Chapter 5
Talk of sudden brainteasers and so-called brilliance was clearly a smokescreen, designed to lower Yan Ming’s guard.
Indeed, Yu Tian cleared her throat as if delivering a concluding statement, subtly hinting, “I don’t wish to resort to tricks.”
She fixed her gaze on Yan Ming, asking, “So when I inquire, could you respond with a touch more sincerity and less pretense?”
“…” As if she was the one wronged.
Yan Ming decided it would be best to quicken his pace and distance himself from this younger student.
Unfazed by his sudden acceleration, Yu Tian smiled, jogging to keep up. “Could you slow down a bit? My legs are shorter, and I can barely keep up!”
Yan Ming ignored her, but soon, Yu Tian noticed that she no longer needed to sprint.
He instinctively slowed his stride.
Seizing the moment, Yu Tian pressed on, “Yan Ming, now that I know your hobbies, it indicates we are growing closer. What is your favorite food?”
Yan Ming remained silent.
Yu Tian feigned exasperation. “Chronic glomerulonephritis…”
“Cheesecake.”
His tone was cold, as though he were wearied by the exchange. He glanced at Yu Tian and added, “Please refrain from asking such elementary medical queries; it evokes memories of freshman year, and spare me your tedious tactics.”
It appeared he was willing to embrace a bit more sincerity.
Yet, honesty often bears the scars of societal endurance.
The brisk fifteen-minute walk was neither long nor short, yet it was ample time for Yu Tian pop to pose a barrage of questions.
As they approached the cinema, she finally posed her last inquiry.
“What’s your height, weight, and blood type? Do you have any history of drug allergies? Any hereditary diseases?”
“…”
Yan Ming rubbed his brow, as if striving for composure. “If you can say you wish to be friends based on knowing my interests, then why the intrusive personal inquiries?”
“Well… considering our parents are set up on a blind date, and since I’m studying medicine…”
Yan Ming nearly laughed in frustration. “So you intend to conduct a proper pedigree check? Assuming that our parents will match, you think they might eventually have children, prompting you to worry about our genetic lineage?”
He maintained his composure, “Yu Tian, our parents are both nearing fifty.”
“That’s not it,” Yu Tian pondered and earnestly explained, “I’m not as forward-thinking as you believe. I merely want to ensure that should any sudden health crises arise in the future, I, as a relative, can swiftly inform the doctors of your condition, facilitating your treatment…”
“…”
Yan Ming’s voice rose slightly: “Why would I suddenly fall ill?”
“Of course, I don’t wish for anything to happen to you; I hope you live a long life. However, statistically speaking, in the medical field, many suffer from overwork, and accidents do happen…”
“…”
“And have you purchased insurance?”
Yu Tian yearned to suggest a bespoke accident insurance policy for his hands, for as a surgeon, particularly in ophthalmology, his hands were paramount to his career.
The regret of not having insurance following her own accident was a burden she carried.
Since that incident with her right hand, she had instinctively urged any medical school acquaintances to consider insurance without fail.
Yu Tiana acknowledgedher obsessive behavior was excessive, yet she often found it uncontrollable.
The lingering aftermath of her accident not only inflicted physical pain but also instilled psychological trauma.
“Honestly, insurance is quite vital; I have a poignant example from my own experience…”
Unfortunately, just as she prepared to relay her personal story to illustrate the importance of insurance, Yan Ming interjected, “So you abandoned medicine to sell insurance? Hoping I might buy from you?”
She hadn’t, but shortly after her incident, she hastily purchased personal accident insurance. She remembered that her insurance agent had provided a QR code, which, once scanned, would offer a discount.
Yan Ming was not only her idol but potentially her future family member.
Yu Tian resolved not to let anyone else benefit from this opportunity.
She said earnestly, “If you scan my code and provide my name, you’ll save five hundred yuan.”
“…”
Yan Ming appeared ready to say something but was interrupted as his phone rang; Yutan glanced and saw it was his father calling.
Yan Ming answered quickly, and his expression shifted to one of resigned frustration as he listened.
Yu Tian caught snippets of his muted replies.
“I understand. I haven’t left; I’m still here.”
Without doubt, the call was likely a check-in from Yan Wenhua to ensure Yan Ming was indeed accompanying Yu Tian to the movies.
It was apparent that he did not enjoy a reputation of trustworthiness with his father.
Nevertheless, Yu Tian felt a wave of happiness knowing that Yan Ming had made the effort to accompany her, likely under pressure from Yan Wenhua.
Once the call ended, Yu Tian eagerly inquired, “Do you want popcorn?”
Yan Ming frowned. “Popcorn contains high levels of lead, coupled with excessive sugar, cream, and artificial coloring. Given your medical background…”
“I know! Excessive lead can damage the hematopoietic and digestive systems, and popcorn can lead to obesity; as a medical student, I’m well aware. However!”
Yu Tian responded earnestly, “It is precisely because I am in the medical field that I understand, according to my infrequent consumption of popcorn, it would take decades of such indulgence for it to substantially impact my health.”
Yan Ming shot her a glance.
“Consider how many patients frequent hospitals daily with severe accidents resulting in loss of life. If one could feasibly eat popcorn for decades and still live, that would qualify as a fortunate fate!” Yu Tian blinked, “In short, if one could truly eat enough popcorn to cause death, that is indeed a stroke of luck!”
At this point, she couldn’t resist once more addressing the necessity of insurance, yet Yan Ming’s next words cut her off.
“Insurance and popcorn; you can only choose one.”
His expression, as icy as his voice, conveyed finality: “It’s your choice.”
Staring into Yan Ming’s handsome face, she battled internally for several seconds before ultimately settling for the lesser evil: “I’ll take the popcorn!”
Yan Ming remained silent, as if expecting this conclusion, and walked toward the popcorn counter to queue.
Amidst the throng of men lining up for popcorn, Yan Ming undoubtedly stood out as the most distinguished.
While Yu Tian admired his figure, attempting to find another opportunity to convey the sentiment that “tomorrow and unexpected events come unbidden,” fate had a different plan as her own surprise descended.
“Yu Tian.”
The familiar voice behind her dripped with resentment and carried a hint of tears.
Turning around, she caught sight of Ren Yali, whose dark eyes glared at her from the glass railing of the mall, her face streaked with tears, clearly having recently cried, her emotional state visibly unstable.
A wave of unease washed over Yu Tian.
There was an unsettling history with this mall atrium, where every year someone ended their life by jumping from the upper levels.
Due to the notoriety this garnered in the news over time, it had unfortunately become a “suicide hotspot.”
Ren Yali’s distress was palpable, and she had started to lean over the glass railing.
Without hesitation, Yu Tian dialed Qi Sihao’s number.
“Did Ren Yali contact you afterwards? Has she said anything?”
Qi Sihao sounded confused. “She’s gone back to her usual threats, saying if I don’t break up with her and give her another chance, she’ll take drastic measures, mentioning something about jumping from a nearby cinema…”
Yu Tian was too rushed to elaborate further.
She bit her lip and rushed towards Ren Yali, grabbing her and pulling her to safety away from the precarious edge.
“What are you doing?” Yu Tian scolded, glaring at Ren Yali. “Is this really necessary? Are you willing to die over a man?”
Though Yu Tian had a history of kindness, she didn’t expect that Ren Yali would spin this around on her.
“I saw you with another guy tonight. Clearly, your connection to him is significant; you have stars in your eyes when you look at him! Are you cheating on Qi Sihao?” Ren Yali fumed, “I’m going to tell him! You’re unworthy to be with him!”
The sudden turn left Yu Tian exasperated—she had neither the energy nor the patience to clarify. In a moment of bluntness, she replied, “He’s my brother!” Future family!
Ren Yali, made rash by emotion, finally began to steady herself upon Yu Tian’s intervention, yet her anger remained unabated.
“Are you here to mock me?” She sobbed bitterly, resentful. “You’re beautiful and have Qi Sihao as your boyfriend; you must feel like a winner. You will never understand my feelings!”
Through her tears, there was a flicker of hope in Ren Yali’s gaze. “But was Qi Sihao the one who sent you here?”
Yu Tian didn’t wish to give her unrealistic hopes: “He didn’t. Even if she threatened to end it all, Qi Sihao wouldn’t take her seriously. A man who doesn’t like you wouldn’t care about what you say.”
“Then why did you pull me back? Shouldn’t this be none of your concern? What if I did something reckless, would you want to bear the blame?”
Yu Tian held up her hands. “I didn’t want to intervene. However, my conscience wouldn’t allow me to stand idle.”
Ren Yali was still reluctant: “Spare me the theatrics. Let’s be straightforward: if you possess so much goodwill, why not let Qi Sihao go?”
“That’s out of the question.” Yu Tian responded earnestly. “Precisely because I do have a conscience, I cannot allow Qi Sihao to be with you.”
Ren Yali glared at Yu Tian.
“That kind of scoundrel, rather than enabling him to harm society further, is it not more righteous to have him properly disposed of?”
Yu Tian genuinely believed this and wondered aloud, “What is so great about Qi Sihao anyway?”
“What do you even like about him?”
Ren Yali bit her lip, contemplating: “I like his charisma! I appreciate his refined demeanor! His clean, refreshing aura…”
“Where’s the charisma? Is it due to him wearing a cozier, body-fitting cashmere coat in winter? Did you know he always develops a fever for five days after wearing it home? His health is abysmal; a man with such poor health has little prospect for the future. If you genuinely want to care for a frail man, become a caretaker instead!”
“And his so-called refinement is nothing but facade! Let me team up with him for a game next time, and I’ll show you! His vulgar vocabulary is more extensive than you might imagine!”
“The notion of him being clean and fresh is pure nonsense; his dirty clothes and socks pile up for a week before washing!”
Yu Tian thought she had made her point clear, but to her surprise, Ren Yali remained intransigent.
“You’re merely trying to comfort me; he’s the best man I’ve ever encountered…”
Yu Tian was practically dizzy: “Have you been sheltered from reality?”
“That guy you just saw is my brother, and you can plainly see he’s handsome, right?”
Ren Yali bit her lip and fell silent.