Luo Yi's skin recovered a bit of color, changing her rustic aura to one of striking beauty like a supermodel's.
"A few more treatments and Miss Luo's skin will likely regain its original fair complexion."
"Miss Luo is blessed with milk-white skin that many girls envy. Even without skincare, her original shade will quickly return without frequent sun exposure."
The beautician continuously complimented.
"Let's go!"
Yan Dongxu and Luo Yi left the salon.
During her beauty treatment, he called Zhou Quan to borrow a car.
Uncle Zhou had his chauffeur bring the Ferrari over and said Yan could keep driving it.
Zhou Quan was busy anyway, taking his wife and kids to the headquarters in the capital after accepting a new position.
Exiting the mall, the chauffeur had been waiting awhile.
After handing the keys to Yan Dongxu, he took off.
"Let's go. I'll take you to your parents."
"No need. It's too high-profile. Plus, you're busy." Luo Yi declined.
"Come on. Didn't you say your parents wanted you to stop teaching and marry soon?"
"Just say I'm your boyfriend. I'm not super rich yet, but I'm doing alright, no?"
"It shouldn't embarrass you to bring me."
Yan Dongxu aimed to help her all the way. He was free anyway, so why not go take a look?
The viewers wanted him to go too, good livestream material.
"Fine, but can we stop by the hospital first?"
"Why the hospital?" Yan Dongxu was puzzled.
"To see someone." A hint of sadness flashed in Luo Yi's eyes.
Yan Dongxu drove her to the hospital first.
"Huh? Why'd you stop?"
"Visiting patients of course requires flowers and fruit. Wait in the car, I'll go buy them."
Yan Dongxu returned cradling a bouquet, a fruit basket in hand.
Luo Yi's eyes reddened, on the verge of tears.
"Thank you! I didn't bring money, but I'll pay you back."
"Why are you always trying to pay me back? Remember, I'm happy to spend money on you, no need to repay."
Yan Dongxu pretended to scold her.
Luo Yi laughed at his teasing. Facing the viewers she asked: "Is he always this generous?"
[No no no, he's cheap!]
[Only to you.]
[He wants to buy you off, Teacher Luo beware!]
[He buys his sister cheap 50 cent ice pops.]
[Right, he haggles with grannies over two potatoes at the street stall.]
[Doesn't even wash his stained underwear to save water, just wears them inside out.]
...
The viewers spun more and more outrageous tales, straight up gossiping.
Luo Yi cracked up, laughing till her stomach hurt.
Yan Dongxu's eyes twitched as he threatened: "Keep bullshitting and I'm ending the stream!"
[???]
[Scaring dad? ]
[Say what you will, I dare you to hit me.]
[Mods, look, the streamer's threatening viewers.]
...
Yan Dongxu was used to such trolls.
Luo Yi thought livestreaming quite entertaining, almost too delightful if daily.
They arrived at the inpatient building of the hospital, entering a room.
A young man lay in bed, comatose.
"Aunt Xu." Luo Yi greeted.
"Yi Yi you came. No need for gifts, your presence is enough."
Aunt Xu spoke gently, looking haggard.
"How's my brother? Still no signs of waking?" Luo Yi asked.
"If only it were that easy. The odds of a vegetative patient waking are so low. Even your dad dares not predict when your brother might wake." Aunt Xu sighed.
"You wretch finally came back. Your dad was just here earlier rounding patients. He didn't mention your return!"
"It was spontaneous. I didn't tell anyone, didn't even bring my phone. Call dad and let's have dinner tonight, our whole family." Luo Yi responded.
Aunt Xu shook her head. "I won't go, don't have the heart for it. You all go."
"Alright, I'll keep you company here a bit."
"That's good, I rarely have someone to chat with. Your return means I'll have your company." Aunt Xu held Luo Yi's hand as they sat.
"This is your boyfriend I assume? So handsome! Hurry and introduce him to Auntie!"
Luo Yi awkwardly tried to explain.
Yan Dongxu took the initiative: "I'm Luo Yi's boyfriend, an online broadcaster."
"Oh my, a broadcaster, how trendy. Good money in it I hear."
"The nurses are always gossiping, mentioned some First Love or something. From our city I think."
"Sadly I'm too old for the times. Can't use a smartphone, can't get online, otherwise I'd check out the hype."
Aunt Xu had a great attitude, seeming optimistic.
[Hahaha, she means you right?]
[You're known by young and old now.]
[Worthily First Love, currently impersonating her boyfriend.]
[Shameless liar, got some skills.]
...
The barrage mocked him.
Yan Dongxu ignored it completely.
After inquiring, he realized Aunt Xu was Luo Yi's dad's ex-wife.
The young man in bed was their child, Luo Yi's half-brother from her dad's first marriage.
Luo Yi was born to her current stepmom.
[Whoa, so complicated!]
[Luo Yi's dad is a player!]
[Could her dad be Professor Luo Yongchun of the medical university?]
[Bro you're from Jiangning too? I know Professor Luo, top neurosurgeon!]
[Yan Dongxu, get her to introduce you to her dad.]
...
Seeing the speculation, Yan Dongxu was stunned.
If the assumptions were true, Luo Yi's family background was far beyond just well-off.
"Is your father Professor Luo Yongchun?" Yan Dongxu directly asked.
"Huh? How'd you know?" Luo Yi was very surprised.
"The viewers guessed."
[OMG, it's real!]
[Yan Dongxu, you hit jackpot!]
[She's elite nobility!]
...
"Oh, you're streaming? Filmed me?"
"Er...sorry Auntie, yes."
"Oh my, don't film me, I'm not presentable." Aunt Xu stood abruptly, avoiding the camera. "You two go find your dad."
Luo Yi could only lead Yan Dongxu to her father's office.
They knocked, no response.
But they ran into his assistant who said the professor would return soon, so they could wait inside.
Entering the tidy office, it had photos of her dad.
"Gotta say, you really resemble your dad."
"All my life people say I'm his mini-me."
Soon Professor Luo entered, clearly startled then delighted to see Luo Yi.
"Yi Yi, when'd you get back?"
"Just this morning."
"Your return is...wonderful, just wonderful."
As Professor Luo spoke, he suddenly noticed Yan Dongxu, his smile freezing as his face darkened.
Yan Dongxu was baffled. Had the old man learned face changing?
He hadn't offended him!
"Professor Luo, I'll take my leave if you're busy."
The black-clad man with cap lowered his head and hurried off after following Professor Luo in.
This perplexed Yan Dongxu further. He felt the man had rushed away upon seeing him.