chapter 11 What kind of man is he?

The atmosphere at the scene took a turn with Luca's remark.
Ava Shu had intentions to test, so she remained silent.
She had noticed from Esme's attire that this woman came from a wealthy background; even her handbag was at least six figures.
If the relationship between the two was genuine, this amount of money would surely be trivial for her.
If she couldn’t produce it, then the nature of their relationship would naturally become clear!
Without waiting for others to speak, the sister-in-law took the initiative, "Director Cui, rest assured, the full surgery fee will be paid shortly!"
After speaking, she pulled her husband aside and whispered, "Go and withdraw all our savings from the bank."
The elder brother was astonished, "Didn't you previously insist we shouldn't touch it?"
The sister-in-law, indignant, said, "Wasn't that because we were hoping for a hospital reimbursement and worried about Theodore wouldn't lower his self-esteem to ask for the favor?"
"Now that this bastard Cui is using this to squeeze Theodore, especially trying to embarrass us in front of Miss Su, how can I, as his sister-in-law, stand by and do nothing? What kind of person do you think I am?"
The elder brother, helpless, pulled out a card from his pocket, "What can I say about you..."
"The money for the surgery, Theodore already transferred it this morning, 568,000, not a cent less!"
The sister-in-law questioned, "Why didn't you bring it up earlier?"
The elder brother replied with difficulty, "Mom's surgery isn’t cheap, and Theodore has already invested all his demobilization funds into it! Theodore isn't yet married; how could I, as his elder brother, bear to use this money?"
Luca, seeing their discussion going nowhere, urged impatiently, "Have you decided yet? The finance department will be closed soon, and if the payment isn't made today, security will have to escort you out!"
"Of course, I could speak on behalf of Ava, to help you out."
Luca, arms crossed, trailed off.
He was waiting for Theodore to bow down. If Theodore didn't ask for his help, he was determined to throw them out, no matter who intervened!
Imagining himself trampling Theodore underfoot in front of Ava, Luca's lips curled up in a typical smug sneer.
"What's the rush? The money is already prepared! Theodore, let's go make the payment. Be careful, if Miss Su gets bullied while I'm away, I won't let you off easy!"
After speaking, the sister-in-law walked off with the elder brother, glancing disdainfully at Ava.
Ava felt uncomfortable under that look, as if she was some gold-digging, heartless, troublemaking woman.
Esme smirked, suddenly finding the straightforward sister-in-law utterly adorable. Biased and domineering!
Luca watched everything, grinding his teeth in hatred.
He had planned to use this situation to crush Theodore's face underfoot.
But unexpectedly, they actually managed to produce such a large sum of money!
But what did it matter if they had money?
Tian Zhou Hospital was his territory. If he couldn't trample Theodore today, then he might as well write his name, Lucas Cui, backwards!
Thinking this, he confidently declared, "Since the payment's made, all is well. Brother Zhao, don't worry, I'll personally perform Auntie's surgery!"
Theodore cast a scrutinizing gaze at Ava. If Luca's character was questionable, how competent could his medical skills be?
Ava, knowing Theodore's concerns, chimed in, "Director Cui is our top neurosurgeon, highly skilled in cranial surgery, one of the best in our hospital and even in Tian Zhou."
Theodore remained silent, especially hearing these words from Ava, he felt a complex mix of emotions.
But after all, if Luca wasn't outstanding, Ava wouldn't have left him in the first place.
Luca, already proud, beamed even more upon hearing Ava's praise, practically strutting.
He patted Theodore on the shoulder, feigning difficulty, "Brother Zhao, Auntie's surgery might need to wait. I'm afraid my schedule is fully booked until next month."
Theodore could tell Luca was posturing, waiting for him to beg.
If he didn't ask, the surgery would be indefinitely delayed.
But in front of Ava and Esme, how could he stoop to beg his ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend?
Theodore's face darkened at the thought, feeling utterly disgraced!
Yet, what could he do?
He had brought his mother to Tian Zhou Hospital precisely because of its renowned neurosurgery department.
He couldn't let his pride jeopardize his mother's health, could he?
Ava noticed Theodore's dilemma and, for some reason, stepped in to help, "Aren't you free this Friday? Theodore is my friend after all. Please make an exception for Auntie's surgery."
Luca's eyes flashed with anger. This despicable woman, already broken up, still speaking for Theodore?
Though resentful, he maintained his composure for appearances' sake.
Luca put on a charming smile, "Ava, since you've asked, I'll help, of course. But how will you thank me?"
Perhaps due to Theodore's presence, Ava seemed uneasy, adjusting her hair, "I'll treat you to a meal."
"That won't do. After dinner, you'll have to accompany me to a movie."
As Luca spoke, he reached for Ava's hand, his eyes burning with desire.
Since establishing their relationship, besides a few hand touches, he hadn't gained any further intimacy. Today, he saw an opportunity to advance their relationship.
In his mind, the ideal scenario was a late-night movie, followed naturally by a hotel visit, and a half-forced romantic encounter, finally claiming the belle of Tian Zhou Hospital for himself.
Theodore saw right through Luca's despicable intentions, abruptly interrupting, "Thanks, but that won't be necessary."
Luca's face showed a trace of mockery. Damn, the man doesn't know when to accept a favor!
But before he could speak, Ava interjected, incredulous, "What did you say? Not necessary? What do you mean?"
Theodore, instinctively reaching for a cigarette, remembered he was in a hospital and refrained. He fumbled in his pocket, "No need to trouble yourself, I'll figure out the surgery arrangements."
Ava, somewhat angered, retorted sharply, "What can you possibly do? Let me tell you, Director Cui's schedule is indeed full. Without connections, even next month would be soon!"
Theodore detected anger in her tone. But they were already broken up; why was she getting so worked up?
Concern? Or was she just flaunting Luca's capabilities in front of him?
With this thought, Theodore became even more reluctant to owe Luca a favor, countering, "Is he the only one capable of this surgery in Tian Zhou?"
"Of course not!"
Ava assessed Theodore with a glance, leaving her thoughts unspoken.
Although the surgery was complex and there were doctors more skilled than Luca, the key question was, who could Theodore find with his capabilities?
Moreover, asking Luca for help was all for her sake. If Theodore really had such ability, why would she have broken up with him in the first place?
"Come with me!"
Ava didn't give Theodore a chance to respond, striding ahead with her hands in her white coat.
Luca, petty and envious, watched as Theodore followed suit, his eyes brimming with resentment and jealousy.
Even if Ava was beautiful, she had been with another man before. Previously unseen, now right in front of him, how dare they flaunt it so blatantly?
Did he look like a dead man to them?
Esme, meanwhile, kept silent, her light snort indicating dissatisfaction. She hadn't expected Theodore to have such a beautiful ex-girlfriend.
Ava stopped abruptly, turning to ask, "What do you really want?"
Theodore replied honestly, "I don't want anything."
"Then listen to me. I'll speak with Director Cui, and I'll make sure he arranges the surgery soon. You don't need to worry about anything else. From now on, we owe each other nothing."
Ava sighed in relief.
When they had broken up, she felt she owed Theodore something. Now, by helping him, she could finally rest easy, sleep soundly.
As Theodore opened his mouth to speak, Ava interrupted, "No need to explain. I know you're proud, but Auntie's health is more important. If you refuse this opportunity for your pride, don't blame me for looking down on you!"
Theodore wanted to say something, but the words never came. He relented, "Alright, then."
As they returned, all eyes fell on them.
Ava cleared her throat, "Sister, Auntie's surgery is scheduled for this Friday. I'll come by tomorrow to explain the pre-op instructions."
The sister-in-law, seeing Theodores lack of objection, reluctantly nodded. Her mother-in-law's surgery was more important than family pride.
Luca let out an untimely sneer.
He wasn't ready to give up this chance to kick Theodore while he was down.
Since the Zhao family wouldn't be grateful, why play the good guy? Better to thoroughly crush Theodore's pride, severing any last chance between him and Ava.
Also, to show Esme that the man by her side was nothing but a complete loser, unworthy of even being his rival.
Mulling over this, Luca spoke without restraint, "I thought you were something, Theodore. But in the end, you still come begging to me. If you'd asked yourself, I wouldn't have said anything. But having a woman speak for you? What kind of man are you?"