CHAPTER 275: CHAPTER 275; THAT’S MY GIRL

In the midst of the fun and warmth, Qingqing found herself beside Tang Fei, peeling an orange, her small fingers slow but steady.

"Do you like it here?" Tang Fei asked gently.

Qingqing nodded, her voice a whisper, "It smells like... stories."

Tang Fei blinked, touched. "That’s a beautiful way to put it." Because every patient present was an old Grandma and Grandpa, who had seen life and had a million stories to tell. Their lives were at the end of the ropes and they were best when it came to knowledge and life understanding lessons.

She wrapped an arm around the child. Qingqing didn’t flinch this time, she was a bit welcoming and warming up.

"You can relax! Here, no one knows you and no one will find you." She assured her as Qingqing nodded her head.

As the sun dipped lower outside the hospital windows, music floated in, an old phonograph brought out by one of the staff. The elderly began to sway, some even standing to dance with the help of the younger visitors.

Twilight was pulled into a slow waltz by a giggling old lady.

Zhihao found himself seated beside his opponent, the Go board forgotten as they debated historical war strategies.

Qingqing smiled, wide this time, as Minghao made a face full of bananas for a group of grinning grandmas.

And Tang Fei... stood back and watched it all. A soft ache bloomed in her chest.

This wasn’t just a visit. This was a path to healing, for everyone. It felt like a new hope was instilled in them and in the patients. It was good to do good.

The light through the wardroom windows had turned golden, painting soft streaks of amber on the tiled floors and lined faces. Laughter and quiet music still lingered in the air.

At one end of the room, Feihao hovered over the chessboard, her lips pursed in determined thought as they gamed again. Her fingers hovered just above her rook, then moved, swift and confident.

Click.

Grandpa Liu leaned in, eyes narrowing. He scanned the board while his brow furrowed. He looked up slowly at the girl across from him, Feihao, small but fierce, her expression now gleaming with pride.

"Checkmate, Grandpa Liu," she said softly, barely suppressing her grin.

The old man stared at the board for another second unbelievably. Then leaned back with a loud whistle and burst into hearty laughter.

"Well, well, little general! I will be darned." He looked around at the onlookers who were eying their game, after all, some were renowned grandpas who played these games. "Did you all see that? She got me! Got me clean!"

Feihao beamed proudly, it was because she had learned to play with the old grandpas in the streets. "I wasn’t sure I could. You’re a tough opponent."

He gave her a wink acknowledging her game, she had the moves and knowledge to handle a tough opponent like him.. "So are you Grandpa. The board respects those who play with heart. You have got that in plenty."

Feihao reached out and gently reset the pieces with him. No gloating, just respect. Respect for each other as gamers of chess..

As they set up, she asked shyly, "Would you play with me again sometime?"

Grandpa Liu gave her a proud nod. "Anytime, commander, I’m always free and looking forward to another game with you. But next time, I’m bringing snacks, I will need the energy to go up against you." He hadn’t enjoyed playing like he did today. She was truly a worthy opponent.

"Haha... All right Grandpa Liu..." Feihao was glad and respectful to close the game.

Across the room, a quiet tension rippled around the Go board.

Zhihao sat with his arms crossed, his dark eyes trained on the game with a composure that was almost eerie. Across from him, Grandma Yuan tapped a black stone against the side of her palm, then made a careful placement.

Zhihao didn’t hesitate. He placed his white stone with a calm, decisive movement.

There was a pause.

Then Grandma Yuan squinted at the board, leaning in. Her lips pressed together into a thin line as she traced the pattern slowly. She looked at her territory, then his. Back again.

Then exhaled.

"You trapped me," she said. "Two moves ago. I don’t think I have a way out!"

Zhihao inclined his head respectfully. "Yes, Grandma. I did trap you."

A silence settled between them. Then, a soft laughter escaped her.

"Hmph! You are such a clever little fox," she muttered, shaking her head. "Who taught you how to bend the rules of Go like that?"

Zhihao smiled faintly, "You did Grandma. Just now."

She let out a long sigh. "Children these days are born to outwit us. Excellent job, you have got keen eyes boy." But she was proud, he was a worthy opponent to go up against! She hadn’t expected to have a game like this with him. He was also a faster learner.

The nurses nearby clapped softly. Some of the old men gathered around, shaking their heads in mock dismay.

Zhihao respectfully bowed low to his opponent. "Thank you for the game, Grandma Yuan."

She tapped her cane on the floor twice. "You are welcome, little wolf. But next time, I will eat before we play. Might help my brain to sharpen and function a little bit better."

They shared a knowing glance, a quiet bond forged in strategy and silence.

At that moment, Tang Fei stood in the middle of the room, eyes drifting from Feihao, still laughing beside Grandpa Liu, to Zhihao, now helping Grandma Yuan with her tea.

Then, Tinghao and Minghao accompanied an old Grandma who was telling them stories, and then to Qingqing...

She smiled.

In them, she saw not just victory, but growth. She saw respect earned, not demanded. She saw the threads of family being rewoven, tighter than before, stronger than blood alone.

"That’s my girl," Xu Xie said as she passed by with a tray of tea, nodding toward Feihao. She likes Feihao, and no one could understand it, but it felt like finally meeting a buddy you can easily relate with, like you have common hobbies to do together, she even beat her in boxing.

"And my boy," Tang Fei added, gazing at Zhihao with arms folded proudly. Of course, she had to congratulate them and applaud them for that nice game, it was kind of a motivation to do better next time.

In a corner, Qingqing giggled as Minghao made fruit animals for a pair of laughing grandpas accompanied by Tinghao.

Healing was a quiet thing. Sometimes it arrived as laughter after a win. Sometimes as a shared cup of tea.

But tonight, for Zhihao, Minghao, Tinghao, Qingqing, and Feihao, it looked a lot like a game well played and hearts well won.

The sun had nearly disappeared behind the city skyline, casting long shadows across the wardroom floor.

The once-bustling room now hummed with a softer energy, exhausted contentment. Plates had been cleared, and the last cup of tea sipped. The scent of mandarin peels and chrysanthemum lingered faintly in the air.

Feihao helped Grandpa Liu tuck away the last chess piece into its box. Zhihao folded the Go board precisely, every movement still calm and deliberate. The old folks were chatting sleepily in their chairs, warmed by the company, not ready to return to loneliness just yet.

Xu Xie passed out hand-knit scarves she had brought, warm and colorful. Twilight helped a nurse straighten the calligraphy scroll on the far wall. Even Qingqing was quieter now, resting her chin on the edge of Minghao’s chair, watching the others with big, thoughtful eyes. Tinghao was seated just close by watching too.

Tang Fei stood near the doorway, watching them all while her husband watched her from the corridor proudly. They were really growing up to be kind and considerate.

Her eyes softened. There was no bloodline here. No shared history. And yet, it felt like family.

As she turned to walk over, a gentle tug on her sleeve made her pause.

Feihao.

She looked up, blinking through her lashes while giving her Momma, the softest smile.

"Can we come here again Momma? The girl queried with hopes. "We ain’t doing everything just for them... but for us too. They feel warm and welcoming!" She was already used to having grown-up Grandpas and grandmothers as friends growing up in the streets.