[36: Beyond Cure]

As they left the hospital, Su Dajiang felt much better, the sharp pain from his sutures had lessened significantly.

His previously hunched posture straightened, and his steps became slightly quicker.

"Dajiang, if your wound hurts, slow down. We're not in a rush to get home," Wei Guiqin worriedly reminded him as she noticed him speeding up.

"It's strange. Yanyan's words seem to have a magical effect. She said it wouldn't hurt, and it really doesn't!" Su Dajiang was also amazed.

He had been injured before, and after suture removal, the pain would usually linger for a while. But not this time.

Wei Guiqin rolled her eyes. "You two are ridiculous. Do you think your daughter's words are some divine scripture? Just hearing them can cure all illnesses and relieve all pain?"

"You might not believe it, but it seems to work," Su Dajiang chuckled.

"Ridiculous," Wei Guiqin grumbled.

Su Hanyan smiled. She thought to herself that while her healing ability couldn't cure illnesses, it could alleviate pain. If it could cure diseases, she would become a miracle doctor. Imagine people lining up to see her, just a touch from her hands, and they'd be cured. Counting money until her hands cramped—how wonderful would that be?

Unfortunately, her golden finger wasn't that powerful or miraculous.

[golden fingers are another term for 'superpowers' or 'cheats']

As Su Hanyan pondered her ability, Jin Chen's exhausted face suddenly came to mind. Her golden finger could alleviate pain, but could it relieve fatigue too?

She regretted not thinking to try it earlier. If it worked, she could have helped him.

Jin Chen's world was now quiet. The piercing noise and splitting pain were gone. He fell into a deep sleep, and when he woke up, it was nearly noon.

The doctor's office was still quiet, with Lu Feifan sitting by the bed, propping his head on one hand and staring blankly into space.

"Ahem," Jin Chen coughed.

"You're awake!" Lu Feifan snapped back to reality and quickly asked, "How do you feel? Is the noise still bad? Does your head still hurt? Can you hold on? If not, I can take leave and send you home."

"It's fine," Jin Chen stretched, his muscles and bones relaxing. "This episode didn't last long. I had a nap, and now I feel much better. By the way, how did the surgery go?"

"Still thinking about the surgery?" Lu Feifan handed him a cup of water. "You couldn't hold up on the operating table, so I helped you out, and Director Lin quickly took over. No need to worry."

"Why are you still here?" Jin Chen glanced at him.

"You ungrateful jerk," Lu Feifan felt like punching him. "I'm worried about you. Don't worry about the surgery; there are other anesthesiologists in the hospital. It'll be fine."

"Okay," Jin Chen nodded.

"By the way, your episodes used to last at least ten days to half a month. Why was it so quick this time?" Lu Feifan was puzzled.

He had grown up with Jin Chen and knew about his condition since childhood.

It was peculiar. Whenever Jin Chen was extremely tired, this condition would flare up, tormenting him to the point of unbearable pain.

But every hospital visit yielded no diagnosis. Even during his studies abroad, Jin Chen consulted numerous experts in the United States, but none could offer a solution.

[37: Pursuing Her]

It's often attributed to Jin Chen's illness that he appeared outwardly cold and had a volatile temper.

"I'm not sure," Jin Chen replied lightly, his mind filled with Su Hanyan's face.

If it happened once by chance, how could it happen twice?

Jin Chen believed that the girl was an extraordinary presence!

Lu Feifan, oblivious to Jin Chen's thoughts, naturally didn't dwell on it much. As good buddies, he felt genuinely happy for Jin Chen. "Maybe your illness will be cured soon!"

"Perhaps."

"I think it's certain," Lu Feifan's confidence was inexplicable. "Have you never had this happen before? This is the first time, right? I think even the heavens couldn't bear to see you suffer anymore, so they decided to show mercy."

"Heh," Jin Chen sneered. "You, a doctor, are actually a metaphysicist!"

Jin Chen's expression darkened, then he continued, "I know."

"But it's all over now," Lu Feifan stretched lazily. "While you were asleep, I went to the operating room. Director Lin said you could go home after waking up. You've been on your feet in surgery for seventeen or eighteen hours straight. Even an iron man would collapse! He told you to take three days off. Thanks to you, I got permission to take you home."

"Okay," Jin Chen indeed needed rest. Rarely did he feel this comfortable physically, so he planned to take full advantage and sleep like a log for a few days.

"Let's go," Lu Feifan took off his white coat, draped an arm over Jin Chen's shoulder, and grinned, "Bro, I'm being nice to you, right? As a thank you, how would you like to repay me?"

Jin Chen blinked at him in surprise. "Are you okay in the head? Need to see a neurologist?"

This smooth-talking and self-loving guy was his childhood friend. They had grown up together, shared everything, and even relieved themselves against the same tree*. "Thank you" was never a phrase exchanged between them, so Jin Chen wondered what was up with him today.

[*yes, as in, peeing at the same tree lmao]

"Never mind, let me be direct," Lu Feifan chuckled awkwardly. "The girl just now, Su Hanyan, do you know her? I just asked around at the nurses' station. Heard you operated on her father, right?"

"What do you want?" Jin Chen raised an eyebrow.

"I'm asking, do you know her?" Lu Feifan persisted eagerly. "I think she's gorgeous and her temperament suits me. I think I've fallen head over heels for her! Since you've had dealings with her, I thought you might have some info for me."

"I don't know."

"Hey, are we even brothers?" Lu Feifan was getting impatient. "You know my parents are nagging me every day to go on blind dates. I've been on countless ones, but none have caught my eye. Unexpectedly, I meet my true goddess here. I really want to pursue her! If you know anything, just tell me."

"I don't know," Jin Chen repeated firmly. "I've never had any dealings with her. I don't know."

"You... you..." Lu Feifan squeezed out from between his teeth, "With your attitude, you'll be single forever!"

"Enough chatter. Aren't you supposed to be taking me home?" Jin Chen shrugged off his arm, discarded the white coat, donned a dark gray overcoat, and strode off.

[38: Itching All Over]

The Su family was bustling today.

Eldest brother Su Jingheng and his wife Wu Jiaojiao went to her parents' home to celebrate her father-in-law's birthday. Unfortunately, some unpleasantness arose, so they hastily returned with their children. As for the third son, Su Jingrui, he worked until noon and didn't need to go back to work in the afternoon, so he hurried home for dinner.

This meal held extraordinary significance for the Su family. Firstly, it celebrated Su Dajiang's safe passage through a dangerous period, with his health steadily improving. Secondly, it was a family reunion dinner. Thirdly, Su Dajiang's promotion to workshop director at Changfeng Machinery Factory had already been announced at the factory, a sealed deal pending his complete recovery to return to work.

Wei Guiqin specially prepared a sumptuous meal for the occasion. She stewed pork ribs with radish soup brought by Su Hanyan, bought a smoked ham and a roasted chicken from the state-run grocery store, and stir-fried a few small vegetables.

This table of dishes was even more sumptuous than the usual New Year's Eve dinner.

Because Su Dajiang couldn't sit for long due to his health, the table was placed next to his bed for his convenience to recline when tired.

"Oh my, this is truly rare." Wei Guiqin was in a good mood today. She poured a drink for Su Jingrui and also wanted to have a few cups herself. "Except for the second son's family not being here, this is almost a complete family reunion! I'm so happy today. Come, let's have a drink together! Then, each of you should toast your father."

"My dad shouldn't drink." Su Hanyan saw Su Dajiang lifting a wine cup and advised, "Your wound hasn't healed yet, and your body is still weak. The doctor doesn't allow you to drink."

"You think you know it all." Su Jingrui looked at his younger sister and couldn't help feeling displeased. "It's like you're the only one who cares for Dad, and the rest of us don't."

"It's okay to drink a little less, right? How about just a sip for Dad?" Su Jingheng knew that once the third son and his younger sister clashed, a fight would be imminent.

If they really started fighting, this meal might not end well.

"But that's not okay either." Su Hanyan was firm. "Dad, you're still taking medicine. What did the doctor say? Mixing medication with alcohol can easily lead to fatal risks. So, even a sip is not allowed!"

"You stop it!" Su Jingrui slammed the table. "When I had a cold, I didn't reduce my medicine intake or stop drinking, and I'm still alive."

Su Hanyan chuckled. "That's why your brain works like this. You don't like studying and don't listen to advice. Do you think you know more than the doctor?"

"Su Hanyan, are you itching for a fight?" Su Jingrui raised his voice. "Don't think I won't dare to hit you just because Dad is back and you have backup!"

"Third brother, stop shouting. You've scared Tongtong." Wu Jiaojiao glared at Su Jingrui dissatisfiedly.

"What's all this noise?" Su Dajiang frowned, picked up his chopsticks, and gave Su Jingrui's head two taps. "Is this how you usually treat your sister? As an older brother, you don't know how to take care of your sister, always shouting at her! I think you're the one itching for a fight."

"I..." Su Jingrui was defiant.

"What about you?" Su Dajiang widened his eyes, a truly intimidating sight.

"Alright, alright. Since your health isn't good, don't get angry!" Wei Guiqin eased her husband's mood. "They're siblings, always fighting like this, but deep down, they're still close. They don't mean it!"

"They don't mean it?" Su Dajiang coldly snorted. "Then let me ask you, why did Yan Yan move out and insist on living at the factory instead? Can you explain that to me?"

"Dad, since you brought it up, let me explain." Su Jingrui put down his chopsticks and brought up his own matter again. "Dad, you already know about me and Qiuer. Since everyone is here today, I want to talk about this matter."

[39: Hearts in the Sky]

"Third brother, let's talk about this later." Su Jingheng saw that the atmosphere at the dinner table was off and hurriedly reminded him, "Today is a rare family reunion. Let's just enjoy our meal peacefully."

"Big brother, please don't interfere. This matter has been weighing on my heart, and I just want to speak up," Su Jingrui said, looking directly at his father, taking a deep breath. "In my life, besides Lin Zhiqiu, I won't marry anyone else! Dad, she doesn't ask for anything else, just a job! You care for your daughter, which is understandable, but don't you care for your son as well?"

"Actually, Third brother has had it quite tough," Wei Guiqin also hurriedly spoke up for her son. "He's really fallen for her this time. That girl Zhiqiu is also quite nice, truly a rare gem. It's just that she lacks a job. Back then, I discussed this with Yan Yan, but who knew she would get angry and leave. Now, Third son's marriage is still hanging, what should we do?"

These past few days, Su Dajiang had been recuperating, and she had been holding back from mentioning this matter to him, fearing it would upset him. But seeing the throng of people going to the Lin family to propose, her son's impatience made her uneasy, and she couldn't eat or sleep well.

"She just wants a job?" Su Dajiang asked.

"Yes." Su Jingrui nodded firmly. "She just wants a job."

Wu Jiaojiao sneered and said, "This girl knows what she wants, huh? This job is worth much more than any bride price. Who in the family would easily hand over a job to her? If you want to buy a job, the cheaper ones go for at least seven to eight hundred yuan. Nowadays, jobs are sold for over a thousand yuan!"

"What's it to you? Mind your own business!" Wei Guiqin gave her eldest daughter-in-law a harsh glare. "Even if it's buying a job, it's not your money. What's your place to butt in?"

"Mom, that's not fair! What do you mean it's not my money? When Su Jingheng married me, he gave me a bride price of just a hundred yuan, right? Now it's Third Brother's turn to get married, spending money to buy a job isn't money? I don't care, anyway, if a hefty sum is spent on finding a job for Third Brother's bride, I want the money to be fully reimbursed to me, or I won't agree!" Wu Jiaojiao spoke forcefully and aggressively.

"Enough, quit meddling. Isn't this chaotic enough?" Su Jingheng tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to quiet down and not make a scene at this moment.

"You should shut up!" Wu Jiaojiao scolded her husband harshly. "You, lump of wood, can't you see Mom's heart is almost in the sky? Even Su Hanyan has learned to be sharp. It's just you, who is still foolishly oblivious to any household matters on normal days."

"Sister-in-law, are you picking on me?" Su Jingrui discerned the underlying tone in her words.

"How could I dare pick on you? I'm just discussing matters." Wu Jiaojiao said sarcastically.

"That's enough! Stop it!" Wei Guiqin, whose temper was not good, saw her children bickering endlessly over these matters and immediately slammed the table. "Do you know what day today is? Can't we just have a peaceful meal? Why must it be so chaotic?"

"This was brought up by Third brother," Wu Jiaojiao muttered.

"Am I wrong to want to marry?" Su Jingrui stood up angrily, threw his chopsticks on the table, and walked out. "I can't eat like this!"

The atmosphere at the table suddenly became extremely tense. Su Dajiang's face also darkened, his eyes flashing with signs of eruption.

"You come back here." Wei Guiqin saw the situation was turning bad and quickly got up, grabbed Su Jingrui's ear, and pulled him back. "Apologize to your father! Now that your father is back, are you still afraid no one will decide your marriage?"

[40: Uninvited Guest]

Su Dajiang saw his son acting foolishly and couldn't be bothered to deal with him. "I don't need him to apologize. But let me remind you of one thing: that girl is after your job, not you. Even if you get married, I don't think it'll last long. It might be better not to marry at all."

Indeed, indeed.

Su Hanyan nodded repeatedly, silently thinking to herself that someone in the Su family finally understood.

In the original novel, Lin Zhiqiu ended up marrying Zhou Ningkai. The couple opened a restaurant and prospered in life.

As for Su Jingrui, at best he was just a pawn! Unfortunately, this high-level pawn was still somewhat obstinate, single-mindedly wanting to marry Lin Zhiqiu.

"Dad, you haven't even met Zhiqiu, so how can you draw such a conclusion? Zhiqiu is a kind-hearted girl. It's just that her family is in difficulties, so she wants a job! If not for this, she wouldn't even need a job," Su Jingrui was blinded by his love, seeing Lin Zhiqiu in an overly positive light.

"I don't need to see her. I know that true love doesn't need so many conditions! There are plenty of good girls in the world. Forget about that Zhiqiu and find someone else!" Su Dajiang strongly disagreed with his son's marriage.

"Dad!!!" Su Jingrui, seeing his father's lack of support, became both angry and anxious. He paced around the room with his hands on his hips, like an ant on a hot pan. "You're biased!! Zhiqiu is an amazing girl who is hard to find with a lantern. I won't marry anyone else in my life!"

Tsk tsk tsk!

Su Hanyan couldn't help but sympathize with Su Jingrui.

This high-level pawn was truly following his predetermined character path without any deviation. Indeed, his intelligence seemed to be limited to petty cleverness.

"You see how worked up you get..." Wei Guiqin felt sorry for her son, thinking, how can he live his life without marrying?

Just as Wei Guiqin was about to persuade her son, a crisp and sweet voice came from the courtyard.

"Jingrui! Is Jingrui home?"

Upon hearing this voice, Su Jingrui dashed out as if possessed, pushing aside the door curtain and running towards the courtyard.

He saw Lin Zhiqiu, who never waited at his family's door, standing in the courtyard with a net bag in her hand, containing two boxes of milk tablets.

"Zhiqiu, why are you here?" He was pleasantly surprised.

Lin Zhiqiu smiled softly and said, "I heard Uncle Su had surgery. I came to see him. And by the way, to talk about our matters."

Su Jingrui's nerves tightened, his face full of nervousness as he asked, "You're not here to break up with me, are you?"

Lin Zhiqiu covered her mouth and chuckled softly. "Look at how nervous you are. No, I'm not!"

"Then what are you...?"

"You'll find out in a bit," Lin Zhiqiu smiled lightly. "Take me to meet your family."

Seeing Lin Zhiqiu smile at him like that, Su Jingrui felt as if he had been enchanted. He happily took Lin Zhiqiu into the house.

"Dad, Mom! Zhiqiu is here!"

Upon hearing that the original female lead had arrived, Su Hanyan immediately looked up and glanced at her.

At this moment, Lin Zhiqiu was still a pitiful little white flower, in the most difficult moment of her life. She wore a neat student-style haircut, dressed in a simple blue coat, with a shy smile on her face. Her appearance was quite pitiable, like a lily blooming in a secluded valley.

After all, she was the original female lead, favored by the author with special affection*.

[refers to LZQ's appearance*]