Super Doctor - Chapter 123
Final exams are a painful ordeal for some, and this period can feel particularly grueling. But for Xu Ze, it was a breeze.
Aside from taking his exams, Xu Ze spent his time cultivating in that secluded lakeside spot. In just a few days, the energy cluster in his dantian had grown significantly. At this rate, he was confident he could break through to the seventeenth cycle before summer vacation began.
Recently, Miss Sun had been busy with her own exams and hadn’t bothered Xu Ze, giving him plenty of quiet time to focus on his cultivation.
Their relationship was… odd, to say the least. They called themselves boyfriend and girlfriend, but it was more of a label than anything real—sometimes days would pass without them contacting each other. Yet, they weren’t exactly just friends either; there was an undeniable ambiguity between them.
Lately, though, Xu Ze had been running into Tao Yiyi more often. After finishing his cultivation sessions, he’d open his eyes to find her sitting under a nearby cherry blossom tree, watching the sunset. Whenever she noticed he was awake, she’d give him a sweet smile, they’d exchange a few words, and then leave together.
Though Tao Yiyi never said anything outright, Xu Ze could see the unspoken affection in her eyes. Every time, he could only respond with a helpless, bitter smile. His relationship with Sun Linfei might be awkward, but he really wasn’t in the mood to entertain anyone else right now.
The finals soon ended amid the cheers of relieved students. Many happily packed their bags, ready to head home for the long-awaited summer break.
Xu Ze also planned to go home, though he didn’t need to pack much. He no longer rode a bicycle—driving back to Liuhe took less than an hour.
Sun Linfei, whom he hadn’t seen in days, finally called to ask about his summer plans.
Xu Ze sighed. “I’ll be working at the hospital in a couple of days. Looks like my whole summer’s going to be spent there.”
To his surprise, Sun Linfei sounded inexplicably pleased. Her friend Xiao Rui was returning to Beijing tomorrow, leaving her alone in Xing City. If Xu Ze had left too, the summer would’ve been unbearably dull.
But since he’d be working at the hospital, he’d still be around. She could drop by whenever she wanted, maybe even swing by his place for a meal on his days off. The thought lifted her spirits, which had been dampened by Xiao Rui’s departure.
Xu Qing’er and Xu Hao mostly stayed at school during the summer, but they’d still go home for a short break at the start. Xu Ze called to coordinate schedules and arranged to pick them up the next morning.
That evening, Xu Ze headed to Tianyang Mountain again. Now that summer break had started, the old man would surely have something to say about his internship.
After dinner, once Xu Ze finished the old man’s acupuncture session, Tang Zhi handed him a business card. “Xiao Ze, report to the Emergency Department at Xingda Affiliated Hospital in two days. Director Luo will arrange everything for you.”
Xu Ze took the card with a smile. “Thanks, Brother Tang.”
The old man chuckled. “Xiao Ze, don’t hold back at the hospital. Director Luo will give you as much leeway as possible. Make the most of it.”
As expected, the old man has everything perfectly arranged. Xu Ze nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Grandpa Tang.”
“Mm. Work hard. Don’t let anyone look down on my grandson, Tang Tianxiong!”
The next morning, Xu Ze went for his usual run around North Lake. After working up a light sweat, he bought breakfast, showered, and drove to Normal University and Polytechnic University to pick up Qing’er and Xiao Hao.
Both schools were in the Hexi University District. By the time Xu Ze arrived, it was just past eight, but the area was already bustling with students.
Summer break had begun, and many were already hauling luggage to the bus stops, eager to head home.
Xu Ze tapped the horn lightly as his car inched through the crowded streets. It took nearly ten minutes to reach the gates of Normal University.
He parked under a large tree, its shade shielding the car from the already scorching morning sun.
Lowering the convertible top, Xu Ze took a deep breath of fresh air, silently thanking the old man for choosing such a considerate car. Even though the GT had plenty of space, he still disliked the confined feeling of being inside.
He dialed Qing’er’s number.
“Brother! Are you here?” her cheerful voice rang out.
“At your school gate. Come out soon.”
After hanging up, Xu Ze put away his phone and glanced at the glaring sun. His glasses had photochromic lenses, but they’d draw attention if they darkened. Maybe I should buy a pair of sunglasses later.
Suppressing the urge to put on his glasses, he sighed and scanned his surroundings.
Normal University really does have more beauties than Xingda. He smirked as he watched groups of pretty girls pass by the gates.
But as he looked around, many girls were also pointing and whispering in his direction. A Maserati was eye-catching enough—add a handsome guy, and it was practically a magnet for attention.
Checking his phone, Xu Ze estimated that picking up Qing’er and Xiao Hao, then stopping by Bailian, would get them home just in time for lunch.
As he set his phone down, his gaze returned to the school gate—just in time to see a girl in a fitted T-shirt and a pleated skirt approaching.
She leaned down, her sweet smile accentuated by the alluring cleavage visible under her neckline. “Handsome, got a minute? Could you give me a ride to the International College?”
Xu Ze suppressed a laugh. They say you can pick up pretty girls at Normal University’s gates just by driving a BMW. Seems true enough.
Just as he was about to respond, his phone rang.
It was Qing’er. Looking up, he spotted her at the gate with two other girls, carrying her violin and a bag.
“Sorry,” he said apologetically to the girl. “The person I’m picking up is here.”
Leaving the disappointed girl behind, he drove toward the gate.
The Maserati glided silently to a stop in front of Qing’er, startling her and her friends.
But when Qing’er saw who stepped out, she squealed in delight. “Brother!”
Xu Ze patted her head affectionately, took her bag and violin, and stowed them in the back seat. “Let’s go. We still have to pick up Xiao Hao.”
Qing’er and her friends gaped at the car. “Brother… whose car is this? It’s so pretty!”
Smiling, Xu Ze pointed to the license plate. “Take a look.”
Qing’er squinted at it. “Xing A-XZ 888… XZ? Xu Ze?” Her eyes widened. “Brother, this is YOUR car?”
“Yep. Now hop in, or we won’t make it back in time.”
Grinning, Qing’er turned to her friends. “Jingjing, Mimi, I’m heading out!”
One of the girls, a cute bob-cut girl named Mimi, grabbed Qing’er’s arm and whispered, “Qing’er, is he really your brother? He’s so handsome!”
“Of course he is! He’s just usually too busy to visit.” Qing’er leaned in with a smug grin. “Don’t get any ideas, Mimi. He already has a girlfriend—a really pretty one!”
Mimi pouted playfully. “Mean Qing’er, keeping your brother a secret all this time! Fine, fine, go ahead. But come back soon, okay?”
Qing’er waved goodbye and was about to get in the car when a soft voice called out, “Oh, Qing’er! Going home?”
Qing’er turned, her expression tightening slightly when she saw who it was. “Yeah, Zhao Linlin.”
“What a gorgeous car! Is this your brother?” Zhao Linlin batted her lashes at Xu Ze.
Xu Ze sighed inwardly. This girl just doesn’t give up. “We’re in a hurry, Zhao Linlin. Let’s chat another time.”
Undeterred, Zhao Linlin picked up Xu Ze’s phone from the dashboard, tapped a few buttons, and handed it back. Her own phone rang instantly.
“Next time you’re at Normal University, handsome, you HAVE to call me!” she cooed, waving as she walked away.
Xu Ze stared at his phone, now displaying a new contact, and shook his head wryly. Once Qing’er was in the car, he drove off.
“So… that girl’s your classmate?” he asked after a moment.
“Yeah. The department’s ‘flower.’” Qing’er scowled. “Brother, stay away from her. She’s gone through, like, five boyfriends already.”
Xu Ze chuckled and ruffled her hair. “I’m way too busy to even think about dating. Seriously.”