Love in the Depths of Time (GL) - Chapter 25

Fifteen years had passed, like a river flowing ceaselessly, quietly taking away the traces of youth while leaving behind the weight of time.

The dome of the B City International Conference Center cast a starlike glow. Lin Xi stood in front of the medical charity project display board, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. Her every movement exuded maturity and confidence, the cold light of the spotlight reflecting off her. Fifteen years had sculpted the once-slender shoulders of a young girl into the sharp lines of a financial hunter. Only the sapphire ring on her left ring finger still stubbornly shimmered with the light of 2008. She was now a formidable figure in the financial world—every decision she made influenced vast sums of money, and every speech she delivered was met with thunderous applause. Yet, despite standing at the peak of her career, a soft corner of her heart was still occupied by someone.

“President Lin’s sponsorship plan for children with congenital heart disease is quite insightful.” A cool voice spoke behind her, carrying the professional tone of someone accustomed to the scent of antiseptic.

As Lin Xi turned around, the crystal chandelier cast a halo of light on the visitor’s name badge—Deputy Chief Physician Wen Jia Le, Department of Cardiology, Renhe Hospital.

Jia Le’s white coat had been replaced with a pearl-gray satin gown, but in her hair was a preserved strawberry brooch. The martini in her hand rippled with a soft pink hue, the salt on the rim resembling unmelted snow. “So, a financier understands the classification of ventricular septal defects?” The familiar mischievous lilt in her voice instantly evoked the memory of a summer afternoon when they sneaked strawberry ice cream into the physics lab at seventeen.

Her hair was tied up, revealing a delicate face, her gaze filled with both warmth and determination. She was now a renowned physician, saving countless lives with her hands and comforting patients with patience and compassion. Though time had left faint traces on her face, she still carried that fresh and elegant aura—just like the girl in a light blue dress from fifteen years ago.

Lin Xi’s heartbeat suddenly quickened, as if gripped by an invisible force. She forced herself to remain calm and smiled slightly. “Dr. Wen, don’t you also remember that investors prefer single malt whiskey?” She swirled her glass, the amber liquid tracing rings along the glass wall. “I heard Renhe’s new pediatric cardiac surgery building is under construction…” There was a barely noticeable tremor in her voice.

The sudden beeping of an emergency call tore through the air. As Jia Le glanced down to check the message, Lin Xi caught sight of the pendant hanging from her neck—a silver knight’s charm. The armor shimmered faintly under the light, as if silently guarding its wearer.

Lin Xi’s gaze faltered for a moment, a surge of complex emotions welling up inside her. She remembered—fifteen years ago, Jia Le had worn a similar pendant. It was her birthday gift to Jia Le. Back then, Jia Le had laughed and said that knights were warriors who defended justice, and she wished to be someone who could protect those around her.

Jia Le looked up, her expression carrying a hint of apology. “Sorry, a pregnant woman is experiencing peripartum cardiomyopathy—I need to go immediately.” As she turned, the ends of her hair brushed against Lin Xi’s hand, leaving behind a faint trail of strawberry scent mixed with aldehyde disinfectant, an invisible thread pulling between them.

Lin Xi watched the figure rushing toward the ambulance bay and drained her glass in one go. The sapphire ring, now stained with a lip print, looked like an old bruise.

Outside the banquet hall, a sudden downpour began. Lin Xi pulled out her phone, the pinned chat still frozen on the message from fifteen years ago: “Where are you?”

Jia Le hurried back to the hospital as the emergency surgery room lights turned on, making time itself seem to freeze. The condition of a peripartum cardiomyopathy patient was critical—every second was a battle between life and death. Inside the operating room, Jia Le worked with complete focus, her hands moving swiftly and precisely over the patient. Sweat trickled down her forehead, but her eyes remained steady and unwavering. She knew she wasn’t just saving a life—she was preserving a family’s hope.

Outside the operating room, Lin Xi waited anxiously. Her heart pounded, her hands tightly clasped together in an attempt to calm her nerves. She understood the high risks of Jia Le’s surgeries, but Jia Le had never once mentioned her fears. Lin Xi could only imagine Jia Le inside the sterile room, her focused and resolute gaze telling her that no matter the challenge, she would see it through.

Finally, the surgery was over. Jia Le stepped out, exhausted, removing her mask. Though weariness showed on her face, her eyes carried a hint of relief.

Lin Xi immediately stepped forward, concern evident in her voice. “Jia Le, how are you? Was the surgery successful?”

Jia Le offered a small smile and nodded. “It went well. The patient is stable now. But…” She hesitated; her gaze momentarily clouded. “This disease is too complex. Every surgery feels like a race against death.”

Lin Xi’s heart ached at Jia Le’s words. She spoke softly, “Jia Le, you’re already doing your best. Don’t overwork yourself—your health is what matters most.”

Jia Le sighed lightly and nodded. “I know. Today has been exhausting. I just want to go home and rest.”

Lin Xi was silent for a moment before saying gently, “Jia Le, let me take you home.”

Jia Le was slightly taken aback but then nodded. “Alright. Thank you, Lin Xi.”

They walked out of the hospital together. Night had fallen, and a light drizzle hung in the air, bringing a cool breeze. Lin Xi hailed a taxi, and they sat side by side in the quiet car. The only sound was the rhythmic tapping of raindrops on the window. Lin Xi stole a glance at Jia Le—her face bore signs of fatigue, but her eyes remained gentle.

The taxi moved slowly through the rain. Neither spoke, but an unspoken connection lingered between them. Lin Xi’s emotions were a tangled mess—worry for Jia Le’s health, fear of confronting the feelings she had never voiced. Meanwhile, Jia Le sat in silent reflection, recalling all the moments they had shared over the years, her heart filled with longing and gratitude.

At last, Jia Le broke the silence. “Lin Xi, all these years, I’ve missed you.”

Lin Xi’s heartbeat quickened. She turned slightly to face Jia Le, whose gaze held both warmth and unwavering resolve, as if silently conveying all the feelings she had never let go of. Lin Xi responded softly, “Me too, Jia Le. Every time I see your messages, I think about the days we spent together.”

Jia Le smiled faintly, a touch of sadness in her eyes. “Those days were the best memories of my life. But… I don’t know if we can ever go back.”

Lin Xi felt a pang in her heart, understanding Jia Le’s hesitation. She whispered, “Jia Le, the past can’t be changed, but we can create new memories. I’m willing, as long as you are.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Jia Le’s face before she asked softly, “Lin Xi, do you really mean that?”

Lin Xi nodded, her gaze firm. “Of course. Jia Le, I’ve always been here. No matter what you need, I’ll be by your side.”

Tears glistened in Jia Le’s eyes. “Lin Xi… thank you. I’ve often wondered—if only we had…”

Lin Xi gently interrupted, “Jia Le, don’t. The past is unchangeable. What matters is now.”

Jia Le nodded, gratitude shining in her eyes. “You’re right. I’m just glad I got to see you again.”

They shared a quiet smile, as if all the regrets and pain had faded away in that moment.