Chapter 80 The Fragile Mr. Luo

Luo Jun was clearly a well-known figure at this private hospital.

Although he hadn’t visited in at least a year and nine months, his legend still circulated within the hospital.

When Qin Huai accompanied him to register, the staff at the counter immediately straightened their posture upon seeing Luo Jun. With a smile showing exactly six teeth, and a respectful yet slightly trembling voice, they asked, “Hello, may I ask…”

“Neurology. Dr. Qu.”

“Understood, Mr. Luo.”

The neurology department was on the third floor, accessible directly by elevator. Since there weren’t many people in the hospital, there was no waiting. Luo Jun, familiar with the place, led the way while Qin Huai followed behind.

Luo Jun went straight to Qu Jing’s consultation room, skipping the usual process entirely. Seeing that the door was slightly ajar, he pushed it open and walked right in.

Qu Jing was completely caught off guard.

She was sitting at her computer with several medical books spread out on the desk, seemingly reading references or patient records. Seeing Luo Jun arrive, she quickly stood up and poured him a glass of water.

“Mr. Luo, what brings you here today?” Qu Jing asked, handing him warm water. Then, noticing Qin Huai, she poured him a cup as well.

In the consultation room, Qu Jing was fully covered—long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and a medical mask. But such attire wasn’t unusual in a hospital setting.

“I’m here for treatment, of course. I feel like my memory isn’t as good lately—I forget the plot of novels I read in the morning by evening. Take a look at me,” Luo Jun said as he sat down.

Qin Huai, who had just entered: …

You still claim you’re not causing trouble? This is pure willful nonsense, Mr. Luo!

Clearly, Qu Jing was used to this.

She took the registration slip from Qin Huai and said, “Since you’re experiencing memory issues, perhaps you should consider a full-body checkup. Last time, you only did some basic tests. I recommend—”

“No, no,” Luo Jun waved his hand. He had already “sacrificed” enough by coming here; doing a full checkup would feel like a loss.

He gave Qin Huai a look, signaling him to speak.

Qin Huai: ?

What am I supposed to say? Weren’t you the one dragging things out? This wasn’t in the script—there’s no role for me here.

Qu Jing, unaware of their small interaction, continued smoothly, “I’ve checked the rehabilitation department’s recommended items for you… quite extensive. If you really don’t want a full checkup, you could go to rehab for some TCM massage. Their treatments are very effective. Since you’ve already spent the money, I suggest you give it a try.”

“No,” Luo Jun refused again. “Spending money is fine. Trying things is not.”

“Then are you here today specifically to check on my work?” Qu Jing asked, glancing at him. “That’s fine too. If you come out more often to check on me, it’ll be beneficial for your health as well.”

“Given your age, even if walking feels tiring, you should still engage in some activity. Staying at home all day, either on the sofa or recliner, isn’t good for your body.”

Qin Huai realized Qu Jing truly had a good temperament.

Even when facing Luo Jun’s unreasonable behavior, she handled it smoothly and calmly—worthy of being called compassionate.

Seeing that Luo Jun continued drinking water without responding, Qu Jing shifted her attention to Qin Huai.

“Why is it that today it’s you, Xiao Qin, accompanying Mr. Luo to the hospital? Is Aunt Chen or Aunt Zhang unavailable?”

“My sister started school today, so Mr. Luo kindly lent us his car for transportation. My father also came to use the checkup card you provided. Since it was convenient, Mr. Luo decided to come here for rehab, so I accompanied him,” Qin Huai explained.

Luo Jun’s eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Qin Huai.

Qu Jing was also slightly surprised and glanced at Luo Jun.

“Ah, I see,” Qu Jing said. “I didn’t realize you two had such a situation. Please wait here for a moment while I speak with my supervisor to request leave or a shift swap. If it doesn’t work out, you can head to the rehab department first. My clinic ends at 11; I’ll come over right after.”

“Mr. Luo, please rest assured—our rehabilitation doctors are very professional, and everyone is looking forward to your visit.”

Luo Jun: …

He felt a bit like dying inside.

After Qu Jing left to request leave, she even thoughtfully closed the door behind her.

Once she was gone, Luo Jun couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“What do you mean?” he said angrily. “What do you mean I’m scared? Am I the kind of person who gets scared? Me? Scared? When in my life have I ever been afraid?”

The six question marks represented his anger.

“You should go ask around—back in the day, with bullets flying and artillery shells exploding, was I afraid? Afraid of coming to the hospital? Afraid of going to rehab alone? You’re just—”

Footsteps approached. Luo Jun immediately went silent.

“Xiao Qin, please take Mr. Luo to the rehabilitation department first,” Qu Jing said. “A colleague can cover for me, but it’ll take about half an hour. That should give Mr. Luo time for initial assessment and diagnosis. I’ll head over immediately afterward—will that be alright?”

Both of them looked at Luo Jun.

Luo Jun puffed up in annoyance and said, “Alright.”

Then he turned and walked out without looking back.

Though his pace was slow due to his legs.

“I was careless,” Qu Jing said at the doorway. “In the past two years, I’ve been urging Mr. Luo to get examined, but I overlooked the possibility that, living alone at his age, he may appear strong on the outside but is actually fragile inside.”

“Xiao Qin, you’re very perceptive.”

“No, no,” Qin Huai said modestly. “It’s probably just that Mr. Luo likes the pastries I make, so he’s more willing to listen to me.”

“Today’s visit was also thanks to you, Dr. Qu. Without your patience and persistent persuasion, Mr. Luo likely wouldn’t have come to the hospital.”

“Elderly people are often like this—stubborn in their ways,” Qu Jing said gently. “Especially those living alone. I’ve seen many similar cases.”

“I remember Aunt Chen mentioning that you also came from a children’s welfare home. People from such environments tend to be more sensitive—children in welfare homes, and elderly residents in public care homes, are often alike in that regard.”

“Can you two lower your voices after I leave the room? I’m hard of hearing, not deaf—I can still hear you!” Luo Jun’s voice suddenly boomed from about ten meters away, despite his slow progress.

Even with poor mobility, his hearing was quite sharp.

Qu Jing smiled. “Mr. Luo, that was meant for you. We hope you’ll visit the hospital more often for rehabilitation in the future.”

“By the way, Dr. Qu, won’t taking leave affect your work?” Qin Huai asked.

“No,” Qu Jing replied. “Because our hospital charges quite a premium, we place great importance on patient experience. As long as it doesn’t affect normal operations, patient needs are always the top priority.”

“We’ve seen patients like Mr. Luo before—special, and a bit willful.”

As she spoke, Qu Jing scratched the back of her hand through her glove.

After scratching, she smoothed the glove again, ensuring it was neatly tucked into her sleeve with no skin exposed.

“Dr. Qu, your photosensitivity to ultraviolet light must be quite severe?” Qin Huai remarked. “You even take such strict precautions indoors.”

Qu Jing paused, then nodded. “Yes, it’s quite severe. But I dress this way mainly to avoid frightening patients. Back when I was a student, I once scared a classmate, so I’ve been more careful since then.”

“Not easy at all.”

“I’m used to it,” she said.

“I’ve reached the elevator!” Luo Jun shouted from the elevator entrance.

“Dr. Qu, I’ll wait for you in rehab. I might feel a bit—”

Qu Jing nodded. “I understand. I’ll be there shortly.”

Qin Huai quickly ran to the elevator. As soon as he arrived, the doors opened and they stepped in. Luo Jun immediately asked, “Well? Did it trigger?”

Qin Huai replied helplessly, “We only talked a bit. How could it trigger so quickly?”

“You managed to get me into rehab with just two sentences. Did I complain it was too fast?” Luo Jun glared at him.

“Well… did it work?”

Luo Jun decided to spare Qin Huai—for now.

The next second, a system notification sounded in Qin Huai’s mind:

“Congratulations, you have discovered a new side quest: [Qu Jing’s Worries]. Please check the quest panel.”

Qin Huai: ?

Seriously?