Chapter 7: My Junior Brother, You're Right—He's Really Annoying!

About five minutes later, Zhao Siming returned to his seat. Yet, he couldn't help but nervously twitch his foot, as if a particular nerve had been struck.

"Junior brother, my apologies for the rushed preparation this time. But fear not—I have a set of custom-made silver needles at home, incredibly sturdy. They will undoubtedly save you," he assured.

Xiao Chen, the protagonist, was overwhelmed with gratitude. "Thank you, senior brother!"

"There's no need for formalities; we're like family. You should focus on recovering. I'll come see you again tomorrow," Zhao Siming said as he stood up and gently patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder.

"Why tomorrow, not tonight?" Xiao Chen, impatient for a speedy recovery, questioned.

"Because I need to check on my own leg first. I'm not sure what's wrong with it," Zhao Siming explained.

Xiao Chen paused, mouth agape, "Well then, senior brother, please take care of yourself."

"See you tomorrow," Zhao Siming said as he limped towards the door. Upon opening it, he ran into Lin Beifan, who was rather surprised, "Dr. Zhao, you're leaving?"

Zhao Siming smiled, "Mr. Lin, I'm going for now but will be back to check on my junior brother tomorrow."

"If you're leaving, there's something I'd like to discuss," Lin Beifan continued.

"What is it? Please go ahead, Mr. Lin."

"Your junior brother's medical expenses here have been pre-paid by me. Now that you're here, could you settle this bill? The total is 500,000. Thank you," Lin Beifan said with a smug grin.

Zhao Siming paused, 'Junior brother, you were right—this guy is really annoying.'

In the end, Zhao Siming reluctantly pulled out 500,000 from his pocket.

After receiving the money, Lin Beifan happily drove off to Song's Hospital. Upon seeing him, Song Yuqing was pleasantly surprised, "What brings you here?"

"You said you'd treat me to dinner. No backing out now!"

"You're too early; I'm still on the clock," Song Yuqing glanced at the time.

"I can wait. Take your time," Lin Beifan said with a grin as he sat down and began browsing his phone.

Song Yuqing switched her coat, grabbed her bag, and said, "Let's go!"

Lin Beifan looked surprised, "You're off work?"

"I've decided to take the rest of the day off. You've solved my most bothersome issue—why should I stay? A little slacking off once in a while won't hurt," Song Yuqing playfully remarked.

"Let's go, then!" Lin Beifan quickly put away his phone.

"So, where are we going for dinner?" Song Yuqing smiled.

"Follow me. I know a place that offers both good taste and value!"

"Great!"

And so, the two left, looking forward to a promising evening.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a modest, old-fashioned restaurant tucked away on an aging street.

Song Yuqing glanced at the timeworn surroundings and expressed her surprise, "I never thought someone like you, who seems so well-off, would come to a place like this."

"What's on your mind? Can't I enjoy food here? This restaurant has been in operation for over 20 years, and the flavor of its dishes has remained consistently excellent. We're lucky to have arrived early; otherwise, we might not have found a seat!" Lin Beifan said with a chuckle.

"Considering how well you speak of it, you must come here often! Be honest, do you frequently bring girls here?" Song Yuqing inquired rather sharply.

Lin Beifan shook his head, "No, you're the first."

Hearing this, Song Yuqing felt a subtle stirring within her.

"If it were any other girl, I'd take them straight to a fancy hotel," he added.

Song Yuqing paused and shot him a disapproving glare.

"Haha, just kidding! But honestly, you are indeed the first woman I've ever brought here," Lin Beifan said, his expression sincere.

In both his past and present lives, this was true.

Song Yuqing felt uncomfortable under his earnest gaze but was inwardly pleased. Somewhat flustered, she said, "You're quite the smooth talker. Enough with the chit-chat; let's order!"

With that, they proceeded to browse the menu and place their orders.

There was no denying that the food in this unpretentious restaurant was authentically delicious and reasonably priced. Both of them relished their meal, immensely satisfied.

However, not long afterward, Song Yuqing put down her chopsticks, "I'm full; eat as you please."

Lin Beifan was surprised, "You ate so little; did the food not suit your taste?"

Song Yuqing replied with a tinge of lament, "I'm trying to lose weight!"

Lin Beifan pondered for a moment, realizing that something he said earlier might have hurt her feelings. He offered some solace, "You know, I believe that women shouldn't be too thin—like a bamboo stick that could fall over with a gust of wind."

"Aren't men typically attracted to slender women?" Song Yuqing retorted.

Lin Beifan shook his head, "I can't speak for other men, but I prefer someone more voluptuous. Your figure, as it is right now, is perfect to me. So, please don't lose any more weight."

Song Yuqing felt her heartbeat quicken.

Was this a confession?

Trying to mask her emotions with indignation, she snapped, "Who are you to me, anyway? Whether or not I lose weight is none of your business!"

She then proceeded to pull the surrounding dishes closer to her.

Lin Beifan looked bewildered, "What are you doing?"

Grabbing her chopsticks, Song Yuqing declared confidently, "I'm eating! I need energy to lose weight!"

Nodding seriously, Lin Beifan responded, "That makes a lot of sense. Let me add a chicken leg to your plate—take good care of yourself."

"Thank you! If I succeed in losing weight, you'll have played a part in it!"