“What are you doing?”
“What are you doing?”
“Are you insane?”
“Get lost!”
For the first time, the mild-tempered Gao-Yuan lost his cool. But it really wasn’t his fault. Halfway through relieving himself, Shen Congyun had barged in to "check on him." How could anyone not lose their temper over something like this? And this wasn’t even the first time Shen Congyun had done it.
These past few days, Shen Congyun had turned into Gao-Yuan's shadow. Whatever Gao-Yuan did, Shen Congyun insisted on tagging along.
If Gao-Yuan ate, Shen Congyun stared.
If Gao-Yuan drank water, Shen Congyun watched.
If Gao-Yuan slept, Shen Congyun lingered.
If Gao-Yuan bathed, Shen Congyun peeked.
And now, as Gao-Yuan was trying to relieve himself, Shen Congyun repeatedly pushed the door open to "check."
The fact that Gao-Yuan hadn’t thrown a punch was a testament to his restraint. Anyone else would’ve long since bashed Shen Congyun over the head.
Even after being scolded, Shen Congyun didn’t take it to heart. Rubbing his hands together, he grinned sheepishly, his wrinkled face radiating shamelessness. “I just wanted to make sure you were still there.”
“Still there? Go entertain yourself somewhere else!” Gao-Yuan fumed.
Shen Congyun continued to grin obsequiously. “I’m just worried you’ll leave without telling me.”
Veins bulged on Gao-Yuan’s forehead. This absurd behavior reminded him of his past life, particularly his time in prison. Except, not even in prison had anyone shadowed him so obsessively!
It wasn’t just annoying—it was exasperating. Shen Congyun’s relentless hovering had dredged up memories Gao-Yuan had long since buried. He clenched his fists, on the verge of losing control. If it weren’t for his aversion to filth, he might’ve hurled something from the outhouse at the old man to drive him away.
“Get out!” Gao-Yuan roared.
“Don’t be mad, don’t be mad. I’m leaving, I’m leaving,” Shen Congyun placated, backing away with a nervous chuckle.
“And shut the door!”
Shen Congyun hurriedly leaned back in and closed the outhouse door behind him.
“Hah…” Gao-Yuan exhaled heavily, struggling to regain his composure. It had been a long time since someone had made him this angry.
But as his anger simmered down, it was replaced by resignation. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he let out a wry chuckle. Shen Congyun had been transformed from a lazy, aimless old man into this hypervigilant companion, all thanks to him. Karma, it seemed, worked in mysterious ways.
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To Shen Congyun’s credit, he had contributed significantly during the recent adenovirus pneumonia outbreak. He’d even gone to the isolated village of Huo Township alone, a brave act worthy of acknowledgement.
But while Shen Congyun had hoped for a hero’s welcome upon his return, he received nothing of the sort.
In hindsight, it made sense. While he had treated patients in Huo Township, the more critical cases were sent to Zhangzhuang for treatment. Who deserved more credit: the person treating regular cases or the one saving critical patients?
Furthermore, the village’s health workers had carried those critical patients through treacherous mountain roads for an entire day and night to seek help. And in a time when health workers were being championed, their sacrifices naturally drew more attention than anything Shen Congyun had done.
On top of that, when the city was at its breaking point with the epidemic, it was Gao-Yuan who had stepped in and turned the tide. Gao-Yuan had met with city leaders, promoted collaboration between traditional Chinese and Western medicine, and developed effective treatment plans.
Everything—the recognition, the gratitude, the praise—had revolved around Gao-Yuan.
And Shen Congyun? He hadn’t even been a footnote.
The bitter truth had shattered Shen Congyun’s confidence. The lesson he’d learnt was simple: never leave Gao-Yuan’s side again. Even if it meant tailing him to the ends of the earth.
By the time Gao-Yuan finished and stepped outside, he found Shen Congyun waiting anxiously at the door.
The sight almost made Gao-Yuan choke on his breath. In both of his lives, he’d never encountered someone this clingy.
Rubbing his hands together, Shen Congyun asked, “Dr. Gao, what are your plans for later?”
Gao-Yuan shot him a glare. “I’m planning to visit the Yan family and have a proper chat with Yan Qiao.”
“Uh…” Shen Congyun was visibly taken aback by the response.
“What? Are you planning to follow me there too?” Gao-Yuan asked with mockery in his tone.
“I-I…” Shen Congyun stammered, clearly conflicted.
With a derisive snort, Gao-Yuan walked away.
As Gao-Yuan exited the yard, Shen Congyun panicked. “Wait, wait! You’re really leaving?”
“If you’ve got the guts, then keep up!” Gao-Yuan retorted from the gate, a note of challenge in his voice.
Shen Congyun’s legs trembled as he watched Gao-Yuan disappear down the road. His voice cracked with desperation. “Is there a big leader visiting today?”
“No,” Gao-Yuan’s voice drifted back.
But Shen Congyun couldn’t believe it. He had already missed out twice before and refused to let it happen again. He wanted to chase after Gao-Yuan, but his legs felt as though they were weighed down with lead.
“Damn it, damn it!” Shen Congyun pounded his legs, trying to will them into action. But they refused to cooperate.
“Come on, Shen family legs…” he muttered through gritted teeth. The memory of all his hardships over the years ignited a fire in him.
With a roar, he finally forced his legs to move, stumbling forward in a desperate sprint.
“Dr. Gao! Wait for me!” Shen Congyun’s cries echoed through the street, a pitiful wail that turned heads.
“Is Shen Congyun all right?” Wan Jinliang asked as he stepped outside to see the commotion.
Li Shengli shook his head. “He’s gone mad.”
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Yan Family Residence, County Seat
Standing before the Yan family’s imposing gate, Shen Congyun broke into a cold sweat. His knees almost buckled. Turning to Gao-Yuan, he stammered, “We’re… actually here?”
“Of course,” Gao-Yuan replied.
Shen Congyun wiped his sweat nervously. “Shouldn’t we wait outside? You know, until the big leader arrives?”
“I told you, no leader is coming today,” Gao-Yuan said firmly.
“Hah,” Shen Congyun laughed weakly, clearly unconvinced.
“Are you coming in or not? Because I am.” Without waiting for an answer, Gao-Yuan stepped forward and knocked on the gate.
A young boy answered. “Who are you looking for?”
“Please inform Dr. Yan Qiao that Gao-Yuan and Shen Congyun have come to visit,” Gao-Yuan said politely.
“You’re Dr. Gao-Yuan?” The boy’s eyes lit up with astonishment.
Gao-Yuan nodded.
The boy glanced behind Gao-Yuan and asked hesitantly, “And that’s the old bastard Shen, right?”