After arriving at the hospital in the morning, Zhou Yunzhen, as usual, conducted rounds for the patients under her care. Whether there was anything urgent or not, it was the rule.
Those staying here for treatment were generally prominent figures, high-ranking and well-bred, so working at the general hospital was much easier than at other hospitals.
Of course, this also required a strong psychological constitution. Otherwise, seeing so many important people every day—or sometimes even someone from the news—could easily shock your heart.
For Zhou Yunzhen, however, none of this was an issue. She came from a distinguished family; as the daughter of a military commander, she had seen many grand occasions and important people. Even if Zhou Tingzhang was not very sociable, matters of etiquette still had to be properly observed.
Besides, Zhou Yunzhen had always been the top of her class since school. She excelled in everything, had a solid medical education, and possessed considerable skills—what was there to fear?
Probably to accommodate her, the floor she was responsible for was genuinely a high-ranking officials’ ward, where only true elites came and went.
Just as she stepped out of a ward, Zhou Yunzhen’s face carried a smile, her mood evidently good.
From the day she arrived at the general hospital, she had earned the unofficial title of “the flower of the hospital.” Though she didn’t know the nickname herself, her gentle and courteous manner, her spring-like temperament, and most importantly, her striking facial features and perfect figure, instantly made her the dream woman of every single man in the hospital.
Looking for a partner? Of course, one would want a woman like Dr. Zhou—beautiful and poised, someone who would bring honor when seen in public!
Looking for a daughter-in-law? Even more reason to choose Dr. Zhou—gentle and kind, bringing pure joy to the home!
Furthermore, according to rumor, Dr. Zhou was born into a noble family. Though unconfirmed, the way high-ranking officials treated her in the ward suggested the gossip was not baseless; otherwise, would such lofty people smile and greet an ordinary doctor?
People of that status could never usually enter the high-ranking ward!
Because of this, many men persistently tried to court Zhou Yunzhen, their enthusiasm obvious. This often annoyed other women in the hospital, as if she were the only female doctor there—but no one could truly dislike her, for she was impeccable in her conduct toward them.
In short, Zhou Yunzhen was a popular figure at the hospital. She was tactful, socially adept, and extremely personable.
Even the elderly patients receiving treatment looked at her with admiration, appreciating that the Zhou family had such an outstanding daughter—beautiful, cultured, and polite—a rare gem, ideal as a daughter-in-law, especially with her respectable family background.
As a result, many elderly patients quietly calculated whether they had eligible grandsons at home, eager to match them with such a fine young lady.
Zhou Yunzhen had attended boarding school and focused entirely on her studies through university, rarely going home and seldom cultivating a social network. So, although everyone knew the Zhou family had a daughter, few were familiar with her personally.
Now she had suddenly appeared, dazzling everyone. “Oh, the Zhou family hides such a treasure!” her grace and refinement earned universal praise—truly a high-class young lady.
That Zhou Tingzhang could raise such a lovely daughter was unexpected. But the Zhou family had a good reputation, and though Zhou Tingzhang had a temper, he still held some authority and influence in the military. If someone could gain favor through his daughter, it would be a huge advantage.
However, Zhou Tingzhang’s temper was well-known—if he didn’t like someone, no amount of flattery would change that. Many who wished to establish connections found him a frustrating, stubborn obstacle.
Zhou Yunzhen’s presence, however, offered a way in. If her father was inaccessible, one could try appealing to his precious daughter. Once she agreed, Zhou Tingzhang would naturally become more approachable.
Thus, there were numerous young men who actively sought her attention every day.
Yet they soon realized Zhou Yunzhen was as formidable as her father’s reputation suggested. No matter how clever their words or schemes, she would simply smile, polite and courteous, but never accept. One attempt, two attempts, countless attempts—all met with the same gentle refusal, frustrating many unwarranted suitors.
For these unwanted advances, Zhou Yunzhen felt both helpless and annoyed, but she could not offend anyone and always carefully considered how to reject them gracefully.
So whenever she saw someone waiting outside the hospital after work, it was as unpleasant as seeing a swarm of flies. She had to put on a bright smile and greet them politely, which was exhausting.
Some of these suitors, however, were genuinely worthy. Regardless of family background, Zhou Yunzhen had many admirable qualities, and as a daughter-in-law, she would be exceptional.
Yet, the young lady, already with her heart set elsewhere, could not be swayed, no matter how talented or outstanding.
But elderly folks loved to meddle. Seeing a fine young lady, they immediately considered if she could be a suitable daughter-in-law.
Thus, the elders who had seen Zhou Yunzhen at the hospital held her in high regard. After spending some time with her, they recognized her excellent character and manners, feeling it would be a shame to let such a girl slip away.
So they often sent younger relatives to the hospital to interact with her, creating opportunities. During leisure, they chatted about family matters and occasionally spoke of Zhou Yunzhen.
Today, Zhou Yunzhen encountered two such instances.
Walking down the corridor, recalling the elderly patient’s compliments, she smiled, knowing they genuinely liked her. She paid special attention to them.
Pushing open the next ward’s door, she found the outer room empty, while the inner room’s door was slightly ajar, with voices faintly audible.
The general hospital’s high-ranking wards were divided into inner and outer rooms, with the inner rooms lavishly equipped.
Seeing the half-open door, Zhou Yunzhen knew they weren’t discussing anything serious, so she continued toward the inner room.
The closer she got, the clearer the conversation became, punctuated occasionally by hearty laughter.
Just as she reached the doorway, she heard a name and stopped in her tracks.
Xi Yuechen?
“The Xi family has two fine sons. Xi Yuechen has long been famous in the capital, and the younger son, Xi Yuehui, is promising as well.”
“What? Interested in one of them? Save yourself the trouble. Can we even hope to match the Xi family?”
There seemed to be two people inside—the voices likely belonging to Elder Liu from this ward and Madam Zhang from the next, chatting amiably.
The Liu and Zhang families weren’t especially prominent in the capital, but not obscure either—comfortable middle-upper class families.
Hearing this, Zhou Yunzhen raised her eyebrows, listening intently.
“I’m just saying, though, my little Lan is quite pretty, isn’t she? Who knows, he might take a liking to her.”
The speaker was Madam Zhang, her teasing tone obvious. Indeed, while her daughter was lovely, there were many fine girls in the capital, and this was just idle banter.
“Oh, you really said that! Little Lan is nice, but look at girls from the He, Duan, and Su families. Like Dr. Zhou—now that’s a true young lady from a distinguished family. Not that your little Lan isn’t good, I’m just comparing,” Elder Liu replied, trailing off with an awkward chuckle.
Madam Zhang snorted, displeased. Who would be happy to hear their child compared this way?
Zhou Yunzhen chuckled quietly, realizing these ladies gathered daily to gossip and pass the time, with no malice intended.
Madam Zhang wasn’t truly angry; her daughter, compared to a true aristocratic young lady, was indeed a few steps below. “You’re right. Look at the Su family’s daughter—so beautiful. Already prominent, now married into the Xi family, what a fortunate life.”
“Yes, and she’s pregnant. Once the child is born, she’ll be like the center of the universe—the Xi family’s direct heir. How come all the good things in the world seem to come to her?”
Elder Liu agreed, her tone full of admiration.
Just as Zhou Yunzhen was about to push the door open, she froze. Hearing their words, a bad feeling surged in her chest. Her usually smiling face stiffened.
“Isn’t that so? Xi Yuechen is destined to become a general. The Su family daughter has found her perfect match.”
No sooner had Madam Zhang said this than a sound came from the doorway—something dropping to the floor. Curious, they looked toward the door.
Zhou Yunzhen had just raised her hand to push the door when she heard this conversation. Her heart skipped, and the object in her hand slipped to the floor.
“Who’s out there?”
After a moment of silence, Elder Liu asked.
Zhou Yunzhen snapped back to reality, still dazed, crouched to pick up the object, replying, “It’s me, Elder.”
Standing up, she pushed the door open, giving them a forced smile, her voice a little dry. “I was just walking around, checking the other wards.”
Then she turned and left, unlike usual, without stopping to chat with the patients.
“What’s wrong with Dr. Zhou?” Madam Zhang asked, curious. “She seems… like she’s been struck by something.”
Elder Liu furrowed her brows slightly. “Yes, is she unwell? Her complexion looks pale.”
Zhou Yunzhen practically fled the ward, turning a corner into a secluded emergency corridor, leaning against the wall, breathing heavily.
Her hands, clutching her collar, trembled slightly—was it from gripping too hard, or from her emotions?
Her mind went blank, her heart raced. She finally squatted, covering her face with her hands.
The Su family daughter… Su Ruo…
Xi Yuechen is… Su Ruo’s perfect match?
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