Chapter 32: I Can't Be a Couch Potato
Zhang Shen turned around and asked, “What is it? Is there something else?”
He saw tears streaming down Ke Ying’s cheeks, and anyone who didn’t know might think he had bullied the young lady.
“Thank you, sir!”
After speaking, Ke Ying bowed deeply to Zhang Shen.
Zhang Shen felt a bit awkward. After all, his earlier rebuke of the stout woman was simply because she had provoked him; for Zhang Shen, it was merely a matter of chance.
As for Ke Ying, a kind-hearted girl, her appointment as supervisor had been suggested by Xia Yun, likely after observing her diligence and achievements. Otherwise, no matter how much influence Zhang Shen had, Xia Yun would never promote a young sales clerk so readily.
Zhang Shen couldn’t be bothered to explain, so he just smiled at the girl.
Seeing Ye Qiong step in and resolve the situation, Wang Ying realized she hadn’t yet thanked them for today. She spoke up, “There’s a dessert shop nearby with excellent treats. Why don’t we go try it together?”
As the three of them left the clothing store, Zhang Shen’s phone rang again.
“At this hour, who could be calling me?”
He muttered under his breath.
When Zhang Shen saw the name Chen Tingting on the screen, he panicked and quickly asked Ye Qiong,
“What time is it now?”
“It’s not eight yet.”
“Not eight yet? Then why is she calling? Could it be she wants to leave early for a date tonight and wants me to cover her shift?”
Ye Qiong teased from the side, “Who’s calling? The phone’s been ringing for ages and you haven’t answered. Don’t tell me you owe some naïve young lady a romantic debt!”
“Impossible.”
After snapping at Ye Qiong, Zhang Shen answered the call. But this time, Chen Tingting’s voice was softer than usual.
“Hello, is this the miracle doctor Zhang Shen?”
The sudden sultry tone made Zhang Shen feel as if the charm seeped deep into her voice.
“Tingting, it’s not time yet for my shift…”
Before he finished, Chen Tingting continued, “Miracle doctor, don’t misunderstand. I called to tell you that from today on, you can come to work whenever you wish. Even if you don’t show up, it’s fine.”
“What’s going on? Did I do something wrong?”
This was Zhang Shen’s only means of livelihood. If it was cut off, he’d starve on the streets.
“Miracle doctor, don’t get excited. I haven’t finished speaking.”
“Oh? What else?”
Zhang Shen was confused.
“Well, I heard you’re familiar with Ye Jianfei, the owner of Fanlin Herbal Medicine, so I wanted to ask a favor.”
Hearing it was a favor, Zhang Shen knew Chen Tingting had something to ask of him—otherwise, she wouldn’t be so polite.
“What is it?”
“My boyfriend works under Mr. Ye, and he’d like you to help him secure a good position. What do you think?”
Zhang Shen finally understood. Chen Tingting’s boyfriend had learned of his connection to Ye Jianfei and wanted to use Zhang Shen as a bridge to advance his career.
Zhang Shen didn’t rush to agree. First, he wasn’t so close to Ye Jianfei as to discuss everything. Second, though he’d met Chen Tingting’s boyfriend a few times, such matters needed careful consideration. After all, everyone sought better prospects—it was understandable.
But, after recent events, Zhang Shen had realized a truth: in this world, you either depend on money or on connections. Otherwise, every step upward would cost a thousand times the effort.
“Miracle doctor, take your time. Tonight you can sleep peacefully at home.”
“What about the night shift?”
“Don’t worry, my boyfriend will keep me company tonight.”
Hearing he didn’t have to work that night, Zhang Shen felt quite content.
He hung up and went over to Ye Qiong and Wang Ying. Ye Qiong noticed the joy on his face and asked, “What’s happened? Are you this happy because you won the lottery?”
“No, I just don’t have to work tonight.”
“That’s all? I thought it was something big.”
Ye Qiong finished, but then remembered something and pressed, “Wait! I recall that woman is tough. Last time, after your car accident, she complained for ages. Why is she letting you off so easily tonight?”
Zhang Shen thought, “Ye Qiong is pretty sharp. She only met Chen Tingting once, yet she knows her temperament inside out.”
Of course, Zhang Shen didn’t tell Ye Qiong the truth—he simply brushed it off with a few vague words.
Wang Ying, seeing their debate finally settle, led them to the dessert shop.
Zhang Shen’s old life consisted of instant noodles and steamed buns, but ever since meeting upper-class figures through Jiang Muyun, he realized his past food and clothing were insignificant by comparison.
Thinking of this, Zhang Shen suddenly stopped chewing, realizing he’d neglected Jiang Muyun lately. He decided to buy extra desserts to bring back as a token of apology, hoping the sweet treats might soften her mood.
After the three finished their desserts, they parted ways at the intersection. Ye Qiong and Wang Ying continued their shopping spree, while Zhang Shen, not wanting to follow their wild pace, opted to enjoy his rare quiet evening. Looking at the sweets in his hands, he hailed a cab and headed straight for the Shunyi Lane nursing home.
Arriving at the nursing home, Zhang Shen gently knocked at the gate. Soon, a middle-aged woman in a caregiver’s uniform answered. Seeing Zhang Shen, she said, “Miracle doctor, it’s late. What brings you to the nursing home?”
“I’m here to see Jiang Muyun!”
Upon hearing he’d come to see Miss Jiang, the woman quickly let him inside.
Zhang Shen made his way to Jiang Muyun’s room and knocked on the door.
Inside, Jiang Muyun assumed it was a caregiver, but when she opened the door and saw Zhang Shen, she slammed it shut with a bang.
Zhang Shen was left bewildered.
“Xiao Yun, open the door. It’s me, Zhang Shen.”
From inside, Jiang Muyun replied, “I only know a miracle doctor named Zhang Shen. Who are you? I don’t recognize you.”
Zhang Shen was dumbfounded. Was there another Zhang Shen in Shunyi Lane? Clearly, the girl was still angry with him. It seemed he’d need to use his secret weapon; otherwise, she’d never let him inside.
“I’m the miracle doctor Zhang Shen you mentioned.”
“No, you’re not—you’re a big pig’s trotter.”