Su Zhantao was driving a BMW, a birthday gift from Su Shaohua, which he hadn't even had for three months yet.

In the car, his mouth never stopped, enthusiastically explaining the origin of the car to Zhang Yang.

There was a specific reason why Su Shaohua had gifted him such a fine vehicle.

Su Zhantao and Su Shaohua had previously struck a bet: Su Zhantao had to earn five hundred thousand yuan within a year, starting with only fifty thousand yuan borrowed initially, without any family support.

If he succeeded, Su Shaohua would gift him a BMW; if he failed, he would obediently take the job his family dictated and become a well-behaved son.

At the time, neither Su Shaohua nor his father, Su Shaoqiang, believed he could do it, and they both agreed to the wager.

The final outcome, Su Zhantao didn't even need to articulate; Zhang Yang could tell.

He already had the car in hand; he must have won.

In fact, Su Zhantao had managed to turn the fifty thousand into half a million in less than eight months.

Within the year, he hadn't just bought several shop fronts, but he also had sixty to seventy thousand in liquid assets, bringing his total worth close to a million.

In 1998, while there were certainly many millionaires, few were as young as Su Zhantao and had achieved it through their own grit and hard work.

Su Shaohua, overjoyed, gifted him this imported BMW, valued at a million, on his birthday, as a direct reward for Su Zhantao's achievement.

“We’re at the hospital, Xiao Tao.

Thank you for driving us!” Listening to Su Zhantao chatter on the way back, time seemed to fly compared to the trip there.

It was only when Wu Youdao spoke that Zhang Yang noticed they were indeed parked outside the entrance of the Third Hospital.

“Not at all, Uncle Wu.

I must drive you and Doctor Zhang back.

Second Uncle explicitly told me I had to get both of you inside the hospital, and we’re only at the entrance, not inside yet!” Su Zhantao didn't even turn his head, grinning as he steered the car straight into the hospital grounds.

In those days, a BMW was a clear status symbol; the security guard at the gate merely gave a cursory glance before waving them through—the treatment for a fine car was distinctly different.

“You are a good kid.

Alright, just make sure you drive Dr.

Zhang back later; I need to head straight to my office, I have things to attend to!” Wu Youdao smiled and shook his head, his mind still turning over Zhang Yang’s earlier words.

What it meant if Zhang Yang could cure Su Shaohua’s illness, Wu Youdao understood better than anyone.

This would be an earth-shattering development, something he absolutely could not keep secret; he had to discuss it with Zhu Zhixiang.

This was monumental news for the hospital as well.

“Very well, I’ll take Dr.

Zhang, you go ahead with your work!” Su Zhantao chuckled, and the car quickly pulled into the parking area.

Back then, the Third Hospital’s parking lot was still within the main compound, unlike later years when new lots had to be carved out because too many cars were banned from parking on the grounds.

Wu Youdao alighted first and left.

Su Zhantao stayed with Zhang Yang, still holding the gift Su Shaohua had intended for him.

“Young Master Su, there’s no need for you to go out of your way; you should head back first!” Before Zhang Yang could finish speaking, Su Zhantao was already shaking his head.

“No way.

My uncle is a very serious man.

I absolutely must see you to your destination, or I’ll surely get an earful when I get back.

Dr.

Zhang, you wouldn't want me to get scolded, would you?” Saying this, he winked conspiratorially at Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang offered a helpless nod.

“Fine then.

I’m at the hospital because a classmate is admitted here; I’m staying to look after her!” “Your classmate—is she a girl?” Su Zhantao suddenly let out a sly chuckle, giving Zhang Yang a suggestive smile.

Zhang Yang turned back, looking at him in astonishment, then shook his head in resignation.

“Yes, you guessed right!” Zhang Yang didn't deny this question.

Since Su Zhantao clearly intended to escort him to the ward, where Mi Xue would surely be, he might as well admit it now.

“Heh heh, I knew it! No wonder you refused to stay for dinner with us.

Come on, let’s go see what kind of girl could have completely charmed Dr.

Zhang!” Su Zhantao, holding the gift from Su Shaohua in one arm, grabbed Zhang Yang’s arm with the other and quickened his pace.

Zhang Yang had no choice but to follow.

Su Zhantao had that naturally friendly demeanor that wasn't off-putting; this personality made him excellent at making friends.

Zhang Yang felt like they had known each other for years, despite only meeting that morning.

“If you ask me, Zhang Yang will definitely eat out and won’t be back by lunchtime!” As they reached the outside of the ward, Zhang Yang froze.

Several people were inside, apparently discussing him.

The voice that had just spoken was loud, clearly belonging to Hu Xin.

“Maybe not.

I trust Zhang Yang will come back; he wouldn’t leave Mi Xue waiting here alone!” This time, it was Xiao Dai speaking.

After the car accident, their relationship had improved, but their habit of bickering hadn't changed at all; they always seemed to hold opposing views.

“That’s debatable.

Mi Xue said Zhang Yang went out on a house call to treat someone.

It’s normal for them to ask him to stay for a meal.

How about we make a bet?” Hu Xin immediately called out.

Zhang Yang, shaking his head, was about to push the door open but stopped when he heard them proposing a wager.

Knowing Xiao Dai as he did, Hu Xin’s challenge was guaranteed to be accepted.

Just as Zhang Yang was thinking this, Xiao Dai’s voice drifted out again: “A bet? Fine! Tell me, what are we betting on?” “Count me in! I believe Zhang Yang will definitely return!” This time it was Mi Xue speaking.

Her voice was as melodious as ever.

Her speaking up caused Xiao Bin, Gu Cheng, and Nannan inside the room to stir.

Zhang Yang stood at the threshold, and Su Zhantao didn't rush him, listening with interest to the wager unfolding inside.

“If we lose, we become your laborers for a month; if you lose, you wash our clothes for a month!” Hu Xin bellowed again.

The group had clearly split into two factions: Xiao Dai, Nannan, and Mi Xue believed Zhang Yang would return, while Hu Xin, Xiao Bin, and Gu Cheng were convinced he wouldn't.

Actually, Gu Cheng had intended to side with Xiao Dai.

Based on his knowledge of Zhang Yang, he certainly wouldn't abandon Mi Xue alone in the hospital.

Unfortunately, the moment he expressed his inclination, Hu Xin forcefully dragged him over, insisting he stand with the men.

Gu Cheng had no choice but to support Hu Xin.

“Deal! You all just wait to lose, and we’ll work you to the bone!” Xiao Dai agreed immediately, pouting angrily.

The three girls sat together, all staring pointedly at Hu Xin and the others.

“Heh heh, we’ll see who ends up tired! This is fantastic—I’ll have someone to wash my clothes for a month! I’m going to change my outfit twice a day and have someone wash it for me every time!” Hu Xin shouted triumphantly, throwing his hands up in exaggerated laughter.

However, his smile froze halfway as he saw Zhang Yang pushing the door open and walking in, wearing a calm smile.

Su Zhantao stood beside him, watching Hu Xin and the others with a strange expression.

Su Zhantao understood perfectly: Zhang Yang had deliberately waited outside to spring this trap on Hu Xin and his friends.

“Mi Xue, when you're discharged, just let them handle things.

Free labor—we might as well use it!” Zhang Yang spoke as he walked in, glaring pointedly at Hu Xin, whose jaw nearly dropped to the floor.

“Zhang Yang, you’re back!” Mi Xue immediately stood up, looking at Zhang Yang with a sweet expression.

For her, Zhang Yang’s return was the most important thing; she hadn't cared at all about the bet moments before.

Seeing Mi Xue, Su Zhantao’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He had seen many beautiful women, but very few could compare to Mi Xue.

Moreover, he realized she was the only patient in the room wearing hospital attire.

Most significantly, the way Mi Xue looked at Zhang Yang was clearly different.

“Just got back.

I happened to overhear someone by the door expressing such profound distrust in me, so I waited a moment before coming in.

For the next month, you guys definitely shouldn't go easy on them.

Boss them around as you see fit—give all the dirty, heavy work to them!” Zhang Yang smiled and nodded.

Hu Xin collapsed onto the bed with a soft thud, while Xiao Bin and Gu Cheng also wore faces of utter dismay, looking helplessly at Zhang Yang.

“Zhang Yang, why didn’t you come in when you got back? You can’t treat your brothers like this!” Hu Xin cried out in heartbroken indignation, his face a mask of grievance.

He had been fantasizing about winning, but reality had struck cruelly, shattering his dreams instantly.

“You brought this on yourselves! Who told you not to trust Zhang Yang?” Zhang Yang didn't reply; Xiao Dai immediately shot back at Hu Xin.

They seemed like natural adversaries; whenever they were together, they were guaranteed to trade barbs.

“Heh heh, if you ask me, being manual labor for the ladies isn't bad at all.

Many people wish they had the chance to do this kind of thing!” Su Zhantao suddenly interjected.

Only then did Hu Xin and the others shift their attention to him.

“I apologize, Zhang Yang, I didn’t realize you had a guest!” Mi Xue finally noticed Su Zhantao standing beside Zhang Yang and quickly murmured an apology.

Having been filled with sweetness and excitement by Zhang Yang's return, she had genuinely overlooked Su Zhantao.

“It’s fine.

My name is Su Zhantao—Su like in Su Dongpo, Zhan like in developing, Tao like in turbulent waves.

I was sent back by my uncle to deliver Dr.

Zhang.

This is a gift from my uncle to you all!” Su Zhantao immediately stepped forward and placed the gift he carried in front of Mi Xue.

Zhang Yang paused slightly, shaking his head inwardly.

This was a gift from Su Shaoming meant only for him, yet Su Zhantao had casually referred to it as a gift for both of them.

“Really? Thank you so much!” Mi Xue’s smile widened even further.

Zhang Yang had to grudgingly admit that Su Zhantao was incredibly smooth with words; adding that one small word completely changed the significance.

Zhang Yang’s return, coupled with a gift for Mi Xue, naturally made her very happy and delighted.

“You’re welcome.

Dr.

Zhang’s medical skills are truly miraculous.

My uncle’s recovery still depends on him!” Su Zhantao chuckled again.

Hu Xin, who had managed to clamber off the bed, walked over curiously, pointing at the item in Su Zhantao’s hand, and asked softly, “What is the gift? Can we take a look?” Su Zhantao first glanced at Zhang Yang.

Seeing no objection, he immediately handed it over with a smile.

“Of course you can!” It was a box, sturdy, but not tightly sealed.

Hu Xin took it, walked over to the bedside table, and opened it directly.

Xiao Dai and the others crowded around to see.

Hu Xin opened the box and looked puzzled as he pulled out a small, blue-and-white porcelain bowl.

He announced loudly, “Excuse me, handsome, aren’t you being a bit stingy? Why is the gift just a soup bowl?” Chapter Two, Xiao Yu is working overtime hard, will write another chapter shortly! C