Wang Ping: "Why didn't you accept their gifts? I think it's only right that they gave you gifts. If you hadn't intervened in that critical moment, the consequences would have been two lives lost."
Song Lan glanced at the other person: "You haven't forgotten what our responsibilities are, have you? I was just doing what was within my responsibilities. What reason do I have to accept gifts from Comrade Wang and his wife? Besides, the hospital has regulations. I don't need to make a mistake for a small gain."
Besides, does she lack that small token of gratitude?
"..."
Wang Ping was stunned for a moment. When she came to her senses, she felt a little uncomfortable. She chuckled and said, "You're right. Our hospital does have such a rule. I said something I shouldn't have just said because of my own greed. Please don't take it to heart or hold it against me!"
"What can you do if I hold a grudge against you?"
Song Lan smiled and shook her head, saying, "Don't worry, I know you don't have any bad intentions. Just because we're friends, I have no doubt about that."
Hearing her say that, Wang Ping became even more embarrassed. She looked ashamed and said, "Everyone says there are differences between people, and I truly understand that today. You have a much broader perspective than me!"
I think you're fine.
Song Lan spoke frankly: "Everyone has shortcomings. For example, I am definitely not as good as you in some aspects."
"Doesn't that sound a bit untrue?"
Wang Ping laughed and said, "In terms of profession, you are a doctor, and I am just a nurse; in terms of appearance, you look like an angel, while I have an average face; in terms of talent and temperament, everyone in our hospital can see how good you are, while I am just an ordinary person."
In my opinion, I'm superior to you in every way, inside and out.
"Who said that? I think you are a great friend in every way, especially your cheerful personality and straightforward speech. I am not as good as you in these aspects."
Song Lan smiled and looked sincere. Looking at her, Wang Ping was moved and said, "Actually, I really like your personality. You are quiet and calm. Being with you makes me feel very comfortable."
Upon hearing this, Song Lan laughed: "Have you forgotten that I don't have a very good temper?"
"What do you mean? Are you referring to that thing between you and Liu Xia?"
Wang Ping revealed her guess.
Song Lan did not answer directly. She said, "I am usually very tolerant, but once my bottom line is crossed, taking action is nothing to me."
Tranquil and serene?
There is no such thing as true tranquility and composure; it's just a matter of personality traits. In her view, it's not absolute either; it just depends on whether one's bottom line has been crossed!
Wang Ping: "This is called being gentle yet firm, and I think it's quite good."
"But you said my personality is quiet and indifferent."
Song Lan raised an eyebrow.
"There's no conflict. Your personality is generally calm and composed, and you also said that you might only resort to violence if your bottom line is crossed."
Wang Ping said earnestly, "Besides, I don't think having a temper is a bad thing. Otherwise, you'd be taken advantage of if you encountered someone who doesn't know what's good for you."
"Indeed, Comrade Wang Ping is very insightful!"
Song Lan praised the other party.
Wang Ping blushed: "I'm not as insightful as you. Don't praise me like that, or I'll want to crawl into a hole in the ground."
"You're so thin-skinned!"
Song Lan teased the other person, saying, "That's not good. Sometimes we have to be shameless to get things done."
"That makes sense, you know a lot!"
Wang Ping gave Song Lan a thumbs up.
Song Lan smiled and shook her head: "Are you sure you're not trying to flatter me to death?"
"Absolutely not!"
Wang Ping responded without hesitation.
Song Lan laughed out loud: "Just kidding!" After a pause, she asked: "Are you looking at any dates during the Spring Festival holiday?"
Instantly, Wang Ping's cheeks flushed red. She nodded and said, "I met someone through a matchmaker on the second day of the Lunar New Year. I felt he was quite good, and he seemed to have a good impression of me too. However, our two families haven't finalized anything yet."
It was my suggestion that we spend some time together first, and if, after getting to know each other, we both feel that we're a good match, then we'll finalize things.
"This is fine."
A smile lingered in Song Lan's bright eyes as she said, "Getting to know each other for a while before finalizing the marriage is, frankly speaking, being responsible to each other. It's better to avoid making a decision after only meeting once, only to find out later that the two of you are not suitable. That would be undesirable."
"That's what I thought too, so I shared my opinion with the other party, and he had no objection, so we made that decision."
Wang Ping seemed genuinely satisfied with her blind date, as she spoke of him in a truly good mood. She said, "My blind date works at the town's supply and marketing cooperative as a purchasing agent. He's 178 cm tall, and while he's not exceptionally handsome, he's much better looking than the average man. Also, he speaks frankly and doesn't smile much, but he inexplicably gives people a sense of security."
Are there many people in your family?
Song Lan asked.
"His family consists of four people: his parents are still alive, and he has a younger sister."
Wang Ping said shyly, "But his family lives in the countryside, so I don't really care about that."
"In my opinion, one's background is not important. As long as one is a good person and capable, it will not be a problem for one to get anything in the future."
Song Lan shared her opinion.
"Um."
Wang Ping nodded in agreement.
The two chatted casually until a patient came to see her, at which point Wang Ping stopped talking and went about her own business.
-
Forest farm.
Early in the morning, Qin Yanzheng drove Song Lan to the foot of the mountain. He parked the car outside a farmhouse, gave the male homeowner a pack of cigarettes, and asked him to keep an eye on the car so that no unruly children or hooligans would damage it.
Afterwards, he and Song Lan carried New Year's gifts for Fu Wenhan all the way to the forest farm, where they sat in Fu Wenhan's room.
"Why did you come up the mountain in such cold weather? Aren't you afraid of getting sick from the cold on the way here!"
“We’re dressed warmly enough to keep us from getting cold. Besides, Qin Yanzheng and I are both wearing scarves, masks, and gloves. We’re not cold at all from walking up from the foot of the mountain; in fact, we’re quite warm!”
Even so, there's snow on the road, and you could easily slip and fall—it's so dangerous!
"Uncle Fu, Qin Yanzheng and I are not three-year-old children."
Song Lan smiled at Fu Wenhan and said, "Besides, when we went back to Beijing for the New Year, my dad specifically told me that when Qin Yanzheng and I returned here, we should remember to visit the forest farm to wish you a Happy New Year. At the same time, my dad also asked us to convey his New Year's greetings to you, wishing you good health and all the best in the new year!"
"How is your father doing after he returned to Beijing?"
Despite his sore eyes, Fu Wenhan asked Song Lan.
"I'm fine!"
Song Lan said, "My dad told you to wait a little longer, and you'll be able to return to your original job in two or three years at most."
"...Who can say for sure! But Uncle Fu appreciates your father's good intentions in comforting him!"
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