Chen Dongyang and the woman sat in the hallway while Tiantian waited in Director Gao’s office.
After an unknown amount of time, the child was brought out.
Director Gao, while removing his mask and gloves, explained the situation to them.
He spoke a string of medical jargon, but Tiantian only grasped one crucial point.
The child needed a heart transplant as soon as possible. If things continued as they were, not even a deity could save him.
Chen Dongyang and the woman stated they would comply with the hospital’s arrangements and do whatever was instructed.
The director said a series of procedures would follow and asked for their cooperation, emphasizing that there was still hope.
The child was admitted to the hospital and settled into a room. Everyone stood by the bedside until the director said it wasn’t necessary for so many people to stay.
“The noisy environment is detrimental to the child’s recovery, and there are medical staff here. Only one family member needs to stay for companionship.”
The woman stood up, looking at Chen Dongyang with affection.
“You still have work during the day. Don’t wear yourself out here at night. I can manage alone. You should go back and rest.”
Chen Dongyang was worried about the woman overexerting herself.
The woman replied, “What about you? Your health matters too. Besides, I don’t have work during the day, so I can catch up on sleep. What good will it do if you stay up? Go back. If you collapse, Doubao will truly have no hope.”
Chen Dongyang had no choice but to leave first, descending in the elevator with Tiantian.
Unknowingly, time had already passed midnight.
The torrential rain continued. The two stood on the steps, gazing at the vast expanse of rain. After a moment of silence, Chen Dongyang said,
“I’ve called a car. I’ll take you back first.”
Neither of them lived close by. Chen Dongyang lived even further away. Tiantian calculated the travel time, realizing it would be past one in the morning by the time he got home.
“No need. I can get back by myself.”
“You’re delaying this because of my situation. It’s late at night, and it’s raining. What if something happens? Let’s go.”
Tiantian indeed had not experienced such a situation before.
Her parents had always taught her about personal safety since she was young. She felt a little scared.
It wouldn’t make much difference to wait for him. If he wanted to send her, so be it.
The two, holding Chen Dongyang’s damp coat, ran to the entrance as their ride-hailing car arrived.
The car couldn’t drive fast, stopping and starting along the way. It took over forty minutes to reach Tiantian’s residential area.
Looking at the thin, tired man beside her, Tiantian felt a pang of sympathy.
“Why don’t you come in with me?”
Chen Dongyang paused, not understanding her meaning.
Tiantian said, “I live alone, and I have plenty of spare rooms. You’ve been running around and haven’t had much rest, and you have to work tomorrow. Why don’t you stay over for the night?”
Looking back, she realized how trusting she had been.
She didn’t know him well, and he was still a man. How could she have been so at ease inviting him into her home?
Chen Dongyang was surprised by Tiantian’s warmth. Touched, he politely declined.
“No need. It won’t take much time, and I can’t trouble you further. I’ll watch you go in. Thank you very much for today.”
Tiantian didn’t say anything more. She was simply soft-hearted and kind, unable to bear seeing others suffer.
Since he didn’t need it, she was happy to be relieved.
Just as she was about to open the door, the driver turned around and said to Chen Dongyang,
“Buddy, I have to say something to you.”
“Your girlfriend is so beautiful, and she even invited you. You’re being so hesitant when she’s said all that. Are you even a man?”
“Go on. It’s raining heavily, the car is almost out of gas, and I’m too lazy to drive around anymore. Let’s all call it a night. I’ll drop you both off downstairs, and we’ll all be happy. Give me a five-star review, how about that?”
Chen Dongyang seemed to be contemplating something. He stared at the driver for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled and leaned back into the seat.
“Miss Jiang, then I’ll have to trouble you again.”
Tiantian used her face scan to have the driver drop her off downstairs. They didn’t get wet and entered the lobby.
The lights were bright all the way up to her apartment.
Chen Dongyang had a vague understanding of Tiantian’s financial status, so he wasn’t too surprised to see the luxurious large house.
However, being completely drenched, the contrast between his state and the clean, tidy environment made him feel a bit embarrassed.
Tiantian asked him to leave his shoes and socks by the door and found a pair of guest slippers for him to wear.
She poured him a glass of water and handed him a set of guest pajamas.
“That’s it for today. There’s a bathroom and a washing machine in the guest room. The toiletries are in the drawer. Wash your clothes while you’re at it. I’m going to sleep now.”
Chen Dongyang thanked her again, finished his water, and they each went into their respective rooms.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning, Tiantian was awakened by a knock on the door.
Remembering Chen Dongyang was at home, she quickly got up.
When she went out, he was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, but after being washed and worn again, he looked refreshed and energetic.
He was already ready to leave.
Tiantian rubbed her eyes. “Why are you up so early?”
It wasn’t even seven o’clock yet. Chen Dongyang smiled apologetically at her.
“I didn’t want to disturb you and planned to go straight to the company, but your apartment complex has very strict security.”
“Knowing you haven’t had enough sleep, could you drop me off first and then come back to sleep more?”
It wasn’t that much of a difference, as she usually woke up at seven.
Tiantian casually tied her hair up and walked towards the bathroom, saying, “No need. Wait for me for a bit. We’ll go out together.”
After a quick wash and changing into a thicker commuter outfit, without applying makeup, they left together.
Tiantian went to the garage to get her car. “Are you going home or to the company? I’ll drive you.”
Chen Dongyang said, “No need. Driving me back and forth will delay your work. I’ll just take a taxi myself.”
Tiantian started driving. “Tell me the address first. I’ll see if it’s on the way. If it is, I’ll give you a ride. After all, I’m using this much fuel driving alone anyway.”
Mr. Chen Dongyang seemed to find this reasonable. He gave his company’s address, and they could travel together for a portion of the journey.
Tiantian continued driving, unsure of what to say. In the silence, Chen Dongyang took out his laptop.
“Is it confirmed that Miss Zhu’s family will use your design for their home renovation?”
Tiantian glanced at him. “If you have any better ideas, yours can be used too.”
Chen Dongyang didn’t say much more and pushed the laptop towards her.
“I don’t have any particularly brilliant ideas, but I’ve designed a large-capacity wardrobe and bed specifically for her home’s structure. Take a look when you have time.”
“However, this design has a drawback. It requires custom tailoring and is relatively troublesome to assemble. The cost might be a bit higher than expected. I haven’t discussed it with Miss Zhu in person yet.”
As there was a red light, Tiantian stopped and glanced at his design.
It was a storage design commonly used by users in small apartments to save space, combining practicality and aesthetics.
She made the decision for Wushuang. “It’s fine.”
Chen Dongyang said, “Alright then, it’s settled. I’ll take the measurements later. Will you find the custom tailoring craftsman, or should I?”