Grandfather Liang Zhong would have to stay in the hospital for at least two more weeks for observation, the doctor said in a soothing murmur as he concluded his rounds. Despite his internal resentment of the wait, Liang Zhong gave a wise nod as the doctor left. "Grandpa Liang, I brought you some fruits!" chirped a happy voice as the door creaked open a moment later. Mei Lin came in with a basket of colorful fruit in one hand ,Liang Zhong's face lit up with a sincere, wide smile. There was a warmth he hadn't felt in years, but he kept a careful façade of courteous interest.
"Oh, hello, young lady," he said, pretending to be a little perplexed. "And you are?" Mei Lin put the basket on the bedside table and giggled. Grandpa, my name is Mei Lin. I'm happy to see that you're doing better. Liang Zhong grinned broadly. Confirming the favorable impression from his assistant's report, he examined her, noting her easy charm and cheerful disposition. "Mei Lin," he said again, relishing the name. "If you could come more frequently, that would be fantastic. The next two weeks will be pretty boring. Mei Lin readily agreed, her heart truly warmed by his request. "Grampa, of course! I'd be glad to.
Mei Lin waved happily as she left Liang Zhong's room and went to the pediatrics department to greet her mother, Wen Hua, briefly. She left Milo and her electric bike in the hospital parking lot after a quick, affectionate conversation. She was about to head for the exit when she noticed a sudden movement. A figure in jeans and a white shirt ran by, grabbing a purse from a startled onlooker. Mei Lin's Taekwondo instincts took over and she threw herself forward without thinking. But her gaze was drawn to a similar figure just in front of her: Liang Chen, who was also walking by in the same white shirt and jeans and had just left the hospital.
"Hey! She sprang forward and tackled Liang Chen from behind, yelling, "Give me that back!" As Mei Lin angrily demanded her purse, he staggered, completely confused. "You thief, you stole my bag!" A far-off commotion broke out before he had time to comprehend the ridiculous charge. She faintly heard a crowd yelling, "Thief! He's been apprehended. Mei Lin's head jerked in the direction of the noise. She realized her error, but refused to give an explanation, so she just released a stunned Liang Chen and ran into the chaos without turning around. Dusting himself off, Liang Chen watched her leave with a look of complete incredulity on his face. "What a dumb girl," he muttered to himself. Mei Lin later realized the full extent of her error when she saw the actual thief being caught, but her independent spirit would not entertain an apology to the bewildered stranger.