Please Don’t Give Up On Treatment

Accompanying the sound of the doorbell was a gentle and clear female voice, laced with a hint of anxiety.

Yu Tian widened her eyes and glanced at Yan Ming. “Who is it? Do you have a visitor today?”

Yan Ming’s lips pressed into a thin line.

“It’s the matchmaker I was supposed to meet today.”

He cast a sidelong glance at Yu Tian: “I was supposed to have lunch with her.”

His voice was leisurely yet calm as he continued, “But I’m ill—with acute gastroenteritis.”

Yan Ming’s striking eyes bore into Yu Tian’s, “You understand, right? It’s serious enough that I can’t go out.”

“……”

“So, as my… sister, you came to check on me.”

“……”

Yan Ming calmly eyed the instant noodles in front of him and then glanced at those before Yu Tian, noting that both bowls contained only red broth and a few scallions.

“Someone suffering from acute gastroenteritis should fast and replenish electrolytes. So if anyone discovers these two bowls, it will seem like they are yours, given your substantial appetite.”

“……”

Yan Ming finally cast a warning glance at Yu Tian to ensure she would comply, then he rose to open the door for the visitor.

At that moment, Yu Tian comprehended that his previously mentioned “special circumstances” were not merely an indication of voyeuristic sensitivity to seek parental attention. Rather, they were rooted in these circumstances…

Standing outside was a girl who had evidently dressed up for the occasion. Her makeup was exquisite, showcasing a tailored but clearly uncomfortable high-end suit that accentuated her figure. She carried an elegant Hermès bag and cradled a bouquet of flowers and a basket of imported fruits, stepping gracefully inside.

She was a pretty girl, and upon seeing Yan Ming, she momentarily lost her composure, her cheeks flushing as her speech became stuttered. “You look better than I expected.”

Yan Ming accepted the flowers and fruit with a brief, polite thank you before reverting to his earlier demeanor: “I apologize for being ill and for troubling you to come by, Miss Gao.”

Miss Gao, whose full name was Gao Mei, smiled gently, then noticed Yu Tian seated at the dining table. “And who is this?”

Before Yan Ming could answer, Yu Tian eagerly introduced herself. “Hello, I’m Yu Tian, Yan Ming’s sister! I came to check on how my brother is doing.”

Gao Mei smiled again, attempting to show concern for Yan Ming’s well-being by engaging him in conversation.

Yan Ming was polite, responding to her inquiries, but remained somewhat taciturn, never introducing new topics and keeping his replies exceedingly brief.

Gao Mei’s father and Yan Wenhua were business partners, and she had caught a glimpse of Yan Ming at a gathering. However, before she could speak to him, he had received a call from the hospital, prompting him to rush back for an emergency surgery.

Since then, Gao Mei had harbored feelings for him.

This matchmaking endeavor had only come to fruition through Gao Mei’s persistence; she had persuaded her father to reach out to Yan Wenhua.

However, Gao Mei was no fool. She realized that Yan Ming did not even have plans for dating, let alone marriage.

At only twenty-eight, he was already an attending physician with an incredibly promising future.

The matchmaking appointment had originally been scheduled much earlier, but due to Yan Ming’s busy hospital schedule, it had been postponed repeatedly. Finally, he had taken a day off, reportedly due to a stern directive from Yan Wenhua. Yet, just before their meeting, she learned that Yan Ming had fallen ill.

She understood this was likely a gentle way of declining their meeting, yet Gao Mei, undeterred, requested Yan Ming’s address and had come over despite their unfamiliarity.

As she observed the presence of Yu Tian in the room, Gao Mei’s initial feelings of hostility emerged.

She was extraordinarily beautiful—certainly more than just describeable as having “bright eyes and white teeth.” Perhaps she had just consumed something spicy and warm, for though she wore no makeup, her lips were naturally full and rosy, resembling the seductive hues of a lipstick meant to entice.

Could it be that Yan Ming’s professed commitment to focusing on his career was merely an excuse, concealing a deeper romantic interest?

Fortunately, a few of Yu Tian’s words seemed to dissipate Gao Mei’s apprehension.

“I’ll get you a glass of water.”

Taking advantage of Yan Ming’s turn to fetch water, Gao Mei decided to shift her approach toward Yu Tian.

“So, you’re Yan Ming’s sister. No wonder you’re so beautiful; clearly, your family is blessed with excellent genes.”

Yu Tian chuckled awkwardly, feeling somewhat insecure.

Yet Gao Mei appeared unbothered, her focus still on Yan Ming. “I noticed your brother isn’t actually sick, right?”

Yu Tian felt unsure about the relationship between Gao Mei and Yan Ming, but since this was a matchmaking scenario, there were undoubtedly intricate dynamics at play.

Almost instinctively, she found herself defending Yan Ming, “No, really, Sister! My brother is genuinely sick; it’s just that it isn’t very visible on the surface.”

Gao Mei bit her lip, “He truly doesn’t appear unwell—looks like he’s fine. But Uncle Yan claims he’s too unwell to meet me…”

Swallowing her anxiety, Yu Tian responded with a forced smile, “You see, some people with weaker constitutions may appear to be fine even when they’re not. He seems alright now, but maybe he’s just putting on a brave face.”

With a forced laugh, she added, “After all, being a man, he would naturally want to present himself as strong and capable in front of you.”

Gao Mei’s tone carried a hint of vulnerability, “But I don’t mind those things. If he’s not that sick, he could’ve come to meet me…”

Wasn’t he just fetching water?

Why hadn’t he come out of the kitchen yet?

Yu Tian hadn’t anticipated Gao Mei’s persistent probing—she had to invent an excuse. “He has acute gastroenteritis, you know. It’s somewhat awkward, as on the surface he seems fine, but he frequently needs to rush to the restroom, often leading others to misunderstand the situation.”

Yu Tian inwardly prayed Gao Mei wouldn’t delve deeper.

Unfortunately, Gao Mei’s interest was piqued further as her eyes widened, “Misunderstand what?”

“Um…” Yu Tian felt her words dwindling, “Acute gastroenteritis can lead to frequent vomiting and diarrhea; if he needs to use the restroom too often, it might be misconstrued as a prostate issue. You know how embarrassing that can be for a man…”

“……”

Gao Mei’s face registered surprise, possessing a knowing look of someone who had seen the world.

Fortunately, this finally dissuaded Gao Mei from seeking further clarification. Suddenly remembering something, she took out her phone. “Let’s add each other on WeChat; your brother’s contact…”

Just as Yu Tian finished scanning Gao Mei’s QR code, she instantly felt a surge of panic upon hearing the rest of Gao Mei’s request.

Could Gao Mei possibly want Yan Ming’s WeChat from her?

She had none!

But maintaining her guise as Yan Ming’s sister was crucial…

Yu Tian’s survival instinct kicked in robustly. “My brother is quite shy around girls and busy with his medical practice, so he usually doesn’t add female contacts he’s not familiar with.”

She quickly elaborated, “He generally doesn’t add girls at all. So I was hesitant to offer you his WeChat, fearing he might get upset with me…”

Though there was some truth to Yu Tian’s statement, it did not change the fact that she had asked for it twice without success.

Gao Mei seemed momentarily taken aback but then shyly smiled, “Oh, is that so… I actually already have your brother’s WeChat. I asked him for it before. I was just thinking that while I already have his contact info, yours is missing so we should exchange ours.”

“……”

Yu Tian adopted a flat expression, “How many attempts did it take for you to finally add him?”

Gao Mei replied without suspicion, “Huh? Just once! He approved it right away.”

“……”

Just as Yu Tian and Gao Mei connected on WeChat, Yan Ming emerged from the kitchen holding a steaming cup of tea.

As soon as he appeared, Yu Tian turned to him, unable to contain her growing curiosity, and playfully asked, “Yan Ming, you approved Gao Mei’s WeChat request right away? So why do some girls have to ask for it twice, only to be left hanging?”

Yan Ming cast a quick glance at Yu Tian. “Because some people are more reticent. Even after adding me, they won’t bother me unnecessarily, while others are simply too chatty.”

“……”

With his striking gaze trained on Yu Tian, he remarked, “Count how many lines of conversation you’ve exchanged with me since entering, compared to hers.”

Yu Tian found herself grappling for a rebuttal but couldn’t resist muttering, “Well, if you consider it from a different angle, isn’t that indicative of our shared topics? You’ll notice it’s not only me doing the talking. If you’d ignored me, I’d surely have stopped chatting feeling like this was pointless…”

“……”

But now was the perfect moment to act.

Yu Tian retrieved her phone and stated, “Add me.”

She looked at him mischievously. “A sister shouldn’t be without her brother’s WeChat, right?”

“Isn’t that right, Yan Ming?”

“……”

Just then, Gao Mei returned from her phone call, and seeing Yan Ming back in the room, she naturally sought to engage him in conversation.

However, with the dynamic shifted from two parties to three, the atmosphere turned uncomfortably silent.

Gao Mei attempted to initiate a few topics, but Yan Ming’s responses left her with few avenues to explore.

Noticing Gao Mei’s discomfort, Yu Tian took the initiative to ease the tension. “Thank you, Gao Mei, for bringing flowers and fruits for my brother. I really appreciate you going out of your way.”

Gao Mei smiled appreciatively but then discreetly turned her gaze toward Yan Ming. “I heard your brother was unwell, which worried me. I didn’t know you were here, so I impulsively came over.”

Gao Mei didn’t want to appear overbearing or overly invested in the matchmaking. She flicked her hair nervously while glancing at Yan Ming. “I initially didn’t plan anything; I just happened to pass by, and seeing you are alright and with Yu Tian here, I felt reassured.”

“Thanks,” Yan Ming nodded and glanced at Yu Tian. “Since you’re about to leave, my sister can accompany you on your way out.”

Before Yu Tian could fully immerse herself in the joy of being called “sister,” she was taken aback by the abruptness of Yan Ming’s summation and raised her head in confusion.

Gao Mei mirrored her bewilderment. “Leaving?”

When had she mentioned leaving?

Yan Ming sipped his tea and chuckled lightly. “Didn’t you say you had business to attend to and were passing by? You must still have matters to see to. I’m fine—my gastroenteritis mainly requires a light diet and electrolyte replenishment. Go on and take care of your own affairs; you can’t delay them.”

“……”

By the time they reached the underground parking garage to send Gao Mei off, Yu Tian still felt a little dazed.

Gao Mei appeared equally bewildered.

Initially, Yu Tian intended to leave on her own, but since it was indeed on Gao Mei’s way, the latter insisted on giving her a ride.

Thus, what was supposed to be a matchmaking banquet turned into an awkward exchange between Yu Tian and Gao Mei in the car.

Yet Gao Mei refused to let this setback deter her; she soon brightened up, attempting to use Yu Tian as a bridge into Yan Ming’s heart.

“Your brother must have a lot of girls after him, right? What kind of girl does he like?”