On Standby - Chapter 10

Tang Feihuan had worked tirelessly from 8 AM to 9 PM, taking only 1.5 hours for lunch and a half-hour when Director Gao summoned her. Yet, despite the grueling schedule, she seemed to possess boundless energy. During patient rescues, she remained composed and methodical; when communicating with families, she was patient and gentle; and when discussing treatment plans with colleagues, she was thorough and attentive to every detail. Now, during a break, the others slumped in their chairs, their faces blank, but Tang Feihuan still wore a bright smile.

“Milk tea, anyone? My treat,” she messaged the group chat, knowing her colleagues were busy in the wards.

A Resident Physician replied, “Doctor Tang, did you win the lottery? You’re so cheerful.”

Tang Feihuan typed back, “Found a great apartment. Moving in tomorrow after my night shift.”

Chief Resident: “Yes, please! Thank you, Doctor Tang.”

Gu Yan: “Thank you, Doctor Tang! I’ll take an extra-large. (Hug-the-leg emoji)”

Tang Feihuan glanced up and saw Lin Ye scrolling through documents on his computer, ignoring his phone and the flashing WeChat notification in the lower right corner of his screen. She posted the order link in the group chat: “Place your orders now. I’ll submit it once everyone’s done.”

After the message was sent, her colleagues quietly placed their orders. Tang Feihuan’s gaze drifted upward, lingering on Lin Ye’s retreating figure. Her heart softened, just as it had ten years ago on that late night before a final exam. Back then, Lin Ye had sat in the front row of the lecture hall, studying diligently to avoid disturbing her. Whenever she looked up from her notes, her weary heart felt gently stirred by a pair of warm hands, the warmth instantly spreading through her limbs.

Compelled by an irresistible impulse, Tang Feihuan rose and moved behind Lin Ye. Afraid of startling him, she cleared her throat softly twice to get his attention.

Lin Ye finally turned around, his tone neutral. “What is it?”

Tang Feihuan pursed her lips, her voice barely audible, like a mosquito’s buzz. To an outsider, it might have sounded like she was apologizing for a mistake. “Um, Director Lin, would you… like a milk tea?”

“No, thank you, Doctor Tang,” Lin Ye replied politely, his expression flawless. He turned back to his work without another word.

Standing beside him, Tang Feihuan felt her boiling heart instantly chilled, as if doused with a bucket of cold water. Yet, the next moment, she noticed the coffee in the cup to Lin Ye’s right remained untouched. Finding this small excuse, she felt slightly better.

Back at her seat, her colleagues had already chosen their milk teas. Tang Feihuan placed the order and paid.

While waiting for her takeout, she began planning her next move: getting Tang Anhua on board.

She sent a WeChat message: “Teacher Tang, I’m moving tomorrow.”

Tang Anhua, who was scrolling through news on his phone, replied quickly: “Moving? Why are you moving? Isn’t it comfortable living at home? You have someone to cook for you, someone to do your laundry, and someone to walk the dog.”

Knowing he wouldn’t agree easily, Tang Feihuan reasoned with him: “Dad, the commute is a bit long. I want to sleep in longer in the mornings.”

“It only takes you half an hour to bike to the hospital. How is that long? Many people commute at least an hour to work.”

“The new place I found is just a 15-minute bike ride to work.”

“How big is it? How much is the rent?”

“It’s an old apartment in the Shu River University faculty housing area. Three bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, 125 square meters, 3500 yuan a month. Fully furnished and equipped, move-in ready.”

Tang Anhua didn’t understand. “Why do you need such a big place? Wouldn’t a studio apartment near the hospital be better?”

“Studio apartments near the hospital cost 2500 yuan a month. It’s not worth it.”

“Who’s going to cook for you? What about Tomato? Are you taking him?”

“Dad, I can get anything I want to eat near the university. Are you worried I’ll starve? As for Tomato, he’s used to being with me.”

“Who’s going to walk Tomato when you’re on a 24-hour shift like today? Besides, can you really trust the cleanliness of food outside the house? Eating out regularly will inevitably cause problems someday.”

Tomato needed walks twice a day, morning and evening. Tang Feihuan struggled to find a solution. “When I’m on duty, I’ll drop him off in the morning. Old Tang, could you help out in the evenings after work?” Tang Anhua taught at Shatan District Experimental Middle School, conveniently located across from Shu River University. The family residence was just a 12-minute walk or a 4-minute drive from the school.

Tang Anhua neither nodded nor outright refused. “We’ll discuss it properly when you come home tomorrow.”

Tang Feihuan had already made up her mind and acted without consulting him. “Dad, I’ve already paid the deposit.”

“So you’re just informing me now?” Tang Anhua retorted sarcastically. “If you showed this much decisiveness when finding a partner, your mother and I would burn incense at the temple in gratitude.”

Tang Feihuan sent back a string of ellipses.

Tang Anhua seized the opportunity. “You always dodge the topic whenever I bring it up. But you’re 30 now, you should…”

Fortunately, a nurse came to find her at that moment. Tang Feihuan recorded the conversation as proof and sent it to her father, adding, “Teacher Tang, I need to get back to work. We’ll talk later.”

After a grueling 24-hour shift, Tang Feihuan finally handed over her duties near noon and rushed home on her bicycle. During lunch, Tang Anhua nagged her incessantly, but when he realized he couldn’t sway her resolve, he reluctantly agreed.

“Move it yourself,” Tang Anhua grumbled, “don’t expect me to help.” Despite his words, he ended up acting as her driver, making two trips to haul all her belongings.

Professor Zheng, being elderly, didn’t come to the old house himself. His daughter handled the arrangements instead. “Doctor Tang, I had the place cleaned this morning. Here are the keys, water card, electricity card, and gas card. The account numbers are printed on them, so you can pay directly through WeChat.”

Tang Feihuan accepted the cards. “Thank you.”

“Our family hasn’t lived here for six years, so the decor might seem a bit outdated. Doctor Tang, as long as you don’t alter the structural elements, you’re free to renovate however you like.” Six years ago, Professor Zheng and Professor Zhong had moved to a retirement home in the western district, leaving the house vacant but regularly cleaned.

Tang Feihuan stepped into the study, a smile blooming on her lips. “I absolutely love this study.”

Tang Anhua proudly declared, “She’s always loved books, ever since she was a child.”

Professor Zheng’s daughter ran her hand along the bookshelf, reminiscing, “My parents also loved books. Fifteen years ago, they had these solid wood bookcases custom-made, and they haven’t faded a bit.”

Tang Feihuan returned to the master bedroom and politely said, “Teacher Zhong, I’ll move this large bed to the smaller room and get a new one.” The bed in the house was an old-fashioned model from many years ago, and Tang Feihuan had already been planning to replace it.

Professor Zheng’s daughter readily agreed, “No problem at all, Doctor Tang. Arrange things however you like. You can put any furniture you don’t need in the other two rooms.” She even offered to help Tang Feihuan move the bed.

“No, no, please rest,” Tang Feihuan insisted. “I’ll hire movers to handle it.” Professor Zhong’s daughter was also in her fifties, and Tang Feihuan couldn’t possibly let her exert herself.

Around four in the afternoon, after signing the contract, Professor Zhong’s daughter left the old house. Tang Anhua started preparing dinner, urging Tang Feihuan to tidy up and go home for the night, returning the next day.

“Dad, I’ve scheduled the furniture delivery for 5 PM. You can head back now; I’ll grab something quick to eat.” Tang Feihuan opened her suitcase and grabbed a cloth, ready to dust the bookshelf before putting her books away.

Tang Anhua admired his daughter’s decisiveness. “You’re just like your mother,” he said, picking up the car keys from the living room coffee table. “When you set your mind to something, you act on it immediately.” He waved goodbye. “Remember to eat on time. Don’t follow your mother’s example—her stomach problems have plagued her for decades.”

Tang Feihuan nodded and saw him to the door before returning to her unpacking.

As dusk settled, Lin Ye pushed open the front door after a half-day medical conference and picking up Lin Yangyang from kindergarten. Lin Wenhui, wearing an apron, emerged from the kitchen at the sound of the door, glancing toward the entrance. “It seems new neighbors have moved in across the hall,” she said. “They’re making quite a racket.”

Exhausted, Lin Ye managed a weak smile and murmured, “Mm.”

“Xiao Ye, you and Yangyang go wash your hands. Dinner’s almost ready.” Lin Wenhui glanced at the trash bag by the shoe cabinet, scolding herself. “Look at my memory! I meant to take out the trash this morning, and I still haven’t done it.”

“Aunt Hui, I’ll take care of it,” Lin Ye said, removing his backpack from his arm and placing it on the cabinet to his right. He gently patted the back of the girl beside him with his left hand and said softly, “Yangyang, go wash your hands.”

Lin Yangyang nodded. “Okay!”

Lin Ye picked up the two bags of trash, closed the security door, and had taken only a few steps when he bumped into Tang Feihuan, who was returning from taking out the trash.

“You?”

Tang Feihuan clearly saw the ripple in Lin Ye’s eyes, and her lips curled into a smug smile. Afraid he would notice, she quickly composed herself and said formally, “Director Lin, from now on, we’re not just colleagues, but also neighbors. Please guide me well.”

“Mm, sure.”

His tone was calm, polite, and distant. Without waiting for her to reply, Lin Ye turned slightly and walked straight downstairs.

Tang Feihuan’s earlier cheerful mood sank to the bottom like sediment in water. She suddenly felt that Lin Ye was like a lily flower—once pink, sweet, and gentle; now white, with a hint of coldness.

But was that coldness reserved entirely for her?