Chapter 142: Yiling’s Friends (2)
"Hello, Uncle," Cheng Yi greeted with a warm smile, extending a friendly hand toward Jian Shuxiang.
Jian Shuxiang continued, "In a few days, my son will be moving into your research institute, so we will be relying on your staff's assistance."
"Your son?" Cheng Yi's curiosity piqued; that must mean he was either Jian Yiling's brother or younger sibling.
"Yes, he's right outside." Jian Shuxiang replied, gesturing towards the door.
Cheng Yi turned his gaze to the entrance, where Jian Yunao was standing. Their eyes met, and Jian Yunao's expression held a glimmer of anticipation.
Understanding the implication, Cheng Yi smiled politely and added, "Uncle, I want to clarify that today, Enjie and I aren't here for work-related matters. The situation regarding Young Master Jian will be handled by other staff from our institute. We're just here to visit a friend."
The term "friend" pointed directly to Jian Yiling. Cheng Yi subtly emphasized their reason for being there, bringing everyone's focus back to her.
In contrast to the excitement buzzing in the room, Jian Yiling remained calm, her expression more subdued than anyone else's. Her pale face, youthful and delicate, was framed by a pair of clear, weary eyes. A mint-flavored lozenge had been placed in her mouth by Luo Xiuwen, which she was currently sucking on to soothe her throat.
"Yiling, how do you know Dr. Luo and Dr. Cheng?" Jian Shuxiang asked, curiosity and excitement evident in his voice.
"Online," Jian Yiling replied simply, her voice soft and somewhat strained due to lingering throat inflammation.
Indeed, Jian Yiling had connected with the researchers online, engaging in conversations with Cheng Yi for a significant period before they finally met in person.
"Online? You mean you can contact researchers from the institute through the internet?"
Everyone in the room exchanged looks of surprise. They were aware that the Huiling Medical Research Institute had an official website, but it primarily facilitated application submissions; they had never heard of a method for directly reaching out to researchers.
"Um, it's like this: we met through gaming," Cheng Yi quickly interjected, eager to clarify and protect Jian Yiling's identity.
He was aware of her situation and the need to keep her connection to the research institute under wraps from her family. His explanation, though unexpected, fit surprisingly well within the realm of normalcy. Nowadays, it was common for young people to forge friendships through online gaming.
However, who would have imagined that Jian Yiling would connect with two brilliant researchers through such a medium? It was a stroke of luck; while most people face the risk of encountering frauds or unsavory characters online, she had managed to find two extraordinary individuals that many would struggle to contact.
Hearing this response left the Jian family feeling a mix of emotions that they could hardly articulate, especially Jian Yunao.
Hong Baizhang felt a pang of envy as he reflected on the effort it took him to reach out to people in the research institute. Meanwhile, this young girl managed to meet two of them just by playing a game.
With a gentle smile in his eyes, Cheng Yi casually remarked, "By the way, not only does Yiling know us, but she's also acquainted with the renowned surgeon who will perform the operation on Young Master Jian."
His words sent shockwaves through the room, and the way everyone turned their gazes toward Jian Yiling changed dramatically.
She knew the esteemed surgeon who was set to operate on Jian Yunao? The realization was staggering. Just months prior, Jian Shuxiang had even sought the assistance of his father to persuade the illustrious surgeon, Mr. He, to help. Yet, this elusive figure had remained unreachable—until now, it seemed, that Jian Yiling had established a connection.
This revelation deepened the intrigue surrounding Jian Yiling, casting her in a new light. The young girl who lay there, seemingly frail and delicate, was linked to some of the most prestigious figures in the medical field. The shock and admiration in the room only grew as the implications of this connection sank in.
In the span of moments, Jian Yiling transitioned from being merely a sick girl to an extraordinary individual with significant ties to the medical world—a bridge between her family and the expertise they desperately needed. Her journey, intertwined with Cheng Yi and Luo Xiuwen, was unfolding into something remarkable, revealing layers of resilience and hope that everyone around her had not anticipated.
As the conversation continued, the atmosphere became charged with a sense of possibility. The support from Cheng Yi and Luo Xiuwen felt like a beacon of light guiding Jian Yiling and her family through the uncertainty of the upcoming surgery.
In the depths of their struggles, friendships like these emerged, weaving a fabric of hope that could withstand even the toughest of trials. With each shared smile and whispered reassurance, the bonds grew stronger, fortifying their spirits as they faced the challenges ahead.