The most severe penalty in this disciplinary notice is "to conduct a six-month free medical consultation in a barren star system," which has never occurred in previous disciplinary actions by the Medical Committee.

What is a barren star system?

That was the most remote and desolate star system of the Federation, with scarce resources, harsh environment, and extremely difficult medical conditions. Doctors sent there were essentially "exiled".

However, Gu Jingxiao had no objection to this, and even gave up the opportunity to appeal, gladly accepting all the punishments.

Inside the study of the Gu family's old residence at this moment.

Gu Changming sat behind his large desk, the punishment notice displayed on the screen in front of him.

Gu Jingxiao stood in front of his desk, his expression calm, as if the disciplinary notice had not been directed at him.

"Are you crazy? Why would you voluntarily 'turn yourself in'? No one would know if you didn't say anything!" Gu Changming looked up at his outstanding son. The Gu family was fortunate to have three children in this generation, but the most outstanding one was Gu Jingxiao, who was entrusted with important responsibilities by him.

Who would have thought he would do something like this?

"But she'll know, and I don't want to disappoint her. If that happens, Father, I'll truly lose all hope of staying by her side, and that's not what you want to see, is it?"

Although he didn't say the name, Gu Changming knew very well that the "she" he was referring to was Lu Yao.

Hearing this, she sighed softly: "Are you sure she's still willing to accept you?"

"As long as I sincerely repent, there will always be a chance." Lu Yaoxin is soft-hearted, he has already seen that, but at the same time her heart is also hard; once hurt, she will never turn back.

"But do you even know what a barren star system is?" Gu Changming asked, his voice low. "Six months? You think it's a vacation?"

"I know," Gu Jingxiao replied without hesitation.

"You knew and you still went?" Gu Changming looked up, his eyes filled with confusion and bewilderment. "With the Gu family's capabilities, they could easily have helped you get a lighter punishment. But instead, you actively asked for a harsher one? Have you lost your mind?"

Gu Jingxiao did not offer any explanation and remained silent.

Gu Changming was enraged by his silence: "Speak!"

"Doesn't Father understand that when you apologize to someone, you should at least show sincerity? Those punishments are too lenient and don't achieve the effect I want."

Gu Changming's eyes widened instantly, as if he had just realized something: "You're serious, you like her?"

"I don't dislike her. If I had to choose the same woman to match with in my life, Lu Yao would be a perfect match."

"Just because she's suitable?" Gu Changming scoffed. "I think you've clearly fallen for her. Otherwise, why would you go to such lengths? Aren't you worried that in six months, she'll have forgotten who you are?"

"Then I can only say that I'm not destined for it. I've made my decision. Father, please arrange for someone to take over my work as soon as possible. I need to go back and pack my things." With that, Gu Jingxiao turned and left the study, giving Gu Changming no chance to stop him.

Watching Gu Jingxiao's departing figure, Gu Changming muttered a curse under his breath, but ultimately said nothing more.

He had long known Lu Yao's value, and if Gu Jingxiao could truly gain a place by her side, it would definitely be a good thing for the Gu family.

However, according to his thinking, Gu Jingxiao didn't need to go to such lengths; a simple exchange of benefits would have been enough for Lu Yao to bear him a son.

But clearly, Gu Jingxiao was more greedy than him; he wanted Lu Yao's heart.

Ah, a woman's true heart?

It's amazing that he dared to think that way.

Lu Yao had naturally seen the notice of punishment for Gu Jingxiao, and she never expected that he would implement it so quickly.

She truly meant what she said. After learning about the "Barren Starfield," Lu Yao had a new understanding of the weight of this punishment.

Gu Jingxiao, on the other hand, recommended his junior colleague to Lu Yao as his assistant, temporarily taking over his work and conducting basic checkups for Lu Yao's pregnancy.

Shen Qing is three years younger than Gu Jingxiao. She was Gu Jingxiao's junior in medical school and has been doing research with him since graduation. She was essentially mentored by Gu Jingxiao.

On his first visit, Shen Qing behaved in a proper and reserved manner, speaking little but doing things meticulously. He was very respectful to Lu Yao, clearly having been instructed by Gu Jingxiao beforehand.

After the inspection, Shen Qing packed his things, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Miss Lu Yao, my senior brother asked me to tell you that he will work diligently in the barren star region and will definitely not let you down."

Lu Yao paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay, tell him to be careful."

Shen Qing nodded, said nothing more, and left with her medical kit.

After everyone left, Xie Linyu leaned over and said, "He's really ruthless to himself."

Lu Yao glanced at him: "Are you praising him or insulting him?"

"Yes, both." Xie Linyu honestly admitted, "To be honest, I didn't expect him to go this far. That barren star field is no place for humans to live."

"Have you been there?" Lu Yao asked.

"I went there for research with the film crew before." Xie Linyu paused.

"How should I put it..." He frowned slightly. "The sky is gray, the ground is dry, and because of the long-term hot and dry environment, there is always a burnt smell in the air. Water resources are extremely scarce. It is said that the locals can only take a bath on rainy days, and even basic antibiotics are often out of stock at the medical station."

"Most of the people living there are criminals who have made mistakes and were exiled there, as well as their descendants."

Lu Yao listened quietly without interrupting.

At this point, Xie Linyu's eyes showed a complex expression: "Gu Jingxiao has to stay there for six months, which means he will have to face different patients every day and do unlimited treatment with limited resources. In that kind of place, the mental torment is more unbearable than the physical torment."

"I thought he was just trying to please you by saying he would turn himself in to the medical committee and accept punishment. I didn't expect him to go this far. I guess he's sincere."

"It's rare to hear you say something good about him," Lu Yao said with a smile, glancing at him.

Xie Linyu touched his nose and said softly, "He was willing to help me back then, so he regrets it now. He can't blame me."

Lu Yao found his awkward expression somewhat amusing.

"Alright, I didn't say anything to you. Dr. Gu made his own choice and is responsible for the consequences. You don't need to feel guilty for him or speak up for him."

Xie Linyu took her hand and kissed it: "I don't feel guilty at all. I just think that what he did was somewhat sincere."

I'd say he's barely passable.

On the day Gu Jingxiao departed for the barren star region, he only sent Lu Yao one message: "Miss Lu Yao, I have departed for the barren star region today. Please rest assured, Shen Qing will relay your situation to me immediately. Please take care of yourself. Goodbye."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like