201: How to Prove It

"Trick? What trick could I be up to? Little sister, do you really think your third brother is that despicable?" Su Jingrui felt a bit defeated.

Su Hanyan sneered, "And you think you're so great? Su Jingrui, your self-esteem is way too high!"

"Sorry!" He suddenly blurted out the words he had been practicing since last night. These three simple words were incredibly difficult to say to his little sister. "I'm sorry, little sister. Your brother is a jerk! I'm blind, I'm a scumbag! I'm sorry for bullying you and making you suffer!"

His words left Su Hanyan stunned.

She couldn't believe it. The heartless, brainless Su Jingrui had come to apologize to her early in the morning.

"Congratulations, you finally recognize your true self," Su Hanyan said with a smirk.

"Yes, yes." Su Jingrui's cheeks were burning. "You're right, your third brother is no good. I realize that now!"

"Do you really realize it?" Su Hanyan glanced at him, smiling. "Then prove it to me."

"How do I prove it?"

"Slap yourself." Su Hanyan pointed behind her to the single dormitory building where she lived. "For every reason you can think of for having wronged me, slap yourself once to show you're genuinely remorseful."

Su Jingrui still had bruises from his time in detention, and even the slightest touch hurt. Now, Su Hanyan was asking him to slap himself.

"If you're faking it." Su Hanyan turned to leave.

"Wait." Su Jingrui called out urgently. "I'll do it, okay?"

"Go ahead." Su Hanyan stepped back to give him enough space.

Su Jingrui raised his hand and slapped himself hard. "I was selfish and wanted to sacrifice my sister's marriage for my own gain!"

Slap—another hit.

"I was blind and stupid, believed others' slander, and always made trouble for my sister!"

Slap—third hit.

"I, a grown man, used my fists to solve problems and often bullied my sister!"

He continued to slap himself about twenty times. His face swelled up again, his tongue was numb, and his skin felt like it was on fire.

People in the dormitory building had opened their windows to watch, finding it amusing. They wondered what had gotten into him to do such a thing.

As for losing face, Su Jingrui no longer cared.

He racked his brains but couldn't think of any more reasons. Turning to Su Hanyan, he said, "Yanyan, I can't think of any more."

"If you can't think of more, then that's enough." Su Hanyan smiled. "So, do you see now how badly you've treated me?"

"I see, I see!" Su Jingrui nodded vigorously, looking up at her with hope. "So, Yanyan, does this mean you've forgiven your third brother?"

"Forgive? When did I say I forgave you?" Su Hanyan's smile faded. "Su Jingrui, the harm you've caused me is not minor. I can't forgive you so easily! You don't need to ask for my forgiveness or bring me stewed ribs from afar. If you really want to thank me, then disappear from my sight. I don't want to see you!"

202: Sincere Apology

Su Jingrui stood there, speechless, for a long time, not knowing what to say.

This girl is too... too... too good at messing with people!

"What? Did you think I'd forgive you just because you said sorry?" Su Hanyan sneered. "That would be too easy, wouldn't it?"

In the past, Su Jingrui would hit her whenever he wanted, never considering her feelings.

Today, she was finally standing up for herself.

"Little sister," Su Jingrui's expression finally became serious. "I sincerely apologize for my past behavior. I deeply regret it! This time when I got into trouble, Dad said you were the one running around helping out, and you even paid the money. That really surprised me... I've always bullied you and treated you badly, but when I got into trouble, you were the first to help me. I'm really touched! Whether you forgive me or not, I'll change my ways and become a better person!"

"You don't need to be grateful. I wasn't doing it for you; I did it for Dad. I didn't want to see him in a difficult position. He's the only one in this family who cares for me and genuinely wants the best for me! Without Dad, I wouldn't have helped you!" Su Hanyan said truthfully.

She didn't want him to owe her anything.

"No matter the reason, you helped me. I was a jerk and too selfish. I've been reflecting on myself every day in detention! Lin Zhiqiu... she had impure motives from the start, and I was blind not to see it..." Su Jingrui regretted his past actions, breaking out in a cold sweat just thinking about it.

He was grateful for his sister's resistance at the time. If he had sacrificed her happiness for someone like Lin Zhiqiu, he would never have had peace of mind.

"That's enough." Su Hanyan acknowledged his remorse but was cautious about his future actions. Time would tell his sincerity. "You don't need to say anything more. If you want to thank me, you should. I'll take the stuff you brought, but it's time for you to go."

"Alright, alright." Su Jingrui nodded repeatedly, stuffing the items into Su Hanyan's hands. "If you want anything, just tell me, and I'll get it for you!"

Su Jingrui left without looking back. After he was gone, Su Hanyan opened the heavy bag. Inside were two large lunch boxes, along with canned food, fresh fruit, and White Rabbit candies.

He had been generous with his spending.

But if he thought this would win her over, it was too simple.

Hurt wasn't inflicted in a day, and forgiveness couldn't be granted instantly. Besides, she had no intention of returning to the Su family. She wanted to stay as far away from that troublesome place as possible.

Su Hanyan shared the food with her dorm mates and then put the matter behind her. She had something more exciting to look forward to—shopping for clothes.

For women, shopping is a never-ending joy, tiring yet exhilarating!

In the mall, Su Hanyan bought many items.

Shaoyu advised her to be patient and wait for Shaofeng to find cheaper goods for her. But Su Hanyan couldn't wait; she wanted to buy everything immediately.

Tomorrow, she would be treating Jin Chen to dinner. He always dressed so neatly, and she didn't want to look shabby in comparison.

After shopping for most of the day, just as they were about to leave, Shaoyu suddenly exclaimed, "Yanyan, look! That coat is exactly like the one you're wearing!"

203: Missed Appointment

The sales clerk noticed the three girls heading towards the coat, and one of them even reached out to touch it. Immediately, she frowned, "Hey, hey, hey! What's going on? If you're not buying, don't touch!"

"Do you think we can't buy it?" Shaoyu was annoyed by the sales clerk's condescending attitude.

"Buy? Can you afford it? This coat costs over six hundred!"

Shaoyu was shocked.

Zhu Lin also looked at Su Hanyan in disbelief, "It's really expensive! The person who gave you this coat must be very generous..."

"Indeed... it's not cheap," Su Hanyan murmured, "I didn't realize how much I owe him."

"What?" Zhu Lin didn't catch what she said.

"Nothing," Su Hanyan smiled, "Let's go back!"

Spending the whole day shopping was worth it. Looking at herself in the mirror, Su Hanyan finally nodded in satisfaction. Wearing a wool coat, wide-leg pants, black high-heeled shoes, and a small shoulder bag, she did look quite sophisticated.

"Look at Yanyan, she's so beautiful. If she goes out, she could attract a lot of men!" Zhu Lin teased her.

"I think so too," Shaoyu said, resting her chin on her hand and smiling.

The weekend arrived as scheduled.

Su Hanyan got ready and went to her appointment. When she arrived, she saw a car parked by the roadside. The window rolled down, revealing the youthful and energetic face of Lu Feifan.

"Dr. Lu?" Su Hanyan turned and looked at the street sign, which indeed read Huai Jiang Road.

This was the location she had agreed on with Jin Chen, and it was the car Jin Chen had driven before. But now, Lu Feifan was the one here.

"Did I get it wrong?" she asked.

Lu Feifan looked at Su Hanyan, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he smiled, "No, you didn't! Get in the car!"

"Uh? Where are we going?"

"To see Jin Chen!" Lu Feifan said with a smile, "He didn't forget about your date. But he wasn't feeling well this morning. He looked terrible! He almost fainted before he even left the house. Even so, he remembered your appointment and asked me to let you know not to wait for him. He'll see you next time."

"Not feeling well?" Su Hanyan pictured Jin Chen looking weak. "I should go see him."

"You should," Lu Feifan nodded, resting his hand on the car window, "Jin Chen's work is very stressful. You have no idea how many surgeries he performs in a day! Originally, he had a few surgeries scheduled for this weekend, but he swapped with others to make time for your date. He's been working for over thirty hours straight. Even a person made of iron would collapse... Forget it, he didn't want me to tell you this, but I can't keep my mouth shut!"

Su Hanyan's face showed a bit of guilt. If she had known, she wouldn't have suggested meeting today... If it weren't for today's coffee date, he wouldn't have swapped shifts.

"How is he now? Is it serious?" Su Hanyan asked with concern.

"You'll see for yourself."

"Okay."

Su Hanyan walked to the other side of the car, opened the door, and sat in the passenger seat, "Dr. Lu, could you stop by a mall?"

"Sure." Lu Feifan started the car and drove towards the mall.

The two of them remained silent during the drive.

Su Hanyan gazed out the window, looking at the early spring scenery along the road, while worrying about Jin Chen's condition.

204: A Perfect Match

"You look beautiful," Lu Feifan suddenly spoke.

"Really?" Su Hanyan snapped out of her thoughts and smiled. "In a few more days, this city will be in full bloom, and it will be even more beautiful."

"I mean..." Lu Feifan paused, "You look very beautiful today."

Su Hanyan was slightly taken aback but then smiled warmly, "Do I only look beautiful today? Wasn't I beautiful before?"

Usually, when someone receives a compliment, they shyly say thank you. But this woman in front of him was different and not at all modest. In this way, she and Jin Chen were indeed a perfect match! Lu Feifan chuckled softly, realizing that the woman Jin Chen admired was indeed extraordinary.

"What? Not beautiful?" Su Hanyan asked him.

"Beautiful," he said, smiling, "You've always been beautiful!"

"Thank you," Su Hanyan laughed, not forgetting to compliment him back, "Dr. Lu is very handsome too! With your sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, you look like a jade tree in the wind!"

"Thank you," Lu Feifan replied in a cheerful mood.

As they drove past the mall, Su Hanyan bought some gifts. Before leaving the mall, she decided to bring a can of instant coffee for Jin Chen. Although it wasn't freshly brewed, instant coffee would have to do for now.

Lu Feifan drove the car to the faculty housing area of the medical university and parked in front of Jin Chen's house.

They carried a bunch of gifts and knocked on the door.

Jin Yan heard the commotion and opened the door. Seeing Su Hanyan at the door, she was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered and warmly welcomed her in.

"Oh, it's Miss Su! Come in, come in!"

Su Hanyan greeted her with a smile, "Grandma Jin, I heard Dr. Jin is sick, so I came to see him! Please accept these gifts!"

"Oh, you didn't have to bring so many things! Next time, don't bother with that!"

"Alright," Su Hanyan nodded obediently.

"Miss Su, please sit down," Jin Yan invited her into the living room and then instructed Lu Feifan to boil some water. "Go boil some hot water and make some tea for our guest!"

"Sure," Lu Feifan went to the kitchen. "Miss Su, what kind of tea do you like?"

"No need to trouble yourself. I'm not thirsty. Grandma Jin, is Dr. Jin resting? Can I see him?" Su Hanyan asked.

"Of course, you can," Jin Yan replied, a bit worried about her grandson's condition and afraid Su Hanyan might get hurt unintentionally. She cautioned her, "Dear, Chen Chen is not in a good mood because of his illness. Sometimes he can be irritable. If he says anything hurtful, please don't take it to heart."

Su Hanyan had seen Jin Chen's work intensity and understood the fatigue and irritability that came from relentless work without rest. "Don't worry, Grandma. I won't take it to heart."

"That's good."

"Grandma Jin, please don't call me Miss Su anymore. It sounds strange. My name is Su Hanyan, but you can call me Yanyan."

"Yanyan, what a lovely name... I'll call you Yanyan then."

"That's fine, Grandma Jin."

Upstairs.

Jin Chen lay on the bed, the room sealed off. The noise in his ears was relentless, like a battlefield in his head with clashing sounds. The constant, piercing noise was unbearable.

His head hurt, feeling like it would split open, and he was incredibly agitated, wanting to tear off the ceiling.

"Chen Chen," Jin Yan's voice came from outside the door. "Yanyan is here to see you. I'm going to open the door now."

205: A Strange Request

With a click, the door opened.

Jin Yan saw her grandson lying on the bed, his face as pale as a sheet, and felt a pang of heartache. "Go on, see him quickly and then come out."

Su Hanyan walked in, and Jin Yan gently closed the door behind her.

"Dr. Jin, are you alright?" Su Hanyan pulled up a chair and sat by his bed, feeling a bit guilty. "I originally wanted to invite you out for coffee, but I didn't expect you to change shifts for the weekend to go out, which led to you getting sick... I'm really sorry."

Change shifts?

Jin Chen heard this in a daze. Who did he change shifts with? The weekend was his regular day off; he had just fallen ill suddenly. There was no changing of shifts involved.

"You don't need to apologize." Jin Chen endured his irritability and splitting headache, speaking weakly with his eyes closed, "Feifan must have been talking nonsense. Don't pay attention to him!"

Hearing this, Su Hanyan felt even more moved.

She guessed that Jin Chen didn't want her to feel guilty, so he said that.

"Where do you feel uncomfortable?" Su Hanyan's gaze fell on his slightly dry lips. "Do you need me to get you some water?"

"No, no need." Jin Chen's voice was slightly hoarse. "I have a terrible headache. Can you massage my head?"

Su Hanyan was startled: "!!!"

This... this... this request feels so... so awkward... so strange... Is it appropriate for her to massage Jin Chen's head?

While Su Hanyan was still debating whether to agree or refuse, Jin Chen slowly opened his eyes, his gaze landing on her face.

"Hanyan, can you?"

Su Hanyan's throat tightened, and she looked into his eyes.

His eyes were different from usual, not as calm and bright. They seemed a bit dim, not as deep as usual, and there was a mix of urgency and pain, along with something indescribable...

She examined him this way, and he looked back at her, his gaze unwavering, waiting for her answer.

Su Hanyan was moved by his gaze. She felt a bit flustered and couldn't help but wonder. It's just a head massage, why can't he do it himself?

But then, she thought, being this sick and in pain, he probably didn't want to move.

He must be hoping for someone to take care of him in such a difficult time.

"Alright." Su Hanyan agreed. "I'll massage your head. If you feel uncomfortable, let me know!"

"Thanks." Jin Chen closed his eyes again.

Su Hanyan moved closer, placing her hands near his temples, her movements gentle and slow.

The moment she touched him, Jin Chen felt much better. The annoying noise receded like a tide, and peace gradually returned.

The pain in his head also began to fade, and he felt as if he had crawled back from hell, reborn.

Su Hanyan didn't know how he felt, but she noticed his furrowed brows gradually relaxing, indicating he was feeling some relief.

At that moment, she suddenly remembered her special ability. She could help alleviate pain.

Even though Jin Chen was a doctor and could diagnose illnesses, he couldn't ease his own pain.

But she could.

Su Hanyan used her mind to summon the healing blue light, channeling it into his body through her massaging movements. After a while, the blue light gradually dimmed and extinguished.