Lin Mei considered herself to have a reasonably thick skin, having navigated the workplace for so many years. She found it unbelievable that a few playful remarks could make her feel this way. However, since everyone present knew about her relationship with Xing Zheng, there was no need to be evasive.
Lin Mei thus sat next to Xing Zheng for the meal.
While Lin Mei was out with them, Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue were also eating in the hospital room. The food at Anzhen Hospital’s cafeteria suited the elderly couple’s tastes, but neither had the appetite to savor the delicacies, both preoccupied with Chen Qi’s matter.
Xiao Yue asked Lin Zhengde worriedly, "Do you think we've truly misjudged Chen Qi?"
Lin Zhengde’s expression was serious. "Shen Su and Xing Zheng have no vested interest in Chen Qi; there's no reason for them to slander him. It seems what Hua Mei said wasn't just out of spite."
Xiao Yue sighed, "How could this happen? Chen Qi used to be so good. Everyone said he treated Hua Mei well, but now… alas!"
"People don't remain unchanged," Lin Zhengde had trusted Chen Qi so much based on their interactions in previous years, but he wasn't one to dwell on the past. With the harsh reality now laid bare, he wouldn't bury his head in the sand. "Fortunately, we discussed this with them today, otherwise, we would have continued to misunderstand Hua Mei."
Lin Zhengde doted on his daughter; she was his only child and his pearl since childhood. His earlier scolding was out of disappointment. "When Hua Mei returns, we'll have a good talk with her."
Just as Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue finished their conversation, Chen Qi called. Xiao Yue didn't particularly want to answer Chen Qi's call at the moment and handed the phone to Lin Zhengde.
Lin Zhengde answered. Chen Qi asked, "Teacher Lin, why aren't you at the hospital? I asked the nurse, and she said you transferred hospitals?"
Lin Zhengde replied, "Yes, we transferred. Hua Mei's friends contacted Anzhen, and we were moved here early this morning."
Chen Qi was silent for a few seconds on the phone before saying, "Then I'll come to Anzhen to see you right away."
After finishing the call with Lin Zhengde, Chen Qi's expression became agitated. He had been in Nanjiang for so many years; how could he not know what kind of place Anzhen Hospital was? Without strong connections, how could a transfer be so smoothly arranged overnight?
Chen Qi immediately thought of Ming Zhou! Among the people around Lin Mei, only Ming Zhou possessed such authority. He had also mentioned helping yesterday afternoon!
Lin Mei sought Ming Zhou's help, and Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue actually agreed?
Lin Mei must have lied in between.
If this opportunity to gain favor was given to Ming Zhou, and he helped, Lin Mei would likely be even more determined to ditch him and marry Ming Zhou. Women all liked powerful men; despite Lin Mei's claims of aloofness, she was no exception.
Chen Qi's face darkened as he drove to Anzhen Hospital. Upon arriving at Lin Zhengde's room, Chen Qi was immediately drawn to its exquisite furnishings. This was the highest-level room at Anzhen Hospital, with an astonishingly high price. He would be reluctant to spend so much money on a hospital room.
Chen Qi became even more certain that this was Ming Zhou's doing.
"Chen Qi is here. Are you done with work?" Lin Zhengde motioned for Chen Qi to sit down and began chatting with him.
Chen Qi sat opposite Lin Zhengde. He was unaware of what had transpired in his absence and continued to play the role of a good son-in-law as before. "I'm done. I worked overtime all night yesterday, slept in this morning, and came to see you."
"Why didn't you tell me about the hospital transfer? I could have helped you arrange the move!" Chen Qi asked with a smile.
Lin Zhengde also smiled and waved his hand. "You've taken care of me for two days; it's time you got some rest."
Chen Qi then asked, "Did someone help with moving things for the transfer?"
Lin Zhengde replied, "Lan Lan and Feng Feng came over and lent a hand."
Lin Zhengde did not mention Shen Su and Xing Zheng, anticipating that Chen Qi would soon start slandering Lin Mei.
As expected, Chen Qi suddenly appeared remorseful and self-reproaching. "Teacher Lin, Teacher Xiao, I've failed you in this matter."
"If I had such capabilities, Hua Mei wouldn't have had to compromise herself by seeking help from others. Women like capable men. It's only natural for Hua Mei to want to break up with me for Mr. Ming…"
"I have nothing, only a sincere heart for Hua Mei…"
When Lin Mei returned to the hospital after lunch, she had just reached the door of the ward when she heard Chen Qi say this. A wave of nausea washed over her; Chen Qi's shamelessness was truly beyond her imagination.
Earlier, during the meal, she had learned about the act that Xing Zheng and Shen Su had put on for her parents.
While it might not be enough to completely shake Chen Qi, her parents must have become suspicious of him by now. She wondered what they thought hearing Chen Qi now.
Lin Mei pushed the door open. Chen Qi, who had been speaking, was forced to stop. He looked across and, upon seeing Lin Mei, immediately stood up and walked towards her. "Hua Mei, you're back. Why didn't you tell me about the teacher's transfer?"
"Forgot," Lin Mei's response was cold. "I called you last night, but your phone was off."
In reality, she hadn't called at all, but she knew Chen Qi would have his phone off because he'd been out with women. So, she deliberately said this, mainly for Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue to hear.
This way, after they were mentally prepared, presenting concrete evidence would be easier for them to accept.
Chen Qi patted his head in annoyance and chuckled, "It's my fault. I was too busy with work last night and forgot to charge my phone."
Lin Mei smiled "considerately." "It's okay, your overtime is important. Since we've already transferred, are you still busy today?"
"Not busy anymore. I'll stay and take care of Teacher Lin tonight. You and Teacher Xiao can go back and rest." Chen Qi didn't want to lose to Ming Zhou, who had provided such significant help.
"No need. You all go back and rest. I'll stay and take care of him." Xiao Yue was the one who spoke this time. "The hospital rooms here are quite good; they're not much different from home."
Chen Qi heard Xiao Yue's satisfaction with the room and his expression darkened. Had Xiao Yue been won over by Ming Zhou's kindness?
"Yes, Hua Mei, which friend did you find to arrange the room? Let's invite him to dinner to thank him!" Lin Mei understood he was trying to sow discord with this question. Now, listening to him speak felt like watching a clown perform.
Lin Mei returned to her apartment in the evening. After taking the elevator upstairs, she discovered Xing Zheng was waiting in the corridor!
It was getting dark, and the light in the corridor was dim. Lin Mei, caught completely off guard by the man opposite her, screamed.
Xing Zheng, however, chuckled. He walked up and covered her mouth, his tall frame enveloping her. In the dim light, his already deep features appeared even more inscrutable.
The man gripped her waist, lowered his head, and commanded forcefully, "Open the door."
Being seen entangled in the hallway would be bad. Weighing the pros and cons, Lin Mei entered the password and brought Xing Zheng into her home.
As soon as they entered, the man pinned her against the door and kissed her.