Chapter 1: A Ran
“Dr. Zhou, Director Shao asked you to go to his office after dinner.” The person who came was wearing a white coat, rubbing his shoulders. He had a crew cut, and after working half a day, he sat down as if his bones had melted, lacking energy. Others looked at him and asked, “What does Director Shao want with Dr. Zhou?”
“Seems like two new doctors arrived.” Crew Cut said, “Probably wants Dr. Zhou to guide them.”
Everyone looked at Zhou Tianzui. They all knew she had a bad temper, but this personality was just right for guiding newcomers. Picky, rigorous, she wouldn’t let even the slightest mistake slip by. Being a doctor was a profession that required pressure resistance, both mentally and physically. Those who emerged from under her wing, which one wasn’t tough as nails? Over time, this had become a threshold for newcomers entering their department.
Crew Cut said, “Dr. Zhou, go early after you finish eating.”
Zhou Tianzui paused her eating, her phoenix eyes lifting slightly. She was naturally blessed with long, curled eyelashes; a single sweep of mascara was enough, no need for a curler. Her features were deep, her nose high and straight, a perfect example of a manga-style beauty. When she first arrived at the hospital, everyone speculated whether she was mixed-race. Sitting there, she resembled the moon beside the wine shop counter, her delicate wrists like congealed frost and snow – of course, except for the foul temper that became apparent the moment she opened her mouth.
She looked at Zhao Mingqi: “What? Can the newcomers not wait?”
“That’s not it.” Zhao Mingqi whispered, “I heard that one of the two newcomers is Director Song’s goddaughter, surnamed He. If you go later, you can choose her.” He then looked to the other side, “Don’t let Dr. Fu pick her.”
Fu Shushu.
She was competing with Zhou Tianzui for the position of Deputy Director. The Deputy Director position had been vacant for about a month, and the Director had always intended to recommend one of them. During this period, while things seemed calm on the surface, there were undercurrents surging. Both sides were intentionally or unintentionally competing. The news Zhao Mingqi received was obtained through connections. Fearing that Fu Shushu might also get the news, he couldn’t help but urge Zhou Tianzui to quickly go and claim one of the newcomers.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Tianzui put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth with a tissue. Just as she was about to get up, she heard a familiar voice.
“In a small town in Jindu City, there is such an elderly person who, for twenty years, has offered free classes to students every weekend…” The voice was clear, a standard broadcasting voice, with clear and rounded pronunciation, neither hurried nor slow. Even without seeing the person, just listening to the voice could create a favorable impression.
You Ruxu.
A famous reporter from Jindu TV Station. The first time she reported live from the scene, someone posted the video online, and it became a minor trending topic. She was praised as having a “heavenly voice.” Although there was some exaggeration, Zhou Tianzui had watched the video of the live broadcast. In just five short minutes, the barrage of comments filled the entire screen, completely obscuring the host’s face. Hearing only the voice, it was indeed an ultimate enjoyment for the ears.
Furthermore, You Ruxu was also beautiful, a dignified and heroic kind of beauty, different from the currently popular slender figures. She had a well-proportioned frame and a tall figure, naturally smiling eyes, which, combined with her inherently cool temperament, gave her the wonderful air of a bright moon. She was easy to admire, yet also easy to trust.
Zhou Tianzui remembered the joke her colleagues told: “It’s a pity she’s a reporter, she should be an interrogator. Criminals would confess everything upon seeing her.”
She didn’t turn around, hearing Zhao Mingqi sigh, “My goddess is truly beautiful!”
Another doctor said, “Zhao Mingqi, you like You Ruxu so much, wouldn’t you faint from excitement if you saw her in person?”
It was a teasing tone. Zhao Mingqi’s face flushed red and he said, “Am I that useless? Besides, I’ve seen her in person, okay!”
The doctor exclaimed in surprise. Zhao Mingqi said, “Hey—don’t you know? Teacher You is Dr. Zhou’s friend!”
You Ruxu became famous overnight and even boosted the TV station’s ratings. However, within half a month, she applied for a transfer and became a news editor. It was only this year that she returned to the screen as a live reporter. Therefore, people respectfully called her Teacher You.
The doctor really didn’t know. Firstly, he had just been transferred not long ago. Secondly, he didn’t dare to ask about Zhou Tianzui’s matters. So he was very surprised when he heard this: “Really? Dr. Zhou, Teacher You is your friend?”
Zhou Tianzui turned her head and glanced at him, saying, “Yes, she’s my friend.”
Behind her, cries of surprise arose.
Zhou Tianzui lowered her head and left the cafeteria, taking out her phone to glance at the screen. The topmost message was from You Ruxu, sent ten minutes ago: [I’m home.]
She had been on a business trip recently, interviewing in a small town in the countryside, filming for ten days, and had just returned.
Zhou Tianzui’s expression was indifferent as she turned off the screen and entered the director’s office.
You Ruxu didn’t receive a reply from Zhou Tianzui. She fiddled with her phone again. The leaders weren’t very satisfied with their chosen topic this time, feeling that it wouldn’t arouse social attention and discussion, and they had also spent ten days filming. They thought it would have been better to cover the counterfeit brand goods case. You Ruxu watched as several messages flashed across the screen, lowering her eyes slightly. When she wasn’t smiling, she gave off a cold and aloof impression. Such a person seemed difficult to get close to at first glance, but she was born with smiling eyes, which softened her coldness and aloofness, adding a touch of nobility and pride, making it easy for people to have a good impression of her. She also had a nickname at the TV station – You Jiaoyue (You Bright Moon).
[“The stars and moon are bright, the Milky Way hangs in the sky, no human sounds around, only sounds among the trees.”]
It was originally just a joke, but later it spread more and more. However, no one would call her by her nickname to her face; most would address her as Teacher You.
[Teacher You, should we change the topic for next week?]
It was her editor. He had also been scolded by the leaders, so he didn’t dare offend the leaders nor You Ruxu, and came to test the waters first.
You Ruxu looked at her phone and sent: [Let’s discuss it at the department tomorrow.]
The editor breathed a sigh of relief: [Okay.]
You Ruxu put down her phone, her hand touching the buttons of her shirt. Hearing a knock on the door, she turned her head, smoothing the button she hadn’t just unbuttoned. Finally, she walked to the door and heard a woman’s voice outside: “Xiao Tian?”
It was Zhou Tianzui’s mother.
You Ruxu quickly opened the door and saw Yu Qiao standing outside. Yu Qiao was stunned when she saw her: “Xiao Xu, you’re back.”
“Auntie, come in.” You Ruxu smiled faintly, inviting her in. Yu Qiao glanced at her, her expression a little uneasy. She was a bit afraid of You Ruxu. It wasn’t that You Ruxu was fierce to her, but rather her background, which made her feel unworthy. Moreover, her profession, appearing on TV every day, always gave people a sense of distance. You Ruxu was extremely good to her. Of course, she also knew that this kindness was based on the fact that she was her daughter’s good friend.
Actually, she had been very puzzled at the beginning. How could her daughter become friends with You Ruxu? She seemed like the bright moon in the sky, an unattainable figure. To her, she was more like a high branch of high society, everyone wanted to grasp it, yet no one dared to. She once thought that Zhou Tianzui and her could only be acquaintances and couldn’t become close friends.
But they actually lived in the same rented apartment.
“Mom, she recently changed jobs and hasn’t found a suitable place yet, so she’s temporarily staying with me.” Zhou Tianzui explained to her, “Next time you come over, let me know in advance. There’s another person here.”
She certainly knew this etiquette, but she had previously heard Zhou Tianzui say that she was off today, and thinking that You Ruxu was still on a business trip, she came directly without contacting Zhou Tianzui. Now the atmosphere was a bit awkward.
You Ruxu poured her a cup of warm water. Yu Qiao took it with both hands and said, “Thank you.”
“Auntie, is there something you need?” You Ruxu said, “She’s working overtime today and might not be off until after five.”
Yu Qiao said, “I don’t have anything particular.”
You Ruxu sat beside her. Due to her professional habits, her posture was very upright. She wore a white shirt and a black professional skirt, the buttons always fastened to the top one, without any jewelry. Her entire person, like her temperament, was clean and transparent. Coupled with her smiling eyes, she was actually very comfortable to be around. Yu Qiao relaxed a little. She took a sip of warm water, stood up, and said, “Since she’s not here, I’ll go back first.”
“I’ll see you off.” You Ruxu quickly stood up. Yu Qiao was flattered: “No need, no need. You must be tired after your business trip. Have a good rest. Next time, Auntie will come over and make you something delicious.”
You Ruxu said, “Auntie, you’re too kind.”
She escorted Yu Qiao downstairs, watching her ride away on her electric scooter. This was a mid-range residential complex with good landscaping, small rockeries, and fountains. It was right by the main entrance. You Ruxu could see some of the outlines from downstairs. She came back to her senses. Occasionally, someone passed by her, and even after walking past, they couldn’t help but look back, their eyes filled with uncontainable amazement.
You Ruxu returned home. She originally wanted to take a shower, but Yu Qiao’s visit interrupted her. She decided to deal with her work first, making adjustments to the content of the past ten days and sending it to her editor. By the time she finished, the sky was already darkening. She looked down at the time; it was 6:30 pm. She checked her phone again; Zhou Tianzui hadn’t replied.
Zhou Tianzui was like this when she was busy, not replying for half a day. You Ruxu was already used to it. She leaned back on the sofa, fiddling with her phone. Just as she was about to order takeout, she heard the sound of the door opening. She turned her head, and Zhou Tianzui pushed open the door.
Seeing her at home, Zhou Tianzui wasn’t surprised at all, just asking as soon as she opened her mouth: “Why didn’t you turn on the lights?”
Her tone was indifferent, without any discernible emotion.
You Ruxu said, “I forgot.”
Zhou Tianzui changed her shoes and pressed the switch. The crystal chandelier lit up, sparkling with luster, hanging above You Ruxu, making her skin appear even more fair.
Busy all afternoon, she didn’t show any signs of fatigue. Her profession demanded high-intensity work, and maintaining her composure at all times was paramount. Therefore, under the light, she was still as clear and bright as the moon. Even the way she flipped through the reference book appeared elegant and natural.
Zhou Tianzui, after a busy day, sat on the sofa behind her. Their coffee table was an upgraded version that could be used as a temporary desk. You Ruxu usually worked there. There were three piles of documents and a laptop. You Ruxu put the reference book aside and lowered her head to type. Her half-lowered eyelashes, the outline of the tip of her nose reflected on the computer screen, her thin lips – Zhou Tianzui stared at her for a few seconds, her gaze falling on the back of You Ruxu’s neck.
The back of her neck was fair, and her slightly bowed posture made it appear even more slender. The lines and curves were smooth and round, like a swan lowering its beautiful neck. Zhou Tianzui’s teeth itched. She called out, “A Ran.”
You Ruxu’s typing paused, and she turned to look at Zhou Tianzui.
Their eyes met, and she saw the spark in Zhou Tianzui’s eyes. You Ruxu held her breath. A figure leaned over, and from the corner of her eye, she saw Zhou Tianzui extend her hand. Her fingers were slender and long, with distinct knuckles. These were hands often used for surgery, whiter than those of ordinary people. Zhou Tianzui’s hand didn’t land on her, but on the computer beside her, turning off the display.
The atmosphere instantly became ambiguous. You Ruxu’s heartbeat quickened. Zhou Tianzui didn’t retract her hand after turning off the display, but brushed it past her shoulder, pressing lightly on the back of her neck, gently pinching. You Ruxu’s body tensed.
She looked at Zhou Tianzui. Their eyes met. You Ruxu’s voice was slightly softer than usual: “I…” She pursed her lips. “I haven’t showered yet.”
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