Chapter 22 – Touched the lips

Translator: Abo Dammen

Chi Zhao was just that kind of sincere person. He was earnest, likable, and the same towards everyone. He was very serious when working, never cutting corners. Not just Fu Nan’an, but other professors and teachers liked him too because he learned things solidly.

The rotation in the Psychology Department passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, four weeks had gone by, and it was time for the exit exam. The exit exam was standard for every department, testing what you had learned. It was divided into a written test and a practical skills part. You had to pass to successfully complete the rotation.

“What should I do, Chi Zhao, I’m so nervous.” The day before the exam, Zhong Yangqiu hugged his textbook, almost crying. “Why are there so many points in Psychology? And they’re all things we haven’t learned before.”

Zhong Yangqiu was assigned to a different ward than Chi Zhao during the rotation, so they weren’t together usually, but they took the exam together. Much of the Psychology material was quite different from what clinical medicine students learned. Zhong Yangqiu looked mournful as he hugged the borrowed psychology textbook and asked Chi Zhao to highlight the key points for him. Chi Zhao patted his shoulder and said, “It’s fine.”

The professional books for Psychology were quite thick. Medical students’ books are never thin. Chi Zhao picked out what he thought were the more important parts from several thick books and also predicted a few major essay questions for him. “Take a good look at these, I think they might be on the exam.”

Chi Zhao’s predictions were top-notch. Having roomed together for four years, Chi Zhao predicted exam questions every finals period, with a high success rate. Zhong Yangqiu happily took the books Chi Zhao handed him, holding them like treasures in his arms, “Our Chi-ge is just amazing, foreseeing the future! Almost as good as me, the prophet!”

“These are just the knowledge points the teachers often ask about during ward rounds,” Chi Zhao shook his head helplessly, knowing Zhong Yangqiu still remembered the incident where he’d left his name tag at Fu Nan’an’s place. That was so long ago. If he put that memory into studying, he wouldn’t have such a hard time every exam.

Chi Zhao took the book back from his hands and casually pointed to a knowledge point on it. “For example, this one. Professor Fu asked about it twice in our ward, Professor Qian asked about it four times. I bet your teacher didn’t ask about it any less.”

Zhong Yangqiu was shocked. He didn’t remember the teacher asking about that at all. He sighed with genuine admiration. “Then you’re really better than me, the prophet. I admit I’m not as good.”

“Where?” Chi Zhao played along with the joke. “Our Zhong-ge’s prophetic abilities are nothing to scoff at either.”

Friends often joked like this. Zhong Yangqiu immediately added, “Of course! I predict right now that you and Professor Fu will kiss.”

“Alright, alright, that’s really going too far now,” Chi Zhao patted his shoulder and said, “Study properly. We both need to study properly.”

Chi Zhao had a good personality and was good with words, but his attitude towards studying was absolutely serious. Fu Nan’an said the main point of them coming to Psychology was to learn a way of thinking, but he still wanted to learn as much as possible. He didn’t plan to take the domestic postgraduate entrance exam, so he didn’t have the pressure other students faced. He didn’t skip his rotations and learned things solidly, using spare time during ward rounds to read through the books, and would ask Fu Nan’an and other professors if he didn’t understand something.

No teacher would dislike such a diligent and motivated student. The next day during the exam, Chi Zhao unsurprisingly got first place in the written test among the several dozen clinical students, and he also performed with ease during the practical skills test.

The proctor for the practical exam couldn’t be one’s own supervising teacher. Chi Zhao drew Professor Qian as his examiner. When he first drew the lot, Chen Kaiji gave him a “rest in peace” expression. Everyone knew Professor Qian was notoriously strict. But after the entire operation was over, Professor Qian was full of praise for Chi Zhao, didn’t say a single harsh word, and even specifically went to Fu Nan’an after all the assessments were done to praise Chi Zhao a few times.

“Xiao Chi is a good kid,” Fu Nan’an was Chi Zhao’s supervising teacher, so praising a student in front of their supervisor was the highest form of praise. “Steady hands and attentive mind. He’s neither obsequious nor arrogant when answering questions, and he remembers all the details accurately.”

Chi Zhao was a bit embarrassed by the praise and quickly said, “It’s mainly because Professor Fu taught me well.”

“Can’t say that,” Fu Nan’an also praised him, genuinely feeling Chi Zhao was diligent and hardworking. “Our Chi Zhao really has a solid foundation and has put in the effort.”

No one dislikes hearing words of praise. Chi Zhao responded with a smile, and the smile on his face lingered for a long time.

Being praised by Professor Fu wasn’t easy. Fu Nan’an had a gentle personality, but he didn’t lower his work standards. Chi Zhao remained happy until evening, probably even dreaming about Professor Fu.

This was the last day for the clinical students in the Psychology Department. After this, Chi Zhao and the others would rotate to the Emergency Department. The Emergency Department was in another building, so opportunities to meet would be fewer. A few close colleagues in the department specially held a farewell party for them.

Although it was a farewell, it wasn’t that sad. They were all in the same hospital; it wasn’t like they wouldn’t see each other again. Everyone ate casually. Someone suggested eating Dapanji, so a large group went. They ate heartily and had a very comfortable time.

Having companions on a part of life’s journey is a privilege. Going their separate ways afterwards isn’t unexpected. These beautiful days would remain preserved in memory, occasionally recalling them with a knowing smile was satisfaction enough.

“Come on, let me toast everyone.” Chen Kaiji seemed quite the young master at first, but once familiar, he was absolutely a core member of the atmosphere team—straightforward, candid, and liked to liven things up. He raised his glass for toast after toast, even getting a bit tipsy himself. Putting down his glass, he sighed, “The month went by too fast. I really wish you could stay a few more days.”

At the beginning, Chi Zhao didn’t get along with him and never imagined they could become friends. A month passed in a flash, they got familiar, and Chi Zhao gradually felt Chen Kaiji was actually a pretty good guy. Although he could be emotional at times, he was absolutely devoted to those he was close to.

The feeling of parting with good friends was very unpleasant. Chi Zhao also raised his glass. “Let’s meet often in the future, hang out together.”

“Absolutely.” Chen Kaiji nodded, still not forgetting to tease Chi Zhao at this moment. “Chi-ge, you have to come to the Psychology Department more often. Forget about me, your Professor Fu is here too!”

Ever since that last time, everyone knew Chi Zhao greatly admired Professor Fu—the kind of liking a fan has for an idol. A little fan. Hearing Chen Kaiji say this, they also joined in teasing, “Right, right, your male god is still here in our Psychology Department!”

“Xiao Chi, don’t change your heart so fast! Don’t forget our Professor Fu when you go to other departments!”

Laughter filled the dinner table. Everyone meant no harm. Amidst the lively atmosphere, Chi Zhao also became a bit bolder and followed this topic to ask Fu Nan’an, “Professor Fu, can I still come to the Psychology Department after I finish the rotation?”

In front of so many people, what could Fu Nan’an possibly say? Of course, he could only say, “The Psychology Department welcomes you anytime.”

Chi Zhao pressed further. “What about going to your office to find you?”

Fu Nan’an paused for a second and said, “Sure.”

These were all jokes at the dinner table; straightforward words are the most amusing. Everyone was amused by their dialogue, and the atmosphere was lively. But Chi Zhao was actually serious. Being by Professor Fu’s side was comfortable and reassuring, and Chi Zhao liked this feeling.

The entire rotation in the Psychology Department had been very pleasant, and this final meal was no exception. The dapanji at the restaurant near the hospital was very authentic, using chicken thighs for the meat, with onions and green peppers as the soul of the dish. When they had almost finished eating, they asked the owner to add a few pieces of wide noodles to the sauce. The owner was very generous, the noodles here were complimentary.

Northerners mostly like eating noodles. Feeling full and satisfied is comforting. The meal lasted from just after 6 PM until almost 10 PM. They talked a lot in between, but all feasts must end, and it was finally time to part ways.

As they were leaving, Chen Kaiji patted Chi Zhao’s shoulder, genuinely feeling a bit reluctant. “Do well in the ER, don’t make us in Psychology lose face.”

“Don’t worry.” Chi Zhao bumped his shoulder, not wanting the topic to be so heavy, and teased him, “You too, work hard, future professor of our Psychology Department.”

Chen Kaiji sighed deeply and downed a mouthful of wine.

It was dark when they returned in the evening. The professors, as usual, saw the interns back. The lights near the dormitory building weren’t very bright, casting dark shadows. The intern dormitory was a renovated residential area behind the hospital, a bit shabby, with uneven paths. Chi Zhao was afraid Fu Nan’an might trip, and besides, it was really only a few steps away. He turned to Fu Nan’an and said, “Professor Fu, maybe you should head back first? We’re basically there.”

Fu Nan’an smiled, continuing the joke from the dinner table, “What, haven’t even officially finished the rotation yet, and you’re already avoiding me?”

Chi Zhao knew he was joking but still felt a bit nervous. “No, no! I’m just worried the path might be difficult for you.”

Fu Nan’an knew, but still wanted to see them off. “It’s not like I haven’t walked you back before.”

Professor Fu had always been good to his students, regardless of who they were. He never used his blindness as a reason to one-sidedly accept care from others. Instead, he often looked after others.

Being with such a person was comfortable and easy, which made the moment of parting especially difficult. Chi Zhao almost wanted to say he wouldn’t leave, that he’d just stay in the Psychology Department. But he knew he couldn’t do that. He could still distinguish what was important.

They walked on like this. The student apartments were in a remote location, and the surroundings quieted down. Chi Zhao unconsciously spoke less. He walked quietly beside Fu Nan’an. When they were almost there, Fu Nan’an touched his elbow. “Why so quiet? Unhappy?”