AAISBMEBF Chapter 9: Waiting at the Door
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"I will remember the Dean’s teachings. In the future, I will be meticulous in examining patients’ conditions." Meng Jiangtian spoke calmly, neither humble nor overbearing. After finishing his business, he walked past Cui Xisheng without sparing him a single glance.
Cui Xisheng couldn’t help but steal a look at Meng Jiangtian’s departing figure. His heart ached—it was the kind of pain that came in sharp, rhythmic stabs.
"This must be Cui Xisheng, correct? Dean, I’ve handled everything as you instructed. Here is the leave of absence application—just sign it, and it’s done." The director’s voice pulled Cui Xisheng back to reality.
He chuckled self-deprecatingly. He had been nothing more than a casual hookup to Meng Jiangtian. Of course, Meng Jiangtian wouldn’t want to see him. Why was he being so sentimental?
"Let me take a look." Cui Xisheng reached for the form, but Hao Ren picked it up first, scanning through it carefully.
Finding nothing wrong, Hao Ren handed it back with a reassuring smile. "You can sign it. You’ll be able to return to school next fall."
Cui Xisheng skimmed the form. A one-year leave of absence—twelve months, plus the summer break. In total, he would have fourteen months before resuming his studies next autumn.
"Thank you, Dean. Thank you, Director." Cui Xisheng signed his name.
"It’s no trouble at all. Take good care of yourself. I’ve looked at your academic record—it’s quite impressive. Once you’re healthy, you can continue your studies. You have a bright future as a doctor ahead of you." The director was skilled in conversation. His compliments made Cui Xisheng smile slightly, lifting his mood.
After signing the form, the director carefully stored the application and walked them to the door with a beaming smile.
Hao Ren and the director continued exchanging pleasantries, but Cui Xisheng walked ahead. As the door swung open, a familiar figure leaned against the wall opposite.
Meng Jiangtian.
Their eyes met.
Cui Xisheng froze for three seconds before abruptly retreating back into the room, slamming the door shut with a loud bang.
"What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell again?" Both Hao Ren and the director were startled. Seeing Cui Xisheng’s face turn as white as a sheet, Hao Ren’s concern deepened.
"I… I feel a bit dizzy. I need to sit down for a moment." Right now, only one thought filled Cui Xisheng’s mind: I can’t go outside.
Spotting a chair, he stumbled toward it and collapsed onto the seat.
In just those few seconds, cold sweat drenched his back.
"Dizzy? Is it anemia again? You can’t rest here—we need to get you back to the hospital immediately. Severe anemia can be life-threatening!" Hao Ren, oblivious to Cui Xisheng’s inner turmoil, instinctively tried to help him up.
"I’m not anemic! I’m not going outside!" Cui Xisheng struggled desperately.
"You’re really being stubborn about this, huh?" Hao Ren was baffled by the sudden resistance. He released his grip and studied Cui Xisheng’s panicked expression.
Just then, a knock echoed from the door.
Cui Xisheng stiffened instantly, his heart leaping into his throat. Was it Meng Jiangtian?
The director answered the door.
"Meng Jiangtian? Why are you back? Is there something else?"
Cui Xisheng remained completely still, even holding his breath.
Hao Ren, noticing his drastic reaction, raised an eyebrow before turning to see Meng Jiangtian walk in.
"It’s nothing important. I’m about to start my hospital internship, and since I happened to run into the Dean today, I wanted to take the opportunity to ask him some questions about things I don’t fully understand." Meng Jiangtian approached Hao Ren, stopping just a single step away from Cui Xisheng.
Cui Xisheng kept his head down, gripping his clothes tightly. The veins on the back of his hand bulged from the pressure of his clenched fists.
"I’m always happy to answer students’ questions. Ask me anything you need." Hao Ren cast a sidelong glance at Cui Xisheng, who was still pretending to be invisible. A knowing look flashed in his eyes, but he made no rush to take Cui Xisheng away.
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