Not far away, the expression on Tang Shu's face wasn't much better. His eyes were wide, almost popping out of his head.
He stammered, "H-how does this Qi Lin know Dr. Zhao? And it seems like Dr. Zhao really likes him."
Kangda was equally shocked. He had never expected things to turn out like this.
He had pegged Qi Lin as nothing more than a lowly security guard with no connections. How could he possibly know someone as important as Zhao Zhiren?
"Hmph~ It's probably just a sob story to make Dr. Zhao feel sorry for him. He's just lucky," Kangda muttered, still unwilling to believe that Qi Lin and Zhao Zhiren were truly acquainted.
However, Tang Shu, being more mature and experienced, knew better. After years of practicing medicine, people like Zhao Zhiren, who regularly dealt with life and death, became extremely resolute. They weren't easily swayed by emotional appeals. The affection in Zhao's eyes when he looked at Qi Lin couldn't be faked.
A sudden realization struck Yushu.
Her eyes lit up. Could Qi Lin's rescue of Yinxuan this morning be a life-saving bond? If so, maybe he could help get Yinxuan the surgery she needs from Dr. Zhao!
She blurted out the thought without even realizing it.
Lin Qiu, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "Yinxuan, Qi Lin is a security guard at your school, right? Do you know him well?"
Tang Yinxuan gently shook her head. Being someone who couldn't tell a lie, she quietly answered, "I-I didn't know him before. I only met him because he saved me."
Kangda's heart sank, and a feeling of dread washed over him. He couldn't shake the sense that Qi Lin, despite looking like an ordinary security guard, posed a serious threat to him.
The incident earlier had already left a scar. Qi Lin, this lowlife, had stolen the first kiss of the girl he had already set his sights on.
Kangda no longer wanted any interaction between Tang Yinxuan and Qi Lin.
"Uncle Tang, didn't you already decide on another expert? I've made the necessary connections, and we could get the surgery done in just a week…" But before he could finish, Tang Shu had already started walking toward Zhao Zhiren's office, bringing Yinxuan and Lin Qiu with him.
Kangda, now visibly frustrated, gritted his teeth and followed them reluctantly.
As expected, Tang Shu and his group were stopped by security at the door.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Zhao isn't taking any more patients today. You can't see him without an appointment," the guard explained.
Lin Qiu quickly responded, "We know the young man who just went in. Could you call him out so we can talk to him for a moment?"
The security guard, momentarily stunned, nodded after realizing they weren't here for Dr. Zhao directly. "Please wait here," he said before heading inside.
Inside the office, only Dr. Zhao and Qi Lin remained, chatting happily.
"Dr. Zhao, a few people outside want to speak with this gentleman," the security guard said, breaking the conversation.
Zhao Zhiren was slightly taken aback and turned to Qi Lin. "Why would people looking for you come to my office?"
Qi Lin smiled mischievously. "They're here because they want to see you for surgery, Brother Zhao. And since you were kind enough to invite me in, you understand why they came to you, right?"
Zhao Zhiren nodded knowingly, then asked with a grin, "So, what are you planning? If they're important to you, should I help them out?"
A sly smile flashed across Qi Lin's face. "To be honest, Brother Zhao, the girlfriend situation is already under control. I just need a small favor from you."
Leaning closer, Qi Lin whispered a few words into Zhao's ear.
As Zhao Zhiren listened, a grin slowly spread across his face. "You rascal, always up to something. But you know, this isn't such a bad idea. For the sake of your marriage, I'll help you out."
Despite the obvious age gap between the two, they seemed like old friends, bound by a shared mischievousness.
With their agreement settled, Qi Lin followed the security guard back outside the office.
When Tang Shu saw Qi Lin emerging, his face brightened.
"Mr. Qi Lin..."
Qi Lin feigned surprise. "I was wondering who the security guard was talking about. Why are you all here?"
Tang Shu wasted no time and quickly recounted Yinxuan's situation.
Qi Lin listened attentively and then responded, "I thought after the last time I helped Yinxuan, her condition had stabilized. I didn't realize it was just the beginning."
Tang Shu sighed. "Yes, Dr. Zhao Zhiren is the country's top cardiac surgeon, and only he can save Yinxuan's life."
At that point, Tang Shu finally asked what had been on his mind. "Mr. Qi Lin, how exactly do you know Dr. Zhao Zhiren?"
Qi Lin chuckled. "It's simple—I saved his life."
The moment Qi Lin spoke, he glanced at Kangda, making sure his words landed where they needed to.
Tang Shu blinked in confusion. "You saved Dr. Zhao's life?" It sounded like something out of a fantasy. How could a security guard save a renowned cardiac surgeon?
Qi Lin continued, focusing on Kangda now. "Earlier today, Dr. Zhao was in a car accident. Kangda was there too. I noticed the car was on fire and about to explode, so I rushed in and saved Dr. Zhao."
Pausing for effect, Qi Lin added, "If Kangda had been the one to jump in and save him, maybe he would know Dr. Zhao now too."
With that final blow, Qi Lin's lips curled into a subtle, victorious smile.
"Pu!!!"
Kangda couldn't take it any longer. Blood surged to his head, and with a choking gasp, he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.