Chapter 141: Yiling’s Friends (1)

"Cough, cough." Cheng Yi cleared his throat lightly, drawing the attention of Luo Xiuwen, who had been intensely focused on Jian Yiling.

Luo Xiuwen glanced at Hong Baizhang with a hint of annoyance. "Old Hong, we're just here to visit a friend, not to discuss work. Let's keep this a day for personal matters," she asserted firmly.

"Friend? Who is this friend of yours?" Hong Baizhang asked, curiosity evident on his face. He was genuinely intrigued by the nature of the relationship between Luo Xiuwen and Cheng Yi and their mysterious friend.

"Well, we're visiting the friend who is currently lying down, of course. Otherwise, how could we even call it a visit?" Luo Xiuwen replied, raising an eyebrow. 

Hong Baizhang felt a bit embarrassed; Luo Xiuwen had a knack for being blunt, which often left others feeling uncomfortable. He turned his gaze back to the bed, taking in the sight of a frail girl who looked remarkably young, perhaps still in her teenage years—certainly much younger than Luo Xiuwen and Cheng Yi.

"Are you saying she's your 'friend'?" he inquired, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

"What's the problem? Do you have an issue with that?" Luo Xiuwen retorted, crossing her arms defiantly.

Of course, Hong Baizhang had no real objections; he merely found the situation rather "unique." Often, he struggled to keep up with the fast-paced thinking of Luo Xiuwen and Cheng Yi. He was baffled about how this sickly girl in the hospital could possibly be considered a friend to them.

Others in the room shared his confusion, their expressions mirroring his own. Jian Shuxiang, unable to contain his curiosity, chimed in, "Director Hong, do you know these two?"

"Yes, they're researchers from the Huiling Institute," he replied.

The term "researcher" might sound relatively low-key at first, but when coupled with "Huiling Institute," it took on an entirely different significance. The researchers there were among the best in their fields. Jian Shuxiang suddenly recalled why these two appeared so familiar; during his search for suitable surgeons for Jian Yunao's upcoming operation, he had come across their names in various medical references.

Both of them were top researchers in their respective specialties. More importantly, the surgical team responsible for Jian Yunao's hand nerve surgery hailed from Huiling Medical Research Institute. As soon as the name "Huiling Institute" was mentioned, the atmosphere shifted noticeably; everyone's expressions transformed into a mix of respect and intrigue.

Jian Yunao, who was waiting outside the room, couldn't help but be drawn in by the conversation. His gaze locked onto the man and woman inside, realizing that the surgeon who would soon operate on him was affiliated with this prestigious institute. He felt an overwhelming urge to approach them, to learn more about these esteemed individuals who represented hope and healing.

In Jian Yunao's mind, Huiling Institute was synonymous with hope; everything associated with it shone with a light of possibility. Even Jian Yuling's grandmother found herself glancing more closely at Luo Xiuwen and Cheng Yi, particularly Cheng Yi. His appearance was scholarly and well-groomed; he was relatively young yet exuded an air of competence and intelligence. 

Seeing that her granddaughter had made such admirable friends filled her heart with joy. "Dr. Luo, Dr. Cheng, what a surprise to see you both here," Jian Shuxiang greeted them, his tone polite and warm. 

Luo Xiuwen and Cheng Yi returned his greeting, a mutual respect forming in the space between them as they acknowledged the connections they shared through Jian Yiling. In that moment, it became clear that their friendship was about to weave together the threads of their lives, intertwining their destinies in a way that promised support and understanding in the face of challenges yet to come. 

As the hospital room buzzed with the energy of unexpected visitors, Jian Yiling lay quietly, her condition a poignant reminder of the fragile balance between health and illness, and the power of friendship and family to guide one through even the darkest of times.