almost all signature dishes of Shanghai cuisine.

Wen Wei picked up a piece of fish and took a bite, smiling. "Manager Lin, are you from Shanghai?"

He shook his head. "Aren’t you?"

She paused, then nodded. "Yes, I’ve lived in Shanghai my whole life until headquarters transferred me here."

Lin Yishen gave a reassuring smile. "I wonder if these dishes still taste like home. I’m not from Shanghai, so I wouldn’t know."A warm surge welled up in her heart. Her chopstick-holding hand paused slightly as she murmured vaguely, "It's very authentic. Thank you."

She had actually been secretly observing this famously eligible general manager of the company for some time—a diamond bachelor in his early thirties, a Cornell Business Administration PhD graduate with no scandals and impeccable integrity. Many said speaking with him made them feel respected; his mere smile could make people feel bathed in spring breeze.

It was only later that she learned Lin Yishen had been a hotel PR manager before studying abroad. That slick profession required dealing with all kinds of difficult guests. Now merely facing well-trained subordinates and courteous clients was naturally effortless for him. Still, he did have moments of anger—his icy expression alone carried intimidating authority without needing to display rage.

And she had only witnessed it once.

It was due to an error from the finance department. On her second day after being transferred there, she had just entered the office when she saw Lin Yishen standing before the finance manager with a stormy expression, hands clasped behind his back. No one dared make a sound in the room; the atmosphere was as frigid as snowfall in deep winter.

No one knew how they got through that day, treading on eggshells without daring to breathe loudly. Within half an hour of Lin Yishen's departure, she was summoned to the manager's office by his secretary. There stood Lin Yishen with his back to her, bathed in morning light. She noticed a resignation letter and an appointment document on the desk—the latter bearing her name in bold: Finance Department Manager.

Startled, she collected her thoughts. "General Manager, I'm here."

He turned around, his expression softening as if nothing had happened, merely pointing at the appointment document. "Can Miss Wen accept this?"

She shook her head without hesitation, meeting his questioning gaze as she spoke solemnly, "Neither my qualifications nor seniority merit this position. Moreover, I've just arrived and am unfamiliar with the situation here."

Lin Yishen smiled, his relaxed brow making him appear even more dashing. "The unfamiliar will become familiar. A finance manager needn't handle everything personally—just delegate appropriately. Besides—" He paused. "What the company needs are conscientious employees, and I have complete confidence in you regarding this, Miss Wen, because—" He didn't continue, simply looking at her with frank sincerity.

That single word—"confidence"—instantly won her over. Holding the appointment document, she nodded solemnly. "Very well, I accept."

It was only later that she learned Lin Yishen possessed an instinct for judging people. His four years in the hotel industry had honed his discernment. As the company's receptionist put it: "He's been around—there's no type of person he hasn't seen. Compared to him, we're all too simple."