Fu Yuling took the box of ginseng back to Lin Shumo.

She felt nothing but sadness.

She could tell that Lin Shumo must be very fond of Su Zhaozhao. He had always been so low-key and frugal, yet the gift he sent Su Zhaozhao was so extravagant.

But Su Zhaozhao had rejected it.

‘Zhaozhao is such a good person.’

She found Lin Shumo during her break and handed him the box. “Doctor Lin, Zhaozhao saw the gift. She said it’s too valuable and that she can’t accept it. She wrote you a letter and placed it inside this box.”

Upon hearing this, a look of disappointment washed over Lin Shumo’s face.

“So she rejected it after all.” Although Lin Shumo knew there was a high probability Su Zhaozhao wouldn’t accept it, he had still held on to a sliver of hope.

But in the end, she still said no.

Lin Shumo just hadn’t expected her to return it so quickly.

Fu Yuling didn’t know how to comfort Lin Shumo. She had liked him for so long, but he never so much as glanced her way.

He treated her just like any other colleague.

But the moment Su Zhaozhao appeared, it was as if she were a ray of light, instantly making Lin Shumo fixate on her and her alone.

So many of her female colleagues at the hospital, yet none of them could catch his eye.

But Fu Yuling also knew that even she, a woman, couldn’t tear her eyes away from Su Zhaozhao, let alone a man.

“Doctor Lin, maybe next time you could try a gift that isn’t so valuable?” Fu Yuling suggested. She knew there was some friction between Lin Shumo and Su Zhaozhao, but she hadn’t given it much thought, assuming it wasn’t that serious.

But Lin Shumo just chuckled. “No, thank you. I know she won’t accept anything.”

The atmosphere turned awkward. Fu Yuling wanted to comfort the hurt expression on the man’s face, but she didn’t know how.

In the end, she could only leave.

‘Oh well,’ she thought. ‘I know Doctor Lin doesn’t need my comfort anyway. He probably just wants to be alone and cool down.’

Only after Fu Yuling left did Lin Shumo open the box. Inside, there was indeed a newly written letter.

Lin Shumo carefully opened it and read Su Zhaozhao’s words.

“Lin Shumo, I really liked the person you were when we first met. You were gentle and refined, you took good care of me, and I sincerely considered you a friend. After everything that happened, I resented you, but I also understand your decision. I’ve said it before: what happened between us is in the past. You don’t have to keep dwelling on it. Can you please just be yourself? Don’t let our relationship become a burden to you. I’m still very happy to have known you. We were friends, and I don’t want you to be so unhappy all the time. If you really want to do something for me, then strive to become a great doctor who heals the sick and helps more people recover from their pain and suffering.”

As Lin Shumo read the words Su Zhaozhao had written him, the gloom that had shrouded his features for days finally lifted, as if the clouds had parted and the fog had dissipated. His expression instantly brightened.

He couldn’t help but smile.

‘Zhaozhao is right. I have to work hard to become a good doctor.’

‘I hurt her, but I can help more people. That must be Su Zhaozhao’s wish, right?’

He clutched the piece of paper, finally setting it down slowly.

Su Zhaozhao was right, and he had to strive to live up to her words.

Su Zhaozhao knew Lin Shumo would be able to move on. She had given him something to do, a goal to strive for.

It was the same path he had taken in the novel, but he certainly wouldn’t remain unmarried his entire life for her sake.

She didn’t need that from him, either.

A lifetime was so long and often lonely; she still hoped Lin Shumo would find someone to keep him company.

As for herself, she would use this time to have some fun and explore West State.

Then, she would head back to Beijing before school started.

Meanwhile, Xie Huaizheng’s application had come through. It was approved, permitting his return to Beijing.

So the two of them went back together. They packed their things, had dinner with the people they knew, and said their goodbyes.

Su Zhaozhao looked at Xie Huaizheng, her face full of reluctance. “Honey, when I first came here, I thought I’d be staying for a very long time. I didn’t expect to go back so soon. I’m a bit reluctant to leave.”

“If you’re reluctant, we can come back and visit more often in the future, can’t we?”

“We can come during vacations.”

Su Zhaozhao felt like this place had already become her second home.

It was the only place that had felt like home since she’d crossed over to this world.

Even though she had only lived there for a little over a year, Su Zhaozhao had long since grown attached to the place.

“Alright, then we’ll come back when the time comes!”

…

Beijing was as bustling and prosperous as ever.

Back at the Xie Family residence, Huang Jiqin once again gave them a warm reception.

Old Sir Xie was also very happy they were back and gave Su Zhaozhao a great many gifts.

Even though Su Zhaozhao said there was no need, he insisted she take them.

Watching Old Sir Xie dote on Su Zhaozhao, Xie Huaizheng couldn’t help but say, “Grandpa, how come you’re never this nice to me?”

Hearing Xie Huaizheng’s words, Old Sir Xie shot him a glare. “You brat! How much trouble have you caused me, your grandpa, growing up? How much have I spent cleaning up your messes, hm? You don’t bring that up, do you? You finally managed to find a wife, so of course I have to treat her a little better, otherwise you might scare her away.”

Listening to Old Sir Xie, Xie Huaizheng pinched the bridge of his nose. “Grandpa, I’m not that naughty kid anymore. I’m married and sensible now. Could you at least give me some face in front of my wife?”

Old Sir Xie was always putting him down. As a man, Xie Huaizheng truly felt his dignity was being stomped into the ground.

Listening to their conversation, Su Zhaozhao couldn’t help but speak up for Xie Huaizheng. “That’s right, Grandpa. Huai Zheng has become very sensible now.”

“That’s good to hear. Zhaozhao, my dear, now that you’re in Beijing for university, your studies won’t be so stressful. How about you and Huai Zheng start planning for a child soon?”

Su Zhaozhao’s eyes widened at his words.

“Oh, come now, hurry up and have a baby while this old man is still kicking! I want to hold my great-grandchild!”

At this, Old Sir Xie sighed. “I just went to the hospital for a check-up not long ago. The doctor said my body has all sorts of problems.”

“Grandpa, you’ll be fine.” Xie Huaizheng’s teasing demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression as he spoke to Old Sir Xie. “Can you not say things like that? You’ll be perfectly safe and healthy. You’re only in your seventies, you’re going to live to be a hundred!”

“That’s right, Grandpa, you have to live to be a hundred,” Su Zhaozhao chimed in.

“Alright, alright, I won’t meddle with you anymore.” Old Sir Xie waved his hand. “That’s business for you young people. Anyway, I expect to be holding a great-grandchild within the next few years at the most!”

“Aren’t my brother’s kids enough for you to dote on?” Xie Huaizheng raised an eyebrow.

“I want to see you truly settle down and start your own family, too,” Old Sir Xie said.

“Alright, Grandpa. Huai Zheng and I will discuss it.”

As for having a child, Su Zhaozhao had always planned on it.

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