Chapter 6: Stroke of Luck? Seek a Sponsor?

A doctor in a white coat knocked and entered Shen Yanming’s room, his face grim as he said, “Mr. Shen, your test results are in.”

Cai Chun’s heart lurched. Was there something wrong?

Shen Yanming met the doctor’s gaze calmly. “Go ahead, Doctor. What’s the diagnosis?”

“Our examination has revealed chronic cor pulmonale,” the doctor explained. “This condition arises from chronic changes in lung tissue, blood vessels, or the chest wall, impacting structure and function. These changes lead to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, increased pressure in the pulmonary artery, and right-heart enlargement, potentially with right heart failure.

Currently, you’re in the pulmonary-cardiac compensatory stage. The main symptoms include coughing, producing sputum, experiencing shortness of breath, and having decreased exercise tolerance. While not life-threatening, this condition requires long-term management.

Please pick up your prescriptions at the pharmacy. That will be all, thank you,” the doctor concluded.

“Thank you, Doctor.” Shen Yanming accepted the news stoically. After a few coughs, he dismissed him and sent Cai Chun to collect the medication.

Cai Chun was stunned. He’d assumed Shen Yanming was merely exhausted. He hadn’t anticipated such a severe diagnosis.

Admittedly, Shen Yanming’s luck wasn’t half bad. He outwardly really seemed unwell just now, with a sore throat and frequent coughing fits. Right after the doctor mentioned it, he even started coughing badly enough for his complexion to redden and veins to surface prominently.

Witnessing this, Cai Chun had no doubts and simply felt crushed. He numbly retrieved the prescriptions and handled discharge procedures.

“Boss Shen, I never imagined…” Cai Chun choked up as he drove, on the verge of tears. “It’s…it’s so serious.”

“Hmm, it did surprise me too,” Shen Yanming said mildly. “What’s the point of endless striving? Wouldn’t it be better to enjoy life? Perhaps the universe judged me as overexerting myself and now wants me to rest properly.” He chuckled softly, speaking with the wisdom of someone who had lived twice.

However, Cai Chun had never heard his Boss speak so dejectedly and guessed it might’ve been because of the harsh blow.

In contrast to Cai Chun’s musing, Shen Yanming seemed almost cheerful. He had Cai Chun stop downtown to purchase various mysterious items in large quantities.

When Cai Chun picked Shen Yanming up later, he saw two 24-inch suitcases beside him. After easily lifting one due to its lightness, he bent down for the other.

“Here, let me help with that. It’s full and quite heavy,” Shen Yanming offered.

Shen Yanming lifted the luggage himself, and together they loaded it into the car.

“Boss Shen, may I ask what you bought? I’ve worked by your side all these years, yet I never saw you go shopping before.” Catching his breath, Cai Chun asked casually from the driver’s seat.

“Gifts for Qiao’an,” Shen Yanming replied, his smile filled with happiness. “Previously, I always had you buy presents on my behalf. This is the first time I’ve chosen something myself. I hope she likes it.”

Hearing the words ‘had you buy gifts for Qiao’an,’ Cai Chun’s gaze darted away as cold sweat dotted on his forehead. Shen Yanming caught it and understood that whatever ‘gifts’ Bi Qiao’an received were likely not good. Perhaps Cai Chun never even mailed them at all.

It didn’t matter anymore. Having been together for so long, maybe their friendship truly was ending.

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At Chunlai Restaurant, six girls and four boys sat around a circular table in a private room.

“Cheers to our youthful brilliance, to the glory of our future, to us all!” Chen Jin’s smile blossomed like a flower as she raised her beer glass, instantly elevating the atmosphere with her enthusiastic words. The room instantly buzzed with energy.

Bi Qiao’an also raised her drink to clink glasses lightly with others before taking a small sip.

“Why aren’t you toasting with us, Qiao’an? Don’t tell me you look down on us!” Chen Jin teased playfully, not at all like she was trying to cause trouble.

“As if I’d ever dare to disdain! My wallet treating everyone wouldn’t handle that, haha! You all know I’m a lightweight. Please excuse me for substituting tea for alcohol,” Bi Qiao’an explained as she poured half a cup of tea and downing it in one go.

Chen Jin froze briefly before checking Xiao Fei’s reaction. She assumed Bi Qiao’an wouldn’t mention it, which is why she did not explain to him yesterday when she invited him.

However, Xiao Fei merely sat there with a faint smile, betraying no emotion. Chen Jin secretly relaxed.  

“Our darling Ah Jin always livens things up best. We’ll never get bored with her around! Here’s to Ah Jin!” Bi Qiao’an toasted again, drinking another half cup of tea.

“Too right! Chen Jin is our goddess! To Chen Jin!” The boys echoed enthusiastically, and the other girls quickly joined in. The initial tension dissipated.

Fueled by the lively atmosphere, Chen Jin found herself downing several mugs of beer without realizing it.

As the night wore on, the conversation naturally drifted to the topic on everyone’s mind: job prospects.

“Xiao Fei, where did you land an offer? I heard it’s a big company,” Chen Jingrou inquired with a flirtatious gaze towards Xiao Fei’s gentle demeanor.

“Feiyang International,” Xiao Fei responded with a slight nod while meeting her gaze directly.

“Wow, that’s impressive! You’re destined for great things. Congratulations!” Chen Jingrou blushed immediately and took gulps of beer to hide her flustered excitement.

“What about the rest of you?” Xiao Fei shifted his attention to others. “Any updates on your job searches?”

Chen Jin maintained her sweet smile. “Nothing concrete yet, but I passed the second round of interviews at Shen Group. If I secure their final interview next Wednesday, then I might get an offer.”

“That’s fantastic! Shen Group is notoriously selective, and they only select a few new hires each year. You must be incredibly talented to have come this far,” Xiao Fei said and raised his glass in a toast across the table.

“Thanks, Xiao Fei,” Chen Jin’s smile widened as she replied.

“What about you, Qiao’an? Any potential employers on the horizon?” Xiao Fei next looked askance at Bi Qiao’an.  

Gazing at Xiao Fei’s sincerity and gentle expression, Bi Qiao’an’s heart felt heavy with conflicting emotions. It was difficult for any woman to resist such genuine kindness and undivided attention.

“Nope, still undecided on a career path,” Bi Qiao’an said lightly. “Maybe I’m not as ambitious as you all. My ultimate life goal is to become a pampered layabout! Oh, dear Lord, will some rich benefactor rescue this poor maiden?” She playfully raised both hands towards the ceiling, face turned beseechingly skyward.  

Her humorous act elicited laughter around the table.

“What’s gotten into Qiao’an recently? She’s acting so cheerful!” Someone remarked.

“She’s letting loose and embracing her true self,” another chimed in.

“Better work hard if you’re aiming to catch a big fish, Qiao’an,” Song Wennuan teased as she playfully pushed her glasses up with her index finger.

“True, true. Only by stroke of luck can you snag a generous patron. Almost makes me jealous! Although, you only have three months left to reel one in,” Chen Jin added playfully.

The words “lucky stroke” and “patron” struck a painful chord within Bi Qiao’an, reminding her of the stark contrast between her previous life’s struggles and Chen Jin’s pampered lifestyle as Xiao Fei showered her with lavish gifts.

However, Bi Qiao’an held no envy for Chen Jin during her previous life. Instead, she felt resentment for the constant torment she inflicted. Since they broke up long ago, she couldn’t understand Xiao Fei’s persistence and his unwanted attention towards her.

The gathering soon concluded. After dinner, the group split into smaller clusters, each heading to their respective dorms or off-campus accommodations.