After leaving the Li residence, a wave of melancholy washed over her. She didn’t want to go home and be alone. What she really wanted was someone she could talk to, someone who could keep her company—but no one came to mind.

Gazing out over the city lights, she couldn’t help but think, if only one of those lights shone just for her, how wonderful that would be.

As a child, she loved clinging to her older sister, but her sister had gotten married a few months ago and no longer lived in Ancheng.

Yu Qing had traveled abroad for work recently and was also away from Ancheng for the time being.

She thought about calling them, but decided against it, worried that she’d end up saying too much and making them worry.

She strolled alone through a nearby park, letting the evening breeze brush against her face. It felt surprisingly pleasant—getting out and taking a walk helped lift some of the weight from her heart. Otherwise, being home alone was a recipe for overthinking.

"Miss Li, what a coincidence."

Hearing the voice, Lauren Shaw turned her head to find a familiar, handsome face—gentle and elegant, his features softened by a faint smile, as if warmed by a spring breeze.

"Dr. Shen, what a surprise!"

She looked at him with genuine delight. For some reason, seeing him always made her mood improve. Maybe it was just because he was so good-looking—seeing handsome people really does cheer you up.

Standing next to Yancy Shaw was another man, who regarded Lauren Shaw with open curiosity. Alongside the surprise on his face, there was a barely concealed smile.

He winked at Yancy Shaw, teasing, "Aren’t you going to introduce us?"

Lauren Shaw smiled at him politely. "Hello, I’m Lauren Shaw."

Henry Mills grinned, "I’m Henry Mills, Dr. Shen’s childhood friend and classmate—now also a colleague." He made a point of reaching out to shake her hand.

Sensing the chilly gaze from beside him, Henry Mills kept the handshake brief before letting go.

"Have you eaten yet?" Yancy Shaw asked.

Lauren Shaw shook her head. Since learning the results of her tests that morning, she hadn't eaten a thing—partly for lack of appetite, partly because she simply wasn't hungry.

"I haven’t either. Let’s eat together," Henry Mills quickly offered, picking up on the subtle tension between the two. This wasn’t just coincidence—definitely not.

Yancy Shaw fixed him with a frosty stare. "If I recall, Uncle He just called you to go home for dinner."

Henry Mills looked confused: Had he? I don’t remember getting a call from my dad.

Yancy Shaw’s gaze was unwavering—if he said it happened, then it did.

Henry Mills: ...

Receiving a warning glare that said 'take a hint,' Henry Mills caved, "Right, right, now that you mention it, I do remember my dad called. I guess I should go home for Mom’s cooking. You two go on ahead!"

He left with a cheerful grin, but as he walked away, he glanced back. Sure enough, Yancy Shaw was happily chatting with Miss Li at his side—with a warmth Henry Mills had never seen before.

Now, there’s a rare sight.

Henry Mills was completely floored—turns out, the famously cool and ascetic Dr. Shen could be moved by someone after all.

"Tsk tsk, the iron tree of Ancheng First Hospital is finally blossoming!"

Truthfully, both Yancy Shaw and Henry Mills had already eaten; Shen lived nearby, and they were out for a post-dinner stroll. Who would’ve thought they’d wind up sharing a late snack so soon?

"What sounds good? My treat," Lauren Shaw offered. She’d wanted to thank him properly over a meal, but after witnessing that scene in the clinic this morning, she assumed he’d say no. Who could have guessed fate would bring them together like this?

"You decide."

Lauren Shaw craved hot pot, so Yancy Shaw drove off in search of a restaurant.

"How did your results turn out?" he asked.

Lauren Shaw gave a wry smile. "I’m undergoing surgery tomorrow."

Something about Yancy Shaw’s presence made her feel safe enough to drop her guard, as if she could finally say what was really on her mind.

His hand stilled. "What’s the reason?"

"Fibroadenoma of the breast," she answered calmly. It was just a minor surgery—nothing to be frightened of.

"This hot pot is delicious," Lauren Shaw remarked, eating to her heart’s content. The savory aroma truly stoked her appetite, making all the day's troubles seem distant.

She was easygoing and quick to satisfaction—just a good meal could lift her spirits entirely.

The two of them didn’t talk much, just the occasional back-and-forth. The silence wasn’t awkward, just comfortable.

"Do you eat hot pot often, Dr. Shen?" she asked.

She liked spice, but Yvonne Sung didn’t. Whenever they ate together, she’d always order his favorite dishes—now she realized that in trying to accommodate him, she’d slowly stopped acting like herself.

"Yeah, I like it," Yancy Shaw replied. He’d already had dinner, but kept eating anyway, if only so she wouldn’t feel awkward.

"That’s great—we’ve got similar tastes. I’m a big fan of spicy food, too." She smiled as she spoke.

After dinner, Yancy Shaw went to the restroom while Lauren Shaw stepped outside first.

Right by the entrance, she bumped into Yvonne Sung and Yana Quinn, who had also come for hot pot.

Lauren Shaw couldn’t help thinking how small Ancheng was—couldn’t escape running into these two annoying people no matter where she went.

"Miss Li, you’re here for hot pot too?" Yana Quinn’s acting switches flipped on, making Lauren Shaw want to roll her eyes.

Without responding, she turned and walked the other way.

She hadn’t gone far when Yana Quinn’s voice sounded behind her. "Miss Li is so pitiful—imagine eating hot pot all alone."

Lauren Shaw (internally): Who’s pitiful? Please, give me a break.

Watching the two of them enter the hot pot restaurant together made her irritation spike.

When Yancy Shaw returned and saw Yvonne Sung and Yana Quinn at the table he and Lauren Shaw had just vacated, he merely glanced their way before heading out to find Lauren Shaw.

The restaurant was ringed by glass walls, offering a clear view outside.

Yvonne Sung happened to spot a man walking up to Lauren Shaw. After exchanging a few words, the man opened his car door, and Lauren Shaw got in. As the car drove off, Yvonne Sung couldn’t stop staring after it, fighting the urge to chase her down and demand to know who the man was.

"Yuche, what are you looking at?" Yana Quinn asked, following his gaze but seeing nothing unusual.

"It's nothing," Yvonne Sung replied, his expression dark.

Yana Quinn had noticed his odd behavior lately, but she wasn’t concerned—as long as his heart was with her, what did it matter?

Soothing music played in the car. Lauren Shaw gazed out the window while Yancy Shaw drove in silence.

Searching for a way to ease the hush, Lauren Shaw asked, "Dr. Shen, do you like someone?"

Yancy Shaw turned to look at her, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I do."

"She must be really lucky, to have someone as outstanding and considerate as you like her."

"But she doesn’t like me—at least, not right now."

What? She doesn’t like him?

Lauren Shaw was caught off-guard. Someone like Dr. Shen could still be turned down? She couldn't help but marvel at how unpredictable relationships could be.

She thought back to when he came to pick up a dress from her shop—it must have been for the girl he liked.

"She may not like you now, but that doesn’t mean she never will. Besides, you’re so remarkable, Dr. Shen—I’m sure any girl would fall for you if she realized it."

Yancy Shaw gave her a look, deeper and more meaningful than usual. "Let’s hope so."