Chapter 10

From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., thirteen hours. Tang Feiwan had only rested for one hour during meals and the twenty minutes she was called into Director Gao’s office. Yet even after working nonstop, she seemed to have endless energy, methodical when rescuing patients, patient and gentle when speaking with families, and thorough when discussing treatment plans with colleagues. Now, during the break, everyone else slumped in their seats, faces blank. Only she was still smiling.

Tang Feiwan sent a group message: “Milk tea? My treat.”

Resident: “Doctor Tang, did you win the lottery? So happy.”

Tang Feiwan typed: “Found a good place to rent. Moving after my night shift tomorrow.”

Chief Resident: “Sure, of course I’ll have one. Thanks, Doctor Tang.”

Gu Yan: “Thanks, Doctor Tang. I’ll add one too.” She sent a hugging-thigh emoji.

Tang Feiwan looked up and saw Lin Ye scrolling through documents with her mouse, not looking at her phone or the WeChat notifications flashing on her computer screen. She posted the order details in the work group chat: “You all pick. Once you’re done, I’ll place the order.”

After sending the message, colleagues buried themselves in picking their drinks. Tang Feiwan’s gaze drifted to Lin Ye’s back, her heart softening. Just like many years ago, on the night of a final exam, Lin Ye had sat waiting in the front row of the lecture hall so as not to disturb her. When Tang Feiwan looked up during a break, her weary heart felt as if a warm hand had gently stirred it, warmth instantly flowing through her whole body.

She couldn’t help but stand and walk behind Lin Ye. Afraid of startling her, she cleared her throat twice to get her attention.

Lin Ye finally turned around, her tone unreadable. “What is it?”

Tang Feiwan pressed her lips, as if she had done something wrong and was asking for forgiveness, her voice as soft as a mosquito’s buzz. “Mm, Director Lin, would you, uh, like some milk tea?”

“No, thank you.” Lin Ye refused politely, without a single crack in her composure, then turned back to her work.

Standing beside her, Tang Feiwan felt her whole boiling heart doused with cold water, cooling instantly. But the next second, she noticed the coffee beside Lin Ye’s right hand was untouched. She made an excuse for herself and felt a little better.

Back at her seat, colleagues had already picked their drinks. Tang Feiwan placed the order and paid.

While waiting for delivery, she began planning her next move: dealing with Tang Anhua.

She messaged: “Teacher Tang, I’m moving tomorrow.”

Tang Anhua replied quickly: “Moving? What do you mean, moving? Is living at home uncomfortable? I cook for you, do your laundry, and walk the dog for you.”

Knowing he wouldn’t easily agree, Tang Feiwan reasoned: “Dad, the commute is a bit long. I want more sleep.”

“You ride at most half an hour to the hospital. What’s long about that? Many people commute at least an hour.”

“The new place I found is only a 15-minute ride to work.”

“How big is it? How much rent?”

“It’s an old house in the Shujiang University family residential area. Three bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, 125 square meters for only 2,100 yuan. Fully furnished with appliances, move-in ready.”

Tang Anhua didn’t get it. “Why are you renting such a big place? Wouldn’t a studio near the hospital be better?”

“A studio near the hospital would still cost 1,500. Not worth it.”

“Who’s going to cook for you? And what about Tomato? Are you taking him?”

“Dad, are you afraid I’ll starve? There’s plenty to eat near the university. As for Tomato, he’s used to me.”

“What about when you’re on 24-hour duty? Who’ll take Tomato out for his walks? And can outside food be as clean as home-cooked? If you keep eating out, something will go wrong one day.”

Tomato needed two walks a day, morning and evening. Tang Feiwan realized the problem and tried to overcome it: “On duty days, leave him to me in the morning. For the evenings, well, Old Tang, you’re off work by then anyway—could you help out on your way?” Tang Anhua was a teacher at Shatan District Experimental Middle School, which happened to be across from Shujiang University, a 12-minute walk or 4-minute drive from the family residential area.

Tang Anhua neither agreed nor refused. He typed: “Come home tomorrow. We’ll discuss.”

Tang Feiwan was determined. She’d already acted first and reported later: “Dad, I already paid the deposit.”

“So you’re presenting me with a fait accompli?” Tang Anhua mocked, “When you’re as decisive about finding a partner, your mom and I will go burn incense at the temple.”

Tang Feiwan sent a string of ellipses.

Tang Anhua seized the moment: “Every time I bring this up, you dodge. But you’re 30. You should…”

Thankfully, a nurse happened to come looking for her. Tang Feiwan recorded a voice message as evidence, sent it, and added: “I have to work. We’ll talk later.”

The busy 24 hours finally ended. Tang Feiwan finished handoff at nearly noon and rushed home on her motorcycle. During lunch, Tang Anhua nagged her ears off. Finally, unable to sway her, he reluctantly agreed.

“Move yourself. Don’t expect me to help.” Tang Anhua said this, but in the end, he still played chauffeur, making two trips to finish moving her luggage.

Professor Zheng, being elderly, didn’t come to the old house. Her daughter handled the handoff: “Doctor Tang, I’ve already had the place cleaned. Here are the keys, water card, electricity card, gas card. You can pay on WeChat.”

Tang Feiwan accepted. “Thank you.”

“Our family hasn’t lived there for six years, so the decor is a bit dated. Doctor Tang, as long as you don’t alter the structure, you can change whatever you want.” Six years ago, Professor Zheng and Professor Zhong moved to the Western District nursing home. The place had been vacant since, though cleaned regularly every month.

Tang Feiwan walked into the study, a smile blooming on her lips. “I love this study.”

Tang Anhua said proudly, “She loves books. Always has.”

Professor Zheng’s daughter touched the bookshelf. “My parents loved books too. These two solid wood bookshelves were custom-made 15 years ago. The color hasn’t changed at all.”

Tang Feiwan returned to the master bedroom and said politely, “Teacher Zhong, I’ll move this big bed to the smaller room and get a new one.” The beds were all old-fashioned, and Tang Feiwan had planned to replace them anyway.

The daughter agreed readily. “No problem, Doctor Tang. Arrange it however you like. Unwanted furniture can go into the other two rooms.” She even offered to help move the bed.

“No, no. You rest. I’ll hire workers.” The daughter was also around 50. Tang Feiwan couldn’t let her exert herself.

At past 4 p.m., after signing the contract, the daughter left. Tang Anhua had to go cook dinner, so he told her to finish up and come home tonight, then come back tomorrow.

“Dad, I scheduled furniture installation for 5 p.m. You go ahead. I’ll grab something to eat.” Tang Feiwan opened her suitcase and found a rag, planning to wipe down the bookshelves first.

Tang Anhua admired his daughter’s efficiency. “You’re just like your mom. Once you decide to do something, you do it.” He picked up his car keys from the corner of the living room and waved. “Remember to eat on time. Don’t be like your mom, always getting stomach problems.”

Tang Feiwan agreed and walked him downstairs, then returned to continue organizing.

In the evening, as dusk settled, Lin Ye, having finished a medical conference and picked up Lin Yangyang from kindergarten, opened the door. Lin Wenhui, an apron tied around her waist, heard the sound and came out of the kitchen, glancing toward the door. “Looks like someone new moved in across the hall. Lots of noise.”

Lin Ye was exhausted. She tugged faintly at the corners of her lips and gave an “mm” of acknowledgment.

“Xiao Ye, you and Yangyang go wash your hands. Dinner’s almost ready.” Lin Wenhui glanced at the trash bag by the shoe cabinet and scolded herself, “Look at my memory. I said I’d take out the trash this morning and forgot.”

“Aunt Hui, I’ll do it.” Lin Ye took off the backpack slung over her arm, set it on the stool to the right, and gently stroked the girl’s hair, her voice soft. “Yangyang, go wash your hands.”

Lin Yangyang nodded. “Okay!”

Lin Ye carried the two bags of garbage out, closed the security door, and had taken only two steps when she nearly bumped into Tang Feiwan, who was returning from taking out her own trash.

“You?”

Tang Feiwan clearly saw the ripples in Lin Ye’s eyes. The corners of her mouth curled smugly. Afraid of being caught, she quickly straightened her expression and said in a serious tone, “From now on, we’re not only colleagues but neighbors. Please take care of me.”

“Mm, okay.”

Her tone was calm, polite enough, and distant enough. With that, before she could say more, Lin Ye sidestepped and headed downstairs.

Tang Feiwan’s good mood sank like silt in water, dropping to the bottom in an instant. She suddenly felt Lin Ye was like a lily. In the past, she’d been pinkish, sweet and gentle. Now she was white, with a touch of coolness.

But was this coolness reserved all for her?