The next day, we went to school as usual. After class, our headmaster called us for a staff meeting.
"Staff," he began, "just like last month, we'll be conducting a monthly health checkup today. I've called three doctors to check both the children and the teachers."
One of the staff raised a hand. "Sir, last month we didn't have a checkup for teachers. Why include us this time?"
He cleared his throat and said seriously, "Even if we check the children's health, we must also check the teachers'. If a teacher has health issues, it could affect both them and the students."
We all looked at him in surprise. It was the first time he'd said something so... sensible.
He clapped his hands and said, "Now, welcome the doctors!"
I turned to Liang with a puzzled expression. "What's with him today? Why is he acting so weird?"
Liang leaned closer and whispered, "I think he must've gotten a heavy lecture from his wife." Then she chuckled.
Our head glared at us, and we quickly smiled innocently and turned to the front.
To my surprise, Dr. Lu was there—with his juniors. The headmaster introduced them.
"This is Dr. Lu, a highly respected doctor with several prestigious awards. Please welcome him."
We clapped. Then he introduced the other two: Dr. Xi and Dr. Gu. We clapped again.
When Dr. Lu entered the classroom, he looked at me and smiled. I returned a soft smile. Liang, catching that moment, gave me a look—as if to say, "See? He totally likes you."
The headmaster assigned each doctor to a class. Dr. Lu was assigned to ours.
He stood at the front of the room, silent and serious. The kids stared at him with curiosity. He looked like a statue.
I elbowed him and whispered, "Introduce yourself, Doctor."
He removed his mask and introduced himself.
The children gasped. "Whoa~ Dr. Lu, you're beautiful!" one of them shouted.
He chuckled, and I laughed with them. I turned to the class and said, "Cuties, today Dr. Lu will check if you've made any enemies with your body."
They nodded seriously and lined up for their checkups. Thankfully, everyone was healthy.
After the checkup, the doctors gave a short talk about basic health and hygiene. The kids listened attentively.
Then, one little cutie walked up to Dr. Lu, gave him a flower, and hugged him. He squatted down and smiled warmly at the child. Suddenly, all the kids rushed to him, hugging and kissing his cheek.
Then they turned to me. "Teacher, squat down!" one of them said.
I laughed and crouched. A child leaned in and asked sweetly, "Teacher~ is he your boyfriend?"
I laughed. "No, cutie. He's a doctor, not my boyfriend."
Dr. Lu watched me as I interacted with the children. His gaze lingered, mesmerized.
When I turned and caught him staring, I asked, "What's wrong?"
He quickly looked away and said, "Nothing."
But the children giggled knowingly.
We smiled at each other and left the classroom.
"Cuties, be good. I'll be back in ten minutes and tell you a fairytale," I said, waving.
They waved back, and I closed the door behind me.
I was the last to get my checkup. After all the other teachers finished, I sat down in the chair across from Dr. Lu.
He asked the usual questions, and I answered. Then he picked up his stethoscope and gently placed it against my chest to check my heartbeat.
As the sunlight filtered through the window and fell on me, I noticed him pause. He just stared at me for a few moments—frozen, like time had stopped.
I heard a heartbeat, loud and fast. But... it wasn't mine.
I focused. Was that sound... from him?
I tapped his forehead. "Dr. Lu?"
He snapped out of it. "Ah—what happened?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Your heart's beating fast. Are you feeling uncomfortable?"
He blinked, then cleared his throat. "Your heart rate is normal. Do you feel any discomfort?"
"Dr. Lu, it's not me," I said with a playful smile. "It's you. I should be asking if you're okay."
He shook his head quickly—like a child refusing bitter medicine.
Trying to change the topic, he pointed to my arm. "How's your wound?"
Nice distraction, I thought.
"It's fine, but still a little painful."
"Then come see me tomorrow—for the wound and for your hemophobia therapy."
I nodded, a bit stunned.