In Lindwood City Hospital's outpatient department, a tall and cold-looking female doctor walked by, immediately sparking intense discussions among several young male doctors behind her.
Somebody remarked, "Dr. Johnson is so beautiful, my goodness! How can there be such a perfect woman in this world? If I could marry Dr. Johnson, it would be worth losing twenty years of my life!"
Someone scoffed, "You should stop dreaming. Even if you lost fifty years of your life, it still wouldn't be your turn. Just look at Dr. Johnson's qualifications, a top student from Southern Medical University with exceptional medical skills.
"She is earning a salary of several hundred thousand dollars a year. She's not only beautiful but also outstanding. Those who pursue her could line up all the way to Russia."
Another added, "Why don't you say they could line up to Britain?"
One suggested, "Hey, stop talking. James Smith is coming."
As they looked on, a man in shabby clothing, his garments washed to a fading yellow hue, approached silently.
One of the male doctors remarked, "Well, what's there to fear? Everyone in the entire hospital knows James Smith is a cuckold king. Remember when Mr. Romero openly delivered flowers to Dr. Johnson in his presence? He didn't bat an eye."
Another added, "Yeah, if I were James Smith, I'd just drop dead soon. He remains unfazed even as another man openly admires his own wife.
"It's truly baffling. I wonder how Jennifer Johnson ended up marrying such a man; even marrying a dog seems preferable to marrying James Smith."
Someone advised, "Don't speak so loudly. You might make James Smith hear you and come after you."
The other doctor sneered, "Come after me? Is that possible? If he dares to come after me, I'll treat you all to a feast at the Emperor Club tonight."
James Smith approached, his hearing sharp enough to catch their words, but he felt nothing, as he had grown numb to such talk.
For the past five years, he had lived almost the same life every day.
He glanced up at the retreating Jennifer and let out a silent sigh. Although he and Jennifer were husband and wife, they had never experienced a normal marital life.
As the son-in-law who had married into the family, Jennifer Johnson had never looked directly at him from the very first day of their marriage. Her attitude towards him had become increasingly hostile, especially since last year.
Indeed, in everyone's eyes, James Smith was simply not worthy of Jennifer Johnson, not even fit to hold her shoes.
Only James Smith was aware that he was about to put an end to this kind of life.
He came from the largest hidden family in the country, was immensely wealthy and prestigious, had unparalleled medical skills, and was far superior to the doctors at Lindwood City Hospital.
Due to some peculiar regulations within the family, he was obligated to serve as the son-in-law of the Johnson Family for five years. Furthermore, he was required to turn the other cheek when dealing with physical fights and verbal abuse.
Only upon completion of these stipulations could he return to his family's estate and assume the mantle of familial inheritance, a stipulation that was purportedly designed to refine his character.
He couldn't fathom how his family had devised such absurd rules, leading him to needlessly endure years of suffering, living a life worse than that of a dog.
But fortunately, he was about to gain his freedom!
Sensing the surging energy within his being, James Smith found himself overwhelmed by a sense of excitement he could scarcely contain.
"Just wait, I will leave you all astonished!" he declared inwardly.
Particularly directed towards his wife, Jennifer Johnson, he eagerly anticipated the moment when she would realize his true capabilities, eager to witness her expression upon the revelation that he was not the lacking individual she believed him to be.
After work, James took Jennifer's favorite meal from the cafeteria and brought it to her office, which was the most important thing for him at Lindwood City Hospital.
However, as he approached the office, he saw several nurses from the hospital eavesdropping outside, looking very gossipy. When they saw James coming, they quickly dispersed, giving him pitiful looks.
"James, maybe you shouldn't go in," a nurse advised and stopped him.
"Why?" James felt puzzled.
At that moment, he heard a man's affectionate voice coming from the office, saying, "Jennifer, I truly love you. You're so outstanding. Why bother staying with that useless man? He can't give you happiness! Divorce him and marry me. Jennifer, I really love you."
The voice was not low, and even though they were separated by the office door, many people heard it. They all turned to look at James, showing sympathy, pity, and, more so, schadenfreude and disdain.
James Smith's mouth twitched a few times. No man could stay calm when hearing another man confessing to his wife in such a manner. Even James Smith couldn't do it.
Anger surged from his feet to his head, and he pushed past the nurse, striding towards the office.
However, his right foot slipped awkwardly, looking clumsier than heroic, even pitiful.
As soon as he arrived, the office door swung open, unveiling a striking figure—Jennifer. Catching sight of James, a brief flicker of guilt crossed her face, swiftly dissipating as she adopted a stern expression and uttered, "Who do you think you're giving that attitude to?"
Upon laying eyes on Jennifer, James found his ire immediately quelled. At that moment, another figure emerged from the office. The man pleaded, "Jennifer, please allow me to explain. I..."
Seeing James, the man stopped and looked at him provocatively, and scoffed, "Oh, isn't this James Smith? Have you finished cleaning the toilets?"
Some time ago, when a toilet got clogged and the janitor was absent, James stepped in to unclog it. What started as a kind gesture on his part has now turned into a source of mockery by John and others.
Chuckles immediately erupted from some onlookers.
James ignored John and only had eyes for Jennifer. He picked up the takeout box in his hand and said, "I've packed up the meal. Enjoy it while it's still hot."
John stepped forward, blocking James, and said to Jennifer, "Jennifer, there's nothing special about the food in the cafeteria. Let me take you to a romantic restaurant instead; it has a very romantic atmosphere."
He emphasized the word "romantic" and glanced provocatively at James Smith, deliberately trying to provoke him.
Everyone knew that James was Jennifer's husband, yet John dared to say such things, showing complete disregard for James.
James continued to ignore John, seemingly oblivious to his words, as he gazed at Jennifer with hopeful anticipation, wishing for her to stay and partake of the meal he had brought back.
Observing his demeanor, Jennifer was overcome with anger. She angrily swatted the food container from his hand, exclaiming, "You are truly incompetent!"
Although Jennifer had maintained a cold demeanor toward him since their marriage, she had never before insulted him as "incompetent" in front of others. This was a first, causing his body to stiffen immediately in response.
On the sidelines, John couldn't contain his inner delight. Despite his efforts, his smile failed to conceal his joy. Seizing the opportunity, he attempted to reach for Jennifer's hand, capitalizing on the situation.
Suddenly, a hurried set of footsteps approached, accompanied by a frantic cry, "Oh no, something big has happened!"