Wu's mother immediately agreed upon hearing her daughter's words.
They were going to have some time alone, so as a mother, she naturally wouldn't interfere.
However, after leaving the Wu residence, the two did not go to eat.
They strolled along the riverbank near the Wu family's home for a while.
As dusk deepened, it was time for dinner.
Many people were strolling by the river, in twos and threes, most of them couples.
Chen Xiao and Wu Feier walked together, truly a perfect match, a picture of talent and beauty.
Especially Wu Feier, her elegance undiminished by the years, drew countless gazes.
"Chen Xiao, I really don't know how to thank you. I'd love to say I'd do anything you ask, but it seems you don't need me to do anything."
Wu Feier said with a wry smile.
Chen Xiao had left the hospital in such a hurry that day, and Wu Feier hadn't even had a chance to properly thank him.
But then again, what did she have to thank Chen Xiao with?
Even her most prized beauty, Chen Xiao had refused, and she truly had nothing more to offer.
Chen Xiao feigned anger, "Wu Feier, if you say that again, I'll be upset. I didn't help you for anything in return."
Wu Feier's smile grew even more bitter. It was precisely because Chen Xiao didn't seek anything from her that she felt even more indebted to him.
Chen Xiao seemed to see through Wu Feier's thoughts and continued, "And don't forget, I'm a doctor. Saving lives and helping the injured is my duty. You don't need to feel indebted to me..."
But as he spoke, Chen Xiao couldn't bear to continue.
Because he suddenly remembered that Wu Feier was also a doctor.
It was only because of money that she was forced to change careers.
As expected, Chen Xiao noticed a hint of dejection in Wu Feier's expression at that moment.
He quickly changed the subject, "By the way, why didn't you go to work today?"
But as soon as he finished speaking, he regretted it, realizing his words might have struck a nerve with Wu Feier.
Fortunately, Wu Feier didn't get angry. She even smiled and said casually, "I quit!"
Chen Xiao was slightly taken aback, "You quit just like that?"
Wu Feier smiled charmingly, "I took that job purely for the money. You wouldn't think I did it because I liked it, would you?"
"Now that my mother's illness no longer requires me to work desperately for money, and I've saved some money over the past two years, I don't need to worry about finances for now, so I quit!"
"Speaking of which, all of this is thanks to you..."
Well, after a long detour, the conversation had circled back.
Chen Xiao pondered for a moment and asked her cautiously, "What are your plans for the future? Have you thought about returning to being a doctor in a hospital?"
Wu Feier's eyes lit up, "Yes, I dream about it. I'm not lying, I often dream that I'm still a doctor, but, alas..."
Wu Feier sighed, and the light in her eyes dimmed.
"To be honest, I've sent my resume to several hospitals, but the response has been poor. I was rejected even before getting an interview, possibly due to my past experiences."
Chen Xiao asked, "Did you apply to Jiangcheng Hospital?"
"I did, but I haven't heard back yet," Wu Feier replied.
Chen Xiao said, "Then I'll ask our hospital's director for you. As long as your skills are still there, I believe Jiangcheng Hospital won't refuse you."
Wu Feier's eyes brightened again, "Really, Chen Xiao? If that's true, you've helped me out immensely again. I really don't know..."
"How to thank you? Right?"
Before Wu Feier could finish her sentence, Chen Xiao blurted out the latter half.
Wu Feier chuckled and gave Chen Xiao a playful glare, full of charm.
"You're so annoying!"
The atmosphere between them instantly became much more relaxed, filled with laughter and conversation, even the air seemed lighter.
However, at that moment, Wu Feier suddenly tensed up and whispered, "Chen Xiao, something's not right!"
"What's not right?"
Wu Feier gestured with her eyes towards the back and to the left.
"Do you see that person over there? That old Taoist priest dressed like a beggar, he's been following us for a long time. He was behind us ten minutes ago and is still following us now!"
Chen Xiao deliberately put on a surprised expression, "Really? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
He hadn't expected Wu Feier to be so perceptive, but he had actually noticed the old Taoist priest much earlier.
In fact, as soon as they left the Wu residence, Chen Xiao had noticed him.
He hadn't said anything, simply to avoid frightening Wu Feier.
When Chen Xiao seemed unconvinced, Wu Feier became anxious and stomped her foot, saying, "Really, really! The distance between us and him ten minutes ago is almost the same as it is now!"
Chen Xiao patted Wu Feier's hand reassuringly, "Don't be scared. I'll go ask him what's going on."
"Ah? You're going to ask him directly? Isn't that too reckless?"
While Wu Feier looked worried, Chen Xiao had already walked over.
Seeing Chen Xiao approach, the old Taoist priest not only didn't evade but actually smiled at him.
Chen Xiao walked up to him and politely asked, "Master, you've been following me. May I ask why?"
The old Taoist priest smiled and said, "Benefactor has sharp eyes. But you need not fear, this humble monk merely wishes to beg for alms from you."
Chen Xiao sneered, "Begging for alms? Aren't you here to collect a debt?"
The old Taoist priest's expression flickered, but he quickly masked it with a smile.
"Collect a debt? Benefactor, this humble monk does not know what you are talking about. We have never met, how could you owe this humble monk a debt?"
"Since Benefactor is unwilling to bestow charity upon this humble monk, then I shall take my leave. Benefactor, we shall meet again!"
With that, the old Taoist priest actually began to walk away slowly.
Chen Xiao did not pursue him. He returned to Wu Feier's side, and she quickly asked, "Chen Xiao, what happened? Why did he leave?"
"Nothing happened. He was just an old beggar asking for food. He wasn't following us. You were just being overly cautious. It's getting late, I'll take you home."
Chen Xiao gave a casual excuse to brush it off.
Although Wu Feier was suspicious, she didn't press further since Chen Xiao had said so.
However, as they parted, Chen Xiao gave her a protective amulet, saying it was for self-defense and very effective.
Wu Feier recognized the jade pendant's considerable value and tried to refuse, but Chen Xiao insisted on pressing it into her hand, so she finally accepted it.
After leaving the Wu residence, Chen Xiao immediately closed his eyes and began to sense.
As the old Taoist priest had left, Chen Xiao had quietly cast a tracking spell on him.
As long as the old Taoist priest was within a hundred kilometers, Chen Xiao could track him!