Accepting the red diamond necklace from Xu Xiangbei, which shone like starlight, Ding Keke felt all her grievances melt away. She had never worn such an expensive necklace.

Xu Xiangbei gently unfastened the clasp and walked behind Ding Keke, enveloping her in a half-hug, feeling her petite frame tremble slightly in his embrace.

Ding Keke leaned softly against Xu Xiangbei’s warm and sturdy chest, feeling his warm fingers gently caress her neck as he put the necklace on her.

She suddenly wished this moment could last forever, until the end of time.

Since Xu Xiangbei left Jiangcheng for Earth Sea, he had been gone for several months, other than a few phone calls; they hadn’t met and didn’t seem to have much to say.

But after meeting today, the feelings suppressed in her heart erupted like a volcano, as if there were a multitude of words to be spoken.

"I drove all the way and haven’t eaten. Come with me for dinner."

"Sure, I won’t study tonight, I’ll go out with you."

Passing by the mung bean pastry shop on Anhe Road, remembering Ding Keke likes mung bean pastries, Xu Xiangbei went in to buy some, planning to take some back to Earth Sea.

The shop owner Feng San recognized Xu Xiangbei immediately and smiled politely, "Little brother, it’s been a while. But your girlfriend comes often."

Seeing the shop owner Feng San mistake her for Xu Xiangbei’s girlfriend, Ding Keke didn’t deny it, her fair face blushing slightly, acknowledging with a smile.

Xu Xiangbei laughed, "Yes, it’s been a while. I’ve been on business trips. I’m going on another one the day after tomorrow, so I’ll buy a bit more."

Xu Xiangbei bought more than ten boxes in one go, along with various Suzhou-style pastries from the shop, stuffing the trunk full.

Sitting down with Ding Keke at a small restaurant by Anhe Road, Xu Xiangbei recounted his experiences in Earth Sea to her, leaving Ding Keke stunned: "You actually opened a restaurant in Earth Sea and even won a villa?"

Lightly holding Ding Keke’s delicate hand, Xu Xiangbei smiled gently, "When do you have time? Come to Earth Sea with me and I’ll take you to my Emperor’s Pavilion to taste the specialties of my restaurant."

Hope filled Ding Keke’s eyes, "Work and studies are tight these days. After the pharmacy exams end next month, I’ll have a few days off, and I’ll go to Earth Sea to find you then."

Ding Keke’s phone rang with a call from the hospital, prompting her to say helplessly, "I can’t have dinner with you tonight, I need to work overtime at the hospital."

Xu Xiangbei smiled and said, "No problem, we’ll take the food to your office and eat there. I’m free tonight, so I’ll keep you company during overtime."

Tears sparkled in Ding Keke’s eyes. She didn’t need Xu Xiangbei to give her an expensive necklace; she just wanted him to spend more time with her.

The engine of the silver Porsche roared like thunder as it reached the hospital parking lot.

Seeing Xu Xiangbei carrying food containers and Ding Keke getting out of the Porsche, the hospital security guard was momentarily stunned.

The security guard vaguely remembered Xu Xiangbei, knowing he was a consultant in the traditional Chinese medicine department of the hospital and that Ding Keke was a nurse there.

He smiled and greeted Xu Xiangbei, "Dr. Xu, long time no see."

Xu Xiangbei returned the smile and greeted the security guard.

Just as they entered the hospital, not far inside they encountered Zhang Xuesong and Director Tang.

Zhang Xuesong, wearing glasses and looking scholarly, was surprised and pleased to see Xu Xiangbei, "Dr. Xu, you’re back! That’s wonderful, I have a patient who wants your help."

Upon seeing Xu Xiangbei, Director Tang immediately put on a sycophantic smile, "Dr. Xu, long time no see, you’re looking more and more spirited."

Xu Xiangbei ignored Director Tang, only shaking hands with Zhang Xuesong, and then walked with Ding Keke towards the nursing office.

Ding Keke set the food on the table and called out into the office, "Sisters, someone’s treating for a late-night snack tonight."

Hearing about the late-night treat, several young nurses gathered around like sparrows, laughing and giggling.

"Wow, there’s the bean sprouts and vermicelli I like."

"And the shiitake mushrooms and greens that I love."

A plump nurse examined each dish carefully, breaking into a wide smile, "Even the roast duck I like. Keke, you’re so good."

"Don’t thank me, thank Dr. Xu here. He’s the one treating us."

"Thank you, Dr. Xu!"

Xu Xiangbei chuckled, "Don’t mention it, everyone eat together. The more, the merrier."

The young nurses, upon seeing Xu Xiangbei, immediately started chattering and commenting.

Someone knew he was the consultant in the traditional Chinese medicine department and tugged at Ding Keke’s sleeve, "Is he your boyfriend? He’s so handsome."

Knowing these girls loved gossip and the more she didn’t clarify, the more they would speculate, Ding Keke just explained, "He’s a normal friend, a fairly good male confidant, can be a boyfriend too."

The young nurses looked enviously, "Not only is he handsome, he’s also rich. I saw him come in a silver Porsche, girl, you’re lucky."

Ding Keke’s face remained expressionless, but she was secretly delighted: "You’re here for a late-night snack, see how much you chatter. If you’re not eating, I’ll eat it all myself."

Xu Xiangbei also had his own office, though he hadn’t stayed in it before. Today, he sat in it for show, surprisingly finding it spotless, nothing out of place despite months of absence.

He said to Ding Keke in surprise, "Strange, I haven’t been here for months and my desk looks brand new."

Ding Keke couldn’t help but laugh, "I cleaned it for you every week, of course, it’s clean. Seems like your IQ hasn’t improved at all after months in Earth Sea."

"Haha, knew choosing her as a future wife was right, so diligent and clean, and does things efficiently."

"Alright, I need to work, unlike you lounging around."

Ding Keke returned to the nurse’s office while Xu Xiangbei took out his computer, closed his office door, and started playing the Ancient Moon Red Dust game.

Just as he was enjoying the game, he heard a commotion outside.

He saw two strapping men scolding a young nurse: "So what if I smoke? Don’t think that even your director can dare ask me not to, so what if I smoke. Who dares to stop me?"

Surrounding patients and nurses watched, knowing the two men were unreasonable but too afraid to speak up.

The young nurse, having graduated not long ago, was overwhelmed by the intimidating scene, turning pale and her eyes brimming with tears, almost about to cry.

The strong man lit his cigarette, puffing smoke arrogantly, saying, "So what if I smoke, who dares to stop me?"

Suddenly, a stern voice emerged from the crowd: "I dare to stop you. Don’t you see the ’No Smoking’ sign on the wall? Are you blind or can’t read?"