Chapter 222

Ding Min stomped her feet in frustration, her nails digging deep into her palms. Andrew Smith didn't even spare her a glance as he walked right past her.

"Auntie, did you see that..." Ding Min tugged at Wei Shufen's sleeve, her voice laced with grievance.

Wei Shufen narrowed her eyes at the hospital entrance and let out a cold laugh. "What's the hurry? Men are all like this—it's just a passing infatuation." She patted Ding Min's hand reassuringly. "Once they're apart long enough, even the deepest feelings will fade. And then..."

"Then that bitch Luna White won't be able to hold on!" Ding Min's eyes lit up. "We should have her transferred to the borderlands—let's see how she seduces Andrew then!"

Wei Shufen shook her head. This girl was still too naive. But it didn't matter. With her as Ding Min's aunt, she'd make sure her niece got her man back.

The two left the hospital in sullen silence.

Luna tidied up the examination room as light snow drifted outside the window. With the New Year approaching, the number of patients in the Traditional Medicine Department had dwindled, and the hospital had granted her a two-week leave.

"Dr. White, heading out?" Nurse Li peeked in.

Just as Luna removed her white coat, the phone rang.

"Acupuncture Department, Ninth Hospital," she answered.

Andrew's deep voice came through the receiver. "Luna, I'm at the hospital entrance."

Her heart skipped a beat. Lately, every call from him sent her pulse racing.

"I'll be right there." Hanging up, she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips.

Outside the hospital gates, Andrew stood in the snow, his military coat dusted with flakes. The stern lines of his face softened into a smile as he spotted Luna hurrying toward him.

"Why aren't you wearing a scarf?" He unwound his own and wrapped it around her neck.

Luna buried her face in the warmth of the fabric, inhaling the mingled scents of tobacco and crisp pine. Her ears burned.

"Let's go grocery shopping. I'll cook for you," she suggested.

Andrew's gaze darkened. He'd planned to take her to a movie, but... a home-cooked meal from her sounded just as good.

The market was nearly closing, so they quickly picked up potatoes, cabbage, and meat. Andrew carried the heavy cloth bag, watching Luna's cheeks flush from the cold. Unable to resist, he reached for her icy hand.

"Let's get home," he murmured.

At the dormitory entrance, they ran into little Feng. The girl greeted them sweetly. "Hello, Auntie Luna!"

Since the incident, Feng had moved here with her mother, Lily Collins, and had grown much more cheerful. Lily often sent over homemade pastries, and the two families had grown close.

"You've gotten taller, Feng," Luna said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

As they climbed the stairs, Andrew suddenly leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Next time... could we go to the movies?"

Luna's foot slipped, but he caught her steady. Their eyes met, and both flushed crimson.