Hearts Under the Stars

After the tsunami rescue mission, life at the military hospital settled into a new rhythm. Two months had passed, and autumn painted Shanghai's trees in golden hues. Mei Hua found herself in the hospital's rooftop garden during her break, a habit she'd developed when she needed a moment of peace. Except today, her peace came with an unexpected addition.

“Hot chocolate for the hero doctor,” Chen's voice drifted from behind her, followed by the appearance of a steaming cup in front of her face. “Extra marshmallows, because I know you secretly love them.”

“How do you always find me?” she asked, accepting the cup but trying to hide her smile.

“I have my sources.” He settled beside her on the bench. “Also, Wei told me about your rooftop hideout.”

“Traitor,” she muttered, making a mental note to scold her brother later.

“Speaking of your brother,” Chen's voice took on a casual tone that immediately made her suspicious, “he mentioned something interesting about the Military Medical Corps Annual Ball next week.”

Mei Hua groaned. “Not you too. Mother's already sent me three dress options.”

“So you're going?” His eyes lit up.

“I have to. Father used to give the keynote speech every year.” She took a sip of hot chocolate, the sweetness warming her. “Now Wei does it.”

“Go with me.”

She nearly choked on her drink. “What?”

“Be my date.” Chen turned to face her fully, his playful demeanor giving way to something more genuine. “No tricks, no games. Just me asking you properly, under better circumstances – as promised.”

Mei Hua studied his face, remembering their conversation in the rain. “You're serious?”

“Have been since the champagne incident.” His smile turned softer. “Actually, since before that. I attended one of your father's lectures two years ago. You were there, sitting in the front row, correcting his slides when he mixed them up. You were brilliant, focused, and completely oblivious to the smitten medical student staring at you from the tenth row.”

“You... what?”

“Why do you think I chose this hospital?” He laughed at her shocked expression. “The infamous playboy act was useful for avoiding business responsibilities, yes, but it was also perfect for keeping tabs on when the great Dr. Lin's daughter would start her residency.”

Mei Hua felt her cheeks flush. “That's… mildly stalkers.”

“I prefer to call it strategic planning.” He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “So, what do you say? Give the hospital gossip mill something real to talk about?”

Before she could answer, both their pagers went off. Multiple trauma incoming.

“Save that answer for later,” Chen said, helping her up. “Preferably when you're not looking at me like I've grown a second head.”

They rushed down to the emergency ward, falling into their usual synchronized routine. Hours later, after successfully treating a complex accident case, Mei Hua found herself watching Chen as he comforted a scared child while stitching her arm. His gentle words and warm smile showed none of his usual bravado.

“Take a picture, it'll last longer,” he said without looking up, making the little girl giggle.

“Yes.”

“Yes to the picture? Because I have some great angles—”

“Yes to the ball,” Mei Hua interrupted, feeling oddly brave. “But I'm wearing the dress I choose, not my mother's options.”

Chen's hands stilled for a moment before he carefully finished the last stitch. “There you go, princess. All better.” He turned to Mei Hua, his eyes dancing. “Any other conditions I should know about?”

“No fake emergency calls to escape if you're bored.”

“As if I could be bored with you.”

“No showing off to the board members.”

“Can't promise that. You're definitely show-off worthy.”

“And no—”

She never finished her list because at that moment, Chen stepped forward, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her. It was quick, sweet, and completely inappropriate for the emergency ward.

“That's for making me wait two months,” he whispered against her lips.

“Dr. Zhang!” she pushed him away, trying to look stern despite her racing heart. “We're at work!”

“Sorry, sorry.” He didn't look sorry at all. “Professional distance maintained from now on. At least until Saturday night.”

“You're impossible.”

“You like it.”

The worst part was, she did. Somewhere between the gala night and now, between tsunami rescues and rooftop conversations, between his ridiculous flirting and his genuine care for patients, Zhang Chen had systematically dismantled all her defenses.

“One more condition,” she said as they walked toward their next patients.

“Name it.”

“Tell me more about this tenth-row medical student who was apparently stalking me.”

Chen's laugh echoed down the corridor. “Over dinner after the ball? I know this great place that serves the best Beijing duck.”

“Are you already planning our second date?”

“I'm planning all of them, Dr. Lin.” He winked before disappearing into an exam room. “Hope you're ready for a lifetime of strategic planning.”

Mei Hua stood in the hallway, shaking her head, but unable to stop smiling. Her father had always said that medicine was about healing hearts as much as bodies. She just hadn't expected her own heart to be part of the equation.

“Dr. Lin?” A nurse called. “Your patient in Room 3 is ready.”

Right. Work now, feelings later. But as she walked to her next patient, she couldn't help but think that Saturday couldn't come soon enough.

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