19 Unexpected Encounter

Following the gala night, Zunnie Bai found herself immersed once again in the demands of her work. The pressing matter at hand was deciding on the department to establish at Bai Children's Hospital. Seated in a meeting with each department head, Zunnie sought the optimal choice for the hospital's growth.

"Dr. Bai, while the pathology department is excelling, we're facing space constraints. Both nurses and doctors have expressed concerns, and an expansion, perhaps an additional floor, could significantly relieve the staff's stress," shared the head of the pathology department. Aware of the challenge, he took a calculated risk, relying on his five years of experience with the hospital and the director's supportive stance towards improvements.

"Dr. Jing, I appreciate your input. If there are no major concerns beyond what I've heard, I will carefully consider your proposal," Zunnie responded respectfully.

In truth, Zunnie harbored a strong inclination to expand the psychiatry department, intending to hire more counselors and therapists. A prior meeting with the department head affirmed the positive impact such a decision would have on both patients and their families. Furthermore, she envisioned establishing a small library, providing patients with extended stays an opportunity to continue their education during treatment.

After gathering insights from everyone, Zunnie felt content with the outcome of the meeting. Before concluding, she made rounds to each department, personally inspecting facilities and warmly greeting familiar patients, whose faces lit up with joy upon seeing her. Her rounds extended to the hospital's pediatric wing, where she encountered Selina Gunno, her brother's girlfriend. Following the week she had met Selina at dinner, Zunnie visited her and was awe-struck by her intelligence and dedication. Recognizing Selina as an exceptional pediatrician, Zunnie actively sought to persuade her to join Bai Children's Hospital, to which she agreed. Their professional relationship developed, and Zunnie grew fond of Selina, prompting an invitation to stop by her office whenever time allowed.

Bak at her office, the day progressed. Zunnie checked the time and noted it was nearing six in the evening. Opting to drive home, she embarked on the journey, only to encounter an unexpected delay due to a traffic jam caused by an accident. The extended commute gave her time to reflect on the day's events.

Reflecting on the hospital staff meeting, Zunnie's thoughts meandered to Alexander Zi. Gratitude filled her for his generous contribution during the auction, and a smile played on her lips as she remembered his somewhat flimsy excuse for assisting her. Despite a week and a half passing, she hadn't had the chance to meet him again.

Arriving at the parking garage at seven, she reached for her wallet. Zunnie retrieved the card Alex had given her at the gala and flipped it over to find his cell phone number. She was about to call him when hunger pangs reminded her that she had skipped lunch in the midst of a busy day. Putting the card back in her bag she vowed to call him after she had eaten dinner and settled in.

She walked toward the elevator, oblivious that the handsome man she intended to call later was also waiting for the same elevator.

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As Zunnie was engrossed in searching for her phone as she walked in the direction of the elevator. The tapping of her heels echoed throughout the quiet parking garage. Alex, just ending a call, turned his head to the sound and was pleasantly surprised to see her. Amused, he stood still, allowing her to bump into him as if he hadn't noticed her.

"Ouch, I'm so sorry," Zunnie halted her quest for the phone and looked up apologetically at the person she collided with.

Her eyes widened in shock upon realizing who it was. Stammering, she managed, "What are you...you doing here?"

Maintaining his composure, Alex responded, "I'm going home."

"Huh...You…you live here?"

"Mhm."

For Zunnie, it was hard to believe. "How long have you lived here?" she asked, perplexed.

"Umm… maybe three months."

"But, but…" Zunnie, at a loss for words, slumped down, unable to support her weight. Before she could hit the floor, a strong, muscular arm reached out and pulled her up.

"Thanks," she muttered shyly.

"Wanna have dinner with me tonight?" Alex asked, glad for the unexpected encounter.

"Umm, I don't think that's a good idea. We don't know each that well." Zunnie replied after composing herself, thinking he was inviting her to his place.

As the elevator arrived, they both stepped in. Zunnie pressed the third-floor button just as Alex was about to. The doors closed, enveloping them in a momentary privacy that held a hint of intrigue and unexpected connection.

"Let me guess, you live on the third floor too!" Zunnie said nonchalantly.

"You guessed right." Alex chuckled

"Ohh…" was all she replied.