Hua Rubing, turning away in a mix of anger and shyness, carried a beauty that rivaled spring blossoms. The cold elegance she usually radiated had always kept others at a distance, but this small display of emotion brought her to life, making her almost tangible.
Fang Jie, ever perceptive, glanced at Guan Xing with eyes that shimmered like water, a mischievous smile curving her lips. "Doctor Guan, Manager Hua treats you differently. I've never seen her act this way toward any man in the company. You really need to seize the chance."
Guan Xing hurriedly replied, "Fang Jie, don't make fun of me."
It was only now that he fully realized Fang Jie—her real name was Xu Fang—was a divorced woman, raising a sweet little girl. Life had made her strong, and it was easy for Guan Xing to accept her; everyone simply called her Fang Jie.
Having her in the medical office made his life easier. Du Juan had been competent with medications and assisting surgeries, but when it came to care and attentiveness, Fang Jie was far more thoughtful—pouring tea, observing moods, and intuitively understanding people. She was a seasoned hand.
Fang Jie's face softened, and she said teasingly, "No, no, I'm not mocking you, Doctor Guan. I just think… you and Manager Hua standing together—it's like heaven and earth, the perfect match. Truly enviable."
Flushing, Fang Jie stepped closer and continued with playful insistence: "I really can't help but want to assist you two. Doctor Guan, how do you feel about Manager Hua? If you're interested, I can speak for you. Someone as serious as you—probably not used to flirting or romance, right?"
Guan Xing smiled faintly, grateful for her concern, yet calm. "Fang Jie, fate decides these things. Let it unfold naturally."
Fang Jie sighed, shaking her head. "You young people… so serious. But life isn't all about romance and sweet words. One must live practically. Doctor Guan, Manager Hua is good—whether as a girlfriend or a wife, it's worth it. You won't lose out."
Seeing her so determined to help, Guan Xing hurriedly raised his hands in protest. "Fang Jie, I understand. Let's take things slow. Even if it works out, we'll need time to adapt. And I'm not planning to marry yet—slowly, slowly."
Fang Jie let out a long sigh. She knew she could not rush things and finally said, "I treat you like a little brother. Good women are rare. If you meet one, you must act fast. Otherwise, when Manager Hua is pursued by someone else, you'll regret it."
Guan Xing nodded earnestly, acknowledging her advice. His temperament preferred calm, gentle relationships—love was a sanctuary, not a burden.
That evening, returning home, the mysterious woman was gone. She had disappeared as suddenly as she had appeared, leaving Guan Xing feeling as though it had all been a dream. That intoxicating allure, like a midnight sprite, only came alive under the cloak of darkness.
The next day was Saturday, a rare day off. Guan Xing allowed himself to sleep in, reflecting on the past month at Feiyang. Life had gradually shown him its warmth: sunlight, care, love, and hope—the ordinary joys he had longed for.
The Health Ministry investigation team had arrived at the hospital the day before. The director had called, informing him they would first investigate the event itself, with follow-up questioning soon. Guan Xing had agreed without hesitation.
These days had been busy, commuting between the hospital and Feiyang. He decided it was time to buy a car—not extravagant, but reliable enough for emergencies.
At a 5S dealership showcasing over a hundred cars from more than ten global brands, crowds gathered around each vehicle as salespeople introduced them. Guan Xing, having used several world-class cars before—on Paradise Island, he had over thirty Rolls-Royces from past surgeries—found the flashy options unnecessary. Sports cars were appealing but too ostentatious.
As he browsed, a figure stumbled into him.
"It's you, Doctor Guan!"
Unexpectedly, it was Feiyang's general manager, Cheng YunYa. Her face was flushed, embarrassed, yet determined, as she grabbed his arm pleadingly.
"Doctor Guan, please help me!"
A man approaching noticed their closeness. Tall, well-built, and sharp in a suit, he seemed competent but carried a subtle air of arrogance. His slightly prominent nose added a touch of harshness, and his dark eyes flickered with suspicion.
Cheng YunYa's gaze softened, filled with delicate emotion. "Mr. Xia, this is my boyfriend, Guan Xing. We agreed to come look at cars together. Thank you for the help earlier."
Guan Xing's mind remained clear despite the surprise. She was using him as a shield—but he did not mind enjoying the warmth of such unparalleled beauty, even if exploited.
The man, Xia Ziliang, faltered slightly but extended a hand, feigning friendliness. "Mr. Guan, I was merely discussing a contract with Ms. Cheng. Please, no misunderstandings. May I ask your position?"
Pride colored his posture; he had clearly intended to intimidate Guan Xing, only noticing Cheng YunYa as a prize. Compared to the luxury cars, Guan Xing in casual wear appeared like a country bumpkin, and Xia's disdain grew.
"Guan Xing, this is Xia Ziliang, CEO of Qingfeng Pharmaceuticals under Huaxia Group. One of the youngest talents in the group—far more accomplished than you," Cheng YunYa said, her introduction inadvertently highlighting the social disparity.
Guan Xing shook his hand lightly. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Xia. I'm a doctor in Feiyang's medical office."
Three seconds of silence fell. Xia's expression hardened—Feiyang's medical office? A doctor here? Unexpected and laughable.
Cheng YunYa hurried to explain, "Mr. Xia, we're just here to look at cars. We won't trouble you further."
But Xia casually responded, "Not at all. I'm replacing my own car anyway. Let me offer some guidance—it would be rude to refuse."
Cheng YunYa paled. Her car-shopping excuse had already been flimsy, and now Guan Xing's presence made the lie impossible to sustain.
Guan Xing remained composed, smiling gently. "Of course, Mr. Xia. Your guidance would be most welcome."
Following Xia's lead, Cheng YunYa nervously tugged at Guan Xing's sleeve, signaling him with her eyes.
"What kind of car do you prefer, YunYa? Economical? Practical? I like something simple—just over eighty thousand. Affordable, practical, and convenient."
At this, Xia's scorn deepened, lips curling into a teasing smirk, eyes flashing with cold calculation. He intended to humiliate the man the beautiful Cheng YunYa had chosen, making sure she knew only he deserved her beauty.
Cheng YunYa's face heated, a thin sweat forming at her temple. Her forced smile betrayed her anxiety; she silently chastised herself—this game had gone too far.