Don't Reconcile Too Quickly - Chapter 48

“Oh my goodness, your hospital is heartless! Everyone come and see, they’re throwing patients out to die!”

Even from a distance, the commotion of a man shouting could be heard.

Chen Jiazhi wanted to investigate, but Mingyang’s words, “Some diseases are simply incurable,” lingered in his mind. He needed an explanation, and he was already upset, sensing something ominous.

With a blank expression, he demanded, “Explain, now.”

When someone who always wears a smile suddenly stops, the impact is profound.

Mingyang, taken aback, asked, “Brother Jiazhi, what’s wrong with you?”

“That phrase, ‘Some diseases are simply incurable,'” Chen Jiazhi repeated patiently. “Wasn’t that directed at me?”

“Ah…” Mingyang hesitated, “I was referring to my grandmother. A brain hemorrhage can’t be cured; she’s too old and can only receive conservative treatment.”

“Brother Jiazhi, why would you think that? I didn’t mean it that way,” he hurriedly explained. “I already said, brother Shixu will definitely cure you. Why would you think otherwise?”

The commotion in the outpatient hall grew louder, making the quiet between them more pronounced.

Despite Mingyang’s explanation, Chen Jiazhi remained angry, though he felt he might have overreacted. After a moment of silence, he said, “Sorry, I misunderstood you.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Mingyang quickly waved his hands, smiling. “Patients are often fragile; I understand, brother Jiazhi.”

Once again, Mingyang’s words seemed to carry hidden meanings, and Chen Jiazhi didn’t want to say anything more. With a blank expression, he simply said, “I’m going to check it out.”

The implication was clear: I’m going, you can leave.

But Mingyang followed, apologizing repeatedly, “Brother Jiazhi, I really didn’t mean it. Sometimes I’m clumsy with words. I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.”

Chen Jiazhi, feeling a bit guilty, stopped. “I just don’t like double meanings. Don’t keep reminding me of my patient status. I know it myself. Just don’t say it next time; everyone makes mistakes.”

Mingyang, seeing his apology accepted, forced a smile.

But then Chen Jiazhi added, “Don’t follow me. Go do your own thing. I don’t want to see you right now.”

Despite this, Mingyang pretended not to hear and continued apologizing.

They walked together to the open area outside the outpatient hall.

“Your hospital is heartless! Throwing patients out to die! My wife can’t be discharged! Please, I’ll find the money, don’t make her leave, she’ll die!” A man knelt on the ground, crying desperately, while a woman, emaciated to the bone, lay on the concrete beside him.

Passersby pointed and whispered, mostly expressing pity or criticizing the hospital’s cruelty. Some kind-hearted uncles and aunts even offered money to the kneeling man, urging him to stand up.

The man clutched the money, crying even louder.

The Municipal Hospital’s security guards watched coldly, even trying to make him leave.

Chen Jiazhi approached and asked, “Uncle, what’s going on?”

“He’s a scammer! This man is a fraud!” The Security Guard said indignantly. “He gambled away his wife’s medical money!”

“What?”

The Security Guard noticed the medical tape on Chen Jiazhi’s right forearm and studied his face. “Hey! Aren’t you Dr. Shen’s family? I saw you driving his car before. Are you being treated here?”

He was referring to the incident with the Fat Man in the parking lot. It seemed like everyone at the hospital knew him. Chen Jiazhi nodded blankly, “Yes, that’s me. Hello, uncle, I’m Chen Jiazhi.”

Mingyang stood silently beside him.

Seeing he was a doctor’s family, the Security Guard became more talkative, pointing at the man on the ground. “He’s been behind on treatment payments for months. We even organized donations for him, and even our security team contributed!”

“Guess what? He gambled it all away, claiming the medical fees weren’t enough, so he tried his luck.” The Security Guard was furious. “He’s the heartless one. No matter how much money he gets, he won’t use it to treat his wife!”

“This is the third time. He has money to gamble but none for treatment, and he drags his wife here to gain sympathy. Is he even human?”

Understanding the situation, Chen Jiazhi fell silent. “What about her family? Isn’t anyone standing up for her?”

“They’re migrant workers from out of town. She’s probably stuck with him, and her family might not intervene.”

Or perhaps they couldn’t afford to help, so they had no choice.

More onlookers gathered, and within minutes, the man had received a significant amount of money. Some young people even bought food and water for him and helped the woman up.

Chen Jiazhi finally got a clear look at the woman and was almost frightened.

Her eyes were deeply sunken, her brow bones protruding sharply, and her skin was jaundiced, even her eye whites were yellow. Her skeletal frame was painfully obvious beneath her thin clothes, yet her abdomen was swollen.

When someone helped her up, she could only groan in pain.

Mingyang exclaimed, “Oh my, is she pregnant?”

“Liver cirrhosis, that’s ascites,” the Security Guard explained, having seen it often in the hospital. “It’s tragic.”

Chen Jiazhi rubbed his eyes, took a deep breath, and quietly asked, “Uncle, her husband is awful, but she’s pitiful. I want to cover her medical expenses, but I want to do it quietly. How should I go about it?”

The Security Guard looked at him in surprise, then smiled knowingly. “Of course, you’re Dr. Shen’s family. You’re all good people.”

“Huh? Uncle, what do you mean?”

“Just like him,” the Security Guard pointed at the man on the ground. “We organized three donation drives, and Dr. Shen donated the most each time.”

Chen Jiazhi chuckled awkwardly, “He’s great, doing good deeds without telling me.”

Mingyang chimed in, “Brother Jiazhi, you’re both amazing.”

“If you want to help, you can pay the fees directly at the inpatient department,” the uncle advised, pulling Chen Jiazhi aside. “Just don’t let him know it’s from you, or you’ll get stuck with him. It’s happened before, and it got really messy.”

“Got it, got it. I’ll go pay now. Once it’s in the hospital system, he can’t take it out, right?”

“Of course. Have you told Dr. Shen?”

“Not yet. He’s working now. I’ll tell him after his shift.” Feeling a bit embarrassed, Chen Jiazhi asked, “Where do I pay?”

Since being admitted, he hadn’t had to worry about anything; Shen Shixu handled it all. Thinking about it made Chen Jiazhi love him even more!

Shen Shixu managed everything seamlessly, quietly taking care of all the details.

So, was he tired from doing so much?

After the Security Guard explained, Chen Jiazhi went to the payment office. Mingyang stayed with him, watching as Chen Jiazhi settled the outstanding fees and added an extra 50,000 yuan. Mingyang also contributed 50,000 yuan.

“Brother Jiazhi, you’re so kind,” he praised.

“No need to praise me. You did a good deed too,” Chen Jiazhi said with a faint smile, feeling the tension ease. “You’re kind as well.”

After paying, they waited in the hall until medical staff came to take the couple inside. Only then did they leave.

Passing by the Go wall, Mingyang asked, “Brother Jiazhi, did brother Shixu ever tell you about this?”

“What? I don’t really understand Go,” Chen Jiazhi replied, glancing at it indifferently.

“Oh, let’s go up then,” Mingyang suggested, looking at the sky. “It looks like it’s going to rain.”

At the ward’s entrance, they parted ways. Chen Jiazhi went to the bathroom to wash up, then waited for Shen Shixu to finish work.

Around six, he returned.

His cold-hearted lover was so kind, he had to take good care of him, especially when he’d been quietly doing so much.

So Chen Jiazhi brought a cup of water at just the right temperature, feeding it to Shen Shixu by hand, then gently pulled him to sit on the sofa, massaging his shoulders and legs.

Shen Shixu pinched his cheek, “What did you do wrong this time?”

“Nothing wrong, I did a good deed today!” Waiting for this question, Chen Jiazhi hugged him and quickly recounted the afternoon’s events, nervously asking, “Are you mad at me?”

“Why would I be? You did well,” Shen Shixu said. “You did a good deed while protecting yourself. That’s great.”

“That’s good. I was worried you’d think I was meddling or scold me for not discussing it with you first.” Chen Jiazhi kissed him, “And I just found out you donated the most. You’re amazing, doing good deeds quietly, hiding your achievements!”

“You’re someone who understands the big picture and the little details.”

“Then be good and stop causing trouble,” he said, lifting Jiazhi and placing him on a chair by the small table. “Don’t tell anyone about the payment, okay? Just do it quietly.”

It’s not about showing off; it’s about the complexity of human nature, which can’t always be judged by law.

“I know, I know.”

Then, Chen Jiazhi took over Shen Shixu’s usual tasks, handing him chopsticks, passing him a spoon, even serving him food and soup. “Mingyang donated too. I was a bit upset with him earlier; he said some strange things, but he apologized, and I feel better now.”

“What did he say?” Shen Shixu frowned. “Tell me exactly.”

Without embellishment or exaggeration, Chen Jiazhi recounted the conversation. “He said things that made me uncomfortable, and I saw him bringing you something. I wasn’t mad! Actually, I was a bit smug because you didn’t even let him into the consultation room.”

“But… I always thought helping was just a small favor…” He watched Shen Shixu’s expression as he spoke. “You don’t usually do these things. I know it must have been hard for you.”

After hearing everything, Shen Shixu simply said, “Don’t associate with him anymore.”

“I know, I didn’t want to associate with him anyway.” After making his stance clear, Chen Jiazhi asked, “When I mentioned the special care ward, did it upset you?”

“What’s done is done, no regrets,” Shen Shixu replied. “The Deputy Dean did it for your sake. Their family benefited from you; you’re the one they should thank.”

“Huh? My sake??” A lightning bolt struck his mind, and Chen Jiazhi asked in shock, “Could the Deputy Dean be my fan??”

“…”

“Where do you get such a big head?” Shen Shixu patted his backside. “Sit down and eat properly.”

No matter what else Chen Jiazhi asked, Shen Shixu didn’t explain further.

After dinner, they went for a walk.

It was early summer, and most people wore short sleeves during the day. Before going out, Shen Shixu still gave Chen Jiazhi an extra jacket.

They walked to the magnolia flowers again, and Chen Jiazhi remembered the unfinished explanation about their meaning.

“Tell me, why am I the magnolia flower?”

The night breeze was gentle, a rare moment of relaxation.

Shen Shixu remained silent.

“Come on, tell me!” Chen Jiazhi insisted relentlessly.

After a while, Shen Shixu pinched his face, leaned down, and kissed him deeply, swirling his tongue in his mouth until they were both breathless. He then casually “checked” his body’s reaction and said lightly, “Now it’s not so innocent.”

There was always the risk of passersby catching them, which would be mortifying.

Chen Jiazhi kicked him and cursed.

Seeing that he had truly annoyed him, Shen Shixu, as if he were sick, held him and soothed him for a while, tirelessly kissing and comforting him before finally speaking, “Innocent.”

“I don’t want to hear it, go away.”

Chen Jiazhi stormed off, but this time there were no blind flower thieves or prickly seedlings. His hand was soon held, and Shen Shixu whispered mysteriously in his ear, “The flower language is innocence, so it’s you.”

Satisfied, happy, and content.

Chen Jiazhi clung to his arm, “I’m the Magnolia flower, and you’re the yellow flower.”

“No problem.”

“I’m innocent all the time, and you’re indecent all the time.”

“Speak properly.”

“I’m just being honest!”

Their playful banter blended into the night, carried away by the faint scent of flowers.

After their walk, they returned to the ward. Chen Jiazhi stood before the wardrobe, searching for clothes to take a shower. Seeing Shen Shixu approaching, he said warily, “You really can’t mess with me anymore, I’m going to be done for!”

“With that brain of yours, still innocent.” Shen Shixu sighed and pinched his face, “I need to go out for a bit, won’t be long, I’ll be back soon.”

“Still have work to finish? Then go quickly.” Chen Jiazhi urged, “You don’t need to worry about me.”

“Give me your hand.”

He extended his right hand for Shen Shixu to perform the routine pre-shower check, “I’ve wrapped it with cling film, it won’t touch the water.”

Indeed, it was well protected. Shen Shixu nodded, gently squeezed his fingers, “I’ll be at the Municipal Hospital, call me if you need anything.”

“Okay!” Chen Jiazhi looked up to kiss his chin, touched his cheek, “Don’t overwork yourself, I’ll wait for you to come back.”

“You did well today, I’ll lull you to sleep when I return.”

“Alright!”

Once the sound of water from the shower began, Shen Shixu opened the door and called Mingyang, “Come out, I’m waiting in the stairwell.”

On the phone, Mingyang sounded a bit surprised and somewhat pleased, didn’t ask why, just said he’d be right there.

It was almost ten o’clock, meeting in a deserted, dim stairwell, why?

Passing by Ward 5, Mingyang felt an inexplicable thrill.

An affair? Or maintaining a close private connection?

“Brother Shixu?” He stepped into the stairwell, saw Shen Shixu standing by the railing, texting on his phone.

Since Shen Shixu didn’t acknowledge him immediately, he had to wait.

Two minutes later, after Shen Shixu finished his message and locked his phone, he looked over expressionlessly.

“Brother Shixu, what’s up?” Mingyang took two steps forward, tentatively asking, “Calling me so late, is it about brother Jiazhi-”

Shen Shixu interrupted him for the first time.

“I thought I made it clear when we met at the café, and you expressed no other intentions.” Shen Shixu’s voice was calm, “But you seem to be saying one thing and doing another?”

“I-”

In social etiquette, allowing time for a response is basic courtesy, but Shen Shixu interrupted him again.

“I’m not interested in you, I believe I don’t need to repeat myself, you can understand.”

“Regarding the matchmaking, the first time was arranged by my mother, she didn’t inform me beforehand, of course, even if she had, I wouldn’t have agreed to meet.”

“The second arrangement, I did agree, but at that time, I was arguing with him, agreed just to provoke him, if that call came when he wasn’t around, I still wouldn’t agree.”

“So, at the café, I apologized to you, that’s the reason.”

Stiffening, Mingyang seemed to have guessed what he was going to say next, “Why are you-”

Shen Shixu interrupted him for the third time.

“Based on my mother’s relationship with your Aunt and the marble purchase, I’ve kept your contact information.”

“But your behavior and the content of your messages have been quite bothersome.”

Visibly, Mingyang flinched.

Shen Shixu continued, “You don’t need to repeatedly remind me of arranging special care for your family, because from start to finish, I never intended to help. The Deputy Dean was willing to give me this favor because of Chen Jiazhi.”

“I don’t understand why you keep mentioning the special care, not feeling ashamed but proud?”

“I heard you have a good education, of course, the information might be wrong, otherwise how could you read so many books and not understand fairness and equality?”

“But it’s understandable, after all, people can’t be compared equally.”

“So don’t send me things, and don’t send him anything either.”

“Because I can’t help but suspect if you’d tamper with the food.”

“As for Lucas, having been with him for so many years, I’ve never heard him say anyone’s words made him uncomfortable, so stop your passive-aggressive behavior, don’t use gifts from my parents as elders to flaunt to him, you’re not the only one, nor the last one.”

“From now on, please avoid us when you see us, I’ve already informed the Security Guard at Lushan.”

Mingyang covered his mouth, seemingly on the verge of collapse, “Brother Shixu, did brother Jiazhi say something to you?”

“So I think you’re malicious?” Shen Shixu sneered, “What do you think he should have said to me?”

“Sorry, he didn’t say anything, not a single bad word about you, now can you understand why I think you’re malicious?”

“The reason I called you here is that I’ve been thinking these past few days, before Lucas met you, although he was always causing trouble, he wasn’t sad.”

“Why is it that after meeting you, he’s always downcast?”

“This world doesn’t have so many coincidences, you want to deceive him.” Shen Shixu’s tone suddenly intensified, his expression exceptionally cold, “You have to consider the fact that I’m behind him!”

“I didn’t do those things… it was brother Jiazhi who approached me to be friends, I didn’t deliberately say anything-”

Whether to listen to explanations or not was irrelevant, Shen Shixu interrupted him for the fourth time.

“He’s very innocent, even like that… he still maintains a kind and friendly attitude towards people and things in this world.”

Having been abused like that as a child, he still maintains a kind and friendly attitude towards people and things in this world.

Thinking of this, Shen Shixu smiled gently, Mingyang thought he had changed his attitude, but unexpectedly heard something even more brutal.

“He won’t use malice to speculate about others, probably won’t and doesn’t want to delve into your malice.” Shen Shixu said, “Calling you here, regardless of the real situation, I don’t want to hear your explanation.”

“If you’re wronged, just endure it.”

Mingyang completely broke down, “I didn’t…”

“Originally, for the marble, I could tolerate your harassment.” Saying this, Shen Shixu took out his phone, showed the screen to Mingyang, and deleted his contact and phone number in front of him, “From now on, please avoid us.”

“I’ve already informed my assistant to terminate the purchase contract, tomorrow morning at nine, the finance department will transfer the penalty to your company’s account.”

After speaking, Shen Shixu turned and left.

Mingyang called after him, his face exposed in the corridor light, he had been humiliated to the point of tears.

He shouted, “Brother Shixu, aren’t you buying marble? Only our family has the supply channel!”

A cold gaze lingered on his face for less than a second before disdainfully moving away, Shen Shixu didn’t look back and sneered, “Low character, low intelligence.”

Upon hearing this even more brutal insult, Mingyang suddenly cried out.

Your Ming family may be the sole importer of stone in C City, but is C City the only place in China? Are other companies in C City not interested in a share?

How can someone so foolish still be in charge of company business?

Footsteps gradually faded in the corridor, until a soft door closing sound, no more movement could be heard.

Only then did Mingyang slowly emerge from the stairwell, stopping by Ward 5, filled with resentment, peering through the small window at the faint light spilling from the suite.

He stood there for a while, returned to normal, sneered, muttering words no one could hear.