Chapter 6 — Criteria for Choosing a Wife of the Late Doctor

She rolled her eyes and patiently explained to me.

“After my mother gave birth to me, she divorced my father and took me away. So my brother took my father's family name, and I took my mother's family name.

“You and my brother were in the same middle school class, right? I thought you knew. In high school, girls chased my brother too much, he was tired, he told me I didn't have to explain anything, it was better for others to misunderstand that I liked him.

"And yet you still go around flirting with people? My brother was looking forward to graduation so he could confess his love to you. Who would have thought that you would end up flirting and then disappear? Do you know how heartbroken he is?"

I touched my fingers together and mumbled: "I thought you two liked each other, so I secretly helped you both approach each other..." Ha So So burst out laughing until she cried.

“Just with your handwriting as ugly as a chicken leg, you still want to fake my handwriting?”

What an earth-shattering misunderstanding — it turns out there was no childhood story at all. Just a pair of siblings who rely on each other, and an amorous idiot who imagines too much.

"But," I asked Ha So So, "the hairpins and lipstick I gave you, you never used them all. Is it because you don't like them?"

Ha So So's eyes darkened for a moment.

"I like it very much. Really, I like it a lot. But after my mother remarried, she gave birth to a younger sister. All the good things I brought home were taken away by my mother to comfort her. I was afraid that you would be sad so I didn't dare say it."

She raised her head, her eyes were red, and she gently touched my face.

"During that time, you were like a small sun that warmed my two brothers. The snacks you secretly gave me, my brother never ate alone, always shared half with me. Even though the things you gave me were taken away, they also helped me avoid many scoldings at home.

“Even after you went abroad, your mother secretly subsidized me and my brother to finish college in the name of a scholarship. Even though she thought we didn't know, we investigated.”

Ha So So held my hand tightly.

“My life and my brother's changed thanks to you. We chose to study medicine because of you."

13

Knowing the truth, I don't even dare to face Co Tay Ngan. In the evening, before he came to check the hospital room, I sneaked out of the room. On the top floor terrace, the wind is very strong, carrying the scent of cinnamon flowers in November. I leaned against the railing, looking at the lights in the distance, feeling empty inside. Suddenly, the sound of hurried, chaotic footsteps was heard from behind.

“On Lam Tam!”

That voice carried unprecedented panic and trembling. I turned my head. Co Tay Ngan stood a few meters away from me, her white blouse fluttering in the wind. His chest heaved violently, his forehead was covered in sweat, his face was frighteningly pale. Seeing that I was still there, he felt like his strength was drained, he propped his hands on his knees and panted.

“Co Tay Ngan?” I was stunned, “What's wrong with you? I just came up here to get some fresh air..."

He didn't answer, but strode forward. Faster and faster, finally almost rushing in front of me. He stopped a step away from me, his eyes fixed firmly on me. Then, this always arrogant and calm man suddenly sat down on the ground. He covered his face with both hands and burst into tears. A burst of suppressed sobs spilled out through his fingers, like a seriously injured wild animal. I panicked, didn't know what to do, and frantically squatted in front of him.

“What's wrong with you? Is something wrong? Or see Where is the discomfort?

He suddenly raised his head and pulled me into his arms. Hugging so tightly that my bones ache. But I didn't struggle, because I felt — he was shaking.

14

He buried his face in the crook of my neck, his voice so hoarse that it was unrecognizable.

“I thought... you left without saying goodbye again. For the past eight years, every day I have prayed... I prayed that you would try to live on, waiting until I was able to save you."

He raised his head to look at me: "I told So So to contact your mother and take you home." I smiled, feeling strangely reassured, wrapped my arms around his broad back, and gently patted him.

“I won't go anywhere, Co Tay Ngan, I'll stay here.”

Waiting until his emotions calmed down, he still refused to let me go, as if just letting go would make me disappear.

“On Lam Tam, I like you. Since 9th grade, when you dared to stand up and fight because a girl was being bullied, I've liked you."

I looked at him, my vision blurred by tears, but I couldn't stop the corners of my lips from curling up slightly.

"I lied to you... Actually, I don't hate poor people, nor do I want to study abroad."

He nodded: “So So told me. I also understand why you had to lie.” He lifted my face, his fingertips gently wiped away my tears, his voice sounded like he was comforting a child.

“Now I am no longer poor. He has savings, a house, and is the best heart surgeon. Even though I'm not as rich as your mother, I can give you the most professional care... so you can live well."

I snorted, my voice low.

“But… the probability of success of this surgery is still only fifty-fifty, right? What if I die on the operating table?”

Co Tay Ngan's eyes immediately became extremely determined, even carrying a bit of stubbornness.

“The treatment regimen is drawn up by me, the scalpel is held by So So. We two brothers join forces, even if we have to take someone from the King of Hell, who would dare not give it? Your life is mine, I won't let you die, you absolutely cannot die."

My heart sank. A man who is always rational like Co Tay Ngan, now saying those words, is clearly comforting himself.