Chapter Forty: Doctor Friends

When Mom was wheeled into the ward, she was still asleep. Dad and Chu Zhen moved her from the operating table to the hospital bed, and after settling her in, they went to find their doctor friend. The aunts who rushed over later did not meet with Chu Zhen immediately.

"Where's your boyfriend? Didn't your uncle say he came back with you?" My aunt asked me after looking around the room.

"He's not my boyfriend, he's a friend." Luckily, Chu Zhen wasn't there, otherwise he would definitely have been angry after hearing that.

"What kind of friend is he? He brought you back in this heavy snow and even found a doctor for your mother. Your aunt has been through this before, and she can tell the difference between a friend and a boyfriend. Stop making excuses."

"He went to see a doctor." Since there was no way to deny it, then let's just go along with their wishes and admit it. Anyway, Mom and Dad had met Chu Zhen before and wished they could have made him their son-in-law right then and there. Dad must be secretly happy right now.

Next, my aunts started asking me all sorts of questions, like about her family background, her job, her age, and so on. For some reason, I found myself praying that my doctor friend would keep Chu Zhen and have a meal with her.

However, things didn't go as planned. Chu Zhen didn't stay with the doctor for long and soon came over with all the reports. The moment he entered, I saw his surprise, since there were so many more people at once.

"These are Auntie's post-operative X-rays, and these are the reports." Chu Zhen handed the things to her father, then walked to my side, nodding and smiling as she passed her aunts.

"These are my eldest aunt, second aunt, third aunt, and youngest aunt," I introduced them one by one. Chu Zhen followed suit and called out to them one by one, making me feel like a new son-in-law visiting his new home.

The four aunts looked Chu Zhen up and down, not caring if he was embarrassed. When Chu Zhen came to see me yesterday, he was dressed relatively casually, wearing a gray turtleneck sweater with a long black wool coat, which made his figure look particularly perfect, especially his long legs. Moreover, the black color made his skin look fair, and with his mesmerizing face, I saw the somewhat stunned expressions on the aunts' faces.

I don't know if Chu Zhen had a doctor friend who helped me, but my mother was able to get a two-person room at the Municipal People's Hospital, which is always short of beds, and the bed next to her was empty. You know, when my father called me this morning, he told me that my mother was on an extra bed in the corridor.

It was like having a private room, so there wasn't much restraint in talking. My aunts, unable to find a way to get through to me, kept asking Chu Zhen personal questions, family matters, and so on. I really didn't expect Chu Zhen to answer each of their questions so patiently; it was completely different from his usual self. At the same time, he kept pouring tea, water, and cutting fruit. Soon, my aunts seemed to have become his allies, and I felt somewhat inferior to Chu Zhen in their conversations.

At noon, I stayed with my mother in the hospital room while Chu Zhen took her family and relatives to the restaurant next door for lunch.

"Be more careful with your words when you're eating," I advised.

"Don't worry, I think my meeting with the parents was worthwhile. After going through so many tests, it seems that all I need to do to marry you is for you to nod your head in agreement."

When I called her for the third time, my mother weakly opened her eyes, wanting to say something, but the anesthesia hadn't worn off and she was very weak.

"My dad and aunt went to eat and will be back in a bit. You should rest well." I held my mother's hand. Surgery really takes a toll on a person's health. Looking at my mother's pale face, I really missed the days when we would bicker.

My mother blinked after hearing what I said, then stared at me for a moment before closing her eyes and falling asleep again.

What I didn't expect was that when Chu Zhen returned, he was accompanied by an even larger group, including my brother and sister-in-law. I believe they were concerned about my mother, but it's possible they were also there to "care" about Chu Zhen.

Perhaps because there were too many people and it was too noisy, Mom woke up again not long after everyone came back, but she was more energetic than before. At that time, Chu Zhen and I were sitting in front of the hospital bed. The moment Mom opened her eyes and saw Chu Zhen, her eyes lit up. This was so different from when she saw me just now.

"Little Chu is here~" Mom said weakly.

"Yes, it's snowing outside. I was worried about Lin Dang coming back alone, so I came along. Are you feeling better now?"

"I'm so sorry to bother you, but I'm fine. It's you who's been delayed at work."

"I'm glad you're alright, I've arranged everything for your work."

I never expected my mother to start chatting with Chu Zhen so directly, completely ignoring the girl and her husband beside her, the husband who was so anxious for her. It's true what they say, a mother-in-law is always more and more satisfied with her son-in-law.

Dad barely slept last night. Chu Zhen saw off the relatives and then took Dad home. I stayed at the hospital with Mom. However, Chu Zhen insisted on staying with me at the hospital. Firstly, to show his appreciation, and secondly, because it's Christmas, he wanted to be with me. I didn't object; I also hoped he would stay with me.

My mother can't eat for the time being, so she can only apply lip swabs. I stayed by her side without leaving her for a moment. This must be the perfect description of raising children to provide for old age!

After my mother woke up, my doctor friend came over and gave me some post-operative instructions. Chu Zhen also formally introduced me to him. I also learned that my doctor friend's name was Zhao Zhengyu. He and Chu Zhen had been classmates since kindergarten and all the way through high school. After Chu Zhen went abroad, he studied medicine in China. After graduating, he came to City B due to family reasons and became a doctor there. Because of his handsome appearance and high medical skills, he was quite well-known in the area.

"Birds of a feather flock together. Your friends are all quite handsome and outstanding," I remarked after seeing Zhao Zhengyu off.

Stop staring at me like that. The most outstanding and handsome guy is standing right in front of you.

"Although that sounds a bit overconfident, that's what I think too." I looked up at Chu Zhen with a grin. He once said that my smile could heal everything, so I always liked to give him that special smile after I annoyed him.

In just one day, Chu Zhen arranged everything, not only for my mother but also for my food and lodging for the next few days. My father was really worried about my mother, and since there was an empty bed next door, he brought his suitcase over. He'll be staying here for a while. Zhao Zhengyu has a dormitory at the hospital, which he rarely uses, so he's letting me stay there for now. The good thing is that you can cook there. Chu Zhen bought, prepared, and categorized all the ingredients, and wrote down the recipes for each one.

"Making soup is actually the simplest thing. Your mom needs to eat lightly these days, so you can just add water and simmer it. Just sprinkle a little salt at the end. You should also eat lightly these days. I'll come over as soon as the New Year's holiday starts."

I held Chu Zhen tightly, reluctant to let go. This was the first time I had ever clung to him like this since we started dating. With him around, I felt like I didn't need to learn anything.

"Okay, I'll be here in a few days. I've already spoken to Zhao Zhengyu and spoken to the nurses. You just need to stay with your parents. Don't feel pressured or worry about anything."

“I’m not worried. You must come over during your vacation.”

I finally let go of his hand. Although Chu Zhen was a producer, I couldn't delay his work. However, Chu Zhen stayed until three or four in the afternoon before I urged him to go back.