Raw dragon bone is also a type of Chinese medicine. It has a neutral property and enters the heart and liver meridians. It calms the liver, subdues yang, promotes blood circulation, and soothes the mind...”
Shen Xi Fan found him incredibly approachable. His thick black eyebrows moved in sync with the rhythm of his speech. She found it fascinating how people in the medical field always seemed so confident and absorbed when discussing their area of expertise. He Su Ye was the same way.
Li Jie seemed to find her familiar too. “Miss Shen, why do you look so familiar? Have we met before?”
Shen Xi Fan perked up. “At the hospital, perhaps? Do you know Dr. He? I went there last time to get some herbal tea for a cold.”
Li Jie immediately connected the dots. “Oh, that time! Are you talking about Dr. He Su Ye? He’s my senior brother. What a coincidence!”
Shen Xi Fan was so excited she almost teared up but knew she couldn’t let him notice her interest in He Su Ye. She nodded politely. “Dr. He is such a good doctor!”
Unexpectedly, Li Jie opened up completely. “My family has been close to his for generations. He’s a year older than me. We grew up together. I was always causing trouble—stealing jujubes from trees, breaking windows—and he would always take the blame for me. His parents were busy with work, so they sent him to primary school early. Despite that, he managed to keep up and ended up three years ahead of me...”
Peeking through the door crack, Shen’s mother saw the two chatting animatedly: Li Jie gesticulating passionately while drinking tea, and Shen Xi Fan listening intently, occasionally refilling his cup. Her heart soared. This match is almost certain! Doctors really do have a unique charm.
What Shen’s mother didn’t know was that the two were not discussing life, work, or dreams—but instead, a third person entirely.
Eventually, Shen Xi Fan grew curious. “Dr. Li, why are you here for a blind date?”
Li Jie chuckled. “Just call me by my name. As doctors, our social circles are small, and this blind date was entirely my mother’s doing. I had no choice but to come. I used to hate this kind of arrangement, but talking to you is actually quite easy—it feels like meeting an old friend. But why are you on a blind date?”
Her face turned an odd shade of red. Li Jie, without a filter, teased, “Miss Shen, you’ve been talking about my senior brother this whole time. Could it be that you’re interested in him?”
She quickly waved her hands. “No, no! It’s just... I’m curious, so I... I just...” The more flustered she became, the harder it was to explain. Her embarrassment was plain for Li Jie to see.
He winked. “Don’t worry. Do you think my senior brother is a good person? Rest assured, he doesn’t have a girlfriend yet. If you’re interested, I can help you!”
Shen Xi Fan felt doubtful. Could she really like someone she’d only met a few times and talked to for less than an hour? Was it just because he was handsome, kind, and outstanding? Wasn’t that too shallow? She quickly explained, “Li Jie, I just think He Su Ye is a good person and want to be friends with him. Just like I think you’re easygoing and nice—I’d like to be friends with you too.”
Li Jie laughed awkwardly. “I misunderstood. Miss Shen, don’t be mad. How about I treat you to dinner as an apology?”
Shen Xi Fan silently scolded herself for overthinking and smiled. “Just call me Shen Xi Fan. If we’re friends, you shouldn’t keep calling me Miss Shen. That’s no way to be friends! I’m hungry—let’s eat!”
The two shared a laugh, both feeling a natural connection. But as for romance? Not a chance.
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