A week prior, news had spread through the courtyard that the Dean had invited a world-renowned female TCM doctor from abroad, one who could apparently cure almost any ailment.
She had been very interested and had tried to catch a glimpse of this esteemed doctor several times, but always in vain.
She never expected to encounter her in her own home.
Her brother was indeed capable, managing to invite such a treasure into their home.
"Oh, really? I just reported for duty yesterday afternoon and will officially start next week. Which department are you in?" Shen Xi asked, her face alight with surprise.
Five years ago, Qin Si Yue had been on very good terms with her. Every time she visited, she would affectionately call her "Xuejie," and Shen Xi had developed a strong liking for her.
"I work in the CT scan room," Qin Si Yue replied, smiling brightly at her.
At this point, Qin Xiu Zhi suddenly said, "Si Yue, you and Doctor Shen have officially met today. In the future, you must seek her guidance and learn from her in your work."
"Understood, Dad." Qin Si Yue raised her wine glass, looking at Shen Xi, "Doctor Shen, I hope you'll offer me plenty of guidance in the future."
Shen Xi quickly picked up the juice in front of her. "Guidance? I dare not. I am new here and will need your pointers from now on."
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two set down their cups. Qin Xue Lan abruptly asked, "Doctor Shen, how old are you this year? Do you have a boyfriend?"
"Auntie, look at you. How can you ask a young lady her age and if she has a boyfriend on the very first meeting? If this were outside, people would think you had some ulterior motive," Qin Si Yue interjected quickly, fearing Shen Xi might feel awkward.
"Eh? Don't say it, but I actually do have a motive." Qin Xue Lan glanced at Su Cheng Yu, who had been silent beside her. "Cheng Yu is also getting on in years, and all he does is work. He still hasn't found a girlfriend. If Doctor Shen doesn't have a boyfriend, I'm quite keen on setting them up."
Although Shen Xi's appearance wasn't outstanding, her skin was fair and tender, and she was highly knowledgeable. To have achieved such great renown at such a young age made her a good match for Su Cheng Yu.
Upon hearing this, almost everyone at the dining table turned their gaze towards Shen Xi.
Even Su Cheng Yu looked up to observe her reaction.
Only Qin Si Ye calmly continued to eat his food.
Shen Xi smiled slightly and replied slowly, "I'm sorry, but I don't plan to get a boyfriend at the moment."
Although she hadn't revealed her age, this single sentence conveyed three pieces of information.
One, she was currently single and did not have a boyfriend.
Two, she had no intention of getting a boyfriend.
Three, she had no interest whatsoever in Su Cheng Yu.
"Doctor Shen, why don't you reconsider? Our Cheng Yu is very outstanding. He's currently the CEO of a famous listed company in K City and possesses assets worth over a billion yuan," Jiang Jie said, straightening her back and smiling coaxingly.
Although she had been married to Qin Xiu Zhi for many years, she had never held a high status in this family. She always seized opportunities to interject, partly to curry favor and take sides, and partly to assert her presence.
Hearing her words, Shen Xi felt disgusted and nauseous. Su Cheng Yu, a scumbag she had dumped five years ago, could be called outstanding?
It seemed her curse upon him five years ago had come true, and it served him right to be alone until now.
No, judging by Su Cheng Yu's interaction with Lu Yu Shan today, it wasn't hard to imagine they had been secretly involved.
"Ugh!" A wave of nausea rose from her stomach. She quickly picked up her water glass and took a few quick sips.
Qin Si Ye, sitting opposite her, his gaze shifting slightly, asked with concern, "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, I might have eaten too quickly," Shen Xi met his gaze and forced a smile.
For the first time, she felt a sense of pity for him.
Suddenly, Xu Zhi Lan glared fiercely at Qin Xue Lan and Jiang Jie. "What do you think you're doing? Doctor Shen was specifically invited by Si Ye to treat my illness. We've invited her to dine here today to celebrate Si Yue's birthday. Are you trying to turn this meal into a matchmaking session by pressuring her like this?"