Inside the private family room of a luxurious restaurant, Mr. Thorne and his younger brother, Sam, sat on one side of the table. They seemed to be waiting for someone.
A few moments later, Mr. Agatha Violet and his wife entered the room. Mrs. Violet was dressed in an elegant white gown, carrying herself with the grace and composure of a refined lady. Both of them greeted the Thorne brothers with warm smiles before taking their seats across the table.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Thorne, Sam. It's been quite a while since we last met. I think the last time was at the hospital expansion ceremony. Have we kept you waiting long? Traffic was terrible on the way here."
"It's no problem at all," Mr. Thorne replied with a smile. "I've been busy with work myself and haven't had the chance to visit you either. How have you been?"
"I've been doing well," Agatha answered. "Though at my age, regular check-ups have become unavoidable. Julian drops by and checks on me from time to time. Most things are fine, but these knees of mine aren't as reliable as they used to be."
"That's how it is," Mr. Thorne chuckled. "I used to walk around the hospital all day without any trouble. Now my bones complain every time I move."
"Exactly, exactly." Agatha laughed before looking around. "By the way, where's Mrs. Thorne? I suppose she's busy now that her son is back home."
"That's right."
Agatha turned toward Sam.
"Oh, Sam. How did the wine fermentation go last year? One of these days I'll have to come and taste it again. Your wine is surprisingly smooth."
Knowing how much Agatha enjoyed wine, Sam immediately reached for a beautifully wrapped bottle beside him.
"I actually brought one for you. This one has already been opened for tasting today. And this bottle is for you to take home."
Agatha accepted it with delight.
"Ah, thank you very much."
"It's nothing." Sam smiled. "You should visit the vineyard sometime. It's harvest season right now, so there are plenty of fresh fruits available. Honestly, eating fresh produce right there in the orchard is an experience that can't be replaced."
Agatha laughed heartily.
"That's true. My wife loves fruit, and Rosalie is on her school break right now. We'll come as a family one day."
"Good, good. A little escape from the city would do everyone some good."
Sam exchanged a few more pleasant words before excusing himself and stepping outside the room to make a phone call while Mr. Thorne and Agatha continued their conversation.
---
At the hospital, Julian was busy reviewing patient records when his phone suddenly rang.
The caller ID showed Rosalie.
A smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Hello, sweetheart."
"What are you doing?" Rosalie asked softly. "Are you busy?"
"Not really. I'm just reviewing some reports. Tell me, I'm listening."
"I'll be going out with my parents in a little while. We have an appointment at a restaurant. I'm at Mia's house right now."
"Mm-hmm."
"I wanted to ask you something. What time are we going to that house tomorrow? I still have a few things I need to check. Could you come a little earlier?"
"Of course," Julian replied immediately. "I'll leave early and come see you."
Then his tone softened.
"But if we're leaving early tomorrow, you need to sleep early tonight. Don't stay up late like yesterday. Have you eaten yet?"
"Mhm. I already ate."
Rosalie giggled.
"Right now I'm as strong as a horse and as light as a bird."
Julian laughed.
"Alright then, Miss Horse-and-Bird. I'll get back to work."
"Okay, Beloved."
After ending the call, Julian returned to his paperwork.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
A nurse entered carrying several files.
"Doctor, these are the test results from this morning. Also, regarding the patient in Room 117, should we increase the medication dosage or continue with the current prescription?"
Julian reviewed the documents.
"Keep him on the current dosage for another three days. I want to observe his condition a little longer. If he complains about pain or discomfort, let me know immediately."
"Yes, Doctor."
"Oh, one more thing. Have you heard anything from the Hematology Department? Did Dr. Molly say anything?"
"Not yet, Doctor. But she said she'll come see you personally in a little while."
"Alright. Thank you."
The nurse placed the files down and left.
Julian continued working.
A few minutes later, another knock came.
Before he could respond, the door opened and a woman walked in.
Dr. Molly.
She smiled charmingly and took the seat across from him without waiting for an invitation.
Resting one elbow on the desk, she leaned forward and studied his face with obvious interest.
Brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead, she spoke in a teasing voice.
"Dr. Ju, you're working hard again. What is this? Saving money to get married?"
Julian looked up calmly.
"Not exactly."
"Hmm." Molly tilted her head. "Then maybe you already have a girlfriend? I have to admit, hardworking men are incredibly attractive."
Julian remained silent.
Molly smiled wider.
"By the way, it's almost lunchtime. Have you eaten yet? I could take you out."
"Thank you, but that's alright. I'll be eating at home."
Without giving her a chance to continue, he shifted the conversation.
"Dr. Molly, have you prepared what I requested yesterday? The patient I mentioned may undergo surgery next week if his condition remains stable. Since he's a hemophilia patient, I'll need someone from your department ready with clotting factors during the operation. I'd also like routine monitoring afterward. Would that be possible?"
"Of course." Molly smiled.
"Especially when you're the one asking. Honestly, Dr. Ju, you could sit comfortably in your office and manage the hospital all day, yet you're still working yourself to exhaustion."
Her eyes lingered on him.
"Sometimes I think it would be nice to have someone like you all to myself."
Julian simply smiled and handed her a file.
"If you'd like to help me, please review this patient first."
"Oh, I'd be happy to."
Molly accepted the file but continued talking.
"Tell me something, Dr. Ju. Are you planning to stay single forever? Or is there already someone special in your heart?"
She rested her chin on her hand.
"Personally, I hope you don't get a girlfriend anytime soon."
Julian raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Because I was planning to invite you to dinner at my house next Saturday."
Her smile grew playful.
"You don't have to come alone. You can bring someone if you'd like."
Then she lowered her voice slightly.
"But honestly... I'll be waiting for you."
Julian maintained his polite smile.
"Please review that file first, Doctor."
Then he pointed at the medical records in her hand.
"And thank you for the invitation. I have some family matters next week, but I'll try if I can."
Before Molly could continue, Julian quickly picked up the office phone and called for a nurse.
Partly because it was time for rounds.
Partly because he was looking for an escape route.
A few minutes later, a nurse arrived carrying several files.
Julian immediately stood up.
"I need to check on my patients now. Excuse me."
"Oh, of course."
Molly rose from her seat with a disappointed smile.
"I won't steal any more of your precious time."
Then she added with a playful wink,
"And don't forget my dinner invitation. I'll be waiting."
She even waved cheerfully at Nurse Lin before finally leaving the office.
Only after the door closed did Julian release a long sigh.
Nurse Lin, who had witnessed everything, followed behind him with an amused grin.
"Dr. Ju, your luck with women is unbelievable."
Julian groaned.
"Luck? I was about to be eaten alive."
Nurse Lin burst into laughter.
"If I hadn't arrived, you'd have been trapped."
"Exactly."
Julian shook his head.
"She even invited me to dinner. I still haven't figured out how to refuse politely."
The nurse covered her mouth with her files and laughed even harder.
Their usually calm and perfect Dr. Ju seemed completely helpless when it came to women chasing after him.
Soon afterward, Julian entered the ward and began checking on both surgical and emergency patients one by one, carefully reviewing their conditions and giving instructions to the nurses.
While walking through the corridor, the phone inside his white coat suddenly vibrated repeatedly.
Only after finishing his rounds and returning toward the staff lounge did he finally pull out his phone and return the call.