Please Don’t Give Up On Treatment

He had never been a picky eater. Yet, for reasons he couldn’t fathom, the lunch from their usual fast food place tasted intolerable today.

Yan Ming thought about the dishes he had glimpsed in Qi Sihao’s lunchbox and found himself unable to enjoy the meal in front of him. It was almost nauseating.

However, if he guessed correctly, Yu Tian would be bringing him food again tomorrow.

After all, she seemed very eager for her mother to remarry his father.

She likely hoped to win him over for this purpose.

But her calculations might be misguided. While Yan Wenhua indeed valued Yan Ming’s opinions, he had no intention of intervening in his father’s romantic life.

What Yan Ming didn’t expect was that the regular dinner meeting with Yan Wenhua that night would yield some shocking news.

“Son, do you remember the lady you met last time? Song Chunxiang?”

Yan Wenhua took a sip of red wine, looking a bit melancholic. “I’ve broken up with her.”

Yan Ming paused, his fork suspended mid-air. “Why? Didn’t you two get along well?”

“True, it’s rare to find someone so compatible, but she felt something was missing between us; it was more comfortable being friends.”

Sighing, Yan Wenhua continued, “I sensed this coming. I’ve tried to arrange meetings this past week, but she kept finding reasons not to meet. Sure enough, today she suggested we break it off.”

Yan Ming was taken aback.

Given his family’s financial resources, there had always been a steady stream of potential stepmothers after his father’s divorce. This was the first time someone had actively rejected his father.

He didn’t have a particularly strong impression of Song Chunxiang, so he felt little of the disappointment Yan Wenhua expressed.

Though he knew he shouldn’t, his immediate reaction was a pang of regret; he might be losing out on Yu Tian’s meals in the future.

They had looked quite delicious.

What a pity.

Unaware of any of this, Yu Tian returned home, her first task focused on crafting new recipes.

Today had been outrageous; had she known Yan Ming would be there, she would never have let Qi Sihao eat from the meal she prepared!

Determined to create a more sumptuous spread, she resolved to send him meals for several days as an apology.

When Song Chunxiang returned home, Yu Tian was busy chopping vegetables.

“Mom! You’re back!”

Seeing Yu Tian, Song Chunxiang immediately adjusted her expression and smiled. “I’m back.”

After thoughtful consideration, Song Chunxiang had officially rejected Yan Wenhua today.

Though she was older and her child was grown, and despite Yan Wenhua’s many advantages—it was only sensible to pursue such an opportunity—Song Chunxiang still held onto a bit of idealism, believing she should listen to her heart more at this age.

As the novelty wore off, her growing familiarity with Yan Wenhua led to a waning sense of excitement. It became evident that his home was several tiers wealthier than hers, and the places he took her or the things he bought were far outside her usual spending habits.

At her age, she had long outgrown any petty vanity; she understood that differing values and social backgrounds would lead to discord in the future.

With each passing encounter, Song Chunxiang had begun to see the fundamental chasm between herself and Yan Wenhua—whereas a lavish date might have seemed thrilling, she often felt out of her depth.

But upon returning home, she hesitated to mention her breakup with Yan Wenhua to Yu Tian.

She feared Yu Tian would worry, thinking her presence had hindered her mother’s pursuit of love. She also worried Yu Tian wouldn’t understand her decision and would feel let down; it was clear Yu Tian was fond of Yan Wenhua and genuinely hoped for a relationship between her mother and him.

It seemed better to keep this from her for now, allowing her to accept it gradually without a direct shock.

Fortunately, Yu Tian noticed nothing amiss.

With a cheerful teasing tone, she remarked, “Why are you home so early? Aren’t you going out with Uncle Yan?”

Song Chunxiang smiled and fabricated an excuse: “It’s not like you young folks; I have a son to take care of.”

Although this was an offhand remark, Yu Tian took it to heart.

This wasn’t the first time Song Chunxiang had said something like this, and she hadn’t had many dates with Yan Wenhua lately. Whenever Yu Tian inquired, it was always the same reason—Yan Wenhua was busy with his son.

Three times is a pattern.

This was what? The fourth time!

Yu Tian couldn’t help but feel frustrated with Yan Ming.

How could he be such a mama’s boy?

Every time his attachment to his father interfered with her mother’s chance at happiness, she found it untenable!

As the day went on, an idea struck her.

If she made a proactive move and occupied Yan Ming’s time every day, then he wouldn’t have the opportunity to cling to his father!

This would allow her mother a chance to pursue a relationship with Uncle Yan!

With determination, Yu Tian took action. The next day, after finishing her live stream on recipe preparation, she packaged up all the meals and headed to the Affiliated First Hospital.

To win over Yan Ming, she’d start by winning over his stomach.

When she saw Yan Ming, she noticed he appeared slightly surprised.

“Why are you here?” He pressed his lips together slightly, glancing at the stack of food containers in her hands—taller than the day before. “Should I call Qi Sihao for you?”

Clearing her throat, Yu Tian declared earnestly, “No need for Qi Sihao; I came for you, Brother Yan Ming.”

“Last night, I gave it some thought. While Qi Sihao is a friend, his significance pales in comparison to yours.”

Before coming, Yu Tian had prepared herself mentally, determined to flatter Yan Ming wholeheartedly. To avoid stumbling over her words, she even drafted and memorized some praise.

Yan Ming raised his eyebrows in intrigue.

Gathering her courage, she pressed on, “Honestly, throughout university, you have always been my idol. To me, you were like a distant symbol; I didn’t even know what you looked like. Yet your excellence was enough to guide me forward.”

Yan Ming raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say that a virtual idol cannot compare to actual friends? I agree with that sentiment.”

“No, no, no! You are no longer just a distant idol to me; you’re a real person I know! The closer I get to you, the more I see your brilliance. You’re handsome, fit, intelligent, kind-hearted, gracious…”

“I’m neither kind-hearted nor gracious.”

Before she could continue with her flattery, Yan Ming interrupted her with a teasing glint in his eye. “I hold grudges; I remember even the smallest things.”

“…”

Yu Tian, who had been riding the momentum of her praise, found herself at a loss for words.

Stammering, she said, “Holding a grudge can be fine; it shows…”

“First of all, those who hold grudges, particularly over small things, indicate they have a good memory, which is a vital tool for achieving success in life. This is particularly true for medical professionals; only with excellent memory can one become a good doctor. Secondly, holding grudges signifies a clear sense of love and hate. In this modern society, repaying goodness with kindness isn’t necessarily a virtue. Sometimes, it comes across as having no principles and integrity. Lastly, holding grudges can motivate us to grow and improve; thinking of vengeance compels us to become stronger. Therefore, holding grudges is pure motivation for advancement…”

Yan Ming chuckled. “You articulate that well, but why haven’t you asked me who I’m holding a grudge against?”

Feeling particularly servile, Yu Tian responded quickly, “Who could possibly earn your grudge? They must be quite terrible! Who are they? Do I know them?”

Yan Ming remained silent, looking meaningfully at Yu Tian.

“…”

Yu Tian blinked, pointing to her own nose. “It can’t possibly be me, right?”

With a light chuckle, Yan Ming looked at her knowingly. “What do you think?”

“…”

So it was about the meal incident yesterday?

Even Yu Tian fell temporarily silent, and the atmosphere became awkward.

Fortunately, Yan Ming eventually spoke again.

Looking at her, he said, “There’s no need for you to keep bringing meals. After all, your mother and my father…”

Unexpectedly, Yu Tian interrupted him, “Brother Yan Ming, don’t say that! This isn’t about our parents; I genuinely want to bring you food!”

When Yu Tian spoke, she hadn’t given it much thought, realizing that her words from yesterday, coaxing Qi Sihao, might have reached Yan Ming’s ears, so at this moment, she was earnestly searching for a chance to clarify her intentions.

Admittedly, there were ulterior motives behind her meals for Yan Ming, but in this modern world, it was honest people who too often found themselves alone, leading to a severance of their lineage—and so the honest ones were becoming extinct!

Yu Tian was determined not to be among the extinct honest.

Regardless of her true intentions, she knew she had to frame them positively.

“My actions have nothing to do with our parents; no matter how their relationship develops, I’m acting on my own desires for you.”

She laughed sheepishly as she stated, “I simply want to be a little closer to you…”

Although she believed her words posed no issues, she noticed Yan Ming’s expression changing to one of curiosity.

He fixed his gaze on her, pausing before stating, “You mean it’s all about your own desires?”

Yu Tian nodded. “Yes.” After deliberating a moment, she added, “Of course, the current state of our parents is beneficial for our relationship.”

This was certainly true.

If her mother ended up with Yan Ming’s father, she and Yan Ming would legally become step-siblings; such a familial bond would naturally deepen their connection. During holidays, they would surely interact more and become closer.

While flattery was necessary, crossing the line into ungenuine territory would be excessive.

Only by intertwining truth with a touch of artifice could she achieve her highest goal.

However, for reasons unknown, when Yu Tian spoke those words, Yan Ming’s expression became even more peculiar.

“What do you mean by that?”

Under his probing gaze, Yu Tian tossed her hair with confidence and insisted on shoving the food container into his hands. “Exactly what you think it means!”

What other interpretation could there be? She envisioned a future where they might become a loving family!

Somewhat perplexed by Yan Ming’s slowness, she quickly pushed down her confusion.

“Oh, and, Brother Yan Ming, do you have time tonight? I heard from Qi Sihao that you’re off shift. There’s a new mall opened near the hospital; let me treat you to dinner and explore together!”