C18 It Was like Her

When he asked his question, alarm bells went off in Qiao An's mind: "I can't see at all."

Detecting a hint of anxiety in her voice, Qin Jingzhi reassured her, "Don't be nervous, I'm a doctor."

Qiao An nodded, her expression slightly rigid. "Yes."

"Would you mind telling me how your eyes were injured?" Qin Jingzhi inquired. "Perhaps I can assist you."

After a moment's consideration, Qiao An shared, "Two years ago, I was caught in an explosion overseas. I was in a coffee shop across the street when the blast shattered the windows and damaged my eyes..."

Qin Jingzhi nodded in understanding. "Do you have time for a checkup? There might be a better treatment option available."

"No, thank you," Qiao An said with a smile. "Dr. Qin, I'm already on the waiting list for a corneal transplant."

Her smile lifted the corners of her lips, revealing a dimple that momentarily captivated Qin Jingzhi.

She wasn't her, yet she bore a striking resemblance.

As Qin Jingzhi was lost in thought, Huo Feng returned with the medicine, patting his shoulder in greeting, "Brother Jing."

Qin Jingzhi snapped out of it and nodded. "What kind of medicine did you get?"

"For treating burns," Huo Feng responded.

Qin Jingzhi carefully inspected the contents of the bag, and despite the instructions listed, he took the time to explain everything to Qiao An once more, still feeling somewhat concerned.

"Here's what I'll do—I'll go upstairs and divide these medicines into smaller portions for you. It'll make taking them much easier."

Huo Feng didn't overthink it and expressed his appreciation, "That's the attention to detail of a doctor for you. Thanks, Brother Jing."

After Qin Jingzhi left with the medicine, Huo Feng noticed Qiao An's pensive expression and quickly clarified, "Miss Qiao, the gentleman you just met is Qin Jingzhi, a doctor and Mr. Cheng's close friend. There's no need for concern."

Qiao An nodded. She wasn't worried; she was simply pondering whether he could be the same person from the previous night.

The familiar scent, the similar voice, and his attentiveness toward her...

But if that were the case, he should have recognized her, right?

Why didn't he say anything?

Could it be because he and Huo Chengzhou are friends?

Qiao An was feeling overwhelmed. What if it really was him?

Qin Jingzhi meticulously divided the medicine and then went to the adjacent lab to get a tube of freshly made green ointment before heading back to his office.

Seeing that it was time, he pushed the door open and entered the treatment room, where, sure enough, Huo Chengzhou was wide awake, looking at him.

"Couldn't sleep?" he asked, drawing back the curtains to let in a sliver of light.

"I told you, your aromatherapy is useless."

"And I told you, you need to keep using it."

Qin Jingzhi flicked on the overhead light and, noticing there was still a bit of liquid left, stood by waiting and asked, "What do you know about Qiao An?"

"Not much," Huo Chengzhou replied, massaging his temples. "She's the Qiao family's eldest daughter, but she was adopted from an orphanage. Why else would Qiao Minghui push her to marry me in her sister's place?"

"Oh?" Qin Jingzhi raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you got the better end of the deal."

Huo Chengzhou's icy gaze fixed on him. "What, you think she's attractive too? Feeling pity for her?"

"Heh," Qin Jingzhi retorted as he removed the needle. "I don't know who was just saying they fell in love at first sight. I'm looking out for you, and now you're pinning it on me?"

Huo Chengzhou fell silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Has there been any news about Yining's mother?"