He seemed very interested in knowing about my private life, but the best way to answer such questions is to remain silent.
After dinner, Hu Lu and I each had a cigarette. When it was almost time, we went back to our posts.
When I got to the third floor, I remembered my dirty white coat. I decided to go to the logistics office and ask for a new one.
The on-duty nurse in the logistics department said that you need to register to get the white coat, and it's limited to two per year. A quick check of my application records showed I'd already exceeded two. She said this needed to be reported to the head nurse, and she couldn't make the decision herself.
"Beautiful young lady, could you help me change my clothes?" I asked the nurse with a smile, her face flushed.
"Okay, this is the last time."
"I promise."
Zhang Qian
I'm extremely angry right now, Nick Cheung, do you know that the consequences will be severe!
At 8:25, I entered the workshop on time and sat down at my seat. Two hours later, I was called to the workshop foreman's office again. I prayed that nothing bad had happened to you. And yes, it really came true; it wasn't you who got into trouble, but your classmate. The problem is you—you, this supposed hero, actually pulled down a girl's pants!
Honey, being naked is a very shameful thing for a woman, no matter how old she is. That girl might be traumatized for life. And your teacher, she's already complained to me, won't she tell the other girl's parents too? How am I supposed to explain your behavior? Zhang Jiahui, you're five years old now, you should be more sensible, you need to take responsibility for your actions.
The most shameful thing is that you got beaten up by the girl after you pulled down her pants. Didn't you have any ability to fight back? Oh, no, I mean, didn't you know how to run away? Are you stupid? She just touched you lightly and you fainted on the spot? You got a fever after being so scared? I won't hit you, I absolutely, positively won't hit you. But I'll teach you a lesson in a different way.
After rushing to my son's kindergarten, I found that the situation was similar to what the teacher had described: Zhang Jiahui had gloriously developed a fever again. I flagged down a car and took him to the hospital once more.
Thankfully, I kept his medical record with me at all times. After registering, I was holding my beloved Zhang Jiahui (a nickname for a celebrity) while waiting for the elevator. He finally understood how I was going to discipline him. My method was to let the doctor properly manage and guide him.
Inside the elevator, this hero was in dire straits, struggling with me with all his might. I held him tightly, ignoring his cries and screams.
Cry, cry, I'll ask the doctor to stick the thickest needle into your little bottom in a bit.
Last week I asked for three days off for you, do you want me to ask for three more days off this week?
The elevator stopped, and I carried him towards the pediatric office. The little guy squirmed and wouldn't cooperate at all, and with all the winter clothes he was wearing, he wasn't light either. I put him on the ground, ready to let him walk on his own. Unexpectedly, the moment his feet touched the ground, he dashed off like a whirlwind, his speed comparable to a swift runner.
Does he want to be like Liu Xiang? I need to bring him back before he becomes a sprinter.
It's too late.
He's gotten into trouble again.
Anqi
I never expected my uniform would have to be changed again so soon, and I never expected it would be that Captain Tsubasa again.
Captain Tsubasa isn't just good at soccer; his snot is also unparalleled. He bumped into me, and due to anti-gravity, he immediately bounced back. Out of concern for a child, I reached out and pulled him steady.
This little guy is probably terrified. Not everyone gets to experience a celestial being descending from the heavens, and I completely understand how he feels right now. It's fate that he's twice used his "black hand" on my divination.
His mother rushed over anxiously and kept apologizing to me after seeing that the young soccer player had caused trouble.
"I'm sorry, this child is too naughty. Let me wipe it clean for you." As she spoke, she took a handkerchief from her bag and began wiping the corner of my clothes. This time, it was my turn to feel embarrassed. It wasn't a big deal; there was no need to make things so difficult for her.
"It's alright."
This young mother didn't give up her work; it was clear she often took care of her son's aftercare. She quickly wiped the clothes clean.
After apologizing to me again, she took the soccer player's hand and said she would take him to the doctor to get the thickest injection.
"This is the sixth floor, the pediatrics department is on the fifth floor," I reminded her. It seemed that the soccer prodigy was a very tough opponent, and her mother was already completely confused by her.
"Thanks."
Anqi
The patient in bed 58 seemed to be in good spirits, and his family thought he was gradually overcoming his illness and was almost fully recovered. I didn't point it out, though I knew perfectly well what that meant.
My name was called over the loudspeaker, and I ran back to my office as fast as I could.
"Anqi".
It's Zhang Sijia. I don't know what her purpose is in coming here.
"Scarlett, what brings you here?"
"I just stopped by to see you." Her voice was still so gentle.
Are you feeling unwell?
"No." Her expression changed, which I saw clearly.
"I'll be right back, I'll leave after I've finished my rounds."
As I walked down the corridor, I secretly wondered about Zhang Sijia's purpose for coming. I could tell she had something on her mind.
After going around the room without any major problems, I prepared to return to my office.
"An'an"
It's the myna bird from the urology department downstairs.
"Your wife is here?"
Seeing that I ignored him, he followed me on his own.
"The urology department is on the fourth floor, right?"
"yes."
"This is the sixth floor." The implication was that he could leave.
"An'an, wait for me."
"Oh, right," she said, turning to her tagalong, "help me with the shift tonight, thanks."
He was left speechless, but felt extremely pleased.
"Hey, wait a minute!" He chased after him again, unwilling to give up.
"You've worked hard." I turned around again and took his hand. "Take care." I patted his shoulder.
The myna bird is quite interesting.
Back in the office, I took Zhang Sijia away. She didn't drive, so this time it was my turn to take her home. She insisted on coming to my place instead of going home. It didn't matter; it was the same wherever we talked.
I live separately from my parents, so I feel more free and less constrained here. I told Zhang Sijia to rest first, and I would cook. Dinner was simple: two microwave-cooked rice containers.
When I brought it to her, her face was very pale.
"Scarlett, what happened?" Knowing her as I do, she would never be so distraught unless something serious had happened.
She looked up at me guiltily, "My parents asked when we're going to get married."
I respect your decision.
"I've made the decision?" she asked me, surprised.
"Um."
She twisted and turned her fingers incessantly, showing that she was very nervous.
"Anqi, actually, the thing is like this..."
Zhang Qian
After Dongdong's injection, he sweated a lot, and his fever subsided, but he was still very weak. He can't avoid taking tomorrow off. Bathing him in the dead of winter is already inconvenient, and with him sick, it's even more difficult. I could only wipe him clean with a towel; I didn't even have time to change his undershirt. I kept a close eye on Dongdong's behavior last night. Children's actions are unconscious; he likes to kick off the covers. He's also sensitive to heat, and when he gets hot, he likes to lift his clothes, often exposing his belly button. If I don't quickly cover him up, he'll get sick again tomorrow.
Sometimes, after he's sweated profusely, you have to immediately wipe him dry with a hot towel. This kid is so delicate; he'll burst into tears at the slightest discomfort. His crying skills are definitely on par with Meng Jiangnu (a legendary female immortal).
I barely slept all night, basically taking care of him the whole time. The next day, I took the day off and slept in very late. When I touched the bed next to me, it was empty.
I'm worried that Dongdong will go and sleep with Grandpa. Grandpa is old, and if Dongdong catches a cold from him, it won't be a good thing.
I went to the small room in front and saw that Grandpa and Dongdong were sleeping together. But this little guy was so naughty; he was acting like a lawless person because Grandpa spoiled him. He actually covered Grandpa's face with a white towel.
I went up and ripped the white towel off Grandpa's face. Just as I was about to hug Dongdong back, Grandpa jumped out and protected him behind me, not letting me touch a hair on his head.
It seems like I really can't raise my child well; I'm truly a failed mother.
During dinner, Grandpa asked me, unusually seriously, "Do you want to send Dongdong to stay with your dad for a few days?"
“No, you know what kind of person he is. I’m not going. Don’t call him.” I flatly rejected the suggestion of sending Dongdong to my father’s place.
“It’s not good for you to keep taking leave. How about this, I’ll help you take care of the child, and you can go to work.”
You? I'm even more worried. You keep bringing up stories about Wei Zhongxian and Wu Dalang to teach your child. I'm sure this kid will grow up to be a history buff.
"I can take it, don't worry," I replied casually.
"That's right!" Grandpa's voice suddenly rose eight octaves, and I stared at him nervously.
"What?"
"Your 'Third Aunt' called," Grandpa said excitedly.
"What's up?"
Grandpa's face was flushed red, he couldn't catch his breath, and he couldn't cough. I put down the bowl I was holding and quickly helped Grandpa up, supporting him with one hand and rubbing his chest with the other. Dongdong saw Grandpa's condition and rushed over quickly, patting the back of Grandpa's hand with his chubby little hand.
"Don't be angry, don't be angry, don't be angry." Having an elderly person in the family is like having a child; you have to treat them like a child, coaxing and indulging them.
Grandpa pointed at me.
"I understand, I understand."
Finally, the old man caught his breath and calmed down, and he continued the previous topic.
"Do you really understand?" Grandpa asked me, still worried.
“I understand. Our family has no connection with Auntie San’s family, so why should I go to their house?” I comforted him.
Actually, you can't blame Grandpa for being so agitated; he'd been burned by "Third Aunt" before. Several years ago, when I was probably in junior high school, "Third Aunt" came to our door saying she wanted to find Grandpa a partner.
I don't object; in fact, I quite agree. A spouse is a companion in old age, and it's time for Grandpa to find an old woman to keep him company. Grandpa was quite happy to see that I didn't object.
"Third Aunt" had a silver tongue; she could make the dead seem alive and the living seem dead. She described the old woman as if she were a celestial being descended to earth, a goddess from the heavens. My grandfather was amused and set a time to see her in person.
It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but after we got back, Grandpa seemed to have fallen seriously ill. He wouldn't listen to anything you said, and I was so anxious I felt like I was going to die.