The two of them stood at the hospital entrance for half an hour. When Sheng Ning was feeling dizzy from the sun, a black jeep stopped in front of them.
"Comrade Sheng Ning," Shen Jianguo jumped out of the car and looked at her kindly.
"Mr. Shen, what brings you here?" Zhang Hongmei was delighted and nudged Sheng Ning with her elbow, whispering, "The one you like has arrived."
Sheng Ning smiled bitterly. It turned out that the news of her once liking Shen Jianguo had spread so widely that even Hongmei knew. But she no longer liked him; the mere thought that he would eventually marry Qin Cuifen made her uneasy.
"I was just passing by on business." In truth, he had come specifically to see her. Ever since she boldly confessed to him last time, her image had dominated his mind, torturing him every moment. At first, he thought he must be crazy; otherwise, why would he think about an eighteen-year-old girl day and night? Last night, when he watched her fall from the stage, his heart had stopped. It was then he realized he had fallen for this bold girl. Shen Jianguo's eyes burned with admiration as he looked at her. How could she be so beautiful and so lovable?
In the sunlight, Sheng Ning's fair and tender skin was flushed, and her big, watery eyes seemed to hold a thousand words. Shen Jianguo's tough heart slowly softened.
"Let me take you home."
Sheng Ning unconsciously bit her tender lip and nodded in response to Zhang Hongmei's expectant look.
The jeep roared past the hospital entrance. Xu Qigang, who was speaking with the hospital leaders in the yard, caught a glimpse of Sheng Ning's profile.
"Hey! Shen Jianguo, Shen Jianguo..." The hospital's dean shouted after the departing jeep. Unfortunately, it was too far for them to hear.
"That kid said he came to see me. Why did he leave without even meeting me?" The dean stomped his feet in frustration. Only then did he notice that the Living Yama seemed in a bad mood.
"See, I was so upset that I got confused." The dean shook his head. "Captain Xu, you have to come to the hospital for a check-up every month. This is a direct order from the leaders. If you keep putting it off, don't blame me for reporting you."
"Got it!" Xu Qigang nodded. His stern and handsome face made people want to avoid him.
"Alright, alright, I won't nag. You all howl when it comes to rescue missions, but coming to the hospital is like taking your life." The dean stopped nagging, sent Xu Qigang off, and led his people inside.
Xu Qigang, known as the Living Yama, was famous in the rescue world. He had just returned from a major rescue mission, and the Rescue Association treasured him. It was understandable—he was incredibly capable, led the country's first official rescue team, and had no bad habits. He was a talent for the country. The dean had heard that even though Xu Qigang came from a rural background, many leaders wanted him as their son-in-law.
The dean sighed internally at the thought of Xu Qigang's icy face that seemed to never melt.
It was now the era of reform and opening up, and social trends had changed. Young women liked the type like Shen Jianguo; ordinary people would be scared to death upon seeing Xu Qigang.
Shen Jianguo drove the two women to the entrance of the General Union Dance Troupe. When they were still a thousand meters away, Sheng Ning hurriedly asked to stop.
"What's wrong?" Shen Jianguo frowned as he looked at her.