Chapter 138: The Old Place

At the hospital entrance, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng fished out his phone and dialed the number for "Good Person."

"Bro, I'm at the hospital entrance. Where are you?"

"Right here."

Hearing the voice, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng turned his head.

Wang Yan, who had been chatting idly beside the entrance flowerbed, raised his phone, hung up, and walked over to Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng.

"Oh my, bro, I'm so grateful to you, really…"

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng hung up his phone and extended his hand from afar.

"Enough, you've thanked me enough times already—don't be so formal. I just can't stand seeing good people get treated unfairly." Wang Yan shook his hand, then patted his back: "Let's go, the kid's father is still waiting in line to register."

"Alright."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng nodded and followed Wang Yan into the hospital building.

China, the world's most populous nation, suffers from severely scarce medical resources. Across this vast land, development is uneven among provinces and cities—some advanced, some backward—with medical resources concentrated mostly in prosperous regions. Undoubtedly, Jingcheng, the capital, is the place with the highest concentration of medical resources in China. Every day, countless critical patients travel thousands of miles seeking treatment.

All that rambling boils down to five words: the hospital is packed.

As soon as they stepped into the lobby, a tidal wave of noise hit Wang Yan, making his throbbing head ache. He hated this kind of environment—it was too stressful.

Leading Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng to the front of the registration queue, Wang Yan tapped a man wearing glasses: "Mr. Zhang."

The man turned around, saw Wang Yan, and smiled: "Mr. Wang, I didn't expect…"

Mid-sentence, he spotted Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng beside Wang Yan and quickly reached out: "You're the one who saved my son this morning, right? Oh my, thank you so much! If not for you, the consequences could've been disastrous."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng shyly said: "It's nothing, just what anyone would do. I'm Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng… may I ask your name, brother?"

The man gripped Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng's uninjured hand: "Brother Shi Shi Xiaomeng, nice to meet you. I'm Zhang Bo—just a few years older, call me Brother Zhang. This time, I owe you big time. If anything had happened to the kid, I don't know how me and his mother would've gone on."

"Brother Shi Shi Xiaomeng, don't worry—this injury won't go uncompensated, and your blood won't be spilled in vain. We'll do a full-body check-up now; if there's any damage, I'll take full responsibility."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng shook his head rapidly: "Really, no need for all that trouble, Brother Zhang. Just check my arm—nothing else is wrong."

Zhang Bo said generously: "How can that be? I know the full details. If there's internal damage—organ injury or anything else—that'd be neglect on my part as the parent of the child you saved. If word got out, people would point fingers at my back."

This sounded like genuine responsibility-taking, but Wang Yan knew it was mostly about fearing future claims.

After all, if they only checked the arm now, what if Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng developed problems elsewhere later? That'd be a real headache. Better to settle it all at once and avoid future trouble.

Earlier, when Wang Yan had brought this guy over, his whole demeanor…

Actually, it had nothing to do with Wang Yan—he was just some stranger. But this guy insisted on blocking the child and demanding accountability. Who wouldn't be annoyed? Zhang Bo's background was decent—he was a government official. As a local power player, no matter his exact position, he could still muster some influence. So when Zhang Bo first arrived, he held himself high.

Both were reasonable people who could talk sense. After a friendly chat with Wang Yan, he dropped the attitude.

"Bro, really no need. I know my own body best—don't waste money on unnecessary checks."

"Nonsense, health matters most—don't refuse. What do you think, Mr. Wang?"

Wang Yan nodded, patting Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng's shoulder: "Shi Shi Xiaomeng, just accept Mr. Zhang's kindness—he genuinely wants to help."

"Mr. Wang is right—give me a chance to show my gratitude. Brother Shi Shi Xiaomeng, don't refuse."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng paused, then said: "Brother Zhang, then I'll accept your generosity—I'm truly sorry to burden you."

"That's the spirit! As long as you're healthy, everything else is minor—nothing to mention."

Except for a few fasting-required tests, they ran every possible check from head to toe.

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng's injured arm, as Wang Yan had said, had a minor fracture—though the external wound was large. In the end, they stitched five sutures, applied a splint, and suspended the arm. There were also a few bruises, but nothing serious. They prescribed a large bundle of herbs for blood circulation, anti-inflammation, and bone regeneration, and told him to return in a week for results.

Wang Yan played the role of an enthusiastic bystander perfectly, accompanying him from start to finish. The actual exams didn't take long—it was the endless waiting that dragged on. By the end, it was already past five—it took a whole half day.

At the hospital entrance, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng and Zhang Bo were tugging at each other.

"Brother Zhang, I'm not seriously hurt—I'll be fine in two days. I really can't take this money."

"Brother Shi Shi Xiaomeng, this money isn't meant as anything else—it's just my heartfelt thanks. Take it, go buy some nutritious food and recover well. And this injury will surely affect your work—I feel terrible about it."

"Wang Ge, what do I do…" Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng looked helplessly toward Wang Yan.

Wang Yan said: "Enough, Shi Shi Xiaomeng—don't refuse. I can tell, if you don't take this money, Mr. Zhang won't sleep soundly. Just accept it."

"Exactly! Brother Shi Shi Xiaomeng, I mean it sincerely—not just for show."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng hesitated, staring at Wang Yan. He didn't know why, but perhaps it was chemistry—he felt Wang Ge was deeply trustworthy, calming, and reliable.

Wang Yan, equally exasperated, nodded in approval.

He knew Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng truly didn't want the money, but the scene looked like a child hesitating to take New Year's money, glancing nervously at his parent—it was just too awkward.

With Wang Ge's approval, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng sheepishly took the envelope of cash: "Brother Zhang, thank you—I'll accept the money."

"That's the spirit!" Zhang Bo nodded happily: "Then it's settled. My family's waiting—I'll be off. If anything comes up, call me anytime, Brother Shi Shi Xiaomeng—I'll help if I can."

"Got it, Brother Zhang. Take care, goodbye."

Zhang Bo nodded to Wang Yan, said "Goodbye," and left immediately.

"Bro, I've wasted your whole day. You didn't even eat properly at lunch—if you're free, can I treat you to dinner?"

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng spoke nervously. Even if he were clueless, after spending a full day with him, he'd noticed: Wang Ge always spoke softly, his eyes calm as a still well—utterly inscrutable.

Such people were either genuinely powerful or putting on airs—he believed the former. He'd learned Zhang Bo's status—he didn't need to think hard to know what kind of person that was. How could someone like that care about a migrant worker like him, who barely ate two meals a day? Yet here he was—full-body check-ups, cash gifts—it made no sense.

"Sure. Lunch really wasn't satisfying—those boxed meals just don't cut it."

Wang Yan didn't refuse—he was hungry too. And he'd just come here, wasted a whole day on this—what else could possibly matter?

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng grinned: "Perfect, bro! I know a place that's insanely good—you'll see, you won't regret it. The place might be… well…" He had no other way to repay him. If not for Zhang Bo's money, he could've afforded dinner—but after that, he'd be eating steamed buns and pickled vegetables for a week.

"Bah, no need to overthink it. I'll trust your judgment—let's see how good it is. Let's head to the parking lot first."

After all, in Jingcheng, you need a car. Earlier, Wang Yan had already had his staff deliver one. The car was the same as always…

Men, whether they liked cars or not, knew a thing or two. Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng stared at the sleek black Audi A8 with license plate Jing A8 parked perfectly straight—and gained a deeper understanding of his Wang Ge's power.

Never mind the car itself—just the license plate was worth more than his tiny apartment. Though license plate lottery hadn't started yet, it was confirmed: by month's end, it'd be enforced. So Jing A plates had skyrocketed in value—let alone Jing A8.

His Wang Ge was not just powerful—he was lightning in human form. Knowing him wasn't just lucky—it was almost destiny. In his twenty-plus years, the most powerful person he'd ever known was Cheng Feng, a hollow playboy. Now, it was his Wang Ge.

His Wang Ge had treated him well—otherwise, why waste a whole day with him? This man had done him a huge favor. He'd have to show his gratitude somehow. Not to serve at his feet, but to give his all. Someone this powerful, who helped a stranger out of nowhere—he couldn't let this go unanswered.

Wang Yan took out the key and unlocked the car; the two of them got in.

After Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng closed the passenger door, Wang Yan reminded him: "Seatbelt."

"Got it." Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng, his right hand injured, used his left hand to fasten the seatbelt without issue.

Seeing him buckle up, Wang Yan started the car, drove out of the parking lot, and merged into traffic.

Wang Yan had noticed Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng's expression when he first saw the car—surprise, curiosity, inner struggle, but mostly determination.

Wang Yan knew Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng wasn't materialistic; after all, with a rich second-generation friend like Cheng Feng, he wouldn't have been so troubled when Hu Hu Rongqiang tried to pressure him—he'd have climbed aboard long before Hu Hu Rongqiang even opened his mouth.

Under the influence of their original families and upbringing, some people give up entirely, while others harbor thunder within, gritting their teeth and pressing forward silently. The poorer and harder their circumstances, the more they must rely on themselves—nothing more than just a stubborn will to survive.

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng, who came from a poor region in Yunnan and walked his way out step by step, clearly belonged to the latter. As for what he told Wu Di in the drama—that his grand ambitions had long faded—there may be truth in it, but it's certainly not absolute. He could only say such pessimistic things because after graduation, society had beaten him down, and he couldn't accept it. Add to that the agony of saving for a house, the daily pressures, the endless worries.

Once he recovered his strength, he'd definitely do even better than before. But before he could regroup and start again, Cheng Feng set his sights on his girlfriend… Otherwise, even if he couldn't dream of great wealth, settling down and getting a Beijing hukou would've been no problem.

Wang Yan believed that unless his life was at stake, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng would never beg for his help. Of course, whether Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng asked or not, Wang Mou would rush to help—after all, the mission was right there.

With Wang Mou, there'd be no obstacles along the way.

"Bro, turn right up ahead."

Wang Yan signaled and changed lanes: "Shi Shi Xiaomeng, you're good. How long have you been in Jingcheng? You know these roads well."

"I came here when I started university—almost seven years now…"

Though only two people were in the car, with Wang Yan guiding the conversation, they chatted animatedly—mostly Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng talking. For over half an hour, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng laid out his whole situation clearly.

"Bro, we're here—that restaurant up ahead is the place." Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng pointed to the sign, then another empty spot: "Park over there—it's fine, I come here all the time, no tickets."

Wang Yan drove to where Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng pointed, parked, turned off the engine, and unfastened his seatbelt: "Let's go—let's see what you mean by 'definitely not wrong.' Just warn you: if it's not delicious, I'm holding you accountable."

"Hehe, just watch."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng unfastened his seatbelt, got out, and led the way to the restaurant entrance, pushing the door open.

"Hey! You haven't shown up in ages—I've missed you!"

A round-faced man with a slicked-back hairdo behind the counter—clearly the owner—laughed and slapped Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng's arm.

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng winced and quickly stopped him: "Hey, hey, Brother, Brother—easy, it hurts, it hurts…"

"Oh? What happened? Why's your arm bandaged?" The slick-haired owner noticed something was off—he'd slapped the sleeve first, then touched the arm. On closer look, Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng had cloth wrapped around his neck.

Wang Yan was here, so Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng hadn't dropped his guard like before. After all, he'd had five stitches, and with muscle and bone injured, he needed to be careful.

"Nah, nothing—just bumped into something." Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng winced—he was still in pain: "Forget it, Brother Chui, just get it ready… Brother, what do you want to eat?" He turned to ask Wang Yan's opinion.

"Whatever you recommend—I'm fine with anything."

"Got it, Brother Chui—give me four dishes and one soup…" Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng ordered skillfully, then turned again: "Bro, do you drink?"

Wang Yan nodded: "Bring a bottle of Erguotou."

"You got all that?"

"Don't worry, no problem. Sit down, dishes'll be right out." The slick-haired owner was sharp—he'd never seen Wang Yan, guessed he was some kind of client, and kept quiet.

They sat at a table beside a wall covered in sticky notes; Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng, using his good hand, poured Wang Yan some hot water: "That guy back there? The owner—he's nicknamed Tong Chui. I've always called him Brother Chui, I can't even remember his real name. Back in university, my classmates and I came here all the time; even after working, we still get together here sometimes."

Wang Yan took the hot water and said: "I can see—it's all on the wall."

Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng grinned, looked at the wall full of sticky notes, and picked out a few funny ones to share with Wang Yan…