Volume One, Chapter 18: New Year’s Kiss 1

Feng Xi felt a bit vexed—how did she casually pick out a coat worth over a hundred thousand? She sat back down, her heart heavy with mixed emotions, never having imagined that such an ordinary-looking coat could be so expensive. Liu Wanwan comforted her, “Forget about the coat. Let me finish your makeup. Since he bought it, just wear it. He’s a man and can’t wear women’s clothes anyway. It’s just going to sit there unused.” Feng Xi couldn’t help but smile; Liu Wanwan’s tongue was sometimes sharper than a blade.

Since it had come to this, Feng Xi decided not to dwell on it. She had already worn it once; if Gu Qingchen wanted her to compensate him, she might as well give him her life, as she had no money to offer.

The gala lasted until ten at night before announcing the secret VIP the school had been hyping—not a celebrity idol, but the medical titan Lu Youyou, who had just won the world’s most prestigious medical award last year. When Lu Youyou stepped out, the auditorium’s roof seemed about to lift off. The screams and cheers were deafening, and Lin Xin shook Feng Xi’s shoulder wildly.

Compared to those shining idols under the spotlight, these medical giants who had devoted themselves to their craft and saved countless precious lives radiated an even more brilliant light. Especially for students harboring dreams of medicine, such a titan was not only a guiding beacon but an unshakable pillar of spirit.

Feng Xi etched each word of Lu Youyou’s speech into her heart: “The green mountains burn bright, the stars fade dim; traditional Chinese medicine is profound and vast. May the diligent students delve deep into medicine, passing the torch from generation to generation.”

Lin Xin, top of the traditional Chinese medicine department, was called to the stage. Watching Lu Youyou kindly pat Lin Xin’s shoulder, Feng Xi felt a pang of envy. Lu Youyou said, “Students, you are our future. The development of our nation’s medicine rests in your hands.”

Feng Xi silently nodded. No one there understood those words better than she did. When she first started studying medicine, it was simply to help her grandfather. Gradually, she became obsessed; each time she saw a patient recover, the sense of achievement was unparalleled.

If poverty hadn’t restrained her, Feng Xi would have devoted all her time to studying medical texts—from Shennong tasting herbs, Bian Que’s diagnostic methods of observation and questioning, Hua Tuo’s anesthetic concoctions, Huangfu Mi’s acupuncture, to Sun Simiao’s dedication to medicine… Masters emerged one after another, schools of thought flourished, traditions passed down, all embodying the incomparable charm of traditional Chinese medicine.

The gala ended near ten-thirty, ushering in a three-day holiday. Many clubs went out to dine in groups, and some dragged luggage home. Lin Xin and Liu Wanwan, who lived nearby, were picked up by their parents. Amid the lively atmosphere, Feng Xi felt lonely and solitary.

She walked alone along the path. The dormitory was surely empty; the only place she could return to was the hospital, but she hesitated. Gu Qingchen was busy with company affairs, and no one was in the ward.

At this moment, Feng Xi truly understood the feeling of being a stranger in a foreign land, missing home all the more during the festive season.

She didn’t return to the hospital immediately but wandered aimlessly along the roadside near the school. Many young couples held flowers and gifts, waiting for the clock to strike midnight to ring in the new year together.

Behind her, a car approached, its headlights casting a long shadow at her feet. She stepped aside, but the imposing black SUV stopped beside her. The window rolled down, revealing Wu Feng behind the wheel.

“Get in.”

Before Feng Xi could reply, the automatic doors slid open, revealing Gu Qingchen inside. He was clearly drunk, his cheeks flushed, eyes half-closed as he waved to the person outside.

Feng Xi lowered her head and got in.

No sooner had she settled and before fastening her seatbelt, Gu Qingchen grabbed her hand, then suddenly let go.

“Why are you so cold?”

Feng Xi rubbed her hands together. “It’s freezing outside.”

Leaning back against the headrest, Gu Qingchen half-opened his eyes. “Why did you walk so far?”

Feng Xi paused. “Just walking around.”

He smiled. “Planning to spend New Year’s Eve alone?”

Feng Xi never celebrated such festivals. Being poor, she had no sense of ceremony. She lowered her head and murmured, “Yes.”

He gripped her hand with a smile. “I’m alone too. Let’s make do together.”

Feng Xi looked up, unable to believe the sincerity in Gu Qingchen’s gaze. He was drunk and babbling nonsense.

“Why did you drink?”

Gu Qingchen slumped in his seat, chin raised to reveal a handsome neck. “I’m happy today. I finally officially took over Zhou Corporation, so I broke my vow.”

“Congratulations.”

His voice carried a hint of bitterness. “There’s nothing to congratulate. I’m an outsider; many don’t accept me. Now disabled, I’m even more looked down upon. They dare to force drinks on me.”

His cheeks were unnaturally flushed. After Feng Xi’s hand warmed his feverish skin, she touched his forehead—it was burning hot again.

She turned to Wu Feng. “Brother Wu, take him to the hospital.”

Gu Qingchen interrupted, “Not the hospital. Take me to Guan Nan Villa.”

Feng Xi knew she couldn’t argue with him and felt confident in managing his fever, so she agreed.

Wu Feng drove to a grand villa. From the trunk, he took out a wheelchair and lifted the drowsy Gu Qingchen into it.

Feng Xi pushed him into the courtyard. The three-story house was bright and lively, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows next to the main door adorned with festive decorations.

Pushing the wheelchair down the accessible ramp, Feng Xi struggled against the weight as Gu Qingchen slumped awkwardly. She wedged a foot under the railing, braced the wheel, and gave a strong push to get him to the door.

Wu Feng, having parked the car, hurried over, praising, “You’re really strong.”

Feng Xi smiled. She had grown up doing farm work, so although she looked slight, she was surprisingly strong.

Wu Feng knocked, and the door opened to reveal a woman in her forties—the housekeeper.

“Wu Feng, you’re here! Has Mr. Gu come back too?”

Wu Feng nodded and stepped aside. Feng Xi quickly pushed Gu Qingchen inside. The housekeeper was surprised. “Ah, Miss Ye, what’s wrong with Mr. Gu?”

Feng Xi was unsurprised to be mistaken for Ye. She replied calmly, “I’m not Miss Ye. Mr. Gu has a fever.”

The housekeeper’s eyes widened. “A fever? Why didn’t you take him to the hospital but brought him home instead?”

Feng Xi pushed him further inside. “I’m a doctor.”

The housekeeper apologized respectfully. “Sorry, doctor, how is Mr. Gu?”

Feng Xi glanced at the semi-conscious Gu Qingchen. “Auntie, get some alcohol and damp towels and bring them to Mr. Gu’s room.”

Turning to Wu Feng, she continued, “Brother Wu, help me get him to bed and take off his shirt.”

Once they were ready, Feng Xi applied alcohol to Gu Qingchen’s armpits, palms, soles, behind the knees, and back. She placed a damp towel on his forehead and covered his chest and abdomen with a thin blanket.

After finishing, she wiped her sweat. “That’s it for now. The fever should break soon. Auntie, please prepare some hangover soup.”

The housekeeper agreed and went downstairs. Feng Xi caught the faint blue tint in Wu Feng’s eyes.

“Brother Wu, you should rest too. I’ll stay with him.”

Wu Feng trusted Feng Xi completely and said nothing, going off to rest.

With everyone gone, Feng Xi pulled up a chair beside Gu Qingchen’s bed. He was sleeping soundly, his chest rising and falling steadily.

Bored, she looked around the room, which was neatly decorated, mostly in black—just like the impression Gu Qingchen gave.

The only splash of color was a photo on the bedside table. The woman beside Gu Qingchen smiled brightly—confident and warm.

Feng Xi leaned in for a closer look. This must be his former love, the woman who once held his heart. She was stunningly beautiful, impossible to look away from, bearing some resemblance to Feng Xi herself, but their temperaments were worlds apart.

She looked more mature, beautiful and gentle, as though the essence of time’s passage had settled upon her. Her eyes were clear and bright, like a tranquil autumn pool.