While Yu Jin had mentioned he usually had to leave by 8:00 P.M. every day, today was different. It was Thursday, and he had other matters to attend to. He left the net cafe earlier than usual.
When he stepped through the front door of his home he heard voices from the living room.
"Welcome back, Jin."
It was his older brother, Yu Jialin, seated on the couch. Beside him was a woman with a gentle smile on her face, Yu Jin's sister-in-law, Lin Yue.
"It's been a while, Jin."
Yu Jin paused in the hallway. His expression remained neutral as he stepped into the room, and said:
"You're early."
Yu Jialin, his brother, chuckled.
"We figured we'd beat the traffic for once."
Yu Jin glanced around.
"Where's Father?"
"He just got home. Went to his room to change. We're eating out tonight, remember?"
Yu Jin nodded.
"Right, I'll go change too."
Yu Jin headed up to his room and swapped out his casual wear for something more formal. It was nothing flashy, but enough to match the tone he assumed the evening required.
As he stepped out of his room, he caught sight of his father coming out from the opposite end of the hallway. Dressed in a button-down and blazer, his father paused when he saw Yu Jin.
"That's what you're wearing?"
Yu Jin blinked.
"Yeah. It's formal enough, isn't it?"
His father let out a disapproving sigh.
"Go change into something with a tie. We're meeting Lin Yue's family. You're not stepping into that restaurant looking half-prepared."
Yu Jin suppressed the urge to retort and lowered his gaze.
"...Yes, father."
Moments later, Yu Jin stepped out of his room again, fully dressed this time exactly the way his father wanted.
His father only gave him a quick glance as they passed in the hallway, offering no words of approval. Only a nod, as if that alone meant finally, you got it right.
Downstairs, Yu Jialin and Lin Yue were already by the door, chatting with each other. When Yu Jin descended the stairs, Lin Yue looked up and smiled warmly at the sight of him.
"My, you look much more handsome than your brother, Jin! You look very dignified as well, father-in-law."
Yu Jin responded with a smile of his own, offering his thanks. His father did the same, acknowledging the compliment.
His brother, Yu Jialin, glanced over and nodded approvingly.
"You look good. Ready to go?"
"Yeah."
Entering the car, Yu Jialin took the driver's seat, while their father sat at the front passenger seat beside him. Yu Jin slid into the backseat, followed by Lin Yue, who sat to his right.
Yu Jin remained silent at the conversation around him. In the front seats, Jialin spoke about his recent accomplishments at the hospital. About cases he'd handled, a new research paper he was co-authoring, and a presentation he had been invited to give at an upcoming conference.
Lin Yue chimed in occasionally, sharing her own experiences working at the clinic. She mentioned a community health program she was helping organize, how rewarding it had been to work with young interns, and how she was considering further specialization.
Their father listened attentively, nodding at the appropriate moments, clearly pleased. Every now and then, he offered a word of praise or a comment laced with approval.
Then, their father glanced back at Yu Jin, who had remained quiet the entire ride.
"Yu Jin as well. His grades have all been stellar. Top marks across the board."
Lin Yue turned her head and looked at Yu Jin with a surprised face as Yu Jin's father continued his praise.
"He's been consistent his entire first year. One of the top students in his program. If he keeps this up, there's no doubt he'll have a bright future in the medical field."
Jialin smiled.
"I'm not surprised. Jin takes after father, after all.
"He'd make an exemplary doctor. With his results, I wouldn't be surprised if he gets into the country's top residency programs. If he stays on this path, he might even take over the family hospital someday. Become director, perhaps."
Yu Jin managed a humble smile.
"Ah, no… I still have a lot to learn."
Lin Yue glanced at him.
"Still, it's impressive, Jin."
From the front mirror, Yu Jialin caught his brother's gaze and held it for a moment.
"I'm proud of you, Jin. Feels good to have a younger brother I can actually brag about to my colleagues."
After thanking them, Yu Jin looked away, back toward the window. The praise, though sincere, felt like some kind of weight was pressing against him.
Their father, satisfied with the exchange, said nothing more.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the Lin family was already seated at their reserved table, dressed in formal attire that mirrored the Yu family's.
Like the Yu family, the Lins were a household of accomplished doctors. In the eyes of both families, the marriage between Yu Jialin and Lin Yue was perfect.
Throughout dinner, they exchanged polite words, often about professional accomplishments and recent milestones.
There was the usual back-and-forth of subtle bragging about hospital projects, published research, patient successes. And, of course, talk eventually turned to Yu Jin.
Compliments were shared generously. Several members of the Lin family expressed admiration for Yu Jin's academic performance, his consistency, and how promising his future looked.
To their praises and questions, Yu Jin responded with humility, nodding politely with a reserved smile. And his modesty was met with approving nods and lighthearted encouragement.
They seemed genuinely eager to see what heights he would reach in the medical field.
After finishing his meal, Yu Jin dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin. Without a word, he stood up from the table and made his way toward the restroom.
Once inside, he exhaled a long sigh. After a short pause, he stepped out of the stall and moved to the sink to wash his hands.
Just as he reached for the faucet, a voice called out behind him.
"Ah, Yu Jin?"
"...?"
He looked up and caught the reflection in the mirror ahead. A woman stood behind him with an expression equally surprised as him. Recognition flashed immediately across her face.
Yu Jin turned around slowly, brows raised.
"Zhao Lusi?"
Sure enough, it was Zhao Lusi, just as startled as he was.