Chapter 106: A Tapestry of Renovations and Relationships

“This is my neighbor, Mr. Li. A man of intense passion and unwavering loyalty.” Mr. Cui quickly introduced them. “This is Mr. Zhou, who works at Tuyu Hospital and is known for his exemplary ethics.”

Mr. Cui’s introductions between the two were particularly amusing.

Each emphasized one virtue, specifically relating to character.

Perhaps at their level, what matters most in dealings is one’s character.

They laid out their virtues for each other, leaving the next steps of their relationship to be determined by themselves.

“Hello, Mr. Li!”

Mr. Zhou did not look down on him despite his shabby attire.

On the contrary, hearing that he was a devoted and steadfast man, Mr. Zhou felt a measure of admiration.

These days, there are plenty of men who can be passionate, but finding one who is both passionate and loyal is about as rare as finding a needle in a haystack.

“A woman’s upper body is seductive while her lower body can be a trap.”

“A man’s upper body may be refined, but his lower half follows his primal instincts.”

“There are very few men who stay true.”

“It’s not about character—it’s pure instinct.”

“I know a bit about you. I heard you risked losing your training qualification just to save Brother Cui. To make a choice that goes against your own interests when major stakes are involved—now that is the mark of a true gentleman.”

Despite his worn appearance, Mr. Li spoke words that struck straight to the core, revealing deep insight.

This only deepened Mr. Zhou’s curiosity about him.

Who exactly is this Mr. Li?

“I was truly moved by your critique of my home’s décor just now. Only someone who truly understands aesthetics could speak so incisively. Brother Cui once asked for my opinion too, and while I did point out that the floor and crystal chandelier clashed with the overall style, your perspective was far more remarkable.”

In his words, Mr. Li lavished high praise on Mr. Zhou’s aesthetic sense.

“Is Doctor Zhou’s critique really that impressive?”

Mr. Cui’s remark was clearly aimed at Mr. Li.

“Not just impressive—it was outstanding. His sense of aesthetics even surpasses that of several master teachers I’ve met. His critique captured not only the atmosphere you wish to create but also infused it with his unique take on classical art. If Brother Cui follows his plan, even inviting him to finesse some design details, your living room will truly exude a classical charm.”

Mr. Li’s high praise made Mr. Zhou feel a tinge of embarrassment.

In truth, he was merely offering a fair suggestion based on his understanding of beauty and classical art.

“For Mr. Li to speak so highly with such certainty has only reinforced my belief in your proposals. Doctor Zhou, might I impose a small favor upon you?”

Mr. Cui looked expectantly at Mr. Zhou.

“Go on!”

Mr. Zhou did not agree immediately.

He wanted to know exactly what would be required of him before giving his consent.

“I plan to renovate the living room according to your design. Could you offer more guidance, and ideally draft a construction blueprint?”

“No problem. Give me two or three days, and I’ll have the blueprint ready. But let me warn you—in case the renovation doesn’t meet Brother Cui and his wife’s expectations, I can’t be blamed.”

For Mr. Zhou, this was just a minor task.

He could spare the time to complete it.

“We won’t hold it against you! We’re extremely grateful!”

Mr. Cui’s wife eagerly chimed in.

After Mr. Zhou’s critique, she was visibly taken with him. Now, with Mr. Li’s endorsement, she was even more convinced that his renovation ideas were spot-on.

“So, Doctor Zhou, is that a yes?”

Mr. Cui fell silent; there was no need for further words.

To him, the cost of a renovation was trivial.

“Absolutely! Once the blueprint is complete, I’ll bring it over—probably in three or four days. The only hitch is that work keeps me busy, so I can only work on it after hours.”

Mr. Zhou had many medical skills left to perfect.

Even after work, his schedule remained packed.

“Ha ha, three to four days is perfect. It’s settled then!”

Mr. Cui was delighted that Mr. Zhou had agreed.

“I’m curious, though—why does Brother Cui want his living room done in a classical style?”

Mr. Zhou genuinely couldn’t figure it out.

Do wealthy people really enjoy fussing over such details?

“Aren’t we a Foreign Trade Company? We often host negotiations with international clients. I’ve noticed that meetings in hotels just don’t deliver the right atmosphere. If we can create a living room with a genuine classical vibe at home, we can even entertain clients there. I believe that when foreigners are immersed in a truly classical setting, they’re more inclined to cooperate. Plus, it showcases our company’s strength and saves on the cost of renting conference spaces.”

“With so many benefits, why not go for it?”

A businessman’s mindset always revolves around profit.

Mr. Cui’s ingenious idea certainly had its merits.

“Since you’re crafting a space for business meetings, I’ll devote myself fully to the design.”

Mr. Zhou agreed without hesitation.

At that moment, a woman’s voice called out from outside.

“Li, did you manage to borrow any soy sauce?”

“My wife is here!”

Mr. Li immediately dashed out.

“I encountered an unusually interesting fellow just now and ended up chatting a bit longer,” he explained to his wife.

He was offering her an explanation.

Mr. Zhou looked out towards the sound.

He saw a gentle-looking woman seated in a wheelchair.

Mr. Li was pushing the wheelchair, gazing at her with tender affection.

It turned out that his wife suffered from an illness that made walking normally impossible; she needed the wheelchair.

No wonder he hurried out at the sound of her voice.

Seeing how anxious he was for his wife made it clear that their bond was deep.

Having never experienced love himself, Mr. Zhou was both curious and wistful. At the hospital, he had witnessed what true love could look like—a twenty-three-year-old boy constantly by his severely burned girlfriend’s side.

The girl came from a poor background, and so did the boy.

Then, a charity platform and the media rallied support, raising a significant amount of money. Even though it wasn’t enough for complete reconstructive surgery, the funds were sufficient for initial treatment.

Mr. Zhou often observed the boy vigilantly standing by the girl’s bedside.

During an interview, the boy declared with conviction that he would treat her well and marry her once she was discharged.

Then, one morning during rounds, Mr. Zhou found the girl curled up in bed, crying.

After consulting several nurses, he learned that the boy had absconded with the money. His phone number was now defunct and unreachable.

That incident left a deep psychological scar on Mr. Zhou.

He became wary of love.

He feared that one day he might fall for a woman who would deceive him emotionally and financially.

Yet, seeing the genuine affection between Mr. Li and his wife made him believe in the beauty of love once more.

“Qiu Jie, we’re inviting Doctor Zhou over for dinner today. We haven’t started eating yet, and I noticed that your husband and Doctor Zhou got along splendidly. Why not join us at my place? More people means more fun!”

Mr. Cui’s wife warmly invited the Li couple.

“Well… that doesn’t seem quite proper!” Qiu Jie in the wheelchair glanced inside, her eyes landing on Mr. Zhou.

“There’s nothing wrong. Haven’t your husband and I crashed at your place more times than you can count? If you refuse, it’ll seem unfriendly!” insisted Mr. Cui’s wife.

The Li couple did not hesitate to accept.

“Mrs. Li, hello!”

Mr. Zhou stepped forward to greet her.

“Anyone whom Brother Cui invites must be someone special. My husband rarely compliments anyone, but I think Doctor Zhou is both exceptional and truly remarkable.”

She smiled as she shook hands with Mr. Zhou.

She proceeded to lavish praise on him.

However, when Mr. Zhou shook her hand, he noticed that her hand felt unusually cold.

This indicated that her upper limb circulation wasn’t very good.

Her legs, thankfully, were intact.

One could only guess what ailment she might be suffering from.

It was their first meeting, so Mr. Zhou naturally refrained from asking questions he shouldn’t.

Yet, as a doctor, he couldn’t help but be curious about her condition.

“Mrs. Li, please, stop praising me! It’s your love with Mr. Li that makes everyone envious—it shows me what true love really looks like.”

“Hehe! Hearing you say that, I bet you’ve never been in love.” She laughed and then sighed softly. “Sometimes love appears beautiful but can also burden you. For example, if I hadn’t fallen ill, Mr. Li might never have abandoned everything to come home and care for me.”

“Wife, why bring that up again? Abandoning everything to be with you gives me purpose and comfort. Compared to love, a career is insignificant.”

Mr. Li held his wife’s hand, a mix of reproach and tenderness in his eyes.

“But with your talent, if you weren’t tied down here, you’d surely be the CEO of Tianyu Interactive. Every time I see you quietly sitting by the window, I know you’re thinking about your career.”

Unreservedly, she spoke her mind.

In truth, these matters were meant to be private between them.

Now discussing them in front of Mr. Cui and Mr. Zhou showed that she was refreshingly candid and sincere—no hidden agendas.

No games were being played.

“No matter what you say, I’ve already decided—I’ll stay by your side for a lifetime, until we grow old together.” He refused to revisit the topic.

His tone was resolute.

Mr. Zhou perceptively caught a hint of guilt in his voice and eyes.

There was clearly a history between them.

Mr. Li had the potential to become the CEO of Tianyu Interactive, which explained why Mr. Cui valued his opinion so highly.

Tianyu Interactive appears to be one of the top entertainment companies.

Many celebrities and singers are signed to Tianyu Interactive.

In the entertainment industry, this company is undeniably a benchmark.

“Hehe, you two—displaying your affection in front of everyone. Are you trying to make us jealous? Dinner is nearly ready; please, take your seats!”

Mr. Cui’s wife smiled, deftly diffusing any tension.

“Yes, yes! Let’s eat! I got so wrapped up discussing the living room renovation that I almost forgot to start dinner—so sorry!”

Mr. Cui joined his wife in welcoming the guests.

The dining room was spacious, easily accommodating twenty people.

The full-length curtains were drawn aside, offering an unobstructed view of the garden outside—lush lawns, cobbled pathways, and an assortment of trees and flowers.

They had even set up a rockery with flowing water and a fishpond, creating an ambiance reminiscent of rugged mountain streams.

Mr. Cui and his wife clearly had a high standard for quality of life.

On one wall hung a wine cabinet alongside a large freezer for cold beverages.

The compartments of the wine cabinet were stocked with various red and white wines.

Some compartments were empty, likely due to the wine being consumed and not replenished.

“Doctor Zhou, what kind of wine do you prefer? You are not only my honored guest but also our savior—I must serve you only the finest from my cellar.” Many tycoons even build expansive wine cellars in their mansions to house prized bottles.

Mr. Cui’s wine cellar was surely an impressive collection.

“I’m not picky and hardly know much about wine! The fact that Brother Cui and his wife prepared this elaborate meal for me is enough sincerity. Save your fine wine for those who appreciate it—don’t waste it!”

Mr. Zhou’s remark brought smiles all around.

“Then let’s have a bottle of aged red wine to celebrate.”

He rose, walked to the wine cabinet, and retrieved the topmost bottle.

Using a corkscrew, he opened it and poured half a glass for everyone.

“Come, let’s toast to our gathering!” Mr. Cui, as host, raised his glass first.

“Fate has brought us together at the same table. Life is truly wonderful—may our friendship mature like this fine wine.”

Mr. Li, ever the artist, spoke with a refined air.

“Meeting you four among billions is truly a stroke of luck.”

Mr. Zhou showed equal flair.

“Cheers!”

The two women chimed in unison, “Cheers!”

The five clinked their glasses before settling down to a vibrant conversation over a delicious feast.

Mr. Cui, his wife, and Mr. Li proved to be very insightful.

Their discussion spanned many topics, each refreshing Mr. Zhou’s perspective.

In particular, speaking with Mr. Li felt like opening a window to a whole new world—their banter a testament to mutual respect between kindred spirits.

Mr. Li’s wife, though more reserved, would occasionally add a comment or share a soft laugh.

Perhaps owing to her disability and need for a wheelchair, she seemed under significant pressure.

One could sense that her spirit was subdued and lacking in joy.

Mr. Zhou began to understand why Mr. Li remained by her side.

When one’s emotions run low, even foolish decisions become all too easy.

While toasting, Mr. Zhou casually noticed two marks on her left wrist.

With his medical experience, he deduced that the marks did not appear at the same time.

There was a gap of at least six months between them.

Although others might not grasp the origin of these scars, Mr. Zhou inferred their story.

If he wasn’t mistaken, they were the remnants of a self-inflicted wound from a suicide attempt.