Chapter 618: with translation of chapter title

609 Zheng Ren, do you know him? (Part 1)

Hai Cheng, Red Clay Small Pavilion, the lingering tea fragrance seeps into heart and spleen.

In Bu Li's every raise of hand and lift of foot, his bearing is ancient and simple, full of charm.

"Little Xie, you're back this time, still planning to leave again?" Bu Ruotian asked.

Several months after the surgery, he has recovered exceptionally well, a healthy ruddy glow reappearing on his face.

"Since ancient times, contentment brings happiness; having earned enough money for several lifetimes, there's no need to roll around in the realm of fame and fortune." Sitting opposite Bu Ruotian was a middle-aged refined gentleman.

His face is gaunt, with sharp angles; amidst his refinement lies a hint of sternness. Yet his speech is gentle, warm and elegant, making people feel delighted.

"Old brother, you take things lightly; I'm destined for a life of toil. Seeing you so carefree, I truly envy you." Bu Ruotian said.

"Bu brother, let me say something inappropriate." The refined gentleman smiled and said: "You've just recovered from a serious illness; you should let go if you should. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings; no need to cling."

"Hehe." Bu Ruotian just chuckled, saying nothing.

The refined gentleman knew Bu Ruotian was extremely greedy for fame and profit; it was the same when they partnered in real estate business back then.

The notion of retreating from the rapids never existed in Bu Ruotian; he only knows bold advancement.

As old friends, upon meeting we laugh off past grudges, pretending to forget them. A kind reminder is all we can do.

He chuckled, changed the subject, and asked: "Bu brother, do you know Chief Zheng, who performed your surgery at City First Hospital?"

Bu Ruotian looked at the refined gentleman with a faint smile and said lightly: "Speaking of this person, I really envy you."

The refined gentleman smiled, not responding.

"When I fell ill, by fortunate coincidence, Professor Senyu happened to be giving lectures domestically. I paid a great price to invite him to perform the surgery, thinking that life and death are fated, and he would be the best doctor anyway."

The refined gentleman listened to Bu Ruotian's words while sipping tea.

The tea vapor rose; he first sniffed it, a rich yet not cloying ginger-spicy aroma, and became intoxicated.

"I never expected that Professor Senyu would give up, yet it was this Chief Zheng himself who performed the surgery alone." Bu Ruotian said lightly: "Later I woke up, feeling perhaps it was heavenly decree that I should die. I didn't expect that when I went to Di Du for a follow‑up, the terminal illness I had actually healed."

"It's because you, Bu brother, are in good health." The refined gentleman took a sip of Big Red Robe and praised: "Mr. Chen Dehua's personally cultivated Big Red Robe truly has a pure flavor. Over the years, wandering the four seas, I've had no attachments, no worries. But lacking a fixed abode, such fine tea is rare to taste."

Bu Ruotian laughed and said: "Little Li, when your Uncle Xie left, you took the rest with you."

Bu Li nodded, smiling.

The refined gentleman also didn't stand on ceremony, responding with a smile.

"That Chief Zheng had Old Three go thank him once. I originally thought that would be it; after a few years, let him gain some experience, help him move to Sheng Cheng, give him a future—that would be enough." Bu Ruotian said: "But when I went to Di Du for a check‑up, I actually saw him there too."

"Hmm, I heard from Yi Ren that he's gone to research a new procedure."

"Old Qin of Sheng Cheng, you still remember, right? Back when we two went to him to approve land, we didn't skimp on the grease."

"I remember, it's all in the past."

"That's right, Old Qin is the type who does things for money; I keep his kindness in mind. I was thinking of introducing Chief Zheng to him, so that if we ever go to Sheng Cheng, it would be like laying a groundwork. But Old Qin probably isn't pleased—he himself ran to Di Du."

"You two met?"

"Yes." Bu Ruotian's smile grew wider; seeing Qin Liren's astonishment after this turn of events, even now recalling it still feels interesting.

"Old Qin went to see the director in 912 for surgery; that director is the one who transferred Chief Zheng to Di Du this time. Back then Chief Zheng devised a new technique specifically to treat Old Qin's type of multiple small nodular liver cancer."

The refined gentleman laughed, clapping his hands.

What happens next needs no saying; they're all sharp‑witted, and having spoken to this extent, who could fail to guess?

"I think Chief Zheng is about the same age as my Bu Li; I originally wanted to play matchmaker. But it's your luck, old brother, that your Xiao Yi Ren got there first." Bu Ruotian said with a hearty laugh.

Bu Li's hand tensed slightly, spilling a little tea.

The refined gentleman waved a hand and laughed: "I've come back, and I haven't even met face‑to‑face; nowadays young people, better not mention it."

"This young man is not bad; Xiao Liuzi has had several dealings with him, saying he's righteous and honest, worth making a deep friendship." Bu Ruotian said.

"Nowadays, the word 'righteous' isn't exactly a good term."

"It depends on how much ability one has; the incapable drag themselves in, while the capable find it just a trivial matter."

"That's true."

"Old Three also speaks well of him, saying he's wise yet appears foolish." Bu Ruotian said.

"It's over, it's over."

"That's not necessarily so; we'll see when you meet."

The two chatted on in a bland way, mostly talking about various anecdotes over the years—what became of those they once knew—and inevitably felt sentimental.

Life is like a dream; the ancients truly did not deceive me.

The refined gentleman took his leave, without excessive politeness toward Bu Ruotian, didn't eat a meal, and left the Red Clay Small Pavilion.

He got into the car and said in a low voice: "Go home."

The driver silently nodded, driving steadily through the streets and alleys of Hai Cheng, all the way to the villa district north of City First Hospital.

Back home, the refined gentleman pressed the doorbell.

"A Ning, is that you?"

"Hmm, I'm back."

Opening the door and entering, a beautiful woman in her early thirties wearing home clothes helped him take off his outer garment and asked: "How come you're back so early?"

"I heard Old Bu say some things, and I don't want to say more; his stale aura is too thick, making many things hard to let go of." Xie Ning said.

"Never mind chatting; what did you say? How is that young fellow?" The woman blinked her big eyes, a curious look on her face—exactly the spitting image of how Xie Yiren grew up, not a bit different.

Xie Ning burst out laughing, reached out and tweaked her nose, saying: "Mother-in-Law Looking at Son-in-Law, they say the more you look, the more pleasing he becomes. You haven't even met him yet, and you're already finding him pleasing?"

"Yi Ren is so pure; I'm not just worrying, am I?"

"According to the files, in 912 Director Kong pulled him to Di Du to set up a surgical research center. Under thirty, reaching this level, his skill is no problem. Old Bu also says the same; there's nothing to worry about."

Xie Ning pondered, then said: "I've seen some stunningly talented young people; how far they can go, how high they can fly, doesn't matter. With me around, even a mud puddle can be plastered onto a wall."

"Just you being awesome—what should we eat tonight? I'll make it."

"Not eating at home. I contacted Old Pan, Evening, I'll treat the department to a meal." Xie Ning said: "We ought to thank everyone for taking care of Yi Ren during this period, shouldn't we?"