That evening, Shen Xi Fan came to visit. He Su Ye was browsing the University of Pennsylvania’s website on his laptop. Curious, she leaned in to look but immediately pulled back.
“Oh no, more English! If I look at it any longer, I’ll lose my mind.”
Seizing the moment, He Su Ye grabbed her hand.
“I need to tell you something.”
She froze, then stammered awkwardly, “Uh… He Su Ye, could you not hold my hand while you’re talking? It makes me feel pressured.”
He Su Ye let go gently, gazing straight into her eyes.
“Girl, could you seriously consider me?”
It was the simplest confession imaginable—no “I like you,” no elaborate phrasing. Plain, straightforward, but sincere.
For Shen Xi Fan, however, no grand declaration could move her as much as his humble request. He was asking earnestly, with a cautious tone that respected her feelings. That respect carried the meaning of “If you accept, I’ll be lucky; if not, I’ll quietly accept my fate.” No matter the outcome, this man would silently take it in stride.
Such a man would undoubtedly give her the long-lost sense of security she needed.
But suddenly, Shen Xi Fan felt an urge to tease him. This man, who always kept his emotions buried so deeply, so well, was far too calm and composed—never flustered, never at a loss.
She lowered her gaze, her eyes dodging his as she hesitated.
“Consider what? There’s nothing to consider…”
He Su Ye’s expression shifted slightly. He had rehearsed this moment in his mind a thousand times, yet his heart still wavered. He disliked taking uncertain risks, but this time he’d forced himself to gamble. Shen Xi Fan’s response made his already shaky confidence plummet.
But then she smiled.
“Consider what, Dr. He? After crying my heart out today, haven’t I made it obvious enough that I like you? Do I really have to spell it out for you?”
He Su Ye’s mouth hung slightly open, his heart bursting into a bloom of a thousand flowers. Words failed him.
“I…”
Shen Xi Fan turned her face away, feeling her own boldness catch up with her. Never before had she spoken so bluntly, and today she’d made an exception—for this oblivious man.
The atmosphere grew thick with intimacy, the air itself seemingly sweetened.
His fingers slowly wrapped around hers, firm and warm, as if silently making an unspoken promise.
“Dr. He, I thought you already understood. You had me celebrating for nothing.”
“I didn’t mean to. Everyone was here at lunch, and I couldn’t ask. Besides, how was I supposed to know if you didn’t say it outright?”
“He Su Ye—”
“Hmm?”
“I saw that book. When did you write those prescriptions?”
“Oh—that. I wrote them after I took you home last time. I still have all your previous medical records. Some of the formulas I’m confident in; others I’ve marked with a question. When filling the prescription, you’ll need to adjust according to the actual symptoms.”
“By the way, were you nervous just now? What a lousy confession!”
“Sorry. It was my first time saying those words—I’ve got no experience…”
* * *
Walking in the hospital’s back garden, He Su Ye noticed Shen Xi Fan’s hands were cold. She had always been like this—perennially cold hands and feet, regardless of the season.
Longan, goji berries, and red dates were all foods that replenished blood and energy. She had made congee for him with her own hands. Once he was discharged, he would make a bowl for her, too. There might only be a few chances left, as even if they both went to the U.S., they would be far apart.
In this bustling city, as the night deepened and the streetlights illuminated the darkness, the streets became like a massive black-and-white sculpture—lit by countless lamps, framed by tall buildings, and filled with ambiguous shadows of moving people, forming a vibrant urban scene.
And yet, the two of them walked quietly, hand in hand, warming each other in a quiet corner of the city.
One more year, he thought. He would hold her hand in a season of blooming flowers and chirping birds, and before her, before the heavens, before everyone, he would say those words: “I do.”
Yes, “I do.” To journey through the long years with her, to witness all the fleeting changes of the world by her side—that would undoubtedly be the best thing.
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