Chapter 75 Dr. Shen, It's Been a While

Wrapped in a military overcoat and sipping hot water, Shen Mushi was taken aback when he saw Jiang Zao. “What brings you here on New Year's?” he asked.

Sister Hui fetched a stool for Jiang Zao to sit.

Seated, Jiang Zao replied, “I’m here to pay my respects to my mother. And you, Doctor Shen—what brings you here?”

Shen Mushi gave a bitter smile. “One of my patients. Post-operative complications. The burial is today.”

Jiang Zao’s smile froze. “I’m sorry. Are you alright?”

Shen Mushi nodded. “I’m fine. The surgery was risky to begin with, and the patient was elderly, prone to complications. The family accepted the hospital’s explanation without protest. As the attending physician, I thought I’d come during the holiday, just to give myself closure.”

Sister Hui poured a cup of hot water for Jiang Zao, then called the duty office to summon a shuttle.

With the warmth of the water, the chill she’d felt at the grave gradually faded.

Jiang Zao spoke. “Doctor Shen, don’t leave yet. Let’s have dinner together tonight—it’s rare to have someone familiar around.”

Shen Mushi glanced at his watch. “Alright, I’ve nothing pressing. You must be freezing—warm up properly. It snowed a few days ago; these are the coldest days.”

Jiang Zao said, “I’m not as strong as before. I worry about slipping on the way down the mountain. Come spring, I’ll need to exercise more—health is the foundation of everything.”

Shen Mushi laughed. “Absolutely. Health comes first. Times are tough, and you work hard—you should take care of yourself.”

Jiang Zao burst out laughing. “Haha, I haven’t heard you talk like this in ages—your style is very nostalgic.”

Shen Mushi blushed and quickly changed the subject. “What are you planning to do about Zhou Jiayan? The Li family isn’t just any small group.”

Jiang Zao’s expression was inscrutable. “You’ll know in a few days. Why so anxious?”

Sister Hui interrupted. “Miss Jiang, Doctor Shen, the shuttle is here. Let’s continue at home.”

Shen Mushi followed Jiang Zao back to her house. Once inside, he took off his heavy coat and stared in surprise at Jiang Zao’s abdomen.

“Don’t tell me you’ve gained this much weight in just a few months.”

Jiang Zao gently patted her slightly rounded belly. “The essence of sun and moon—give me another six months and I’ll have someone for you to play with.”

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Shen Mushi stepped back, shock written all over his face. “So you were in such a hurry to leave because… of the child?”

Jiang Zao invited him to sit on the sofa. “Yes, if it weren’t for the baby, I wouldn’t have left so easily. As you said, the memory issues are temporary. I can withstand Zhou Li Chuan’s coldness, but the child may not. If he doesn’t want it…”

“He won’t,” Shen Mushi cut in quickly. “Chuan—he wouldn’t reject the child. Especially yours.”

Jiang Zao smiled and shifted the topic. “How are Uncle Zhou and Aunt Shen? They always say they’re fine on WeChat, but I can’t find out much else. Is Uncle Zhou’s heart stable?”

Shen Mushi sighed softly. “Zhou Kuan went back to the old house for New Year’s—it’s a family tradition. He and Chuan are under the same roof; it’s a bit awkward. Uncle’s been angry a few times, but nothing serious. The resident doctor is very professional.”

Jiang Zao nodded; she didn’t expect everything to be fine. With the conversation at this point, she didn’t press further.

Sister Hui brought over some freshly brewed tea, placing it on the table. After a while, Shen Mushi asked about Jiang Zao’s recent situation.

Jiang Zao shared her latest prenatal check results and showed him drawings she’d made on her tablet.

Shen Mushi looked at the artwork on the device and suddenly realized, “Isn’t this Meng Qiaoyuan’s phone wallpaper?”

Jiang Zao glanced at him. “Did you see her yesterday?”

Shen Mushi hesitated, then laughed it off. “Not yesterday—this morning at the hospital. She was on duty, and I was about to leave.”

Jiang Zao pretended not to notice. “That’s good. Keep in touch.”

Shen Mushi dropped the pretense and asked directly, “Does Meng Qiaoyuan visit often?”

Jiang Zao shook her head. “She came once before New Year, with Zhou Jiayan. She’ll come again the day after tomorrow, probably to talk about something.”

Jiang Zao didn’t mention Meng Qiaochong’s impending visit to Shen Mushi. She wasn’t sure how Shen Mushi truly felt about Meng Qiaoyuan, so she preferred to reveal less—for Meng Qiaoyuan’s sake.

Mentioning Zhou Jiayan, Shen Mushi appeared concerned. “Has Zhou Jiayan told you about her situation with Du Bin?”

Jiang Zao was reminded and realized she should explain. “Right, Du Bin—I almost forgot. Du Bin hasn’t made any statement regarding Zhou Jiayan, has he? He hasn’t publicly acknowledged their relationship?”

Shen Mushi nodded. “Yes, we all noticed their connection, but it seems neither of them wants to make it public.”

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Jiang Zao said, “Zhou Jiayan would never hold back unless Du Bin didn’t want to say anything. That’s the only reason she’s silent.”

Shen Mushi replied, “I don’t know Du Bin well; he only joined Chuan later. But considering his background, his family isn’t affluent, and he works for others. He’s worlds apart from a suitable match. It makes sense he wouldn’t want to be the subject of gossip.”

Jiang Zao shrugged. “I get it, but I don’t agree. He’s stubborn; if it’s just a matter of not coming around yet, it’s understandable. But if he gives up acknowledging their feelings because of this, he doesn’t deserve Zhou Jiayan.”

Shen Mushi looked up. “How so?”

Jiang Zao explained, “Whether a relationship survives isn’t about which choice is more important, or whose future is more precious. It’s about whether, when problems arise, both people have the mindset to tackle them together—whether they can hold hands and persevere.”

Shen Mushi mulled over her words, then gave a thumbs-up. “Impressive—so wise for someone so young.”

Jiang Zao sighed. “Easy to advise others, hard to advise oneself.”

Seeing her like this, Shen Mushi lowered his voice. “Chuan… hasn’t been doing well lately.”

Jiang Zao remained still, her hand clenched on the sofa.

Shen Mushi noticed her subtle movement and, sipping his tea, continued, “Chuan’s memory issues are gradually improving; he’s recalling fragments now. Actually… even when his memory wasn’t back, his feelings for you never changed. He’s just… unfamiliar with such intense emotions and instinctively protects himself. Consider it me making excuses for him.”

Jiang Zao shook her head. “It’s alright. I guessed as much. He recently came to ask Sister Hui about the past.”

Shen Mushi nodded. “He returned to Qingjiang Cloud Peak, said he’d stay there for a while to think things over.”

Qingjiang Cloud Peak was the riverside apartment they’d once shared.

Such a high-end complex, nearly dismissed as trash by Zhou Jiayan. Everyone had moved back to the Tingshan Villa together.