Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Fated
After some discussion, the Yan siblings learned that getting someone into the Affiliated High School by pulling strings was no simple matter.
Liu Jin explained that given how much people in China value education, and with the Affiliated High Schoolâs formidable educational resources, there were countless people vying for a spot.
The schoolâs leadership didnât dare make exceptions, so they had to enforce a strict, one-size-fits-all policy based purely on academic merit.
But China was, after all, a society where personal connections held immense power, so there was still some room to maneuver.
Especially after learning that Tian Yuâs academic performance was quite goodâtop five in his class and certainly good enough for a regular key high schoolâLiu Jin and Mr. Miao both agreed they would speak privately with the Affiliated High Schoolâs leadership.
After settling the matter of Tian Yuâs schooling, Yan Feifan noticed it was already 8:20 in the morning.
He had slept in the doctorsâ lounge in the neurology department.
Yan Feifan quickly washed up and walked out of the psychiatry building with his sister.
He glanced at Liu Jin, Qin Ying, and Wang Chuan walking ahead of them and complained in a low voice to Yan Ziruo, "Sis, Iâm your own brother. How could you team up with them to scare me like that?"
"Werenât you afraid youâd scare me half to death?"
Yan Ziruo giggled and looped her arm through her brotherâs. "They all said what you did was very serious and that you needed a lesson youâd never forget."
"That way, youâd be sure to remember it. Hehe..."
Yan Ziruo gave a guilty smile, then said casually, "Besides, Mr. Wang promised that if we put on a good act and managed to fool you, heâd treat me and Xiaoyu to a big French dinner on Friday night."
Yan Feifan said disdainfully, "Sis, you sold out your own brother for one fancy meal?"
"Besides, that fancy dinner was supposed to be a reward for me."
Yan Ziruo said in a sweet, wheedling tone, "I know Iâm just riding your coattails."
"But, Feifan..."
Her tone turned serious. "Donât you ever do something so reckless again."
"Being a doctor is already a high-risk profession. Thereâs always a chance of getting sued."
"If you keep acting so recklessly, Iâm really worried youâll get thrown in jail one day."
"I know, I know. Iâll be careful. Iâm getting lectured one after another. Sis, donât you pile on and nag me too."
Yan Feifan gave a perfunctory reply, then urged, "Letâs walk faster. I still havenât eaten breakfast."
Pulled along, Yan Ziruo couldnât help but speed up. She said with a helpless tone, "Feifan, honestly. The older you get, the more trouble you cause."
"Oh, I forgot to tell you something. That bratâs family is selling their house in Zuimo Court."
Walking quickly, Yan Feifan asked curiously, "Such a nice house. Why would they sell it?"
"Donât tell me theyâre scared of us, are they?"
Yan Ziruo said with a hint of schadenfreude, "The grapevine says the tax bureau hit them with a massive fine, in the tens of millions."
"In the current market, only a house in a location like Zuimo Court could be sold off quickly enough to raise that kind of money."
It dawned on Yan Feifan. "Itâs for the best that theyâre selling," he said. "After what happened, it would be pretty awkward to run into them in the complex."
Yan Ziruo nodded. "Letâs hope whoever buys their house has a bit more class."
"Iâve discovered that just because someoneâs rich doesnât mean theyâre a good person. I honestly donât get how people like that make their fortunes."
Yan Feifan said in a mock-serious tone, "They say that during the initial stage of capital accumulation, the more shameless a businessperson is, the more likely they are to succeed..."
It was Thursday, and Professor Qin Ying had a large lecture to give to the hospitalâs young doctors and students.
After eating breakfast, Yan Feifan went to Professor Qin Yingâs medical research office alone and saw that Yu Suye had already begun practicing.
"Mr. Tan said my case isnât too serious. One counseling session a week for about two months should do it."
Yu Suye gave a brief update on her situation from yesterday. Noticing that Yan Feifan was still in yesterdayâs clothes, she asked curiously, "Did the task Mr. Miao gave you go smoothly?"
Yan Feifan thought back for a moment and chuckled. "It was pretty exciting, and it went smoothly."
"Youâre still okay to assist with the rhinoplasty tonight, right?"
Yu Suye raised her hand and made an "OK" sign...
When one was fully engrossed in practice, time seemed to fly. Before they knew it, it was time for lunch.
Yu Suye still hadnât gotten used to the cafeteria food. She politely declined invitations from the other young doctors and went back to her apartment to cook for herself.
Yan Feifan headed to Staff Cafeteria No. 1 by himself.
Just as he was about to reach the cafeteria, Yan Feifan suddenly stopped in his tracks.
He had spotted someone he knew.
To the left of Staff Cafeteria No. 1 was a small plaza.
A dozen or so trees were planted in the plaza, along with seven or eight benches for people to rest on.
It was lunchtime, so many patients and their families were sitting on the benches, eating simple lunches or patiently waiting for the hospitalâs afternoon hours to begin.
On one of the benches sat a square-faced, middle-aged man.
While the other benches were occupied by groups of three to five people, he sat all alone on his, looking quite desolate.
Yan Feifan recognized the man.
The memory was quite vivid, thanks to his sister.
After all, that was the time his sister had nearly sent this Mr. Panâand Yue Wangdao, who later donated a million yuanâflying with her car. It was impossible for him not to have a deep impression.
Yan Feifanâs impression of the man was quite positive.
At the time, not only had he been far less aggressive than Yue Wangdao, but he had even tried to reason with Yue Wangdao on behalf of the siblings.
Yan Feifan changed direction and walked over to him.
As he got closer, Yan Feifan noticed the manâs brow was furrowed in a worried frown. He also saw a crutch leaning against the bench to his right.
"Mr. Pan, hello!"
Yan Feifanâs greeting seemed to pull Mr. Pan out of his thoughts.
His eyes focused on Yan Feifanâs face for a moment before recognition dawned.
His brow smoothed out, and he offered a warm smile. "Youâre Mr. Yan, the prodigy who could memorize an entire Go board at a glance."
Yan Feifan gave a modest smile. "Itâs just a parlor trick. Mr. Pan, are you waiting for someone?"
"Or...?"
Mr. Pan reached out and lightly tapped his lower back. "My backâs been acting up, so I came in for a check-up," he explained simply. "I got a bit tired from walking, so Iâm just resting for a bit before I leave."
Yan Feifan could tell he wasnât telling the whole truth.
However, a personâs medical condition wasnât something he could just press for details about.
Besides, given his status as a wealthy business owner, he wouldnât be seeing a common resident or attending physician for treatment.
Yan Feifan said warmly, "Mr. Pan, Iâm quite familiar with this hospital. If thereâs anything you need, please donât hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Mr. Yan. If I need anything, I certainly wonât hesitate!" Mr. Pan replied with a light chuckle.
Seeing the distance masked by his politeness, Yan Feifan took the hint. "Alright then, Mr. Pan. Iâll let you rest."
"If you ever need anything, just have someone come find me at the Affiliated Hospital. Iâm the only doctor here with the surname Yan..."
Yan Feifan went to the cafeteria and had lunch with his sister. Afterward, he began his practical training in the emergency department...
Around 2:00 in the afternoon, Yan Feifan received a call from Mr. Qee Sheng.
"Feifan, if you can spare a moment, come to my office right now!"
Yan Feifan let Mr. Wan know, then hurried over to Mr. Qiâs office in the diagnostics department.
He saw Mr. Qi in the office.
To Yan Feifanâs surprise, Mr. Pan, whom he had just parted with at noon, was also there.
Their eyes met, and Mr. Pan couldnât help but sigh. "Mr. Yan, it seems weâre truly fated to meet..."