Chapter 26: Seeking Him in Person

Gu Han-chuan looked at the young woman before him, unsure whether to be angry or amused. He had worried about her all morning. She was always as punctual as an alarm clock, but today, it was nearly ten o'clock and she still hadn't arrived, nor had she left any explanation. He didn't even know which room she lived in at the staff dormitory, or who her roommate was.

To get from the dormitory to the ward, one had to cross a small bamboo grove. Had she encountered some danger? But then again, this was a military district; the odds of running into trouble were slim. So where could she have gone? What could have delayed her? Was she ill, lying unattended in the dormitory?

His mind raced with wild conjectures. On top of that, Tan Yun-hai was clueless about everything, Xiao He was still on leave, and Xiao Li had been sent by him to tidy up his quarters. He had intended to discuss with Qian Lai today—he wanted to move out of the ward and return home in a few days. Yet since dawn, she had vanished without a trace.

She was at an age when playfulness was natural, and he constantly worried about her. After much deliberation, unwilling to sit and wait any longer, he attempted to wheel himself out, determined to look for her personally.

Despite all his concern and uneasiness, he said, “I thought you’d given up and slipped away without a word!” Turning around, he noticed that the young woman was dressed quite differently today. A sky-blue dress with a crisp white Peter Pan collar lent her a playful, fresh air. A stylish little straw hat perched on her head, making her face seem even more delicate and charming. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, loose instead of her usual efficient bun, making her look less businesslike and more youthful. Especially striking were her white leather shoes, with socks embroidered with adorable little lace flowers. Slung over her shoulder was a large cloth bag, bulging with contents.

All signs pointed to her leaving.

“Commander, are you worried I’ll disappear without saying goodbye?” Qian Lai smiled mischievously.

“I told you, you’re free. If you want to leave, you can do so at any time. Just let me know in advance.”

“Don’t worry, Commander. I won’t be leaving you anytime soon. But today, I do need to leave you for a day.”

Gu Han-chuan regarded her with suspicion.

“I’ll be busy today. First, I’m heading to the military district hospital to find your attending physician, to see if we can arrange another full medical check-up.”

“Why? There's really no need.”

“It’s absolutely necessary. Many of your test results are outdated, and I want to get the latest data.”

“What do you need them for?” Was there some new hope? Gu Han-chuan felt a surge of expectation.

“I want to show them to other doctors. You know, often the experts aren’t in the official institutions. My teacher recommended a highly skilled doctor to me, someone who keeps a low profile and lives an ordinary, anonymous life. I want to show him your test results; maybe there’s a new opportunity.”

“Also, I plan to go into the city.” Qian Lai placed the money she had just collected into Gu Han-chuan’s hands. “Look, Commander. I’m starting my own business! Ha ha.”

“Business?”

“Hehe, I’m going to look for a manufacturer that can produce diapers in bulk. Not sure if I’ll find one yet.”

Qian Lai briefly explained her idea and the major scheme she had plotted with Wu Mei that day. Unexpectedly, Gu Han-chuan thought for a moment and said, “I’ll go with you.”

Uh! How could that work? She had a girls’ outing planned with Hua Rui in the afternoon; taking the commander along would be far too inconvenient!

After some thought, Qian Lai persuaded him, “Commander, you haven’t even had breakfast yet, and today’s rehab plan isn’t done. Let me go and scout things out this time. Next time, when we meet the expert, I’ll definitely bring you along. Stay home and stick to your training schedule. When I return tonight, I’ll give you a massage.”

Massage!

Now, whenever Gu Han-chuan heard that word, he immediately wilted.

The sun blazed overhead, heat waves rolling in, but nothing could slow Qian Lai’s determined stride. Summer really was a riot of color, every living thing bathed in vibrant hues.

She boarded the shuttle to the military district general hospital, savoring the feeling of freedom as she watched clusters of pure white clouds, azure skies, golden wheat fields, and lush green woods fly past.

Soon, the vehicle stopped at the main entrance of the military district general hospital, and Qian Lai followed the crowd into the main building.

The main building of the Southern Military District General Hospital was a Russian-style edifice, its exterior sacred and solemn. Entering through the revolving doors, she found the lobby already packed to the brim with patients.

Her unique manner and striking attire made her stand out amid the sea of gray, black, and white. As soon as she entered, all eyes followed her.

Qian Lai paid no mind, weaving sideways through the crowd. She finally squeezed her way to the directory board, but the building’s complex layout left her none the wiser even after careful study. Stairs flanked the lobby on both sides, leading in different directions.

The stifling atmosphere made her eager to leave. Grabbing someone who looked like a doctor, she asked, “Excuse me, how do I get to neurosurgery?”

Following the directions, Qian Lai dashed up the stairs.

Meanwhile, on the opposite staircase, Qiao Mu-ting descended with a sour expression. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.

He quickly stretched his long legs and rushed down the stairs, but the lobby was far too crowded; the chaotic corridors were blocked solid. By the time he broke through the throng, the stairs were empty.

He was unwilling to give up, running up five floors and back down again.

Where was she? Was it just his imagination? When one longs for someone too much, does everyone start to look like her?

Qiao Mu-ting was a bit irritable. He’d just been hounded by Fang Wen-xue, and now, seeing the person he missed day and night only to find it was a mirage, left him frustrated. Perhaps, they really weren’t meant to be.

He sighed heavily and strode toward the exit.

He had been in New City for more than half a month, but hospital affairs and the children’s schooling had left him frazzled. Now that things were finally settling, his mind was full of concern for Gu Han-chuan. With no outpatient duties that afternoon, he needed to hurry and see his cousin, to tell him something important.

Upstairs, in the vice president’s office.

It turned out Gu Han-chuan’s surgery had been personally performed by Vice President Lei Han of the military district general hospital. Director Lei was highly respected; even after his promotion, it was still nearly impossible to get an appointment with him.

It was nearly noon when Vice President Lei, exhausted, returned to his office.

“So you’re Deputy Commander Gu’s fiancée—just as outstanding as he is.”

At first glance, Vice President Lei seemed to sweep away the fatigue of the morning.

“You flatter me, Vice President Lei. I really was too presumptuous today—I didn’t expect you’d have so many patients. Next time, I’ll be sure to make an appointment in advance.”

“No need to schedule for Han-chuan. He’s a valued talent in our army. We’re all deeply saddened by his injuries. Regrettably, there’s no technical solution at present to help him stand. That will require cooperation from his family: comforting him, giving him confidence.”

Qian Lai nodded in agreement.

“So, Vice President Lei, may I make an appointment for a comprehensive check-up for him? Would that be possible?”

“Anytime. But has he agreed? Previously, he was very resistant. I was worried he would give up.”

“He’s been quite cooperative with his training lately. This morning, he managed to get into his wheelchair himself. He can control his bladder and bowels now. Wouldn’t you say he’s very determined?”

“Oh? That’s wonderful news. It must be thanks to you! All right, we’ll arrange it as soon as possible—a full physical exam.”

Leaving the vice president’s office, it was lunchtime.

Qian Lai hurriedly ate in the hospital cafeteria, then rushed toward the city bus station.