Ye Qiu returned to the hospital and walked straight into the surgical outpatient clinic.
When he stepped inside and saw gauze wrapped around Qian Jinglan's wrist, he rushed over in concern.
"Mom, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, just a scratch. Director Bai treated it for me." Qian Jinglan looked at him and asked, "Qiu'er, are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Ye Qiu glanced gratefully at Bai Bing. "Director Bai, thank you."
"Don't mention it."
Ye Qiu turned back to his mother. "Mom, no matter who asks you later, just say you didn't see Guo Shaocong today, okay?"
"Qiu'er, what's really going on? Did you do something illegal?" Qian Jinglan grew anxious.
"Mom, don't overthink it. Just do as I say if anyone asks."
"Alright…"
She nodded, her face heavy with worry. Even though Ye Qiu hadn't spelled anything out, she could tell something huge had happened.
"Oh, and Qiu'er — Director Bai just told me she's transferring you back to surgery as a probationary doctor. You have to work hard and get officially hired soon. Don't let her down."
"Don't worry, I will. Mom, should I take you home?"
"You go to work. I can manage by myself." She turned to Bai Bing with a warm smile. "Director Bai, thank you for everything today."
"It's nothing, Auntie. Go home and rest."
"Will do."
"Director Bai, I'll walk my mom out and be right back."
Ye Qiu escorted Qian Jinglan all the way to the hospital gate.
While they waited for a taxi, she spoke to him seriously:
"Qiu'er, there are many ways to solve problems in this world. You don't always have to use extreme methods. But if you must, make sure you leave no trace behind. And if you ever get into real trouble, you tell me. No matter what, I'll protect you with my life."
Qian Jinglan's eyes were firm, and a calm, steady aura radiated from her.
Ye Qiu froze. He had never seen this side of her before — it felt almost unfamiliar.
Qian Jinglan seemed to notice the change in herself too. She coughed lightly and quickly returned to her usual housewife demeanor, then asked in a quiet voice:
"Qiu'er… does Director Bai have a boyfriend?"
"Mom, why are you asking that?" Ye Qiu looked confused.
"I think Director Bai is wonderful. She's beautiful, has a great figure, and she's the head of surgery. Why don't you try courting her?"
"W-What? You want me to court Director Bai?!"
Ye Qiu's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He had never even dared to imagine such a thing.
Who was Bai Bing?
She was the director of surgery at Jiangzhou Hospital, a medical doctorate, the ice-cold goddess in countless people's hearts.
He was just a powerless probationary doctor. Asking him to chase his own superior? He'd have to be crazy.
"I think she's perfect," Qian Jinglan insisted. "She might seem cold on the outside, but she's kind, thoughtful, and warm-hearted. And I took a good look — her body means she'd definitely give birth to sons."
Ye Qiu was speechless.
"Mom, do you know who's been chasing her? Rich heirs, officials' sons — young, wealthy, and talented. None of them won her over. You really think I stand a chance?"
"I think you do. I believe in you." Qian Jinglan smiled. "I'm a woman. I can tell — the way she looks at you is different."
"How so?"
"I can't put it into words, but I know she likes you." She chuckled. "It'd be wonderful if Director Bai became my daughter-in-law."
"Mom, drop the idea. We're not matched at all — education, age, family background, social status. Everything."
"How do you know if you haven't even tried? Let me tell you —"
"Mom, the taxi's here! Get in quickly!"
Ye Qiu hurried her into the cab.
"Qiu'er, take this seriously! I know you can do it!"
She was still cheering him on even after she sat down.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Go home!"
Watching the taxi drive away, Ye Qiu let out a helpless sigh.
"What's gotten into her today? Telling me to chase Director Bai? I'm nowhere near good enough for her."
"Still… she's as beautiful as a goddess. If I could actually win her over… it'd be worth dying for."
Ye Qiu returned to the surgical director's office.
He pushed the door open and saw Bai Bing drinking water.
She had taken off her white coat, revealing a tight-fitting professional outfit. Her figure was so good that her blouse had pulled open a little, and from where Ye Qiu stood, he caught a glimpse of smooth, amber-hued skin.
So fair…
The thought had barely crossed his mind when Bai Bing's gaze shot toward him. She spoke coldly:
"What are you staring at?"
Ye Qiu's face burned bright red. He quickly tried to cover up. "N-Nothing."
Bai Bing eyed him suspiciously, then sat down at her desk.
"I've already spoken to the medical administration department. Go sort out the paperwork later, and you'll be transferred back to the department."
"Alright."
"You can leave now."
Bai Bing lowered her head and returned to reading medical records.
Ye Qiu stood there dumbfounded. He'd thought she would ask about Guo Shaocong, but she didn't mention him at all — as if nothing had ever happened.
It was completely unexpected.
He hurried to the medical administration office to complete his transfer, then went to find Lin Jingzhi.
He felt he should tell her he was leaving his care worker position.
Although they hadn't known each other long, Lin Jingzhi had been good to him and taught him a lot about how to handle himself. Especially when it came to dealing with Guo Shaocong — if her words hadn't acted like a warning bell, he might not have acted so decisively.
From a distance, Ye Qiu saw two bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses standing outside Lin Jingzhi's ward like motionless statues.
"I wonder who's visiting Sister Lin. Must be someone important."
He muttered to himself and walked toward the door, only to be blocked by the two bodyguards.
"Mr. Qian gave orders — no one is allowed in," one of them said.
"I'm a doctor. Step aside, please," Ye Qiu said politely.
"Mr. Qian said no one, regardless of who you are. Not even the hospital president."
"Get lost!" the other bodyguard snapped rudely.
Ye Qiu frowned, about to speak — when suddenly a woman's shriek came from inside the ward:
"Lin Jingzhi, you bitch!"
Slap!
A crisp, loud slap followed.