They went for Northeastern Chinese cuisine. The restaurant was packed, so they had to sit by the window near the door. Li Jie worried she might mind, but as soon as they sat, Shen Xi Fan pointed to the bustling crowd outside and smiled. “Li Jie, look at everyone rushing around while we’re here relaxing and eating. Isn’t it nice?”
He found her easygoing nature comforting.
They ordered three signature dishes—not too many but with generous portions and great flavor. They ate heartily, enjoying themselves. Halfway through the meal, Shen Xi Fan felt someone’s gaze on her. She looked up and blurted out, “Dr. He?”
Li Jie immediately looked up as well. He Su Ye strode in quickly, addressing her right away: “Why didn’t you pick up your medicine today? Did you forget again? I reminded you just yesterday!”
Shen Xi Fan could only offer an embarrassed smile. “I forgot. I’ll definitely get it tomorrow—it’s not expired yet, is it?”
After they finished eating, the waiter brought the bill. Both reached for their wallets, but Li Jie was quicker and paid. Shen Xi Fan casually said, “I’ll treat you next time!”
When she got up to use the restroom, He Su Ye finally asked, “How do you two know each other?”
Li Jie tapped his chopsticks on the bowl like a storyteller. “Senior brother, this blind date was all my mother’s idea. But we hit it off—it’s more like meeting an old friend, no romance involved!”
He paused dramatically and added mischievously, “Honestly, I feel like I’m here on your behalf. It’s such a strange feeling!”
He Su Ye froze. “Me? Blind date? What nonsense!”
* * *
Since Shen Xi Fan and He Su Ye lived in the same neighborhood, the three parted ways at Times Square, leaving her and He Su Ye to walk home together. Shen Xi Fan was in an inexplicably good mood, glancing around with a smile that was infectious.
The streets were bustling with people, and Christmas was just five days away. Stores were decorated with Christmas trees, string lights, and windows sprayed with “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy New Year!” The music fountain in the square sparkled with vibrant colors.
Suddenly, she tugged at his sleeve. Looking down, He Su Ye saw a little girl selling flowers. “Big brother, buy a bouquet for your girlfriend!”
He was caught off guard, but Shen Xi Fan burst out laughing. “Little one, he’s my dad! You’ve got it wrong!”
The girl stared at them incredulously before walking away in doubt. He Su Ye looked at Shen Xi Fan’s giggling face helplessly. She wore a red-and-black plaid jacket, her ponytail swinging, and her bright eyes brimming with energy. She didn’t look like a 25-year-old professional woman at all—more like a high schooler. He sighed, “I guess I really am getting old.”
Shen Xi Fan reassured him, “Dr. He, you like eating jelly—you’re young at heart!”
At the neighborhood supermarket, she dashed inside while he waited at the entrance. A moment later, she came out carrying a large bag. “He Su Ye, do you like sweets?”
It was the first time she called him by name. The soft lilt in her voice as she said “Su Ye” reminded him of the zhong mi (medicinal honey) his grandfather used to make—fragrant and sticky.
He nodded. “I do. Why?”
She pulled out a Dove chocolate bar. “Consider this a return gift for the jelly. Dr. He, take your medicine diligently. It’s a token of appreciation from your patient!”
He took it with a smile. Shen Xi Fan’s face flushed slightly, likely regretting her boldness. Observant as ever, he immediately saw through her intentions.
For the first time, though, he didn’t mind someone expressing such straightforward affection toward him—not even when it was Zhang Yi Ling.
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