Chapter 32: The Tremble
Editor: TheSloth
Jiang Chu was stunned by the sudden appearance of the black card. However, for some reason, he felt the need to possess it.
He gazed at the black card for almost ten minutes without moving. During this time, he seemed to hear a voice whispering to him.
“Doctor Jiang, the director wants to see you.”
At that moment, Jiang Chu was distracted by the voice of a lady. He could feel the back of his shirt soaked in sweat. Then he awoke from his trance and replied. “Ok…I got it, I’ll be right there.”
Jiang Chu quickly kept away the documents, after a moment of hesitation, he finally stuffed the black card into his pocket.
Several minutes later, Jiang Chu came to the director’s office.
The director appeared to be around 50, even though he just celebrated his 60-year-old birthday. He also seemed to be in much better health compared to others. As he saw Jiang Chu, who he held in high regard, he quickly revealed a smile, “Jiang Chu, I knew you would be at the hospital during this time.”
“Director, how may I help you?” Jiang Chu sat down.
The dean said, “There is a problem which I require your assistance.”
Jiang Chu responded confidently, “What’s the matter director?”
The Dean sighed, “I have an old classmate. An early staged tumor has been discovered in his granddaughter’s head so he came to me…I’ll check her current situation this few days, and then recommend you to him.”
The director was satisfied with Jiang Chu’s confidence even after hearing the situation. Nevertheless, he still displayed a serious expression. “The patient is not 5 years old yet, thus her cranial nerve is rather weak. You’re the only doctor I dare suggest to perform the operation.”
Jiang Chu suddenly said, “Director, I’ve asked for leave last week…”
The director said in a soft voice, “I know you’ve not had a good rest these few years. And I’ve authorized your vacations… Nevertheless, I have known this old classmate for dozens of years. If you complete the operation, I can even give you a month off.”
Jiang Chu said, “But director, it’s difficult to operate on little children…if in case…Wouldn’t it be a better choice to ask the more experienced Doctor Huang to do it?”
The director felt slightly annoyed and said, “This time we have to operate the anterior lobe. There is no better choice than you. Jiang Chu, I valued medical ethics and skills more than qualifications. If you managed to do well in this operation, I’ll promote you to be my assistant.”
Jiang Chu looked at the director in amazement.
The director said pleasantly but sternly, “I’ve been working hard many years and need a good rest. Jiang Chu, I appreciate your character and your ability. Trust me, you’ll be in charge of this hospital in the future after several more years of experience.”
Then the director walked to Jiang Chu’s side, patting him on the shoulder, “You have the ability, so don’t be nervous. Furthermore, my classmate has acknowledged the fact that you shall be the one to perform the operation. If you retreat at this moment, it would be rather troublesome.”
Jiang Chu frowned after he heard this, “Teacher, can you tell me who he is?”
“He’s a senior in Health Department. Even though he retired, he still wields a lot of influence.” The dean smiled, “Don’t stress too much about it. This operation may be rather challenging but it shouldn't be a problem for you. Don’t let me down.”
Jiang Chu had to choice but to say, “I want to read the information on the patient first.”
“No problem. I’ll send it to you soon.”
After saying that, the director left to patrol the hospital. Jiang Chu returned to his office, then sat in a daze at his desk, a worried expression on his face.
He suddenly looked at his hands for a long while. Then took out a knife from the pen container and held it, pretending it was a scalpel.
Nevertheless, just as he grasped it, his hand started trembling. Jiang Chu abruptly threw up his hands, flinging the scalpel onto the floor, then burying his face in those very same hands.
Trembling hands. Through his own preliminary diagnosis, he could no longer deny the harsh reality.
It was Parkinson's disease.
He didn’t know when his hands would start to tremble. if it happened during an operation, then…
Originally he had planned to apply for a long vacation abroad to visit his friend, who was also a doctor, to discuss and find the best method to treat his disease.
Bit on the other hand, the director had placed great hopes on him for this operation. He definitely understood the importance of this operation to his career in the future.
Nevertheless…
“It’s quite sarcastic…a chief surgeon loses his hands.” Jiang Chu revealed a bitter smile.
……
……
These two days were peaceful for the club. During this time, Zhang Qingrui had contacted Luo Qiu, saying that the they had found the stolen item, and have sent it back to him already.
She could only contact Luo Qiu by phone because she didn’t know his address.
Luo Qiu also didn’t want to expose his residence. So he chose Gu Yue Zhai as the meeting place.
He thought it would be that fat manager who would be sending the jade token back. However, it turned out that the boss of the auction took his place, returning it herself.
Her name is Dong Minghua.
“That lady didn’t come along with you?”
Zhang Qingrui was curious about the absence of that girl.
Luo Qiu said, “She is busy.”
Dong Minghua smiled, “It was a disturbing matter. You may not believe but the jade was sent back anonymously. Nobody knows what happened.”
This sentence was spoken for the benefit of Luo Qiu, because Zhang Qingrui seemed to have already known the situation.
So he pretended to be surprised and said, “That’s really bizarre.”
Dong Minghua apologized, “Mr. Luo, I am really sorry for the trouble last time. May I treat you and the lady you were with to a meal as an apology?”
However, Luo Qiu was a straightforward person, and didn’t like meaningless etiquette, “No, thank you. Ms. Dong. It is not necessary since I’ve got the jade back.”
Dong Minghua forced a smile, “All the more the reason I have to treat you to a meal.”
Luo Qiu had no choice but to say, “I'm busy today.”
This was Dong Minghua’s first time encountering such a person that held no regard for social cues. She had already asked twice, it would be embarrassing if she continued to make such a request. Therefore, she just gave a nod. “That’s a pity. Do inform me beforehand if Mr. Luo plans to visit my auction again, I’ll prepare some people to pick you up.”
Luo Qiu nodded, “Sounds good.”
After seeing this, Zhang Qingrui’s impression of Luo Qiu was that he was too inept at socializing, it would be hard to adapt to the society. However on the other hand, she appreciated his character that refused to suck up to anyone. It was rare to see a youth like him in today’s society.
“Oh…Ms. Zhang, I need to head back to the company now.” Dong Minghua said, “I’ll drop by to visit Mrs. Zhang next time.”
Zhang Qingrui made some small talk before sending Dong Minghua off.
Just then, Luo Qiu said, “Do me a favor.”
“Do you always ask for help in this tone?” Zhang Qingrui smiled reluctantly. “Do you know you have offended an influential person in the antique circle? Now you want to offend me too?”
Luo Qiu stared at her blankly, then said after a moment, “I have been lending you my class notes all this while, so…”
“…” Zhang Qingrui sighed, “Say it, what’s the matter?”
Nevertheless, after she said that, she frowned and said in a vexed tone, “You’re so petty, demanding my help after giving me such minor assistance!”
“But I really did lend you my class notes many times…”
“…”
Chapter 33: This Is Luo Qiu’s Style
Editor: TheSloth
“A box?”
“Yes, third young miss, Ms. Zhang of Gu Yue Zhai sent him a box personally.”
The young miss of the Zhong Family squinted her eyes, looking at Cheng Yun.
This ambitious man was easily bought. He was avaricious and concupiscent; yet, clever and watchful. He understood which type of woman he could simply have fun with, and which ones he should pay attention too.
Take now, for example, Cheng Yun had already restrained his aggressive look.
The young miss smiled faintly, “Do you know what was in the box?”
Cheng Yun replied right now, “Of course! I’ve taken photos while second young master was distracted.”
Cheng Yun stepped ahead, but not too close to her. The young miss was charming, yet not a lady he dared to touch. He only wished to obtain enough benefits from her.
“What’s this?” She looked at the photo on his cellphone.
Cheng Yun said, “I’m not sure, but it should be a weird black card…It was inseparable from second master. I had a hard time photographing it.”
The photo was taken over Zhong Luochen’s shoulder.
“Second master went out alone the day he received this card from Ms. Zhang. Not long after, he asked me to arrange a trip back to the capital. Unexpectedly it was for sending the old head here! What’s more, the old head recovery miraculously.”
The young miss thought for a while, then said, “Cheng Yun, can you go get that card for me?”
Cheng Yun made a reluctant face, “Well…young miss, second young master holds it all the time, I…”
“Why?” She smiled softly. “You always said ‘no problem’ when you accept the benefits I give you. Yet, now you shake your head when I ask for your help?”
“That’s not what I mean.” Cheng Yun frowned. “Anyway, the head is getting better and better these two days. The doctor said there are no remnants of the disease left in his body. I heard second young master say, that the old head will go visit Gu Yue Zhai tomorrow. I guess he is going to return that card because Ms. Zhang once said to return it after using it or risk facing his own demise…”
The young miss said indifferently, “Then isn’t it a perfect time to take action. If you are faithful to me, there will be many benefits. If not…I think my second brother wouldn’t want a traitor either…right?”
“I see…” Cheng Yun nodded promptly, leaving her in fright.
The third daughter of the Zhong Family walked over to the French window in her room, drawing back the curtains a little, and watching the heavy traffic on the street. “That lady from Gu Yue Zhai’s…every large family seem to have their own secrets, my second brother has returned for more than a month…what does the black card represent?”
She was expectant, fiddling with an old annular pendant on her neck.
……
……
“You say you want to learn how to identify antiques?”
Zhang Qingrui looked at Luo Qiu in astonishment---she remembered the last time Ren Ziling took Luo Qiu here, she said that Luo Qiu was suddenly interested in antiques and decided to research it.
“Right.”
Luo Qiu nodded, answering frankly, “I realize it is a huge topic, so I don’t plan to learn everything now. Can you just teach me some rudimentary knowledge about it?”
He added to avoid misunderstanding, “Just recommend me some entry-level books. I won’t bother you too much.”
Zhang Qingrui thought for a moment. “That isn’t a problem. But as you said, identifying antiques isn't something you can learn in a day or two. It’s better to forget about it if you are doing it for fun.”
Luo Qiu was serious. “I won’t regret or give up on what I’ve decided.”
Zhang Qingrui nodded, then walked quickly to the bookshelf in her office. Shortly afterwards, she took out 3 massive books.
They were ‘Authentifying Blue and White Porcelain’, ‘Origin of Blue and White Porcelain’ and ‘Appreciating and Analyzing Painted Sculptures of Qian Long Period’.
“I suggest you focus on one of these topics.” Zhang Qingrui said, “Chinaware is relatively common and easy to get access to. So I strongly recommend you start from there.”
Luo Qiu nodded, stuffing the three books into his backpack.
Luo Qiu didn’t bring a backpack the last time he came. This guy... did he plan all this from the start?
“I’ll return them to you as soon as I finished them,” Luo Qiu said with appreciation.
Zhang Qingrui shook her head. “No, you can keep them. They are not precious and easy to get, just think of it as my gift to you.”
She didn’t forget to glare at him, “Think of it as thank you gift for someone’s class notes.”
Luo Qiu understood that she still held a grudge. So all he could say was, “OK, we are even now.”
Zhang Qingrui was speechless by his words and could not hold back her laughter. “The books are now yours. Do you have any other questions? I’m busy and cannot chat with you. Anyway, if you have an interest in something here, then go ahead and have a look around. But don’t touch them.”
Luo Qiu shook his head, “No, thanks. But since I’m welcome here, I’ll drop by often.”
Zhang Qingrui didn’t answer him, and said instead, “Let me see you off.”
But Zhang Qingrui was stopped in the hall by a voice.
It turned out Cheng Yun, in a suit and tie, that appeared at the door.
“Ms. Zhang! Great to see you here.” Cheng Yun walked over to Zhang Qingrui with an enthusiastic smile.
Zhang Qingrui just said, “Why are you alone today?”
Cheng Yun took a glance at Luo Qiu, skipping her question and asked, “Ms. Zhang, who is this gentleman?”
“He’s my friend.” Zhang Qingrui answered, “But I don’t think he has any interest in getting to know you… Is there something you need? Did Zhong Luochen ask you to come here?”
Cheng Yun nodded, “Ms. Zhang, may I have a moment with you?”
Zhang Qingrui frowned, giving an apologetic look to Luo Qiu. Luo Qiu smiled, “No problem. Go ahead. And thanks for your books. I’ll take care of them.”
From the many annotations in the books, Luo Qiu realized the books were important to Zhang Qingrui. He didn’t want to own them, hence decided to return them back after reading.
“Stop talking. The number of words you said recently already equal the total number of words you said last year.” Zhang Qingrui rolled her eyes at Luo Qiu, then only looked at Cheng Yun, “Let’s go and talk in my office.”
Cheng Yun dare not dally, following Zhang Qingrui, only taking a glance at Luo Qiu, whom really left directly without greeting him.
He wondered, [What is the relationship between this guy and Zhang Qingrui? They look pretty intimate.]
In the office, Zhang Qingrui frankly asked Cheng Yun the purpose of his visit.
Cheng Yun considered for a moment before saying, “It’s like this Ms. Zhang, second young master wants to pass some words to Mrs. Zhang…”
He added, “Of course, I didn’t dare to bother her directly, so can you deliver the message to Mrs. Zhang please?”
“What is it?”
“Second master said he will drop by to visit Mrs. Zhang with another acquaintance of hers.”
Zhang Qingrui was surprised.
That acquaintance should be from the capital, one who had a long friendship or relationship with her grandmother. Therefore she nodded, “I see, I’ll tell her. Anything else?”
“No, that’s everything.” Cheng Yun said, “I just came to tell you that… Ms. Zhang, I’ll head back now.”
Zhang Qingrui nodded.
In big families, expressly appointing some henchmen to deliver a message personally, instead of a choosing a more convenient way such as making a phone call, implies respect.
While Zhang Qingrui didn’t like this method, she knew her grandmother valued these details.
“That guy, is much more different.”
A weird idea arose from her thoughts. Zhang Qingrui gave a start once she realized it, then chuckled, “Why am I thinking about that guy?”
The Luo Qiu Style could be said to represent the odd ones in life.
She shook her head, took a deep breath, then grabbed a pen and started to work intently.
……
Cheng Yun didn’t leave right away, but lurked in the parking lot behind Gu Yue Zhai.
Soon, a receptionist of Gu Yue Zhai appeared and tensely observed her surroundings. Then she entered into a parked car after ensuring that she was not seen.
“Babe, did you miss me these days?” Cheng Yun took her into his arms, groping all over her body.
“You heartless man, didn’t you return to the capital already? I thought you were avoiding me after sleeping with me.”
“Haven’t I return to your side now?”
“Hehe…say it, what would you like me to do? By the way, to be honest, our manager doesn’t have any admiration towards your boss at all. The flowers he sent her were thrown out.”
“No no, let’s not talk about that… Look at this black card in the photo. Do you recall it?”
The receptionist looked at the photo for a while, then said, “How weird, I seem to have seen this before, but I can’t recall where….”
“It doesn’t matter.” Cheng Yun smiled. “There’s something I need your help with. Listen, if this is done well, I’ll give you whatever you want.”
“Really?” The receptionist’s eyes lit up; however, she calmed down and became suspicious a second later, “Wait, tell me what it is first. I won’t do anything dangerous.”
Cheng Yun smirked, “Babe, listen to me, you don’t want work for others your whole life right? Don’t you want a brand new life? I promise you’ll be fine.”
“Well…alright.”
Cheng Yun leaned close and whispered something into her ears.
Not long later, he watched her swaying her hips as she left. Cheng Yun sneered and muttered, “Slutty b*tch…I’ll be tired of you after playing around a few more times, stupid woman.”
As he said that, he pulled out his cellphone, dialing Zhong Luochen’s number. His attitude took an 180 degrees change then, “It’s me, second master…yes, I have completed the task. I’ve also sent informed Ms. Zhang of the message. Nothing happened except…”
He paused for a moment, saying carefully, “Do you remember the man and woman that Ms. Zhang personally came out to welcome last time? I met him again. They stayed in the office for a while, and Ms. Zhang was laughing and talking with the man as they came out of the office. They seemed to be very intimate…”
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