On the third day, the university swiftly and unexpectedly posted Zhang Zhaoyuan’s public apology letter, formally explaining that due to his impulsiveness and misunderstanding of Bai Xiao, he not only caused severe damage to Bai Xiao’s reputation but also inflicted significant psychological harm on her.
The most solemn apology in the history of the Medical University concluded amidst the storm.
Originally, those who didn’t know Bai Xiao now found that there wasn’t a single person in the whole Medical University who hadn’t heard of her.
This woman, pursued by the campus heartthrob Zhang Zhaoyuan, and then retaliated against out of love-turned-hate, turned out to already be married. Her wedding held at the battlefield front almost became a legendary story within the Medical University.
Moved by such emotions, the percentage of Medical University students applying to work in remote and challenging areas increased significantly this year. This even earned high praise from provincial and municipal leaders for the university’s outstanding ideological work, with the university president receiving direct commendation.
Bai Xiao had no idea that she had now become somewhat of a sensation at the Medical University.
Previously unknown, her story was now circulating everywhere, capturing the interest of all.
Bai Xiao was now accustomed to being greeted on the street by strangers who knew her name.
Today was Friday, and with no classes in the afternoon, Bai Xiao packed her things, ready to go home.
The dormitory auntie downstairs called out her name, telling her to answer the phone.
Bai Xiao ran downstairs, only to find it was An Zhiyuan on the other end.
"Second Brother? I’m going home tonight anyway—why did you call?"
She chuckled to herself. It had been over half a year since An Zhiyuan was able to ditch his crutches and walk freely on his own. Following the doctor’s recommendations, even his quick recovery had been noted with concern, fearing he might have adopted overly intense methods of training, potentially leaving behind hidden risks.
But after follow-up exams, even the doctors at Modu Hospital had to admit that An Zhiyuan’s body was fine. The final conclusion was that his exceptional physical condition and rapid recovery were due to his well-established fitness habits.
An Zhiyuan had already become a role model, admired by many people.
"Xiaoxiao, I’m at the campus gate to pick you up and take you home. Come out!" That simple sentence sent a ripple of emotion through Bai Xiao’s heart. What was he doing here?
Both she and An Zhiyuan were inherently low-profile individuals unaccustomed to ostentation.
And yet, he had shown up at the campus gate—especially at this time, with so many students coming and going, so many eyes watching.
After hanging up the phone, Bai Xiao went back to her dorm to freshen up, brushing her teeth and washing her face. She changed into a wool sweater, paired it with a pastel-blue woolen coat, a scarf of the same color, black trousers, leather shoes, and grabbed her handbag.
Ma Yao and the others noticed and asked, "Why are you leaving so early today?"
"My husband’s here to pick me up, so I thought I’d leave a bit early." Bai Xiao was about to head out but was stopped.
"Wait a second—Captain An is here to pick you up? We’ve never seen him in person! We’ve only heard all those stories about the young and famous captain. Let us have a look! If not, don’t leave—stay for dinner tonight instead." Ma Yao had long been intrigued by the famous An Zhiyuan. Now that he was here in person, there was no way they’d let him slip away.
Bai Xiao was surrounded and had little choice but to agree. When it came to sheer strength, she was no match for Ma Yao.
"Fine, fine. I’ll go out and let you meet Captain An. Is that good enough?"
If she didn’t give in, these people would surely hold her hostage and eventually drag An Zhiyuan into the dorm themselves. Might as well go out directly and avoid the hassle.
The three of them cheered and immediately began dolling up.
"He’s my husband—what are you doing?" Bai Xiao couldn’t help but laugh.
"That’s different! He’s a hero, a bomb-disposal captain, and the husband of our dear friend. Of course, we need to leave a good impression. We can’t let your man think we’re just a bunch of sloppy nobodies, right? Isn’t that right, ladies?" Ma Yao was already hyped up.
He Juan and Lin Xiang chimed in boisterously as they busily touched up their brows and applied makeup before the mirror, "Of course! We’re doing this for you, Bai Xiao. Can’t let Dr. Bai lose face, right?"