Waves of Destiny

The emergency bay doors burst open as Mei Hua and Chen rushed to attend their first trauma case together, just as they had been doing for the past three weeks since that fateful orientation day. Their partnership, despite Mei Hua's initial reservations, had proven surprisingly effective – even if Chen couldn't resist flirting at the most inappropriate moments.

“Attention, all medical staff!” The hospital intercom crackled to life. “Emergency deployment required. Tsunami warning in Yangjiang coastal area. All designated emergency response teams report immediately.”

Chen caught Mei Hua's eye across the corridor. “Looks like we're taking our show on the road, partner.”

“This isn't a performance, Chen,” she said, but couldn't hide her small smile at his enthusiasm.

Within an hour, they were aboard a military helicopter, part of the first response medical team. The chopper bounced in the turbulent air as they approached the disaster zone. Mei Hua gripped her medical kit tighter, reviewing protocols in her head.

“You're doing the scrunch thing again,” Chen leaned in close, speaking over the roar of the rotors.

“I'm preparing,” she shot back.

“You're worrying.” His hand found hers, giving it a quick squeeze. “We've got this. Together.”

The helicopter landed in what used to be a school playground, now transformed into a makeshift landing zone. The scene that greeted them was chaos – houses partially submerged, debris everywhere, and people being brought in on makeshift stretchers.

“Dr. Lin, Dr. Zhang, take the triage station!” their superior ordered.

They worked seamlessly together, assessing patients and directing them to appropriate treatment areas. Despite the gravity of the situation, Chen managed to maintain his spirit.

“You know,” he said while wrapping a child's injured arm, “this isn't exactly how I planned to sweep you off your feet.”

Mei Hua rolled her eyes while preparing an IV line. “Is everything a pickup line to you?”

“Only with you,” he winked, then immediately turned serious as a critical patient arrived.

Hours blended together as they worked tirelessly. The rain hadn't stopped, making everything more challenging. They were soaked to the bone, but neither complained.

“We need to check the outer zones,” Mei Hua said, looking at the map. “There might be people trapped who couldn't reach us.”

“Lead the way, Dr. Beautiful,” Chen grabbed extra supplies. “Though I should warn you, I look even better in rain-soaked scrubs.”

“You're impossible,” she said, but found herself smiling despite the situation.

They made their way through the flooded streets, helping where they could. Chen proved to be more than just talk – he was strong, capable, and completely focused when needed. It was… attractive, though Mei Hua would never admit it out loud.

“Help! Please!” A voice called from a partially collapsed building.

They found an elderly woman trapped inside, water rising around her. The entrance was blocked by debris.

“We need to find another way in,” Mei Hua said, assessing the situation.

Chen was already removing his medical coat. “There's a window on the side. I can climb through.”

“It's not stable—”

“Trust me.” His eyes met hers, serious for once. “Like you trusted me in that first trauma case.”

Before she could protest, he was moving. Mei Hua's heart jumped to her throat as she watched him navigate the precarious structure. He managed to reach the woman, but getting out proved more difficult.

“I require your help,” he called. “Ready to be my hero, Dr. Lin?”

Working together, they managed to create a safe passage. As they helped the woman out, part of the wall collapsed, sending Chen stumbling. Mei Hua caught him, and they ended up pressed together against the remaining wall.

“My hero,” he whispered, rain dripping from his hair onto her face.

“Shut up and help me with the patient,” she muttered, ignoring how her heart raced at their proximity.

They worked late into the night, finally returning to the main medical camp exhausted but satisfied. As they sat together, sharing a thermos of hot coffee, Chen turned to her.

“You know what I realized today?”

“That not everything needs a flirty comment?”

“No,” he smiled softly. “That I've never been more certain about choosing military medicine. Or about choosing you as my partner.”

Mei Hua felt her cheeks warm despite the cold rain. “We were assigned as partners.”

“Destiny, then.” He bumped his shoulder against hers. “Admit it, we make a great team.”

Looking at him – rain-soaked, muddy, still somehow managing to look unfairly handsome – Mei Hua had to agree. Not out loud, of course, but the small smile she gave him said enough.

“Next time I ask you to dinner,” he said, standing up to check on their patients, “remember how heroic I looked today.”

“Next time you ask me to dinner, try not doing it in the middle of a disaster zone,” she called after him.

He turned, walking backward with that infuriating grin. “Is that a promise of a 'yes' under better circumstances?”

Before she could respond, another emergency call came in. But as they rushed back into action, Mei Hua realized that somewhere between the gala night and this moment, Zhang Chen had become more than just an annoying playboy or even a capable colleague.

He had become someone she trusted with her life – and maybe, just maybe, with her heart too.

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