After delivering the message to Zhang Peng, Ye Xiu felt much more at ease. Upon returning to his car, he received a message from Mr. Feng at the hospital, informing him that the surgery for Old Mr. Feng had been successful.
Mr. Feng's message was filled with gratitude and respect.
Seeing Mr. Feng's message, Ye Xiu couldn't help but smile. There were still more good and kind-hearted people like Mr. Feng in this world. It was their light that kept him loving this world and kept a smile on his face.
Picking up his phone, Ye Xiu replied to Mr. Feng, congratulating him on the successful surgery and giving some post-operative care advice. Then he tossed his phone onto the passenger seat and started the car to head home.
Back at home, after unloading and organizing the supplies he had bought, it was already past three in the afternoon.
Time flies so fast!
Reflecting on the fleeting nature of time, Ye Xiu picked up a book, ready to enjoy some rare leisure time. He didn't want to waste it.
"Ring, ring…"
Just as Ye Xiu opened his book, his phone rang. He picked it up and saw an unfamiliar number. He frowned slightly but decided to answer, "Hello?"
"Is this Mr. Ye? It's Tingting."
A sweet voice came through the phone.
"Oh, hello."
Ye Xiu's expression softened a bit.
"Mr. Ye, didn't you save my number?"
"Uh, I did save it. I just didn't check the caller ID."
Ye Xiu felt a bit embarrassed. He had indeed received a call from Fang Tingting earlier when she asked for his number, but he had forgotten to save it. He tried to tell a white lie, but he wasn't good at it.
"Yeah, right. It's obvious you didn't save it. But it's okay. Just make sure to save it this time. Next time, if you don't know who I am, I'll have to punish you."
Fang Tingting teased on the other end.
"Uh… okay, I'll definitely save it."
Ye Xiu replied, feeling a bit awkward.
"Mr. Ye, you're home, right?"
Fang Tingting changed the subject.
"Yes, I am. Are you guys home too?"
Ye Xiu quickly responded.
"Yes, we just got home."
Fang Tingting said.
"Good to hear. So, what can I do for you?"
Ye Xiu sighed with relief.
"Nothing much, just checking if you got home safely and to thank you again for saving me and for helping us out at lunch."
Fang Tingting said, lightly tapping her nails.
"You've already thanked me countless times. I've told you, there's no need to be so formal. I just did what I had to do. Besides, you already treated me to a wonderful lunch. Thank you for that. It was the best meal I've had since returning home."
Ye Xiu chuckled.
"Really? That was the best? Mr. Ye, you must be joking."
Fang Tingting exaggerated.
"I usually eat at the hospital cafeteria, so…"
Ye Xiu felt a bit embarrassed.
"Wow, your life must be so dull. Mr. Ye, how about this? Next time I go out to eat something delicious, I'll call you. I'll make sure you get to try all the best foods in Beijing! Or if you want to eat something specific, just ask me. I'm a food expert. I know all the best places to eat in Beijing."
Fang Tingting suggested.
"Thank you, that's very kind."
Although Ye Xiu knew it was unlikely he'd often go out to eat with Fang Tingting or have the time to explore restaurants, he still nodded.
"No need to thank me. Sharing good food is my pleasure!"
"Oh, do you have any other reason for calling?"
Ye Xiu asked, feeling a bit awkward and not sure what else to say.
"No, that's all. Just checking in. You must be tired after being out all morning. I'll let you rest now."
Sensing Ye Xiu's discomfort, Fang Tingting decided to end the call.
"Okay, you guys rest well too."
Ye Xiu felt relieved. He wasn't used to chatting on the phone, especially with a girl he wasn't very familiar with. Most of his calls were work-related, straightforward and to the point.
"Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!"
After hanging up, Ye Xiu took a deep breath and turned back to his book. But then he remembered something, picked up his phone, and saved Fang Tingting's number. Only then did he start reading.
"Yay!"
Meanwhile, less than five kilometers away in a well-decorated apartment, Fang Tingting jumped up from the sofa in excitement.
She was thrilled to have finally had her first phone conversation with Ye Xiu!
"Hey, is it really that big of a deal?"
Zhou Xiaoyu rolled her eyes at Fang Tingting's excitement.
"Of course it is! This is the first time I've successfully called him!"
Fang Tingting said matter-of-factly.
"..."
Zhou Xiaoyu was speechless. "Aren't you worried that being so forward might scare Ye Xiu off? Girls should be more reserved, you know?"
"Pfft, like you're an expert!"
Fang Tingting dismissed her, "I don't believe in being reserved. Being coy isn't my style. I believe in actively pursuing happiness. If you find it, you have to grab it. I won't let Ye Xiu slip through my fingers!"
To emphasize her determination, Fang Tingting clenched her small fists and waved them in the air, her eyes full of resolve.
Seeing Fang Tingting's confidence, Zhou Xiaoyu couldn't help but feel a bit envious. Fang Tingting always knew what she wanted and went for it, unlike her, who was always hesitant and overthinking.