Chapter 376: Chapter 376: This is Outrageous
Three hours later, the surgery was completed.
Lou Ziang was also moved into the ICU observation room.
Due to his special circumstances, the hospital had prepared a private ward just for him.
Both inside and outside, there were people guarding it.
“Was his surgery successful?” A police officer standing by the door asked Su He.
Su He replied, “Rest assured, the surgery went smoothly, he won’t die.”
The officer asked, “So, when might he wake up?”
Su He answered, “Once the anesthesia wears off, he’ll wake up. But after that, he’ll need to stay under hospital observation for ten to fifteen days before being discharged.”
Hearing this, the officer said, “He has to stay that long? But he needs to attend his trial in a week; he must be present.”
Su He responded carelessly, “Oh, that’s fine. He can leave; he won’t be in any mortal danger.”
Twenty-four hours later, he was transferred to a general ward.
The next day, Su He personally came to do the rounds.
Usually, after completing surgeries, she would hand over patients to the junior doctors and only intervene if issues arose.
But this time, she showed up herself.
Su He checked him over thoroughly and, once confirming all the data was stable, gave some instructions before leaving.
Lou Ziang, seeing her focused and responsible demeanor, felt somewhat puzzled.
He thought she might use the opportunity to exact revenge on him.
But she didn’t do a thing.
Not long after Su He left, a nurse came to administer an injection, saying it was IV medication.
Next to suffer would be his hand.
The nurse couldn’t find his vein no matter how hard she tried.
After holding back for a long time, Lou Ziang finally lost patience.
He yelled, “Do you even know how to give an injection? If not, get me someone else!”
The nurse replied, “Sorry, I’m just an intern. I’m a bit nervous. Let me try again.”
Hearing his outburst, a nearby police officer sternly reminded, “9537, mind your tone and attitude!”
“She’s a trainee nurse; everyone has their first mistakes. Be considerate—can’t you, a grown man, endure a little pain?”
“…”
After who knows how many attempts, she finally hit the right spot.
From then on, every single day, whenever there were injections or blood draws, he had to endure multiple tries before they got it right.
And the kicker was, every day, a different nurse would come, and every single one claimed to be a new intern.
This left Lou Ziang with nowhere to vent his anger.
Plainly, someone was deliberately messing with him.
As for who that person was, it was obvious.
He knew Su He wouldn’t let him off that easily.
But when he requested to be discharged, the hospital didn’t agree, citing concerns about potential complications.
The police naturally followed doctor’s orders.
…
Lan Yan said, “Boss, the hospital reported that Lou Ziang is complaining about wanting to be discharged.”
Su He replied nonchalantly, “No problem; let him be. Now that he’s in, leaving won’t be so easy.”
She still had plenty of reasons to keep him in the hospital.
As long as no one died, there wouldn’t be any trouble.
Su He thought of something. “Lan Yan, you and Lu Zhenyu need to cover my clinic for an hour tomorrow—I’ve got something urgent and can’t make it on time.”
Lan Yan agreed, “Got it, boss.”
The next morning, at 8:30 a.m., Lan Yan arrived at the hospital’s underground parking lot.
Unfortunately, she ran into the person she least wanted to see.
This person was none other than Yun Yi, the man she had once kicked.
She chose to ignore him and walked straight toward the elevator.
But Yun Yi stepped forward and blocked her.
“Oh, isn’t this Miss Lan? What a coincidence. Have you had breakfast? How about I treat you to a meal?”
Yun Yi grinned cheekily as he spoke.
Lan Yan, her expression cold, responded tersely, “Move!”
Yun Yi chuckled, “Why the morning anger? We’re friends; can’t we chat a little when we bump into each other?”
Lan Yan replied with indifference, “Mr. Yun, your status is far beyond me; I wouldn’t dare associate.”
With that, she circled to the other side, intending to bypass him.
But Yun Yi seemed determined to pester her.
Wherever she went, he followed.
“Mr. Yun, kindly step aside—I’m in a hurry.”
At this point, Lan Yan still tried to remain polite.
She didn’t want to cause a scene here.
“Coming to the hospital so early—are you not feeling well?”
Yun Yi asked with apparent concern.
He didn’t know what her profession was.
“Need me to accompany you upstairs?”
Saying this, he reached out, intending to touch her.
The next moment, Lan Yan decisively swatted his hand away.
“Mr. Yun, have you forgotten what happened last time when I kicked you?”
A hint of coldness flashed in Lan Yan’s eyes.
Yun Yi, however, seemed to enjoy her anger and smirked wickedly, “You know, I actually quite like your fiery temperament. Watching you angry makes you even more alluring.”
Lan Yan: “…”
This man must have some serious brain issues, right?!
At that moment, a voice filled with teasing suddenly chimed in, “Oh, isn’t this the esteemed Mr. Yun?”
The two turned toward the sound and saw Xiao Si, who had appeared out of nowhere.
He was dressed in casual wear, with his hands comfortably resting in his pockets, strolling toward them.
“Xiao Si?”
Yun Yi frowned slightly at the sight of him, “Why are you here?”
Xiao Si’s gaze briefly swept over Lan Yan.
Then he looked back at Yun Yi and said, “Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to work. Do you think I have as much free time as you, wandering around chasing women all day?”
Yun Yi: “…”
“Why are you at the hospital this early? Don’t tell me you’ve caught some disease?” Xiao Si asked curiously with feigned innocence.
Enraged, Yun Yi shouted, “What nonsense are you spouting? My health is perfect!”
Xiao Si, looking completely unfazed, gave an innocent “Oh” and added, “No need to get all worked up. I was just casually asking. If you’re not sick, great; no one’s accusing you. Don’t go acting like you’ve got a guilty conscience.”
Yun Yi’s face froze at his words.
“Shouldn’t you be at work already? Why are you still dawdling here?”
All Yun Yi wanted at this point was for Xiao Si to leave.
Xiao Si, however, said, “Don’t rush me; I’ve still got time.”
With that, he stepped forward and positioned himself between Yun Yi and Lan Yan.
“By the way, it’s been a while since we hung out, Yun Yi. Why don’t we find some time to catch up?” Xiao Si suggested.
Yun Yi: “…”
Taking advantage of this moment, Lan Yan left for the elevator.
Yun Yi tried to follow, but Xiao Si somehow managed to block his path, seemingly intentionally.
“Hey, Mr. Yun, where are you rushing off to? You haven’t answered my question yet.”
Watching Lan Yan disappear into the elevator, Yun Yi grew anxious.
He shoved Xiao Si and said, “I’ll contact you when I find time. Right now, I’ve got something important to deal with.”
Only when Xiao Si’s peripheral vision confirmed Lan Yan had entered the elevator did he step aside.
“Alright, I’ll wait for you then. I guess I’ll head to work now,” Xiao Si said with a cheeky grin.
Yun Yi: “…”
He had every reason to believe Xiao Si did it on purpose.
Once upstairs, Lan Yan changed into her scrubs and directly brought Lu Zhenyu to the clinic.
But on the elevator ride, they bumped into Xiao Si again.
“Off to save lives, angels in white?” Xiao Si joked as he glanced at the two.
Lu Zhenyu, being naturally talkative, answered, “Good morning, Doctor Xiao! Lan Yan and I are heading to the clinic.”
Xiao Si nodded slightly, “And where’s your boss?”
This question was directed at Lan Yan.
Lan Yan glanced at him and replied, “She has something to handle; she’ll be late.”
After saying this, she fell silent.
Lu Zhenyu suddenly felt the elevator grow quiet.
Trying to dispel the awkward atmosphere, he started some casual conversation.
When the elevator reached the second floor, all three stepped out together.
“Doctor Xiao, are you heading to the clinic as well today?”
This question seemed to dawn on Lu Zhenyu halfway through walking.
But in his recollection, Doctor Xiao wasn’t scheduled for clinic duty today.
Xiao Si replied, “Nope, covering someone else’s shift.”
Lu Zhenyu oh-ed, “I see, for a moment I thought I was mistaken.”
As they continued walking, they passed the restroom, and Lu Zhenyu expressed his need for a break.
“Uh, Doctor Lan, I’m going to the restroom. You can head over first.”
“Alright.”
After Lu Zhenyu left, Lan Yan finally turned to Xiao Si and said, “Doctor Xiao, thank you for intervening at the parking lot earlier.”
Xiao Si asked, “So how exactly did you end up tangling with Yun Yi?”
He sounded genuinely curious—her personality and medical work shouldn’t have led to contact with Yun Yi.
Lan Yan explained diplomatically, “My boss has business dealings with Old Mr. Yun. We’ve met a few times, but we’re not familiar.”
Xiao Si understood immediately.
“Next time you see him, it’d be better to steer clear.”
Lan Yan nodded, “Noted.”
Xiao Si abruptly remembered something. “By the way, there’s something I need to warn you about.”
Lan Yan asked confusedly, “What is it?”
Clearing his throat, he said, “It’s about my mom—she might come looking for you soon.”
Lan Yan, perplexed, asked, “Why would Aunt Xiao come find me?”
Stopping in his tracks, Xiao Si turned slightly and gazed at her, saying, “My mom thinks we have ‘that kind’ of relationship. I’ve explained to her, but she doesn’t believe me, and I’m helpless against it. Knowing her, she’ll probably show up looking for you soon enough.”
Lan Yan was at a loss for words.
Xiao Si continued, “You don’t need to entertain her; just tell her the truth. My mom’s just too idle most of the time. She ends up concocting absurdities to occupy herself.”
Lan Yan: “…”
…
Sure enough, by noon the next day—
While Lan Yan was about to head out from Pear Garden Pavilion, Mrs. Xiao suddenly came knocking.
How she discovered where Lan Yan lived remained a mystery.
“Yanyan, pardon my intrusion. I hope I didn’t disturb you?” Mrs. Xiao asked.
Lan Yan shook her head, “Not at all, Aunt Xiao. Was there something you needed?”
Mrs. Xiao glanced inside, asking, “Were you about to leave?”
Lan Yan nodded, “Yes, I have errands to run, but there’s no rush. Why don’t you come inside and have a seat first?”
Mrs. Xiao entered and began scanning the house. “Yanyan, do you live here alone?”
Lan Yan handed her a glass of water and replied, “Yes. Sorry, Aunt Xiao, I don’t have tea—plain water will have to do.”
Mrs. Xiao accepted the glass with both hands, “No problem. I’m not a tea lover anyways.”
“Please take a seat yourself; you don’t have to fuss over me—I’m very easygoing.”
Mrs. Xiao gave her a warm, motherly smile.
Lan Yan sat down across from her, feeling slightly awkward.
She didn’t have much experience interacting with elders.
Growing up in an orphanage, the orphanage director had been her sole authority figure.
“Yanyan, why are there so many children’s toys lying around in this house?”
Mrs. Xiao had noticed various child-related items while looking around.
The place was, however, tidily kept.
Lan Yan didn’t hesitate to explain, “Aunt Xiao, this house doesn’t belong to me—I’m just staying here temporarily.”
“I see. For a moment, I thought you might have younger relatives visiting.”
“I’m an orphan—I don’t have any relatives.”
Lan Yan spoke matter-of-factly.
Her intention was to subtly dissuade Mrs. Xiao from any matchmaking ideas.
She knew the Xiao family was a wealthy household, and if Xiao Si were to marry, it would certainly require a partner from a comparable background.
Which clearly, she was not.
Mrs. Xiao froze upon hearing her response.
She hadn’t investigated Lan Yan’s family background and was unaware of her being an orphan.
Suddenly, her eyes filled with pity as she looked at Lan Yan. “Yanyan, I’m so sorry—I didn’t know…”
“It’s alright, Aunt Xiao.”
Lan Yan, being a straightforward person, spoke candidly and without pretense.
“Aunt Xiao, I believe I understand why you’re here. But I need to clarify—Doctor Xiao and I are simply ordinary friends. We don’t have the sort of relationship you’ve been imagining.”
Mrs. Xiao hadn’t anticipated her openness.
This honesty made her admire the young woman even more.
The Xiao family was a prestigious clan in Yue City, attracting many individuals eager to curry favor.
Anyone with even the faintest connection to the Xiaos would hold on tightly, never letting go. Yet this woman before her sought to sever ties completely.
Mrs. Xiao asked, “But tell me honestly—do you even have the slightest fondness for my son?”
Without hesitating, Lan Yan shook her head.
Though she and Xiao Si were acquainted, their relationship wasn’t close enough to warrant such feelings. They rarely conversed—actually, they didn’t even have each other’s contact information.
“Then, Yanyan, what type of man do you fancy? Aunt Yun can introduce you—I know plenty of eligible bachelors.”
“Aunt Xiao, I…”
“From now on, call me Aunt Yun—’Aunt Xiao’ sounds so formal.”
Mrs. Xiao interrupted her mid-sentence.
Faced with the overly warm and enthusiastic elder, Lan Yan seemed slightly at a loss.
Mrs. Xiao could sense her unease—it likely stemmed from her upbringing as an orphan.
“Yanyan, Aunt Yun genuinely likes you. From the moment I first saw you, I felt an unusual connection. While I’d love for you to be my daughter-in-law, Aunt Yun won’t force you. But could you at least accept my goodwill—I really mean this from my heart?”
Mrs. Xiao sincerely added, “I only have one child, Xiao Si. I’ve always dreamt of having a daughter, but unfortunately, after losing a second pregnancy, I never had the chance again. If you don’t mind, I’d like to adopt you as my goddaughter. Would you be okay with that?”
Lan Yan was completely dumbfounded.
This was…
——
At the Xiao family.
“Mom, are you out of your mind?”
Upon hearing his mother’s proposition, Xiao Si’s first thought was this.
Mrs. Xiao immediately stood up, raised her hand, and gave him a firm smack across the forehead.
“You ungrateful child! Who are you calling crazy, huh?!”
She followed that with a slap on his shoulder.
“I tell you to find a wife, but you don’t. Now that I’m adopting a goddaughter, you’ve got a problem with that too?”
Xiao Si: “…”
Mr. Xiao pulled her gently aside and said softly, “Alright, alright, don’t get upset—it’s not worth it. Sit down and talk calmly.”
Mrs. Xiao sat down but continued to vent, “Look at Ah Yan and Beiyan—they already have wives and kids! You, on the other hand? No girlfriend, no wife—don’t even mention children!”
“…”
“What, are you planning to wait until your father and I are six feet under before you settle down?”
“…”
Mr. Xiao interjected, “Let’s not say that—we’re both going to live to a hundred.”
“Live to what? Hundred years for what reason?” Mrs. Xiao shot him a glare. “Stop trying to smooth things over for him!”
Mr. Xiao quietly sealed his lips.
She then turned back to Xiao Si and said, “Listen, either you find a wife, or I adopt this goddaughter—that’s non-negotiable. I’m just informing you, not asking for your opinion.”
Xiao Si: “…”
This was absurd, wasn’t it?