Chapter 23 A Good Day

[Doctor Zhen Jian]

It has been a few hours since the incidence 

I didn't even notice when the trio in front of my clinic left, but I don't care about them. The sun was setting, casting long shadows through the open window of the clinic. The room was filled with the warm, golden glow of the late afternoon light, and the scent of herbs and medicines mixed with the faint, sweet aroma of the fresh groceries that Qin Lee had just brought in.

Qin Lee, a small boy with wide eyes and a perpetual look of curiosity, walked in carrying the groceries for the week. He had a slight frame, his black hair tousled, and his clothes a bit too big for him, giving him an endearing, almost comical appearance. Since Mrs. Patient has been staying with me, I had asked the Qin family to deliver my groceries. I offered to pay extra for the delivery, but they simply laughed and said Lee needed the exercise. Lee was more than happy to come, but I decided I would buy candy for him and myself every time he came. He had also seen Mrs. Patient but never asked any questions about it. I thought he was a very curious kid—strange.

Lee came in happy, but froze when he saw me. I waved at him to come in, but he bowed and said, "Doctor Zhen, I can come back?"

"Huh, I don't understand. Why? You don't have to come twice. Just bring the groceries and place them on the counter, please."

Lee looked at me and Mrs. Patient and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Huh, why do you keep asking that?"

Lee looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't.

[Patient Huo Lian]

Hahahaha! Oh my, this is the best! Now it's for sure my doctor is too innocent. Hahahahaha! They think you are doing something inappropriate to your comatose patient. Hahahaha! Naughty Doctor Zhen! Hahaha! His face! I can't get enough. He looks like he was told that 1 + 1 equals 0. Hahaha! I can't even...

[Naughty Doctor Zhen Jian]

Lee placed the bags on the counter and ran away.

"Hey, what about the candies?" I yelled out to him.

I looked at Mrs. Patient, who was still leaning on me, and asked, "I don't know why he is acting like that. I am sorry about that. He is usually a well-behaved kid."

[Patient Huo Lian]

He is like that because of you, doofus. Hahaha!

[Doctor Zhen Jian]

"Strange day, today. Anyway, would you like some candy, Mrs. Patient?" I asked while checking her pulse. It remained the same. She likes sweets, and today has been a hectic day. Maybe some candy would soothe her mind.

I grabbed one and removed the wrapping on it. It was on a stick, so I wasn't worried about it choking her. I nudged her chin down with my thumb and placed the candy between the slit of her separated lips. I took another and placed it in my mouth too and laughed while saying, "Hahaha, I have a sweet tooth. I love candies."

I heard a loud swallow. I followed the sound and saw the entirety of the Qin family hiding at the doorway. Mr. Qin, a tall man with broad shoulders, and Mrs. Qin, a petite woman with kind eyes, along with little Lee, were all peeking in.

"Come on in, everyone. The candies are great today too, Mr. Qin."

The moment I acknowledged their existence, they ran away like I caught them robbing me.

"Huh."

[Happy Patient Huo Lian]

I don't know exactly why, but I feel like this is the best day ever. Ahh, such a beautiful day to be alive. What an amazing candy. I wish I could eat this every day.

[Doctor Zhen Jian]

I didn't need to check her pulse to tell she was happy right now. She looked like she was glowing, her usually pale skin reflecting the soft golden light of the setting sun. Her long, dark hair framed her delicate face, and a faint smile played on her lips.It was nice to see her happy like this. I can't tell why, but it feels nostalgic…