2 Chapter 2

Rina was nonplussed to continue the monologue.

Alice Faris came in while holding piles of medical cases in arms,"Rina,medical cases for your asking."

"Just put them on the desk."

Rina was about to say good-bye when the call was hung off.

Alice sensed Rina's uneasiness and asked,"What’s wrong?"

"Nothing serious,leave medical cases here and accompany me to the wards."

Alice agreed readily.

They inquired about the condition of several patients entrusted by Rina.

Alice observed how Rina communicated with her patients effectively.

Rina's unusual manner deeply impressed her.

Rina's presence was a big comfort to her patients.

Her composure,conviction and professionalism overshadowed her seniors.

Alice was lost in thoughts as she envisioned the possibility of paralleling Rina one day.

Out of the ward,Rina gave Alice a warning,"No absence of mind at work!"

Alice threw a tantrum,"Rina,I am dying to be your apprentice."

"No way!It would pain me to teach a silly student like you."

"I will persist until you agree."

"Do you know why I selected you as my assistant?

"Because I can keep you in good humor."

Rina found Alice both annoying and funny,"I am off work to leave you here."

Alice let go of Rina,all smiles.

Alice often joked with her superior,who was sincere on duty.

But Rina was kindhearted by nature.

Alice was fully aware of that.

"Rina,you had better meet Doctor Jennings of Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department after work.Yesterday she was complained by family members of some patient who came to our hospital to make trouble.As a result,she was rebuked by the department director."

"Alice,you are overreaching!Mind your business!"Rina left,ignoring his assistant.

Alice took the hint,and came around to files.

**

A coffee shop.

Rina was blending the cup of coffee with a delicate spoon,while putting up with Cindy Jennings's stuffy complaints.

"Rina,in my place,you would cope with the situation easily.But I always lose my composure when confronting those troublemakers.Maybe I am not a qualified doctor to deal with patient complaints."Obviously,Cindy admired her peer's capacity.

"Cheer up!You are a professional and careful doctor with mild temper.You do not have to take such an unpleasant thing to heart."

"Thanks for your encouragement!"

"Comparatively,I am too scrupulous and methodical to ease patients'anxiety.Now I escort you back for rest as you have to work earlier tomorrow."

"How about you?"

"I have postponed some surgeries to the next week.I wish a good time this weekend."

"I am fully scheduled.Pity on me!"

"Each resident doctor in our hospital has to overwork to prove individual competency.Even now I barely have the time to relax."Rina said in a genial tone.

Noticing that Rina betrayed no slightest complaint while talking with her,Cindy popped a question,"Rina,have you ever been regretted before?"

"For What?"

"For giving Roger the opportunity to study further abroad.If you had moved to study doctorate programs by dint of your hard practice,you would be an associate doctor upon the graduation to spare such trying hardships borne by resident doctors."

Rina seemed disturbed and troubled,but forced a smile,"To study abroad is not necessarily helpful if you are less qualified."

"You are superior to others.You are deserving of good treatment!"

"Thanks for your recognition!I will keep it up."Rina felt greatly flattered.

"Drop your act."

"I am good-humored."

"You are a smug."

"You should be polite,though pretty."

Cindy frowned a bit,and changed a subject,"It is said that Roger and Betty will be back the next week.Our classmates are preparing for a grand welcome party for them.Do you want to join us?"

"The next week?I am not quite certain whether I will be available."

"I suggest you not show up to be teased."

Rina tipped the cup to mouth,and put on a calm smile,"Nothing matters!I did give the free opportunity to study abroad to my ex-boyfriend and sustained his basic life need.However,he walked out on me after experiencing a raucous riot of world.This is the common stuff of TV opera."

Cindy widened her eyes,to her astonishment,"You are too broad-minded!"

"Life goes on.I cannot live in the past."Rina motioned the waiter to settle the bill,and urged Cindy to leave.

Then Rina rose and took her wallet.

Surprisingly,her legs were caught.

It was none other than Charlie.

He was in a hoodie,looking up to Rina with his glittering eyes on his delicate cheeks.

Rina was deeply impressed by his childlike innocence.

Rina smiled naturally,"Good evening!Are you accompanied by your family?"

Charlie nodded in reply.

Rina felt her legs being tightened by his slender arms.

Cindy also rose to greet Charlie.

She reached out hands as a gesture of friendship.

However,this act of kindness passed unrequited.

Cindy felt a bit embarrassed.

Rina tried to speak for him,"The little guy is somewhat special."

She turned to Charlie,"Is the steward or your dad accompanying you here?"

He took a mini pad out of his backpack and wrote down two words.

"Dad."

It immediately turned Rina's mind to the awesome face of Yake,shattering her delight.

Rina hesitated for a moment and negotiated,"I have to leave with my friend right now.You had better wait for your dad over the counter.Is it ok?"

Charlie was turned off,the merriment gone.

He puckered his face to show a bad mood.

It was,indeed,sorry to see that.

Rina was overcome with growing guilt.

In a dilemma,she heard a heavy footfall from behind.

Yake said in a clear tone,"Charlie,do not make trouble for Doctor Cullen and her partner."

Yake's presence drew the attention of all present.

Then all fixed eyes upon the woman Yake referred to,and deemed it a big honor to receive Yake's favor.

Seeing his dad approaching,Charlie held Rina's legs tighter.

This put Rina in an awkward position.