《Taming The Hidden Bigshot By Kissing Him》


 Chapter 1: The Wedding Night, My Comatose Husband Went Crazy from My Kisses

    Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Wedding Night, My Comatose Husband Went Crazy from My Kisses


    Qiao Xi wore a faded floral dress, sitting in an extravagantly luxurious villa.


    Her mother, whom she hadn''t seen in twenty years and now extravagantly dressed, held her hand and wept, "Xixi, you''ve lived a hard life in the countryside, but by marrying into the Huo Family, you can enjoy wealth and honor."


    A pang went through Qiao Xi''s heart, and any extravagant hopes she had for maternal love vanished.


    She looked expressionlessly at Zhao Yuzhen and said, "I am your biological daughter, are you sure you want me to marry in place of your stepdaughter, Su Weiwei, to ward off misfortune? And that man has become a comatose vegetable from a car accident?"


    The Su Family wanted to grab the olive branch offered by the Huo Family to ward off misfortune, but they didn''t want Su Weiwei to suffer by marrying into it.


    It turned out she was the sacrificial lamb, the one meant to be sacrificed from the beginning, and that''s why Zhao Yuzhen brought her back from the countryside.


    She had thought that it was Zhao Yuzhen''s conscience catching up with her, wanting to be a good mother.


    Zhao Yuzhen cried pitifully, kneeling in front of her and saying, "I had no choice. I am a remarried woman, a stepmother! It seems like I''m a rich lady, but I have had many hardships. I gave birth to you, so just help your mother out! Marry in place of your step-sister!"


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath, her eyes slightly red.


    Zhao Yuzhen had abandoned her when she was just a baby to marry into the Su Family as a stepmother. She doted on her stepdaughter, Su Weiwei, as if she were the apple of her eye, and had ignored her own daughter in the countryside for twenty years.


    She thought Zhao Yuzhen had brought her back out of a guilty conscience, remembering her abandoned daughter, but it turned out she was just squeezing out her last value.


    "Fine, I''ll marry."


    Consider it as repaying the debt of birth.


    Zhao Yuzhen''s tears turned to laughter, hurriedly drying her eyes and pulling her up, "The Huo Family has prepared a phoenix crown and bridal attire, all in red festivity, quickly change into them."


    All she cared about was achieving her goal, bustling with excitement.


    Qiao Xi shook off her hand, her radiant face filled with coldness, "This is the last time. After this, I have nothing to do with you."


    Zhao Yuzhen froze for a moment, then quickly acted as if nothing had happened and instructed the maids to help Qiao Xi into her wedding dress.


    Qiao Xi stood still as a puppet while they fitted her with those clothes, her already decent looks now even more stunning and lustrous.


    Her gaze flickered to the staircase, where a graceful figure appeared. Her step-sister, Su Weiwei, was standing there with a smug smile at the corners of her mouth, silently saying, "Poor thing without a mother."


    Qiao Xi''s hands hung by her side, tightly clutching the medical kit she had brought from the countryside.


    The maid reminded, "Madam, the Huo Family''s car is already at the door."


    Zhao Yuzhen repeatedly said, "Xixi, don''t let the Huo Family wait too long. You might as well leave this junk here, lest you become a laughingstock." She pushed and shoved Qiao Xi towards the outside, trying to snatch the medical kit from her hands.


    Qiao Xi dodged, causing Zhao Yuzhen to lose her balance and nearly fall.


    "This is my personal belonging. You have no right to handle it."


    Her whole body was stiff and sore from sitting, so she subconsciously bent her pale, lotus-root-like fingers to massage her neck, forgetting about the red cord in her hand.


    She was yanked hard.


    The beads on the phoenix crown clinked crisply as she fell onto the bed, and the red bridal veil flew off.


    Her entire body was pressed against a warm one, her red lips brushing against the man''s cheek.


    The man lying beneath her had a pale complexion, his eyes closed tightly, and long curled eyelashes casting shadows, giving him a stunningly handsome appearance that dazzled onlookers. However, the bright red lipstick mark on his cheek marred his aloof demeanor.


    Her cheeks flushed, she abruptly got up, frantically trying to rub the lipstick mark off his handsome face, but her hair was hopelessly entangled in the buttons of the man''s pajamas, and she couldn''t untangle it!


    "Ah!"


    Qiao Xi let out a cry of pain, her scalp burning, as her eyes began to well up with moisture.


    The more she struggled, the tighter it got.


    Her red lips kept brushing against the man''s thin lips, again and again.


    If anyone from the Huo Family saw this scene, they would surely think she was audacious to the extreme, not even sparing a man in a vegetative state!


    "I''m sorry, I have no other choice," Qiao Xi said in a soft voice, looking at the man with his eyes tightly closed.


    She spread her legs and, despite the pain, mounted the man, grabbing at the collar of his pajamas.


    With a ripping sound,


    the cotton pajamas tore open, and buttons fell off.


    Phew, at last, it came loose.


    Qiao Xi looked down.


    The man lying on the sickbed slowly opened his eyes.


    His eyes were deep, exuding endless coldness as he looked at her.


    The torn pajama top exposed his sexy Adam''s apple and broad chest.


    He looked as though he had been ravaged.


    Qiao Xi was so frightened that she froze, clenching her legs tight on top of him.


    "Hmm..."


    The man let out a muffled groan.

 Chapter 2: Last Night, You Kissed Me

    Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Last Night, You Kissed Me


    ```


    The atmosphere was frigid.


    Qiao Xi covered her heart, which was pounding wildly, and shuffled her buttocks before tentatively asking, "You... you''re awake?"


    The man had his eyes open for a long time but made no movements or sounds.


    Qiao Xi tentatively reached out to cover his eyes with her hand, feeling a slight itch in her palm.


    Huo Xingzhou slowly closed his eyes.


    She turned over and sat on the edge of the bed, sweating coldly. Eventually, she pinched the sleeve of her garment and wiped all the lipstick marks off Huo Xingzhou''s face, then, feeling guilty like a thief, she covered his entire body with the blanket.


    He still did not wake up.


    Only then did Qiao Xi comfort herself, perhaps it was just an illusion.


    The voice from before must have been an auditory hallucination because she was too tired.


    She sat by the bed for a long time, and the night grew deep. In the latter half of the night, she yawned while covering her mouth and unknowingly drifted off to sleep.


    In the middle of the night, she dreamt again of that chaotic scene from many years past. Qiao Xi turned over in her sleep, missing the moment the man''s eyes opened once more.


    Dawn broke.


    Qiao Xi was awakened by a commotion, and she opened her bleary-eyed.


    Aunt Qian stood by the bed with a washbasin, "Young Madam, please wash and cleanse the Young Master."


    "Me, wash him?"


    "Of course."


    "Who did it before?" Huo Xingzhou had been in a coma for a month.


    "It was the caregiver, but how could an outsider compare to one''s own wife?" Her tone was certain, leaving no room for discussion.


    Wearing the big red wedding dress, Qiao Xi, with pursed lips and a sense of helplessness, took the towel from Aunt Qian, wrung out the water, and gently wiped the handsome face of the man.


    He kept his eyes tightly shut, his eyelashes did not move; last night had indeed been an illusion.


    Qiao Xi couldn''t ignore his handsome features, and her cheeks flushed red. Aunt Qian supervised as she wiped over the man''s eyebrows, eyes, lips, neck, and chest.


    Inch by inch, the towel brushed over the skin, and her fingertips followed closely.


    "The Young Master likes cleanliness. Please make sure to wipe thoroughly. After wiping, you must massage the whole body to effectively prevent muscle atrophy. Caring for our Young Master must be meticulous."


    Aunt Qian''s eyes were sharp, leaving Qiao Xi no room to cut corners. She could only comfort herself by thinking of Huo Xingzhou as one of the patients she had treated before.


    With this thought, her movements became even more careful and professional.


    Aunt Qian watched and nodded silently.


    Qiao Xi held his wrist and unfolded his fingers with the towel, wiping them one by one. Huo Xingzhou''s fingers were fair and slender, with distinct joints, quite beautiful.


    "Hmm?"


    "Madam."


    The crowd in the corridor parted, and a woman, dressed in a simple and elegant cheongsam, exuding a refined air, walked over and looked at her.


    This was Huo Xingzhou''s biological mother, the Huo Family''s second madam, Du Juan.


    Subconsciously, Qiao Xi stiffened her back, feeling a bit nervous.


    "You did well."


    The second madam of the Huo Family held her hand, repeatedly saying, "It''s all thanks to you that Xingzhou could wake up."


    She hadn''t expected the desperate remedy to actually work!


    She slipped off a luxurious, emerald green jade bracelet from her wrist and put it onto Qiao Xi''s hand.


    "Madam, this is too valuable!"


    "Good child, don''t refuse." Du Juan patted the back of her hand and said, "This is my gift to the daughter-in-law I accept."


    Qiao Xi pressed her dry lips together, managing a faint smile, "Madam Huo, I am not from the Su Family..."


    "I know. Su Heng brought over a stepdaughter, seeing our second branch in decline. But even a dying camel is bigger than a horse, Xingzhou still holds a major project, and we''ll have our comeback..."


    She paused then continued, "Anyway, from today onwards, you''re the only daughter-in-law I, Du Juan, acknowledge."


    The second madam of the Huo Family looked at her beautiful face and felt increasingly pleased with her.


    "Our Xingzhou will rely on you to take care of him. You''re a person with good fortune, also bring some of that to my son. From now on just call me ''Mom''. He also has a sister who went to the temple to pray for safety and blessings, and his dad is busy cleaning up a mess. Another day, our family should have a good meal together."


    Qiao Xi looked at the sincerity in her eyes, her eyes becoming a little moist. Not all mothers in the world were selfish.


    The country folk always said she was a jinx, the bringer of bad luck, a lone evil star. Her own father had died because of her influence, and her mother had run off with a wealthy man.


    It was the first time anyone had said she was fortunate.


    Squeak.


    The master bedroom door suddenly opened.


    The leading doctor took off his stethoscope and mask, saying, "The young master''s physical functions are gradually recovering, and brain and nerve functions have not been damaged. However, there are multiple spots of bruising in the bone marrow of his legs, and he has no sensation, the surgical risk is very high."


    "So he can''t be treated?"


    Unwilling to believe it, Du Juan pressed.


    "Yes, the young master''s legs are disabled, which will affect his fertility," the doctor said harshly.


    "I am sorry. Unless..." he pushed his glasses up, "Unless you find the national medical expert Master Cheng Han, he has had successful cases. But he retired to care for his health, and for many years no one has known his whereabouts, so the hope is slim."


    Having heard the doctor, Madam Huo''s face drooped with defeat. Who in the world could find the National Doctor Cheng Han now!


    A flicker of confusion passed through Qiao Xi''s eyes, but Huo Xingzhou''s legs were clearly...


    As she hesitated over whether to speak, the phone in her inner pocket started to vibrate.


    ```

 Chapter 3 - 3 Pull Down His Pants

    Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Pull Down His Pants


    In a corner of the staircase.


    Seeing the name flashing on the screen, Qiao Xi answered, suppressing her aversion.


    "Hello."


    "Xixi," Zhao Yuzhen gently probed on the other end of the line, "I heard Huo''s second young master has woken up? Are his legs truly ruined?"


    The doctors had just issued a diagnosis, and the Su Family was already privy to internal information.


    Zhao Yuzhen did not express concern about how the Huo Family would deal with a surrogate daughter-in-law, nor did she ask about how she spent the previous night, but instead sought to pry into insider details.


    Qiao Xi''s heart grew even colder.


    She said indifferently, "If there''s nothing else, I''m going to hang up."


    "Wait!"


    Zhao Yuzhen called out anxiously, "You must help your sister! Huo Xingzhou has a major project in his hands, a collaboration between Tianyuan Group and the Huo corporation. If you can convince him to sign the ''Project Transfer Document,'' your sister will be able to marry the elder Huo heir, and you can be sisters-in-law."


    Qiao Xi laughed in scorn.


    "What makes you think I can do this favor? I''m just a bride brought in to avert disaster, with no status whatsoever."


    Zhao Yuzhen coaxed her patiently, "Since you married in, Huo Xingzhou has woken up. The second branch of the Huo Family is counting on you now. Besides, he''s already a cripple; what use does he have holding onto the project? It''s better to hand it over and ensure your sister''s marriage to the Huo elder heir."


    Greed flickered in Zhao Yuzhen''s eyes; that project could reap profits in the billions upon completion. And it was through that very project that Huo Xingzhou had secured his position in the Huo corporation.


    "I can''t help you."


    With that, Qiao Xi was about to hang up the phone.


    Zhao Yuzhen''s voice turned shrill, as she shouted, "That rural old hag has been taken to the Su Family! If you don''t agree, you may never see her again in your lifetime."


    "Have you no heart!" Qiao Xi roared, "She''s my grandmother, your mother-in-law as well!"


    All these years, if it hadn''t been for her grandmother raising her, she would have died a long time ago!


    Her grandmother eked out a meager existence, scrimping and saving for her schooling, working herself to illness. No matter how hard she tried to learn medicine from the neighbor, Old Man Cheng, she couldn''t save her grandmother''s worn-out, failing body.


    Zhao Yuzhen actually made her travel a long distance! Who knew what hardships and indignities that old lady had to suffer?


    "Your father died early, and I have no blood relation to that old hag," Zhao Yuzhen said callously.


    Clutching her phone, Qiao Xi''s knuckles turned white, and her fingers trembled.


    Biting her lip and holding back tears, she reddened her eyes and asked, "Am I still your biological daughter?"


    Zhao Yuzhen was silent for a while, then answered with cold indifference, "Weiwei is the one I raised with my own hands; she comes from a good background, has charm, and talent. You managed to marry the Huo second heir, she should obviously marry someone even better than you. I don''t care whether you steal or rob, you must do it."


    "On the day you return to your parents'' home for the visit, I expect good news. Otherwise... considering the old woman''s age, anything can happen."


    Zhao Yuzhen hung up the phone directly.


    "Ah."


    Aunt Qian responded with a sound, giving Qiao Xi an "heroic" look.


    The two left, closing the door behind them.


    Qiao Xi stood by the bed, her head down, fiddling with her fingers, licking her dry lips. The man''s sharp gaze was fixed on her.


    After a long while.


    He said distantly, "Miss Qiao, I can give you money. Her dowry is all tied up in the stock market, she''s deceiving you."


    Qiao Xi bit her cheek, explaining, "I''m not after money."


    Huo Xingzhou saw flashes of last night''s scenes before his eyes, his chest heaving slightly as he said stiflingly, "Awake, I would never indulge you to treat me as you did last night. Being widowed alive means you can''t touch even a finger of mine, not even..."


    His expression grew colder, "Not even for satisfying a craving."


    Qiao Xi''s face turned so red it could bleed.


    Was hugging and kissing what he meant by satisfying a craving?


    "I didn''t," she murmured softly, "And besides, you are not capable anyway."


    "What did you say?" the man asked.


    Qiao Xi shook her head and let go of her tightly clasped hands, making a decision.


    Her eyes were as clear as water, her voice firm, "Mr. Huo, I am confident that I can heal your legs."


    "Heh."


    The man scoffed.


    From a proud scion to a cripple, he was full of irritation and defeat. The woman in front of him was humiliating and mocking him over and over again.


    Even with Huo Xingzhou''s usual good manners, he had lost the last of his patience, "Get out."


    Qiao Xi''s innocent face was full of defiance, "I''m not lying."


    "Do you have a medical license? Have you ever cured anyone? What proof do you have?"


    Qiao Xi shook her head, "No, but I have treated many people in the countryside. When I touched you, I felt your pulse, it''s..."


    "Get out!"


    With a frown, Qiao Xi got a bit angry facing his resistance.


    She stepped forward, swiftly pulling off Huo Xingzhou''s covers and stripped down his sleep pants! His muscular legs, clearly defined, were now exposed to the air.


    The man was furious.


    "Qiao Xi!"

 Chapter 4 - 4 Check on my wife

    Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Check on my wife


    "I''ll prove it to you right now,"


    Qiao Xi dragged out the medicine box from under the bed and opened it.


    Nine silver needles, emitting a cold sheen, were lined up neatly. She took out a long needle and swiftly, accurately, and fiercely pierced an acupuncture point in Huo Xingzhou''s leg.


    She tilted her head, focusing intently on Huo Xingzhou as she asked, "Do you feel anything?"


    The needle awakened his numb legs, spreading a tingling sensation like ants nibbling at his skin. Huo Xingzhou watched her earnest face, a shadow flickering in his eyes.


    His index finger grazed his fingertip, turning his head away with an indifferent expression, his brows furrowed tightly.


    Qiao Xi could tell he was in pain. She twisted the tail of the needle further in by a fraction and softly said, "Feeling it is good. I may not have treated any celebrities, nor do I have a medical license. But I am sure, I can cure your legs."


    "As long as you have acupuncture daily to drain the hematoma, along with medicinal decoction and massage, you could stand again in as little as one month, or at most half a year."


    Huo Xingzhou felt something stir in his heart, and the hostility faded from his restrained, handsome face.


    "What do you want?"


    There was no such thing as free charity; he was a businessman.


    Qiao Xi paused, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    "My grandmother was taken to Haicheng by the Su Family, they want the major project that you have with Tianyuan Group, let... let Su Weiwei marry your cousin."


    Even she, a country girl, had heard of Tianyuan Group. That was a multinational corporation, and while the Huo Family dominated Haicheng alone, they couldn''t compare to the enormity of Tianyuan Group.


    That project was highly coveted.


    Qiao Xi looked at him uneasily.


    She felt guilty, thinking Huo Xingzhou was unlucky.


    Not only would he lose resources, but he also had to hand over his fiance?e to someone else.


    Huo Xingzhou let out a sarcastic laugh.


    Seeing his reaction, Qiao Xi said with disappointment, "Sorry, I was overstepping."


    She bent over to remove the needles, tidied up the medicine box, and left the room.


    As Huo Xingzhou watched her dispirited figure leaving, a dark light passed through his eyes. He reached for the mobile phone on the bedside table and dialed a number.


    "Zhou Yu, it''s me."


    The man on the other end sounded as if he had seen a ghost, "Huo Xingzhou, you''re really awake! I thought I''d have to visit your grave next year."


    Huo Xingzhou spoke concisely, "Prepare a brief for me on the partnership data between Tianyuan Group and the Huo Family, and make some alterations to it."


    "Okay," Zhou Yu said earnestly, "just a heads-up, the car accident wasn''t simple, but there''s no trace, and I can''t find any evidence."


    Huo Xingzhou''s expression was cool, "No need to look any further, I know who it is."@@@@


    "Can''t be your cousin and his family, can it?" Zhou Yu cursed angrily, "That bastard has no ability, just schemes! You''re not giving the brief to him, are you? In that case, I''ll have to be extra thorough."


    Du Juan''s gaze was haughty, her every word struck Mrs. Sun''s sore spot.


    The Sun Family''s only son''s ineptitude in bed was an open secret in Haicheng, and he had this penchant for taking medicine and stirring up trouble, frequently becoming the butt of jokes.


    Mrs. Sun wouldn''t show weakness: "Isn''t your son the same? We will find Master Cheng Han sooner or later, and then don''t come begging to me!"


    "Beg you? Funny! My Xingzhou is blessed, who knows if Master Cheng might come to treat him himself!"


    When it came to power struggles among the elite, Mrs. Huo was yet unmatched in a war of words.


    "You... don''t forget that our Sun Family still holds the land rights. I''d like to see how Huo Xingzhou settles the Huo''s and Tianyuan''s project!"


    Mrs. Sun''s face alternated between green and white as she grabbed her bag and left.


    When she heard about the Tianyuan Group project, Qiao Xi''s eyes darkened with complexity.


    Du Juan composed herself and turned to point at the top glass cabinet, "Show me that sapphire necklace."


    The sales associate put on white gloves and took down the jewelry box, praising, "You really have an eye for beauty."


    Qiao Xi looked at the string of zeros on the price tag and felt dizzy. Before she could react, Du Juan had already put it on her.


    The teardrop-shaped sapphire pendant made Qiao Xi''s skin look snow-white, and the dazzling light cast a halo around her.


    "It suits you very well," Mrs. Huo admired with satisfaction.


    Qiao Xi shook her head and said earnestly, biting her lip, "I should not refuse a gift from an elder, but you have already given me so many things, I cannot accept this necklace."


    "Alright, you child..."


    Mrs. Huo the Second looked at her regretfully and put the necklace back.


    Seizing the opportunity, Qiao Xi voiced her questions, "Who exactly is that Master Cheng?" It seemed like all the wealthy people in Haicheng were looking for him.


    Walking arm in arm, Mrs. Huo the Second explained as they walked, "Cheng Han, Master Cheng is a National Doctor, his acupuncture is nothing short of miraculous, specializing in difficult and complicated ailments. Whatever the disease, it''s assured to be cured upon his treatment. It''s just that he retired at the age of sixty, and no one knows where he is now, though it is said that he took a disciple."


    If they couldn''t find the master himself, finding a disciple of Cheng Han would be the next best thing.


    Wealthy people valued their health more, and who didn''t have the occasional headache or fever? In matters of life and death, befriending a renowned doctor was vital security.


    Qiao Xi nodded after listening.


    Her neighbor, Grandpa Cheng in the countryside, was also skilled in acupuncture, and she had learned the treatment for blocked leg meridians from him. For a moment, she entertained an absurd thought. But it was quickly dismissed by her.


    Grandpa Cheng''s real name wasn''t Cheng Han.


    They were not the same person. How could a National Doctor reside in the countryside?


    "As long as we find Cheng Han, Xingzhou''s..." Du Juan had yet to finish speaking when her phone began to vibrate. She released Qiao Xi''s hand and answered the call.


    "Hello."


    Whatever the person on the other end said, Qiao Xi saw her expression change instantly, her complexion turning ashen.


    "Let that bastard wait! I''m coming back immediately!"

 Chapter 5 - 5 Blushing, Kissed by the Young Master

    Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Blushing, Kissed by the Young Master


    ```


    In the villa, Aunt Qian was crying so hard that heaven and earth seemed to blur.


    When Qiao Xi and Du Juan returned, wiping away tears, she said, "Madam, the Eldest Young Master barged into the young master''s room with the doctor and drew a large tube of blood."


    "Where is he?"


    "Still in the room."


    Clutching her chest, Du Juan''s footsteps were chaotic as she rushed towards the stairs. Her high heels twisted, injuring her ankle, and Qiao Xi hurriedly supported her.


    "Thank you." Du Juan''s voice was tight with a choking sob.


    As they reached the entrance of the corridor, they saw the door to the master bedroom open.


    A young man with gold-rimmed glasses and sharp phoenix eyes stood there. His hair was meticulously styled, and he was dressed in expensive fashion. A smile playing on his lips, he looked towards them. His gaze swept past Qiao Xi''s face with a touch of chill.


    "Auntie, is this the country bumpkin from the countryside? To think that Xingzhou, a child favored by the heavens, now only matches with a village woman."


    "Huo Beiting, what exactly do you want to do?" Du Juan coldly demanded.


    With a proud tone, Huo Beiting answered, "I am acting on grandfather''s orders, bringing a doctor to check Xingzhou''s health. Has auntie misunderstood something?"@@@@


    "The checkup is over, right? Please leave."


    "Auntie, please don''t speak to me like that. Over these years, our main branch has been searching for Cheng Han, the National Doctor, for grandfather. The leads we hold are always more than what you in the second branch have."


    When the old master of the Huo Family was young, he suffered a serious injury which caused him to endure unbearable pain in his limbs whenever winter came. Having sought famous doctors to no avail, he pinned his hopes on the National Doctor, Cheng Han.


    Seeing Du Juan''s displeased face, Huo Beiting was satisfied and sneered with pride: "I''ll take my leave then, auntie."


    Flushed with triumph, Huo Beiting''s long-suppressed gloom was swept away, as he had been overshadowed by Huo Xingzhou for many years.


    A lame man, how could he be fit to become the next heir of the Huo Family.


    Du Juan bit her lip as she watched them leave, every movement of her foot sending through a bone-piercing pain.


    "Let me see your injury." Qiao Xi helped her sit down in the corridor, her slender and nimble fingers manipulating Du Juan''s ankle, "It''s all right, the bone isn''t damaged."


    Whatever she did, with just a few strong twists, Du Juan was able to stand and walk again.


    With tears in her eyes, Du Juan looked towards the tightly closed door, then turned her gaze to Qiao Xi, "He... Qiao Xi, could I trouble you to take care of Xingzhou for me? My foot is fine, he''s the one who is important."


    A mother knows her child best.


    After the commotion Huo Beiting had made, it was uncertain what the scene inside the room was like.


    Being so proud, he surely wouldn''t want his closest kin to see him in a state of humiliation.


    Qiao Xi, shrewd as she was, instantly understood.


    She nodded solemnly.


    So he didn''t trust her, all the previous interactions had been just a game to him.


    It wasn''t until now that this proud and steady noble son finally revealed his decisive and ruthless claws. His right hand glided over her tender waist, his fingertips sinking into the softness there.


    All she heard was his cold voice mixed with a barely visible roguishness, "Do you know what methods were used to interrogate female spies in the past?"


    She knew!


    She couldn''t escape torture either way, being harshly tormented.


    Qiao Xi writhed, trying to break free.


    "You''ve pulled down my pants twice, I pull down yours once, that''s not too much, right?" he said again, his fingers resting on the side of her leg.


    Qiao Xi was so angry her eyes reddened, and she fiercely pinched the shoulder well acupoint on his body. Huo Xingzhou''s arm tingled and he released his grip.


    She took the opportunity to roll off the bed, holding up her pants and warily watching him.


    Anger, resentment.


    "You... even if you strip me bare, you... you still wouldn''t be able to do it!" Her voice was tearful and reckless, her cheeks still bearing the imprint of pressure. Qiao Xi pushed open the door and ran out, overwhelmed with shame and anger, returning to her own room.


    The two women who had been hiding around the corner of the corridor then came out.


    "Her clothes buttons are undone."


    "Her hair is in disarray."


    "Her face is flushed, was she kissed by the Young Master?"


    Aunt Qian gave a thumbs-up and praised in a low voice, "The Madam''s strategy is brilliant, having the Young Madam take care of the Young Master." Pretending to be hurt to win sympathy, isn''t that how feelings are cultivated?


    Du Juan glanced at her slantingly, "Piece of cake. I know my son well; he won''t suffer a big loss in front of Huo Beiting unless it''s intentional."


    When has Huo Beiting ever really had the upper hand over him from childhood?


    "The Young Master is clever, just like you."


    In the room.


    Huo Xingzhou fiddled with the tips of his fingers, rubbing them together.


    Soft, like pinching a marshmallow.


    He looked down and thought, what does it mean that he wouldn''t be able to do it?


    If he really had used his methods, would she have been able to turn over and run away?


    Buzz buzz.


    The cell phone on the bedside table vibrated a few times. Zhou Yu was efficient¡ªQiao Xi''s life history from childhood to adulthood had been compiled into a detailed file and sent over.


    Huo Xingzhou casually opened the investigative report, his fingers paused, a flash of astonished surprise in his eyes.

 Chapter 6 - 6 I鈥檓 Here to Take My Wife Home

    Chapter 6: Chapter 6 I''m Here to Take My Wife Home


    ```


    The following day.


    According to the old customs, the bride returns to her parental home on the third day after the wedding.


    The second lady, Du Juan, personally selected valuable liquor, tea leaves, and candies. Thinking that the Su Family had done a good deed, she also took a piece of perfectly preserved Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng.


    "Qiao Xi, I''ve wronged you. Xingzhou''s health can''t endure, so I can only let you return alone," she said guiltily, taking Qiao Xi''s hand.


    Qiao Xi, dressed in a light green gown, nodded slightly.


    Her gaze drifted toward the second floor of the small villa; they had parted on bad terms the day before. Naturally, she hadn''t obtained Huo Xingzhou''s Project Transfer Document. It seemed she would have to find a way to take her grandmother back herself.


    "Then I''ll be going."


    "Take care on the road." Du Juan stepped back and watched her get into the car and leave.


    Sitting in the car, Qiao Xi''s hands hung by her side, her sleeves pinned into pleats by silver needles, looking very unassuming. This return trip would surely be a battle of wits and bravery.


    At worst, she would just completely break off relations!


    When the car arrived at the Su Family, not even a welcoming servant was in sight.


    As Qiao Xi stepped into the living room, the laughter and chattering inside ceased.


    "Xixi," Zhao Yuzhen hurried to her side and greeted her warmly, "you''re finally back. Didn''t the second young master come with you?"


    Su Weiwei sat on the sofa, chin lifted, staring at her with scorn. "Who would care for a country bumpkin? Huo Xingzhou is afraid of losing face; he wouldn''t come home with her."


    "Weiwei,"


    Seated on the other side, Su Heng put down his newspaper and said with an authoritative tone, "Don''t talk to your sister like that."


    Su Weiwei shrugged indifferently.


    "Qiao Xi, sit down and have some tea," Su Heng instructed, "Sisters should help and support each other, united as one. You are soon to be sisters-in-law; you must be as close as ever. Weiwei has been spoiled by me; be more patient with her."


    "Yes, you''re practically like real sisters." Zhao Yuzhen, trying to smooth things over, probed, "Xixi, have you heard any news from Mr. Cheng Han of the Huo Family''s second branch? If you find him, don''t forget to tell me."


    She had been childless for many years, unable to bear a son for Su Heng. After seeing countless doctors who said there was no cure, she heard that Mr. Cheng had a Health Preserving Prescription with extraordinary effects.


    Qiao Xi, looking at their disgusting performance, said sarcastically, "What, are you ill too?"


    "You''re too rude!" Zhao Yuzhen''s face fell, and she swung her hand in a slap.


    A red palm print blossomed on Qiao Xi''s fair cheek. She stared intently at Zhao Yuzhen, feeling a surge of injustice and deep resentment.


    This was her birth mother.


    "Stepmother, I''ve said before that this wretched creature doesn''t respond to soft approaches, only hard. Yet, you and my father suggested to try kindness before force," Su Weiwei scoffed, "Qiao Xi, hand over the Project Transfer Document first."


    "Where''s my grandmother!" Qiao Xi demanded loudly. "I will give it to you once I see her."


    At this moment.


    Noises came from the courtyard, and the security guards rushed in anxiously.


    "Mr. Su, the second son of the Huo Family has arrived!"


    Huo Xingzhou had arrived?


    Su Heng let go, arranged his clothes, and said arrogantly, "Even if he''s here, nothing will change." Just a disabled man about to be discarded by his family, he couldn''t make a difference.


    "He brought over a hundred men!" The security guard was panic-stricken, "Each one fierce and formidable."


    As soon as these words fell.


    Burly men in suits and dark glasses flooded in, filling the entire living room with an intimidating presence.


    The man in the middle was sitting in a wheelchair, his pale, cold face was too sharp, carrying an air of natural arrogance and wantonness.


    Some people, even with disabled legs, are like the moon in the sky or flowers upon the high cliffs, unattainable and inviolable.


    Su Weiwei was dazzled, this man was supposed to belong to her.


    "Second son, what is this! Bringing people to break into a private home, I can call the police." Su Heng panicked when he saw so many people.


    Huo Xingzhou''s indifferent eyes swept over everyone, landing on the pitiful Qiao Xi.


    Where was the ferocity when he was being stripped of his pants?


    "I came to take my wife home, any problem?" He said, his thin lips barely moving.


    The formidable bodyguards pushed aside Su Weiwei and Zhao Yuzhen, and brought Qiao Xi and the old lady over. Seeing him, Qiao Xi couldn''t help but let the tears fall.


    "Grandma was hit by them, we need to go to the hospital." She had checked the pulse; the old lady''s injury was not serious. Just an aggravation of chronic conditions, difficult to reverse.


    "Let''s go,"


    he said calmly.


    Qiao Xi helped the old lady into the car, the driver followed with Huo Xingzhou''s wheelchair, and he glanced back at the Su Family with a warning, "I haven''t been disowned by the Huo Family yet, it''s not your place to run wild."


    Su Heng was shaking with rage; he would see how the second branch of the Huo Family would flex its muscles in the future!


    Everyone left the Su Family.


    The bodyguards lined up to board the shuttle bus parked at the entrance of the compound.


    Qiao Xi looked at him curiously, full of questions. The second branch of the Huo Family actually had the means to maintain so many well-disciplined bodyguards and to provide a shuttle bus for them.


    Was this Huo Xingzhou''s brazen trump card?


    "Those people..." she started hesitantly.


    The man bathed in moonlight and refreshing breeze turned his head and said with indifference, "Actors hired from a film studio."

 Chapter 7 - 7 Qiao Xi, They All Have to Ask You

    Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Qiao Xi, They All Have to Ask You


    Actor?


    Qiao Xi spoke with difficulty, "Are all you businessmen so sinister and cunning?"


    Huo Xingzhou smoothed out the wrinkles on his trousers and said, "It''s betting small to win big, in war there is no prohibitions against deceit."


    Qiao Xi had a sudden realization. Hiring some actors wouldn''t cost much, but his project was worth a fortune.


    "Thank you."


    She said sincerely.


    Hearing her gratitude, Huo Xingzhou felt a vast sense of relief in his heart.


    The car soon arrived at the hospital, and Qiao Xi hustled about, arranging the admission. The old lady''s body had been worn out in her youth, and her true qi was now visible, her vital energy already in decline. Her traditional Chinese medicine skills couldn''t save anyone, she could only desperately save money to rely on Western medicine''s potent drugs to prolong life.


    "Nannan, I''m not staying in the hospital," the old woman''s withered hand clutched at Qiao Xi''s clothes, "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine if I go back to the countryside."


    "No way. Grandma has to be obedient, the doctors said your illness can be treated," Qiao Xi said firmly, "I''ll go pay the fees, you lie down."


    She paused when passing Huo Xingzhou.


    But in the end, she said nothing and walked out of the ward.


    "Young Master Huo, you''ve been a great help today," said the old lady, leaning on a soft pillow, her murky eyes filled with kindness and humility.


    "After all, she did marry me."


    Huo Xingzhou sat in the wheelchair, his hands long and slender, crossed and suspended over his knees.


    "This child has had a hard life, her father died early, and her own mother abandoned her for wealth. She went to school thanks to the charity of kind people, too sensible for her own good," said Grandmother Qiao as she wiped away her tears with her rough hands.


    When she was close and touching him, Huo Xingzhou thought, she didn''t seem at all well-behaved.


    "She''s straightforward, unyielding, and doesn''t know how to please people. She responds to kindness rather than coercion, and for every hint of kindness from others, she wishes she could return it tenfold. Young Master Huo, could I ask you to look after her a bit?"


    Huo Xingzhou listened to her words and responded in a low voice.


    The cold text of the investigation report about Qiao Xi became vivid and lifelike with the old woman''s narrative.


    ...


    After spending most of the day with the old lady, it was evening by the time Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou left.


    On the way back.


    Inside the understated luxury car, the light was dim.


    The man''s voice broke the silence.


    "Do you still stand by what you said earlier?" his dark eyes spread a hint of shimmering light, "Heal my legs?"


    "Yes!"


    Qiao Xi wished she could swear to heaven, "I promise, I will definitely heal your legs."


    This time, Huo Xingzhou believed her.


    Qiao Xi followed the ramp and pushed his wheelchair inside, where upon entering the hall, she saw a handsome and attractive guy sitting on the sofa, with messy bangs covering his smooth forehead, deep-set eyes, and deep blue pupils as if he had mixed heritage.


    "Huo Er."


    Zhou Yu stood up and, looking at Qiao Xi, said, "This must be the Sister-in-law."


    He had specifically come over to see what kind of extraordinary abilities the woman, whom Huo Xingzhou had moved private forces for and disguised as an extra, possessed.


    "This is Zhou Yu, someone unimportant. You don''t need to be polite to him." Huo Xingzhou introduced him out of courtesy.


    "Hey, what do you mean by I''m someone unimportant! I''ve been slaving away for you for so many years!" If it weren''t for his cover-up, Huo Xingzhou''s other identity would have been exposed long ago.


    Qiao Xi''s lips curled into a smile, her delicate eyebrows and eyes brimming with amusement.


    Zhou Yu even felt a tad embarrassed.


    "Huo Er, I came here on serious business."


    Qiao Xi said thoughtfully, "You guys talk, I''ll go back to the room and get ready." Ready for acupuncture therapy.


    Huo Xingzhou nodded.


    Watching her leave, Zhou Yu dared to tease, "What kind of preparation? Preparation for consummating the marriage?"


    "Get lost!"


    He chuckled twice and said, "Is she really the apprentice of the National Doctor? It''s hard to tell, it seems heaven is quite kind to you. Don''t you think she looks a bit like Xu...?"


    "If there''s nothing else, get lost."


    "Wait, I came to report on Tianyuan Group''s quarterly..."


    ...


    At the Su Family''s home.


    Su Weiwei, feeling aggrieved, smashed her cosmetics all over the floor.


    "Bitch! Why does she deserve it!" Su Weiwei was jealous, but she kept reassuring herself. Huo Xingzhou was already disabled, and Huo Beiting was the better choice.


    Buzz buzz buzz.


    Her phone on the dressing table vibrated desperately. Seeing the caller ID, Su Weiwei took a deep breath, answered the call, and started sobbing, "Beiting brother, Huo Xingzhou is too much! He''s brought..."


    "You didn''t get the goods?" Huo Beiting was not so patient, "If the Su Family can''t get what I want, I am not going to marry you."


    Su Weiwei''s expression stiffened.


    "Beiting brother, it was for you that I had Qiao Xi marry in my place."


    "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up."


    "Wait!" Su Weiwei''s eyes flashed with malice, "I have another idea! This time, it will definitely make the second branch of the Huo Family beg you on their knees, handing over the ''Project Transfer Document'' with both hands."


    Su Weiwei quickly conveyed her plan, satisfying Huo Beiting on the other end of the line immensely.


    "Su Weiwei, you''re much crueler than I expected!"


    This move was about cutting the weed and removing the root.

 Chapter 8 - 8 The Fairy Can鈥檛 Grow a Mouth

    Chapter 8: Chapter 8 The Fairy Can''t Grow a Mouth


    ```


    The next morning, early.


    Huo Family''s small villa.


    The driver had been waiting at the door since early morning and respectfully opened the car door when he saw Qiao Xi approaching.


    Just as Qiao Xi was about to get into the car, she saw the man lounging inside. Despite his seemingly calm and cool demeanor, a hint of asceticism was added by a red mole on his neck.


    Qiao Xi was surprised.


    She had told Huo Xingzhou that morning that she was going to the traditional Chinese pharmacy to buy some herbs, but she hadn''t expected him to be in the car.


    "I''ll accompany you," the man said indifferently.


    Qiao Xi nodded reservedly.


    As the car traveled, he flipped through his phone, while she distractedly gazed out of the window, bored and restless.


    "Young Master, Young Madam. We''ve arrived, but it''s difficult to park in front of the Wanren Hall," the driver said.


    The driver parked the car at the parking lot at the end of the street.


    Qiao Xi glanced at Huo Xingzhou''s legs and said, "Mr. Huo, you should wait for me in the car."


    "Hmm."


    He just didn''t feel at ease with her going out on her own.


    Huo Xingzhou continued to browse his phone in the car while Qiao Xi walked toward the bustling street.


    Wanren Hall was the largest traditional Chinese pharmacy in Haicheng, and from a distance, Qiao Xi could see a dense crowd of people, congested and unable to move.


    As she got closer, she listened to the conversation and learned that Wanren Hall had been substituting inferior herbs for good ones, and customers had come to demand an explanation, leading to a dispute.


    "Our herbs are of the highest quality, if you don''t have evidence, don''t falsely accuse us!" the Pharmacist shouted, his face flushed with anger, "Who knows if you are just trying to extort us!"


    "Nonsense! I even have the prescription for the medicine I bought!"


    "Compensation! You make dirty money! What if patients get harmed from these?"


    The Pharmacist dismissed the customers harshly, "Get out of here, stop making a scene! Offending our boss will do you no good!"


    With that, he closed the door, and the crowd suddenly became chaotic, pushing and shoving.


    Then, a scream!


    "Someone has fainted!"


    "Quick, call an ambulance! Is there a doctor?"


    A pale-faced young man was lying on the ground, his breathing weak, unconscious. The onlookers dared not touch him, fearing that he might die from their inadvertent actions!


    Seeing this, Qiao Xi quickly approached and shouted, "Please step back and give him some air!"


    Qiao Xi glanced at Huo Xingzhou, who gestured for her to accept it.


    She pinched the thick red envelope and said, "Thank you."


    "Sister-in-law, you really shouldn''t be so polite with my dad. He has plenty of his own money," Jiaojiao said.


    Mrs. Huo the second glared at her, "Don''t be disrespectful; watch how you speak."


    Huo Sijiao said, "I''m just happy to see my sister-in-law, ma. She''s so much better than that heartless woman who ran away after the car accident, even though she was from the Star Moon..."


    "Jiaojiao!"


    Mrs. Huo the second sharply cut her off, and Huo Sijiao shrank her shoulders, daring not to continue. She realized it was not good to speak of that woman in front of Qiao Xi.


    Star Moon... the foundation?


    Qiao Xi was puzzled and not sure, deciding to ask Huo Xingzhou when she had the chance.


    "Sir, madam," Aunt Qian reported, "the old house called to say there''s a dinner gathering tonight." The Huo Family held a family banquet once a month.


    Du Juan frowned, a bit displeased, "Why throw a banquet at such a critical time? It''s like a wolf celebrating the New Year with a chicken; they must have ill intentions."


    Seeing this, Huo Jiancheng reassured her, "If you don''t want to go, I''ll call and say our branch of the family won''t attend."


    He picked up his phone and called the old house to explain the situation. However, before hanging up, the whole family saw his expression grow more solemn and serious.


    "Is this information real?" Huo Jiancheng''s voice trembled as he spoke.


    After getting a response, he hung up the phone, looking dazed.


    "What happened?" Du Juan asked anxiously.


    Huo Jiancheng glanced at his family, then whispered a few words in her ear.


    Du Juan was shocked, "Is this news true?"


    "Absolutely certain; the old master has already verified it."


    "Go! Even if it''s a trap, I''ll face it. I can''t miss such an opportunity," Du Juan declared resolutely.


    Huo Sijiao complained sourly, "Mom, what''s so good about this family banquet? The main branch surely wants to humiliate us, and I don''t want to see the smug look on Huo Beiting''s face."


    "We must go because they have found Cheng Han''s disciple who says he can cure this condition."


    Huo Sijiao gasped in surprise, joy rising to her brows.


    "My brother''s legs can be healed!"


    Hearing this, Qiao Xi looked down at Huo Xingzhou. Compared to her, an unknown small fry, he must trust Cheng Han''s disciple more.


    The light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows cast a soft glow on his chiseled face, yet it couldn''t penetrate the depths of his eyes. His face bore no sign of happiness; instead, he gently took her wrist and advised her in a low voice.


    "At the old house, no matter what happens, stand behind me and don''t speak."


    Qiao Xi was taken aback.


    Could the family banquet turn problematic?

 Chapter 9 - 9 The Country Girl and the Cripple, a Match Made in Heaven

    Chapter 9: Chapter 9 The Country Girl and the Cripple, a Match Made in Heaven


    The Huo Family''s old mansion is located in Haicheng''s mid-mountain affluent area, featuring traditional Chinese garden styles. The corridors are adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, and the glazed green tiles and red walls exude a low-key yet profound and luxurious heritage.


    The Huo Family is divided into two branches: the elder branch lives with the patriarch in the old mansion, while the second branch resides in the city. Huo Xingzhou moved out to live in a small villa on his own, but after a recent injury, his parents took care of him nearby.


    At six in the evening.


    The golden crow sinks in the west, and dusk approaches.


    Qiao Xi pushed Huo Xingzhou through a long corridor before they reached the banquet hall.


    Inside, the lights were bright, and there were many people. The maids were arranging a spread of delicacies on the long table, while a high-pitched and loud female voice urged them to work faster.


    "This is your great-aunt, shrewd and capable, tricky, and loves to save face," Du Juan whispered to Qiao Xi, "Her name is Wang Fengxian, and many people call her Wang Xifeng behind her back."


    "The man sitting on the sofa is your great uncle, ruthless and hypocritical," she continued.


    None of the family members sounded like decent people.


    Qiao Xi took note.


    Wang Fengxian turned her head and, upon seeing the second branch''s family, laughed mockingly, "You''ve finally arrived. Seeing Xingzhou in a wheelchair, I even feel a bit of pity."


    She had a pair of narrow phoenix eyes, and a sharp chin, appearing quite formidable.


    "Big sister-in-law''s words are still so mean," Du Juan responded coolly.


    "I, oh I love speaking the truth," Wang Fengxian chuckled while examining Qiao Xi, "Here is your country daughter-in-law. Tsk tsk, a country girl with a cripple, a match made in heaven."


    She kept calling someone a cripple, disabled!


    This was a harsh jab at the second branch''s heart.


    Huo Sijiao couldn''t bear it and countered sarcastically, "Great-aunt, does your mouth stink because you didn''t brush your teeth this morning? The stench is overwhelming; won''t you suffocate great-uncle at night?"


    "Huo Sijiao, how dare you speak to your elders that way! Is this the upbringing of the second branch?" Wang Fengxian''s eyes narrowed, her face darkening immediately.


    "I, oh I simply love speaking the truth," Huo Sijiao said aggressively, hands on her hips, "Nu?wa should''ve used your face when mending the heavens."


    Wang Fengxian was furious, slapping her across the face.


    Huo Sijiao was not someone who took abuse lying down. She grabbed Wang Fengxian''s hand and twisted it around, causing her to cry out in pain.


    "What is all this fuss about!"


    An elderly yet resonant voice came from the staircase, belonging to an old man dressed in dark grey practice clothes, leaning on a dragon-headed cane. He had bright, spirited eyes. By his side stood a dignified Huo Beiting, and a refined, slender middle-aged man.


    She wanted to explain, but a hand with long, slender knuckles stuffed her mouth full with a crisp three-freshness dumpling, and the cool fingers brushed past her red lips. As she bit down, the juicy filling burst out.


    "I always love these crisp dumplings at every family banquet. Try them and see if they''re good," Huo Xingzhou said calmly, taking a napkin to wipe his fingers that were dotted with oil.


    Qiao Xi met the man''s placid eyes and instantly remembered what he had said at home.


    No matter what happens, stand behind me and don''t speak.


    "Please continue, Doctor Zhuo," Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, "She''s young and doesn''t understand; she''s just worried about me."


    Zhuo Feng inserted the needle two and a half inches, twisting and enlarging the angle. Dark, bruised blood seeped out from the needle hole, and he stood up confidently after withdrawing the needle.


    "Old Master, I can cure this!" A glint shone in his eyes, "The young master''s legs are feeling something now, aren''t they?"


    "Mm."


    Huo Xingzhou responded.


    He had also noticed the difference between Qiao Xi and Zhuo Feng; her technique felt more comfortable.


    "Doctor Zhuo truly is a case of ''the blue outshining the indigo''! Cousin, hurry up and sign this Project Transfer Document!" Huo Beiting eagerly placed the document in front of him, thoughtfully passing over a pen as well.


    At this point, the second branch had no other choice.


    They could only sign, in exchange for Huo Xingzhou''s health.


    Qiao Xi bit her lower lip tightly, the taste of the dumpling in her mouth fading. She stretched out her hand to rest on his arm, feeling both distressed and angry. She could cure him, too; there was no need to give up his project!


    Did he still not trust her?


    Huo Xingzhou ignored her, took the pen, and signed with bold and flowing characters.


    Huo Xingzhou put down the pen, his expression remaining neutral as he said, "Cousin, I''m handing over the project to you. But the Sun Family''s plot of land hasn''t been secured yet."


    Tianyuan Group and the Huo Corporation were collaborating on the Future City project, aiming to create a world-leading high-tech smart town. They were looking to acquire five square kilometers of land, and the Sun Family''s old house was within that area, but they stubbornly refused to move.


    Huo Beiting folded the document, his laugh tinged with sarcasm, "That''s because you lack the capability! You can''t even secure a small piece of land. Wait for the groundbreaking ceremony when I''ll invite you as a guest."


    Wang Fengxian''s laughter revealed her gums, "You don''t know yet, do you? Beiting and Young Master Sun are good friends; he has already introduced Beiting to President Sun. The Sun Family only has Sun Weimeng as their sole heir!"


    The Sun Family was infamous for spoiling their son.


    "How coincidental."


    Huo Beiting raised his phone screen, flashing as he spoke with smug satisfaction, "President Sun is calling; surely he''s agreeing to relocate. A tough bone that''s hard for you to chew is a piece of cake for me."


    In a move designed both to show off and to humiliate Huo Xingzhou, he turned on the speakerphone in front of everyone.

 Chapter 10 - 10 She is the Lucky Star, His Lucky Star

    Chapter 10: Chapter 10 She is the Lucky Star, His Lucky Star


    ```


    Wang Fengxian covered her mouth and laughed, "Turn the volume up to the max so that everyone can hear clearly!"


    Huo Beiting pressed the volume button to turn it up to the loudest, and then placed the phone in front of Huo Xingzhou.


    "Huo Family scion, our Sun Family is willing to relocate our ancestral home to make space for your Future City project," Mr. Sun''s hearty voice boomed throughout the living room.


    A smug look spread across Huo Beiting''s face as he arrogantly watched the second branch of the family.


    "Mr. Sun, thank you for agreeing to do this for my sake, giving up..."


    "Young Master, don''t get me wrong! I agreed to this out of respect for the Huo Family''s second branch. Please pass on my message to Young Master Zhou Yu; I''ll treat him and his wife to a meal when I''m free."


    Mr. Sun was busy and hung up the phone without further conversation.


    Huo Beiting''s expression froze and twisted. The main branch of the family was furious, never having anticipated the Sun Family would honor Huo Xingzhou!


    "Wow, that''s some thick skin!" Huo Sijiao mocked, "Cousin, just how much is your face worth?"


    "Jiaojiao, watch your language!" Du Juan feigned anger as she pretended to scold her daughter, but inside she felt exhilarated.


    Mr. Sun''s words felt like a loud slap across the faces of the main branch. Each one of them sported a discolored face as if a palette of spices had been overturned.


    Huo Xingzhou gripped Qiao Xi''s wrist, his voice cool as he said, "Thanks to my cousin for finding Doctor Zhuo to treat my legs, the project is yours. Grandfather, we''ll be taking our leave..."


    "Dad, we''ll come to see you another time."


    The second branch of the Huo Family left quickly, with the Huo Family patriarch feeling angry and disappointed by their lack of ambition, so much so he went back to his room without eating dinner.


    The once lively living room suddenly fell silent, eerily so.


    Huo Beiting''s face turned iron blue as he gritted his teeth and said, "I''ll call Sun Weimeng right now and see what the hell is going on. An upstart dares to play me for a fool!"


    Once on the call, Young Master Sun lavishly praised Qiao Xi and even said Huo Xingzhou was lucky to have married such a good wife. Huo Beiting''s fingers turned white with rage, and he hung up.


    Wang Fengxian grew anxious, "That country woman, she has that kind of ability?"


    Huo Beiting sneered coldly, "It''s just a coincidence. She''s a medical student who didn''t graduate from Haicheng University, if she didn''t even know first aid, that would be the real idiocy! Mother, did you really think she was a disciple of Cheng Han everywhere?"


    Wang Fengxian was reassured and sat down. Sitting next to her, Huo Jianjun spoke up, "Without the project, the second branch won''t be able to compete with you for the inheritance. I believe the old man''s intention is to announce at his 70th birthday banquet that the Huo Family will be handed over to our main branch."


    "Really?" Huo Beiting was ecstatic, "Even if he doesn''t announce it, Huo Xingzhou won''t live long! Doctor Zhuo is like a sharp knife that can kill without trace."


    Father and son exchanged a look and smiled, their eyes full of malicious schemes.


    ...


    "Yes."


    Aunt Qian silently swallowed the rest of her sentence; their Young Madam was even prettier!


    In the study.


    Zhou Yu idly flipped through stacks of documents, looking up at the sound of the door opening and saying, "I was almost falling asleep waiting. Has that project really been handed over to Huo Beiting?"


    Huo Xingzhou gently closed the door, his long fingers shadowed pale white in the light.


    "If we don''t give it to him, how can we let him feel smug?"


    To cause a person''s downfall, first let him swell with arrogance.


    Zhou Yu propped up his legs and chuckled, "I believe it won''t be long before the elder branch starts to cry. That project is a minefield, and you couldn''t wait to get rid of it. This way, Tianyuan Group can harvest a penalty fee."


    He raised his thumb in admiration, "Huo Xingzhou, you''re ruthless! I like it!"


    Huo Xingzhou lowered his head, his profile flickering in and out of the shadows, "I haven''t forgotten about the car accident." If it weren''t for Qiao Xi, he would have lost the use of his legs forever.


    Decadent, fallen, frantic, and out of control.


    Zhou Yu leaned in close, speaking sleazily, "So, how do you plan to repay Qiao Xi''s kindness? You can''t reciprocate with your body just yet."


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at him coldly, "Is your brain only filled with dirty rubbish?"


    "The rumor outside is that the car accident left you infertile. Is it true? Do you have feelings for your wife?"


    Listening to his nonsense, Huo Xingzhou''s handsome face turned colder.


    Zhou Yu, seeing his dark expression, thought he had hit a sore spot and quickly slapped his mouth, changing the subject, "With Qiao Xi beside you, won''t the elder branch find out about her identity?"


    "No."


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, "The elder branch is arrogant and self-centered. Zhuo Feng is their spy; who would suspect that Cheng Han took Qiao Xi as his student?"


    The way he said that seemed almost boastful.


    "But her connection with the Sun Family..." At this point, Zhou Yu suddenly remembered how tricky Huo Xingzhou''s leg injury had been, with none of the experts or academicians able to treat it. Who would believe it?


    "She''s studying medicine, what''s wrong with saving a few people? I''ll protect her identity; you must keep this a secret too."


    Zhou Yu nodded; it''s always darkest under the lamp.


    He had doubted the investigation report he saw at first, going back to check it several times, worried about a mistake.


    "Even uncle and aunt can''t know? How long do you plan to keep it from them?"


    Huo Xingzhou stroked his sleeve and said, "Until I can stand on my own feet."

 Chapter 11 - 11 I Want to Find Him to Repay the Favor

    Chapter 11: Chapter 11 I Want to Find Him to Repay the Favor


    The next day.


    Huo Xingzhou''s small villa became a lot quieter.


    Du Juan and Huo Jiancheng, seeing that everything was back on track, moved out of their son''s villa. They even forcibly took Huo Sijiao with them, refusing to let her play the third wheel, wanting to leave some space for the young couple.


    Once they left, Qiao Xi could finally treat Huo Xingzhou without any restraint.


    The room was silent, with the man sitting in his wheelchair, long needles sticking into his ankle. His gaze followed Qiao Xi as she bustled about, her lips pursed in displeasure.


    It was very quiet.


    "Qiao..." he had only said one word.


    Qiao Xi turned on the LCD TV, the sound of the TV drowning out his voice, making him feel stifled.


    That little girl sure has a temper.


    Huo Xingzhou stared at her back with furrowed brows, his slender, fair fingers clenched the bedsheets tightly, his face showing a pained expression: "Hiss... it hurts."


    Qiao Xi turned around and panicked at the sight of him, "Where does it hurt? The acupuncture points... Ah! Let go, you''ll press on the needles!"


    She was pulled by Huo Xingzhou and bumped into his embrace, straddling his thighs.


    "Finish talking before letting go, or else you will run away again."


    His hands easily wrapped around her waist.


    Qiao Xi''s eyelashes fluttered, her ears flushed red, her lips tinged with a rosy hue. She had never been so close to a man before.


    "You avoided me last night, and now you''re sulking this morning." His hands unconsciously stroked her lower back, eliciting a shiver from Qiao Xi.


    "You don''t trust me, insisting on trading with the project." She knew she had no right to be angry, but she couldn''t help it.


    It was his hard work, and it was the only thing the second branch of the family could rely on to turn their fortunes around.


    "Of course, I trust you."


    His deep voice resonated in her ear, "Zhuo Feng came from the main branch to harm me, and that project was deliberately given to the main branch by me. It''s because I trust you that I feel you can play along with this act."


    Qiao Xi''s anger was quelled.


    "What kind of act?"


    "Don''t reveal your exquisite medical skills before I can stand up again." His voice was even, and his handsome face looked exceptionally clear.


    What exquisite skills?


    Qiao Xi lowered her head, her skin white as snow.


    "Then, Young Master Sun..."


    Mrs. Sun looked around and was relieved not to see Du Juan, that madwoman.


    "Mrs. Sun, our madam has moved back, she''s not staying here anymore," Aunt Qian, astute as ever, understood her thoughts. The two ladies would fight like cats and dogs upon seeing each other, always at each other''s throats.


    Sun Weimeng laughed heartily: "Mom, you''re so burly, yet you''re afraid of her?"


    "You good-for-nothing! What are you talking about!"


    Mrs. Sun was so angry that she slapped him several times on his back¡ªshe was plump and rounded!


    "Ouch! That hurts!"


    When Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou arrived in the living room, they saw Young Master Sun complaining of pain. She coughed lightly, at which mother and son both looked over.


    "Second Young Master Huo, Young Madam."


    Mrs. Sun greeted them genteelly, and Sun Weimeng''s cheeks turned red as he saw Qiao Xi, stuttering without managing to utter half a word.


    "We owe a great debt to the Young Madam for saving my son; otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable. We came today especially to express our gratitude." Mrs. Sun directly handed over a check for five hundred thousand yuan, truly a display of wealth.


    Qiao Xi quickly waved her hands, "It was no trouble at all; anyone would have done the same."


    "Are you refusing because it''s too little?" It seemed as if Qiao Xi only had to say "yes," and she would immediately increase the amount to five million.


    Huo Xingzhou knew the Sun Family''s way of doing things, always liking to throw money at people. He took the check directly and stuffed it into Qiao Xi''s palm.


    "Since it''s given, take it. Young Master Sun''s life is worth a fortune; what''s five hundred thousand?" Huo Xingzhou''s voice was indifferent, his eyes dark and intimidating.


    Young Master Sun hid behind, looking at his legs over and over again. There were wild rumors in Haicheng that Huo Xingzhou was no longer capable. Young Master Sun sympathized with him, feeling they shared the same affliction; it was truly pitiable.


    "What''s with that look?" Huo Xingzhou said coldly.


    Young Master Sun cautiously probed, "Second Young Master Huo, are you really... incapable? Then wouldn''t that be unfair to Qiao Xi, leaving her a widow in her prime? But her medical skills are excellent, she should be able to cure you, right?"


    "Foolish thing, what nonsense are you spouting!"


    Mrs. Sun wished she could smash his mouth to pieces.


    "Ow," Young Master Sun yelped as he ran about in panic, holding his head. "I just want to ask Qiao Xi to treat me; I woke up as soon as she gave me an injection. Maybe with a couple more, I''ll be cured!"


    No man would want to live with a hidden illness! He had been the laughing stock of Haicheng''s high society for too many years.


    "Just kill me; I don''t want to live anyway. A man who''s ''not up to the task,'' what''s there to look forward to? I''ve tried so many medicines, and none worked." Young Master Sun threw a tantrum on the ground, becoming even more tearful as he continued.


    Mrs. Sun''s heart ached, and mother and son wept together in sorrow.


    Aunt Qian tried to console them for a long time to no avail, only able to look on helplessly.


    Qiao Xi bit her lip delicately, her eyes brimming with difficulty. She reached out and hooked her finger around Huo Xingzhou''s arm. The man complied and held her, his fingertips gliding over her smooth hand.


    Finally, he wrote two words in the palm of her hand.

 Chapter 12 - 12 Men Care About This

    Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Men Care About This


    Qiao Xi''s lips bloomed with a smile as she glanced at Huo Xingzhou gratefully.


    Then, she turned to the mother and son, "Young Master Sun, I have a Health Preserving Prescription here. I don''t know how effective it is, but would you like to try it?"


    "Yes!"


    Young Master Sun shouted firmly!


    Mrs. Sun heaved a sigh, another useless health prescription, she wondered how many they had tried.


    "Let''s exchange contact information, I''ll send it to you later." Qiao Xi took out her phone, and Young Master Sun hastily scanned it, saving her contact as "Fairy".


    Qiao Xi composed a message, sending over a long list of health-preserving herbal prescriptions and reminding him of precautions. Young Master Sun treasured it as if it was a precious gem, and if not for Mrs. Sun''s intervention, he would have offered Qiao Xi a million on the spot.


    "Thank you! If I recover, I''ll bring you a banner of gratitude!"


    "This prescription is just something I saw in a book, I don''t know if it will work, just give it a try." She wanted to cure Young Master Sun yet didn''t want to put Huo Xingzhou in a difficult position.


    She also couldn''t understand why Haicheng''s doctors couldn''t even cure such an illness.


    Young Master Sun nodded and left happily with his phone in hand.


    After stepping out the door.


    Mrs. Sun tapped hard on his head, "Fool. You believe in things read from books, if you get poisoned by the wrong medicine and end up in the hospital next time, don''t blame me!"


    She didn''t believe Qiao Xi had any special abilities at all, saving her son last time was purely accidental.


    "I''m willing to risk it! Mom, just let me have this hope," he said. Deep down, he also didn''t believe Qiao Xi could cure the illness, but he needed something to cling to.


    ...


    In the living room.


    Huo Xingzhou''s profound eyes looked at her again and again, almost as if trying to strip her bare with his gaze.


    Qiao Xi, feeling the pressure, quickly explained, "That prescription works slowly and requires long-term use. I didn''t reveal too much, and you also agreed to let me treat."


    The two characters he had written in her palm were "OK".


    By the time Young Master Sun would have recovered, Huo Xingzhou would have been able to stand up too, and they could stop hiding after the divorce.


    "I''m just curious, how can you even treat such an illness?" the man said lightly.


    Qiao Xi''s fingers clenched the hem of her dress, her hesitation making Huo Xingzhou even more curious. He adjusted his wheelchair, drawing even closer to her.


    Qiao Xi''s ears turned red as she retreated a few steps, "Mr. Huo, you don''t need to worry. In the traditional medicine I''ve been giving you these past few days, I''ve included ingredients to nourish and strengthen the kidneys, because I know... men care about this."


    She set her phone aside and watched the medicine jar simmer for an hour before pouring its contents into a bowl.


    Huo Xingzhou was reading a book in the sun on the bedroom terrace, his eyes downcast, handsome and sensual.


    "The medicine is ready."


    Qiao Xi carried the bowl of medicine to his side, the faint bitterness wafting through the air.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at her and flipped his book over to ask, "Did you add more medicine?"


    "I did."


    Qiao Xi lowered her head, like a child who had done something wrong.


    Huo Xingzhou suddenly laughed, his long fingers holding the medicine bowl as he drank it all in one gulp.


    "I apologize for earlier." The second young master of the Huo family, ready to correct his mistakes.


    So what if the doctor said he was kidney deficient.


    Qiao Xi watched him for a while and then, with a smile curving her lips, she said, "Mr. Huo, you''re the most obedient patient I''ve ever met. As a reward, please make a donation on my behalf to the Xingyue Foundation."


    She took out the check for five hundred thousand and placed it in Huo Xingzhou''s palm.


    It was late spring and chilly; she wore a fluffy white sweater, with her black hair draped loosely, her eyes bright as she looked at him.


    "I know it''s you, Mr. Huo."


    He was the beam of light in her life, the founder of the Xingyue Foundation, who ensured she didn''t drop out of school early. She had asked Aunt Qian while preparing the medicine.


    "So, do you want to repay me?" Those words rolled around on the tip of his tongue before he spoke.


    Maybe it was the just-taken medicine working too well. As he was looked at with such clear and bright eyes, he felt a genuine warmth and the distant thoughts of an adult man.


    "Of course, I''ll definitely get you back on your feet." Qiao Xi was oblivious to the subtle probe from the man.


    Huo Xingzhou nodded slightly and parted his thin lips, "Since you''re treating him too, Sun Weimeng added your contact. Don''t you think that''s a bit biased of you?"


    "Oh."


    Qiao Xi took out her phone and displayed the QR code for him to scan, "In a couple of days, I need to go out for a class reunion. Mr. Huo, feel free to contact me anytime if you need anything."


    Huo Xingzhou, with sharp eyes, noticed many unread messages; he hadn''t expected her to be so popular.


    "Sure."


    He added her as a friend, somewhat curious about the contact name she''d give him.

 Chapter 13 - 13 Newlyweds, Inseparable

    Chapter 13: Chapter 13 Newlyweds, Inseparable


    Qiao Xi added the friend and shut off her phone.


    She happened to meet Huo Xingzhou''s cold gaze and was startled.


    Knock knock.


    A knock at the door from outside startled them both.


    "Young Master, Doctor Zhuo is here," Aunt Qian called out to remind him.


    "Mm, have him come up."


    Hearing Zhuo Feng''s name made Qiao Xi full of wariness. He was a rotten apple using his medical skills to harm people, and he would kill Huo Xingzhou.


    Huo Xingzhou patted the back of her hand to comfort her, "Don''t be nervous, just act as usual."


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and nodded her head.


    On the other side.


    Zhuo Feng, under Aunt Qian''s guidance, went upstairs. All along the way, this chilly villa had only one servant. He looked down on them in his mind. The second branch was really in decline, nowhere near as impressive as the Huo Family''s main branch.


    "Young Master, Doctor Zhuo has arrived."


    "Second Young Master." Doctor Zhuo called out indifferently. When he saw Qiao Xi, a wave of disgust surged from within, "I don''t like having outsiders around when I treat patients. Especially those medical students who think too highly of themselves but haven''t even graduated. Please ask the Young Madam to leave."


    He looked down on Qiao Xi.


    After finding out that she was studying medicine, he scorned her even more. How much skill could one learn in school? She was outrageously arrogant! Having learned a little, she came out to show off!@@@@


    "I will not disturb you," Qiao Xi said.


    "Does the Young Madam want to steal a few tricks? I am the disciple of National Doctor Cheng Han. It''s likely the Young Madam will never in her life witness such exquisite acupuncture technique, no wonder you don''t want to leave," Zhuo Feng said sarcastically.


    Huo Xingzhou was actually quite calm, holding Qiao Xi''s hand and speaking, "Newlyweds are inseparable, please excuse us Doctor Zhuo. I can''t bear to be apart from her for even a moment."


    Aunt Qian covered her mouth to stifle her giggles, content that men knew to appreciate their wives after marriage.


    Zhuo Feng snorted coldly, "Then stay. I suppose with mediocre talents, the Young Madam won''t be able to steal much anyway."


    His haughty demeanor was amusing to Huo Xingzhou. Aside from Cheng Han himself, no one understood Qiao Xi''s talent better than he did, and here was a fool daring to be arrogant.


    "Many thanks to Doctor Zhuo for being so generous," Huo Xingzhou said, not minding being extra polite to him.


    Zhuo Feng said with a stern face, "Please have the Young Madam remove the Second Young Master''s clothes, I need to administer acupuncture."


    Acupuncture, that is, needle insertion and moxibustion, are two steps.


    Qiao Xi, like a beleaguered little wife, helped Huo Xingzhou lie down on the bed, bending over to remove his clothes. Having done this many times, she was used to it, but she still blushed every time she saw his body.


    "In my pocket," Qiao Xi replied casually.


    "Let me see it."


    Without a second thought, Qiao Xi handed her phone to Huo Xingzhou, then lowered her head to continue the acupuncture.


    Huo Xingzhou swiped across the screen and, upon opening the contacts, finally saw the remark she had set for him, "Mr. Huo"¡ªutterly unsurprising.


    He changed the remark directly and then accidentally glanced at a few messages, his gaze darkening.


    Qiao Xi peered over and caught a glimpse, the redness spreading from her ears down her delicate white neck.


    Utterly embarrassed!


    How could he have changed it to "Husband"?


    The man, unbothered, put the phone aside and stated righteously, "Your remark was too impersonal. If someone with intentions saw it, they might get suspicious."


    "Then what did you put as my remark?" Qiao Xi asked, puffing up her cheeks.


    "Ouch, my leg hurts a bit."


    He covered it up with a single sentence, and Qiao Xi bent down again to check his legs.


    She was really easy to deceive.


    "Where will the class reunion be? Do you need me to take you there?" Huo Xingzhou asked as if it were an offhand inquiry, having seen some affectionate and cheesy messages on her phone.


    "Shanhai Banquet. I''ll just take a taxi there when the time comes."


    She indeed refused him. Afraid of being seen by someone?


    Huo Xingzhou''s fingertips stroked the edge of the bed, watching her tidy everything up and leave the room. He took out a tablet from the bedside table, connecting to the villa''s cameras.


    On the screen, Zhuo Feng''s face appeared.


    He hadn''t even left the villa when he was already eagerly reporting to Huo Beiting via phone.


    "Eldest Young Master, Huo Xingzhou didn''t suspect a thing, he even thanked me. Those medicinals I provided were all tainted; just one month of use will bring about a violent death."


    Zhuo Feng, like a sycophantic dog, tried to please Huo Beiting: "Eldest Young Master, no one will be able to compete with you for properties anymore. Once this is done, send me abroad, and I won''t reveal a single word."


    "It won''t be discovered, that Qiao Xi isn''t capable of much, she can''t even properly recognize medicinals."


    Zhuo Feng''s voice transmitted clear and loud into Huo Xingzhou''s ears, who then scoffed, "Idiot."


    The car accident didn''t kill him, now the main branch wanted to poison him to death.


    Then let them have their way. When the time came, he would put on a show of a serious illness for them to see, making them arrogant and complacent!

 Chapter 14 - 14 Husband, I can鈥檛 walk anymore

    Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Husband, I can''t walk anymore


    Two days later.


    Qiao Xi had long finished preparing the Chinese medicine for Huo Xingzhou to take with him.


    She dressed neatly, wearing a floral dress and draped in a white coat, looking even more delicate and charming.@@@@


    "Mr. Huo, I''m heading out," she said to the man who was watching TV in the living room.


    Huo Xingzhou asked indifferently, "Heading out so early?"


    "I need to visit grandma first." The doctor said her health has improved, so she was very happy.


    "Oh."


    Huo Xingzhou watched her leave, her skirt cheerfully swaying with each step. He picked up his phone and called Zhou Yu, "Tonight''s secret meeting, change it to Shanhai Banquet."


    ...


    Six o''clock in the evening.


    The front of Shanhai Banquet Hotel was filled with parked cars. Dozens of students gathered together, and the class monitor of the Chinese Medicine major was checking attendance against a list.


    "Has Qiao Xi not arrived yet? We haven''t seen her for four or five months since winter break ended, have we? Do you think those rumors are true?" A few female classmates whispered among themselves to the side.


    "She''s probably still in bed with some rich patron." Someone at school had seen Qiao Xi get into a luxury car, in the company of an older man.


    "Ye Manman, you''re her roommate. You must know something," they asked her curiously, "Is Qiao Xi really being kept?"


    The girl named Ye Manman, with her delicate makeup and a designer bag worth over twenty thousand, said quietly, "Don''t talk about Qiao Xi like that. If she''s doing such things, it''s because she has her reasons. Her family is poor, and her grandma is sick..."


    "She''s actually with that old man, so disgusting! Manman, you''re still speaking up for her!"


    "Our Manman is a white, rich, and beautiful girl, kind-hearted and generous, not like Qiao Xi at all. I heard you''re friends with the Huo Family''s young lady too..."


    Ye Manman gave an unnatural smile.


    At that moment, a blue Porsche sped up to them, bringing cheers from everyone, "Chen Xu''s here!"


    The handsome young man got out of the car, wearing a white shirt. One hand in his pocket, the other flipping his car keys around.


    "Chen Xu, that car must be worth a million, right?"


    After hearing this, Chen Xu smiled, "My family has several more."


    "Wow, so rich."


    "Chen Xu, we''ve been waiting for you to open the private room. Anyone who''s not here yet, just tell them the room number in the group," reminded the class monitor.


    Chen Xu''s uncle was the manager of the logistics department at Shanhai Banquet, and he managed to get them a large private room. Many of them had never had the chance to enter such a grand hotel, so they took out their phones to take photos.


    They were busy taking photos and showing off to their friends on social media, so they didn''t have time to pay attention to Qiao Xi anymore.


    Ye Manman poured Qiao Xi a drink, "They are just jealous that you got the internship spot at the City Hospital."


    "Thank you," said Qiao Xi, holding her cup.


    "Is your grandma ill and in need of money? I have some savings; I could lend you some first."


    In front of Qiao Xi, Ye Manman always played the good Samaritan. They seemed to get along quite well.


    "No need, I can manage," she replied as she quietly ate her food and took another sip of her drink. Ye Manman kept her engaged in conversation while pouring more drinks for her.


    Qiao Xi wasn''t paying attention; the drink had only a faint alcohol smell and didn''t seem to have anything odd added to it, and it actually tasted quite nice.


    However, after two glasses, her cheeks were burning and her head felt heavy. Qiao Xi shook her head and said to Ye Manman, "I''m going to the restroom."


    "Sure, the restroom is just next door," Ye Manman said, with a triumphant smile curling at her lips. She knew Qiao Xi had a keen sense of smell and was intelligent, so she wouldn''t resort to drugging her.


    Qiao Xi staggered away, her legs felt incredibly weak, and she had to lean against the corridor wall to rest. Her phone buzzed in the pocket of her sweater.


    She saw the caller ID ''Hubby'' and picked up with a sluggish mind, "Hello, hubby?"


    Her voice was soft and vulnerable, as if she were a little kitten that could be easily mishandled.


    The man on the other end of the call caught his breath, laughter surrounding him.


    "How''s the gathering going?" Huo Xingzhou asked indifferently.


    "I... I want to go home. I can''t walk," she rubbed her cheeks and her tongue felt twisted. Her whole body felt light and floaty, and she wasn''t as reserved as usual when speaking.


    She knew she was drunk and just wanted to leave; claiming she was going to the restroom had been a lie.


    "Qiao Xi, are you drunk?"


    "That drink... is very intoxicating," she tried to stay conscious.


    "Wait for me, I''ll come to pick you up."


    Qiao Xi bobbed her head like a pecking chick, huddled at the corner clutching her phone, looking both pitiful and adorable. As Huo Xingzhou was about to hang up, he heard a man''s voice from the other side.


    "Qiao Xi, what are you doing here?"


    Chen Xu''s warm voice came from behind her as he forcibly grabbed Qiao Xi''s arm, "Come and rest, I''ve booked a room next door."


    "No," Qiao Xi shook off his hand.


    Chen Xu scooped her into his arms, "Be good, and after tonight you will be my woman. You''ll have everything you could ever want."


    "Chen Xu! This is illegal!"

 Chapter 15 - 15 Husband, You鈥檙e So Cool

    Chapter 15: Chapter 15 Husband, You''re So Cool


    ```


    "How could I possibly let go of you! Stop pretending to be so noble, I know what kind of person you are." Chen Xu practically dragged and pulled, trying to take Qiao Xi to the neighboring rest room.


    "You... get the hell away from me!"


    Qiao Xi felt unbearably hot and uncomfortable; her hand touched the Silver Needle in her sleeve cuff, and she jabbed fiercely.


    "Ah!" Chen Xu let out a howl of pain.


    She leaned warily against the wall, clutching a needle, feeling weak all over.


    "So it''s the case of refusing the toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. You refuse, but I insist on using force!" Chen Xu said furiously, his shame turning into anger.


    No sooner had he finished speaking than he was sent flying with a kick.


    "Use force on what? Young Master here is telling you, you''re not going to get it up," Zhou Yu added two more kicks to Chen Xu''s behind, "Scum!"


    "Who the hell are you to dare to hit me, I won''t let you get away with this!" Chen Xu ran away with his head in his arms, howling in pain.


    "In a society ruled by law, Young Master is practicing righteous intervention!"


    Meanwhile, Huo Xingzhou had already bent down and picked up Qiao Xi. His upper body strength was powerful, and beneath the thin shirt, one could see the perfect lines of his muscles, as he easily lifted her up to sit on his legs.


    Qiao Xi called out with a sense of grievance, "Mr. Huo... "


    "Let''s go home first."


    Huo Xingzhou said soothingly. The driver alongside him pushed his wheelchair towards the exit.


    When the people in the private room heard the commotion and came out, they only saw Zhou Yu striding away and Chen Xu beaten to a swollen nose and face.


    They looked at each other in confusion; Ye Manman was the first to break the silence, "Who was that guy? Where did Qiao Xi go?" Had her hundred thousand flown away?


    Chen Xu''s face darkened, "A meddlesome fool! His clothes aren''t even brand-name; I don''t know where Qiao Xi found so many lovers, she''s really not picky!"


    "Should we ask your uncle about it?" Ye Manman expressed her concern a bit.


    "No need!" He gritted his teeth and said, "This trivial matter is not worth disturbing uncle over!"


    He would not let it go!


    ...


    Outside the grand hotel.


    Zhou Yu got into the car and immediately noticed Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi snuggled together in the back seat. He raised his eyebrows and said, "I''ve inquired clearly, that guy is Sister-in-law''s suitor. He''s been pursuing her for several years without success, and wanted to take advantage of the graduation gathering to settle things once and for all."


    "Qiao Xi is not a careless person." Huo Xingzhou didn''t understand how she got so drunk.


    "They were drinking Long Island Iced Tea, it doesn''t taste much like alcohol, more like lemon juice, and it''s normal for a naive girl like Sister-in-law not to recognize it." She grew up in the countryside and was unacquainted with the ways of the world.


    The alcohol content of Long Island Iced Tea is particularly high, yet it tastes like a beverage. Even girls who can hold their liquor would be knocked down after just two cups.


    After she spoke, she immediately regretted it, clutching Huo Xingzhou''s collar and said pitifully, "Aladdin''s lamp, remind me again tomorrow, I''ll forget!"


    "Then I''ll remember to remind you," he said.


    Qiao Xi, half-asleep, nodded, "I''m thirsty."


    "I''ll get you some water," he said, setting Qiao Xi on the bed and wheeling himself to fetch her a cup of warm water.


    Qiao Xi got up restlessly, staggering toward him and lunged.


    Bang!


    The wheelchair tipped over, and both of them fell to the ground, the full cup of warm water spilling over Huo Xingzhou''s face and chest.


    Huo Xingzhou''s back hurt, and his head was dizzy. When he regained his senses, his cheek felt ticklish. Qiao Xi was lying on top of him, licking the water drops off his face.


    "Qiao Xi!"


    She was insane!


    "Qiao Xi, I''ve said it before, even if I have to live a chaste life, it doesn''t mean I can''t taste temptation!" He was being pressed down, unable to muster any strength.


    "No, I want water."


    She nuzzled her head, planting soft kisses at the corner of his lips. The act of desperately trying to ''drink'' made Huo Xingzhou clench his fists.


    Eventually, he gave in.


    "You''ve brought this upon yourself."


    Then he took over, pressing his lips against hers, kissing passionately, fervently, with longing.


    An unabashed ardor, indulgent yet tinged with anger and malicious retribution.


    Gentle yet ferocious.


    Qiao Xi was kissed breathless, panting heavily. Her eyes cloudy, she tried to pull away but found herself being drawn deeper into the confusing whirl of emotions.


    It was as if she was stepping on soft, drifting clouds, her vision blurred, hazy.


    The phone on the carpet buzzed insistently with calls from that Chen Xu. Huo Xingzhou paused the kiss, annoyed, lying on the floor as he embraced her waist and grabbed the phone.


    Glancing at it, her WeChat was full of missed calls from Chen Xu, and those cheesy love messages he had accidentally seen last time.


    Xixi? He doesn''t deserve to call her that.


    Huo Xingzhou, breathing slightly roughly, deleted Chen Xu and blocked him. Then he turned the phone off and tossed it aside.


    Looking down, he saw that Qiao Xi had her eyes tightly shut and had fallen into a deep sleep.


    He almost clenched his teeth, suppressing the heat rushing upon him and a touch of embarrassment.


    "Young Master." Aunt Qian, holding a pot of Hangover Soup, pushed the door open. Seeing the mess on the floor and the man and woman lying there, her eyes could not hide the glee and scandal.


    "Oh my!"

 Chapter 16: Last night was intense, wasn鈥檛 it?

    Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Last night was intense, wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡°Aunt Qian,¡± Huo Xingzhou said helplessly, ¡°it¡¯s not what you think, please help her up.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Aunt Qian set down the Hangover Soup, busily tidying up while sneakily taking photos with her phone.


    She propped Qiao Xi up onto the big bed and helped Huo Xingzhou back into his wheelchair before saying, ¡°The Young Madam is asleep, do we still need the Hangover Soup?¡±


    Aunt Qian¡¯s eyes were like a microscope, not missing any detail. She had to observe everything closely to report back to the madam.


    ¡°Just leave it aside for now.¡±


    ...@@@@


    ¡°Okay, then. The Young Madam can sleep here tonight, so you both can look after each other.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡± He could stay elsewhere tonight.


    With Huo Xingzhou¡¯s permission, Aunt Qian left joyfully, even forgetting to close the door behind her.


    Once outside, she couldn¡¯t wait to dial Du Juan¡¯s number, speaking as she walked: ¡°Madam! They kissed, they kissed... it was so intense that even their lips were swollen!¡±


    ¡°I saw the Young Madam on top of the young master... I never expected the Young Madam, who looks so obedient usually, to have such courage!¡± she exclaimed with an unrestrained voice, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the young master¡¯s condition, you might have had a grandson tonight!¡±


    ¡°The wheelchair was overturned, I blushed at the scene. I¡¯ve taken sneaky photos, I¡¯ll send them to you right away!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou overheard the fragmented sentences, thinking Aunt Qian¡¯s ability to sneak photos was on par with a paparazzi.


    He took a deep breath and couldn¡¯t help but clench his fists, a faint blush spreading over his neck.


    Such passion and intensity were madness that he had never experienced before, and he was almost unable to resist.


    The medicine she prepared was indeed effective!


    But was it really just the medicine?


    ...


    The next day.


    When Qiao Xi woke up, it was already close to noon; she had a splitting headache. To make matters worse, she found herself in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s bed, with no recollection of when her phone had been turned off.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake, Young Madam. Have something to eat.¡± Aunt Qian brought a bowl of brown sugar with an egg and placed it in front of Qiao Xi, ¡°It¡¯ll warm up your stomach, and you¡¯ll feel better.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Aunt Qian.¡±


    Qiao Xi took the bowl, eating one spoonful after another, while Aunt Qian watched her meaningfully until she finished.


    ¡°What happened last night... How did I come back?¡± she asked, her memory fragmented; she only remembered calling Huo Xingzhou and then nothing.


    ¡°The young master carried you back!¡± Aunt Qian said excitedly.


    Qiao Xi blushed, asking in a low voice, ¡°Then where is he now?¡±


    ¡°Bring it here.¡±


    Zhou Yu eagerly handed over the portfolio, ¡°The selection for the auction has been confirmed, and it includes something you want.¡±


    Qiao Xi saw they had serious business to discuss and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go check on the herbal medicine in the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law doesn¡¯t need to leave; we¡¯re all family here.¡±


    Qiao Xi paused in her tracks.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at her and said, ¡°Come over and take a look.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi approached and saw his slender fingers flipping through the auction catalogue. Every item was exceptionally valuable, way beyond her means. Suddenly, her gaze fixed on a particular auction lot and she felt a pang of desire.


    She glanced subconsciously at Huo Xingzhou, who nonchalantly set the catalogue aside.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, it¡¯s the auction that Huo Beiting personally asked me to find, very thoughtfully,¡± Zhou Yu said with a smile.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t confirm her internal speculation.


    ¡°Enough talk. Is there anything else?¡± His impatience was visible; he didn¡¯t want to continue discussing the auction.


    Zhou Yu straightened up and said, ¡°Huo Beiting and Su Weiwei are together now, flaunting it boastfully. They¡¯ll be attending this auction as well.¡±


    ¡°Birds of a feather,¡± Huo Xingzhou quipped sarcastically.


    Qiao Xi stole a glance at him. Su Weiwei was once his fiance?e; being replaced must have felt humiliating for Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Huo Beiting is going there to show off and to prepare for the groundbreaking ceremony.¡± The Future City project had been handed over to Huo Beiting, and naturally, he wanted to make a grand spectacle of the first day¡¯s ceremony, inviting all the wealthy individuals in town.


    To show off his splendor to everyone.


    Zhou Yu snickered, ¡°It¡¯ll be funny when he lifts a rock only to drop it on his own foot.¡±


    ¡°If he wants to show off, let him bleed a big sum first.¡±


    ¡°Huo Beiting, do you have any wicked ideas for the auction?¡±


    Hum hum.


    Qiao Xi listened intently, but her phone in her pocket vibrated.


    Both men turned to look at her.


    Qiao Xi took out her phone and saw the caller¡¯s name on the screen, her expression turning uneasy as she said, ¡°Mr. Huo, I need to take this call outside.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou narrowed his eyes¡ªwas that call from Chen Xu again? What contact information hadn¡¯t he blocked yet?


    Zhou Yu poked Huo Xingzhou with a finger and whispered gossipingly, ¡°Last night, it was intense, right?¡±


    He stretched out his hand and made an ambiguous gesture.


    ¡°Huo Beiting, come on, tell me.¡±

 Chapter 17 - 17 You guys are really romantic

    Chapter 17: Chapter 17 You guys are really romantic


    ¡°What nonsense are you spouting?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s face darkened, his expression turning incredibly sharp.


    ¡°Oh my, getting angry from embarrassment, huh? I have evidence,¡± he said, taking out his phone and opening a group chat, ¡°sent by your sister.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at it, and his face turned pitch black.


    ...


    In the photo, Huo Xingzhou was pinned down by Qiao Xi, the lighting dim, full of ambiguity.


    ¡°I see she sent it to quite a few people,¡± Zhou Yu lifted his phone and said, ¡°She¡¯s saying her brother is useless and the sister-in-law has to take initiative. Love bites are just love bites, why say it¡¯s subdermal hematoma? Oh, you guys really have some taste.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou, barely containing his rage, wanted to grab Huo Sijiao and give her a good beating.


    ¡°Are you done talking?¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s complexion grew even colder.


    Zhou Yu shook his head, ¡°The issue you have there, you can¡¯t just ignore and be afraid to seek medical help. I know Qiao Xi is skilled in medical practice, but young ladies are shy...¡±


    He sneakily pulled out a handful of blue medicinal pills from his pocket, ¡°Brother is really looking out for you, I even tore off the packaging so nobody would see, don¡¯t be shy.¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou couldn¡¯t hold back his fury, ¡°Take your filthy things and get out of my house.¡±


    The blue medicinal pills rolled under the bed, scattering all over.


    Zhou Yu hurriedly bent over to pick them up, blowing off the dust and said with distress, ¡°What a waste! These are effective, I went through a lot of trouble to get them.¡±


    ¡°Once you take them, they¡¯ll help you boost your...¡¯masculinity¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Get out!¡±


    ¡°Huo Er, your self-esteem is still too strong. Listen to me, it¡¯s quite normal for a man to have issues...¡±


    Bang!@@@@


    Huo Xingzhou threw a cup at him.


    ¡°Stop throwing things, I¡¯m leaving, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    In the living room.


    Qiao Xi picked up the phone, her tone cold, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, why did you leave so early last night?¡± Ye Manman¡¯s affected voice came from the other end of the line, ¡°I was really worried about you, who was that man that took you away?¡±


    Qiao Xi retorted, ¡°Are you really worried about me?¡±


    This time, the auction items had been announced early on, and there were many desirable pieces. As a result, the parking lot was completely full, with half of Haicheng¡¯s rich appearing here.


    Qiao Xi, pushing Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair, stepped into the Roman-style building, filled with awe.


    Accompanying her, Huo Sijiao intimately wrapped her arm around her, ¡°Sister-in-law, there are lots of good items at this auction. Lucky that you spoke up for me, otherwise, brother wouldn¡¯t have let me come.¡±


    As she said this, she shot Huo Xingzhou a glare.


    ¡°Mr. Huo is very approachable,¡± Qiao Xi said, defending him as she looked down at Huo Xingzhou in the wheelchair.


    ¡°Brother is so biased, good only to the sister-in-law.¡±


    ¡°Keep talking nonsense, and I¡¯ll have the driver take you back,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, his aura intimidating.


    Huo Sijiao promptly closed her mouth.


    ¡°Auntie, who is that? Whose nanny dresses so plainly?¡± Su Weiwei, with her bright red nails and heavily made-up face, pointed at Qiao Xi and said.


    Zhao Yuzhen, carrying her bag, was solicitously doting on her.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s my stepsister.¡± She sashayed closer, ¡°A cripple and a countrywoman.¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, a dog can¡¯t spit out ivory!¡± Huo Sijiao, like a fighting hen, positioned herself in front of Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Dressed like a streetwalker. But no matter how much foundation you slather on, you can¡¯t compare to my sister-in-law¡¯s natural beauty.¡±


    ¡°Huo Sijiao, who are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Whoever responds is who I¡¯m talking about.¡±


    ¡°So rude!¡± Su Weiwei adjusted her shawl, her eyes reluctantly sweeping over Huo Xingzhou, ¡°It won¡¯t be long before all of you have to call me auntie! Watch your mouth, or else the second branch won¡¯t have good days ahead.¡±


    Huo Sijiao laughed scornfully, ¡°You and Huo Beiting are a perfect match, both vicious and lowly!¡±


    Su Weiwei huffed, turning her ire toward Huo Xingzhou, ¡°I heard the second young master is infertile. Is that true? Such a pity.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou looked up, ¡°My married life is none of your concern to pity.¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    Stung by his icy gaze, Su Weiwei was burning with rage.


    Huo Sijiao burst out laughing, ¡°My brother wouldn¡¯t glance twice at lewd trash like you.¡±


    ¡°Weiwei,¡± Zhao Yuzhen pulled at her hand, ¡°Beiting is waiting inside, stop wasting your breath on them.¡±


    Su Weiwei shook off her hand fiercely, ¡°You don¡¯t need to remind me, it¡¯s all thanks to your stellar parenting.¡± With that, she turned on her heels and left.


    Zhao Yuzhen felt a bit embarrassed and quickly followed.


    ¡°Tch, I¡¯ve never seen such a mother, allowing a stepdaughter to bully her own child, even tigers don¡¯t eat their young,¡± Huo Sijiao said, indignantly on Qiao Xi¡¯s behalf.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes lowered, feeling a bit stifled inside.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s warm, dry palm covered the back of her hand, giving it a gentle pat, ¡°Push me inside.¡±

 Chapter 18 - 18 My Wife is Even More Beautiful

    Chapter 18: Chapter 18 My Wife is Even More Beautiful


    The auction hall was bustling and extraordinarily lively.


    The air was filled with calming sandalwood, while the walls were adorned with openwork shelves that held ancient ceramics, paintings, and other artifacts, and verdant potted plants.


    The noise of the crowd fell silent for two seconds when Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi entered.


    This was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s first public appearance since his accident.


    The gazes that fell on his legs were filled with scorn, disdain, pity, and malice.


    Everyone had heard the news: the favored son had become a cripple and was also infertile. The inheritance rights to the Huo Family were practically secured in the hands of the eldest branch.


    ...


    Huo Xingzhou was a useless discard!


    ¡°He¡¯s crippled in three legs, what¡¯s the use of having a pretty wife? Just causing her to live like a widow.¡±@@@@


    ¡°Just a pretty country girl, what a waste. You¡¯re not planning to stand in as the groom for him, are you?¡±


    ¡°Haha, the Huo Family still needs Huo Beiting!¡±


    The ugly remarks reddened Huo Sijiao¡¯s face with anger; she clenched her fists, wishing she could start a fight. Qiao Xi¡¯s lips were pressed even tighter.


    Qiao Xi extended her fair hands to cover Huo Xingzhou¡¯s ears.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pulled her hands away, speaking softly, ¡°I¡¯m not that fragile.¡±


    On the contrary, he should remember the faces and words of these people. Once Qiao Xi gave him an opportunity to soar, he¡¯d see how these same people would change their tune to flattery and favors.


    ¡°But I care.¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned as she spoke, ¡°I don¡¯t like them talking about you like that. Mr. Huo is an impressive person.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou watched her with seriousness, her apricot eyes especially lively with anger. His annoyance from the previous two days vanished like smoke.


    He thought that he was still willing to open a clinic for Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Huo Er Shao, please come this way,¡± a staff member from the auction house guided him to a seat in the corner of the first row. A small square table with pastries and tea was set up, beside which was an armchair.


    To the right sat a triumphant Huo Beiting and Su Weiwei, while Zhao Yuzhen and Su Heng were seated much further back.


    ¡°Cousin, you should thank me.¡± Huo Beiting¡¯s smile was cold, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for my sake, you wouldn¡¯t have made it to the first row.¡±


    An auction house was a place where power and status were everything.


    ¡°Then thank you very much, cousin,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, his eyes and voice cold and steady.


    Huo Beiting hated his pretense the most: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, after all, I have to take care of the useless one.¡±


    This bracelet had abundant luster, with green shades akin to emerald fish swimming in water. The more floating flowers, the more expensive it was, and the one being auctioned had three blossoms.


    The starting price was five hundred thousand.


    ¡°This country bumpkin, what does she know about Duan Family Jade!¡± Su Weiwei at the next table scornfully remarked, ¡°She¡¯s probably never even seen jade before, can she even tell the difference between glass and jade?¡±


    ¡°Beiting, I want it,¡± Su Weiwei cooed feigningly.


    Huo Beiting kissed her and said, ¡°I¡¯ll buy it for you.¡±


    He raised his paddle and said, ¡°One million.¡±


    ¡°Huo family¡¯s young master is generous!¡±


    ¡°Spending lavishly for his beauty, Su Weiwei is truly lucky!¡±


    Su Weiwei sneered at Qiao Xi triumphantly, ¡°Would your husband spend so much money on you? I bet he¡¯s too stingy.¡±


    Qiao Xi licked her dry lips, her expression a bit odd. Huo Xingzhou circled her wrist, his eyebrows and eyes pitch black, a faint smile visible beneath his thin lips.


    ¡°One million for the first time!¡±


    ¡°One million for the second time!¡±


    ¡°One million for the third time, sold! Congratulations to the Huo family¡¯s young master for acquiring the premium Floating Flower Jade Bracelet!¡± the auctioneer declared decisively.


    The staff quickly brought over the bracelet, and Huo Beiting paid with his card. Su Weiwei couldn¡¯t wait to put on the bracelet to show off, ¡°Qiao Xi, let me show you what top-quality jade looks like.¡±


    She extended her fair arm over.


    Huo Xingzhou rolled up Qiao Xi¡¯s sleeve, revealing a superior Floating Flower Bracelet on her delicate arm, of even better quality, with denser blossoms.


    He looked towards Huo Beiting and Su Weiwei, ¡°Funny coincidence, we also have a Jade Floating Flower Bracelet.¡±


    ¡°This is what a real top-quality Floating Flower Bracelet looks like!¡±


    ¡°Who would have thought that country girl hid something so precious! Six floating flowers are rare; priceless, really. Starting at five million at least!¡±


    The others craned their necks to see the excitement, their comments making Qiao Xi¡¯s heart pound with fear. Five million, what an astronomical figure!


    It was a gift Du Juan had casually given her on her first day of marriage.


    Huo Xingzhou laughed, his voice deep and pleasant, ¡°With the comparison, my wife¡¯s bracelet looks even better, as does her hand.¡±


    Su Weiwei and Huo Beiting¡¯s faces turned red and then white, looking extremely unsightly.


    ¡°One blossom... two blossoms... six blossoms!¡± Huo Sijiao exclaimed, ¡°Six floating flowers, my sister-in-law is truly understated. Unlike someone holding an inferior product and still chirping incessantly, not knowing their place.¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    Su Weiwei felt utterly humiliated, overshadowed by a country girl.


    Young Master Sun ¡°tsked¡± twice from behind, adding fuel to the fire, ¡°Su Weiwei, you¡¯ve lost face! Huo family¡¯s young master, such a small scale!¡±

 Chapter 19: I鈥檒l Give You a Big Slap

    Chapter 19: Chapter 19: I¡¯ll Give You a Big Slap


    Huo Beiting¡¯s eyes were shadowed, his tone cold, ¡°Is such a trifle worth your pride? I¡¯m here today to bid for a birthday present for Grandpa.¡±


    Su Weiwei withdrew her hand and chimed in, ¡°Our target today is the ¡®Longevity Map of Pine and Crane¡¯. The starting bid alone is ten million, can your second branch afford that?¡±


    ¡°Impressive, impressive!¡±


    Young Master Sun applauded insincerely. He raised his voice and said, ¡°Huo¡¯s eldest young master sure is wealthy and imposing. I hope to see the ¡®Longevity Map of Pine and Crane¡¯ at the old gentleman¡¯s birthday banquet.¡±


    ¡°Sun Weimeng, whose friend are you exactly?¡± Huo Beiting¡¯s expression turned frosty.


    Young Master Sun stuck out his tongue.


    ...@@@@


    ¡°Cousin.¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s tone lifted slightly, ¡°I also want to gift this painting to Grandpa, it seems we think alike.¡±


    ¡°Then it will be a matter of skill,¡± Huo Beiting was determined to win.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou casually loosened his shirt button, revealing a delicate collarbone. His eyelids drooped as he handed the auction paddle to Qiao Xi, ¡°You bid for me.¡±


    ¡°Me? I don¡¯t know how.¡±


    Qiao Xi was a bit flustered, her cheeks blushing a faint cherry pink.


    ¡°Increase the bid by one million each time over the highest bid. Unless I say ¡®stop¡¯, keep raising it,¡± he said lazily, leaning back in his chair, wearing a light gray shirt that was thin enough to be eye-catching.


    His long, fair index finger trailed down her back, sending a tingling sensation through Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re too tense, relax. This is just a small scene.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Her throat was dry, ¡°Mr. Huo, do we have that much money?¡±


    He had said his mother-in-law¡¯s dowry was stuck in the stock market and that his project had been snatched away.


    He patted her lower back, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your husband... still has savings.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt slightly reassured.


    On the stage.


    The gold-star auctioneer lifted the red cloth, his voice charged with excitement, ¡°This is the famous Tang Dynasty ¡®Longevity Map of Pine and Crane¡¯, in excellent condition. It has already been appraised by five senior cultural relic appraisers.¡±


    ¡°The starting bid is ten million, following the as-is principle as usual.¡±


    A bolt from the blue with that announcement!


    Such a fine item, everyone desired it! But not many would pay a high price for a painting.


    Especially when the starting bid was an eight-digit figure.


    ¡°Fifteen million!¡±


    ¡°Seventeen million!¡±


    ¡°Twenty million!¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s face with mixed feelings.


    Zhao Yuzhen hesitated and then said, ¡°I see the Huo family¡¯s second young master treats you pretty well, giving you such an expensive bracelet to wear. That puts my mind at ease.¡±


    ¡°Just say what you want to say, we don¡¯t talk about mother-daughter affection here.¡± Her gaze was cold and emotionless.


    Zhao Yuzhen, irritated but patient, said, ¡°You grew up in the countryside and haven¡¯t used nice things. A five-million-dollar item is wasted on you. Your sister is ambitious; she wants the best of everything. She¡¯s very upset today.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°Xixi, can you exchange bracelets with Weiwei? Give her the one with three floating blossoms, and she will be happy, and you will benefit too. Once she marries Huo Beiting, she can take care of you.¡±


    Qiao Xi was incredulous.


    She couldn¡¯t believe the extent of her shamelessness.


    ¡°Do you believe that rubbish?¡± Her eyes filled with mist, ¡°Do you have a conscience? Do you care about me at all?¡±


    ¡°I gave birth to you, what¡¯s a bracelet?¡± She said hard-heartedly, ¡°Can¡¯t you consider my feelings? Being a stepmother is tough.¡±


    ¡°It seems to me like you¡¯re enjoying it.¡±


    Qiao Xi leaned against the wall, cold as an ice cellar.


    ¡°Are you going to give it or not?¡± Zhao Yuzhen demanded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a big slap in the face, you old hag!¡±


    Huo Sijiao popped up from who knows where and stood in front of Qiao Xi, ¡°Treating the stepdaughter like treasure, harsh on your own daughter. Do you really think Su Weiwei, that ingrate, will provide for you in your old age?¡±


    ¡°Even tofu has brains, why don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°You... How can you curse like that!¡± Zhao Yuzhen said furiously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t curse you! I was cursing that heartless beast!¡±


    ¡°Jiaojiao.¡± Qiao Xi took her hand, ¡°No need to waste words with her, let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, I really feel for you.¡±


    Qiao Xi managed a bitter smile, and as she walked past Zhao Yuzhen, she spoke, ¡°I heard you want to have a son? You¡¯re going to regret... treating me like this.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen stood frozen in place, not understanding what she meant. Suddenly, her heart felt hollow, as if she had lost something.


    In a dimly lit corner,


    a refined and steady middle-aged man witnessed the scene and said to the person next to him, ¡°Look, doesn¡¯t that young girl look somewhat familiar?¡±


    ¡°From certain angles, she resembles Miss Biao. But on closer inspection, she¡¯s different, only somewhat similar.¡±


    The middle-aged man shook his head and laughed, ¡°No, she looks more like Huimin when she was young.¡±


    Especially those slightly elongated almond-shaped eyes when she got angry, strikingly identical.


    ¡°In such a large world, there are too many people who look alike.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

 Chapter 20 - 20 Today You鈥檙e A Bit Naughty

    Chapter 20: Chapter 20 Today You¡¯re A Bit Naughty


    Qiao Xi and Huo Sijiao returned to their seats when the auction was nearing its end.


    By Huo Xingzhou¡¯s side was a red velvet long box, which appeared to have just been won at the auction.


    Next to him, Huo Beiting was brazenly showing off the ¡°Longevity Map of Pine and Crane,¡± huddling with a few people to appreciate it.


    Those people were all flattering, full of compliments.


    The value of being an heir to the Huo Family was no small matter, representing the pinnacle of Haicheng¡¯s elite. Huo Beiting had indeed been born into good fortune.


    ¡°The elder has acquired an authentic piece, Mr. Huo Senior must be very pleased.¡±


    ...


    ¡°I heard that on your seventieth birthday you will be announced as the successor, we hope you¡¯ll take good care of us then.¡±


    Huo Beiting, feeling inflated with pride, waved his hand with a smile and said, ¡°That hasn¡¯t been decided yet.¡±


    ¡°Who else could compete with you? That crippled waste? Ha, he can¡¯t even be a real man.¡±


    A round of flattery left Huo Beiting riding high. His narrow, cold phoenix eyes looked towards Huo Xingzhou, filled with arrogance and disdain.


    Suddenly, there was a commotion in the auction hall.


    ¡°Master Qi is here!¡±


    ¡°Why is Qi Sanshi here? I heard he was also involved in appraising the ¡®Longevity Map of Pine and Crane,¡¯ wonder why he didn¡¯t issue an appraisal certificate.¡±


    Qi Sanshi, a master of Chinese cultural relic appraisal, with a deep family heritage, was known as a ¡°living history.¡± The value of any antique appraised by him would soar by half.


    Huo Xingzhou picked up a celadon ceramic teacup and took a sip of the bitter tea, his thin lips curving into an almost imperceptible smirk behind the cover of the cup.


    The stage was set for a good show.


    He pushed another cup of tea toward Qiao Xi, ¡°Your lips are chapped, have some tea to moisturize them.¡±


    Qiao Xi was drawn to his elegantly long hands and accepted the teacup.


    ¡°Master Qi!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s truly an honor to have Master Qi here.¡±@@@@


    A large crowd gathered around him, even Huo Beiting wanted to make his acquaintance, hoping to invite him to his grandfather¡¯s birthday banquet.


    Qi Sanshi¡¯s expression was grave, ¡°I am here for the ¡®Longevity Map of Pine and Crane,¡¯ has it been auctioned?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already done!¡±


    ¡°Our young Master Huo won it, spending thirty-five million without batting an eye, to present it to Mr. Huo Senior! Such filial piety is beyond our reach.¡±


    Huo Beiting puffed out his chest, with Su Weiwei clinging to his arm chiming in, ¡°Our Beiting is really filial. Unlike the second branch, so miserly¡ªthey only spent one hundred thousand in the entire auction and got some junk.¡±


    Qi Sanshi sighed repeatedly, ¡°What a pity, Young Master Huo. If only I could have arrived earlier... But this is a counterfeit, a fake that can¡¯t become real. We also understand the rules of Jiade Auction House.¡±


    No guarantee of authenticity.


    Once the transaction is completed, it is the buyer¡¯s responsibility.


    Huo Beiting¡¯s thirty-five million had gone to waste, and he was going to be ridiculed behind his back for not recognizing fakes.


    The more triumphant he was earlier, the more embarrassed he was now.


    Huo Xingzhou put down his teacup, speaking with a look of relief, ¡°Cousin, thank you for bidding so high. The painting is fake, but this thirty-five million worth of filial piety is unmatched by anyone.¡±


    Huo Beiting was so enraged that he felt a rush of heat, his throat filled with the taste of rusty blood.


    His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.


    ¡°Young Master Huo!¡±


    ¡°Beiting, don¡¯t scare me! Call an ambulance!¡±


    Huo Sijiao covered her mouth and laughed, ¡°Haha, he fainted from anger, what a cycle of karma.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently. His cold features lightly sketched a picture of abstinence.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes tilted slightly upward as she pushed his wheelchair out. When he was in a good mood, she couldn¡¯t help but feel happy as well.


    Huo Sijiao followed alongside, chattering non-stop.


    ¡°He really can¡¯t handle losing. If he had gracefully accepted the counterfeit, everyone would have said he had class. But instead, he fainted from anger, how petty.¡±


    With pride, Huo Sijiao said, ¡°Sister-in-law, my brother is different.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Qiao Xi agreed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve called the driver to take you home,¡± Huo Xingzhou said as they left the auction house.


    ¡°Ah? Do I have to part with sister-in-law so soon?¡± Huo Sijiao pursed her lips, ¡°Well, I¡¯ll go ahead then, I won¡¯t disturb your time together. Sister-in-law, goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, take care on your way,¡± Qiao Xi said, waving her hand and watching her get into the car.


    Afterward, the driver helped Huo Xingzhou into the black Rolls-Royce, and Qiao Xi sat beside him. Her emotions couldn¡¯t settle for a long time, today¡¯s events were too tumultuous.


    As night fell, the streetlights emitted a soft yellow glow, enveloping Qiao Xi in a warm amber light. Her eyes shone clear and tender, her black hair falling straight, covering her swanlike neck that shimmered white.


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Huo Xingzhou turned his head casually, the tone in his voice was enticingly sultry.


    She stared at him for a long moment before she softly and gently spoke a sentence to him.


    ¡°I think, today you... were a bit naughty.¡±

 Chapter 21: Newlyweds Unable to Restrain Themselves

    Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Newlyweds Unable to Restrain Themselves


    ¡°What do you say?¡±


    The man leaned against the soft leather seat, his demeanor relaxed, and the water in his eyes shimmered like a mountain spring under the moonlight.


    Qiao Xi deliberated and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, I think you knew all along that the painting was a fake.¡±


    It was just an intuition.


    ¡°How so? I¡¯m hardly a master of cultural relics appraisal.¡±


    Qiao Xi furrowed her brows and shared her speculation, ¡°You gave up so decisively at the beginning, and you seemed indifferent in the face of Huo Beiting¡¯s humiliation. Most importantly...¡±


    ...


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The Mr. Huo I know would never buy a painting for thirty-five million. To you, that money would be better spent on meaningful activities.¡± For example, setting up a foundation or making a donation.


    He didn¡¯t have an interest in feigned refinement or the pursuit of fame and fortune; instead, he was down-to-earth and principled. That¡¯s the demeanor of a truly noble gentleman, right?


    Huo Xingzhou moved closer unexpectedly, staring into her eyes.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor is so clever. But...¡±


    His eyes, like springs reflecting the shimmering moonlight, held a smile as he said, ¡°The things that should be bought must still be bought.¡±


    Then, he placed the long red velvet box into the palm of her hand, ¡°This is for you, consider it a reward.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou hadn¡¯t expected that a young girl he had known only briefly could see through his true nature, yet his so-called ¡°family¡± never understood him.


    Qiao Xi opened the box to find a row of Golden Needles gleaming with a cold, sharp light.


    Indeed.


    As expected.


    ¡°Last time I saw you eyeing Zhuo Feng¡¯s Golden Needles, you looked envious. They¡¯re yours now.¡±


    Qiao Xi wanted to reject the gift but also couldn¡¯t bear to.


    Seeing her cute and conflicted expression, Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°We¡¯ll deduct it from your consultation fee.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Her eyes curved into crescents as she responded aloud.


    His deep eyes brimmed with amusement; his Little Divine Doctor naturally deserved the best.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯re really kind!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou felt his heart stir with warmth at her innocent and trusting demeanor. A slow smile spread across his lips, his voice husky and sensual.


    ¡°So, Qiao Xi, you should be good to me as well.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, mhm.¡±


    On their way, Qiao Xi kept her head down, fondly touching each Golden Needle with such joy that she couldn¡¯t contain it.


    It¡¯s one thing to have affection, but forcing the marital act was immature.


    Qiao Xi listened, baffled, but she did clarify one thing. The little blue pill was for use by men.


    She hadn¡¯t thought Mr. Huo would care so much about male pride.


    Huo Xingzhou, seeing her puzzled look, his handsome face turned iron blue, and he said through clenched teeth, ¡°That¡¯s not mine.¡±


    Du Juan laughed in disbelief, ¡°Are you saying Zhou Yu deliberately threw it into your room to frame you?¡±


    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t it possibly be his?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou raised his eyes. Those cold, pond-like eyes burned with anger. His hands clenched into fists, the veins on his hands bulging, his knuckles white and crackling.


    Qiao Xi, swallowing hard at the tense atmosphere, said, ¡°Huo... Xingzhou didn¡¯t take it.¡±


    Du Juan asked seriously, ¡°Did he really not take it?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t,¡± she checked his pulse every day, ¡°Zhou Yu did come over the other day.¡±


    Du Juan was skeptical, ¡°Since you didn¡¯t take any, you¡¯re not allowed to in the future either.¡± She felt more at peace, ¡°I¡¯m confiscating these.¡±


    ¡°Husband, take Xingzhou upstairs to rest. I have some words I want to say to Qiao Xi.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng, pushing Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair, headed toward the elevator, away from the place of trouble.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, come here.¡± Du Juan patted the seat next to her, ¡°Sit down, let¡¯s have a talk.¡±


    This girl, the more she looked at her, the more likable she became.


    Qiao Xi walked over and sat down obediently next to her.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re feeling wronged, living like a widow. But... some things can¡¯t be rushed,¡± Du Juan said with a meaningful tone, ¡°Once he gets better, won¡¯t you have even more fun?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Qiao Xi was thoroughly confused. Have fun with what?


    ¡°That thing.¡± Du Juan indicated by touching her two thumbs together.


    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t...¡± Qiao Xi began to defend.


    ¡°Young Madam, it happened. There¡¯s no need to be shy.¡± Aunt Qian, grinning, took out her phone and with a snap, placed it in front of Qiao Xi.


    There it was, in a burst mode series.


    ¡°Look, that day you were drunk, kissing the young master intensely. I heard the noise all the way downstairs.¡± She flipped through the photos.


    ¡°You see, these red marks are from your mouth. That¡¯s why he¡¯s been wearing high-collared white shirts these past days.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mouth dropped open. Her cheeks turned so red they seemed to bleed.


    The shame spread from her ears down to her toes, her body burning up, wishing she could just bash her head against a block of tofu.


    What bruising!


    Qiao Xi, you fool!

 Chapter 22 - 22 Qiao Xi, I am a Man

    Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Qiao Xi, I am a Man


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, we¡¯ve all been there.¡±


    Du Juan said gently, holding her hand, ¡°It¡¯s probably because of this that Xingzhou is so eager to take his medicine and get better quickly.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. We can¡¯t really let the young and beautiful Young Madam live like a widow. Once Doctor Zhuo has cured the young master, the two of you can have two babies in three years. Aunt Qian here, I want to take care of kids too.¡±


    Aunt Qian had a very close relationship with the Huo Family, and spoke without much reservation.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears were buzzing, and she could hardly hear their voices. Desperately recalling that night, fragmented images flashed by, indistinguishable between reality and illusion.


    The deep and urgent panting in her ears, the scorching warmth searching over her body.


    ...


    Was it all real?


    Qiao Xi stood frozen, her legs heavy as if they were filled with lead.


    ¡°Wife, it¡¯s getting late, let¡¯s go home,¡± Huo Jiancheng called out from the stairwell.


    Getting to her feet, Du Juan patted Qiao Xi on the shoulder and said, ¡°Actually, when I think about it calmly, both you and Xingzhou aren¡¯t the impulsive type. Tonight, it was us who were impulsive.¡±


    She too was anxious out of love for her child.


    Qiao Xi shook her head, her voice light and fleeting: ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Get some good rest, we¡¯ll be going first.¡±


    Du Juan walked out arm in arm with Huo Jiancheng, followed by Aunt Qian seeing them out.


    Outside the door.


    Huo Jiancheng, eager to please, said, ¡°The rascal has confessed to me. The medicinal pill was brought by Zhou Yu, it has nothing to do with him.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Du Juan, looking weary, opened the car door.


    Huo Jiancheng extended his hand, ¡°Let me take care of that thing. I heard it¡¯s quite potent, don¡¯t waste it, eh?¡±


    ¡°Huo Jiancheng, are you courting death!¡±


    Du Juan said angrily, her face flushing crimson.


    ¡°Anyway... It¡¯s not the first time we¡¯ve taken it,¡± he whispered, ¡°and you were quite happy before.¡±


    Inside the living room.


    Qiao Xi patted her burning face and moved towards the stairs.


    Reaching the door to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s room, she hesitated, pacing, feeling like there was a heavy stone pressing on her heart.


    ¡°You¡¯ve probably killed all the ants at the door by now, aren¡¯t you coming in?¡± the man¡¯s deep voice came from inside.


    Qiao Xi, flustered, resigned herself to opening the door.


    ¡°Aunt Qian cleans very thoroughly, there aren¡¯t any ants at home,¡± she said softly.


    ¡°It is very clean.¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, are you sick! I¡¯m busting my ass for you...¡± Zhou Yu¡¯s voice was full of grievance, but the call wouldn¡¯t go through anymore.


    ¡°You beast, truly heartless. I won¡¯t be your executive CEO for Tianyuan Group anymore!¡±


    ...


    Late at night.


    Hospital of Haicheng City, a high-end ward.


    The room was in complete disarray.


    ¡°Thirty-five million! He¡¯s mocking me!¡± Huo Beiting, wearing a hospital gown, paced back and forth destroying things in the room, while Su Weiwei cowered in the corner, trembling.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, a cripple, laughing at me! It¡¯s all deliberate!¡±


    Bang!


    He smashed another bedside lamp.


    ¡°Beiting, don¡¯t be angry anymore. No one knew it was fake at first,¡± Su Weiwei¡¯s voice trembled as she tried to comfort him.


    Huo Beiting¡¯s eyes were full of brooding menace as he stormed towards her.


    ¡°Why wear jade! Su Weiwei, do you think you¡¯re worthy? Are you laughing at me inside?¡± He yanked the jade bracelet with floating flower patterns off her wrist and threw it onto the ground.


    A million turned into dust.


    ¡°No, not at all!¡±


    Su Weiwei was terrified.


    The door of the ward opened, and a nurse stood at the entrance, whispering a reminder, ¡°Please keep quiet, other patients have already complained. You will have to compensate for these damaged items.¡±


    ¡°Compensate? I have plenty of money, get out!¡±


    He was irate, looking like a madman devoid of any class.


    ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you leaving yet!¡±


    ¡°Even me?¡± A deep voice echoed, and Huo Jianjun stood in the doorway with a cold expression, ¡°You good-for-nothing.¡±


    ¡°Dad, why are you here?¡±


    Huo Beiting relaxed his grip, his emotions in turmoil.


    ¡°Weiwei, you go home first.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Uncle.¡±


    Su Weiwei hurriedly left upon hearing these words.


    Huo Jianjun frowned and shut the door behind him.


    ¡°Thirty-five million makes you lose your cool? Your grandfather knows about today¡¯s incident and is furious!¡± he scolded, ¡°Idiot, once you inherit Huo Family¡¯s assets, you¡¯ll have countless thirty-five millions!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of Huo Xingzhou! He must have known that painting was a fake!¡± Huo Beiting spoke maliciously, ¡°I should¡¯ve finished him off in that car accident last time! Who knew he could still wake up.¡±


    Slap!


    Huo Jianjun swung a slap across his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said, that matter is not to be mentioned ever again!¡±

 Chapter 23: Qiao Xi, That鈥檚 Not How You Kiss

    Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Qiao Xi, That¡¯s Not How You Kiss


    Huo Beiting covered his cheek, feeling wronged as he said, ¡°He did that on purpose! Made me lose face.¡±


    Huo Jianjun, teeth itching with hatred, exclaimed, ¡°Idiot! So many experts couldn¡¯t see it, how could he possibly know! Do you think he¡¯s still that favored son of heaven?¡±


    With a sneer, Huo Jianjun said, ¡°Huo Xingzhou¡¯s power within the Huo family has been uprooted by me. I¡¯ve paved the way for you. He¡¯s nothing but a useless cripple now.¡±


    ¡°Dad, how should we deal with today¡¯s incident?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, donate fifty million to a charity organization. I will have the media advertise it for you. Be generous, treat money as nothing, and don¡¯t let anyone say you¡¯re petty.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ...


    Huo Beiting felt much more at ease.


    ¡°That Su Weiwei... a plaything is all she¡¯s good for; she¡¯s not worthy of you. And having such a mother who can¡¯t appear in public, truly delusional.¡±


    ¡°I know, I was never serious about it,¡± Huo Beiting¡¯s lips curled upward, ¡°it¡¯s just that she still has some utility.¡±


    Huo Jianjun¡¯s rage also subsided, and he said indifferently, ¡°Later on, get Zhuo Feng to increase the dosage, don¡¯t let Huo Xingzhou live too long.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me, I was planning to do that anyway.¡±


    That waste was always a hidden trouble.


    Having been suppressed by him for so many years, Huo Beiting instinctively remained wary.


    The next day.


    Zhuo Feng came for his routine acupuncture session.


    Aunt Qian took Zhuo Feng¡¯s medicine chest with earnestness, greeting him with a smile, ¡°Doctor Zhuo, you¡¯ve worked hard, always traveling back and forth.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a doctor¡¯s duty.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Zhuo is truly kindhearted,¡± Aunt Qian hesitated for a long while before asking, ¡°Our young master... regarding that aspect, can it be cured? You know, he¡¯s just got married... and he¡¯s even taking ¡®that¡¯ kind of medicine.¡±


    Aunt Qian muttered to herself, looking quite annoyed.


    Zhuo Feng laughed inwardly, thinking, ¡®The more medicine he takes, the faster he¡¯ll die, which is great.¡¯ But outwardly, he said gently, ¡°Once his legs are healed, that aspect will naturally recover too.¡±


    Aunt Qian breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°Then I can rest easy.¡± She stole a glance at Zhuo Feng, puzzled as to why the young master would tell Doctor Zhuo about the small medicinal pill.


    She led Zhuo Feng to the master bedroom, where Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou were all ready to go.


    After giving him acupuncture, Zhuo Feng said, ¡°The second young master¡¯s body has improved a lot. Next, we need to change the prescription.¡±


    He took out a stack of powdered medicine from the medical chest, ¡°This is the newly formulated medicinal bath sachet I¡¯ve prepared, which works even better.¡± He had added quite a few things to it overnight after receiving a call from the eldest young master.


    After soaking for a week, he won¡¯t be able to stand it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have Aunt Qian show you out.¡±


    ¡°No need, I know the way.¡± Zhuo Feng picked up his medicine kit and walked out the door. Soaking in a poisonous medicinal bath and indulging in desires he couldn¡¯t vent¡ªdead even faster.


    Why stop Huo Xingzhou from seeking his own death.


    The door closed.


    Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°The makeshift plan of the Little Divine Doctor is indeed very useful.¡±


    ¡°Come out first,¡± she said.


    Qiao Xi helped him out and instructed him to lie on the big bed.


    She wrung a clean towel and quietly wiped his body. Along his broad back, she removed the toxic medicinal residue.


    Then, moving to his chest, her fingers accidentally brushed against his muscles.


    The atmosphere turned awkward, and the smile on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s face dissipated. He couldn¡¯t help but recall the first day she married into the Huo Family, how she woke him up in the same manner.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do the rest myself.¡±


    His right hand firmly gripped her wrist and met those clear, reddened eyes.


    ¡°All right, then I¡¯ll prepare the Golden Needle.¡± She retrieved her treasured Golden Needles and sterilized them with alcohol. Then one by one, she inserted them into Huo Xingzhou¡¯s acupuncture points.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s hands were steady, but with every needle she inserted, her heart hurt just a bit more. The clear tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes, landing on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s skin.


    Huo Xingzhou felt as if his heart had been seared by the tear.


    This single tear was heart-wrenching.


    ¡°Why are you crying all of a sudden?¡±


    Qiao Xi hastily wiped away her tears, shaking her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s just so infuriating. A doctor is supposed to heal and save lives, but he is thinking about how to harm people! Putting you in danger...¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re crying about this,¡± Huo Xingzhou watched Qiao Xi quietly, as the unchanging sternness in his eyes melted into tenderness, spreading out.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, why don¡¯t good people get their rewards?¡± Huo Xingzhou was like this, and so was her grandmother. Yet Zhao Yuzhen and the Huo Family¡¯s main branch were living well.


    Her curled eyelashes were damp, bent into beautiful arcs. Her eyes, washed by tears, were even clearer, more captivating.


    Huo Xingzhou laughed unrestrainedly, ¡°Qiao Xi, aren¡¯t you my reward?¡±


    He reached out, his fingertips wiping her tear streaks, ¡°Being this tender-hearted, you¡¯ll get bullied to death in the future.¡±


    Qiao Xi gazed at him unblinkingly, her heart growing warm.


    She could feel the unmasked favoritism from his heart and the tacit understanding unique to lovers, longing, and palpitations.


    Just as she was about to say something, a commotion erupted outside the door.

 Chapter 24: Good Stuff, Girls Don鈥檛 Understand!

    Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Good Stuff, Girls Don¡¯t Understand!


    ¡°What crappy thing did you send! It almost killed my brother,¡± Huo Sijiao¡¯s voice was high-pitched and carried far. ¡°Last night, my brother was almost scolded to death by my mom and dad!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good stuff! You, a girl, wouldn¡¯t understand!¡±


    Zhou Yu argued his point.


    ¡°What good stuff? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what it is,¡± Huo Sijiao said disdainfully, holding a jar of hot chicken soup in her hand.


    ¡°I can¡¯t explain it to you,¡± Zhou Yu said, his temper flaring. He must have owed these siblings something in a past life.


    Inside the room.


    ...


    Qiao Xi removed all the Golden Needles from Huo Xingzhou¡¯s body and swiftly dressed him.


    ¡°Zhou Yu knows about your medical skills, there¡¯s no need to hide it in front of him. But Jiaojiao and mom and dad don¡¯t know,¡± Huo Xingzhou said softly.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Qiao Xi responded with a sound, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go and open the door.¡±


    No sooner had she spoken than the door was pushed open. Huo Sijiao and Zhou Yu squeezed in together.


    ¡°Sister-in-law! I¡¯ve come to see you again. This is chicken soup my mom made by hand, it¡¯s for your health,¡± she boasted, holding the insulated container.


    ¡°Huo Er, you¡¯re cutting me off over a tiny medicinal pill, is it worth it?¡±


    When the two of them came together, they were like 500 ducks.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, take your sister-in-law out for a walk,¡± Huo Xingzhou said with a headache, trying to separate them.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Sijiao immediately took Qiao Xi¡¯s arm, ¡°Sister-in-law, it¡¯s nice outside, let¡¯s go for a walk. Don¡¯t stay with these stinky men, your thoughts will become dirty,¡± she said with a suggestive tone.


    Zhou Yu was seething, ¡°I won¡¯t stoop to argue with you.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    ¡°Jiaojiao, let¡¯s go quickly,¡± Qiao Xi urged.


    The two of them left briskly, and the room finally quieted down.


    ¡°Huo Er, you sure can hold a grudge.¡±


    Zhou Yu casually sat on the edge of his bed, ¡°How come you¡¯re disheveled in broad daylight, what indecent things have you been up to?¡±


    ¡°Can you speak properly?¡± Huo Xingzhou methodically smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes and said.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Zhou Yu said, tossing a stack of documents in front of him. ¡°Huo Beiting is sucking up to the project manager from Tianyuan Group, Mr. Jin, and they¡¯ve got dinner plans tonight. Mr. Jin is asking what to do about you.¡±


    ¡°Let him go, take a few who can hold their liquor, and drink Huo Beiting under the table,¡± Huo Xingzhou said calmly.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Zhou Yu said nonchalantly, ¡°Do you need me to hire someone to bag him and beat him up?¡±


    ¡°If he drinks until he has a bleeding stomach, that will be enough. Then draw him a big pie, and entice him to sign a ¡®Synergy Agreement¡¯.¡±


    Zhou Yu said with a sly grin, ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Xu Xiuyuan, an annoying guy. His family is in pharmaceuticals. The Xu Family and the Liu Family are in-laws; his mother is Miss Liu, and that old lady from the Liu Family took her husband¡¯s family name, she¡¯s quite troublesome too.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan is also the honorary dean of City Hospital, mainly in charge of administrative duties and not medical treatment.


    ¡°So her surname is also Liu?¡± Qiao Xi wondered, that was rather uncommon. Maybe Madam Liu really loved her husband.


    Huo Sijiao cautioned, ¡°Yes. In front of my brother, Young Madam, you must never mention the Xu Family.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi guessed there must be some conflict between the two families.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry back and have some chicken soup.¡± Huo Sijiao took her arm and hurried along.


    Looking back, Qiao Xi could see from a distance that Xu Xiuyuan seemed to be watching her too, stirring a strange feeling within her.


    ...


    The next morning, bright and early.


    After getting her things in order, Qiao Xi turned to the man at the dining table and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, I need to intern at the hospital for a while, so I won¡¯t be able to take care of you as much.¡±


    ¡°No problem. It¡¯ll be more manageable in a couple of days.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was having breakfast gracefully, ¡°Do you need me to have the driver take you there?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head and said softly next to him, ¡°Mr. Huo, could we keep our relationship from my colleagues at the hospital for the time being?¡±


    If she became a regular and continued working there, it would be difficult to explain later.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her in surprise, ¡°Am I that shameful?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s our agreement... I don¡¯t want too much trouble.¡±


    In the end, they were going to get divorced anyway.


    The man¡¯s expression turned cold, ¡°Fine.¡±


    Aunt Qian came out of the kitchen with a lunch box and shoved it into Qiao Xi¡¯s hands, ¡°Young Madam, I¡¯ve heard the hospital food isn¡¯t good. I made you a lunch box. Don¡¯t work too hard, and if it¡¯s too much, just quit. After all, our family is wealthy.¡±


    Qiao Xi smiled.


    ¡°Thank you, Aunt Qian, I¡¯ll be going then.¡±


    She stuffed the lunch box into her canvas bag and left with a spring in her step.


    Huo Xingzhou felt she was very happy, after all, healing and saving lives was her dream. He had been selfish to keep her so close.


    When he could stand up again, Qiao Xi wouldn¡¯t need to conceal her real abilities anymore.


    By then, she would surely shine.


    After leaving home, Qiao Xi took a bus to the administrative department of City Hospital.


    She completed the procedures, got her uniform, and went to the changing room to store her things and get dressed.


    When she arrived, the changing room was bustling.


    ¡°There, that¡¯s the famous top student from the Medical Faculty of Haicheng.¡± Ye Manman winked and spoke strangely to a group, her tone mocking.


    The others exchanged glances, their expressions varied.

 Chapter 25: A Whiff of Foxiness

    Chapter 25: Chapter 25: A Whiff of Foxiness


    Qiao Xi stood in front of the storage locker, stuffing her belongings into it. A few delicate-looking girls gathered around her, obviously up to no good.


    She turned around calmly and asked, ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°You still bring a lunchbox? Let me see what kind of dishes you have,¡± one girl named Wu Yachun snatched it away, accidentally spilling it on the floor.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I didn¡¯t hold it steady.¡± Her smile was filled with malice.@@@@


    Qiao Xi pressed her lips tightly together, watching as Aunt Qian¡¯s carefully prepared meal was wasted, frustration swelling in her heart.


    ¡°Still angry, huh? Country folks really can¡¯t hide their petty nature.¡± Her delicate face wore a look of triumph. She fanned the air with her hand and asked, ¡°Do you smell that fox-like stench?¡±


    ...


    ¡°It¡¯s so musky.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, it must be coming from you, right? Let us help you out.¡±


    They laughed and started to spray disinfectant alcohol on Qiao Xi, mocking her as they sprayed.


    ¡°Not only does it smell musky, but it also has that rural earthiness.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t dodge.¡±


    Ye Manman stood outside the crowd, arms crossed, enjoying the spectacle. The girls¡¯ malice was blatant, and Ye Manman had exploited their tendency to despise evil quite thoroughly.


    Qiao Xi grabbed the needles from her sleeve and jabbed them, causing them to howl in pain.


    Then she snatch up the disinfectant alcohol and doused them with it, saying coldly, ¡°You didn¡¯t brush your teeth this morning. I¡¯m just helping you freshen up.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve used a needle to hurt someone! I¡¯m going to tell my uncle!¡± Wu Yachun glared at her resentfully, ¡°Just you wait!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    They scattered, and Qiao Xi let out a sigh of relief, setting the alcohol aside.


    Ye Manman approached, feigning concern as she said, ¡°Qiao Xi, are you okay? They were really too much.¡±


    ¡°Ye Manman.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her, ¡°Stop pretending. The malice in your eyes is overflowing.¡±


    Ye Manman gave a snort of laughter, ¡°Alright then. I just incited them a little; who knew they would be so impulsive to actually disinfect you.¡±


    Qiao Xi took a broom and cleaned up all the scattered food on the floor, paying no attention to her.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, do you know who Wu Yachun¡¯s uncle is? He¡¯s Director Wu, in charge of the interns. You¡¯ve offended her, you¡¯re done for.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here for an internship at the hospital, I don¡¯t wish to scheme with you.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was chilly, and her apricot eyes radiated a remote and icy light. She changed back into her coat, fixed her hair, and walked out.


    Ye Manman laughed sarcastically; she wouldn¡¯t give up that easily!


    She glanced again at his name badge¡ªso young and already the honorary dean of City Hospital.


    Xu Xiuyuan furrowed his eyebrows. Since when did interns in the rehabilitation department have to do such tasks?


    ¡°Xiuyuan, who is it?¡± a well-mannered voice asked from inside.


    ¡°A doctor from the hospital. Grandmother, I¡¯m going to get back to work now.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan nodded towards Qiao Xi as a greeting and left her with a word of caution, ¡°The old lady is quite particular.¡±


    After he left, Qiao Xi entered on tiptoe.


    The dignified and elegant old lady was sitting on the bed, paralyzed on the lower half of her body. Even in the hospital, she wore a finely made cheongsam and light makeup, flipping through a magazine with great poise.


    It was evident that she must have been a stunning beauty in her youth, a pampered lady of nobility.


    Glancing at the nameplate over the head of her bed, it read Liu Qiushuang.


    So this was the old lady who had taken her husband¡¯s surname. What a coincidence. Mentioned just yesterday, and here she was today.


    Qiao Xi took out a mop soaked in disinfectant, ready to mop the floor.


    The old lady didn¡¯t even look up, speaking leisurely, ¡°Use a rag to clean the floor; you can¡¯t get it clean with a mop. If you don¡¯t know how, get someone else.¡±


    Without responding, Qiao Xi switched to a rag and bent down, wiping the tiles until they shone.


    She had done these things in the countryside too.


    The disinfectant was harsh, turning the skin on her hands a light red.


    ¡°I like it clean and bright¡ªwindows that let the sunlight in. The dust is heavy outside this hospital, clean the windows for me too, spotless. Or else, I will complain about you,¡± she said, turning a page in her magazine with a graceful, soft voice.


    At last, Qiao Xi understood what ¡°difficult¡± meant. She rubbed her sore back and, changing the water, began to clean the windows.


    During this, her phone in her pocket vibrated.


    The old lady frowned, her tone cooling, ¡°Don¡¯t make any noise! I detest that buzzing vibration sound the most, hasn¡¯t your Director Wu told you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Qiao Xi silenced her phone, texted back ¡°At work¡± to Huo Xingzhou, and then ignored it.


    She cleaned all the windows thoroughly.


    ¡°You have an examination later, I¡¯ll take you there. After the exam, I¡¯ll get your meal,¡± said Qiao Xi, having tidied up the cleaning equipment and standing by the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not getting checked. The food in this hospital is terrible; order me a set meal from Jinling Garden,¡± Liu Qiushuang didn¡¯t even look up, completely resistant and uncooperative.


    Before Qiao Xi could reply, the old lady from the Liu Family posed another capricious demand, ¡°Can you make coffee? My daughter sent me this coffee machine; make me a cup. I want it with extra milk and sugar.¡±


    ¡°Your condition prohibits you from drinking stimulating beverages like coffee,¡± Qiao Xi kindly reminded her, standing her ground as a doctor.


    ¡°You little girl, always meddling. I...¡± Liu Qiushuang tossed the magazine aside, looked up, and seeing Qiao Xi¡¯s face, froze.


    ¡°Whose child are you?¡± she asked with a halting voice.

 Chapter 26: Sleeping Together

    Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Sleeping Together


    ¡°What?¡± Qiao Xi didn¡¯t hear what she said clearly.


    Old Madam Liu was stunned for a good while before she said, ¡°Forget it, you go and arrange it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll communicate with the doctor.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was calm, ¡°If there are any problems, you can press the button and call me.¡±


    After she left.@@@@


    Old Madam Liu rubbed her swelling temples.


    ...


    From that angle just now, she really saw wrong. This girl named Qiao Xi, she looked three or four points similar to her daughter when she was young.


    Old Madam Liu even forgot to be angry.


    But upon closer examination, she wasn¡¯t similar at all.


    The world is so large, anything is possible.


    She took out her cell phone and called her eldest son, ¡°Zongquan, I saw a young girl in the hospital today who looks a bit like Huimin. The hospital really knows how to pick people.¡±


    The Liu Family dotes on their daughter the most.


    ¡°They must be afraid that I won¡¯t cooperate with the treatment, so they deliberately found someone who looks a bit like her to manipulate me. I can¡¯t... be schemed against.¡± The old lady snorted coldly and said, ¡°This must be Xiuyuan¡¯s crafty idea.¡±


    If Xu Xiuyuan knew what the old lady was thinking, he would certainly cry injustice. Who knew that Director Wu would make such an arrangement by mistake.


    ¡°Mom, just stay in the hospital; hemiparesis can be cured,¡± Liu Zongquan advised.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fool me; I don¡¯t like hospitals.¡±


    To return home for recuperation as soon as possible, she had to harden her heart.


    ...


    Qiao Xi came back again, took Old Madam Liu to finish her checkup, and by the way, picked up a meal.


    Back in the ward, Old Madam Liu overturned the hospital¡¯s bland meal, and the hot soup splashed onto Qiao Xi¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Is this what people eat? I want the set meal from Jinling Garden.¡±


    ¡°You told me to arrange it myself,¡± Qiao Xi said, straightening her body.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that, you heard wrong,¡± Old Madam Liu boldly said, covering up her own guilt.


    Qiao Xi had principles too, ¡°Patients should follow medical advice while hospitalized. I¡¯ll get you another serving.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it anymore. You clean up the floor for me; it¡¯s all greasy and disgusting just looking at it,¡± she intensified her demands, starting to act up again.


    Qiao Xi glanced at her, silently cleaning the room.


    ¡°I want to take a nap, don¡¯t disturb me.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Yan will come to give you acupuncture at one o¡¯clock.¡±


    Aunt Qian said with pity, ¡°What is she doing being an intern.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou knew she wanted to get her diploma, and even stay at City Hospital, where she could apply for her medical license through the normal process in a year.


    Actually, she didn¡¯t need to work so hard, as long as Cheng Han was willing to acknowledge her as his apprentice.


    But Cheng Han probably didn¡¯t want to reveal his whereabouts yet.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, go to City Hospital tomorrow to inquire if she¡¯s being deliberately made things difficult for.¡±


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll leave the food here, let the Young Madam eat when she wakes up.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave a slight nod, and after Aunt Qian left, he picked up the sleeping figure and placed her on the bed. She was sleeping so deeply that she didn¡¯t wake throughout the ordeal.


    Qiao Xi was roused the next morning by hunger, her stomach rumbling loudly.


    She woke up feeling refreshed and alert, but as she opened her eyes, she noticed something different. The body next to her was warm, and as she slowly turned her head, she saw Huo Xingzhou¡¯s striking, enlarged face.


    She gasped in shock.


    Huo Xingzhou seemed to sense something, and his arm shifted slightly.


    Qiao Xi quickly closed her eyes and pretended to sleep, her heart pounding like a drum.


    ¡°Sleep some more, or you¡¯ll be late for work.¡± The man¡¯s voice in the morning was sexy and husky.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t pretend any longer, she opened her eyes and said calmly, ¡°Mr. Huo, good morning.¡±


    ¡°Do you experience blackouts when you sleep?¡±


    He lay on the side of the bed very lazily, asking with implied meaning.


    Qiao Xi blushed and said quietly, ¡°No, I¡¯m going to wash up.¡±


    Behind her, Huo Xingzhou let out a pleased chuckle.


    Qiao Xi nearly tripped over her own feet, her face reddening all the way to her neck.


    ¡°Young Master, Young Madam! Time for breakfast!¡± Aunt Qian called out, with a table full of nutritious breakfast laid out.


    The two of them arrived at the table leisurely.


    Aunt Qian asked with a smile, ¡°Young Madam, how was the packed dinner yesterday? I made you another one today.¡±


    Qiao Xi forced a stiff smile and lied, ¡°It was delicious.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±


    Aunt Qian also packed some expensive fruits for her, ¡°Take these to share with your colleagues.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou noticed her discomfort, and when Qiao Xi finished her meal and was leaving, he spoke up, ¡°Qiao Xi, after work tonight...¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him, puzzled.


    ¡°Never mind, it¡¯s nothing.¡± He teased.

 Chapter 27: Whoever Loses, Get Lost

    Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Whoever Loses, Get Lost


    At a quarter to eight, Qiao Xi arrived at the entrance of the hospital.


    A figure darted out and Chen Xu blocked her way, grasping her hand without letting go.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I beg you to forgive me.¡±


    ¡°Chen Xu, let go of me!¡±


    Qiao Xi never expected him to make a scene at the hospital. The hospital was crowded with people, and now all eyes were on them.


    Chen Xu¡¯s eyes were red as he knelt down and said, ¡°I don¡¯t care that you became the other woman. I just beg you to come back to me, I can give you money.¡±


    ...


    ¡°I know you got into City Hospital through the back door. Otherwise, with no power or status, how could someone from the countryside get in...¡±


    Passersby pointed and gossiped about Qiao Xi: ¡°Shameless, being someone else¡¯s mistress.¡±


    ¡°Morals are declining. Nowadays, pretty young girls all want to take shortcuts.¡±


    Everyone was speaking as if they were veritable experts, surrounding Qiao Xi and sizing her up.


    ¡°He is not my boyfriend!¡± Qiao Xi said coldly, ¡°If you keep holding onto me, I¡¯m calling the police!¡±@@@@


    ¡°Everyone, please persuade her! Her name is Qiao Xi, she¡¯s an intern in the Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Department, and she is my girlfriend. She has cheated multiple times with rich old men, and I don¡¯t want her to go down the wrong path!¡±


    Malice flashed in Chen Xu¡¯s eyes as he deliberately disclosed Qiao Xi¡¯s personal information. Ye Manman had said that Qiao Xi was dumped by her sugar daddy and was ruining Qiao Xi¡¯s reputation, leaving her with nowhere to turn.


    Thinking back on his recent misfortunes, his heart was filled with resentment. Whatever his family invested in, they lost money, and he was even more unlucky, running into trouble at every turn.


    ¡°Miss, you should be grateful for such a devoted boyfriend!¡±


    Qiao Xi was speechless.


    In this day and age, spreading a sensual rumor about a pretty girl was too easy. No one would waste time verifying the truth.


    She took out her phone to call the police but someone in the crowd knocked it out of her hand.


    ¡°Make way! Don¡¯t crowd around the entrance of the hospital, move aside!¡± A few security guards shouted as they maintained order, separating the onlookers from the hospital visitors.


    ¡°Clear out, everyone!¡±


    ¡°Good morning, Director Xu!¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan approached and bent down to pick up Qiao Xi¡¯s phone, his cold gaze sweeping toward Chen Xu.


    ¡°Causing trouble in front of the hospital can lead to detention,¡± he warned.


    Stubbornly, Chen Xu said, ¡°Is it illegal to talk to my girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re disrupting my employees from working normally,¡± Director Xu replied impatiently, ¡°Security, take him to the security office and add him to the blacklist.¡±


    Mrs. Liu grew more intense, ¡°Flies don¡¯t sting seamless eggs. Don¡¯t you deliberately come near me, trying to attract Xiuyuan. Our Liu Family has a noble reputation; we wouldn¡¯t want a woman who can¡¯t be presented publicly.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s hands paused, and she lifted her head, her eyes defiantly staring at her.


    Mrs. Liu was taken aback, guiltily saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t... say anything.¡±


    She might die from this¡ªher heart couldn¡¯t harden against Qiao Xi, feeling a bit of pity for her.


    Silence spread through the ward.


    Qiao Xi massaged her for half an hour, her hands growing sore.


    Breaking the silence, Mrs. Liu awkwardly praised, ¡°Your technique is even better than Dr. Yan¡¯s, you must have put in a lot of hard work.¡±


    ¡°Would you like some fruit?¡±


    Qiao Xi asked softly.


    Mrs. Liu was about to say she had eaten every kind of fruit, but instead, she said, ¡°I do eat, but only the expensive, top-grade ones. I don¡¯t touch those pesticide-laden street-market goods.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was velvety; she went to the changing room for a few glass storage containers and quickly returned to the hospital.


    Opening the containers one by one, they were full of top-grade blueberries, cherries, soft pears, and Honeycrisp apples.


    Mrs. Liu, who knew her stuff, cast a surprised glance at her, ¡°Is the salary for an intern at City Hospital so high, or is it that...¡±


    She looked at the young woman whose eyes were clear and actions were solid, not someone who seemed like she¡¯d seek a sugar daddy.


    ¡°My family prepared it,¡± Qiao Xi said.


    She didn¡¯t want to give it to her colleagues, and she didn¡¯t want it to go to waste, so let this cantankerous old lady have it.


    Mrs. Liu nodded, picked up a fork, and started to eat, ¡°Women should eat more fruit for nice skin and good health. When I was young...¡±


    Qiao Xi sat quietly beside her, listening to her speak, her thoughts drifting away.


    A blueberry was popped into her mouth; she chewed subconsciously, savoring the sweetness.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so melancholic, young lady. My granddaughter is carefree and thoughtless,¡± Mrs. Liu said, putting down her fork, ¡°Eating from someone¡¯s hand softens the heart, I won¡¯t make things difficult for you anymore.¡±


    The old lady¡¯s heart had softened, after all.


    Qiao Xi looked at her and slowly smiled.


    True to her word, Mrs. Liu didn¡¯t give Qiao Xi a hard time that day. Qiao Xi¡¯s job was much simpler, even somewhat tranquil.


    At six in the evening, it was time to get off work.


    A phone call reached Qiao Xi, Aunt Qian crying out in panic, ¡°Young Madam, the young master has had an accident! He¡¯s in resuscitation!¡±


    Qiao Xi felt as if a thunderbolt had exploded beside her ear, her body turning to ice, her heart aching sharply.

 Chapter 28: He Wants to Choose the Most Beautiful Female Doctor

    Chapter 28: Chapter 28: He Wants to Choose the Most Beautiful Female Doctor


    ¡°Where is he?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice trembled.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the City Hospital being resuscitated.¡±


    Qiao Xi clutched her cellphone, running towards the emergency room like a lunatic. The sound of the wind roared in her ears, and she felt as if dark clouds were pressing down overhead, many possibilities flashing through her mind.


    Why had he been taken to the emergency room?


    Would he die?


    ...


    ¡°Young Madam!¡± Aunt Qian saw her and burst into tears, ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but the young master started vomiting blood profusely.¡±


    ¡°How long has he been in there?¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s hands and feet were ice-cold, and a cold sweat broke out on her back.


    ¡°Just a little while.¡±


    The lights in the emergency room were still on.


    What symptom is vomiting blood? Qiao Xi thought frantically; if only she could take his pulse.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, you... you don¡¯t panic first.¡± She comforted Aunt Qian with her mouth, but she herself was terribly frightened.


    After a while, the Huo family¡¯s second branch all arrived.


    Du Juan and Huo Sijiao asked continuously, while Huo Jiancheng¡¯s expression was even more solemn.


    ¡°How did he end up in the hospital just like that? His condition had improved with the disciple of Cheng Han,¡± Du Juan paced back and forth, ¡°Did we overlook something?¡±


    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Huo Sijiao clung tightly to Du Juan, crying bitterly.


    She remembered the night her brother had a car accident; the entire family was frightened and in pain, also waiting outside the emergency room. She thought that such darkness would no longer descend upon them.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯ll be okay this time too.¡±


    Du Juan trembled all over as she gently patted Huo Sijiao¡¯s back.


    Qiao Xi stood silently.


    Two hours later, the lights in the emergency room went out.


    Everyone crowded around as the doctor came out, removing his mask and saying, ¡°His stomach is fragile, food poisoning, nothing serious.¡±


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    Huo Xingzhou was wheeled out on a gurney, still conscious.


    ¡°Xingzhou.¡±


    ¡°Son, do you feel discomfort anywhere else?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s face was pale as he was pushed into room 2106.


    ¡°How could it be food poisoning?¡± Aunt Qian blamed herself, ¡°Could it be that the food I cooked was poisonous?¡±


    ¡°Aunt Qian, it has nothing to do with you. I wasn¡¯t careful and ate some nuts that, it turns out, were expired,¡± Huo Xingzhou comforted her.


    ...


    The next day.


    The medical affairs department was seething with undercurrents like boiling water, and interns whispered to each other.


    Qiao Xi noticed it the moment she arrived.


    ¡°Surname Huo! Which other Huo could there be in Haicheng!¡±


    ¡°Right, specifically asking for our acupuncture and rehabilitation intern, the prettiest and most professional one! Guess why he wants the prettiest?¡±


    ¡°A rich young master from a top wealthy family, of course he¡¯s looking for... a romantic encounter.¡±


    Young girls still harbored some fantasies, unable to keep calm.


    Qiao Xi saw that Ye Manman and Wu Yachun¡¯s makeup was meticulously done, both eager to try.


    ¡°Yachun, you go first.¡±


    Director Wu always thought of his niece for any good opportunity, and Wu Yachun excitedly agreed. She paraded around like a proud peacock before going upstairs.


    Ye Manman praised her verbally, but her eyes revealed dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Even so, good things won¡¯t fall on your head.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but take out her anger on Qiao Xi.


    Qiao Xi was arranging items and did not pay attention.


    Soon, Wu Yachun came running down crying, her makeup smeared.


    ¡°Yachun, what happened?¡±


    ¡°He asked about chest pain in the precardial area, with deficiency of yang qi, and which acupuncture points should be needled. I¡¯m just an intern, how would I know that!¡±


    She was crying so hard she couldn¡¯t catch her breath, ¡°He then humiliated me, asking how someone with my skills got into the hospital.¡±


    On hearing this, Qiao Xi struggled to suppress the upward curve of her lips.


    Director Wu frowned, ¡°Ye Manman, your turn.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Ye Manman straightened her front confidently; she was not an embroidered pillow like Wu Yachun. She knew all the basic symptoms by heart.


    This was her chance to soar.


    She had heard that the second young master of the Huo Family was married and infertile, but so what.


    What she aimed for was money and status.


    Room 2106.


    Huo Xingzhou, bored to death, was playing with a world map puzzle and didn¡¯t even look up at the sound of the door opening.


    Director Wu and Ye Manman came up together.


    ¡°Second Young Master. This is Ye Manman, beautiful and professional,¡± Director Wu said obsequiously. The Huo Family donated a lot of equipment to the City Hospital every year, and this Buddha could not be offended.


    Huo Xingzhou looked up, casting a glance at her.


    Ye Manman immediately blushed, infatuated.


    She didn¡¯t expect him to be so handsome.


    She volunteered, ¡°Mr. Huo, I come second in my professional ranking every year. You can test me on anything; I know all the basic illnesses.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou tossed aside the puzzle, frowning, ¡°Do you have body odor?¡±

 Chapter 29: Internship Evaluation, Stunning Everyone!

    Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Internship Evaluation, Stunning Everyone!


    ¡°What?¡± Ye Manman asked, puzzled.


    ¡°Wearing perfume to work at the hospital, are you trying to cover up body odor?¡± the man said rudely, a harsh and rebellious glint flashing in his eyes, ¡°Or... do you think this is a nightclub?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I... I¡¯m sorry, I won¡¯t do it again,¡± Ye Manman said, her heart full of humiliation, ¡°I¡¯ve had interactions with your sister before, and I hope you can give me this chance.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou frowned in disgust. The words ¡°Mr. Huo¡± sounded so unpleasant coming from her mouth.


    Especially knowing what she had done to Qiao Xi.


    ...


    ¡°Director Wu, give me the interns¡¯ files. I¡¯ll pick them myself.¡±


    ¡°Oh okay.¡±


    Director Wu, with his bulging belly, ran back and forth before placing a stack of files in front of Huo Xingzhou.


    The atmosphere in the ward was tense, and Ye Manman stood to one side like a block of wood.


    ¡°This Qiao Xi here has been number one in her field every year, and she¡¯s also quite beautiful. Why didn¡¯t you bring her here, Director Wu?¡±


    Ye Manman held her breath, feeling a sharp pain in her lungs.


    Qiao Xi again!


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll call her right now.¡±


    Director Wu ran, his forehead sweating, before finally bringing Qiao Xi up.


    When Qiao Xi entered, the man lifted his eyelids slightly and said indifferently, ¡°She is indeed very pretty.¡±


    Qiao Xi held back a laugh, watching him put on an act.


    This is what Mr. Huo called ¡°being justified.¡±


    Ye Manman could not accept it: ¡°She¡¯s just a handyman, and she does not have a mentoring doctor. How can she be responsible for someone as noble as you?¡±


    ¡°Keep quiet!¡± Director Wu warned, dissatisfied.


    ¡°Qiao Xi,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, his eyes dark and lips carrying a faint smile, ¡°This lady¡¯s perfume is too strong. Use alcohol to disinfect her.¡±@@@@


    ¡°All right.¡±


    A surge of sweetness filled Qiao Xi¡¯s heart, and she sprayed Ye Manman¡¯s whole body with alcohol.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you...¡±


    Bitch!


    She only knows how to seduce men!


    ¡°Everyone out, but she stays.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Ye Manman, hurry up and leave.¡± Director Wu dragged Ye Manman out, feeling ashamed by her action of wearing perfume. She must be desperate for a man!


    As soon as they left, Qiao Xi laughed out loud.


    ¡°Does it feel good?¡± he asked quietly.


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Conversely, Qiao Xi had no mentor, doing odd jobs daily.


    There was no way she could win.


    ¡°She really overestimates herself. The hospital is not like the school where you can get first place by just studying.¡±


    ¡°She just thinks she¡¯s so capable,¡± Wu Yachun said enviously, ¡°She goes to ward 2106 every day to offer her eager services, like she can¡¯t wait to take care of the patients right on their beds.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not all, I heard there¡¯s hugging and cuddling involved. If she loses this time, she¡¯ll have to crawl back to school in disgrace.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood in a corner, automatically blocking out those voices. For the hospital assessment, Grandfather Cheng had once said, it was all about recognizing acupoints and the basic determination of symptoms.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, it¡¯s not too late to admit defeat now,¡± Ye Manman said confidently, ¡°Dr. Yan and Dr. Li in charge of the assessment today are both very strict. Dr. Li is my mentoring doctor.¡±


    ¡°If you kneel and admit you¡¯re inferior to me, I¡¯ll let you off the hook.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cold eyes glanced at her, ¡°Are you still dreaming? You can go back to sleep.¡±


    ¡°I want to see how long you can be so stubborn!¡±


    At nine o¡¯clock.


    The two assessing doctors entered, and the assessment began.


    In front of each intern was a mannequin, and the first step was to recognize the acupoints.


    Dr. Yan was very serious, standing on the podium without a hint of a smile, his voice also very cold: ¡°The acupuncture rehabilitation department is one of the most renowned departments in City Hospital. If you fail this assessment, leave the rehabilitation department.¡±


    He had a reputation for miraculous healing and held an esteemed position in City Hospital. It was said that he had many interactions with Cheng Han in his younger days.


    In contrast, Dr. Li was much friendlier, but he also deferred to Dr. Yan.


    Everyone tensed up.


    ¡°I can see all of your little movements. The assessment starts now.¡±


    ¡°Waiguan Acupoint.¡±


    ¡°Lieque Acupoint, Houxi Acupoint...¡±


    ¡°Xiaguan Acupoint, Intersection of the Eight Vessels...¡±


    The acupoints became increasingly difficult, the pace faster and faster.


    Many interns broke out in a cold sweat, unable to stop their hands from shaking. The mannequin in front of them was full of needles, though they were not sure if they were placed correctly.


    Even Ye Manman, who had been performing well as an intern, clenched her teeth and struggled to cope.


    Only one person remained calm, with swift and precise needle placement.


    Fast, accurate!


    Each acupoint was positioned to the finest detail.


    Her needle-handling technique was exquisite and exuded a special charm.


    Dr. Yan noticed her immediately, his expression softening. He slowly walked over to her and increased the difficulty, ¡°Fengchi Acupoint, Zhongfu Yunmen.¡±


    The rest of the interns groaned, this was beyond the scope of the assessment.


    Qiao Xi pursed her red lips, steady and decisive, without a hint of panic.


    Ye Manman turned her head to look, filled with shock and disbelief.

 Chapter 30 - 30 Who the Hell is the Mistress?

    Chapter 30: Chapter 30 Who the Hell is the Mistress?


    Dr. Yan nodded with satisfaction, ¡°How should an asthma attack be treated?¡±


    This was no longer about locating acupuncture points but a direct individual consultation.


    Qiao Xi glanced at him and seriously said, ¡°Take Fengchi and Dingchuan as the main points. If it¡¯s cold-induced asthma, add Baihui, Qi Sea, and Guanyuan. If it¡¯s heat-induced asthma, combine it with Quchi, Dazhui, and Fenglong.¡±@@@@


    As she spoke, she was inserting needles, and the application of tonification and sedation techniques was very precise.


    Dr. Yan even drew inspiration from it, her needle technique somewhat resembled the lost Cheng Acupuncture Technique. But rumors outside suggested that Zhuo Feng was a disciple of Cheng Han, who, aside from Huo Er Shao, never took patients.


    Whether it was out of arrogance or fear of being exposed, no one knew.


    ...


    ¡°And how should infertility be treated?¡±


    ¡°Infertility can be roughly divided into four types. If it¡¯s due to kidney deficiency and cold womb, use the Fuliu and Mingmen points. If it¡¯s liver qi stagnation...¡±


    She elaborated enthusiastically, with a brilliance on her pretty face as if it was shrouded in a soft glow, causing Ye Manman¡¯s face to turn pale and her heart to panic.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of this method of treatment before. I wonder what the clinical results are like...¡± Dr. Yan was a medical enthusiast, very engrossed in listening.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t treated it before,¡± Qiao Xi admitted sheepishly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you don¡¯t have a supervising doctor. How about coming to help me in the future?¡± Her theory was solid, she was almost ready for outpatient diagnosis.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Qiao Xi curved her eyes and smiled in response.


    The others had varying expressions. Dr. Yan seldom took interns, and Qiao Xi had hit the jackpot. Thinking about the bet between Ye Manman and Qiao Xi, they looked at Ye Manman with pity.


    The internship assessment scores were announced on the spot.


    Qiao Xi was rightfully first.


    While Ye Manman later performed abnormally and failed to pass.


    ¡°The assessment is over, and the subsequent arrangements will be decided by Director Wu,¡± Dr. Yan and Dr. Li quickly left.


    The interns whispered amongst themselves, their gaze at Qiao Xi no longer one of disdain and contempt but one of admiration and envy.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you really hide your skills well, tricking me into betting!¡±


    Ye Manman said through gritted teeth, ¡°Now you must be pleased with yourself!¡±


    ¡°Who has been targeting whom all along?¡± Qiao Xi asked calmly, ¡°A bet is a bet.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, we were college roommates. Are you really that heartless?¡± If she lost this job, she would have no source of income. Chen Xu had gone bankrupt; there would be nothing left to pay back her internet loans with.


    ¡°If I were the one losing today, you¡¯d definitely have gloated and told me to get lost!¡± Qiao Xi said expressionlessly.


    And Qiao Xi was called into the director¡¯s office.


    Director Wu looked at her inquisitively, ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯ve got quite the nerve. This time it¡¯s not me who will deal with you, but the Dean and the hospital¡¯s decision.¡±


    ¡°Take a look.¡±


    Qiao Xi took the phone, browsed through the forum post, and her expression grew grave.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do these things.¡± The intimate photos were all about angles, a matter of perspective. How could she have been so forward with Mr. Huo while sober...


    ¡°We¡¯ve had techs verify it, the photos are real. The school requires you to come back and explain everything; your internship is to be suspended.¡±


    Director Wu said impatiently, ¡°Go on, get out.¡±


    ¡°Director Wu, I...¡±


    ¡°Out! You¡¯ve damaged our hospital¡¯s reputation.¡±


    His words were too nasty.


    Qiao Xi clenched her fists tightly and left the office. She took out her phone and scrolled multiple times, almost certain that Ye Manman was the one who posted it.


    It was a narrow road for enemies; Ye Manman came around the corner carrying a box of her belongings, deliberately bumping into Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, if I can¡¯t have a good ending, neither will you.¡± She smiled maliciously, ¡°And there¡¯s another surprise for you! See that auntie over there?¡±


    She pointed to the middle-aged woman at the end of the corridor, who had a mean and sharp look on her face.


    Having said that.


    She threw the box down and started shouting loudly in the bustling hospital corridor.


    ¡°Everyone, come and look! This is Doctor Qiao Xi, the one who hooked up with a married man! You better keep an eye on your husbands when you come for treatment, or this young and beautiful lady will seduce them right away, and you won¡¯t even find a place to cry!¡±


    ¡°Right! She¡¯s indecent!¡±


    Wu Yachun, accompanied by several interns, caused a stir and enjoyed the commotion.


    ¡°Our department can¡¯t keep her! The Haicheng University forum is abuzz! She¡¯s nothing but a homewrecker!¡±


    ¡°Expel her! Expel her!¡±


    They were leading the charge, and the passersby who were clueless also joined in the commotion. The middle-aged woman shoved Qiao Xi forcefully, ¡°It¡¯s vixens like you who cause families to break apart and leave them in ruins! Homewrecker, you ought to die! Die!¡±


    She fiercely grabbed Qiao Xi¡¯s hair, about to slap her.


    Qiao Xi, using a sudden burst of force, pinched the woman¡¯s wrist, taking the upper hand. Just as she was about to push away the frenzied woman, she heard a familiar deep male voice.


    ¡°Who the fuck is the mistress?¡±


    Not far away, a man with a handsome countenance sat in a wheelchair, his voice cold as frost.


    Qiao Xi slowly turned her head, stunned to look at the man.


    This was the first time she had heard Huo Xingzhou swear since she¡¯d known him.

 Chapter 31 - 31 She is my wife

    Chapter 31: Chapter 31 She is my wife


    The driver, Old Chen, stepped forward and pulled the middle-aged madwoman away, respectfully saying, ¡°Young Madam, are you alright?¡±


    Young Madam?


    Qiao Xi was the Young Madam?


    Everyone was shocked as they stared at her. Was Qiao Xi the wife of the Huo family¡¯s second young master?


    ¡°They¡¯re married?¡±


    ¡°How could Qiao Xi be the Young Madam of the Huo family? Could she seek revenge against us?¡± The girls around Wu Yachun were terrified.


    ...


    Huo Xingzhou maneuvered his wheelchair slowly closer, took Qiao Xi¡¯s cold hand, and warned everyone, ¡°She is my wife, not some mistress. Those who spread rumors and slander will be held legally responsible.¡±


    Ye Manman¡¯s belongings dropped to the ground as she slumped, weakened.


    What did the Huo family mean?


    They were the leading business magnates of the financial sector in Haicheng, an elite family.


    Where did Qiao Xi find such luck to climb into such a household? She was actually the Huo family¡¯s Young Madam!


    ¡°Open your eyes wide and see clearly!¡± Huo Sijiao, holding a thermal container, squeezed out of the crowd.


    ¡°This is my sister-in-law, she and my brother are legally married! All of you who are spreading rumors that she¡¯s a mistress, are you blind?¡±


    She stood in front of Qiao Xi, filled with righteous indignation.


    ¡°Jiaojiao,¡± Qiao Xi called softly, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯ve seen the post, it¡¯s all rumors!¡± she exclaimed loudly, ¡°You¡¯re saying my sister-in-law got into many luxury cars! Our Huo family¡¯s garage is full of luxury cars, and it¡¯s not strange to switch them every day!¡±


    ¡°You really have nothing better to do! Still want to look? I will take note of all of you and deal with you one by one!¡±


    Her boldness and straightforwardness were powerful.


    The onlooking passersby kept their mouths shut, not daring to linger any longer, and scurried away in defeat.


    Wu Yachun bit her lip, her face deathly pale, as she realized she had offended the Huo family.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    ¡°Please forgive us, Qiao Xi. It was all Yachun and Manman¡¯s instigation. We didn¡¯t mean to target you, but Wu Yachun said if we didn¡¯t listen, her uncle would make things hard for us.¡±


    ¡°Yes, please. We really need this job, please don¡¯t pursue this.¡±


    Wu Yachun¡¯s lackeys all defected, apologizing.


    Ye Manman cried out hysterically, ¡°You¡¯ve been enjoying watching me make a fool of myself all along!¡±


    ¡°We kept to our own paths, it was always you who wanted to harm me,¡± Qiao Xi said.


    Ye Manman felt utterly disheartened and abandoned herself to despair, ¡°So what if you have someone backing you up! Even Chen Xu¡¯s family bankruptcy was your doing, wasn¡¯t it? Qiao Xi, I never imagined I couldn¡¯t beat you.¡±


    ¡°You really are unreasonable! Insisting on this constant struggle, my sister-in-law has no desire to get involved with you!¡±


    Huo Sijiao said disdainfully, ¡°Now get lost, and wait for the court summons!¡±


    Ye Manman was driven mad with hatred, bending over to pick up her things from the ground and leaving, her eyes filled with a blood-red resentment!


    She was not ready to give up!


    But at this moment, all she could do was take her belongings and scram!


    The corridor fell silent once again.


    Qiao Xi glanced at Wu Yachun and the others, then softly said as she placed her hand on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair, ¡°Mr. Huo, let me take you back to the ward.¡±


    The man¡¯s face remained stern, with no response.


    Instead, he addressed Huo Sijiao, ¡°You handle the clarification at the school. I¡¯ll suggest to Haicheng University¡¯s forum to implement real-name authentication. Old Chen, take that middle-aged woman to the police station.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master.¡±


    ¡°No problem, leave it to me. I will surely clear my sister-in-law¡¯s name.¡±


    Huo Sijiao promised.


    She handed the insulated container to Qiao Xi, ¡°Sister-in-law, please take good care of my brother. Here¡¯s the duck soup Mom made for you both.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi hurriedly took it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going then, call me if you need anything. Sister-in-law can¡¯t be wronged in the hospital.¡±


    After giving her instructions, Huo Sijiao left.


    Qiao Xi, with one hand carrying the insulated container and the other about to push Huo Xingzhou, saw him press the button for automatic driving, and the wheelchair moved forward, leaving her hand hanging in the air.


    She quickly followed and squeezed into the elevator just before the doors closed.


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    Her heart pounded as though it were drumming, ¡°Are you upset?¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t know what he might be angry about.


    He lifted his gaze, looking at her coldly, ¡°Qiao Xi, would you rather be slandered and bullied than tell them, even once, that you are my wife?¡±

 Chapter 32: It鈥檚 So Hard to Pamper a Man

    Chapter 32: Chapter 32: It¡¯s So Hard to Pamper a Man


    Qiao Xi was stunned by his barrage of questions.


    She had never considered using the power of Huo Xingzhou, and the Huo family¡¯s main branch was putting constant pressure on them, making the situation for the second branch very difficult already.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, am I really such a disgrace?¡±


    ¡°Not at all, Mr. Huo.¡±


    Qiao Xi tried to explain, but she was not good with words and lacked experience in flattering men.


    The elevator stopped on the 21st floor, and Huo Xingzhou unhesitatingly wheeled himself out. Qiao Xi had to jog to keep up and followed him into the ward.


    ...


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡±


    Her face flushed as she said, ¡°You¡¯re outstanding, how could you be a disgrace! I just didn¡¯t want to trouble you!¡±


    The man turned to her, his inquisitive gaze resting on her sincere apricot eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I am a very ordinary person, and you are a son of heaven. To be involved with me is your loss.¡±


    She had grown up in the countryside and had never seen such a bright and clear man.


    To her, he was a lifesaver, a kind person who allowed her to leave the mountain village and experience the prosperity of a big city.


    Someone she held dear and cherished.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want those people to gossip about you marrying a country girl. If the marriage is to end from the start, how could it become your stain?¡±


    Her voice was especially firm.


    Huo Xingzhou gripped the sides of his wheelchair tightly, his blood surging.


    In that instant, everything went silent, nothing could be heard except the thunderous sound of his own heartbeat, drumming in his ears.


    Every cell in his body was in uproar.


    His voice was hoarse as he said, ¡°You say you¡¯re a country girl, then I am an infertile cripple. As they say, a village girl is a perfect match for a disabled man. Who¡¯s to say who is more noble?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him in surprise.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, we are equals.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s usually sharp gaze rippled with layers of tenderness. He felt a twinge of pity for the deeply rooted inferiority she harbored.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Qiao Xi said, her voice muffled.


    ¡°Help me get the ointment from the drawer.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi hurriedly handed him the tube of red ointment from the drawer. Huo Xingzhou opened it, squeezed out some white cream, and looked up at her.


    ¡°Stretch out your hands.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently spread her hands.


    There were bright red scratch marks on the back of her hands, left by that middle-aged woman.


    It was only when she relaxed that she felt the stinging sensation.


    Nobody expected Qiao Xi to be married to Huo Xingzhou.


    The photos that were circulated were just the daily life of a rich young lady, switching luxury cars every day. She had no need to seduce some old man.


    Her intimate photos with her husband, how could those count as a mistress?


    At most, they were private bedroom enjoyments, but being secretly taken and published ruined her reputation.


    The person who harmed her is disgusting!


    ¡°Who spread the rumors! Hiding anonymously, are we? Must be out of jealousy towards Qiao Xi.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. Those who cursed the most viciously in the posts will surely be held accountable by the Huo Family.¡±


    Ye Manman hid in her dorm, frantically scrolling on her phone with bloodshot eyes, sweating nervously all over.


    No, the forum is anonymous.


    They won¡¯t know she¡¯s the mastermind behind this.


    Suddenly, a notice from the school was posted, saying the forum was undergoing a technical upgrade to full real-name system. All anonymous posts now displayed real names.


    The name Ye Manman was very conspicuous.


    Her comments were vulgar and foul.


    ¡°Qiao Xi is a bitch, targets every man.¡±


    ¡°A worn-out shoe that¡¯s been slept around.¡±


    Completely unlike a university student of any quality.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Ye Manman smashed her phone and let out a cry of despair.


    Her roommates looked at her with wariness and disdain.


    ¡°Ye Manman you¡¯ve gone too far, what did Qiao Xi ever do to offend you. We¡¯ve been classmates for years, and you¡¯ve harmed her like this.¡±


    ¡°You even directed your payday loan collection calls to me when they blew up your contacts. You¡¯re not a real white, rich, and beautiful girl at all, the money for your brand names was all borrowed.¡±


    ¡°Fraud!¡±


    That day, the school decided to expel Ye Manman.


    She was like a rat crossing the street, everyone clamoring to strike her.


    ...


    In the dean¡¯s office at Haicheng Municipal People¡¯s Hospital,


    Huo Xingzhou leaned back in his wheelchair, looking at the tea in front of him and said, ¡°I¡¯m a patient, why would I drink tea. Don¡¯t you have any common sense?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to drink, you can leave.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan sat in his office chair with a stern face and said.


    ¡°Xu Xiuyuan, you¡¯re in charge of hospital administration. My person was bullied, and you as the dean have nothing to say?¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s smile faded as he spoke.


    ¡°Wu Yachun is to be marked for disciplinary action, and Wu Ming is demoted,¡± Xu Xiuyuan said, putting down his pen.


    ¡°That¡¯s not enough. They need to spend a month doing menial work, learning how to properly care for patients,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, wanting to take revenge for Qiao Xi.


    ¡°That does not comply with hospital regulations.¡±


    ¡°Regulations are dead; they can be adapted.¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, you¡¯re really targeting them. Is it for Qiao Xi, or can¡¯t you forget past affections?¡± Xu Xiuyuan asked, his gaze piercing as he stared at him.

 Chapter 33 - 33 Qiao Xi, I am your mother

    Chapter 33: Chapter 33 Qiao Xi, I am your mother


    ¡°People reborn should have no old affections, should they?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s jaw lifted slightly, his tone laced with a touch of wilfulness as he retorted.


    Xu Xiuyuan was taken aback before replying, ¡°I¡¯ve agreed to your request.¡± It was probably because Qiao Xi took care of his grandmother.


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t disturb you any longer.¡±


    Having achieved his goal, Huo Xingzhou left.


    ...


    After watching him leave, Xu Xiuyuan made an overseas call, ¡°Since you¡¯ve made a choice from the start, then don¡¯t regret it. Huo Xingzhou¡¯s life is already ruined.¡±


    He would be content with a life of modest means, crippled legs binding him for life, never again reaching the pinnacle of power.


    As for Zhuo Feng, he was likely a trap set by the senior branch of the family. Huo Xingzhou was desperately seeking medical advice, with no other options.


    After hanging up the phone, Xu Xiuyuan thought of Qiao Xi again, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    But Qiao Xi was unaware that someone was thinking about her.


    She was attending to a special patient.


    ¡°Name.¡±


    She asked sternly, her face set.


    ¡°Zhao Yuzhen.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen was decked out in gold and silver, clutching a designer bag, her expression complex.


    ¡°Number 23, please wait outside for now.¡± It was tough to get an appointment with Dr. Yan, with patients flocking to him every day.


    Zhao Yuzhen had come early in the morning and even paid off a scalper to get number 23.


    ¡°Xixi, let me in now. I still have a banquet to attend this afternoon,¡± Zhao Yuzhen said as if it were her due.@@@@


    ¡°Next, please.¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t pay her any attention.


    ¡°You really hold a grudge, I¡¯m your mother,¡± Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s face fell, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it enough what you did to Weiwei at the auction? If you, the second wife¡¯s daughter, had bought the ¡®Longevity Map of Pine and Crane¡¯, she wouldn¡¯t have provoked Huo Beiting¡¯s anger.¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned and said angrily, ¡°So Huo Xingzhou deserved to be conned out of thirty million, is that it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your mother, do I need to queue up to see a doctor? If it wasn¡¯t for giving birth to you and ruining my health, I wouldn¡¯t need to see a doctor at all.¡±


    ¡°Go back and queue or I¡¯ll call security,¡± Qiao Xi said firmly, word by word.


    Zhao Yuzhen glared at her angrily, ¡°With your temperament and background, no one will like you. If it weren¡¯t for me, would you even have the good fortune to marry Huo Xingzhou? You¡¯re just an ungrateful wretch.¡±


    With a stomp of her foot, she left the room.


    ¡°Then perhaps I was mistaken.¡± He had thought that she had some connection with Cheng Han. Dr. Yan waved his hand, ¡°You¡¯re done for the day, you should go home.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    She had recently been staying in the same ward as Huo Xingzhou, acting as his caregiver. Since everyone knew they were married, no one gossiped anymore.


    When Qiao Xi returned to the ward, Huo Xingzhou was on the phone discussing business.


    She tiptoed, listening to him say, ¡°15% is too low, 25%. I can switch companies at any time.¡±


    His tone was tough, his attitude nonchalant.


    The other party eventually agreed.


    ¡°Wire the rebate to my account.¡± Huo Xingzhou hung up the phone and looked at her, ¡°Off work?¡±


    ¡°Yes. What rebate?¡±


    ¡°Bought some insurance. Any insurance has rebate benefits, the salesperson¡¯s commission is given as a rebate to boost competitiveness.¡±


    With the insurance he bought, paying a hundred thousand annually, the rebate was significant.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t ask for details but merely pressed her lips together and smiled.


    ¡°What are you smiling about?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just surprising that someone like Mr. Huo would care about rebates.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a sucker who wastes money unnecessarily,¡± Huo Xingzhou said helplessly, ¡°What made you think I throw money around frivolously?¡±


    ¡°In TV shows, the rich families always flash their cash, casually spending millions, and tipping the waiter a lot during a western meal.¡± Qiao Xi said laughingly, her eyes curved.


    Huo Xingzhou was nothing like the wealthy people she knew; perhaps this was what a noble son raised by a top-tier affluent family was like.


    ¡°Then next time, I¡¯ll take you to a Western restaurant to experience it.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said, placing an insurance contract in front of her, ¡°Sign here.¡±


    Lifetime insurance, worry-free for life.


    The beneficiary was her.


    ¡°This is...¡± She looked at him, taken aback.


    ¡°This is an employee benefit, Aunt Qian and Old Chen both have it. The premiums are all paid up front, not signing is a waste,¡± Huo Xingzhou said nonchalantly, leaving no room for refusal.


    The feeling in Qiao Xi¡¯s heart was sour, yet also filled with sweetness. Eventually, she picked up a pen and signed her name.


    Being his employee sure had its perks.


    What would it be like to be his real wife?


    Huo Xingzhou said while looking at her, ¡°I¡¯ve asked for a couple of days off for you, accompany me somewhere.¡±


    ¡°Does Mr. Huo not need to pretend to be sick in the hospital anymore?¡±


    ¡°The fish has taken the bait, it¡¯s unnecessary now.¡±

 Chapter 34 - 34 He Demands a French Kiss

    Chapter 34: Chapter 34 He Demands a French Kiss


    The next day.


    Driver Lao Chen took care of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s discharge procedures, and the two headed straight to the photography studio.


    Qiao Xi curiously followed Huo Xingzhou into the lobby, where photos were hung all around the walls, including family portraits, individual shots, and wedding photos. After passing through the wooden corridor, they arrived at the photo studio.


    As soon as Du Juan and Huo Sijiao saw them, they came over: ¡°There you are. We¡¯ve already communicated everything with the photographer.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at them, completely clueless.


    ¡°Xingzhou, you didn¡¯t tell her, did you?¡± Du Juan reproached.


    ...


    Huo Xingzhou turned to Qiao Xi and said, ¡°We¡¯re here to take a family portrait.¡±


    Huo Sijiao covered her mouth and chuckled: ¡°It¡¯s not just that. The family portrait is just one part; the main thing is to make up for you and sister-in-law¡¯s wedding photos. Mom and I have been picking out wedding dresses here for most of the day.¡±


    Wedding photos?


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks flushed a shade of red.


    Huo Xingzhou hadn¡¯t been aware of this beforehand either.


    ¡°They didn¡¯t tell me; it wasn¡¯t meant to trick you into coming,¡± he explained to Qiao Xi, worried she¡¯d get the wrong idea.


    Huo Sijiao took Qiao Xi by the hand, ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t be shy. Quick, go try on the wedding dress. Let Dad take brother to try on his suit.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Three women surrounded her and escorted her to the makeup room, which was already filled with the latest wedding gowns, a veritable paradise for any woman.


    ¡°That French style one is gorgeous, luxurious and elegant. Its large hem and waist design will highlight sister-in-law¡¯s good figure.¡±


    ¡°I think the mermaid dress is also quite nice.¡±


    After looking around, Du Juan said, ¡°Why not shoot them all, and add on a traditional Chinese phoenix crown outfit too? Start with the French one, then the mermaid, and finally, the traditional Chinese outfit.¡±


    ¡°This...this is too much,¡± Qiao Xi softly refused, but her objection was overruled by mother and daughter.


    ¡°A person only gets married once in their life! Sister-in-law, my mom took photos in ten different wedding gowns when she got married!¡±


    She was pushed into the dressing room, and the makeup artist considerately helped her into a strapless French satin wedding dress. Qiao Xi covered her chest, her neck flushing red.


    She had never worn such revealing clothing before.


    ¡°Please sit, I¡¯ll do your makeup,¡± the makeup artist said with a smile.


    Qiao Xi was like a marionette, closing her eyes when told, bowing her head when instructed. She remained tense throughout, letting the makeup artist work her magic.


    Two hours later, her makeup was finally done.


    ¡°You truly are the most beautiful bride I¡¯ve ever seen,¡± the makeup artist remarked.


    Qiao Xi thought she probably said that to every client.


    ¡°Bear with it.¡±


    The man¡¯s eyes twinkled with laughter, ¡°Come.¡±


    He pulled Qiao Xi¡¯s hand, wrapping it around his waist. Qiao Xi approached him nervously, slowly bowing her head to touch his forehead.


    Their high noses were against each other; the sweet breath was like an orchid, clashing with the most primal pounding inside her body.


    At such a close distance, they were just a few centimeters apart from their lips touching.


    ¡°Great! Hold that! Bride, tighten your grip, don¡¯t be shy!¡± the photographer circled them looking for the best angle and light.


    Beautiful, dreamy.


    Huo Sijiao, holding back her excited shouts, frantically took several photos with her phone and posted them to her circle of friends.


    Her brother and sister-in-law were just the perfect match.


    ¡°After the last pose, we¡¯ll change into another wedding dress,¡± the photographer said, satisfied while looking at the raw images in the camera. The handsome man and beautiful woman looked good no matter how he shot them.


    The photography assistant brought a basket of fresh petals and spread them on the carpet, asking Qiao Xi to sit directly on it, then arranged her dress.


    ¡°Because the groom has special conditions, we need the bride to sit down for the shot. Be more casual with the pose.¡±


    ¡°Groom, move in closer.¡±


    The photographer aimed at them, composing the shot.


    ¡°In a moment, the bride will turn her head slightly, and the groom will lean in to kiss the bride.¡±


    A kiss!


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    No one told her there would be kissing in the wedding photos, especially in front of so many people.


    ¡°Petals ready, reflector ready!¡± commanded the photographer. The assistant started sprinkling rose petals.


    Huo Xingzhou leaned over, drawing slowly closer.


    Qiao Xi stiffened, nearly unable to move.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, bear with it. It¡¯ll be over soon, this is what our parents wished for,¡± his voice was firm, but it could not hide the mischief in his heart.


    Qiao Xi felt a kiss as light as a feather land on her forehead.


    ¡°Stop!¡±


    The photographer was somewhat dissatisfied, ¡°A French kiss! Make it lingering, more intense! This you don¡¯t need me to teach, you should know how to do it. Kissing the forehead like this is too bland, no passion to remember later on.¡±


    You¡¯re already married, what¡¯s there to be shy about!


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Huo Sijiao¡¯s eyes glittered, full of anticipation.


    Qiao Xi was close to fainting, her eyes red like a little rabbit, almost crying.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I... I can¡¯t do this.¡±

 Chapter 35 - 35 I want to kiss you

    Chapter 35: Chapter 35 I want to kiss you


    ¡°Can we skip this pose?¡± Huo Xingzhou really couldn¡¯t stand to see her so troubled, so he asked.


    The photographer¡¯s face was resolute as he shook his head, ¡°That would undermine the integrity of my work, the wedding photos are a series after all! Plus, your parents have already signed the shooting agreement in advance. I have the final say on anything during the shoot!¡±


    How could he let go of such excellent shooting material so easily!


    Du Juan nodded, ¡°Xingzhou, this photographer was specially booked by me, very professional! His photos have won many international awards.¡±


    It¡¯s just that he¡¯s a bit of a diva!


    Other places treat their customers like gods, but he just throws his weight around. The customers all have to listen to him.


    ...


    That¡¯s the confidence of a top-tier photographer.


    Qiao Xi tugged at his suit sleeve, ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    She was so embarrassed.


    If she had to kiss him passionately in front of the elders, she truly wished she could find a hole to crawl into.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be too much to ask for a clear set, would it?¡±


    The man¡¯s voice was like spring frost falling on snow, the chill of ice over a lake.


    ¡°Big brother! Don¡¯t do this!¡± Huo Sijiao wailed; she had been ready to record a short video as a keepsake.


    With lips pursed in amusement, Du Juan said, ¡°Sijiao, let¡¯s go outside.¡±


    ¡°Mom!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With one hand, Du Juan pulled her daughter, and with the other, her husband, as they left. The photographer also had everyone else leave, leaving behind only the assistant who was helping out.


    The inside of the studio suddenly became much quieter.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, look up at me.¡±


    With a low voice, Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°They¡¯ve all left.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up at him, her spine straight, her limbs tense.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± she said, filled with grievance.


    ¡°You can.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were dark; that night she had been full of passion.


    ¡°It¡¯s a temporary solution,¡± he added. ¡°After the shoot, grandma would probably want to see our wedding photos too. Later, I¡¯ll have the photographer send the originals to your phone.¡±


    Qiao Xi bit her lip and nodded.


    Her eyes were clear, looking trustingly at Huo Xingzhou. Only he knew he had a guilty conscience.


    Who could force him to do something he didn¡¯t want to?


    ¡°No more whispering. Groom, I¡¯ve cleared the room for you!¡± The photographer clapped his hands, ¡°Ready, you kiss your kisses, and I¡¯ll capture them. I¡¯ll say stop, and then you stop.¡±


    He adjusted his camera, focusing on them.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers touched her cheek, and he gazed at her delicately featured face, like shimmering autumn water reflecting the sunset glow, her lips full and radiant.


    Du Juan gave them a few words of caution.


    Huo Xingzhou nodded in response and left the photo studio with Qiao Xi. The other three trailed behind, and suddenly Huo Sijiao spoke up, ¡°Actually, my sister-in-law doesn¡¯t look like herself with makeup on, she¡¯s much prettier.¡±


    Du Juan frowned and warned, ¡°Jiaojiao!¡±


    Huo Sijiao quickly stuck out her tongue apologetically and hid behind Huo Jiancheng with a flattering smile.


    ...


    Inside the speeding car.


    The dim space.


    Ambiguity grew rampant, wild.


    Once it was quiet, the image of that intense kiss easily surfaced in her mind. Qiao Xi unconsciously licked her lips, recalling the kiss was numbingly sweet, delicious.


    Huo Xingzhou rested his hands casually on either side, his peripheral vision occasionally falling on her.


    Suddenly, he lowered the divider between the front and back seats, turning off the lights in the car and plunging it into total darkness.


    ¡°Mr. Huo?¡± Qiao Xi voiced her confusion.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, the medicine you prescribed works too well,¡± the man¡¯s voice was low and husky.


    Qiao Xi was clueless.


    The man leaned towards her, lowering his voice, ¡°I want to kiss you.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, help me out here,¡± he said, the words held between his lips as he pressed down, embracing her soft body.


    The side effects of the tonic.


    The after-effects of the wedding photo shoot.


    Between a man and a woman, the atmosphere said it all. Willing or not, one glance revealed the truth.


    He knew she too was affected by hormones, so he seized the opportunity.


    Men are creatures of cunning and overreaching.


    The two kissed passionately in the pitch-black space, loath to part. The flash of streetlights passing by the car windows momentarily illuminated their enraptured faces, deepening their descent.


    The sound of car horns, the noise of passersby, the loud hawking of advertisements in the square, and the subtle smacking sounds inside the car.


    Nine at night.


    The car stopped in front of a small villa.


    Qiao Xi pressed her swollen lips together, straightened her clothes, and said with feigned calm, ¡°Mr. Huo, I... you don¡¯t have to add the herbs next time.¡±


    ¡°I feel I haven¡¯t fully recovered yet.¡±


    Qiao Xi, overwhelmed with embarrassment, replied, ¡°Too much is as bad as too little. Your legs are healed, everything else will follow,¡± and besides, he wasn¡¯t lacking.


    After the impulse subsided, tranquility returned.


    Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    He knew exactly how to measure and balance, giving and taking in turns.


    He would give her a break this time.

 Chapter 36 - 36 She鈥檚 My Treasure

    Chapter 36: Chapter 36 She¡¯s My Treasure


    Both of them got out of the car.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke with a calm expression, ¡°You must be tired today, go back and have a good sleep. Tomorrow is the foundation ceremony of the Huo Group, and we need to attend.¡±


    His tone was indifferent, as if everything that happened in the car hadn¡¯t occurred.


    Qiao Xi secretly sighed with relief.


    He had warned her, to live like a widow without even the indulgence of cravings.


    He was simply influenced by the medication, and it wasn¡¯t that he had any thoughts about her.


    ...


    She felt a bit relieved, yet unexpectedly, also somewhat disappointed.


    Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Will grandma and Jiaojiao go?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t want to, saying it¡¯s upsetting to watch.¡± Huo Xingzhou understood. It¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t want to make it clear that tomorrow was about watching a good show, rather than adding to the frustration.


    ¡°Alright then. Mr. Huo, good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    Qiao Xi bade him goodnight and returned to her room. She was originally very tired, but felt exceptionally alert after taking a bath. Lying in bed, she couldn¡¯t help but flip through the photos in the album on her phone.


    The photographer¡¯s assistant had already sent her the originals.


    Her finger paused, coming across those kissing photos. Qiao Xi recalled the deep kiss from the day, the shameless indulgence in the car, and felt so embarrassed that her toes curled up.


    She patted her burning cheeks with her hand, ¡°Qiao Xi, pull yourself together. Mr. Huo has just been taking too many tonics recently, he didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know why the two of them had ended up embracing and kissing for so long, as if possessed.


    She wanted to delete those intimate photos, but in the end, couldn¡¯t bring herself to do it and just moved them to a secured album.


    She finally picked a dignified photo of herself in a traditional Chinese wedding dress with a phoenix crown, planning to show it to her grandmother, so she could be reassured.


    It¡¯s just that the old lady had been wanting to return to the countryside recently, and the doctor said her body could only recover to this extent and that she could be discharged.


    Qiao Xi frowned in distress, yawned, and was overcome with a strong desire to sleep.


    She slept until dawn.


    Aunt Qian had prepared a delicious breakfast.


    ¡°The Zhou¡¯s Xiaolongbao that the young master wanted to eat the other day, and the sticky rice that the Young Madam had been thinking about,¡± Aunt Qian presented the breakfast she had bought.


    ¡°Thank you, Aunt Qian.¡±


    Qiao Xi said softly.


    Sitting aside, Huo Xingzhou looked up, noticing that she had put on light makeup today, which was a bit different from her usual look.


    ¡°You two enjoy, I¡¯ll go to the kitchen to check on the young master¡¯s medicine,¡± Aunt Qian liked being busy in and out.


    Huo Beiting¡¯s face was filled with hostility, and after the foundation stone ceremony, he planned to dump Su Weiwei.


    After all, she no longer had any value to him.


    ¡°Beiting, the foundation-laying ceremony is about to begin. Don¡¯t get entangled with useless people and disappoint your grandfather,¡± Huo Jianjun reminded him indifferently.


    ¡°Yes, Father.¡±


    Huo Beiting cast a scornful look at Huo Xingzhou before leaving.


    As the Huo Family¡¯s main branch left, Huo Xingzhou spoke up, ¡°Let¡¯s get closer so we can see clearly.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi pushed him further in.


    People huddled in circles around the foundation stone, and they stopped at the outermost edge, next to the elder of the Huo Family, who was dressed in Tang attire embroidered with pine patterns and leaning on a cane, his face stern, flanked by two bodyguards.


    When he saw Huo Xingzhou, he asked coldly and indifferently, ¡°How¡¯s your leg?¡±


    ¡°Thanks to your blessing, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, still pretending to be strong,¡± the old Mr. Huo scoffed coldly.


    He had recently suffered from coldness in his back, making him look much older with his hunched back. His limbs ached day and night, and even after summoning Zhuo Feng for acupuncture, it was a temporary solution, not a cure.


    The old man, wise all his life, immediately guessed that Zhuo Feng was not Cheng Han¡¯s disciple.


    But he didn¡¯t expose it.


    Huo Xingzhou was disabled in both legs and was rumored to be sterile. In the future, the Huo Group would still have to be handed over to the main branch, so the old elder didn¡¯t want to create unnecessary conflict.


    ¡°If the treatment doesn¡¯t work, then let it be. The Huo Family will ensure you live in wealth for the rest of your life, and I won¡¯t take back that 5% of the shares. Consider it a dividend for your second branch.¡±


    He seemed benevolent, yet was extremely biased.


    The old man had given the main branch 20% of the shares, the second branch a mere 5%, and he himself retained 30%. With 55% of the shares in the hands of the Huo Family, they held absolute control, and the rest belonged to minor shareholders.


    ¡°Thank you for your charity, Grandfather.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou had long become accustomed to this unfairness and still managed to wear a faint smile on his face.


    Old Mr. Huo glared at him, chiding, ¡°Don¡¯t be sarcastic, complaining about fate and others.¡±


    Qiao Xi, standing by the side, felt uncomfortable for Huo Xingzhou¡¯s sake.


    ¡°Grandfather, you should pay more attention to my cousin,¡± Huo Xingzhou said carelessly while sitting in his wheelchair, ¡°I heard he staked 20% of the shares in a wagering agreement with Tianyuan Group for Future City.¡±


    If he lost, the main branch wouldn¡¯t have a single share left, and even the Huo Family¡¯s absolute control over the Huo Group might be lost.


    The elder was startled.


    His old face turned serious, his breath showing clear anger.


    ¡°Foolish thing!¡±


    As his words fell,


    The lively crowd suddenly became noisy and agitated, with constant exclamations!

 Chapter 37 - 37 She is Destined to Bring Prosperity to Her Husband

    Chapter 37: Chapter 37 She is Destined to Bring Prosperity to Her Husband


    ¡°They¡¯ve dug something up!¡±


    ¡°It looks like a tomb!¡±


    The crowd buzzed with voices.


    Huo¡¯s patriarch squeezed into the crowd with his walking stick. As the excavator beside the foundation stone dug down, shards of pottery scattered everywhere, revealing an entrance to a tomb.


    Huo Beiting went pale, his whole body weakened, ¡°Grandfather, there¡¯s been a big problem!¡±


    ...


    A tomb on this plot of land!


    Patriarch Huo¡¯s face turned ashen, ¡°Didn¡¯t you do a cultural relics survey before development?¡±


    Huo Beiting stammered, unable to speak.


    To get the construction started quickly and slap Huo Xingzhou in the face, he had greased the palms of the approval department. He used connections and got an express pass.


    Who would have thought that there would be a tomb under the land in the Western Suburbs?


    ¡°Fool! Fool!¡± Patriarch Huo was so angry his face turned red, and he hit Beiting hard with his walking stick.


    ¡°Grandfather, what should we do?¡± Huo Beiting was almost crying.


    The Huo patriarch took a deep breath, ¡°Jianjun, immediately seal off the news. Fengxian, tell the guests present that if they can keep it a secret, our Huo family will reward them handsomely.¡±


    This was to block the chorus of whispers.


    Young Master Sun grinned in the crowd, boasting, ¡°This plot of land used to be our Sun family¡¯s ancestral home! Our ancestor said a princess was buried here. I didn¡¯t think the rumor was true.¡±


    Patriarch Huo glared fiercely at him, ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense, Young Master Sun. There¡¯s no princess¡¯s tomb here, just a common graveyard.¡±


    Young Master Sun stuck out his tongue slightly.


    ¡°Patriarch, people from the Bureau of Cultural Heritage are here!¡±


    ¡°So many people, with professional equipment! They say they received a tip-off that there¡¯s a Princess¡¯s Tomb here! Our Huo¡¯s are conducting illegal construction!¡±


    This was a trap with foresight!


    In a place like Haicheng, someone dared to make a move against the Huo¡¯s!


    Patriarch Huo was so furious that he turned purple and fainted.


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Grandfather!¡±


    ¡°Call an ambulance, quickly.¡±


    The site turned chaotic, with the Bureau of Cultural Heritage systematically sealing the area and surveying the soil. Huo¡¯s construction team was forced to leave the site.


    A grand foundation-laying ceremony ended abruptly.


    Everyone shook their heads in disbelief.


    ¡°This project was supposed to be a sure win. How did a tomb suddenly pop up? I was planning to ride on the Huo¡¯s coattails, but now I¡¯m just relieved.¡±


    ¡°It seems that every step was within Tianyuan Group¡¯s calculations. I heard a rumor that Huo Beiting bet 20% of the Huo shares that he would successfully develop the Future City project and in exchange, he would get shares of Tianyuan Group.¡±


    ¡°Could it be that Tianyuan Group knew all along that there was a tomb here?¡±


    ¡°I, for one, am bound to make a spectacular comeback!¡± He decided to give it a try whenever he had the chance.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression instantly turned cold.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be jealous, Huo Er,¡± Young Master Sun boldly patted his shoulder, ¡°There¡¯s plenty of time, you¡¯ll get better too.¡±


    After speaking, he left with a raised eyebrow and a triumphant breath.


    Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou looked at each other, and she said with a guilty conscience, ¡°I told him to drink it once a day, it¡¯s slow to take effect.¡±


    Who would have known he¡¯d treat it as a meal and drink it three times daily!


    With an overflow of energy and blood, wouldn¡¯t that have side effects in the short term?


    That¡¯s what happens when you nourish without moderation!


    ¡°Mr. Huo, did I... ruin your plans?¡± As soon as Sun Weimeng¡¯s health improved, it was impossible to keep it a secret any longer.


    Stifling his anger, Huo Xingzhou said coolly, ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    Sun Weimeng was seeking death.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi sneakily glanced at him.


    Men compare themselves in that respect, had he lost to Sun Weimeng and that¡¯s why he was angry?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home, things are chaotic lately.¡±


    With such a big incident at the Huo Family, Huo Beiting¡¯s temper was bound to cause him to look for a scapegoat.


    He cautioned again, ¡°Be careful when you go to work, I might have to go out tonight.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll keep the herbal medicine warm.¡±


    Qiao Xi quickly added, ¡°I didn¡¯t add any other ingredients.¡±


    The corners of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth turned up slightly, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask anything.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s palms felt warm as she followed behind him with her head lowered.


    ...


    Municipal People¡¯s Hospital.


    Old Master Huo clutched his chest, lying on the hospital bed. Wang Fengxian hurriedly brought over a cup of warm water, attending to him as he took his blood pressure medication.


    Huo Jianjun and Huo Beiting stood by uneasily.


    After swallowing the medicine, the old master glared at them and scolded, ¡°Eager for quick success! Gambling with Huo¡¯s shares, truly reckless!¡±


    ¡°Grandfather, I know I was wrong. No one expected an absolutely safe project to run into trouble,¡± Huo Beiting¡¯s head had been filled with fame and fortune.


    He was bent on proving he was better than Huo Xingzhou!


    ¡°You fell for someone else¡¯s scheme! All of this is part of Tianyuan Group¡¯s conspiracy; the Huo Family has become their stepping stone into Haicheng.¡±


    It pained the elder like a knife, those were 20% of the shares!


    Given away for nothing!


    Wastrels!


    ¡°Grandfather, perhaps... perhaps I still have a way,¡± Huo Beiting said through his tears, as if grasping at the last straw.

 Chapter 38: Little Divine Doctor, Taste the Huanglian I鈥檓 Drinking

    Chapter 38: Chapter 38: Little Divine Doctor, Taste the Huanglian I¡¯m Drinking


    ¡°I¡¯ll go plead with Manager Jin from Tianyuan Group! He¡¯s got real clout there and can have a say in Tianyuan¡¯s affairs.¡±


    Huo Beiting felt that this solution was quite feasible.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give him many benefits!¡±


    The old Master Huo weakly closed his eyes, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    Greedy as a snake trying to swallow an elephant.


    Huo Beiting quickly stood up and ran out of the hospital room.


    ...


    Wang Fengxian was fuming with anger and said maliciously, ¡°Dad, Huo Xingzhou wouldn¡¯t be in cahoots with Tianyuan Group, setting a trap for us to fall into, would he? The more I think about it, the more I sense something is amiss.¡±


    ¡°What would a woman like you understand?¡± Huo Jianjun waved his hand dismissively and said impatiently, ¡°Go out and prepare some food for Dad. I have matters to discuss with him.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Wang Fengxian left with a resentful look and closed the door behind her.@@@@


    ¡°Dad.¡± Huo Jianjun sat at the bedside, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry with Beiting, he¡¯s just trying to make some achievements for you to see.¡±


    ¡°Heh. Achievements? Ten billion from the Huo Corporation down the drain, not to mention a 20% loss of shares? Is that his so-called achievement?¡±


    The old Master Huo could only feel a burning rage inside him, his frail body alternatively experiencing hot and cold flashes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give him a good lesson later.¡±


    ¡°Jianjun, you¡¯re my most beloved son,¡± the elderly Huo said helplessly, ¡°I¡¯m getting on in years and I don¡¯t want to see a family destroyed fighting over inheritance, nor do I want to witness accidents like that car crash ever again.¡±


    Huo Jianjun was terrified!


    So the old Master knew it all.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He responded anxiously.


    ¡°Find Cheng Han for me again. My bones ache and I can¡¯t just keep taking painkillers every day.¡±


    ¡°Zhuo Feng...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to deceive me with Zhuo Feng anymore. I know what he is made of, I just didn¡¯t want to shatter the second household¡¯s hope.¡±


    The old Master clearly harbored resentment in his heart.


    Huo Jianjun obediently nodded his head.


    ¡°Go out and clean up this mess.¡±


    After this setback, the Huo Corporation would have to watch Tianyuan Group¡¯s mood in the future.


    ...


    As night fell.


    The news of the discovery of a Ming Dynasty Princess¡¯s Tomb in the Western Suburbs of Haicheng has already hit the news, causing heavy financial losses to the Huo Corporation as work was halted.


    Huo Beiting had agreed to meet Tianyuan Group¡¯s project manager Jin Kai at Jinling Garden for dinner and drinks, the faint imprint of a slap still visible on his face.


    Upon entering private room 818, the big red wooden table was laden with Maotai and red wine.


    Jin Kai reclined in his soft chair, with a kind and benevolent face, his beer belly making him look like a Buddha.


    ¡°Youthful Mr. Huo.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formality, General Manager Jin. Just call me Beiting,¡± Huo Beiting said, lacking pride as he begged, still wearing those gold-rimmed glasses, his appearance dignified.


    He approached Jin Kai to pour him a full glass.


    ¡°Huo Er, you really don¡¯t stand on ceremony, huh.¡±


    Muttering to himself, Zhou Yu still pushed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair out, ¡°Why the rush to go home, eager for a warm, fragrant lady and the comfort of a home?¡±


    A married man is always family-oriented.


    ¡°To go home, to take medicine.¡±


    Qiao Xi had warmed up the herbal medicine waiting for him.


    ¡°Even talking about taking medicine sounds so sweet. Huo Er, are you sure you¡¯re not sick in the head?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s sick.¡±


    Zhou Yu grudgingly brought Huo Xingzhou home, and as soon as Qiao Xi heard the engine sound, she ran out and affectionately called out, ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    But the first to come out of the car was Zhou Yu, who looked at them both teasingly.


    ¡°Young Master Zhou.¡±


    Qiao Xi tensed up inside.


    ¡°I¡¯ve brought your Mr. Huo home, he¡¯s been thinking about his medicine,¡± Zhou Yu said without disturbing them further and then left.


    Qiao Xi walked behind Huo Xingzhou, pushing him towards the living room.


    ¡°Does Young Master Zhou know about everything Mr. Huo has done?¡± she asked softly.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou responded in a low voice.


    Suddenly, Qiao Xi leaned in closer and sniffed his shirt, ¡°Have you been drinking?¡±


    ¡°Feeling a bit happy, I had one glass.¡± He had suppressed his pain for so long, and today he had scored a victory.


    It felt exhilarating!


    ¡°I told you, absolutely no alcohol during the recovery period.¡± She was a little upset, her tone cooling.


    Huo Xingzhou placated with a phrase, ¡°Won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Qiao Xi figured out when he had his drink, then went to the kitchen and brought back a bowl of dark medicine, setting it before him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, please drink it.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou picked up the bowl, took a sip, and immediately frowned.


    His mouth was filled with bitterness, spreading all the way to his gut. He thought to himself that even the little white rabbit had a temper as he gulped down the bowl of medicine.


    Setting the empty bowl before her, he asked, ¡°Not mad anymore?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you add coptis?¡± he countered.


    ¡°How do you know I added... You¡¯re tricking me,¡± Qiao Xi said unhappily, ¡°Coptis clears heat, dries dampness, drains fire, and detoxifies. This is good for you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes smiled as he leisurely watched her, ¡°Little Divine Doctor, do you know how bitter coptis is?¡±


    ¡°Of course, I do,¡± she tasted all sorts of herbs.


    ¡°But you don¡¯t know how bitter the coptis I drink is.¡±


    He suddenly leaned in close, his thin lips grazed hers, the residual medicine on his lips clinging to hers.


    The bitterness spread.


    His revenge was too cruel!


    Qiao Xi clenched her fists and abruptly stood up, ¡°I won¡¯t play tricks on you anymore!¡±


    She stomped her way upstairs.

 Chapter 39 - 39 Pretending to be a Chaste and Fierce Woman

    Chapter 39: Chapter 39 Pretending to be a Chaste and Fierce Woman


    The next day.


    A piece of gossip news topped the trending searches, ¡°Huo Family¡¯s eldest young master gets drunk and causes a commotion with a strip dance at a hotel, taken away by the police.¡±


    In the video, Huo Beiting was wanton and reckless, stripping naked in his drunken madness.


    In the end, a bystander called the police, and they took him away.


    After one night passed, it was Huo Jianjun himself who bailed him out, stinking to high heaven.


    Smack! Smack!


    ...


    Two slaps landed on his face.


    ¡°Sober now?¡± Huo Jianjun had spent all night clearing up the mess, steadying the hearts of the Huo employees, and then put up pretenses saying Tianyuan was strong and would bring a brighter future to the Huo Family.


    The stock price had just stabilized this morning, and that 20% of shares seemed to be the only price to pay.


    He hadn¡¯t expected his son to actually create a drunken scandal.


    ¡°Dad, Jin Kai tricked me! He said after I drank those drinks, he would help me.¡± Huo Beiting was crying his eyes out, his clothes crumpled and a sour pickled vegetable scent wafting from his body.


    ¡°He stripped me bare and threw me in the hotel lobby!¡±


    Huo Beiting, who cared deeply about his reputation, found this more unbearable than death.


    Smack!


    Another slap from Huo Jianjun: ¡°Pull yourself together! History is written by the victors! In front of status and power, those rotten reputations mean shit!¡±


    Huo Beiting, sobbing convulsively, asked, ¡°Then what should we do?¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Huo Jianjun¡¯s eyes were filled with gloom.


    ¡°Wait for the old man¡¯s 70th birthday, when he will hand over his 30% share to us. In the meantime, you better behave!¡±


    Huo Beiting nodded quickly, no longer displaying any arrogance.


    ¡°Also... you¡¯re to get the Su Family to come up with the funds to fill our deficit, on the condition that you marry Su Weiwei.¡± Huo Jianjun sneered, ¡°Better yet, get her pregnant. Grandfather likes children.¡±


    All of this was just a bargaining chip.


    He had completely forgotten how he previously disparaged Su Weiwei at the hospital.


    ¡°Sure, I will definitely make her pregnant, consider it a birthday gift for grandfather.¡± Huo Beiting perked up, a malicious scheme brewing in his heart.


    Like father, like son.


    ¡°Have Zhuo Feng take a break for a while; your grandfather has become suspicious.¡±


    ¡°But Huo Xingzhou...¡±


    ¡°Living, he¡¯s useless! Once we get our hands on those shares and control over the Huo Family¡¯s voice, we¡¯ll get rid of him completely!¡±


    Qiao Xi only felt the person behind her fall down, and when she turned her head, she saw a man in camouflage attire, tossing the stone he had been holding back to the flower bed by the roadside.


    ¡°The Young Madam is frightened, leave this man to me. The young master is waiting for you in the car up ahead.¡±


    He expertly dragged the unconscious Chen Xu away.


    Qiao Xi quickly asked, ¡°Where are you taking him?¡±


    ¡°Of course, to the police station.¡±


    Turns out he¡¯s a law-abiding good citizen, Qiao Xi breathed a sigh of relief.


    She hurried to the Rolls-Royce and got in the car. Only once inside did she feel a wave of fear, still shaken.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, was that man sent by you to protect me?¡±


    The man with the indifferent expression looked at her pale face and said, ¡°I was afraid you would get into trouble.¡± He had originally been guarding against retribution from Huo Beiting, but he hadn¡¯t expected to need his precaution today.


    ¡°Chen Xu said his family has gone bankrupt. Did you do it?¡±


    Her eyes clear, she looked at him and asked.


    ¡°The several projects his family recently invested in, they all lost money, that¡¯s why they went bankrupt.¡± He didn¡¯t answer directly. Those projects were the ones he had Zhou Yu stuff into the Chen Family¡¯s lap.


    If they weren¡¯t greedy, they wouldn¡¯t have gone bankrupt.


    There¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch from heaven, but the Chen Family was greedy.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Qiao Xi responded gloomily.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the man asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired, I feel like a lot happened today.¡± Qiao Xi said with a frown, ¡°Grandmother wants to be discharged and return to the countryside, but I can¡¯t bear to let her go. Yet she says there¡¯s no one to talk to in the hospital, and she misses her friends back home.¡±


    ¡°Are you worried that she will be threatened by the Su Family again if she goes back?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hire a female bodyguard for her, someone who can protect her and take care of her daily life as well.¡± He thought things through thoroughly and came up with the best suggestion.


    ¡°But this will increase your burden, Mr. Huo, I already owe you so much.¡±


    ¡°Let it be owed for now. I will need your help in the future.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t use ¡°employee benefits¡± to fob her off this time, ¡°Qiao Xi, you are very valuable, don¡¯t underestimate yourself.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Qiao Xi looked up at him earnestly, she remembered it all in her heart.


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Find a weekend to take her back home.¡±


    ¡°Mm-hm.¡± Qiao Xi nodded obediently.


    Huo Xingzhou was about to say more when his phone vibrated. Seeing the number, his expression turned serious as he answered the call.


    Whatever was said on the other end of the phone, his face grew even colder.


    ¡°Bring the man to the villa!¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice was bone-chillingly cold.

 Chapter 40 - 40 Qiao Xi, You Can Take Me to Satisfy Your Craving

    Chapter 40: Chapter 40 Qiao Xi, You Can Take Me to Satisfy Your Craving


    Qiao Xi was extremely curious.


    But Huo Xingzhou¡¯s face looked awful, so she didn¡¯t say a word the entire way.


    It wasn¡¯t until the car arrived at the villa.


    Upon entering with Huo Xingzhou, she saw a young man in the living room, his clothes disheveled, and his face and neck covered in lipstick marks.


    ¡°Fairy!¡±


    Upon seeing Qiao Xi, Sun Weimeng¡¯s eyes lit up, and grabbing her arm he excitedly said, ¡°I¡¯m going to present you a banner of honor! A goddess of medicine!¡±


    ...


    ¡°What?¡±


    Qiao Xi was dumbfounded.


    ¡°I said I¡¯d present you a banner of honor if you cured my illness. Tonight, when I booked a room, I was able to get it up!¡± In his excitement, he started speaking crudely.


    ¡°Let go of her.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s icy gaze landed on his hand, and Young Master Sun awkwardly let go, rubbing his hands together.


    ¡°Young Master Sun, what happened tonight?¡± Qiao Xi had a bad feeling in her heart.


    Upon her question, Young Master Sun got excited again.


    He described animatedly, ¡°These past few days, I¡¯ve been feeling a surge of energy. So tonight, I booked a room with three female models, and I was able! After all these years, I finally could! They all can¡¯t stop praising me!¡±


    They?


    Booked a room?


    That¡¯s living it up.


    Qiao Xi watched him speak without changing his expression, and she couldn¡¯t help but admire his boldness.


    ¡°Just when I was about to go further, two black-suited bodyguards burst in and dragged me away! And now I¡¯m here. Xingzhou, are you jealous that I¡¯m back in form?¡±


    Young Master Sun looked at Huo Xingzhou with a whimpering grievance on his face.


    Huo Xingzhou took a deep breath, holding back his rage.


    If he hadn¡¯t had someone keeping an eye on Sun Weimeng, the news of his revival would have spread throughout Haicheng by tomorrow, and it might even make headlines on the news hot search!


    And Qiao Xi, the miraculous doctor who cured his years-long illness, would be exposed as well.


    Sun Weimeng had the kind of personality that would boast about it to everyone he met.


    ¡°Who else knows about this?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked with a chilling aloofness, squinting his eyes.


    The light from the crystal chandelier in the living room cast sharp, intimidating shadows on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s profile as his long fingers played with a fruit knife on the coffee table.


    ¡°Those three models,¡± Young Master Sun said, barely daring to breathe.


    ¡°Use money to seal their mouths,¡± Huo Xingzhou ordered.


    ¡°You can roll out now.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯m rolling out,¡± he sighed deeply as he walked out of the living room.


    The stone that had been weighing on Qiao Xi¡¯s heart finally lifted.


    The man beside her suddenly asked, ¡°On the first day you married into our family, you covered my face in lipstick, how did you feel?¡±


    Qiao Xi stiffened, turning her head slowly.


    ¡°Were you as eager as that?¡± His words seemed to press on the tip of his tongue, rolling around before finally coming out.


    ¡°I...¡± She wanted to explain, but didn¡¯t know where to start.


    Huo Xingzhou saw her hesitate to speak, her innocent, embarrassed demeanor, and a thought that shouldn¡¯t have arisen sprang up from the depths of his heart.


    ¡°Later,¡± his voice was husky and sexy, ¡°you¡¯ll still have to live like a widow, but if you really can¡¯t help it, you can satisfy your craving.¡±


    They were a married couple, after all.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed, and she hastened to explain, ¡°I¡¯m not that greedy!¡±


    The more she said, the more it sounded wrong.


    Huo Xingzhou raised an eyebrow at her, ¡°Traditional medicine says that treating an ailment is like treating flooding, better to dredge than to block.¡±


    He spoke earnestly, ¡°I understand that the secretion of dopamine is uncontrollable, I can also be your remedy.¡±


    Ever since he was young, he had been self-restrained.


    But the more he restrained himself, the more it would burst forth like a flood after being bewitched, powerful and overwhelming.


    Qiao Xi stood there, biting her lip in frustration.


    But she knew, even jumping into the Huanghe wouldn¡¯t clear her name.


    She had no idea that Mr. Huo, whom she regarded as a ¡°good person,¡± had so many devious schemes up his sleeve.


    Qiao Xi had been subtly tormented without even realizing the grown man¡¯s far-reaching thoughts. She clumsily changed the subject, ¡°Where¡¯s Aunt Qian?¡±


    ¡°She went out to square dance.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Her reply was dry.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, are you hungry?¡± She still hadn¡¯t had dinner.


    The small red mole on his neck was really eye-catching.


    ¡°Not hungry. I¡¯m going back to my room, you should rest early.¡± Huo Xingzhou knew when to stop and left with the confidentiality agreement.


    Qiao Xi stood for a good while, gently patting her heated cheeks.


    She didn¡¯t need to satisfy any cravings.


    On the other side.


    Within the five-star hotel, male and female bodies were entwined, tightly pressed together.

 Chapter 41: If you want to sleep with me, you have to marry me

    Chapter 41: Chapter 41: If you want to sleep with me, you have to marry me


    Faint yellow light.


    With lips enticing and entangling, Su Weiwei reached out and loosened Huo Beiting¡¯s tie, whispering his name like a succubus.


    ¡°Beiting, if you want to sleep with me, you have to marry me.¡±


    Huo Beiting tugged at her dress, speaking maliciously, ¡°Marry you? Fine, but it¡¯s a package deal.¡± He suggestively stroked her lower abdomen.


    Su Weiwei was aroused by his provocation.


    Her breathing was rapid.


    ...


    ¡°When I came up just now, I thought I saw Young Master Sun.¡±


    Su Weiwei spoke in a pinched voice, acting coy. While she talked, she didn¡¯t forget to caress his body.


    ¡°Him?¡±


    Huo Beiting chuckled, ¡°He can afford a room?¡±


    In a coquettish manner, Su Weiwei said, ¡°At least he¡¯s called Sun Weimeng.¡±


    ¡°Is he stronger than me?¡±


    Huo Beiting pressed her down onto the bed fiercely.


    Su Weiwei kept giggling, trembling like a flower in the wind.


    A night of passion entwined.


    Day broke, brightly.


    Su Weiwei, drowsy-eyed, clung to Huo Beiting¡¯s waist: ¡°You promised to marry me.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Huo Beiting pinched her cheek and said, ¡°Remember to have your dad inject capital into my business. I gave you several billion last night, you should repay me.¡±


    ¡°How annoying!¡± Su Weiwei pouted, ¡°I¡¯m the only daughter of the Su Family, he listens to me.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    Huo Beiting was pleased, having achieved his goal, both physically and mentally.


    As Su Weiwei traced circles on his chest, she asked, ¡°Who exactly is the founder of Tianyuan Group? Is he more impressive than you?¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡±


    With a mischievous smile, Huo Beiting said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know how impressive I am? That guy is probably just a deep-thinking old man halfway to his grave. Grandfather will invite him to his seventieth birthday party. You can see for yourself then.¡±


    Su Weiwei nodded thoughtfully, ¡°I¡¯ll go check it out then.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I need to get to the office. You should head home,¡± Huo Beiting said as he gave her bottom a pat, sending her on her way.


    ...


    Noon.


    Hospital break time.


    After sharing Aunt Qian¡¯s lovingly prepared lunch with her colleagues, Qiao Xi stepped out of the hospital and headed straight for the nearest shopping mall.


    She wanted to save up to buy Huo Xingzhou a gift.


    Qiao Xi approached the counter and instantly fixed her eyes on a pair of sapphire-diamond cufflinks.


    ¡°Hello, I¡¯d like to take a look at this, please.¡±


    ¡°Of course, miss,¡± said the saleswoman, donning white gloves and placing the cufflinks on a tray, ¡°Your choice is excellent, these cufflinks are a classic design from our store.¡±


    Eighteen thousand.


    The number on the price tag made Qiao Xi feel a pinch.


    But she still bit her lip and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take it, please wrap it up as a gift for me.¡±


    This was the money she had saved for a long time.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± the saleswoman handed her a beautifully wrapped gift box with a bow.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Qiao Xi said as she took it, and just as she was about to turn around, a woman bumped into her deliberately, almost causing the gift box to fall to the ground.


    It was her, again!


    ¡°Second-rate sapphires, and those tiny diamonds, you¡¯re proud to show them off?¡±


    Su Weiwei, clad in a tight dress and draped in a wool coat, sneered at the corner of her mouth, ¡°Eighteen thousand, I spend more than that on a single beauty treatment.¡±


    She flaunted the black card in her hand proudly, ¡°Beiting gave it to me, said I could pick any diamond ring in the store. Do you have one?¡± Su Weiwei glanced at her smooth fingers with disdain, married without even a diamond ring.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face hardened as she looked at her, ¡°So Huo Beiting is that rich, losing 20% of the shares must not mean much to him then.¡±


    ¡°What are you so proud of, Qiao Xi! The Huo Family will eventually belong to Beiting. With Zhuo Feng around, Huo Xingzhou won¡¯t last long...¡± Realizing she had said too much, Su Weiwei abruptly stopped.


    ¡°Zhuo Feng what?¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s piercing gaze, clear eyes as if seeing through everything, pressed on.


    Su Weiwei felt guilty, having spoken out of turn, and now she was terrified.


    If Qiao Xi guessed the truth, then... would Beiting¡¯s plan fall apart?


    Should she go back and warn Beiting to deal with Qiao Xi?


    ¡°Nothing, you heard wrong! I don¡¯t stoop to the level of a country bumpkin,¡± Su Weiwei said, sidestepping Qiao Xi in a panic and headed to another jewelry store.


    Qiao Xi secured the gift box, as a text message with the transaction details arrived on her phone.


    Eighteen thousand, gone.


    She picked up her phone and went to the most renowned dessert shop nearby, brought back afternoon tea for the exquisite and elegant Mrs. Liu, and then returned to the hospital.


    Just as she reached the door of ward 2103, she heard a ¡°thud¡± as something heavy hit the floor.

 Chapter 42 - 42 Dr. Qiao, you are really good!

    Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Dr. Qiao, you are really good!


    Qiao Xi pushed the door open quickly.


    Liu¡¯s old lady had collapsed on the ground, her complexion ashen, clutching her chest as she quickly lost consciousness.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face was heavy, and she rapidly pressed the emergency bell beside the hospital bed.


    ¡°Liu¡¯s old lady!¡±


    ¡°Old lady, wake up.¡±


    Time was of the essence and there were few nurses available during the lunch break. She laid the old lady flat on her back, observing her weak breathing and rapidly declining heartbeat.


    ...


    She placed the heel of one hand in the center of her chest, the other on top, and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.


    ¡°1001!¡±


    ¡°1002!¡±


    She counted in tension while a nurse quickly arrived to assist by contacting the cardiology department.


    ¡°Secure the oxygen mask, attach electrode patches.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Hang in there, Qiao Xi!¡± said the nurse, kneeling on the side, preparing the equipment. In such situations, a nurse wouldn¡¯t dare interrupt a trainee¡¯s resuscitation efforts.


    ¡°No need for defibrillation! Continue chest compressions!¡±


    She made it within the golden four minutes!


    Qiao Xi bit her lip, her temples soaked with perspiration, as she continued the forceful and rapid compressions!


    The nurse monitored the ECG, her body tense. Suddenly, the lines normalized, ¡°Doctor Qiao! The heartbeat has resumed!¡±


    Qiao Xi released her hands and slumped down on the floor.


    ¡°Get ready for oxygen therapy, check her.¡±


    The waiting nurses and doctors took over the situation promptly as Qiao Xi, exhausted, sat on a nearby chair, staring blankly at her hands in a daze.


    Liu¡¯s old lady was moved to the hospital bed and, after a series of examinations, showed no other symptoms.


    It was an accidental fall that caused her cardiac arrest.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, really,¡± said Liu¡¯s old lady, regaining consciousness and somewhat embarrassed, ¡°I just felt some sensation in my lower limbs and wondered if I could walk.¡±


    The possibility of recovery from paraplegia of the lower limbs was hopeful; Doctor Yan¡¯s medical skills had indeed impressed Mrs. Liu.


    After confirming she was all right, the doctors and nurses left, instructing Qiao Xi to keep an eye on her.


    As she passed by the nurses¡¯ station, Nurse Shu Xue gave her a thumbs up.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re really something. If something big had happened today, the Liu Family is not to be trifled with.¡± She came out from the nurses¡¯ desk and handed an orange to Qiao Xi.


    ¡°You deserve half the credit, thank you for your help,¡± Qiao Xi said, leaning against the wall and breaking the orange in half, placing one piece in Shu Xue¡¯s hand.


    Shu Xue waved her hand dismissively, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    She leaned in closer to Qiao Xi and gossiped, ¡°The middle-aged couple that just went into the ward are Xu Guangyao and Liu Huimin, parents of our Dean Xu Xiuyuan. Back in the days, the poor young man Xu Guangyao married Liu Huimin, the prized pearl of the Liu family, creating a sensation throughout the city. It was with the Liu Family¡¯s help that the Xu Family rose to become one of Haicheng¡¯s new powerhouses.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re such a gossip,¡± said Qiao Xi, munching on the orange.


    ¡°There¡¯s even more gossip. Our Dean Xu is known for his integrity, respect for elders, and loving care for his siblings. His brother and sister are twins. The sister is considered the precious pearl of both the Liu and Xu families. She used to frequently visit the hospital to see him; she¡¯s really pretty.¡±


    Shu Xue looked closely at Qiao Xi, ¡°I think you look a bit like her, but you¡¯re prettier than she is!¡±


    ¡°Nonsense.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re known as the beauty of our Rehabilitation Department,¡± Shu Xue said, pulling out an exquisite gift box from the nurses¡¯ station, ¡°You dropped this during the rescue effort. I was worried about it getting lost amidst the crowd, so I picked it up for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Qiao Xi took the gift box and then remembered.


    This was the gift meant for Huo Xingzhou; she had seen his date of birth on his ID card.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be going now.¡±


    ...


    Inside Ward 2103.


    Liu Huimin was feeding medicine to the elderly lady, ¡°Mom, you said that Doctor Xiaoqiao looks like me, is it true? I never expected such a coincidence.¡±


    ¡°There is a connection,¡± the old Mrs. Liu reminisced about the past, ¡°Twenty-two years ago, you and a young maid in our household gave birth on the same day, which was also a coincidence. Unfortunately, her daughter didn¡¯t survive, and we¡¯ve heard nothing from her since.¡±


    The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart.


    Standing to one side, Xu Guangyao¡¯s gaze flickered, and he felt extremely guilty.


    But he quickly regained his composure; he wasn¡¯t worried that his secrets would be discovered. After all, he had covered his tracks thoroughly back then, leaving no trace behind.


    He held a cup of water and smiled, ¡°Mom, it¡¯s been so long, you still remember that.¡± Pretending it was a casual inquiry, he asked, ¡°Is Doctor Qiao an orphan?¡±


    ¡°No, she has parents and family,¡± the old lady responded with mixed emotions, ¡°She¡¯s the girl from the Su Family who had an arranged marriage to the second branch of the Huo Family to bring them luck, the wife of Huo Xingzhou.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s actually her!¡± Liu Huimin was taken aback.


    And for Xu Guangyao, this was even more reassuring.


    There are so many look-alikes in this world; he had no need for undue paranoia.


    Nobody would ever find out what he had done all those years ago.

 Chapter 43 - 43 Let Her Manipulate

    Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Let Her Manipulate


    Evening.


    Qiao Xi got off work and was waiting for the bus, when the ¡°beep-beep¡± of a horn sounded, and an understated Porsche stopped in front of her, its window rolling down to reveal Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s impassive face.


    ¡°Get in, I¡¯ll give you a ride on my way home,¡± he said indifferently.


    ¡°Director Xu, I appreciate your kindness, but I¡¯ll take the bus,¡± Qiao Xi declined tactfully.


    Huo Sijiao had said that the two families were on bad terms.


    She didn¡¯t want to get involved with the Xu Family more than necessary.


    ...


    ¡°I have official business to discuss with you. Get in, we¡¯ll talk,¡± Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s voice was crisp, as if certain she would get into the car.


    Qiao Xi bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then opened the door and sat in the back seat.


    ¡°Director Xu, what is the matter?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Yan has submitted your application for full employment. After our discussion, we decided to grant you an exceptional promotion,¡± Xu Xiuyuan pressed the accelerator and took off, his driving stable.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t help her excitement; this meant she was one step closer to obtaining her medical practice certificate and opening her own clinic.


    ¡°You deserve it; you¡¯ve performed exceptionally well.¡± Xu Xiuyuan had never seen Yan Shi¡¯an admire a young doctor so much, even praising her foundation in acupuncture as far superior to his own.


    Xu Xiuyuan didn¡¯t take it seriously, as he didn¡¯t believe a girl fresh out of school could be that capable unless she came from a family with a profound heritage of knowledge accumulated from a young age.


    But clearly, Qiao Xi¡¯s family wasn¡¯t like that.


    ¡°Thank you for saving my grandmother today; she¡¯s finally willing to let the caretaker look after her.¡± Xu Xiuyuan glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his lingering conscience prompting him to speak, ¡°If you need help in the future, you can contact me anytime.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Throughout the ride, Xu Xiuyuan didn¡¯t speak again. It seemed it was indeed just a convenient lift, and the car stopped at the door of the Huo Family¡¯s small villa.


    Qiao Xi thanked him and went inside.


    ¡°Sister-in-law is back!¡±


    Huo Sijiao was holding a party popper, which went ¡°bang¡± and showered colorful ribbons onto Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Surprise! Sister-in-law, today is my brother¡¯s birthday! We all came!¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, are you tired from work? Come over and sit,¡± Du Juan beckoned.


    The dining table was already set with a large cake; Du Juan and Huo Jiancheng were sitting on one side, while Huo Xingzhou sat in his wheelchair, smiling at her. Qiao Xi covered the pocket of her sweater with her hand.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, come sit quickly!¡±


    Huo Sijiao pulled her to sit next to Huo Xingzhou; Aunt Qian smilingly presented one dish after another, ending with a bowl of fragrant longevity noodles.


    ¡°All dishes are served!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou let her fuss over him.


    He knew she was sober, better than the last time. But he didn¡¯t know what the usually shy Qiao Xi would do at a time like this, as a moderate amount of alcohol could liberate one¡¯s true nature.


    Qiao Xi led him to the spacious bathroom, squeezed some toothpaste for him, and twisted a towel.


    As Huo Xingzhou meticulously cleaned himself, he thought it was good that tomorrow was the weekend and she didn¡¯t have to go to work.


    ¡°Wipe.¡±


    She took the towel and wiped the toothpaste foam from the corners of his mouth.


    Warm water filled the bathtub, and as Qiao Xi bent over to unbutton his shirt, Huo Xingzhou suddenly grabbed her wrist, his throat bobbing.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    If she went any further, he might take advantage of the situation.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Qiao Xi shook her head, stubbornly trying to pull open his shirt.


    Huo Xingzhou gripped her waist and lifted her to sit on the sink. Her exposed pale ankle was caught in his hand.


    ¡°Stop moving,¡± he said hoarsely, his fingers tracing up from her ankle, slipping under the hem of her floral dress and caressing the smooth skin of her calf.


    The stimulation from the alcohol, the dopamine release, and the steam from the hot bathroom water, made Qiao Xi¡¯s heartbeat race and her breathing difficult.


    She felt she too needed CPR and artificial respiration.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I saved Mrs. Liu at the hospital today by performing CPR on her,¡± she said with a look that sought praise, endearingly.


    ¡°Our Little Divine Doctor is truly capable,¡± Huo Xingzhou praised as she wished, his fingers lingering.


    She laughed naively, bending forward.


    He was sitting in the wheelchair, and she was sitting on the sink. At such a height, all she needed to do was lean slightly to kiss his lips.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I... have difficulty breathing.¡±


    The hint from the medical student was clumsy and adorable.


    After she said those words, her rose-colored lips landed on his cool, thin lips, drawing oxygen from his mouth.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers involuntarily tightened, the patterns of his fingertips grazing her tender skin. He tilted his head, taking control.


    Qiao Xi trembled with the kisses, her hands bracing herself on either side of the sink.


    Her white, delicate fingers clenched tightly, straightening out, the strange impulse within her body making her timid and confused.


    Finally.


    She was left with tears in her eyes and weak arms and legs from being bullied.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, artificial respiration isn¡¯t done like this,¡± she corrected seriously.


    ¡°So, the Little Divine Doctor didn¡¯t want to satisfy a craving?¡± he asked leisurely, watching her with dark eyes, ¡°I thought you were craving.¡±

 Chapter 44: You Satisfy Your Cravings, Regardless of My Fate

    Chapter 44: Chapter 44: You Satisfy Your Cravings, Regardless of My Fate


    He was clearly noble and abstinent, like an unattainable flower, yet the words he spoke were tinged with seductiveness.


    It made Qiao Xi involuntarily blush.


    She retorted with a stern face, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then... how about we try artificial respiration again? This time, you teach me,¡± he said, looking at her.


    ¡°No.¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head.


    ...


    Huo Xingzhou watched her silently, making her feel uneasy.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m going to wash up and rest now. Remember to go to sleep early,¡± she said, nearly fleeing in panic. But as she jumped down from the washstand, Huo Xingzhou caught her in one swift motion.


    She fell right into his arms.


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair,¡± he said with a smile, his frosty face drawing near, ¡°you satisfy your craving and then ignore whether I live or die.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    Qiao Xi denied.


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t hold back,¡± he said, and then he kissed her swollen lips passionately. Slow and deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world to deal with her.


    Qiao Xi felt her mind slowing down, intoxicated by the faint scent of alcohol and the cool fragrance emanating from his body.


    In the end,


    Huo Xingzhou lowered his head and gently bit her lips, ¡°Will the Little Divine Doctor take revenge on me? Will there be coptis in the medicine I drink tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t put it in.¡±


    Qiao Xi repeatedly assured.


    Finally, Huo Xingzhou released her and Qiao Xi regained her freedom, her legs were weak as she touched the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room,¡± she said, her voice light and airy as she walked out awkwardly.


    A light laugh escaped Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips as he looked down, and then he cursed softly to himself.


    As husband and wife, they were too estranged.


    As partners in a contract, they were not innocent.


    This ambiguous veil hadn¡¯t been pierced by anyone.


    ...


    The next day.


    Aunt Qian had prepared breakfast early in the morning and called out when she saw Qiao Xi descending the stairs, ¡°Young Madam, come have breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi awkwardly adjusted the scarf wrapped around her neck.


    Last night had been too intense.


    How could she demand artificial respiration from him? She had thought up many excuses after getting up this morning, resolving to be calm when facing him and not to be shy.


    Seeing her pretending to be bold and indifferent, Huo Xingzhou almost laughed out of irritation.


    He had indeed said something similar, but he didn¡¯t expect this kind of reaction from her.


    Suddenly, the man lost his appetite.


    The phone on the side lit up, displaying a message. He frowned, opened it, and immediately deleted the conversation without even wanting to look at it.


    Qiao Xi accidentally caught a glimpse of the avatar, an elegant white swan.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re heading to the old house.¡±


    His expression was no longer content but seemed somewhat irritable.


    Old Chen, the driver, was already waiting outside. Qiao Xi didn¡¯t say any more, silently following him.


    The car stopped at the Huo family¡¯s old residence.


    Huo Xingzhou suddenly grabbed Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and said, ¡°What I have to do today may shock and appall. You can wait for me in the car.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him and shook her head, ¡°I¡¯d like to accompany Mr. Huo.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    In the Huo family¡¯s main house, only Wang Fengxian was home, sneering at them with contempt written all over her face.


    In the master bedroom, the old master was sitting on a rocking chair with his eyes closed for rest.


    ¡°Old master, the second young master has arrived,¡± the butler said as he pushed open the door, speaking softly.


    ¡°Mhm, let him come in.¡±


    The old master¡¯s voice was heavy and filled with the weight of the years.


    Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou entered the room.


    The old master was dressed in a traditional gown, reclining on the rocking chair. Seeing Qiao Xi, a clear look of disdain flickered in his eyes, ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    ¡°She is my wife; of course, she will follow me,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    ¡°You¡¯ve degraded yourself,¡± the old master said coldly.


    ¡°What did you want to see me for today, Grandfather?¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes showed no admiration, only a cold edge.


    The old master slowly stood up and walked over to Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Xingzhou, you were the grandson I was most proud of. But as fate has it, don¡¯t blame me for being ruthless.¡± His voice, aged and deep, resonated.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided that at my seventieth birthday celebration, I will publicly declare that the main branch will inherit the Huo estate. I will give them my 30%, and you should also hand over that 5% you hold.¡±


    He was going back on his word¡ªas he had previously stated that 5% was meant for the second branch to share in the dividends.


    ¡°The Huo estate is full of minor shareholders, and aside from the newly joined Tianyuan Group which holds 20%, your cousin controls 35%, enough to secure the Huo estate. You should be magnanimous.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt a surge of anger. So just for Huo Beiting to secure his position, Huo Xingzhou deserved to be sacrificed?


    Huo Xingzhou silently watched him, as if a block of ice was swiftly descending in his chest, piercing through his internal organs and freezing his blood.


    His peripheral vision swept over the ¡°Share Transfer Agreement¡± that had long been prepared on the bedside, its stark white paper a mocking visage.


    The human heart lies on the left, inherently biased!


    He never should have, harbored any expectations!

 Chapter 45: A Clean Break between Me and the Huo Family

    Chapter 45: Chapter 45: A Clean Break between Me and the Huo Family


    ¡°Is Grandfather discussing this with me, or just informing me?¡± His tone was indifferent, as if he was utterly disappointed.


    ¡°Since you understand, just sign it.¡±


    The old man placed the agreement in front of him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡± Qiao Xi grabbed his hand, ¡°No one can force you.¡±


    She watched, wide-eyed, as he lost one thing after another that belonged to him.


    Huo Xingzhou looked up at the robust and insightful elder, ¡°I have something in my hand.¡±


    ...


    He took out a voice recorder, placed it in front of Old Master Huo, and pressed play.


    This was the truth Huo Beiting had drunkenly spoken the night he got drunk with Jin Kai, his voice the only one on the recording: ¡°The... car accident, it was my planning.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he die? Being a cripple is pretty good too.¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou should have died a long time ago, Zhuo Feng... hehe, Zhuo Feng is also my man.¡±


    Old Huo Weiguo¡¯s face turned even more ashen, and he said darkly, ¡°Drunk blabbering, it doesn¡¯t count as any evidence.¡±


    ¡°If I hand it over to the media, they will certainly make a big deal out of it,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°Justice resides in people¡¯s hearts. At home, we still have the poison powder prepared by Zhuo Feng, I¡¯m afraid it can¡¯t be completely separated from Huo Beiting.¡±


    He was well aware that this couldn¡¯t stand as formal evidence in court; the drunken recording was only something he could use to threaten the old man.


    ¡°You¡¯re threatening me, don¡¯t you want to give up 5% of the shares that much? You know the outcome of defying me, and you¡¯re not the only one in the second branch.¡± The old man was furious.


    ¡°I know Grandfather¡¯s abilities. I can sign that agreement, but I have one condition.¡±


    His fingers deftly played with the signing pen as he spoke nonchalantly, ¡°I want to sever ties! To break away from the Huo Clan! From now on, the ¡®Huo¡¯ in Huo Xingzhou will not be the Huo of the Huo Family!¡±


    A buzzing noise filled Qiao Xi¡¯s ears.


    He wanted to break away from the family!


    This was the shocking and unspeakable act he referred to.


    Old Master Huo bellowed with rage, ¡°Huo Xingzhou! What kind of nonsense are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°I want to completely sever ties with the Huo Family,¡± he said, his gaze icy and aloof, like a noble and distant, high mountain blossom.


    Huo Weiguo covered his chest in anger, ¡°Our Huo Family has a hundred-year tradition: those who betray the family are severely punished by the family law. Execute with the warning stick, cut off the blood ties! All the glory and power of the Huo Family will have nothing to do with him!¡±


    ¡°I was born into the Huo Family, protected by the clan from childhood, and have made contributions to the family. Only this bloodline, I cannot wash away! If the family law should apply to me, whether to be executed or beaten, we¡¯ll be even!¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s stare was frosty.


    ¡°You... you! Steward, enforce the family law!¡± he commanded sharply, ¡°Bring it!¡±


    The steward hesitated briefly but then ran towards the ancestral hall. It had been many years since the family law was invoked; the Huo Family was about to face a major incident!


    ¡°The second young master wants to sever ties!¡±


    ¡°Is the second young master really going to break off relations with the Huo Family?¡±


    A state of unrest ran through the Huo Family; Wang Fengxian watched the commotion from outside the door.


    The rare warmth and teachings of his childhood with his grandfather, all shattered with each strike!


    In Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heart, those memories were gouged out.


    He severed all ties with the most decisive method.


    ...


    Wang Fengxian watched from outside, excitedly and schadenfreudingly calling Huo Beiting, ¡°Huo Xingzhou is courting death himself, inciting the old man to apply family law! Hurry back and enjoy the show!¡±


    She was truly feeling invigorated today.


    Beat him!


    Best to beat that cripple to death!


    Bang!


    The old man, gasping for air, threw the willow stick aside.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s back was spotted with blood, his white shirt stained with crimson. His complexion deathly pale, his fingers gripped tightly to the sides of the wheelchair. Qiao Xi was also injured, but seemed much better off.


    Huo Xingzhou folded the Letter of Severance and placed it in his inner pocket.


    Trying to appear strong, he said, ¡°Your sickness seems to have worsened; even beating people doesn¡¯t seem to take much effort.¡±


    ¡°You...¡± The old man nearly fainted with rage.


    ¡°If one day, someone can cure your cold disease, what are you willing to pay?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked gravely.


    He wanted to collect some interest in advance for Qiao Xi¡¯s suffering today.


    The old man looked at him, regaining his calm, ¡°I would offer a hefty reward and treat them as an honored guest.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou inquired further, ¡°What if it made your beloved grandchild of the Huo¡¯s main house bow and kowtow?¡±


    ¡°Filial piety comes first! They should kowtow for a senior¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°Remember your own words,¡± Huo Xingzhou held Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Laoye coughed angrily, ¡°Once you leave, cough cough... don¡¯t come back ever again!¡±


    Qiao Xi pushed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair, step by step, heading outside. It seemed she had come to see Huo Xingzhou anew, with his proud spine, principles, and bottom line.


    Kind and righteous, living and human.


    When they exited the living room, the entire Huo¡¯s main family had arrived.


    Wang Fengxian, sporting bright red nails, said, ¡°In our Huo family, there hasn¡¯t been an unfilial person for decades. Xingzhou, you¡¯re really confused.¡±


    Huo Jianjun hypocritically stated, ¡°We¡¯re family, why so impulsive!¡±


    Huo Beiting felt supremely satisfied, gloating, ¡°You really dug your own grave! Isn¡¯t it just the 5% shares? Is it worth making such a big fuss? Next month is grandfather¡¯s seventieth birthday, and the founder of Tianyuan Group will be there too, a double celebration!¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, such a grand event has nothing to do with you anymore! From now on, I am the elite of Haicheng, and you¡¯re the outcast of the family, just a common, lowly person! We¡¯re worlds apart!¡±


    Huo Beiting raised his voice, ¡°I have plenty of ways to ruin you!¡±

 Chapter 46 - 46 Qiao Xi, Take Off Your Clothes

    Chapter 46: Chapter 46 Qiao Xi, Take Off Your Clothes


    ¡°You... you...¡±


    After hearing that, Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed with anger, and her heart felt as if it were being sliced by a knife! Just as furious!


    Huo Xingzhou clenched her hand tightly and raised his eyes to Huo Beiting, ¡°I¡¯m waiting with bated breath! I look forward to your double celebration.¡±


    He appeared disheveled but remained cold and aloof.


    Huo Beiting mocked, ¡°Still putting on an act? Let¡¯s see what little waves you can stir up!¡±


    Today really should be a day of celebration!


    ...


    Qiao Xi bit her lip hard and began to push Huo Xingzhou out.


    Huo Beiting extended a foot intentionally blocking his wheelchair.


    The wheelchair flipped over instantly.


    Huo Xingzhou fell to the ground, his insides felt like they were churning together, as if he was about to vomit blood.


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡±


    Qiao Xi hurriedly helped him up.


    Looking down from above, Huo Beiting laughed wickedly, ¡°Hahaha, what can a cripple like you do to fight me! You can¡¯t even stand steadily, and you still hope that Zhuo Feng can cure your legs?¡±


    ¡°Let me tell you.¡± Huo Beiting squatted down, speaking venomously, ¡°Zhuo Feng is my man, he¡¯s not any apprentice of Cheng Han. You... you won¡¯t live much longer, you short-lived ghost!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense! You¡¯re the short-lived ghost!¡±


    Qiao Xi was livid, her anger towering, ¡°He will live a long time! Longer than you will!¡±


    She will cure him, and ensure his safety for a lifetime.


    ¡°What¡¯s this country bumpkin doing acting tough with me! You¡¯re just ants. From now on, you can only look up to me!¡± After venting, Huo Beiting left proudly.


    The three Huo family members walked together, loudly discussing what to eat for today¡¯s celebration.


    They felt that from today on, the trouble that was Huo Xingzhou had been completely eliminated!


    Qiao Xi cautiously helped Huo Xingzhou up and sat him back on the wheelchair.


    She pushed the wheelchair out in silence, her eyes reddening as tears kept rolling down from her eyes one after another.


    ¡°Did the Little Divine Doctor get hurt?¡± His voice was weak, yet there was a cheerful tone in it.


    Qiao Xi shook her head behind him, realizing that he couldn¡¯t see her, she said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt, not in the slightest. He¡¯s just a sick old man, he doesn¡¯t have much strength.¡±


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve heard you swear, I initially thought you were sweet and clever, why would you start cursing people?¡± Huo Xingzhou even had the mood to joke at this time.


    ¡°He deserves it! I just can¡¯t think of any more curse words to use.¡±


    She really was dumb!


    ¡°Then next time, we¡¯ll learn how to swear together,¡± he consoled again.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Her voice was faint.


    ¡°Really.¡±


    ¡°Then I believe you.¡±


    She was willing to believe in her son unconditionally.


    Du Juan wiped away her tears, breaking into a smile, ¡°If we¡¯re severing relations, then so be it. After all, our branch never benefited from them. What we have now is all earned by you.¡±


    She was a reasonable person.


    But Huo Jiancheng was more shocked by the revelation.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re a doctor. From now on, please take extra care of Xingzhou.¡±


    Qiao Xi assured, ¡°I¡¯ll take very good care of him.¡±


    Du Juan reached out and ruffled her hair, ¡°I knew you were a good kid. The Huo main branch has bullied my son so much; I may not be able to deal with them, but I can still give them a headache.¡±


    She grabbed Huo Jiancheng¡¯s hand, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°Go where?¡±


    ¡°To give them a headache!¡±


    Du Juan declared this, always decisive and straightforward.


    After they left, Qiao Xi was a bit worried, ¡°Mother-in-law won¡¯t get into trouble, right?¡±


    ¡°She won¡¯t let herself be at a disadvantage.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the room first.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    They returned to the room, and Qiao Xi removed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s shirt. His body didn¡¯t have a single patch of unbruised skin, all covered with blood bruises and swelling.


    ¡°Just surface wounds,¡± he said.


    Qiao Xi took out an ointment for promoting blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis and gently applied it in circular motions on his body. She said softly, ¡°It¡¯s a good thing it didn¡¯t injure your legs, or I¡¯d have another headache.¡±


    ¡°It looks severe, but it¡¯s not too bad,¡± his gaze swept to the red marks on her arm and he said, ¡°Go lock the room door.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently closed the room door and locked it.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, take off your clothes,¡± he said as she turned around, his deep voice resonating.


    Qiao Xi froze in place, staring at him in a daze.


    ¡°You have a wound on your back, let me apply some medicine,¡± he explained.


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll wait... I can apply it myself later,¡± she blurted out.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes shimmered gently, his voice even softer, ¡°You can¡¯t reach it. Let me look at your wound.¡±


    ¡°But...¡± she hesitated, embarrassed.


    ¡°If this is a battle we have both fought, then I want to see your medals,¡± he said earnestly, his eyes void of any lust.

 Chapter 47: Ambiguous Loss of Control, Thunder and Fire from the Sky

    Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Ambiguous Loss of Control, Thunder and Fire from the Sky


    Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment, then turned around, her back facing Huo Xingzhou.


    Her fingers touched her coat and slowly she took off her coat and inner layer.


    Nothing was left but a bandeau.


    The smooth and fair skin of her back was marred by shocking scars.


    Huo Xingzhou reached out his fingers and combed her long hair strand by strand to the front. He scooped a large chunk of ointment and smeared it on her back.


    He gently lifted her strap with his index finger.


    ...


    Slowly, gently, spreading it out.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t help but shiver, the ointment was cool, bringing much relief to the burning pain of her wounds.


    ¡°For the first time, a woman took a beating for me,¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were obscure, dark and heavy, lingering long.


    He wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly, and Qiao Xi just sat there on his legs. She turned her head trying to see his expression, but a cold kiss landed on her rounded shoulder instead.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Qiao Xi covered her chest with both hands, her whole body tense.


    He impulsively hugged her tightly from behind, closed his eyes, feeling very calm inside.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, let¡¯s pick up your grandmother and take her back to the countryside tomorrow,¡± he said, his warm breath on her neck and shoulder.


    ¡°Okay. Grandma has been looking forward to returning to the countryside, she calls every day hoping for it,¡± she replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken to the hospital for you,¡± Huo Xingzhou said softly.


    He seemed very tired, holding her and gradually falling asleep.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t dare to move, allowing him to lean on her.


    That evening.


    A trending search exploded.


    Huo Xingzhou of the Huo Second Branch, breaking away from the Huo Clan! Severance of relations!


    The whistleblower provided evidence that Huo Xingzhou stubbornly went his own way, becoming the family outcast. Below were photographs of Huo Xingzhou, covered in bruises, leaving the old Huo residence.


    Someone managed to get hold of the ¡°Letter of Severance,¡± a definitive proof!


    In black and white, there was no turning back!


    The precepts of the Huo Family were well known to all!


    The once-favored scion had turned into a complete failure. Those rich and privileged young men who had grown up in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s shadow were now celebrating on their social circles, spreading the news!


    Huo Beiting¡¯s hand stretched beneath the table, running up her sexy black stockings.


    In the dim light of the bar, Su Weiwei kept talking to Fang Anni, dreaming of a blissful future, oblivious to the mischief between the other two.


    ¡°Anni, you have to be my bridesmaid when I get married,¡± Su Weiwei held her hand, ¡°You¡¯re my best sister!¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Fang Anni replied, but couldn¡¯t help squealing a little.


    She shot Huo Beiting an angry glance, while he became even more brazen.


    ¡°Anni, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Su Weiwei asked, her eyes heavy with drunkenness.


    Fang Anni lied with a straight face, ¡°There¡¯s a mosquito.¡±


    ¡°Mosquitoes... this early in the season?¡± Su Weiwei¡¯s head felt like it was barely functioning.


    Huo Beiting, getting impatient, coaxed Su Weiwei into drinking a few more glasses of wine.


    ¡°Weiwei, you¡¯re drunk. Let¡¯s go rest in the hotel next door,¡± Fang Anni, supporting the totally plastered Su Weiwei, stood up to leave.


    Huo Beiting threw a bank card to his buddy, ¡°Just swipe this card for whatever, enjoy yourselves tonight.¡±


    ¡°Take care, Brother Beiting!¡±


    ¡°Be careful on the road!¡±


    Huo Beiting strode out quickly, heading to the adjacent five-star hotel. They checked into a top-floor suite, Fang Anni helping Su Weiwei inside, then let her crash on the sofa.


    Before long, there came a knock at the door.


    Fang Anni reluctantly opened the door and seeing Huo Beiting¡¯s handsome face, she snorted coldly.


    Huo Beiting wrapped his arms around her waist, ¡°Fairy, you¡¯re trying to drive me wild, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°The young master should keep his distance; you¡¯re getting married to Su Weiwei,¡± she turned her face away, clearly jealous.


    They were the ones who knew each other first, keeping an intimate bed relationship.


    ¡°Her?¡±


    Huo Beiting scoffed, ¡°Her family has money. But you, you¡¯re the one I love most.¡±


    He kissed her face several times, coaxing, ¡°Calm down, let¡¯s go to the next room.¡±


    ¡°No! I want it in this room!¡±


    Fang Anni pouted, ¡°I want to do it with you right in front of her!¡±


    Dressed in a red spaghetti-strap dress, her makeup heavy, she was a sexy, gorgeous beauty. With her figure and looks, she would stand out in a beauty contest, capable of arousing any man¡¯s primal urges.


    Far more than Su Weiwei ever could.


    Desire surged in Huo Beiting¡¯s throat.


    ¡°What if we wake her up?¡± he whispered hoarsely, his hands firmly massaging her waist.


    Fang Anni¡¯s fingers traced circles on his chest, her eyes sultry as silk, ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s thrilling?¡±

 Chapter 48: The Newlyweds, Fierce Like Wolves and Tigers

    Chapter 48: Chapter 48: The Newlyweds, Fierce Like Wolves and Tigers


    Huo Beiting¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, his voice raspy, ¡°Exciting.¡±


    Fang Anni let out a few coquettish laughs.


    Huo Beiting embraced her abruptly, ¡°Go wash up in the bathroom.¡±


    Fang Anni clung to him, her kiss skilled as she kissed him ¡ª this man had always been hers.


    How dare Su Weiwei try to snatch him away!


    ...


    In the bathroom, the sound of running water echoed.


    The steam from the warm water filled the frosted glass, a man and a woman intertwined recklessly, increasingly indulged.


    The sound of gushing water drowned out the intimate moaning.


    An hour later.


    Su Weiwei, lying on the couch, massaged her throbbing temples and called out softly, ¡°Beiting...¡±


    No one answered.


    She struggled to her feet, staggering towards the bathroom from where the noise emanated.


    ¡°Beiting!¡±


    She crashed against the glass door of the bathroom, ¡°Bang¡±, startling the entwined couple inside.


    ¡°Beiting! Are you there? Beiting!¡±


    Her head felt heavy and cloudy.


    Huo Beiting coughed lightly and said, ¡°I¡¯m taking a shower.¡±


    Su Weiwei mumbled, ¡°I want to take a shower too, together!¡±


    As she spoke, she tried to pry the bathroom door open, attempting to squeeze in. Huo Beiting swiftly slid the door open, his bare body lifting Su Weiwei into his embrace.


    He bent down to passionately kiss Su Weiwei¡¯s lips, fervently excited.


    ¡°Beiting...¡± Su Weiwei called out shyly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the bed.¡±


    Huo Beiting blocked her view, embracing and kissing her as he walked, diverting Su Weiwei¡¯s attention. His gaze fell on Fang Anni by the bathroom door, signaling her to leave.


    Fang Anni, filled with dissatisfaction, wrapped in a bath towel, left the room.


    Huo Beiting finally felt relieved, but then Su Weiwei entangled him.


    Outside the hotel room.


    Fang Anni listened to Su Weiwei¡¯s contrived screams inside, her heart going mad with frustration!


    If she weren¡¯t the daughter of a small coal mine owner, what would that idiot Su Weiwei use to compete with her? Was it not the five hundred million dowry from the Su Family?


    She caressed her stomach with a sinister look in her eyes, this time taking no precautions, she must conceive!


    Zhou Yu was very attentive, helping the old lady into the passenger seat, ¡°Qiao Xi said you get carsick. You won¡¯t feel sick in the front. My driving is very steady!¡±


    ¡°Ah, such good children!¡± Grandma Qiao was extremely happy.


    After settling her in, Zhou Yu walked back to the driver¡¯s seat and said, ¡°Moon Village, right? What a coincidence, Xingzhou and I used to visit it when we were kids.¡±


    He started the GPS and took the city ring expressway directly.


    ¡°Our village is quite secluded; I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience. It used to be called Qiao Village, but it was renamed Moon Village for tourism development. Who knew... such an incident would happen.¡±


    ¡°Modern people are in search of the original ecology, and the village air is fresh,¡± Zhou Yu said sweetly, delighting the old lady.


    Meanwhile, Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi sat in the back, unable to join in the conversation.


    Qiao Xi leaned in close to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s ear and asked in a low voice, ¡°Mr. Huo, does your injury hurt?¡± They were both dressed very cautiously today, afraid that grandma would notice.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, no big deal,¡± Huo Xingzhou replied, ¡°You sleep for a bit, I¡¯ll wake you when we arrive.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After a three-hour journey, the imposing Benz finally entered Moon Village. The luxury car drew a lot of attention, and the aunts and neighbors came out to gawk.


    ¡°Auntie, you¡¯re back!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Aunt Chunhua who¡¯s returned!¡±


    Seeing Grandma Qiao, they surrounded her, and they were even more dazzled when they saw Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi, ¡°Is this Xixi and her boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my grandson-in-law; he recently injured his leg and foot,¡± Grandma Qiao introduced cheerfully.


    ¡°A fine-looking man indeed!¡±


    ¡°Perfect match of talent and beauty!¡±


    ¡°The leg injury doesn¡¯t matter; we have Xixi, who can treat it! And if that doesn¡¯t work, we can find Old Man Cheng!¡±


    The group of keen ladies, upon seeing the good-looking Zhou Yu, even considered matchmaking for him, sending Zhou Yu hurriedly back into the car.


    Qiao Xi was busily organizing the place and greeting the neighbors.


    They chattered away until it grew dark before finally leaving.


    Zhou Yu ended up with a trunk full of fresh vegetables and fruits from the countryside, intending to drive back to Haicheng overnight.


    The galaxy was tranquil, and the moonlight shimmered like water.


    Leaning against the car, he said earnestly to Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Huo Er, I¡¯ll be waiting for you to make a splash in half a month!¡±


    Those who had humiliated and looked down on him would pay the price!


    ¡°Okay,¡± Huo Xingzhou replied indifferently.


    Zhou Yu moved closer, lowered his voice, and said, ¡°I know you never fight an unprepared battle! Your leg, could it be...¡±


    Eyes locked, a dark light flashed in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes.


    He didn¡¯t deny it.


    Zhou Yu pointed at the neighboring brick house, ¡°With National Doctor Cheng Han here, I believe even that issue can be cured. Newlyweds, hungry and fierce like wolves and tigers!¡±


    He took a box out of the car and covertly slipped it into Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand, ¡°It¡¯s remote here in the countryside, better to be prepared!¡±

 Chapter 49 - 49 The bed creaked and creaked all night long

    Chapter 49: Chapter 49 The bed creaked and creaked all night long


    Zhou Yu didn¡¯t wait for him to react, jumped in the car, and sped away with the engine roaring.


    Huo Xingzhou looked down and his face darkened.


    The small packaging box looked high-end and luxurious, yet it was printed with a common slogan: ¡°Happy Wife, Happy Life, happiness only comes when the wife is satisfied!¡±


    He flipped to the back, and the slogan was even more unbearable.


    It read: ¡°Promising one thing and delivering another, mastering the art of pleasing the wife.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were shadowed, with a chill emanating from around him.


    ...


    Where did this substandard product come from!


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡± Qiao Xi came out following his voice, ¡°Has young master Zhou left?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou placed the small packaging box into his suit pocket and spoke upon seeing her pure and bright face, ¡°He¡¯s gone.¡±


    Qiao Xi approached and, seeing his dark expression, asked worriedly, ¡°Are you not adjusting well to the countryside?¡±


    ¡°No, it was that idiot Zhou Yu who did something bad.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou spoke indifferently.


    Qiao Xi pushed his wheelchair into the house, ¡°He¡¯s quite nice, enthusiastic and talkative. My grandma talked with him all day and has already fallen asleep.¡±


    After a moment of hesitation, Qiao Xi said, ¡°Our house is simple, there¡¯s only one clean room left. If you mind, I can lay out a sleeping mat.¡±


    The Qiao family¡¯s small tile-roofed house was a bungalow.


    The other rooms were used for storage, only her and her grandmother¡¯s rooms were clean.


    Huo Xingzhou looked up at her, ¡°I don¡¯t mind, it¡¯s not the first time.¡±


    At home, they also had...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes dodged, those two times were accidents, once drunk, and once she fell asleep exhausted.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get some water to wipe you down, then apply the medicine.¡± Qiao Xi got him situated in the bedroom, then left.


    Huo Xingzhou curiously observed her room, where bookshelves on both sides were filled with medical books and there were dried herbs. The bed was by the window, with a clay pot on the windowsill holding small wildflowers, and a string of wind chimes above.


    On closer sniff, there was a sweet fragrance typical of a young woman¡¯s room.


    Simple, warm.


    It was obvious she was a very family-oriented, gentle girl.


    Qiao Xi quickly fetched water, placing it on the washstand, ¡°Mr. Huo, please take off your clothes.¡± She took a set of men¡¯s pajamas out of the suitcase and placed them on the bed.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou wasn¡¯t fussy and took off his suit and shirt, setting them aside. Qiao Xi helped him sit on the bed and changed him into the pajamas.


    She wrung the towel and gently wiped his back.


    He reached out and pulled her back, his voice hoarse beyond recognition.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    Maybe it was the devil¡¯s plaything under the pillow, or maybe it was the cats¡¯ mating calls¡ªeither way, his thoughts were no longer pure.


    Those restless, fervent thoughts surged uncontrollably forth.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, what... What¡¯s wrong?¡± Qiao Xi unconsciously licked her dry lips.


    His hand was so hot.


    The moonlight seeped through the cracks of the windowsill. Huo Xingzhou could clearly see her delicate face and her nervously trembling eyelashes.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, is it the herbal medicine that¡¯s making you uncomfortable? Or did Zhou Yu give you something?¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s throat tightened as she asked.


    Was there a problem with the ¡°little thing¡± that had fallen out of his clothes?


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s grip on her hand grew tighter; he said with restraint, ¡°The problem is with me.¡±


    His eyes dark and deep.


    Huo Xingzhou watched her in silence until her heartbeat sped up more and more.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s breathing, became erratic.


    Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, ¡°Mr. Huo, I... I¡¯ll take your pulse to see if your body is...¡±


    The man¡¯s voice grew even huskier, ¡°Qiao Xi, I am not a saint, I cannot be devoid of desire.¡±


    ¡°I... I understand. Mr. Huo, you are craving. Then... then let me help you,¡± she said.


    Qiao Xi leaned in close, as he had done before, and clumsily kissed his thin lips. Her initiative stimulated the man¡¯s nerves.


    Huo Xingzhou lay flat, his eyes tightly shut as he exerted extreme self-control, his breathing intensified, almost letting out a stifled groan.


    His long fingers gripped the bedsheet tightly, knuckles turning white.


    Enduring to the utmost!


    He knew he couldn¡¯t let the situation continue to develop, to lose control!


    ¡°Qiao Xi, stop,¡± he said breathlessly, ¡°You go out first, give me some time.¡±


    ¡°...Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath, her skin blushing like a shrimp. She got up off the bed, glanced back at him one more time, then quietly walked to the door and closed it behind her.


    She leaned against the cold wall, slapping her forehead in annoyance. She didn¡¯t know why she had done such a shameful thing on a whim.


    She was really making a fool of herself.


    Mr. Huo obviously didn¡¯t need her to satisfy his cravings!


    How embarrassing.


    Qiao Xi stood outside the door for a long time.


    Even the cats outside had left, but the bed inside creaked and groaned all through the night.

 Chapter 50 - 50 He is the National Doctor Cheng Han

    Chapter 50: Chapter 50 He is the National Doctor Cheng Han


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi got up very early, with dark circles under her eyes and red bloodshot in them. She helped Grandma Qiao prepare breakfast, and only then did she go back to her room to call Huo Xingzhou.


    She saw that Huo Xingzhou had already washed up.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, breakfast is ready. After eating, I¡¯ll take you next door to Grandpa Cheng¡¯s house. His medical skills are excellent, much better than mine,¡± she said.


    Huo Xingzhou paused for a moment, looking at her before saying, ¡°Okay.¡±


    He maneuvered his wheelchair and started moving out.


    ...


    Qiao Xi shook out the blankets and arranged the bedsheet and pillows. Her hand felt a hard little box, and she picked it up with curiosity, her eyes widening in shock.


    She quickly stuffed it back in, pretending to have seen nothing.


    ¡°Xixi, come and have breakfast quickly,¡± Grandma Qiao called out.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m coming.¡±


    Qiao Xi walked out of the room, sat at the square table, and ate her porridge and salted duck eggs with a distracted air.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at her, feeling that her gaze was evasive and her expression unnatural.


    ¡°I¡¯ve finished eating. Mr. Huo, let¡¯s go next door to Grandpa Cheng¡¯s house now,¡± Qiao Xi said as she carried a box of milk and skincare products out, with Huo Xingzhou following by her side.


    The house next door was a two-story brick and tile house with an ancient-looking small courtyard.


    A wooden fence encircled it, and various herbs were drying in the yard.


    ¡°Grandpa Cheng! I¡¯m back!¡± Qiao Xi yelled loudly as she pushed the fence gate and entered.


    An old man in a green martial arts attire came out. He was lean and nimble, with quick hands and feet, a white beard, and an aura of an immortal.


    His complexion was even better than that of young people.


    ¡°Qiao girl is back, always so polite,¡± he said as he took the gifts and set them aside, his sharp eyes then turning to Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Grandpa Cheng, hello. I¡¯m Huo Xingzhou, Qiao Xi¡¯s husband,¡± Huo Xingzhou introduced himself politely.


    Old Cheng looked at him and snorted coldly.


    ¡°Grandpa Cheng, he had a car accident and has bruising in his legs. It¡¯s a bit tricky. I was hoping you could take a look at him,¡± Qiao Xi said with a smile. ¡°Please.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re extending your elbow out for others. You process the medicinal herbs for me in the yard, and I¡¯ll examine him,¡± Old Cheng said seriously with a stern face.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Old Cheng and Huo Xingzhou went inside, where Cheng Han looked at Huo Xingzhou with cold eyes. ¡°People from the Huo Family have deep minds. Was it you who was investigating me before?¡±


    ¡°Sorry, Dr. Cheng Han,¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said sincerely, ¡°I discovered your identity by accident and also covered up any traces.¡±


    Cheng Han¡¯s expression softened, ¡°Don¡¯t use Qiao girl. I haven¡¯t revealed my identity to her because I have my own difficulties.¡±


    ¡°Sun Weimeng, you¡¯re freaking sick!¡± He Xuan was only 1.6m tall and was always mockingly called ¡°He Shortie.¡± He got very angry every time he heard this nickname.


    The two quickly started fighting, with Sun Weimeng punching with force, truly living up to his name. He Xuan didn¡¯t stand a chance against him.


    Huo Beiting stood by, watching the commotion with amusement, and said maliciously, ¡°Go teach Sun Weimeng a lesson, then throw him out! He has long stopped being loyal to me.¡±


    Several of his cronies rolled up their sleeves and started punching and kicking Sun Weimeng.


    ¡°Don¡¯t accidentally kill anyone.¡±


    Huo Beiting and Su Weiwei linked arms, sipping red wine.


    Su Weiwei spoke, ¡°Let it be, even if they¡¯re acting crazy. It¡¯s just young folks having a spat, the elders shouldn¡¯t interfere.¡±


    Sun Weimeng was dragged away and thrown out.


    The grand doors of the banquet hall slowly closed in front of him.


    ¡°Cowards! Fools!¡±


    Bruised and swollen, Sun Weimeng pointed at the tightly shut doors and cursed loudly, ¡°You just know how to bully me! Wait until Huo Xingzhou comes back, he¡¯ll beat the crap out of you.¡±


    He took out his phone from his pocket and called Huo Xingzhou.


    As soon as the call connected, his eyes became teary.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou! You¡¯ve got me suffering so much!¡± he sobbed, ¡°Everyone says you¡¯re a coward, a complete loser. Only I speak well of you, and I got beaten up for it.¡±


    Inside the room, seated in his wheelchair, Huo Xingzhou looked relaxed and turned on the speakerphone.


    ¡°Who hit you?¡± he asked.


    Wiping tears, Sun Weimeng cried pitifully, ¡°Huo Beiting¡¯s lackeys, there were too many for me to remember. I was nearly beaten to death.¡±


    Young Master Sun menacingly threatened, ¡°Do you have some grand plan for revenge? If you don¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll go find a woman, and the whole city will know I¡¯m capable!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Then go find one.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me! Is it because once I find a woman, you¡¯ll castrate me!¡± He was in pain, gritting his teeth and crying so hard that he could barely catch his breath.


    ¡°Hanging up,¡± Huo Xingzhou said and abruptly ended the call.


    Qiao Xi covered her mouth, snickering, ¡°Young Master Sun is really amusing.¡± She put her suitcase aside, ¡°Mr. Huo, everything is packed, we¡¯ll head back to Haicheng tomorrow morning.¡±


    She also packed a box of medical books to take back.


    Lastly, she took out a bottle of medicated liquor from the bottom shelf of the bookcase, ¡°Mr. Huo, this is what I promised you. Going back to the countryside, I definitely wanted to let you taste the medicated liquor.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou watched her, a dark glint flickering in his eyes, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis, you can have a bit.¡±


    Half a month of medicinal baths had greatly improved his complexion. Logically, his legs should also be trying to stand up by now.


    ¡°We¡¯ll drink the medicated liquor back in Haicheng,¡± he said coolly, ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯ve prepared something for you.¡±


    Qiao Xi watched him reach under his pillow.


    In an instant, she blushed and felt hot all over her body.


    All that came to mind was the ¡°Mrs. Joy¡± and ¡°say one thing and do another¡± from the other day.

 Chapter 51: Want to Bully Her Till She Cries

    Chapter 51: Chapter 51: Want to Bully Her Till She Cries


    ¡°I don¡¯t need that thing!¡±


    Qiao Xi hurriedly grasped his hand, ¡°It¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou raised his eyebrows and suddenly realized something, a smile lurking on his lips, ¡°You do need it.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes were slightly moist, shaking her head, ¡°That thing isn¡¯t meant for me to use.¡±


    It was clearly meant for him!


    Huo Xingzhou deliberately gave her a hard time, ¡°Then tell me, what is it?¡±


    ...


    Her cheeks blushed, Qiao Xi struggled to speak, ¡°Mr. Huo, your legs have not fully recovered. That kind of thing isn¡¯t very good.¡±


    A light laugh spilled from the man¡¯s throat, he opened his palm, revealing a beautifully wrapped small gift box.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, this is a gift for you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said softly.


    She, a young lady, owned no jewelry. Even the Floating Flower Jade Bracelet she wore before had been put away. When she heard it was worth five million, she dared not wear it anymore, fearing it would get damaged.


    Qiao Xi misunderstood and felt extremely embarrassed.


    She took the small gift box and opened it to find a pearl necklace inside.


    A huge Australian white pearl, surrounded by tiny diamonds, looked very pretty.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, this...¡±


    ¡°This is in return for the cufflinks you gave me. Try it on.¡±


    A sweet feeling surged through Qiao Xi¡¯s heart. She picked up the necklace and tried to put it on, but the clasp was too tight, and she couldn¡¯t fasten it.


    ¡°Let me do it,¡± the man suddenly spoke.


    Qiao Xi felt a large shadow suddenly fall over her.


    Huo Xingzhou took the necklace from her, lifted her hair with his fingers, and stood while fastening the necklace for her.


    Stand?


    Qiao Xi looked at him, not daring to blink. Her eyes gradually moistened and turned red.


    Her voice trembled, ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯re standing up! You can stand up now!¡±


    The man in front of her was tall and straight, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, his physique could rival that of a top male model. He looked at her with a nonchalant yet tender gaze.


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the Little Divine Doctor.¡±


    His voice was as pleasing as crystals colliding, like a melting snow mountain in his eyes.


    Qiao Xi embraced him, overwhelmed with excitement.


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy!¡±


    ¡°Keep your voice down, this is our secret.¡±


    ¡°Young Master, Young Madam, please get in the car,¡± Old Chen urged Huo Xingzhou into the vehicle.


    Qiao Xi followed at his side, not daring to reveal the secret of his legs without Huo Xingzhou¡¯s permission.


    Perhaps, he was waiting for the right moment.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Old Chen turned the steering wheel and headed towards the Haicheng expressway.


    As evening neared.


    The car finally entered the Haicheng City District.


    Huo Sijiao¡¯s call came through, but when Huo Xingzhou answered, it was a man¡¯s voice on the other end.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, your sister is at West Street Bar! Hearing that you¡¯re returning to Haicheng today, you¡¯ve got half an hour to get here. Otherwise, we¡¯ll have our way with her!¡± he said arrogantly, amidst a bunch of people making a ruckus and the piercing screams of women.


    ¡°The cowardly turtle, even if we had our way with Huo Sijiao, he wouldn¡¯t dare do anything, right? Hahaha...¡±


    The person on the other end hung up abruptly.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression turned cold, and Qiao Xi also heard the other party¡¯s voice.


    ¡°What do we do, Mr. Huo!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou immediately dialed Zhou Yu¡¯s number and asked sharply, ¡°You didn¡¯t have someone on Jiaojiao¡¯s tail? She¡¯s been taken to West Street Bar by He Xuan and his cronies and they¡¯re forcing her to drink!¡±


    Cursing, Zhou Yu responded on the phone, ¡°I¡¯m heading there with my men right now! That little dwarf He dares to mess with my sister!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou hung up and instructed Old Chen, ¡°Turn around, we¡¯re going to West Street Bar now.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi arrived ahead of time with Old Chen following close behind them.


    ¡°The good-for-nothing from the Huo Family has arrived!¡± someone shouted loudly in the bar.


    In the center of the hall, Huo Sijiao was being held down on a couch, utterly drunk. He Xuan¡¯s hand was placed on her chest, grotesquely lecherous. The other wealthy idlers just watched him play around, adding fuel to the fire, ¡°Bro, how does Huo Xingzhou¡¯s little sister taste, huh?¡±


    ¡°Great! It¡¯s great!¡±


    He Xuan sat in the couch, his diminutive height of one meter sixty hardly noticeable.


    He looked at Huo Xingzhou and spouted bravado, ¡°A cripple really has the guts to show up! Guys, look, the cripple even brought his beautiful wife! I wonder who tastes better, his sister or his wife.¡±


    Foul words spewed from his mouth.


    The cronies egged him on, ¡°He bro, just sleep with both of them tonight, then you¡¯ll know who¡¯s better, right?¡±


    He Xuan swelled with arrogance, laughing loudly.


    With a vicious smile, he said, ¡°Huo Xingzhou, kneel before me, and I¡¯ll let your sister go! Otherwise, I¡¯ll have her right in front of your eyes!¡±


    This was a task set by Huo Beiting, to record a short video and post it to social circles, letting the elite see how low Huo Xingzhou had fallen.


    The proud son of heaven would actually have to kneel before him, He Xuan!


    Ever since Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fall from grace, tormenting him had become the aspiration of the wealthy playboys.


    ¡°Kneel down!¡±


    ¡°Kneel down!¡± The crowd, eager for a spectacle, shouted tumultuously.

 Chapter 52 - 52 Strip Off the Clothes and Feel Thoroughly

    Chapter 52: Chapter 52 Strip Off the Clothes and Feel Thoroughly


    Qiao Xi pressed her lips tightly together, clenching the phone in her hand, ready to call the police at any moment.


    Huo Xingzhou, sitting in his wheelchair, had a dark expression on his face, his tone icy cold, ¡°Old Chen, leave them breathing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master,¡± the driver Old Chen responded.


    Old Chen flexed his limbs, radiating raw strength and vitality, clearly a trained fighter.


    He charged into the crowd, grabbed a wine bottle from the table, and smashed it over He Xuan¡¯s head.


    A head cracked open!


    ...


    ¡°Dare to touch our family¡¯s young madam, you¡¯re seeking death!¡±


    ¡°All of you, attack!¡±


    He Xuan, clutching his bleeding head, roared furiously.


    The bar immediately descended into chaos.


    With the wine bottle shattered on the floor, Qiao Xi took advantage of the confusion to support the drunken Huo Sijiao.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯ll get Jiaojiao to the car, then come back for you!¡±


    ¡°Be careful.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou instructed.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Qiao Xi helped Huo Sijiao out with difficulty.


    In the bar, Old Chen was fighting one against ten. A retired mercenary, he was well-versed in lethal combat, more than a match for a few debauched young masters drained by wine and lust.


    Soon, He Xuan and his group were beaten down to the floor.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, you... if you dare touch us, Beiting will not let you off! You¡¯re just having a moment of bravado!¡± He Xuan shouted, covering his wound.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were cold as ice, ¡°Today, it¡¯s I who am unwilling to let you off.¡±


    He took out a bank card and threw it onto He Xuan¡¯s face, ¡°Here¡¯s your medical expenses, paid in advance.¡±


    He looked towards Old Chen and said indifferently, ¡°Continue beating them! Start with one million worth of injuries.¡±


    Old Chen confirmed, ¡°Young Master, do you mean before or after the health insurance reimbursement?¡±


    ¡°Whichever,¡± Huo Xingzhou said.


    Old Chen began another round of beatings, and the spineless lackeys knelt, weeping and begging for mercy.


    ¡°We were wrong!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have health insurance!¡±


    ¡°Stop beating us, someone¡¯s going to die! Please spare us!¡±


    They knelt in a row.


    Old Chen kicked them harshly, ¡°Pathetic, can¡¯t take a hit! Young Master, what¡¯s next?¡±


    As Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers caressed the armrest of his wheelchair, he said indifferently, ¡°If you want to leave, you can. Strip He Xuan naked and grope him until I¡¯m satisfied!¡± Just as his filthy hands had bullied Jiaojiao, let him feel it himself.


    Huo Sijiao cried out, clinging tightly to Qiao Xi, ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m scared!¡±


    ¡°This is disgusting, those bastards.¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and asked softly, ¡°Did they violate you?¡± The question was too cruel for a girl.


    Huo Sijiao shook her head, saying aggrievedly, ¡°No, they touched me.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t forget that disgusting feeling, as if snakes and insects had crawled over her.


    Just thinking about it made her grind her teeth with hatred.


    Qiao Xi quickly patted her back, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, it¡¯s all over. Your brother has already given them a harsh lesson.¡±


    Huo Sijiao cried until she hiccupped, sobbing uncontrollably, ¡°What do we do now? He Xuan is Huo Beiting¡¯s lapdog. My brother can¡¯t even protect himself, he¡¯s sure to be retaliated against! And you still work at the hospital.¡±


    She felt as if dark clouds loomed overhead, unable to see a way out.


    They had dared to bully her like this; if her brother hadn¡¯t arrived, she might have really been violated by so many men.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! Your brother is very capable.¡±


    Qiao Xi hugged her, ¡°Trust me, now that he¡¯s back, everything will get better.¡±


    Exhausted from crying, Huo Sijiao nestled into her bosom, sobbing quietly. Qiao Xi looked at her with pity, not daring to leave for a moment.


    ...


    In the villa¡¯s living room.


    After dealing with the aftermath, Zhou Yu was sprawled half lying on the couch, as if boneless.


    ¡°Huo Er, I¡¯ve dealt with their medical expenses,¡± he said with a rogueish air. ¡°He Xuan has broken four ribs and is mentally disturbed. When he was taken to the hospital, the male orthopedist wanted to examine him, and he reacted as if he¡¯d seen a ghost. He¡¯s probably left with psychological trauma, afraid to even look at men from now on.¡±


    Zhou Yu burst into laughter, ¡°You¡¯re ruthless, letting so many men touch him, leaving him bruised all over.¡±


    ¡°He got what he deserved,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, holding a water cup.


    Zhou Yu placed a gilded invitation in front of him, ¡°The Huo family patriarch¡¯s seventieth birthday invitation, handwritten by Huo Beiting. You should¡¯ve seen my face when I read it, I was so embarrassed. Turns out he can flatter too. But he probably didn¡¯t expect he was sucking up to you. He¡¯s terrified of offending you, worried you won¡¯t attend.¡±


    This invitation was personally delivered by Huo Beiting to the Tianyuan Group headquarters.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at it and let out a cold laugh.


    ¡°Tell him I¡¯ll be there tomorrow night.¡±


    Zhou Yu was full of anticipation, ¡°I can¡¯t wait to watch the drama unfold!¡±


    Huo Beiting surely had not anticipated that the person he was groveling to was none other than Huo Xingzhou, whom he had always bullied.


    Zhou Yu, unable to resist, clenched his fist and unexpectedly punched Huo Xingzhou¡¯s knee.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s muscles contracted, and his lower leg kicked forward uncontrollably.


    That was the patellar reflex.


    ¡°Hey, it can move!¡± he exclaimed joyfully.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s face darkened, and he gave Zhou Yu a sharp look.


    Zhou Yu rubbed his hands together, formed his thumb and forefinger into an ¡°OK¡± sign, then cheekily blew air into that ¡°O¡±.


    Those who knew, understood.


    He asked with a mischievous grin, ¡°So, did you finish with that Lady¡¯s Joy?¡±

 Chapter 53: Men, Born with a Desire for Beauty!

    Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Men, Born with a Desire for Beauty!


    Huo Xingzhou frowned and looked at him, his gaze growing colder.


    ¡°Get lost.¡±


    Zhou Yu, with a sleazy face, said, ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed. Tell me, did Cheng Han cure your infertility?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Huo Xingzhou said impatiently.


    Zhou Yu deflated like a punctured ball, ¡°What a pity. I can¡¯t find anyone to share all those good things with. Huo Er, don¡¯t lose heart, you will definitely get healthy!¡±


    He patted Huo Xingzhou¡¯s shoulder sympathetically.


    ...


    ¡°What good things do you have?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked flatly, looking at him inquisitively.


    ¡°Lots of good things.¡±


    Zhou Yu lifted his eyebrows proudly, ¡°Things beyond your imagination.¡±


    Things that were available in the market and those that were not, he had them all.


    There was even a storage room in his house dedicated to these treasures, which even the housemaid wasn¡¯t allowed to enter and clean.


    ¡°Vulgar,¡± Huo Xingzhou cursed.


    Zhou Yu, upon hearing this, showed an unhappy face and retorted, ¡°A man, by nature, pursues the pleasures of the flesh! Don¡¯t insult my hobbies when you haven¡¯t experienced the ultimate pleasures of life. You have no idea what ecstatic union, what intimate delights are like!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave him a cold look.


    Zhou Yu, clutching his hand, said, ¡°Don¡¯t you doubt me, there will come a day when you¡¯ll beg me for help!¡±


    ¡°That day will never come.¡±


    ¡°Keep being stubborn then. When Qiao Xi grows tired of you, you¡¯ll know to beg me.¡±


    Zhou Yu quickly became serious again and looked at him, saying, ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll send over yours and Qiao Xi¡¯s outfits. The elder Huo¡¯s birthday banquet starts at six in the evening; as the founder of Tianyuan Group, it¡¯s time you made an appearance.¡±


    He had already let out the news that the Tianyuan founder was arriving in Haicheng!


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, tomorrow night is the time for vengeance, for settling grudges. I¡¯m waiting for you to smash their faces!¡±


    With a glance, Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°As you wish.¡±


    Zhou Yu looked at him firmly, smiled, and then left.


    Outside the villa, the sound of an engine soon followed.


    The car drove away in a cloud of smoke.


    Huo Xingzhou stretched his hand out and picked up the specially made black invitation with gold embossing, his expression indifferent.


    No one must have expected him to have an ace up his sleeve.


    Qiao Xi came down the stairs and saw this scene.


    Zhou Yu sent over dresses and jewelry first thing in the morning, along with a whole team for styling and makeup.


    Huo Sijiao rubbed her bleary eyes, looking at the luxury gift boxes arrayed in the living room, bewildered.


    She turned slowly to look at Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi, and asked,


    ¡°Brother, sister-in-law, did you just say we¡¯re going to Grandpa¡¯s seventieth birthday banquet? I didn¡¯t hear wrong, did I?¡±


    She suspected she was still drunk and not fully sober, thus hearing things.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said with a nonchalant expression.


    Huo Sijiao stepped forward, touched his forehead, and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have a fever! Why are you spouting nonsense so early in the morning? You can¡¯t possibly be serious, right?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked.


    Huo Sijiao shook her head hurriedly, but her face was filled with difficulty.


    She instinctively didn¡¯t want to go, but she was worried about her brother and sister-in-law being bullied. One in a wheelchair, the other looking delicate and frail.


    ¡°Bro, do you regret cutting ties with the Huo Family? If you really regret it, don¡¯t choose this occasion to seek reconciliation. Do you know how many people will be there tonight?¡±


    The entire Haicheng high society, all the prominent figures would be there!


    Huo Sijiao advised earnestly, ¡°Huo Beiting will definitely humiliate you mercilessly. You hit his lackey yesterday, how could he just let it go?¡±


    In her view, it was like walking into a lion¡¯s den.


    How could they deliberately put themselves in a position to be bullied!


    ¡°I¡¯m not going there to seek reconciliation,¡± Huo Xingzhou clarified.


    ¡°Then you¡¯re going to make a scene? That¡¯s even worse! There will be many professional bodyguards on-site, how could old Chen possibly contend with so many well-trained fighters!¡±


    Qiao Xi grabbed her and said, ¡°Jiaojiao, it¡¯s okay, if you¡¯re scared you can just stay at home.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, you don¡¯t understand how serious this is.¡±


    She was truly anxious; her parents had gone out on a trip again, and there was no one to offer advice.


    ¡°Do you want to go?¡± Huo Xingzhou calmly asked again.


    Huo Sijiao, seeing that they were deluded, bit her teeth fiercely and said, ¡°I won¡¯t go!¡±


    She planned to call her parents, who were out traveling to unwind, to hurry back and be ready to clean up the mess.


    ...


    Six o¡¯clock in the evening.


    Haicheng¡¯s only seven-star hotel was booked out exclusively for the grand celebration of the Huo family patriarch¡¯s seventieth birthday!


    Yunding Grand Hotel was located in the center of Haicheng, constructed with ninety thousand tons of steel, seemingly floating in mid-air.


    Night fell.


    When the city¡¯s neon lights lit up, it seemed like a palace in the sky, stunningly beautiful and extremely luxurious!

 Chapter 54: Shattering Their Faces on the Seventieth Birthday

    Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Shattering Their Faces on the Seventieth Birthday


    At this moment,


    the ground parking lot of the Yunding Grand Hotel was filled with luxury cars.


    Looking around, all were customized limited editions, each worth nearly ten million. Meanwhile, ordinary-series Mercedes and BMWs were squeezed into an unobtrusive corner.


    Guests clad in the most luxurious clothes and jewelry made their way up on the eighty-eight-floor observation elevator.


    They had a panoramic view of Haicheng, as if they could pluck the stars from the sky.


    The banquet hall was on the top floor, guarded by a row of security at the entrance.


    ...


    The hotel manager stood at the entrance of the banquet hall, verifying the invitations of the guests before allowing them to enter.


    It was imperative to prevent anyone with ill intentions from entering!


    ¡°Mr. Liu, please come in.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Su, right this way.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Ye, welcome.¡±


    Every guest had a dedicated waiter to guide, follow, and serve them.


    The doors of the banquet hall were grand, leading up to the dome in a design that was nothing short of opulent. The ceiling was almost ten meters high, adorned with valuable Italian-style crystal chandeliers.


    A rich fragrance permeated the surrounding air, and the scent of fine food and wine was intoxicating, sending one into a blissful haze.


    I heard that the Huo Family¡¯s main branch threw two billion for Huo Weiguo¡¯s birthday banquet!


    The four great families of Haicheng gathered together, the Liu, Ye, and Yang families all sent their people. Even the newly prominent figures of Haicheng were in attendance.


    Ordinary social gatherings didn¡¯t require the old master to make an appearance; he was inside the hall, having tea and chatting with a few old friends, leaving only the three members of the main branch to welcome guests at the entrance.


    Huo Jianjun and his wife Wang Fengxian stood at the doorway, their faces beaming with joy, smiling until their eyes were mere slits.


    ¡°Congratulations, both of you truly show the deep love of a devoted couple, and the young master is indeed a dragon and phoenix among men, young and promising,¡± complimented a guest.


    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the support from our elders,¡± Huo Beiting was dressed impeccably, looking dignified. Once he put on his gold-rimmed glasses, he appeared even more like a cultured scoundrel.


    ¡°Beiting, you¡¯re remarkable!¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the praise, Uncle Ye.¡±


    Many guests surrounded them with celebratory words, those lower in status couldn¡¯t even get a word in. Yet, having the chance to attend the Huo Family banquet was something they could boast about for the rest of their lives.


    Mixing with the guests, Huo Beiting¡¯s vanity swelled, and he said to Huo Jianjun, ¡°Even the people from the Ye and Yang families are here tonight; Grandfather truly has face!¡±


    Huo Jianjun was more sober-minded and said gravely, ¡°They are not here for your grandfather. Tonight, half of the people are here because of the founder of the Tianyuan Group!¡±


    Anyone with sharp eyes could see that Haicheng was on the cusp of change!


    Worried that Su Weiwei wouldn¡¯t believe her, Zhao Yuzhen added, ¡°Weiwei, you are dearer to me than my own daughter.¡±


    Su Weiwei looked at her and said, ¡°If that¡¯s so, once Huo Xingzhou is jailed, find a way to send that country bumpkin back to the sticks.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen agreed without hesitation.


    Su Weiwei smiled with satisfaction, ¡°Let¡¯s go. The banquet is about to start. I want to see for myself the true face of the Tianyuan Group¡¯s founder.¡±


    ...


    The foyer.


    At the entrance of the banquet hall.


    The manager checked the invitations repeatedly before lifting his head to look at the mother and son in front of him.


    They were dressed opulently but oddly.


    Ultimately deciding to let them pass, the manager said courteously, ¡°Mrs. Sun, Young Master Sun, please.¡±


    Mrs. Sun was dressed elegantly and full-figured. Sun Weimeng had a bruised nose and face, and his arm was in a sling across his chest; he looked like a strapping swordsman now.


    Once inside the banquet hall, Mrs. Sun looked at Sun Weimeng displeased, ¡°Are you dragging me here to be tortured? Watching the Huo Family¡¯s main branch in all their glory is more painful than killing me! Son, we¡¯ve already offended them!¡±


    ¡°Mom, trust my judgment. Huo Xingzhou definitely won¡¯t miss such a significant occasion!¡± He still firmly believed that Huo Xingzhou had an ace up his sleeve, full of confidence.


    Mrs. Sun rolled her eyes, ¡°What¡¯s he coming for? To be humiliated and then kicked out the door?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand me. The moment Huo Xingzhou returned to Haicheng yesterday, he had someone beat up He Xuan.¡±


    Sun Weimeng was stifling, regretting that he had signed that non-disclosure agreement.


    He finally understood what it meant to be the only sober person among the drunken crowd.


    ¡°What do I know! All I know is that the He Family is going to sue Huo Xingzhou for intentional assault. If he dares to come to the birthday banquet, he¡¯ll be arrested by Mrs. He and taken to the police station,¡± Mrs. Sun criticized, poking her son on the forehead, ¡°Son, clear your head!¡±


    Sun Weimeng snorted coldly, ¡°Summer insects cannot speak of ice; sparrows know nothing of the swan¡¯s ambitions!¡±


    Mrs. Sun grabbed and twisted his ear forcefully, ¡°Stop playing word games with me.¡±


    As mother and son were bickering, the banquet hall suddenly became noisy.


    ¡°The Tianyuan Group¡¯s car has arrived!¡±


    The doorman guarding the parking lot ran into the hall with flushed cheeks, announcing to the Huo Family¡¯s main house.


    ¡°People from the Tianyuan Group are coming up!¡± Another doorman shouted.


    The old Master Huo leaned on his cane and said gravely, ¡°Greet them at once!¡±


    ¡°Beiting, hurry!¡±


    Leading the way was the old Master and the Huo Family¡¯s main branch, with others crowding behind, striding towards the grand doors of the banquet hall.


    With a massive entourage, the scene was imposing.

 Chapter 55 - 55 How Dare He!

    Chapter 55: Chapter 55 How Dare He!


    Everyone craned their necks in expectation.


    The panoramic elevator doors opened, and Jin Kai, the project manager of Tianyuan Group, walked out in front, followed by two other senior executives from Tianyuan.


    That¡¯s it?


    Where is the president of Tianyuan?


    ¡°Mr. Jin.¡±


    With no shame, Huo Beiting eagerly stepped forward, warmly shaking Jin Kai¡¯s hand.


    ...


    He had long since let go of his resentment over Jin Kai getting him drunk; there were no eternal enemies in the business arena. He only hoped that Tianyuan¡¯s control of 20% of the shares could inject fresh blood into the Huo Family.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, the young master.¡± Jin Kai smiled broadly, but no one underestimated him.


    He was a smiling tiger with formidable tactics.


    ¡°Mr. Jin, where is your CEO?¡± Huo Beiting asked on behalf of everyone present, ¡°I¡¯ve sent the invitation, and his assistant replied he would attend. Yet we haven¡¯t seen him so far?¡±


    Jin Kai spoke with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m not privileged to inquire about the president¡¯s schedule.¡±


    ¡°So he¡¯s not coming?¡±


    Wang Fengxian asked anxiously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Mr. Huo, don¡¯t let the president delay your birthday celebration. Please proceed with your original schedule,¡± the ambiguous response from Jin Kai came.


    Huo Beiting was filled with disappointment and regret upon hearing this.


    But he still heartily welcomed Jin Kai in; after all, with Tianyuan¡¯s founder absent, Jin Kai represented Tianyuan Group.


    They should at least keep up appearances.


    Once Jin Kai entered the banquet hall, many people immediately surrounded him, inquiring about Tianyuan Group¡¯s next steps in Haicheng.


    Who wouldn¡¯t want to cooperate with Tianyuan?


    In the last five years, there wasn¡¯t a single project invested by Tianyuan that hadn¡¯t been a hit, raking in huge profits. They were unbeatable in the business realm.


    But to confront the four major families of Haicheng head-on, it was still uncertain who would emerge victorious. After all, the power of wealth and family was built over decades, even centuries, and they had connections at higher levels.


    Most of the time, ¡°influence¡± is more important than money.


    But what about in five years?


    Or ten years?


    No one wanted to offend a future colossus.


    Especially the Huo Family.


    Huo Beiting had no business talent, and the decline of the Huo Family was foreseeable.


    He wore a well-tailored black suit and sat in a wheelchair. With a handsome face, cold white complexion, noble and aloof demeanor, the stares of everyone landed on him with extreme indifference. The woman beside him was petite, dressed in a light-colored long dress, exuding a serene ethereality.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou!¡±


    Someone exclaimed aloud in shock.


    ¡°Is that really Huo Xingzhou? Does he regret leaving the Huo Family? I heard that yesterday Huo Sijiao nearly got ravaged by those spoiled brats.¡±


    ¡°Without the backing of the Huo Family, the Huo Second Branch is like a fish on a chopping board, completely at others¡¯ mercy.¡±


    ¡°He actually dares to show up here? Look at the He Family¡¯s faces.¡±


    The He Family members looked furious, staring venomously at Huo Xingzhou.


    Among the guests, whispers circulated, all with differing expressions.


    Su Heng shot a cold look at Zhao Yuzhen, signaling her not to let Qiao Xi disrupt the day¡¯s events.


    Zhao Yuzhen, lifting her skirt, hurriedly approached Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, do you think you belong in such a place? Get out of here,¡± Zhao Yuzhen scolded in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t come here and embarrass me! My life is difficult enough as it is!¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her indifferently and said with neither arrogance nor cringing, ¡°It seems we should also sign a ¡®Letter of Severance.¡¯ Publicly severing ties with you will spare you the embarrassment.¡±


    ¡°You...¡± Zhao Yuzhen looked at her with disgust.


    Huo Xingzhou gripped Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and said with indifference, ¡°She is with me, and has nothing to do with your Su Family.¡±


    On stage.


    The old Master Huo¡¯s face darkened, and he looked coldly at Huo Xingzhou.


    He dared to come here and make trouble!


    Wang Fengxian quickly fanned the flames, ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry. Xingzhou probably regrets his mistakes and wants to apologize to you. His presence at your birthday celebration shows he has filial respect.¡±


    ¡°Humph!¡±


    Huo Weiguo let out a heavy snort, ¡°Filial respect? Tell him to get lost! The Huo Family¡¯s genealogy is not something to be jumped on and off at will.¡±


    Hearing what Huo Weiguo said, Wang Fengxian and Huo Jianjun exchanged reassured glances.


    Huo Beiting bit his cheek, sneering.


    He grabbed the microphone, stepped off the stage, and slowly approached Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou!¡±


    He shouted into the microphone.


    The sound echoed around, deafening.


    ¡°You worthless piece of trash, depart from the Huo Family, how do you have the face to attend Grandpa¡¯s birthday celebration? Are you here to admit your wrongs and beg for mercy?¡± Huo Beiting asked arrogantly as he glared at him.


    Huo Xingzhou took out a specially-made black invitation card with gold embossment and unfolded it in front of him.


    He quietly looked at him and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it you who invited me here?¡±

 Chapter 56: Settling Past Humiliations One by One!

    Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Settling Past Humiliations One by One!


    ¡°¡±¡±


    Huo Beiting stood there, stunned, his brain short-circuiting.


    Huo Xingzhou handed the invitation to Qiao Xi at his side, ¡°Read it.¡±


    Qiao Xi stepped forward and took the invitation.


    Her lips were pursed, her pretty face cold as frost.


    Her gaze fell on the microphone in Huo Beiting¡¯s hand, and she forcefully snatched it away.


    ...


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    She tested the microphone¡¯s volume, her soft voice filling the entire banquet hall, yet no one could manage a laugh at that moment.


    Qiao Xi, looking at the invitation with Huo Beiting¡¯s handwritten flattery, read it out loud.


    ¡°Respected founder of Tianyuan Group, I cordially invite you to join my grandfather¡¯s 70th birthday celebration.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t read any more!¡± Huo Beiting¡¯s face turned pale.


    He wanted to go forward and grab the microphone, but driver Old Chen kicked him away.


    With a calm voice, Qiao Xi¡¯s words became clearer, ¡°I¡¯ve long admired you and await your esteemed presence. I hope you will not hesitate to enlighten us. I look forward to a pleasant and in-depth exchange with you.¡±


    She looked up at Huo Beiting, whose expression was fierce, and read the last line word by word, ¡°Your follower, Huo Beiting.¡±


    She enunciated clearly, her voice ringing crisp.


    Making sure everyone could hear her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was like a drop of water splashing into a pan of oil, causing an uproar.


    Some people were confused, while others were beginning to catch on.


    Huo Beiting felt a pain in his heart and lungs, on the verge of madness, ¡°Impossible! This is absolutely impossible! Where did you steal this invitation from?¡±


    He didn¡¯t believe it!


    ¡°Did all the security guards die? Get them out of here!¡± Wang Fengxian screamed.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do, that won¡¯t do!¡± Jin Kai shouted repeatedly.


    He straightened his clothes and tie, a sycophantic look on his face. In front of everyone, he trotted deferentially over to Huo Xingzhou and said, ¡°President Huo, you¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    Turning to the guests, Jin Kai raised his voice, ¡°Allow me to introduce President Huo, the founder of Tianyuan Group and my immediate superior. Young Master Huo, haven¡¯t you always admired our Tianyuan Group¡¯s CEO?¡±


    A buzz filled everyone¡¯s ears.


    Huo Xingzhou was actually the founder of Tianyuan Group!


    People at the scene were feeling shock, surprise, and regret to varying degrees.


    The Su Family and He Family looked ashen-faced, fear written all over them, while only Young Master Sun was ecstatic, unable to stop slapping his thigh!


    Huo Beiting was completely rigid, as if struck on the head and dizzy.


    Wang Fengxian and Huo Jianjun had confused expressions and pale faces.


    How could Huo Xingzhou, that cripple, be the CEO of Tianyuan Group!


    The Huo Family¡¯s old master stared straight at Huo Xingzhou, with a surge of a fishy sweetness in his throat, full of the taste of blood.


    ¡°Very good! Excellent!¡±


    Huo Weiguo, leaning on his cane, was outraged to the extreme yet eerily calm.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, you truly are my good grandson. Is this why you wanted to leave the Huo Family?¡± he asked, gasping heavily, barely able to stand.


    He didn¡¯t want the Huo Family to take any credit!


    Huo Xingzhou looked at him indifferently and said, ¡°You taught me since I was young to repay evil with kindness, but how should one repay kindness? Do I need to publicly recount what the main house has done?¡±


    ¡°You... you...¡±


    Huo Weiguo stepped down the stairs, stumbled, and almost fell.


    ¡°A Sixth Grade Martial Soul, such a powerful talent¡ªTianyan Academy would be crazy not to recruit her! Mo Ling¡¯er¡¯s future accomplishments will be boundless!¡±


    ¡°Having such an astonishing talent, if I were in her place, I would do the same. Such a powerful gift indeed offers better choices. Wuchen cannot blame Mo Ling¡¯er.¡±


    The entire venue was shocked by such genius, truly making the people of Unmatched City envious.


    Mo Ling¡¯er¡¯s entry into Tianyan Academy meant her status had risen even higher, so Wuchen had even less standing to reach for her.


    ...


    In the Feng family hall, there was silence, and worry and urgency were written on the faces of the higher-ups.


    Less than a quarter hour had passed when Feng Qianyang appeared in the hall, his elderly face showing traces of sorrow and helplessness.


    ¡°Elder, how is Chen Er?¡± Xiao Qingqing asked anxiously; everyone¡¯s eyes turned toward Feng Qianyang.


    Feng Qianyang shook his head helplessly, saying, ¡°Wuchen¡¯s injury is too severe; his Dan Tian is damaged, and he has dropped to the Second Layer of the Body Refining Realm. With my strength as a First-grade Alchemist, I can¡¯t save Wuchen.¡±


    ¡°Elder, do you mean to say Chen Er won¡¯t make it?¡± Feng Zhengxiong asked in panic, his gaze locked onto Feng Qianyang.


    ¡°Elder, please think of a way! You must save Chen Er!¡± Xiao Qingqing collapsed upon hearing this, tears streaming down like rain.


    Feng Qianyang shook his head again, with a sigh, ¡°Unless it¡¯s a remedy concocted by a Third-grade Alchemist. But where could we find a Third-grade Alchemist in Unmatched City?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Feng Zhengxiong sat down in despair. Feng Qianyang¡¯s words had effectively pronounced a death sentence for Feng Wuchen.


    ¡°Mo Ling¡¯er!¡± Feng Yuan, the eldest son, gnashed his teeth, his fists clenched with rage, ¡°I will never forgive you! If my younger brother doesn¡¯t survive, I¡¯ll make sure you join him in death!¡±


    ¡°Elder, is there truly no other way?¡± Xiao Qingqing asked through tearful sobs, unwilling to give up even the faintest glimmer of hope.


    ¡°I truly have no means to help. Wuchen has not much time left¡ªyou can go and see him for the last time,¡± Feng Qianyang shook his head once more.


    Sorrow and anger spread through the hall.


    At that moment, Feng Wuchen was still unconscious, his life force extremely fragile, hanging by a thread.


    However, not long after, something miraculous happened!


    The wound at Wuchen¡¯s Dan Tian, inflicted by the sword, began to heal at a visible rate!


    The next second, Feng Wuchen suddenly opened his eyes wide, gasping for air as if he¡¯d been holding his breath underwater for hours, looking as though he had a nightmare, his head covered in cold sweat, his face pale with fright.


    ¡°What... What was that black thing?¡± Feng Wuchen wiped off his sweat, speaking with fright, but before he could think further, his expression suddenly changed, ¡°My... My injury, what... what happened?¡±


    ¡°Ah...¡±


    As Feng Wuchen was startled and astonished, his head suddenly felt as if it had been stabbed by a sword, the pain immense, his face instantly contorting. Then, a massive influx of information poured into his mind.


    ¡°This is...¡± Accepting the massive influx of information without resistance, Feng Wuchen was so shocked that his eyes nearly popped out; he nearly forgot the severe throbbing pain in his head.


    ¡°This is the memory of the Evil Dragon God! He is from the Ancient Dragon God Clan! It¡¯s said the Dragon Clan is an all-powerful Supreme with no equal. How could the Evil Dragon God be hiding within me, looking to use my body to reincarnate? This... Could this all be a dream?¡± Feng Wuchen cried out in disbelief, feeling that everything was utterly implausible.


    The Ancient Dragon God Clan, Feng Wuchen had never heard of such a thing. It was only when these massive snippets of information suddenly emerged in his mind that he felt as if he were still in a dream.


    In the memory of the Evil Dragon God, Feng Wuchen came to know that the Evil Dragon God was from the Ancient Dragon God Clan, which had two Holy Sons, Long Tianhun and Long Tianzhan.


    The two were the most dazzling geniuses of the Dragon God Clan, but they tore their faces apart in their fight for the supreme throne of the Dragon Clan. They had been openly and secretly struggling against each other for years.


    In the end, on the day of the election for the supreme throne, Long Tianhun was not chosen due to having improper motives, and his brother Long Tianzhan successfully became the next Supreme of the Dragon Clan.


    In terms of talent and strength, Long Tianhun was not inferior to Long Tianzhan. In a world where strength was esteemed, he believed he could make the Dragon God Clan even more powerful, and that the supreme throne of the Dragon Clan should rightfully belong to him, but alas, it did not.


    Long Tianhun felt it was his father playing favorites. He could not accept the supreme throne falling into Long Tianzhan¡¯s hands. His hatred grew deeper over time, and eventually, Long Tianhun led many strong members of the Dragon Clan away, severing ties with the Dragon God Clan completely.


    As a result, Long Tianhun also changed his name to the Evil Dragon God!


    To forcibly seize the supreme throne of the Dragon Clan, Long Tianhun brazenly recruited soldiers and horses.


    A great war broke out within the Dragon God Clan. With overwhelming power, Long Tianhun defeated Long Tianzhan, seized the Dragon God Seal, and thought he had secured the supreme throne, only to be sealed by divine skills used by the six elders of the Dragon God Clan in the end.


    ¡°This... this can¡¯t be real, right? The Evil Dragon God is too terrifying! No, those six elders are even more terrifying!¡± As he flipped through the memories of the Evil Dragon God, Feng Wuchen trembled in horror, sweating profusely and gasping for air.


    ¡°Third Young Master! You... you¡¯re awake?¡± Just as Feng Wuchen was shivering in fright, the room door was suddenly opened, and a beautiful maid rushed in.


    The maid had been alarmed by the screams coming from the room earlier. When she rushed in and saw Feng Wuchen awake, she was completely dumbfounded.


    ¡°Right away!¡±


    Jin Kai quickly took out a list that had been printed well in advance from his suit pocket.


    He said cheerfully, ¡°Could everyone please make some space for our President Huo, many thanks! We have some private matters to attend to next.¡±

 Chapter 57: 57: Tonight, Qiao Xi is in for it

    Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Tonight, Qiao Xi is in for it


    Jin Kai squinted his eyes and opened the name list, reading out one name after another.


    ¡°Zhou Anbang, Hu Yuanshang...¡±


    It was as if these were names on King Yan¡¯s book of life and death; everyone whose name was called trembled in fear, breaking out in cold sweats. By their side stood the powerfully built driver, Old Chen, ready to make a move at any moment.


    After a short while, the spacious banquet hall was left with only a dozen people.


    The atmosphere became tense.


    Jin Kai closed the list, a chubby face filled with smiles as he said, ¡°President Huo, they¡¯re all here.¡±


    ...


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze swept to a corner and he said, ¡°Sun Weimeng, come over and identify them.¡±


    Clutching his fists, Sun Weimeng¡¯s eyes reddened and moistened with excitement, ¡°Yes! Huo Xingzhou, I knew you wouldn¡¯t forget your brothers!¡±


    His hand was still bandaged, and with a swollen nose and tear-streaked face, he alternated between crying and laughing, looking quite wretched.


    ¡°Are these the people who beat you up?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou asked.


    Sun Weimeng nodded repeatedly, ¡°Mhm! Everyone is here except for He the Shorty.¡±


    ¡°Handle it yourself,¡± Huo Xingzhou said with a heavy tone. ¡°Jin Kai, watch over him.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Huo Xingzhou! I will never say again that you have issues in that area. It was my thinking that was flawed!¡± Sun Weimeng admired Huo Xingzhou to the point of confusion, and he wanted to work like an ox and horse for Huo Xingzhou for the rest of his life.


    Huo Xingzhou cast a cold glance at him, then said, ¡°Qiao Xi, let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes curved happily, in a good mood, ¡°Jiaojiao and mother-in-law have been waiting for a long time.¡±


    She pushed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair and headed out.


    Sun Weimeng watched them leave, then turned his head towards the dozen or so scions with a snort.


    ¡°Who would have thought Sun Weimeng had such a strong backing!¡±


    Sun Weimeng sneered, ¡°All of you, get down and stick your butts out!¡±


    ¡°Brother Sun! I didn¡¯t hit you, I just brushed against you.¡±


    ¡°Young Master Sun, I know I was wrong.¡±


    They were instigated by Huo Beiting at the time, and they normally wouldn¡¯t dare to hit Sun Weimeng. After all, there is safety in numbers, and their families only had a little money.


    ¡°Get down!¡± Sun Weimeng shouted pretentiously.


    They were too angry to speak up and could only humiliate themselves by bending down and sticking out their butts.


    Sun Weimeng stood with his arms akimbo, acting high and mighty, ¡°Let me vent this anger, and I¡¯ll let you off.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng was at a loss, his eyes brimming with tears as well.


    Aunt Qian, carrying a tray with tea into the living room, had already found out the news and said with a smile, ¡°This is a happy occasion, why the tears?¡±


    ¡°Right, there¡¯s no need to cry!¡±


    Du Juan wiped away her tears, breaking into a smile.


    ¡°Nobody cry anymore.¡± Taking a tissue, she wiped away the tears of Huo Sijiao and Qiao Xi, then suddenly laughed, ¡°Let me take this call; my phone hasn¡¯t stopped ringing all night.¡±


    Ladies who usually looked down on her were calling to offer their compliments.


    Her vanity was intensely satisfied.


    Huo Jiancheng¡¯s gaze strangely fell on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs; had what he saw earlier been an illusion?


    He spoke up, ¡°Everyone is tired tonight; maybe we should head back first. Let Qiao Xi and Xingzhou rest properly.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Jiaojiao.¡± Seeing that they were about to leave, Qiao Xi said, ¡°I brought back some medicinal wine from the countryside, take some to nourish your bodies.¡±


    Huo Sijiao eagerly said, ¡°Sister-in-law, I know where it is, I¡¯ll get it!¡±


    Soon after, Huo Sijiao came out of the small villa holding two bottles of medicinal wine and got into the car with her parents.


    On the way back.


    After handling a flurry of calls, Du Juan rolled down the car window and took a deep breath.


    She said, ¡°Coming back this time from the countryside, I noticed Xingzhou looks much healthier.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng quickly asked, ¡°Did he find the National Doctor Cheng Han?¡± He had seen his son¡¯s legs move earlier but hadn¡¯t said anything.


    He harbored some other notion.


    Du Juan turned her head and exchanged a look with him, ¡°Besides Cheng Han, who else do you think has been taking care of him the longest?¡±


    She was almost certain, and after sharing a bed with Huo Jiancheng for so many years, he understood what she meant.


    He murmured, ¡°Could it be?¡±


    He dared not think it!


    But if his son had silently become the founder of Tianyuan Group, what else was impossible?


    Huo Sijiao couldn¡¯t understand what they were talking about and was simply giggling with the car window down, lost in her wild fantasies.


    Du Juan smacked her head, ¡°What happy fantasy are you thinking of now?¡±


    Lowering her voice, Huo Sijiao leaned in and whispered, ¡°My sister-in-law told me about tonight... so I took some actions.¡±


    Du Juan¡¯s face darkened, ¡°You brat! Your brother is sterile; how could he do such things!¡±


    Puffing up her cheeks, Huo Sijiao retorted, ¡°Even if it can¡¯t be the real deal, couldn¡¯t I leave some room for someone?¡±


    Du Juan knew whom she was referring to and agreed by default.


    Tonight, Qiao Xi was probably going to have a tough time.

 Chapter 58: 58: Unbuckling His Belt

    Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Unbuckling His Belt


    In the small villa, on the main bedroom balcony of the second floor.


    The moon shone bright, and the stars were scarce, with a slightly warm night breeze.


    A bottle of medicinal liquor sat on the small round white table.


    Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou sat leisurely in the courtyard swing chair.


    She poured a glass and placed it in front of Huo Xingzhou, saying, ¡°Give it a try, this is Bazhen Wine.¡±


    Bazhen Wine is made by infusing ingredients like Angelica, Atractylodes, Rehmannia, Ginseng, and others, which can nourish the qi and blood and regulate the spleen and stomach.


    ...


    They had agreed while in the countryside that they would drink medicinal liquor upon returning to Haicheng.


    Tonight was the perfect time to celebrate.


    Huo Xingzhou took it and downed it in one gulp. After savoring it for a while, he said, ¡°This tastes different from the Bazhen Wine I¡¯ve had before. Did you improve the recipe?¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Qiao Xi felt a bit doubtful. She poured herself a cup and took two sips.


    There was a very faint salty and fishy taste.


    Without much experience, Qiao Xi then said, ¡°Maybe it was soaked for too long. Mr. Huo, drink less. Aged liquor can easily intoxicate.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Huo Xingzhou said lazily, leaning back in the long courtyard chair.


    He drank two cups in succession, his normally cold-complexioned face becoming more animated, the corners of his eyes slightly red, noble yet restrained.


    Qiao Xi was mesmerized by the sight.


    Huo Xingzhou turned his head, looked at her swollen eyes which resembled walnuts, and couldn¡¯t help but laugh as he asked, ¡°They were crying just now, why did you cry too?¡±


    Qiao Xi said, ¡°I cried because I was happy.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    Qiao Xi sat close to him, her voice very soft, ¡°Because Mr. Huo has shown me that good people get good rewards.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou couldn¡¯t resist, his hand reached to her cheek, his thumb caressing the corner of her eye.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t give men your approval so freely,¡± he said, his voice husky.


    Qiao Xi rubbed his hand in compliance, asking softly, ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because, I might... not want to be a good person anymore,¡± he said.


    Qiao Xi looked up at him, and could see her own reflection in the depths of his eyes. Her heart seemed to flare up violently, and the heat spread rapidly through her blood.


    The silence seemed to stretch on for too long.


    She moved her body slightly, trying to create some distance between them. But the wrought iron swing chair made noise. Out of the corner of her eye, she peeked at the man.


    He was already aware, watching her with a look that was both smiling and not smiling.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, what did you add when you brewed the wine?¡± He was more unrestrained than usual, indulging his husky voice.


    The heat thrashing inside her body was all too familiar.


    Huo Xingzhou, being a man, was even more sensitive.


    Something wasn¡¯t quite right about the wine.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t add anything,¡± Qiao Xi said, completely confused.


    The wind tonight seemed to carry a restlessness, and even though she wore a strapless gown, the palms of her hands were still burning.


    All of a sudden, Huo Xingzhou leaned toward her. The four chains of the courtyard swing made a clashing sound, and Qiao Xi was forced to lie back on the bench, her back against the cold metal chair.


    Extremely sexy.


    Further down.


    Her ears turned red, and she moved her gaze away, her throat dry.


    She could vaguely hear his voice, colder than usual, seemingly hiding anger. She didn¡¯t know who was on the other end, making him so out of character.


    After Huo Xingzhou finished the call, he calmed down.


    He looked towards Qiao Xi on the balcony and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi replied, feeling relieved, but an inexplicable sense of loss surged within her.


    ...


    On the other hand.


    There was chaos at the Su Family.


    Su Weiwei was crying and thrashing, pounding her own belly with her hands as if she held a grudge against the child inside.


    ¡°Bastard! Bastard! Why won¡¯t it come out!¡± she screamed frantically.


    ¡°Weiwei, don¡¯t hurt yourself!¡± Zhao Yuzhen hurried to stop her, ¡°The child is innocent.¡±


    Su Weiwei pushed her away, her eyes full of hatred.


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault, you suggested bringing that country girl to take my place as the bride! If I had married Huo Xingzhou, I¡¯d now be the wife of the Tianyuan Group¡¯s president! Did you do it on purpose?¡±


    Her voice was sharp and piercing, her emotions volatile.


    ¡°No, I did it all for your sake. No one knew...¡± Zhao Yuzhen tried to defend herself desperately.


    Su Weiwei grabbed her hair, delivering five or six slaps across her face: ¡°I hate you, I hate Qiao Xi! Give me back my place, Qiao Xi!¡±


    She cried with a contorted face, her sobs heart-wrenching.


    Smack!


    Su Heng¡¯s face was ashen as he slapped her across the face.


    ¡°Have you come to your senses?¡±


    Su Weiwei covered her face, collapsing to the ground, crying in anguish.


    Su Heng scolded, ¡°You¡¯re already carrying Huo Beiting¡¯s child, forget any aspirations. Besides, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs are already useless, what¡¯s there for you to be jealous of?¡±


    ¡°Why should a country girl marry better than me!¡± She simply couldn¡¯t accept it.


    If only she had been the one to marry Huo Xingzhou, how wonderful that would have been!


    Su Heng said coldly, ¡°You can only accept it.¡±


    He turned his head towards Zhao Yuzhen, whose hair was disheveled and cheek swollen, showing a rare trace of civility.


    ¡°Yuzhen, don¡¯t hold it against Weiwei. Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do, you go and apologize to Qiao Xi tomorrow, no mother and daughter should hold grudges overnight, and afterwards, the two families will interact normally.¡±


    Su Heng hypocritically said, ¡°She¡¯s your daughter, and thus, she is also my daughter.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s expression was obscure upon hearing this.


    Su Heng was actually asking her to bow down to Qiao Xi, yet she couldn¡¯t refuse Su Heng.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she replied grudgingly.


    Su Weiwei sat on the ground, her eyes filled with malicious scheming.


    She would never let Qiao Xi have it easy!


    She looked forward to seeing how Qiao Xi would react with pain and despair when she learned about that matter!

 Chapter 59: 59 Whose Child is Qiao Xi

    Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Whose Child is Qiao Xi


    The next day.


    City Hospital, VIP ward.


    The Huo Family patriarch had passed the critical period, but he lay on the bed, his complexion ashen, body frail. The light in his eyes had dimmed significantly.


    Beiting and Jianjun exchanged glances, with Beiting reluctantly pouring a cup of warm water for the elder, ¡°Grandpa, drink some water.¡±


    Huo Weiguo shook his head, speaking weakly, ¡°I don¡¯t want any.¡±


    Suppressing his resentfulness, Beiting said, ¡°Grandpa, with you ill, the Huo Family has lost its pillar. Xingzhou is aggressive and will sooner or later swallow up our family.¡±


    ...


    Jianjun chimed in, ¡°Dad, the words you said at the birthday banquet yesterday, they weren¡¯t true, were they?¡±


    Father and son took turns speaking.


    Huo Weiguo felt a sense of loss in his heart and slowly closed his eyes, ¡°I know what you are thinking. As chairman, I will issue an appointment. Jianjun will be the president of the Huo Family, and Beiting will be the vice president.¡±


    Beiting, unable to wait, ¡°And the chairman? What about the 30% shares?¡±


    Would he not give them?


    What he wanted was real power!


    Seeing the elder¡¯s attitude, he seemed unwilling to let go.


    ¡°Let¡¯s wait a little longer, until I¡¯m feeling better,¡± Huo Weiguo said with a heavy heart. He had always been strong-willed, but now his reputation was tarnished in his later years.


    ¡°Grandpa!¡±


    Beiting had never expected the old man to go back on his word.


    ¡°Dad, Beiting is the most suitable candidate. Xingzhou doesn¡¯t share our heart,¡± Jianjun said, struggling to contain his anger.


    Huo Weiguo closed his eyes tightly, ¡°I want to sleep now, you all go out.¡±


    ¡°Grandpa! Are you really...¡±


    ¡°Beiting, let¡¯s go. Let your grandpa rest properly,¡± Jianjun said, pulling Beiting out of the room.


    The father and son left the ward.


    Leaving the room, Beiting¡¯s face was shrouded in darkness.


    ¡°What is grandpa thinking! He¡¯s actually reconsidered, does he really want to give it to that cripple?¡±


    Jianjun¡¯s face was grim, ¡°As long as things aren¡¯t settled, we still have hope. Xingzhou is just a cripple with a short life span; your second uncle is weak and foolishly filial, perhaps later we can reap the benefits of Tianyuan Group.¡±


    ¡°With Xingzhou¡¯s current fortune, is there any chance he could find Cheng Han?¡±


    Beiting asked through clenched teeth, full of hate.


    ¡°No chance,¡± Jianjun said with absolute certainty, ¡°What kind of person is Cheng Han? Don¡¯t forget the Liu Family has another living dead person, and they haven¡¯t spared any effort in searching for Cheng Han!¡±


    He patiently instructed, ¡°You go to the Su Family now, secure our relationship with them. It is the blood bank for us father and son, providing continuous funding.¡±


    Beiting nodded, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go right away.¡±


    His expression was sinister as he walked down the long corridor of the hospital, warning off all who approached.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, please wake the patient first. Dr. Yan will be here soon!¡± the obstetrician said, ¡°It¡¯s really life-threatening, discovering so many drug allergies in the clinic.¡±


    The patient herself was unaware, and it was urgent upon arriving at the hospital.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Qiao Xi pinched the Golden Needle and inserted it into the woman¡¯s Hegu and Zhiyin Acupoints. Considering the pregnant woman¡¯s weak qi and blood, she also targeted the Zusanli Acupoint.


    Each needle pierced accurately into its acupoint.


    The patient soon regained consciousness, and the others showed a trace of joy.


    ¡°Push hard! Remember to take deep breaths!¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Liu, think about your child! Haven¡¯t you always wanted a daughter?¡±


    The woman on the bed, upon hearing this, gritted her teeth and cried out, her face turning red.


    She put all her effort into it.


    Half an hour later, the delivery room echoed with the baby¡¯s cries. The woman had exhausted her strength and passed out.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s a son.¡±


    While the nurse cleaned the baby, she said with a laugh, ¡°Mrs. Liu will probably regret this again, she was really hoping for a daughter.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, you did great, no wonder Dr. Yan said you should be specifically nurtured. Come over here, take a look, this baby is really beautiful.¡±


    Qiao Xi, smiling with pursed lips, moved closer to have a look.


    Indeed, the baby was fair and delicate.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that, in the future, her connection with this child would grow deeper.


    She washed her hands and packed up the needle kit before leaving the delivery room. Removing her mask, she took a deep breath of fresh air.


    ¡°Doctor, how¡¯s my wife?¡±


    ¡°Doctor, my mom...¡±


    She was surrounded by people.


    ¡°Mother and child are safe,¡± Qiao Xi comforted them, ¡°The child is being cleaned inside, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Mother and child? This is it, my mom¡¯s going to lose her temper again.¡± Seventeen or eighteen, the young boy brimmed with energy, lively and alert, exuding vitality.


    Liu Zongquan chastised gently, ¡°What are you talking about? Your mother is gentle and virtuous.¡±


    He looked at Qiao Xi again, with mild surprise.


    He hadn¡¯t expected their paths to cross again so soon after having met the previous evening at the birthday party.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao... Qiao Xi, thank you,¡± he said, remembering her name.


    Qiao Xi, with a smiling gaze, replied, ¡°You¡¯re welcome, I have to get going now.¡±


    ¡°Dad, why does she look kind of familiar to me?¡± Liu Yi furrowed his brows, voicing his confusion.


    Liu Zongquan responded, ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s fate.¡±


    It couldn¡¯t possibly be their family¡¯s child, after all, they had never lost a child.

 Chapter 60: 60: Passionate Kiss Photo, Hard to Part

    Chapter 60: Chapter 60: Passionate Kiss Photo, Hard to Part


    On the other side, Qiao Xi changed out of her surgical gown and was called to Dr. Yan¡¯s office.


    ¡°Dr. Yan.¡±


    She knocked on the door and walked in.


    ¡°Xiaoqiao, take a seat,¡± Dr. Yan had always been serious but was patient with her, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about the incident in the obstetrics and gynecology department. Your skills had been underestimated before.¡±


    ¡°Those were just basic symptoms,¡± Qiao Xi said modestly.


    ¡°Clinical practice tests a doctor¡¯s psychological resilience; you have steadiness and enough calm,¡± Yan Shi¡¯an had a high opinion of her, ¡°Xiaoqiao, I hope you can get up to speed quickly.¡±


    ...


    Qiao Xi hesitated, ¡°But I haven¡¯t obtained my medical license yet.¡±


    ¡°As long as the supervisory physician is guiding you, it¡¯s not considered a violation. I¡¯ll be looking out for you; there won¡¯t be any problems,¡± Yan Shi¡¯an wanted her to gain more experience, to be able to handle things on her own.


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Qiao Xi understood that he wanted to nurture her.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, I hope to see more good doctors. Now go on with your tasks.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi left the office filled with joy.


    She worked with renewed vigor the rest of the afternoon.


    However, as her shift was almost over, she saw someone at the hospital entrance she did not wish to see. She turned, intending to leave through the back door.


    The woman was carrying gifts of various sizes, running while calling out, ¡°Xixi.¡±


    Feeling stifled, Qiao Xi stopped and turned back, looking at her coldly, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I went to the Huo Family to find you, and Aunt Qian said you were at work. So, I waited outside the hospital all day, didn¡¯t want to disturb you,¡± Zhao Yuzhen said softly.


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your mother, what trouble could a mother have finding her daughter?¡± Zhao Yuzhen looked at her tenderly, ¡°I heard from your grandmother that you love apples the most, so I picked out a box of sugared hearts for you.¡±


    Her soft and gentle voice offered the box of apples to Qiao Xi.


    The niceness made Qiao Xi feel a bit confused, yet it also seemed laughable.


    ¡°I don¡¯t love apples,¡± Qiao Xi looked at her seriously and said, ¡°It¡¯s because apples were cheap, we couldn¡¯t afford the expensive fruits when I was a child.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s face turned white and then flushed, she said, ¡°Your mother knows her mistake, I¡¯ll make it up to you from now on.¡±


    ¡°You brought me back from the countryside, saying you would make it up to me. But it ended up being about substituting Su Weiwei¡¯s wedding,¡± Qiao Xi said calmly, though she still harbored grievances.


    Zhao Yuzhen, feeling unappreciated, bit back her words, ¡°Huo Xingzhou is the president of Tianyuan, what a streak of good luck for you. It was all a mix-up that led you to marry such a good husband.¡±


    ¡°Do you want this stroke of luck?¡±


    Qiao Xi said with a clear, cold gaze and a tone so steady it carried no warmth, ¡°Do I need to remind you of what you said at the banquet last night?¡±


    Qiao Xi shifted her gaze towards the window.


    The car passed Haicheng¡¯s largest square, bustling with activity. The square¡¯s large screen was showing an interview with Xu Xingluo, the up-and-coming international ballet goddess, who was about to return home for a tour.


    The first stop was Haicheng Grand Theater.


    Qiao Xi found the name familiar and then recalled what Shu Xue had said. Xu Xingluo was the sister of Director Xu and a famous ballet dancer.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± the man closed his laptop and asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    Qiao Xi blinked, her face clear and fair, her voice soft and sandy.


    The car soon arrived at the villa.


    Qiao Xi was stunned by the decor as soon as she entered the living room.


    ¡°Young Madam, are you satisfied with what you see?¡± Aunt Qian teased.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed in an instant.


    On all four walls of the living room hung wedding photos of her and Huo Xingzhou. There were over a dozen picture frames of varying sizes.


    On the coffee table was a crystal stand, and there was even one on the dining table.


    The TV background was an enormous couple¡¯s wedding photo, also a passionate kiss. She was embraced by Huo Xingzhou, kissing fervently, her cheeks flushed, even her eyes appeared dazed.


    It looked as if... she was enjoying it.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, this...¡±


    Aunt Qian said with a smile, ¡°The bridal shop delivered all the albums and frames today, and the photos have all been retouched. There are many more on the floor.¡±


    There were numerous scaleless hugs and cuddles all over the floor, leaving Qiao Xi feeling dizzy.


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Replace the TV wall with something more normal, just a regular photo of us together will do.¡±


    Aunt Qian agreed readily, ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll put the kissing photo in your room. There¡¯s no place to hang the others now, so we¡¯ll move them to the third floor.¡±


    She had already made up her mind.


    Qiao Xi just wanted to escape the embarrassing living room, ¡°Aunt Qian, let me help you move them.¡±


    She picked up three or four frames and headed for the stairs.


    Aunt Qian followed her upstairs and pushed open the door to the art studio on the third floor, saying, ¡°Just put them here.¡±


    Qiao Xi set down the items and looked around.


    There were numerous paints and art tools, and in a corner lay a messy box.


    She bent over to pick up a scattered sheet of paper¡ªit was an unfinished sketch.


    After a glance, her face turned red and she hurriedly stuffed it back into the box, her fingertips tingling.


    Aunt Qian noticed her discomfort and asked curiously, ¡°Young Madam, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

 Chapter 61: 61 Good Husband, Please Please

    Chapter 61: Chapter 61 Good Husband, Please Please


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt feverish all over, the sketch flashing in her mind.


    It was a figure drawing.


    The woman¡¯s facial features were blurred, yet her figure was graceful, with not a stitch of clothing. The lines were solidly drawn, with even the details meticulously crafted, clearly a labor of passion. The female form struck her vision directly and without reservation.


    The woman in the drawing posed seductively.


    Oozing allure.


    ...


    It was indistinguishable whether it was a statue or a real person. If it were a real person, she might have felt a tinge of jealousy, even though figure drawing was a necessary skill to learn.


    But why was such a drawing in the Huo Family¡¯s studio?


    ¡°Aunt Qian, has Mr. Huo ever studied painting?¡± Qiao Xi asked curiously.


    As Aunt Qian tidied up the picture frames, she said, ¡°In a family like the Huo Family, they learn everything, not just painting. Our young master has passed grade 10 in both violin and piano, and his piano skills have even reached concert level.¡±


    This is how nobility raises its offspring.


    Developing in all aspects!


    After hearing this, Qiao Xi exclaimed, ¡°So he is that talented.¡±


    Aunt Qian responded with regret, ¡°Before, the young master would spend time in the studio every week, and there was also that Xu... But since the car accident, he¡¯s not come here even once.¡±


    Qiao Xi had always forgotten to ask how the accident had actually happened.


    From Huo Xingzhou, she only knew that the car accident was engineered by the main family branch.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, what exactly happened on the day of the car accident?¡±


    Aunt Qian¡¯s expression became unnatural as she casually remarked, ¡°Just a truck driver driving while fatigued, who ended up crashing into us. The driver at fault was only sentenced to two years, but our young master¡¯s legs are still disabled to this day.¡±


    The penalties for traffic offenses are not considered severe nowadays.


    If there¡¯s enough money involved and the family is willing to forgive, the punishment can be almost nonexistent.


    ¡°The subsequent insurance payout was one million. What use is money, though? We in the Huo Family have plenty of it,¡± Aunt Qian said indignantly.


    Listening, Qiao Xi felt a bit heartbroken.


    She wondered how much the main family gave to the driver to bribe him. Huo Beiting must have calculated that it¡¯s hard to uncover the truth in such matters and made a ruthless move.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, those who survive great disasters are bound to have future blessings!¡± she consoled.


    Aunt Qian wiped the tears from her eyes and said, ¡°Yes. The biggest blessing is having Young Madam marry into our family.¡±


    She tightly grasped Qiao Xi¡¯s hands, pleading earnestly, ¡°Please promise me, Young Madam, that no matter what happens, you and the young master won¡¯t separate. It¡¯s normal for a young couple to quarrel. The young master is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, please be patient with him.¡±


    Qiao Xi hesitated.


    She remembered the ¡°Marriage Agreement¡± they had signed.


    They had agreed to divorce after three months, and everything at present was but a fleeting illusion.


    ¡°Young Madam?¡± Aunt Qian called out again.


    ¡°That depends on how sincere you are.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hands, the hands of a pianist, played over her body with his long fingers, leaving her in a state neither alive nor dead.


    Qiao Xi laughed uncontrollably, while he, aloof and in control, mastered her body with ease.


    ¡°I... I¡¯m wrong, Mr. Huo.¡±


    He didn¡¯t stop.


    Qiao Xi used the last of her rationality to search for those nice words.


    Suddenly, she remembered the short videos she had scrolled through with Shu Xue in the hospital recently. The girls in those videos were all flirtatious and enchantingly charming when they acted coquettishly.


    ¡°Ah...¡±


    ¡°Distracted again?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou, slightly dissatisfied, poked her soft waist again, provoking another delicate scream from Qiao Xi.


    ¡°No,¡± Qiao Xi mustered the courage to yell, ¡°Good brother, my bad.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou knew she was a bit old-fashioned; to get her to say such a thing was already pushing her limits. But suddenly, he wanted to see how far she could go.


    He bent down close to her, his fingertips kneading her earlobe.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face and neck flushed deep red, her skin glowing with a rosy pale. A rush like an electric current zipped through her, numbing the entire side of her body.


    He was cunning, knowing what she couldn¡¯t bear.


    Reluctantly, with her eyes reddened, she spoke, ¡°Good... husband, please, please.¡±


    The shame was unbearable!


    Huo Xingzhou was satisfied and let go of her.


    Suddenly, he felt that the pleasures of marriage were delightfully gratifying to both body and mind.


    Qiao Xi took the opportunity to sit up and scoot away slightly.


    ¡°Your necklace came loose,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, eyeing her neck, reminding her.


    Qiao Xi looked down to see the clasp of the pearl necklace he had given her had come undone. She reached to fasten it, but Huo Xingzhou was faster.


    He leaned over, his hands encircling her head.


    His nimble fingers fastened her necklace. As he pulled away, his lips seemed to accidentally brush against her flushed earlobe.


    Qiao Xi shuddered!


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you...¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I can do it without medication,¡± he whispered, his kiss landing on her red lips.


    In this matter, no man allows himself to be underestimated.


    No matter what his status or position.


    He teased her gently, slowly, tormenting her with his thin lips.


    ¡°Anyone home? Your package has arrived! I¡¯m coming in!¡± An arrogant, familiar voice came from outside the door, with footsteps approaching.

 Chapter 62: 62 Madames Joy, What is It?

    Chapter 62: Chapter 62 Madame¡¯s Joy, What is It?


    Qiao Xi frantically pushed Huo Xingzhou away, but the man deliberately defied her, hugging her and kissing her incessantly.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, um...someone is coming.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    He kissed her enough, and Qiao Xi¡¯s heart continued to race wildly.


    Only when the person outside had reached the entrance did he finally let go of her.


    ¡°Wow! I¡¯ve come at a bad time, haven¡¯t I?¡± Sun Weimeng, holding a large courier box in his hands, looked with interest at the entangled man and woman on the floor.


    ...


    Her face flushed like peach blossoms, her clothes disheveled.


    Her lips were red and swollen, obviously something was amiss.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, are you playing such big games now?¡± Sun Weimeng made himself comfortable on the sofa, pouring himself a cup of warm water.


    With a tone of sympathy, he said, ¡°I understand how you feel. Sometimes when a man can¡¯t perform, he seeks excitement. The more thrilling, the better. I recommend you try the office with floor-to-ceiling windows on a high floor next time. Usually, those windows are one-way, you can see outside, but no one can see you.¡±


    ¡°Very stimulating.¡±


    He talked on and on as if he had a wealth of experience.


    Qiao Xi really wanted to crawl into a hole: ¡°Young Master Sun, what exactly are you here for?¡±


    She stood up to straighten her clothes and pretended to struggle as she helped Huo Xingzhou to his wheelchair. Sun Weimeng didn¡¯t even notice that Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs could already walk.


    He gulped down the water and put the cup down.


    ¡°I came to see you guys. I saw there was a package at the door, so I brought it in.¡±


    As Sun Weimeng said this, he suddenly turned to Huo Xingzhou and asked, ¡°Mrs. Le, what is it? Seasoning?¡±


    Qiao Xi grew even more mortified.


    Young Master Sun¡¯s curiosity was strong, relentless until he got an answer.


    He turned the courier box to face them and poked heavily at the blue letters ¡°Mrs. Le¡± on the box, with the sender¡¯s name being Zhou Yu.


    ¡°Why is Zhou Yu sending so many spices to your home?¡±


    ¡°Young Master Sun, just put the things aside. That¡¯s not important.¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s embarrassment was through the roof.


    Young Master Sun shook his head, ¡°Zhou Yu is a person of taste, I want to see what exactly he has sent.¡±


    He took the fruit knife from the coffee table and sliced open the courier tape. Qiao Xi wanted to stop him but was held back by Huo Xingzhou.


    Young Master Sun opened the box, which was filled with small boxes.


    It seemed there were over a hundred.


    Both the front and back were printed with explicit advertising slogans.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    He quickly closed the box, ¡°Sorry to disturb.¡±


    With so many, how long would it take to use them all?


    Huo Xingzhou snorted.


    He was about to say something when his cell phone vibrated.


    Upon seeing the number, he hung up immediately, then turned off his phone.


    His ears were blessed with instant quiet.


    It didn¡¯t take long.


    Aunt Qian knocked on the door again, ¡°Young Master, there¡¯s a call from abroad.¡±


    ¡°Hang up.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said in a firm tone.


    ¡°I¡¯ve hung up several times already,¡± Aunt Qian said helplessly. ¡°But the calls keep coming in, and she¡¯s very emotional! I¡¯m worried something might happen...¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression darkened as he maneuvered his wheelchair out the door.


    Qiao Xi was a bit curious; he had been receiving too many strange calls lately.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Sun Wei called out, drawing her attention, ¡°you and Huo Xingzhou have been married for so long, has there never been... I mean, if he can¡¯t, it must be tough for you.¡±


    Qiao Xi was embarrassed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy. Intimacy is the best way to foster a relationship, especially for couples like you who got together midway without a foundation of affection.¡±


    Sun Weimeng, offering bad advice, said, ¡°When you have some free time, you could look for Zhou Yu, he has a lot of good stuff. I¡¯ve heard about it; sometimes it doesn¡¯t have to be Huo Xingzhou... you know.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to know!


    Qiao Xi took out a needle and inserted it into his Yamen Acupoint.


    ¡°Lie still, no talking.¡±


    Sun Weimeng opened his mouth but had to give up.


    Heck, he just worried Qiao Xi was getting the short end of the stick.


    Now that Huo Xingzhou was soaring high, his side wouldn¡¯t be short of scheming orioles and swallows.


    ...


    Haicheng City Hospital.


    Huo Beiting, carrying a takeout bag from the restaurant, walked reluctantly down the corridor. His eyes were shadowed, his heart filled with resentment.


    The old man didn¡¯t want to give him shares, only the title of a vice-president in name without real power, and none of the company people respected him.


    Even Su Weiwei started getting out of line, but thankfully she got pregnant, making it hard for her to find someone else.


    As for the old patriarch, hopefully, he would see the situation clearly. Their faction was the most dutiful.


    Huo Beiting arrived at room 2108 to find the door partly ajar.


    Familiar voices conversed inside, and his face showed surprise.


    He peeked through the crack and, sure enough!


    He stood outside without entering, curious to hear what they were saying.

 Chapter 63: 63: Dr. Qiao, Your Husband Is Here to Pick You Up

    Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Dr. Qiao, Your Husband Is Here to Pick You Up


    ¡°`


    Inside the hospital room.


    The old Huo patriarch, rarely looking compassionate, gazed at his youngest son Huo Jiancheng.


    ¡°Jiancheng, I have always owed you. I shouldn¡¯t have resented you for causing your mother¡¯s death when you were born.¡± His old tears streamed down his face, which had grown grayer and looked much older.


    Huo Jiancheng felt a bitter sweetness in his heart, his eyes brimming with moisture.


    He reached out his withered hand to touch his cheek, ¡°In the blink of an eye, you¡¯re nearly fifty years old, and I don¡¯t have many days left to live. I have wronged you over these years.¡±


    ...


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    Huo Jiancheng gripped his hand tightly, ¡°You will not die.¡±


    The grievances in his heart dissipated with the old man¡¯s apology, like smoke vanishing into thin air.


    He had received the fatherly love he had longed for.


    He never thought the day would come when the old patriarch could speak to him so calmly and peacefully. Huo Jiancheng cried uncontrollably.


    ¡°If we can¡¯t find Cheng Han soon, I fear... I won¡¯t make it past this year.¡±


    He said with a dejected look, ¡°Before I die, I hope Xingzhou can forgive me. The things I hold, I must pass them on to the most promising of my descendants.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng struggled internally for a long time, but in the end, he couldn¡¯t resist the call of ¡°filial piety.¡±


    ¡°Someone might be able to save your life!¡±


    Huo Jiancheng gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Xingzhou¡¯s complexion has improved a lot. Du Juan suspects it¡¯s related to Qiao Xi, she might be a disciple of Cheng Han, but we are not sure yet.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng was a naive sweetheart, moved by paternal love, he blurted out his guess.


    He hoped that the father who raised him could have a peaceful death, not tormented to death by illness.


    ¡°Qiao Xi?¡±


    Huo Weiguo originally wanted to play the emotional card, with it, draw Huo Xingzhou to his side, and thereby facilitate the merger of Tianyuan Group with the Huo family.


    But he hadn¡¯t expected this delightful surprise.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± A gleam flashed in the old man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I can beg Qiao Xi to take a look at you.¡± It¡¯s just a guess, after all, unconfirmed by anyone.


    ¡°No, wait longer.¡±


    Huo Weiguo grabbed his hand, ¡°Wait! Let me confirm her identity first. Don¡¯t talk to anyone else about this.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng obediently nodded, ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll come to see you every day from now on.¡±


    Outside the hospital room.


    Huo Beiting heard everything they said, crystal clear!


    Qiao Xi!


    How could that village girl be related to the National Doctor Cheng Han, when Huo Xingzhou is still disabled!


    ¡°Doctor Yan, your family called to say your son has been in a car accident! Your phone is off, and they couldn¡¯t reach you!¡±


    ¡°What? Is he in emergency? I¡¯ll be there immediately!¡±


    Yan Shi¡¯an ran out of the traditional Chinese medicine consultation room, his mind buzzing with panic.


    After finishing the acupuncture for Wang Dafu, Qiao Xi instructed him to wait in the room: ¡°I¡¯ll go and get Doctor Yan to sign the prescription, please wait here.¡±


    As soon as she left, Wang Dafu and his wife hurriedly packed up their things, grabbed the prescription from the desk, and fled.


    Halfway there, Qiao Xi encountered Yan Shi¡¯an returning and asked, ¡°Doctor Yan, how is your family now?¡±


    Yan Shi¡¯an replied angrily, ¡°It was a prank call, they said they dialed the wrong number.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡±


    When they returned to the consultation room, Wang Dafu was nowhere to be seen.


    Qiao Xi searched but couldn¡¯t find the prescription and said, ¡°That prescription wasn¡¯t signed yet.¡±


    ¡°Usually, without a signature, the pharmacy won¡¯t dispense medicine, so it¡¯s not a big issue,¡± Yan Shi¡¯an replied, his years of medical experience having brought him across many situations. Generally, patients were reasonable, and for minor ailments like gastritis, no serious issues would arise.


    Qiao Xi nodded, but, for some reason, she couldn¡¯t shake off a feeling of discomfort.


    ...


    When it was time to get off work.


    Shu Xue, at the nurse¡¯s station, handed Qiao Xi a form.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, your request for permanent appointment will be officially approved next month, and then you will start doing night shifts. Please fill out this form completely, and be sure to include your emergency contact,¡± Shu Xue said leaning over, watching her fill it out.


    ¡°Oh, are you listing your husband,¡± she said, gossiping.


    Qiao Xi awkwardly covered the section, ¡°My family isn¡¯t in Haicheng, so I have to list him.¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk, showing off your love. Don¡¯t forget to set up your phone, and be careful when you go home after the night shift,¡± Shu Xue reminded. ¡°But, I see your husband is here to pick you up again. You should hurry along!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s lips curled slightly upward: ¡°I¡¯m leaving first.¡±


    She packed her things and walked toward the exit of the hospital.


    As expected, she saw the familiar car, and Lao Chen opened the car door for her.


    Upon seeing the man inside the car, Qiao Xi greeted him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    She took out her phone, opened the settings, and immediately entered the emergency contact.


    This would allow her to call quickly; she tried pressing the power button several times, and the man¡¯s phone to one side began buzzing vibrantly.


    The phone screen displayed ¡°Wife.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart sweetened even more.


    The man looked at her with slight confusion: ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Setting up an emergency contact. Mr. Huo, who is your emergency contact?¡± Qiao Xi asked curiously.


    She wanted to know who he would think of first.

 Chapter 64: 64 The Whole City Watches Them Passionately Kiss

    Chapter 64: Chapter 64 The Whole City Watches Them Passionately Kiss


    Huo Xingzhou handed her his phone.


    ¡°Take a look for yourself.¡±


    Qiao Xi opened the screen and found the settings, where the emergency contact field was empty.


    Her finger caressed the side of the phone as she gathered the courage to look up at him and ask, ¡°Mr. Huo, can I become your emergency contact?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou put down the tablet in his hand, took the phone, and directly entered her number.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s lips curved upwards uncontrollably.


    ...


    ¡°Happy?¡± There seemed to be a hint of amusement in his eyes.


    Qiao Xi looked at him and nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be quite busy recently, and after work, I¡¯ll have Old Chen pick you up. With your skills, there¡¯s no need for you to slog in the hospital for seniority.¡± He felt he was wronging her.


    There were all sorts of people in the hospital, and with her character, she would be at a disadvantage.


    Qiao Xi felt a warm sensation in her heart, knowing he was looking after her.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I want to get a medical qualification certificate. After enduring a year, I can get it. Now, every time I see patients, Dr. Yan keeps an eye on me, for fear of violating any rules.¡±


    She was so eager to grow up fast.


    Huo Xingzhou looked deeply at her.


    In fact, as long as Cheng Han was willing to acknowledge her identity, none of those certificates mattered.


    The master-disciple tradition was also a nationally recognized method, and having been by Cheng Han¡¯s side since she was young, she had long met the required duration.


    Therefore, she also qualified to diagnose patients on her own long ago.


    The car headed in the opposite direction.


    Qiao Xi, observing the unfamiliar road signs outside the window, asked, ¡°Mr. Huo, where are we going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking you to experience the luxury of the upper class, to see if it¡¯s the same as what you¡¯ve seen in TV dramas,¡± he said.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t expect him to remember what she had said.


    She was wearing very casual clothes. Was she really suitable to enter such places?


    Would she embarrass him?


    Soon, she realized she was thinking incorrectly.


    The most famous revolving restaurant in the center of Haicheng City had been booked out.


    The top floor was very quiet, only specific waitstaff were present. The lighting was soft and romantic, and the de?cor very luxurious. Giant windows provided a view of Haicheng¡¯s bustling night scene and the moon that had just risen in the distance.


    The revolving restaurant¡¯s interior mechanism allowed it to rotate, completing one revolution every hour.


    In that hour, one could appreciate Haicheng¡¯s night scene from every angle, a full 360 degrees.


    A long table.


    Candlelight.


    And an elaborate arrangement of flowers decorating the table.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, may I hug you?¡±


    She boldly threw herself into Huo Xingzhou¡¯s arms and clung tightly to his waist.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, this isn¡¯t a question but rather a notification,¡± he said, his Adam¡¯s apple moving.


    Qiao Xi rubbed her cheek against his chest and cheekily said, ¡°I¡¯m just following your example.¡±


    The man suddenly lowered his head.


    They were very close, and his handsome and pale face was exceptionally clear.


    Qiao Xi instinctively looked up at him, and dark shades flowed in his pitch-black pupils.


    He tentatively touched the corner of her eye with his thin lips. His actions seemed slowed down as he gently kissed the tip of her nose.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, the aftereffects of Deer Blood Wine seem pretty strong.¡±


    He was lying!


    Qiao Xi thought hazily. It had been two days since they drank the Deer Blood Wine, the aftereffects couldn¡¯t be that strong.


    But as his words ended, his actions became intense, capturing her red lips and sucking the oxygen from her lungs.


    She was pressed against the French window, kissed fiercely, just like in the days before.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mind seemed dull, yet she remembered the vulgar words Sun Weimeng had said.


    High-floor French windows, one-way glass, the more thrilling, the better.


    Could they be watched doing this? The more Qiao Xi thought about it, the more nervous she became.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, this glass...¡±


    ¡°Two-way glass.¡±


    Two-way glass meant whatever they did could be seen.


    The revolving restaurant was still operating, slowly rotating, and they could be seen from 360 degrees. Also, the waitstaff in the restaurant...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears reddened drip blood, as she had never done something so bold and out of line.


    ¡°Mr. Huo... We¡¯ll be seen.¡±


    ¡°Let them see.¡±


    Sometimes Huo Xingzhou was very obstinate, especially when being affectionate. He seemed to have installed a radar on her, knowing whether she was willing or not.


    Unable to refuse, Qiao Xi resignedly closed her eyes, letting him do this and that.


    She was happy.


    Very happy.


    At four in the morning, I saw the begonia flowers not yet asleep.


    The next line is, ¡°I always feel that at this moment, you should be by my side,¡± from an essay by Kawabata Yasunari.


    She had read it.


    This night, Tianyuan officially settled in Haicheng, a special day in his life.


    The person he hoped to be by his side was her.


    Qiao Xi stood on tiptoe, her naive kiss landing on the red mole on his neck, causing the man¡¯s body to tremble slightly.

 Chapter 65: 65 Qiao Xi, You Will Go to Jail

    Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Qiao Xi, You Will Go to Jail


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi went to the hospital for work in an excellent mood, when the nurse Shu Xue elbowed her gossipingly and asked, ¡°Was the huge red banner at Tianyuan Group last night for you?¡±


    She raised her eyebrows, smiling with a hint of suggestion.


    With springs in her eyes and cheeks blooming like peach blossoms, Qiao Xi denied, ¡°No, it was to celebrate the launch of the Tianyuan Building.¡±


    Shu Xue said sourly, ¡°You¡¯re beaming with joy while lying through your teeth.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe it, forget it.¡±


    ...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s denial was more revealing than concealing.


    Shu Xue clung to her arm coquettishly, ¡°Come on, dear sister, tell me. What did you two do last night?¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips, lightly biting her lower lip.


    Last night, they were unrestrained and out of control in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.


    She had never imagined that a simple kiss could so thoroughly enthrall her, making her wish their bodies could merge into one.


    It was Mr. Huo who hoarsely called a halt in the end, preventing anything more ludicrous from happening.


    Shu Xue, seeing her demeanor, knew it must have been exciting. She was about to say more when a harrowing noise came from the hospital entrance.


    ¡°Where is Dr. Qiao! Qiao Xi, come out!¡±


    ¡°Quack!¡±


    ¡°Husband, wake up, please husband!¡±


    Qiao Xi and Shu Xue hurried over.


    They saw Wang Dafu on a stretcher, retching and having diarrhea, while his wife¡¯s cries were ear splitting. Reporters and some curious patients surrounded them, seriously disrupting the hospital order.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao!¡±


    As soon as Wang Dafu¡¯s wife saw Qiao Xi, she rushed over and seized her hand to prevent her from escaping.


    The reporters also aimed their cameras right at her face.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, yesterday you said my husband just had a simple gastritis, gave him acupuncture and prescribed medicine, and after that, he became like this! My husband said the acupuncture felt very uncomfortable, and he even vomited blood today!¡± she ranted.


    Qiao Xi frowned, saying gravely, ¡°According to the medical advice, this should not have happened.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to shirk responsibility! An incompetent quack!¡±


    Wang Dafu¡¯s wife pulled the prescription out of her pocket, ¡°Look at this, everyone look!¡±


    The reporters¡¯ cameras zoomed in on the prescription, ¡°This prescription isn¡¯t signed, that¡¯s unprofessional practice.¡±


    That¡¯s how an opportunity was seized, but Xu Xiuyuan didn¡¯t care about the process, only the outcome.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes turned slightly red, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, practicing medicine without a license can lead to criminal charges. In severe cases, one can be sentenced to up to three years in detention,¡± he said coldly.


    Simply put, she might go to jail.


    Unless the family is willing to forgive.


    Xu Xiuyuan looked deeply at her, ¡°You¡¯ve disappointed me greatly, always trying to attract attention and provoking others to target you. Here¡¯s my advice, go back and ask Huo Xingzhou for help.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s head hung low, her eyes reddening.


    She already felt unworthy of him; how could she willingly ask for his help, which would only make her seem even more inferior?


    ¡°I will find out the truth myself,¡± Qiao Xi said, her lips pursed as she looked up at him determinedly, ¡°As long as Wang Dafu is willing to let me take his pulse, I will know what¡¯s going on!¡±


    ¡°You still dare to investigate?¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan stood up and walked over to her, looking down at her from above.


    As he looked at her somewhat familiar face, he grew increasingly irritable.


    ¡°By yourself, you¡¯ve stirred up the already tense doctor-patient relationship. Those families who¡¯ve just lost a loved one would love to devour you, to vent their grief on you. Working in a hospital, why can¡¯t you be more cautious and not think that all patients are kind-hearted.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood up straight, her slender spine erect.


    Her eyes were brimming with moisture, yet she steadfastly refused to let the tears fall.


    Looking at Xu Xiuyuan, her voice slowly became acidic, ¡°Director Xu, the university only taught me that a doctor should treat illnesses and save lives, to revere life. They never taught me to be deceitful and cunning. Sorry, I haven¡¯t learned that lesson yet.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s heart unexpectedly ached for a while, and it took him a moment to recover.


    He didn¡¯t know why he felt sad, but those clearly defined eyes were questioning him, asking why scheming was necessary in a hospital. He actually felt a bit guilty.


    As an administrator, he failed to protect the doctors at the hospital.


    Past doctors only had to focus on improving their medical skills and saving lives. Now, doctors are thrown into a dirty pit, forced to learn cunning just to survive.


    Qiao Xi was pure, young.


    He hardened his heart and said, ¡°To appease public opinion, you are suspended for six months according to regulations. You must make a public apology; I will investigate the truth.¡±


    Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Apologizing would mean admitting I misdiagnosed. You can punish me heavily to calm public opinion and reduce the hospital¡¯s losses. As for the rest, I¡¯d like to try solving it my own way.¡±


    She would not, tarnish the medical arts.


    She didn¡¯t want to fail the expectations of some people.


    After speaking, Qiao Xi turned and left.


    Her spine was straight, showing a determination to face even death.

 Chapter 66: 66 Qiao Xi is missing!

    Chapter 66: Chapter 66 Qiao Xi is missing!


    Qiao Xi walked out of the dean¡¯s office and saw Dr. Yan and Shu Xue anxiously waiting there.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, how did it go? I¡¯ve already explained to Dean Xu that your diagnosis was correct, and I¡¯ve looked at the prescription myself.¡± Dr. Yan, usually so serious, was now beside himself.


    He looked at her full of guilt: ¡°It¡¯s all my fault! I was deceived by a phone call! The video online must have been shot by Wang Dafu, they were targeting you.¡±


    A prescription unsigned might only warrant a fine.


    But unlicensed practice with complications, the consequences were severe.


    Qiao Xi managed a weak smile: ¡°Dr. Yan, it¡¯s not about you, it¡¯s my lack of experience.¡±


    ...


    ¡°I¡¯ll go clear things up online!¡± Dr. Yan said coldly.


    ¡°No need.¡±


    Qiao Xi grabbed his hand and said, ¡°They only believe what they see, and we don¡¯t have any evidence. If you try to clarify, they¡¯ll just take their anger out on you.¡±


    The clinic at the hospital didn¡¯t have surveillance, and they had calculated this very point.


    Was Huo Beiting behind this, or was it Su Weiwei?


    ¡°Dr. Yan, don¡¯t worry about me, think about who I am.¡± Qiao Xi purposely reassured him, and Yan Shi¡¯an soon breathed a sigh of relief after thinking it over.


    She was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wife after all.


    ¡°If you need any help, you can always come to me.¡±


    Having said that, Dr. Yan left to attend to his duties.


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and turned to Shu Xue, who was standing anxiously next to her, ¡°Did you find anything out?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Shu Xue took her hand and said, ¡°Wang Dafu and his wife are in the Four Seasons Hotel near the hospital. I¡¯m quite familiar with the owner; he¡¯s in room 302. Shall I accompany you?¡±


    ¡°The nurses¡¯ station is so busy, you¡¯re going to get scolded by the matron again.¡±


    ¡°Your issue is more urgent, let¡¯s go together. Make sure to wear a mask, there are reporters everywhere.¡±


    Shu Xue whispered gently.


    Qiao Xi nodded heavily.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    They made their way to the back door and took a long detour to reach the Four Seasons Hotel.


    The facilities in the small hotel weren¡¯t as comprehensive, making the corridors dim.


    They rode the old elevator up to the third floor, where Shu Xue held her phone and winked at Qiao Xi: ¡°They can take secret photos, so can we. You take the chance to see what Wang Dafu is really up to.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    They crossed the corridor and knocked on door 302.


    ¡°Who is it!¡± came the voice of Wang Dafu¡¯s wife from inside.


    ¡°Hello! Is this Mr. Huo? Qiao Xi is missing! We went to see Wang Dafu today and caught a video of him faking illness. And then...¡± Shu Xue recounted the entire sequence of events.


    ¡°I understand, thank you for the information.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou hung up the phone on the other end.


    In the small villa, inside the living room.


    The man in the wheelchair had eyes like blades steeped in ice, malevolent and sharp.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Huo. I thought there wouldn¡¯t be any danger inside the hotel, so I didn¡¯t follow her in,¡± said a man dressed in camouflage, apologizing with his head bowed.


    He was the bodyguard assigned to protect Qiao Xi.


    Huo Xingzhou ignored him and instead turned to a technician fiddling with some equipment, ¡°Have you locked onto the address?¡±


    The moment Qiao Xi had disappeared, he¡¯d been notified.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The technician said excitedly, ¡°The Young Madam¡¯s phone has been on the move, and GPS is active, but it¡¯s possible that the kidnappers are carrying her phone to mislead us.¡±


    ¡°Take the equipment and go with me, Old Chen, move out,¡± the man spoke indifferently.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou put on his Bluetooth earpiece, stood up, and left the villa, with Old Chen responsible for driving to the targeted location.


    He was calm throughout the journey, but Old Chen felt an intense madness in his eyes. If it was Zhuo Feng who had captured the Young Madam, the situation was likely dire, as the enemy would certainly seek violent revenge.


    Huo Xingzhou methodically arranged the search efforts, ¡°Zhou Yu, get me the surveillance around the Four Seasons Hotel, find any suspicious vehicles, and report their license plates to me.¡±


    ¡°Chen Xun, contact the police with the details and request their assistance in apprehending the suspect.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou turned off his phone¡¯s vibration and switched to ringtone mode, the volume set to maximum.


    His gaze fixed on the black screen.


    Perhaps it was serendipity.


    The phone screen suddenly lit up, indicating a call from ¡°Wife.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingertips went numb as he slid to answer.


    The call connected.


    There was silence on the other end while the technician hurriedly pinpointed the signal, estimating the location through the signal exchange with cell towers. They ultimately pointed to the Western Suburbs, an old construction site owned by the Huo family.


    That area was supposed to become the bustling Future City, but now it was all for archaeological development, with the outskirts littered with abandoned construction sites.


    Huo Xingzhou activated the speakerphone, and there were chaotic noises on the other end.


    The rustle of clothing.


    The roll of car wheels, the roar of an engine.


    There was also a faint breathing sound.


    Finally, the car engine was turned off, and the tires screeched against the road.


    The car door was violently thrown open, followed by a scream.

 Chapter 67: 67 Dont rush, lets play slowly

    Chapter 67: Chapter 67 Don¡¯t rush, let¡¯s play slowly


    Qiao Xi was dragged by two men along the way into an abandoned construction shed.


    The skin that showed was rubbed raw by the coarse gravel road surface, bloody and mangled.


    She was violently thrown onto the ground, which kicked up thick dust. Weakly, she opened her eyes and looked at the two men in front of her.


    Zhuo Feng, Wang Dafu.


    ¡°Brother Feng, this chick¡¯s pretty smart. She took a video of me to clear her name,¡± said Wang Dafu, playing with a ladies¡¯ mobile phone and then smashing it onto the ground in front of Qiao Xi.


    He said viciously, ¡°Dare to film me, I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯t have any evidence!¡±


    ...


    The phone smashed into pieces.


    The evidence she and Shu Xue had gotten was destroyed as well.


    But the two men in front of her seemed to think this was only her phone and forgot to search her. Shu Xue¡¯s phone was smashed, while hers was in the lining pocket.


    She had been exposed to drugs all year round and had developed drug resistance to anesthetics, but her strength hadn¡¯t yet recovered.


    She had woken up on the road and forced the power button to dial her emergency contact, not knowing whether it had gone through.


    Looking to please, Wang Dafu turned to Zhuo Feng and said, ¡°Brother Feng, my job here is done. Can I go now?¡±


    ¡°Get lost.¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡±


    Wang Dafu ran faster than anything.


    He needed to hurry and get his payment from Miss Su and leave Haicheng.


    Once Wang Dafu left, only Zhuo Feng and Qiao Xi remained in the vast shed.


    Zhuo Feng kicked the limp Qiao Xi on the ground.


    ¡°Country girl, aren¡¯t you usually eloquent? Why aren¡¯t you talking now?¡± His face was sinister, ¡°You ruined my Wanren Hall and have led me to this point. Even if I die, I¡¯ll take you down with me.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him in pain, ¡°Your Wanren Hall was selling fake medicinal materials, doing harm in defiance of the natural order.¡±


    As it deserved.


    ¡°Do you think Wanren Hall belongs to me alone?¡± Zhuo Feng bent down, forcefully grabbed her chin, and said, ¡°I have the backing of a deputy chairman of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association. You¡¯ve cut off his source of income; you can forget about having a future in the medical field.¡±


    Qiao Xi was forced to look at him, ¡°Are you going to kill me?¡±


    ¡°Depends on how lucky you are.¡±


    Zhuo Feng looked slightly crazed, his clothes dirty, resembling a madman.


    He picked up a discarded stainless steel pipe nearby and looked at Qiao Xi, saying, ¡°I hear you¡¯re quite talented, possibly an apprentice of Cheng Han, are you?¡±


    Qiao Xi found it absurd,


    ¡°Where did you hear such rumors?¡±


    What had she to do with the National Doctor Cheng Han?


    Her hands groped in her sleeves; all the needles were gone, Zhuo Feng must have taken them afraid she might fight back.


    ¡°Still playing tough, are you? If you confess, I¡¯ll make it easier on you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Cheng Han!¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re of no value to me. With no license to practice medicine, you won¡¯t be able to work in this field anymore. Why keep these hands!¡±


    the shabby door of the shed was kicked open.


    The dim twilight enveloped the earth, casting a warm yellow filter, and light slipped into the old shed.


    The man in a suit and shoes, dragging a brand-new baseball bat, entered against the light and fiercely swung it at Zhuo Feng.


    Zhuo Feng fell to the ground.


    He gaped at the man before him, ¡°Huo... Huo Xingzhou, your leg...¡±


    The bitch lied to him! She was involved with Cheng Han!


    Huo Xingzhou tossed a mobile phone in front of Zhuo Feng, displaying a call interface.


    The man¡¯s eyes were chillingly cold, and his voice somber yet eerily calm, ¡°Twenty-nine minutes, thirty-two seconds.¡±


    He picked up the baseball bat, raining blows upon Zhuo Feng.


    ¡°Is this how you hit her?¡±


    In those twenty-nine minutes and thirty-two seconds, he could hear every strike, every cry of pain, and every breath.


    All he could think about was what kind of torture she was enduring.


    ¡°Stop, stop hitting!¡±


    Zhuo Feng, cradling his head, felt the threat of impending death.


    Huo Xingzhou must be insane.


    ¡°Young Master, if you keep hitting him, he¡¯s going to die,¡± Old Chen said urgently, eyeing Zhuo Feng who was barely breathing.


    Huo Xingzhou dropped the baseball bat, took off his suit jacket, wrapped it around Qiao Xi, and gently picked her up.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Leaning on his chest, Qiao Xi¡¯s breathing was burning hot, her chest heaving slightly.


    A slight smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, and uncontrollable tears cascaded down, her breathing rapid. The pent-up grievances within her started to spread.


    The man¡¯s eyes reddened, the fierceness not yet receded.


    ¡°Old Chen, keep an eye on him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou carried Qiao Xi out. The technician in the car, noticing the situation, wisely got out of the vehicle making room for them.


    Qiao Xi was laid on the soft rear seat of the car and soon fell into unconsciousness.


    Huo Xingzhou sat in the driver¡¯s seat, the accident from that day where life and death hung in the balance flashed through his mind, his heartbeat erratic for a few beats.


    He gripped the steering wheel tightly and stepped on the accelerator, speeding towards Haicheng City Hospital.


    Night fell.


    The familiar Rolls-Royce parked in front of Haicheng City Hospital, and the reporters who had been staking out Qiao Xi for practicing without a license perked up, sensing a story like flies to a carcass.


    Before they could react, a line of bodyguards blocked their view, confiscating their cameras.


    As they attempted to peer in, the burly bodyguards raised their hands, ready to land a punch at any moment.


    In the darkness, they saw nothing.


    The car door opened, and a tall man with a stern face stepped out.


    His presence was intimidating, keeping strangers at bay.


    Carrying the woman in his arms, he strode quickly into the hospital.

 Chapter 68: 68: Three Words, Driving Him Mad

    Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Three Words, Driving Him Mad


    Haicheng City Hospital.


    In the ward.


    The doctor held a bunch of ¡°X-ray films¡± and said, ¡°Everything else is okay, just the right ring finger is shattered, but even after it heals, it will affect the flexibility of the finger.¡±


    He knew that Qiao Xi was a doctor, and a doctor¡¯s fingers were vital; any problem with them was significant.


    ¡°Is there no other way?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou looked at Qiao Xi, who lay on the hospital bed with her eyes tightly closed, and asked gently.


    ...


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid even Doctor Yan can¡¯t do anything about this kind of injury. I think we can only try post-surgery physical therapy with National Doctor Cheng Han.¡± The chief physician curiously looked at his legs but didn¡¯t dare to ask more. He suspected that Huo Xingzhou might have found Cheng Han.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    The doctor gave some more instructions and then left the ward.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body on the hospital bed trembled slightly, tears falling from the corners of her closed eyes.


    She hadn¡¯t fallen asleep; she heard everything they said.


    Looking for Cheng Han to treat her injury?


    She didn¡¯t even dare to think about it.


    Being a doctor herself, she knew her condition all too well.


    Her hand was ruined.


    Huo Xingzhou turned around and saw her chest rising and falling slightly as she sobbed silently. He reached out his hand and gently wiped away the tears from her cheeks.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you can cry out loud.¡±


    There was a look of distress hidden in his eyes, and his voice was gentle.


    Qiao Xi tried to control her emotions as the tears slid down.


    Huo Xingzhou bent down and held her in his arms, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, it will be okay. Qiao Xi, give me two days.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s fingers were all wrapped in gauze; she took a deep breath and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, Shu Xue¡¯s phone was smashed. Can I ask you to buy one for me? I¡¯ll transfer the money to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Huo Xingzhou agreed, ¡°Is there anything else you want to do?¡±


    ¡°I... I want to... be alone for a while,¡± she said, trying hard to steady her trembling voice.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her deeply for a moment and then slowly walked out of the room.


    The room¡¯s door closed.


    It felt as if heavy cotton was stuffed in Qiao Xi¡¯s chest; she was breathing rapidly, covering herself entirely with the quilt.


    Sobbing without a sound.


    Finding Cheng Han was as hard as reaching the heavens!


    Wang Dafu had fled, Shu Xue¡¯s phone had been smashed, and the evidence was destroyed.


    She knew that with unlicensed medical practice and an injury like this, even if it could be healed, what would it matter?


    Huo Beiting, clad in a bathrobe, held a glass of red wine in his hand, leisurely savoring it. He flipped through messages on his phone, a satisfied smile on his lips.


    He heard Zhuo Feng had beaten that bumpkin woman miserably.


    Her hand was ruined too.


    It was a thorough release of resentment.


    He sipped the wine, his gaze falling on the frosted glass of the bathroom.


    Soon, the water in the bathroom stopped.


    A woman dressed in a wine-red silk slip emerged coquettishly and sat down on his lap.


    ¡°Shall we try the sofa?¡±


    Fang Anni leaned weakly into Huo Beiting¡¯s embrace, ¡°You seem to be in a good mood.¡±


    Huo Beiting sniffed her neck and said, ¡°You smell good. Taking a bath and still spraying perfume, looks like you don¡¯t want me to leave tonight.¡±


    His gaze rested on her hips¡ªmen¡¯s instinctive interest in hips seemed almost animalistic. Huo Beiting liked women with curvy figures, especially when Fang Anni was so beautiful and considerate.


    Fang Anni¡¯s lips kissed the side of his ear and whispered three words softly.


    Huo Beiting, as if provoked, pinned her down on the sofa and slipped her straps off.


    Fang Anni laughed charmingly, holding him even tighter.


    Last time she hadn¡¯t gotten pregnant, so she would try harder; she would surely conceive Huo Beiting¡¯s child. After all, this was the Huo Family¡¯s next heir.


    Clothes scattered on the floor.


    The sofa and floor rubbed against each other, making noise.


    The ringing of the mobile phone on the coffee table began, and Huo Beiting was slightly annoyed.


    Fang Anni saw who it was and said sweetly, ¡°It¡¯s Su Weiwei. Answer it.¡±


    They were tightly embraced; Huo Beiting reached out to take the phone and answered, ¡°Hello, what is it?¡± His hand continued to rove naughtily over Fang Anni.


    ¡°Beiting! Wang Dafu has run away, will he confess about me if the police catch him? I¡¯m so scared,¡± Su Weiwei said in panic.


    She was foolish, it was her first time doing something illegal.


    Huo Beiting was terse, ¡°What he did would land him at most two years in prison, you gave him half a million. As long as he isn¡¯t stupid, he¡¯ll know to take the fall for it.¡±


    Wang Dafu wouldn¡¯t confess.


    Su Weiwei felt a lot more reassured and then asked, ¡°Beiting, where are you? We...¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy, gotta go.¡±


    Huo Beiting hung up the phone in haste, as the woman beneath him teased him, her laughter bubbling up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see how I¡¯ll deal with you,¡± he said fiercely.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Fang Anni urged, her voice tightening.


    But before they could do anything, Fang Anni¡¯s phone rang again.


    It was another call from Su Weiwei.


    Fang Anni glanced at Huo Beiting and said with a smile, ¡°Want to play something more thrilling?¡±

 Chapter 69: 69: Clasp Your Head with Both Hands and Squat Down, Clean Up Pornography!

    Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Clasp Your Head with Both Hands and Squat Down, Clean Up Pornography!


    Huo Beiting raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°How do we play?¡±


    Fang Anni¡¯s foxy eyes gleamed with ambiguity, ¡°She¡¯s really stupid. We¡¯ll see who makes a sound first, and whoever does, loses.¡±


    Her fingers drew circles on Huo Beiting¡¯s chest, harboring malicious ideas of revenge against Su Weiwei in her heart.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Huo Beiting deliberately pinched her waist while speaking.


    Fang Anni took the call and put it on speaker, saying, ¡°Weiwei, why are you calling me so late? Is something wrong?¡±


    ...


    ¡°Anni, I just called Beiting and I heard the laughter of a woman by his side. Could he have found someone else?¡± Su Weiwei confided in Fang Anni as if she were her best friend.


    Fang Anni¡¯s eyes held disdain, yet she comforted her, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Men have a lot of social interactions, and he cares so much for you, how could he have another woman?¡±


    She tilted her neck back to make it easy for Huo Beiting to kiss her, then closed her eyes in enjoyment.


    On the other end of the phone, Su Weiwei continued, ¡°He¡¯s so harsh with me lately. I¡¯ve been pregnant recently, and I¡¯m really afraid he¡¯s feeling lonely and seeking solace elsewhere.¡±


    Fang Anni steadied her rapid breathing and comforted her, ¡°He¡¯s busy with work, that¡¯s very normal. Ah...¡±


    ¡°Anni, what¡¯s that sound on your end?¡± Su Weiwei couldn¡¯t quite make it out.


    Fang Anni glared at Huo Beiting coquettishly and explained into the phone, ¡°My dog bit me by accident. Weiwei, I¡¯m going to hang up now.¡±


    She reached out and ended the call.


    She clenched her fist and hit Huo Beiting, saying, ¡°You¡¯re so bad!¡±


    Huo Beiting gripped her wrist and responded, ¡°You¡¯re the worse one, purposely fooling her.¡±


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Fang Anni snorted coldly, ¡°It¡¯s all because she¡¯s so eager to introduce me to boyfriends, as if she¡¯s afraid I won¡¯t find one.¡±


    Huo Beiting caressed her cheek, saying, ¡°You¡¯ve got her husband keeping you company, aren¡¯t you satisfied?¡±


    Fang Anni was cheered up by his sweet talk.


    The two shamelessly entangled with each other once more.


    Suddenly.


    The door to the hotel room was violently broken open!


    ¡°Put your hands on your head and squat down, cooperate with the inspection! Vice raid!¡±


    ...


    Su Weiwei arrived at the Public Security Bureau¡¯s order department overnight, holding in her rage as she paid the bail to release Huo Beiting and that shameless woman.


    The order department soon let the two of them out.


    Only then did he realize the seriousness of the matter.


    Su Weiwei was having a miscarriage.


    The Su Family would surely be enraged, and his grandfather would be even more dissatisfied with him.


    ¡°I...¡± Fang Anni trembled, saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hurt her child.¡±


    Huo Beiting gave her a cold stare, without any of his usual tenderness.


    ...


    The next day.


    Haicheng City Hospital, Room 2106.


    Qiao Xi sat alone on the hospital bed with a TV remote control by her hand.


    Her gaze was vacant, as if a layer of fog covered the depths of her eyes. She was immersed in her own world, her eyes unfocused, making those almond pupils appear even more pitch-black and empty.


    The news interview played loudly on the television.


    It was Ma Hongwen, the vice chairman of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, delivering a speech.


    His hair was combed meticulously, dressed in a suit and tie exuding the aura of a person in power.


    His slightly protruding beer belly made him look a bit well-off.


    ¡°As the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, we are resolved to fight against malpractice until the end. To purge the Chinese Medicine Community of its bad elements and protect the public¡¯s right to life. Especially those practicing medicine without a license, seeking profit from incompetence, we will banish them from the industry and forbid them from practicing medicine for life.¡±


    He spoke righteously, full of benevolence.


    If Qiao Xi hadn¡¯t heard from Zhuo Feng that he was behind Wanren Hall, she would have truly believed him to be a principled, good Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.


    The female host asked, ¡°Vice Chairman Ma, when you speak of practicing without a license, are you referring to the intern at Haicheng City Hospital, Qiao Xi, recently involved in an incident? Do you have anything to say about her case?¡±


    Ma Hongwen disdainfully said, ¡°Just a foolish and ignorant young girl. She did not value the patient¡¯s life, causing their condition to worsen. She also disregarded hospital rules and prescribed medications on her own. If we were in ancient times, this would be described as disloyalty, unrighteousness and lack of humanity ¨C unworthy of practicing Chinese medicine.¡±


    He publicly declared that Qiao Xi was forbidden from practicing medicine for life!


    ¡°Today, we also invited Ms. Zhao, Qiao Xi¡¯s mother. Regarding this matter, her stance is the same as ours.¡±


    The host adeptly capitalized on the hot topic, inviting the limelight-seeking Zhao Yuzhen.


    Zhao Yuzhen dressed brightly and lavishly, pouring out grievances to the camera, ¡°Our Qiao Xi is very disobedient. I tried everything to get her married into a wealthy family for a better life, but she refused to acknowledge me as her mother. She¡¯s a person who wants quick success and is not surprised by such actions.¡±


    She wiped away her tears, looking pitifully as she said, ¡°The last time she clamored about severing ties with me. Since that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll grant her wish on this interview. From today onwards, I, Zhao Yuzhen, sever the mother-daughter relationship with Qiao Xi.¡±


    Qiao Xi, watching Zhao Yuzhen on television, hadn¡¯t expected that even her biological mother would kick her when she was down.


    The Internet was filled with slander and insults towards her.


    Qiao Xi tightly closed her eyes, which were dry and red from distress.


    The door to the hospital room gently opened, and a man walked over, picked up the remote control, and turned off the TV.

 Chapter 70: 70 Young Master Sun, Its Time to Prove Your Might

    Chapter 70: Chapter 70 Young Master Sun, It¡¯s Time to Prove Your Might


    The room quieted down.


    Huo Xingzhou placed the thermos on the side and lifted the lid.


    The rich aroma wafted out, and he began, ¡°This is the pork rib congee Aunt Qian prepared for you.¡± He scooped a small bowl and sat down in front of Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Drink some?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, do me a favor.¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was indifferent, very patient.


    ...


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    When she began to speak, her throat was dry and sore.


    Having not spoken for a long time, her voice was hoarse.


    ¡°Am I that bad? Why would even my biological mother side with outsiders?¡± She hated Zhao Yuzhen, but she couldn¡¯t deny that she craved maternal love.


    She was just a girl starved of love, forced by circumstances to be strong.


    ¡°You¡¯re excellent; it¡¯s them who are foolish,¡± Huo Xingzhou said softly.


    He set the bowl aside and slowly embraced her.


    The warmth of his body made Qiao Xi unable to hold back her tears. She clenched Huo Xingzhou¡¯s clothes tightly, crying sadly.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you will be fine.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou already had a foolproof plan; he just couldn¡¯t tell her yet.


    She looked up, her clear, dark eyes questioning him, ¡°Will I really be okay?¡±


    Even the doctors said it was impossible.


    They said unless Cheng Han was found. But who knew where Cheng Han was? Even if he were found, he might not agree to treat her.


    ¡°Of course, you will.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou scooped another spoonful of pork rib congee and brought it to her lips. She licked them subconsciously, and the rich, savory taste filled her mouth.


    Seeing her willingness to eat, Huo Xingzhou breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, when I was vegetative and my legs were paralyzed, I was like you. The doctors said only a miracle could save me, otherwise, I¡¯d be like that for life. But then you came...¡±


    She was that miracle.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I can save you, but not myself.¡±


    Her head buzzed, feeling like she was forgetting something important, something significant she had overlooked.


    ¡°This time it¡¯s my turn to help you,¡± Huo Xingzhou said earnestly, looking at her, ¡°Give me some time, and I¡¯ll bring Cheng Han to you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± she said without thinking.


    So many people were looking for Cheng Han, and no one found him.


    How could he possibly bring Cheng Han here?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Huo Xingzhou; I¡¯ll make sure everyone sees Young Master Sun¡¯s achievements!¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    After Huo Xingzhou finished, he hung up the phone and looked at the newcomer.


    Xu Xiuyuan sized him up, his gaze finally settling on his legs, ¡°You¡¯ve recovered? Were you faking it before?¡±


    People found it easier to believe that he was faking it from the start rather than having recovered.


    Huo Xingzhou snorted, ¡°In your eyes, am I that good of an actor? Whether I was faking or not, your Xu Family knows best.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan also realized his slip of the tongue.


    He had been the first to rush to the scene of the accident, the blood-stained ground, a grisly sight.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, have you found Cheng Han?¡± Xu Xiuyuan guessed, that being the only possibility.


    His legs, no one else could cure them.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at him mockingly and said, ¡°Is this why you came, to speak such rubbish?¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s face grew colder; he had come to check on Qiao Xi.


    For some reason, he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. He had also heard about last night¡¯s incident; he hadn¡¯t expected Wanren Hall was reported by her, which led to Zhuo Feng¡¯s revenge.


    ¡°You have time to visit the ward, you might as well go back and discover the truth. Otherwise, interns will end up cursed and trending online for practicing without a license, and then they¡¯ll be suspended and punished by the hospital,¡± Huo Xingzhou said mockingly.


    ¡°Suspending her was to quell public opinion, to preserve...¡±


    ¡°Xu Xiuyuan, she might be your sacrifice for preserving the hospital¡¯s reputation, but she is my wife, Huo Xingzhou,¡± he said coldly, ¡°As for this matter, you may want to stay out of it, but I will handle it.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan took a deep breath, pushing down the anger in his heart and said, ¡°If you need help, just say so.¡±


    He felt guilty towards Qiao Xi.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t mince words, ¡°Call a press conference in the name of Haicheng City Hospital.¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan frowned and looked at him.


    ¡°Clarify the rumors, vindicate Qiao Xi,¡± Huo Xingzhou said coldly.


    Xu Xiuyuan immediately said, ¡°Impossible. Even if you catch Wang Dafu and make him confess about faking the illness, it won¡¯t work. The essence of the matter now is that Qiao Xi practiced without a license and got caught on tape!¡±


    Unless Qiao Xi has a medical practice license.


    Otherwise, it¡¯s a dead end, with no way out.


    ¡°You said you¡¯d help, is this how you help?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou disdainfully said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to help, just say so; I¡¯m not morally blackmailing you.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan was so angered by him that he had to maintain a facade of composure.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    What¡¯s said is said, what¡¯s done is done.


    Huo Xingzhou and his rogue tactics, always leaving him in a rage.

 Chapter 71: 71: A Cornered Rabbit Will Even Bite

    Chapter 71: Chapter 71: A Cornered Rabbit Will Even Bite


    After Xu Xiuyuan left.


    Huo Xingzhou took out his phone and dialed the number at the very bottom of his contact list, and the call was quickly answered.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke softly, ¡°Mr. Cheng, you must already know about the situation in Haicheng. This time, Qiao Xi needs you.¡±


    He knew Cheng Han had changed his name and gone into hiding for a reason.


    Asking him to reappear might be very difficult for him.


    ¡°Her finger bones are shattered, and the doctors say it¡¯s hard for them to heal. Only National Doctor Cheng Han from back then can do something. I remember, last time, you showed me many credentials. I think Qiao Xi could use them now, so please, I need your help.¡±


    ...


    His tone was earnest, not arrogant at all.


    The other party cursed and grumbled.


    Huo Xingzhou kept his composure and said many good words.


    Half an hour later, he laid out the entire plan, and the other party finally agreed.


    Huo Xingzhou hung up the call, his fingers caressing the edge of the phone as a faint, indifferent smile formed at his lips.


    All was ready, except for the opportunity.


    ¡°Stay here and make sure no one gets close to the hospital room,¡± Huo Xingzhou said to the two bodyguards at the door, as he went to confirm one thing.


    A thing that would cause Huo Beiting immense pain.


    ¡°Understood, Mr. Huo.¡±


    The bodyguards were very responsible, standing like imposing statues on either side of the hospital room. Even the nurses, upon seeing them, kept their distance.


    In the afternoon.


    Noise echoed from the staircase at the end of the corridor.


    Two elevators brought down dozens of people, a huge, dense crowd.


    Among the swarming masses, leading were Director Wu and Wu Yachun, uncle and nephew; followed by a large group of emotionally charged family members of patients and reporters.


    They were bearing down with great momentum.


    Director Wu and Wu Yachun, one demoted and the other reprimanded, held a grudge in their hearts.


    This time, they had finally caught a mistake made by Qiao Xi.


    Behind them was a group of patient¡¯s family members they had incited, all of whom were family of critically ill patients, engulfed in grief and anger, in need of a vent. There were also the parents of Wang Dafu, a couple in their seventies, crying their hearts out.


    When they reached the 21st floor, the undercover reporters turned on their miniature camcorders.


    ¡°Qiao Xi is staying in room 2106,¡± Wu Yachun said coldly.


    ¡°Old Wang, Old Madam Wang, look, she even has professional bodyguards at her door. Wang Dafu¡¯s disappearance must be related to her!¡± Director Wu instigated, ¡°Who knows if she, out of spite, ordered the bodyguards to harm Wang Dafu!¡±


    Upon hearing this, Old Madam Wang screamed and ran over.


    Compared to them, she seemed unkind. The reporters hurried to capture this footage and immediately posted it online.


    They chose a sensational headline: ¡°Mediocre Doctor Qiao Xi Suspected of Murder to Silence, Wang Dafu¡¯s Parents Beg for Mercy.¡±


    This title set off a storm of controversy and triggered a new round of public outrage against Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, Dafu is our only son. Please tell us where he is!¡± Wang Da¡¯s wife knew how to play the victim. Seeing the support she had, she banged her head against the floor until blood marks appeared on her forehead.


    ¡°Old lady, those rich folks don¡¯t see us as human,¡± said Wang Dafu¡¯s father, supporting her. The couple dissolved into a flood of tears.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s dark pupils were calm as though cleansed by water; their words cut through her like knives, slicing her veins and flesh, like thorns piercing her body.


    All of a sudden, her nose filled with a sourness and a sense of grievance she had never felt before.


    In an instant,


    her heart grew even harder.


    She slowly began to speak: ¡°If you are looking for Wang Dafu, you should go to the police. For details, you can contact Officer Lin Tao at the Haicheng City Public Security Bureau.¡±


    What did she mean?


    The others were all confused.


    Qiao Xi ignored their questions and turned to Director Wu and Wu Yachun in the crowd, saying, ¡°As medical staff, you disrupt the hospital order. I will report this to Dean Xu, and I hope you still have good luck this time.¡±


    ¡°And to all the reporters here, please be responsible for what you say. I will screenshot your reports and let the lawyers decide.¡±


    Her stance was firm, and it vastly differed from her gentle and delicate appearance.


    ¡°Qiao Xi! You are bullying by your power!¡± Wu Yachun was the first to object.


    She was jealous that Qiao Xi had become the Young Madam of the Huo Family and the wife of Tianyuan Group¡¯s CEO.


    All that dissatisfaction, bottled up in her heart, couldn¡¯t wait to kick Qiao Xi while she was down.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she stood in the hallway, shining like a ray of light.


    ¡°I am indeed bullying by my power. The power I wield is Huo Xingzhou¡¯s, and it¡¯s you I am bullying!¡± Qiao Xi looked at them coldly.


    ¡°So, when you insult me, humiliate me, and willfully report slander against me, think about who is standing behind me.¡±


    There was a fire raging within her heart, breaking through the fragile cocoon.


    Her cheeks bore fresh scars as she stood there.


    ¡°I am Qiao Xi, and Huo Xingzhou, the CEO of Tianyuan Group, is my husband!¡±


    She had always treated others with kindness, and even if bullied, she endured it.


    But not this time.


    She didn¡¯t want to endure anymore!


    Standing outside the crowd, Zhou Yu rested his hand on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair, as if he was seeing Qiao Xi for the first time.


    He exclaimed, ¡°Wow, Sister-in-law is like a cornered rabbit that will even bite!¡±


    They had not expected to return to such a scene after completing their errands.

 Chapter 72: 72: A Kiss, The Painkiller

    Chapter 72: Chapter 72: A Kiss, The Painkiller


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you...¡±


    Wu Yachun trembled with anger, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her threats. Practicing medicine without a license is punishable with a prison sentence, how could the president of Tianyuan Group want a woman who¡¯s been in jail as a wife.¡±


    They were convinced that Qiao Xi would end up in prison.


    At least a starting sentence of three years.


    ¡°Yeah, impossible!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s just bluffing with borrowed power!¡±


    ...


    ¡°If I were the president of Tianyuan Group, I wouldn¡¯t want her either.¡±


    They had all been intimidated by Qiao Xi just now, some were even planning to sneak away to avoid her grudge.


    Even the reporters secretly put down their cameras, not daring to continue filming.


    It was only after Wu Yachun¡¯s reminder that they came back to their senses.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Zhou Yu couldn¡¯t help but speak out, ¡°You are all speculating here, why not ask the person in question?¡±


    He laughed boldly.


    When those people turned around, they saw him and Huo Xingzhou by his side.


    The man¡¯s eyes were icy cold.


    ¡°Huo... Huo Xingzhou.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Huo Xingzhou.¡±


    They panicked and scrambled to the side to minimize their presence, only daring to whisper among themselves.


    Zhou Yu pushed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wheelchair forward and said, ¡°You¡¯re really funny. You say Qiao Xi bullies others with her power, but you yourselves bully the weak and fear the strong.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was grim as he spoke indifferently, ¡°My family affairs, you¡¯re quite concerned.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Yu, make sure they delete everything they¡¯ve filmed before they can leave.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡±


    ¡°You handle the rest here.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou maneuvered his wheelchair forward and grasped Qiao Xi¡¯s wrist, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside first.¡±


    His tone was indisputable.


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently followed by his side.


    Zhou Yu rolled up his sleeves, letting the two bodyguards show no mercy as they forcefully deleted all the photos and videos that had been taken.


    His gaze then fell upon the relatives of patients who had been incited, as well as Wang Dafu¡¯s parents.


    ¡°Wang Dafu has been arrested by the police for the suspected kidnapping case, and the police will soon make an announcement. If you¡¯re looking for him, you should go to the police station.¡±


    He said with a smile, ¡°And you fools, believing whatever you¡¯re told, being used as pawns. Investigating your identities is a piece of cake for me, I expect you to apologize to Qiao Xi after the City Hospital press conference. If you don¡¯t show up, I¡¯ll come knocking on your doors one by one.¡±


    They were angry but dared not speak.


    He glanced teasingly at Director Wu and Wu Yachun, the hidden coldness in his eyes making them shudder.


    Zhou Yu said, ¡°All of you, will get what¡¯s coming to you.¡±


    They fell silent, no longer daring to speak.


    ...


    He wanted to ask but swallowed the words instead.


    Because the girl in front of him kissed his lips passionately.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s back stiffened slightly, the red mole on his neck burning hot and blistering. The empathy, joy, and heartache she conveyed made him momentarily distracted.


    For a moment.


    Qiao Xi pulled away, saying with an unnatural expression, ¡°The dopamine released by the body has an analgesic effect.¡±


    The excuse she fabricated couldn¡¯t even fool a layman like Huo Xingzhou.


    But he nodded thoughtfully.


    ¡°I understand,¡± he said, his tone barely concealing a smile.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face turned even redder.


    She shifted uncomfortably, but her wrist was encircled by Huo Xingzhou, who deliberately avoided her injury.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, the dose of dopamine was insufficient.¡±


    As he finished speaking,


    he kissed her again.


    Passionate, scorching hot.


    Irresistible.


    He was tender and focused, restrained yet seductive.


    Her heart pounded frantically, longing yet shy. She even thought that if they became the closest of people, then...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body went limp, laid down on the soft hospital bed.


    The man leaned down to kiss her, and her vision dimmed.


    She could feel the scars on her neck being kissed over and over, with a certain softness to the licks.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but cry out, curling her toes. All her attention was on him, and the pain from the wounds seemed to fade.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, you did very well today. Please continue to bully me; I really like it when you¡¯re bold and radiant.¡±


    It was like she was shining.


    He whispered.


    Qiao Xi felt somewhat elated by his compliments.


    ¡°Are you not mad at me?¡± she murmured softly.


    ¡°No,¡± he said, looking deeply at her. ¡°I¡¯m just afraid that everyone else will passionately like that side of you too.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t have her to himself.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, how could they possibly like me?¡± Qiao Xi found the idea laughable; they would rather curse her to death.


    Huo Xingzhou chuckled softly; she was so naively cute.


    Just wait until two days later, when her identity is revealed, those all those suitors will descend on her like bees to honey.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, attend the press conference at City Hospital with me in two days. I¡¯ll cleanse you of all the mud that¡¯s been slung at you.¡±


    There, she will meet Cheng Han.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mind reeled from his words.


    Could what he said really happen?


    But he was Huo Xingzhou, after all.

 Chapter 73: 73: Young Master Sun, Reinvigorating His Prowess!

    Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Young Master Sun, Reinvigorating His Prowess!


    That night.


    In the Haicheng high-end club, there was an exaggerated rumor.


    Young Master Sun had conquered several women in one night.


    He had regained his virility!


    Those women who had been with him all said he was fantastic, each one praising him endlessly.


    Even some rich and indulgent youths personally took to the field to prove it, spreading the word through their moments on social media.


    ...


    Clips circulate in the moments, confirming that Sun Weimeng had truly shed his former image, his erectile dysfunction was cured!


    He was even more ferocious than the average man.


    Such juicy news always spread quickly.


    Sun Weimeng lay on the big bed in the hotel, skillfully opening another package of ¡°Wife¡¯s Delight¡±.


    He worked tirelessly like an old ox, only his instincts were at work while his soul soared high above.


    He wondered, just how much was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s ¡°the more the better¡±?


    He hadn¡¯t stopped all night, and dawn was breaking outside.


    ¡°Young Master Sun, you are so powerful,¡± praised the curvaceous lady beneath him with enthusiasm.


    With a fierce surge, Sun Weimeng turned over and, gasping for breath, asked, ¡°Which number are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the seventh. You¡¯ve slept with all the prettiest sisters in the club tonight...¡±


    Young Master Sun waved his hand, pulling a designer bag from the drawer and stuffing it into her hands, ¡°You can go now, remember to post on your moments, the kind with a photo.¡±


    ¡°Young Master Sun, you¡¯re so naughty, asking people to post that kind of photo. Everyone knows you¡¯re potent now,¡± she said.


    The woman took the money, quickly dressed, and sashayed out.


    Sun Weimeng sat up abruptly and gulped down a pot of cold water.


    This was indeed hard labor, even more tiring than moving bricks on a construction site.


    At this rate, those ¡°Wife¡¯s Delights¡± probably won¡¯t last eight years, one month, and ten days.


    What he did this night wasn¡¯t humanly possible. Not only did he have to perform hard labor, but he also had to take calls from his wastrel friends, letting them accidentally hear the screams of women to confirm his recovery.


    He had just finished drinking when the phone rang again.


    ¡°Hello,¡± he answered.


    It was those indulgent youths again, trying to probe for news.


    ¡°Sun Weimeng! What kind of medicine have you taken to be so fierce, sleeping with seven in one night! Quickly introduce it to your brothers,¡± they said.


    Men always love to compete, especially not wanting to fall behind in this regard.


    Sun Weimeng replied coldly, ¡°Young master has found a miracle doctor!¡±


    She felt something was off with her husband, who had been leaving the house too frequently lately.


    The Liu Family.


    Old Lady Liu was leaning back in her recliner, as her eldest daughter-in-law, Yang Yuerong, holding her newborn, accompanied her in watching the live broadcast of the press conference.


    Old Lady Liu lamented, ¡°Xiaoqiao is a good doctor, kindhearted and highly skilled in her medical practice. That Wang Dafu does not look like a decent man. No matter the outcome, our Liu Family should provide all the help we can.¡±


    Yang Yuerong nodded and said, ¡°That¡¯s right. We owe Qiao Doctor a huge debt of gratitude for saving our baby from a difficult birth. She is a great benefactor to our Liu Family.¡±


    The Liu Family and Qiao Xi were fated to be connected.


    But it was different with the Su Family.


    Su Weiwei was lying on the couch covering her stomach, with Su Heng and Zhao Yuzhen sitting beside her.


    She said mockingly, ¡°Stepmom, you were right to publicly sever ties with Qiao Xi. Otherwise, having a criminal coming from the Su Family would impact my dad¡¯s reputation.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s prison sentence was settled!


    Zhao Yuzhen brought her a bowl of silver fungus and lotus seed soup and said patiently, ¡°Weiwei, nourish your body. You are my only daughter, what does Qiao Xi have to do with you?¡±


    She smiled in a flattering manner.


    Seeing this, Su Heng commented indifferently, ¡°It seems Qiao Xi doesn¡¯t have that luck. With Huo Xingzhou¡¯s status rising, he will certainly divorce that country girl who¡¯s going to jail. The position of Tianyuan¡¯s CEO¡¯s wife will soon be vacant.¡±


    Undoubtedly, many would covet the position.


    Su Weiwei¡¯s eyes gleamed shrewdly.


    ¡°Dad, what do you think about giving that spot back to me? After all, I haven¡¯t registered the marriage with Huo Beiting yet,¡± she said.


    She was supposed to marry Huo Xingzhou in the first place, if not for Qiao Xi¡¯s interference.


    Now, she had grown estranged from Huo Beiting and had suffered a miscarriage.


    She didn¡¯t mind that Huo Xingzhou was disabled in both legs and was a divorce?; he shouldn¡¯t mind that she had had a dead person in her womb.


    Su Heng¡¯s face hardened as he said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t delude yourself. You better just stick with Huo Beiting. How many heiresses in Haicheng want to throw themselves at him? Without Qiao Xi, there would be someone from the Xu Family.¡±


    He felt his daughter had been spoiled by him.


    A woman who had been pregnant and engaged, actually aspired to marry Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Dad! Huo Beiting is seeing other women outside!¡± Su Weiwei said indignantly, ¡°He also approached that bitch Fang Anni, intent on humiliating me!¡±


    Su Heng advised, ¡°So what if a man sees a few women? As long as he holds a high position, you benefit as well. He¡¯s been very attentive to you these past days. Don¡¯t be so pretentious, just give him a way out.¡±


    The 30% share of the Huo Family would eventually be Huo Beiting¡¯s.


    Upon hearing his words, Zhao Yuzhen felt complex emotions. If Su Heng could say such things, it was likely he had women on the side as well.


    Su Weiwei humphed in discontent but did not argue.


    ¡°It¡¯s all Qiao Xi¡¯s fault for ruining my life. Watch the live stream, I want to see her being taken away by the police with my own eyes.¡±


    Amidst eager anticipation.


    Half-past ten.


    The City Hospital press conference officially began!

 Chapter 74: 74: Press Conference, National Doctor Cheng Han Arrives!

    Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Press Conference, National Doctor Cheng Han Arrives!


    City Hospital¡¯s grand conference hall.


    The reporters had all adjusted their equipment, cameras focused on the podium, and it began!


    Three people were seated on the stage: Xu Xiuyuan, Huo Xingzhou, and Qiao Xi.


    Faint scars still adorned Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks, and both her hands were wrapped in gauze. The reporters took countless photos of her injuries.


    She wasn¡¯t accustomed to such events and continually found herself blinded by the flashing lights.


    Huo Xingzhou gently squeezed her wrist and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Today, no one can slander you.¡±


    ...


    Qiao Xi slightly turned her head and gazed deeply at him.


    Then, she nodded firmly.


    Mr. Huo said to listen to him. As long as she recounted what happened that day, everything would be fine.


    Xu Xiuyuan was the first to speak; he picked up the microphone and his crisp voice carried, ¡°Good morning, everyone. Welcome to City Hospital¡¯s press conference. I am Xu Xiuyuan, the administrative head of City Hospital, and I will be moderating today¡¯s press conference.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan was quite famous, the dream of countless young girls in Haicheng.


    Young, accomplished, impeccably virtuous, he was the proud scion of the Xu Family, head of City Hospital.


    The reporters showed respect.


    ¡°Before we start with your questions, let¡¯s allow Qiao Xi to give her account of what happened that day.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan signaled Qiao Xi to speak.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and looked up at the many cameras.


    She began speaking slowly, ¡°There are two rumors on the internet. The first is that I practiced medicine without a license, leading to the worsening of Wang Dafu¡¯s condition. The second is that I used my power to make Wang Dafu disappear.¡±


    ¡°At that time, Wang Dafu came for consultation. My supervising doctor, Yan Shi¡¯an, was present throughout. My diagnosis and prescription were issued under the supervision of Dr. Yan. He left for a moment due to a prank call, and during that time, Wang Dafu took the opportunity to record a video and upload it online, then pretended to be ill and caused a scene the next day.¡±


    Her narrative was clear and neither servile nor overbearing.


    ¡°Secondly, regarding using my power to make Wang Dafu disappear,¡±


    she extended her bandage-wrapped hands and said, ¡°After Wang Dafu made a scene at the hospital, my colleague and I found it strange, so we went to the hotel where Wang Dafu was staying. We happened to catch him smoking and drinking, and took evidence. Out of revenge, he collaborated with Zhuo Feng, the owner of Wanren Hall, to kidnap me and destroy the video evidence.¡±


    ¡°If you contact Haicheng Police, you can confirm the news of Wang Dafu¡¯s arrest.¡±


    These were the two points she wanted to clarify.


    The reporters were whispering among themselves and even called the public security bureau on the spot to confirm the news, after which they began to question her.


    ¡°Miss Qiao, Haicheng Police did indeed arrest Wang Dafu, which proves the kidnapping is true. But that doesn¡¯t prove everything you said is correct.¡±


    ¡°Miss Qiao, you claim you were defamed, but you have no evidence to prove your innocence. Is that correct?¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, there are many doubts about this case. The video we saw on the internet is real. In the video, you indeed practiced medicine without a license, and the prescription is unsigned.¡±


    These seasoned reporters weren¡¯t so easily fooled.


    Moreover, some had taken money and infiltrated the crowd, intending to stir up confusion.


    There was also a public outcry on the internet.


    Qiao Xi was stunned.


    The reporters present were also taken aback.


    The viewers watching the live broadcast were dumbfounded.


    Only Ma Hongwen, the Vice President of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, had a gloomy face¡ªhe hadn¡¯t even bothered to look closely at the certificates before loudly declaring, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen! Don¡¯t be deceived by this couple! Our Association has never issued these certificates!¡±


    ¡°Thus, all of these are fake!¡±


    Fake!


    Right!


    Only this explanation made sense.


    The reporters¡¯ minds worked quickly, and their microphones almost poked in the faces of Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you had just graduated and didn¡¯t qualify to apply for a medical license. Registering five years ago is even more preposterous! Everyone knows that one must complete a year of internship before they can apply for a medical license!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, Vice President Ma Hongwen has personally confirmed that these are fake! What do you have to say for yourselves?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s real, why didn¡¯t you show it in the first place to prove your innocence?¡±


    A contemptuous smile curved the corner of Ma Hongwen¡¯s lips.


    Contend with him?


    Digging their own graves.


    Qiao Xi pursed her red lips and discretely tugged at Huo Xingzhou¡¯s jacket. She felt heartbroken and guilty; Mr. Huo had actually gone to the extent of making fake certificates for her.


    Huo Xingzhou looked detached and calm, with no ripple in his eyes.


    ¡°Who says there¡¯s only one path to obtaining a medical license?¡± he spoke coldly and indifferently, like the last fistful of snow in the cold mountain winter.


    So cold that it discouraged any direct gaze, any sacrilege.


    Ma Hongwen scoffed with ridicule, intent on pushing them onto a dead end.


    With Wanren Hall wrecked, his funding was severed.


    Cutting off one¡¯s livelihood was akin to killing one¡¯s parents. He had long harbored resentment toward Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    He stood up, his voice even louder, ¡°There are indeed two paths to obtaining a medical license. The first is graduating from an accredited school, completing the internship, and passing the assessment. The second is more stringent, requiring an apprenticeship under a famous doctor with years of clinical experience...¡±


    ¡°As far as I¡¯m aware, Qiao Xi is a graduate from Haicheng University Medical College and also a country bumpkin. How could she possibly meet the conditions to apprentice under a famous doctor? Which blind doctor would take her on as a disciple?¡±


    Ma Hongwen spoke at length, convincing most of the crowd.


    And the way Huo Xingzhou looked at him was as if looking at a dead man.


    In the back wall of the conference hall, the quartz clock¡¯s hour and minute hands aligned. Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips quirked in a slight smile¡ª the National Doctor was never late, and it was time for his arrival.


    Clang.


    The doors to the conference hall were flung open.


    An old man with silvery hair, exuding energy and dressed in a white training outfit, appeared before everyone.


    His voice, weathered yet powerful, rang out, ¡°What if I am that blind person?¡±

 Chapter 75: 75: Qiao Xi is My Apprentice, Cheng Han!

    Chapter 75: Chapter 75: Qiao Xi is My Apprentice, Cheng Han!


    ¡°Cheng... Cheng Han!¡±


    Ma Hongwen rubbed his eyes in disbelief, trembling as he spoke.


    His body went limp, and he plopped down onto a chair.


    ¡°Cheng Han!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s National Doctor Cheng Han!¡±


    The reporters hadn¡¯t expected Cheng Han to appear!


    ...


    ¡®He had vanished from the public eye for over a decade, yet he reappeared as spirited and as ethereal as ever!


    Many people filled with tears upon seeing him on the live broadcast.


    In the past, from the powerful to the common folk.


    Many had received Cheng Han¡¯s kindness.


    His miraculous medical skills, his supremely noble character.


    The quintessential National Doctor.


    The reporters all gathered around him, eager to get the first-hand information.


    Qiao Xi suddenly looked at the familiar old man.


    They said, Grandpa Cheng is National Doctor Cheng Han?


    Grandpa Cheng¡¯s full name was Cheng Lidong.


    Lidong, isn¡¯t that another word for ¡®cold¡¯?


    It was just too incredible to believe.


    She looked at Huo Xingzhou for confirmation, and the man nodded.


    Qiao Xi felt dazed, realizing he had known all along, which is why he was so sure he could clear her name. Those certificates they had produced were probably real too.


    This was his and Grandpa Cheng¡¯s secret.


    Then, Cheng Han addressed the crowd, ¡°Qiao Xi is my disciple, and these certificates are indeed genuine. I have never resigned as the honorary president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, and the seals on them are all authentic.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been cultivating her in secret for over a decade. Fortunately, I had the foresight to prepare these many certificates for her, just in case. I never thought someone would use this as an excuse to frame her.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see who dares to accuse her of practicing without a license now!¡±


    He picked up those certificates and flipped to the last page, where ¡°Cheng Han¡± was written in the bottom right corner.


    Qiao Xi had earned her medical license through ¡®master-apprentice¡¯ training, and her master was none other than the renowned National Doctor.


    The scene fell silent.


    The barrage of live comments went quiet too.


    What a twist. From what Cheng Han said, it seemed Qiao Xi hadn¡¯t even been aware of his identity as a National Doctor.


    Cheng Han spoke with profound confidence, ¡°Although she is young, she has remarkable talent and has worked hard and diligently. With her level of ability, she should have graduated long ago!¡±


    Everyone instinctively doubted that a young woman could be so capable, but these were Cheng Han¡¯s words.


    Cheng Han¡¯s voice boomed as he turned to Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Huo family lad, until when do you intend to keep the truth hidden?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips curved slightly upwards.


    He rose to his feet slowly and walked over to Cheng Han: ¡°I dare not hide it any longer.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou stood up!


    They all stared dumbly at his legs, as he said, ¡°My legs were healed by Qiao Xi.¡±


    Everyone was stunned to numbness.


    Who knows how much effort Qiao Xi had put in.


    Her daughter-in-law turned out to be the apprentice of National Doctor Cheng Han; such joy was enough to wake her from a dream!


    Laughing and crying, the mother and daughter burst into laughter together.


    ...


    In the Liu Family¡¯s living room.


    Old Madame Liu¡¯s emotions were complex, she remarked, ¡°I thought I would never see National Doctor Cheng Han again in my lifetime, I didn¡¯t expect he would show up for a junior.¡±


    Her daughter-in-law Yang Yuerong said excitedly, ¡°Does that mean my little uncle can be saved? Now that Cheng Han has shown up, he must have a way.¡±


    The Liu Family had a ¡®living dead.¡¯


    He had been lying there for twenty-two years.


    Old Madame Liu sadly said, ¡°Back then when we asked for Cheng Han¡¯s help, he was not willing to come. Now, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯d be even less willing.¡±


    Yang Yuerong thought quickly and immediately said, ¡°But there¡¯s Doctor Qiao! She cured Huo Xingzhou and Sun Weimeng¡¯s illnesses; perhaps the student surpasses the master.¡±


    ¡°Right!¡±


    Old Madame Liu¡¯s eyes filled with tears, ¡°And there¡¯s Xiaoqiao!¡±


    ...


    At the Su Family¡¯s home.


    Su Weiwei picked up the teacup and smashed it against the television screen.


    With a crash, the LCD displayed shattered.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be true! How could that village girl be an apprentice of National Doctor Cheng Han! How could that cripple Huo Xingzhou be cured!¡±


    All of this drove her mad, impossible to accept!


    She was so jealous her liver and intestines felt torn apart, tormented to the core!


    Su Heng¡¯s face darkened as he questioned Zhao Yuzhen, ¡°Your daughter has such great ability, taught by Cheng Han for so many years, and you knew nothing?¡±


    ¡°I... I didn¡¯t know,¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen explained.


    ¡°Foolish woman! Such clear benefits and connections were delivered right to your doorstep, and you destroyed them!¡± Su Heng¡¯s temples throbbed with anger.


    An apprentice National Doctor, a President of Tianyuan Group.


    Zhao Yuzhen had ruined his opportunity!


    ¡°Husband...¡± Zhao Yuzhen called out pitifully.


    She also regretted it so much her guts turned green.


    Finally, Zhao Yuzhen understood why Qiao Xi had said what she did at the auction that day.


    She said she would regret it, and Zhao Yuzhen truly did regret!


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me!¡±


    Su Heng slapped her across the face, ¡°Stay away from me, I¡¯m not coming back for a few days.¡±


    ¡°Husband!¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen watched as Su Heng stormed off in anger.


    ¡°You vile woman, you ruined me!¡± Su Weiwei vented all her anger on Zhao Yuzhen, grabbing her and beating her violently.


    Zhao Yuzhen screamed pitifully, yet she didn¡¯t dare to fight back.


    In her heart, she screamed in agony; she had to find Qiao Xi!


    At all costs, she would beg for her forgiveness!

 Chapter 76: 76: Huo Beiting, Kneeling and Kowtowing to Beg for Medical Help!

    Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Huo Beiting, Kneeling and Kowtowing to Beg for Medical Help!


    City Hospital, inpatient department.


    In the hospital room.


    Qiao Xi sat obediently on the hospital bed, her eyes red as she looked at the elderly man in front of her.


    ¡°Grandfather Cheng.¡±


    Her voice choked with emotion.


    ¡°Good child, you¡¯ve been wronged,¡± Cheng Han sighed, ¡°I had my difficulties for not telling you about my identity.¡±


    ...


    The situation forced his hand now.


    If possible, Cheng Han would rather not appear within the sight of those people.


    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you. I¡¯m just very surprised,¡± Qiao Xi felt as if she¡¯d been hit by a pie falling from the sky.


    Upon hearing her words, Cheng Han managed a smile and said, ¡°Stretch out your hand, let me have a look.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently extended both her bandaged hands.


    Cheng Han slowly unwrapped the gauze from her hands.


    Her fingers, muddled with blood and crusted with scabs, were revealed.


    After the surgery, her fingers were still swollen, looking like little radishes.


    It was a frightening sight.


    Cheng Han took the Golden Needle and pierced her acupoints.


    He was very focused.


    On the other side of the room, Sun Weimeng nudged Huo Xingzhou with his elbow and asked in a low voice, ¡°Will her hands recover?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou turned his head and gave him a cold glance.


    Sun Weimeng slapped his own mouth, saying, ¡°Psh, of course, they¡¯ll recover.¡±


    Feeling bored again, he tried to take credit for himself, ¡°I¡¯ve been tirelessly working day and night. I¡¯ve completed the tasks you gave me. Am I not impressive?¡± He hadn¡¯t rested for a single day, and now his eyes were ringed with dark circles.


    He had called on every model at the club.


    Spending a fortune and capable as well.


    He had caused quite a few girls to fight over him out of jealousy.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou replied to him, sounding rather reluctant.


    Young Master Sun was not satisfied.


    He poked Huo Xingzhou again and asked, ¡°Has your infertility been cured?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou answered impatiently, his attention entirely focused on Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Chat with me; it¡¯s so boring to just wait here. Guess how Huo Beiting must be feeling now, probably like ants are crawling over his heart, in so much pain that he wishes he were dead,¡± said Sun Weimeng, who was a chatterbox, his mouth incessantly babbling on.


    At the mention of ¡°Huo Beiting,¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes darkened, a deep shadow falling over them.


    ¡°Of course, he should be in pain.¡±


    Encouraged by his response, Sun Weimeng got more excited.


    Especially Huo Beiting, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs, lamenting why the car hadn¡¯t killed him!


    ¡°Xingzhou, wait for Grandpa!¡±


    Huo Weiguo called out laboriously, his eyes showing more sincerity.


    His chronic cold condition, recurrent and tormenting, had left his cheeks hollow and gaunt.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t want to pay any attention to him at all.


    Huo Jianjun came out, stopped in front of Cheng Han, and said respectfully, ¡°Is this the esteemed Dr. Cheng? The Huo Family is willing to pay a hefty sum for you to save my father.¡±


    The old man had said that if Cheng Han agreed to treat him, the 30% of shares would be immediately given to the main branch of the Huo Family.


    Huo Jianjun too had to swallow his pride and bow his head.


    Cheng Han scrutinized the several members of the Huo Family.


    He knew the reason Huo Xingzhou had gone to the countryside, and he knew that on the day the Huo Family cut ties with him, not only did they beat Huo Xingzhou, but they also hit Qiao Xi.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t practiced medicine in many years, and I will not take on patients anymore.¡±


    Cheng Han said with a stern face, ¡°However, my disciple Qiao Xi has inherited my mantle, and she can treat you.¡±


    He was deliberately giving Qiao Xi the opportunity to get even.


    The faces of the main branch of the Huo Family turned even more ashen.


    ¡°Then... then please trouble your disciple,¡± the Huo Family patriarch sighed, ¡°Qiao Xi, please help this old bag of bones.¡±


    Qiao Xi opened her mouth but didn¡¯t say anything; she only looked toward Huo Xingzhou.


    A bone-chilling coldness seeped through the depths of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes, and he laughed instead of becoming angry, ¡°Mr. Huo, do you remember what you said? What price were you willing to pay if someone could cure your cold condition?¡±


    Huo Weiguo clenched his fists and said with resignation, eyes closed, ¡°I would reward them handsomely and treat them as honored guests!¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Do you really want them to kneel?¡± Huo Weiguo asked.


    With a distant tone, Huo Xingzhou said, ¡°You were the one who said it. Filial piety comes first among all virtues, and when seeking treatment for elders, one should kneel.¡±


    ¡°We were all once family!¡±


    The old patriarch played the sympathy card.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heart had turned cold.


    ¡°The moment the severance document was signed, we were no longer family,¡± Huo Xingzhou said with biting sarcasm, ¡°Out of consideration for past affections, let Huo Beiting do the honors. Kneeling and bowing three times with head to the ground will suffice.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood by his side, endorsing his decision.


    After being bullied for so long, she had a grievance pent up in her heart.


    ¡°Beiting! Kneel and beg for medical treatment!¡± the old patriarch commanded with a heavy heart.


    ¡°Grandpa!¡±


    Huo Beiting¡¯s expression was twisted with hatred.


    His grandfather was actually asking him to kneel before a village woman and Huo Xingzhou!


    Huo Jianjun grabbed Huo Beiting¡¯s hand, restraining his rage as he reminded, ¡°The shares!¡±


    Impatience can mess up great plans.


    Huo Beiting¡¯s handsome face contorted, and his molars ground together with a grating sound.

 Chapter 77: 77 This Kneel, Down to the Dust

    Chapter 77: Chapter 77 This Kneel, Down to the Dust


    ¡°Beiting!¡±


    Huo Jianjun urged him again, ¡°Think about the shares!¡±


    Securing that 30% stake was of paramount importance. Without ownership rights, there could be no dignity!


    Huo Beiting¡¯s eyes were tinged with a blood-red hue.


    His hands clenched tightly into fists, the veins on the backs of his hands standing out prominently.


    His knees bent.


    ...


    Bang!


    He knelt down.


    All the schemes and triumphs of his life turned to ashes with that single kneel!


    He was no match for Huo Xingzhou.


    Humiliation spread.


    Huo Beiting bit his lower lip until it bled, his heart filled with venomous curses.


    His forehead knocked against the hard ground, quickly swelling up.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Three kowtows in a row.


    Qiao Xi watched him without a shred of pity. He had caused that car accident, nearly killing Huo Xingzhou. Later, he humiliated him, plotted against him, attempted to poison him.


    A man like that deserved no pity!


    ¡°Is that enough?¡±


    Huo Beiting¡¯s voice was hoarse as a metallic taste filled his throat.


    Wang Fengxian, crying, helped him up, ¡°You¡¯re all treating my son like this! Huo Xingzhou, you¡¯re truly cold-blooded! Even when saving your own grandfather, you scheme!¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her red lips, stepping in front of Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°If he were ruthless, he would have had you thrown in jail,¡± she said, her voice tight, looking at them indifferently.


    Huo Beiting looked directly at her and said darkly, ¡°I ask National Medicine Disciple Qiao Xi to treat my grandfather!¡±


    He was set on that 30% stake.


    However, Qiao Xi didn¡¯t want to let him have his way, ¡°The initial condition was to kowtow for medical help, but it was never said that I had to agree after you did it.¡±


    She felt it wasn¡¯t enough.


    Far from enough.


    ¡°You¡¯re reneging on your word!¡±


    Wang Fengxian pointed at her and accused.


    Huo Jianjun, with a grim face, stopped his wife and asked Qiao Xi, ¡°What are your conditions? Let¡¯s be reasonable.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s pretty face was cold as she said lightly, ¡°I do have a condition, but I¡¯m not discussing it with you. I¡¯m discussing it...¡±


    She turned to Huo Weiguo and continued, ¡°With you. When my finger is healed, we will discuss my condition. I hope by then you still have what I want.¡±


    Night fell.


    A car slowly drove into the Huo family¡¯s small villa.


    Du Juan and Huo Sijiao stood at the entrance of the villa, craning their necks in anticipation.


    Seeing the car approaching, they hurriedly greeted it.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, be careful, let me help you,¡± Huo Sijiao took care of the injured Qiao Xi with great caution.


    ¡°Mr. Cheng, let me take your things. The guest room at home has been prepared for you, the bedding and covers are all freshly laundered,¡± Du Juan eagerly said, her voice trembling with excitement.


    This was the living Cheng Han!


    Cheng Han nodded.


    ¡°Mother-in-law, Grandpa Cheng is tired. Can we take him to his room to rest?¡± Qiao Xi saw tiredness in the old man¡¯s eyes and said with concern.


    ¡°Of course! Aunt Qian, hurry! Serve the food that¡¯s been prepared to the old master¡¯s room,¡± Du Juan called out.


    She led Cheng Han to the guest room.


    Huo Sijiao hovered around Qiao Xi like a persistent shadow, whereas Huo Xingzhou was left unattended.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, are you thirsty? I¡¯ll get you some water.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, are you hungry?¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, are you tired?¡±


    She treated Qiao Xi like a little ancestor.


    In the end, it was Huo Xingzhou who had to pull her away, ¡°Your sister-in-law is going back to her room to rest.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll make the bed for sister-in-law.¡± She always found an opportunity to offer her help.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her indifferently and said, ¡°Could you allow me to have some private time with your sister-in-law?¡±


    Huo Sijiao immediately looked at them with a knowing smile.


    ¡°Understood! Please go ahead!¡±


    Her brother¡¯s leg had healed; he must be having other ideas.


    Huo Xingzhou took Qiao Xi back to the master bedroom, where she hesitated at the bedside, ¡°Mr. Huo, I have my own room.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, with more people at home, it¡¯s not suitable for us to sleep in separate rooms.¡±


    It was then Qiao Xi realized, she had almost misunderstood.


    The man glanced at her and said, ¡°Shall we take a bath first, then have something to eat?¡±


    ¡°Sure, as you say.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go run the bathwater.¡±


    Qiao Xi watched as the tall figure of the man turned and entered the bathroom, where the sound of water running soon followed.


    Her ears burned with heat.


    Outside, the sky turned from dark to pitch black, and the room was lit only by wall lamps, as if submerged in a dim dream.


    Suddenly.


    Her phone inside her bag started to vibrate like crazy.


    An unknown overseas call, Qiao Xi did not answer.


    The caller dialed again for the second time.


    Qiao Xi thought for a moment, then picked it up.

 Chapter 78: 78: He Bathes Her

    Chapter 78: Chapter 78: He Bathes Her


    ¡°Hello, this is Qiao Xi. May I ask who is this...¡±


    Qiao Xi spoke softly.


    There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned, thinking that perhaps she had dialed the wrong number.


    At that moment.


    ...


    From inside the bathroom, Huo Xingzhou called out, ¡°Qiao Xi, time to bathe.¡±


    ¡°Oh, coming,¡± Qiao Xi replied loudly.


    The breathing on the other end of the phone turned erratic and then the call was abruptly ended.


    How strange.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t think much of it and placed her phone on the bedside table before heading to the bathroom.


    In the bathroom.


    Steam filled the air.


    The man¡¯s suit jacket lay on the vanity, his shirt cuffs rolled up to reveal his forearms with distinct muscle lines.


    His indifferent eyes softened a touch, ¡°The doctor said the wounds on your body aren¡¯t serious, you just have to keep your hands dry.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood to the side, waiting for him to leave.


    But he showed no sign of doing so.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, aren¡¯t you leaving?¡±


    ¡°Can you bathe with those hands?¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze, teasing and mirthful, fell on her hands wrapped so that they resembled buns.


    ¡°Then...¡±


    Qiao Xi found it hard to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    He was forthright.


    His fingers found the zipper of her dress at her back, pinching the clasp.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, whatever feelings you had for me initially, I now harbour the same for you.¡± His eyes were like waves, enveloping her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body stiffened, and she shut her eyes tightly, letting him do as he pleased.


    The dress was removed, tossed aside.


    Then came the undergarments.


    Like a marionette, she sat in the bathtub. Luckily, dense bubbles concealed her crucial parts, spared from his constant gaze, otherwise, Qiao Xi really wanted to dig a hole and bury herself.


    His warm hand landed on her shoulder, the rough texture of his fingerprints grazing her skin.


    In the bathroom, a rich fragrance permeated the steam.


    He, before her, was even more stern and abstinent.


    Qiao Xi felt dazed, as if her emotions were stirred.


    His voice was husky beyond recognition.


    What did that mean?


    When she was healed, what did he want to do?


    ¡°Do you prefer silk bedding or pure cotton?¡± he asked again.


    His simple words ignited her like a flame.


    Her eyes rimmed with red, she murmured with moisture in her eyes, ¡°Pure cotton.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    He responded, his fingers gently stroking her back.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I was a bit scared that day,¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice was hoarse, ¡°After the phone connected, I heard Zhuo Feng assaulting you.¡±


    His large hand gripped her slender waist as if to affirm her presence.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m fine.¡± Her voice was sweet to the point of syrupy.


    Huo Xingzhou slowly put some distance between them, eye to eye.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, once your identity is revealed, many people will come to seek medical help. If you don¡¯t want to see them, just refuse, and I will take care of the rest,¡± he said earnestly.


    Qiao Xi nodded heavily, ¡°Mm!¡±


    Her nose felt sour, her eyes burned hot, and her heart seemed to fill with a sweet and sour floral scent.


    Mr. Huo, so wonderful!


    Her cheeks were tinged with pink, her eyes like ripples on a lake in spring.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, my... wound hurts a bit.¡±


    After speaking, she leaned in slowly, imitating his manner to kiss the corner of his lips.


    It was both nai?ve and passionate ¨C utterly unfair.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    He called out her name cautiously, on the edge of losing control.


    Her eyes were clear as she looked at him, ¡°Mr. Huo is a painkiller, and we don¡¯t have to wait until... the day the wound heals.¡±


    Her words lit another fierce fire.


    Huo Xingzhou abruptly picked her up, leaving the bathroom.


    Qiao Xi felt the world spinning as she was placed on the soft bed, the man looming over her.


    Now she started to feel a bit nervous and afraid.


    Looking down at her from his height, Huo Xingzhou spoke with restraint, ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯ll give you one chance to regret this.¡±


    After speaking.


    He grabbed a silk quilt and covered her body, ¡°Rest well.¡±


    Qiao Xi, with wide almond eyes, bit her lip and looked at him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± The man¡¯s voice was low, his countenance pale, and the red mole on his neck burned bright, ¡°Next time, I won¡¯t let you go.¡±


    He got up and walked into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of the shower and other noises that not even the closed door could contain reached her ears.


    Qiao Xi hid in the covers, her face flushed.


    As sleepiness deepened, she slowly closed her eyes and gradually drifted into dreams.


    Cold air clinging to him, Huo Xingzhou stepped out of the bathroom to see her snuggled sweetly in the covers.


    He was about to do something when the door was knocked on.

 Chapter 79: 79 Qiao Xi, Mom Regrets It

    Chapter 79: Chapter 79 Qiao Xi, Mom Regrets It


    Huo Jiancheng¡¯s voice came from outside the room, ¡°Xingzhou, are you asleep? I want to talk to you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou opened the door and saw him, saying, ¡°Qiao Xi is asleep, let¡¯s talk outside.¡±


    He gently closed the door behind him.


    Huo Jiancheng¡¯s complexion didn¡¯t look quite natural as he hesitantly asked, ¡°How is Qiao Xi¡¯s injury now?¡±


    ¡°If you have something to say, please just say it.¡±


    His facial expression was indifferent, his voice low.


    ...


    ¡°Xingzhou,¡± Huo Jiancheng also felt uneasy inside, ¡°I was thinking of your grandfather...¡±


    ¡°He isn¡¯t my grandfather anymore,¡± Huo Xingzhou saw through it all, ¡°I know you¡¯ve been frequently visiting the hospital lately, your filial piety is your own business.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng rubbed his hands together, lacking in confidence, ¡°Your grandfather is of old age and tormented by illness, it¡¯s quite pitiful. He has already been discharged tonight, and your eldest uncle¡¯s family only cares about the shares he holds.¡±


    Wiping his face, he said, ¡°Xingzhou, after all... he is my biological father. The mistreatment of our second branch of the family back then was also due to my birth causing my mother¡¯s death during childbirth. If you want to blame someone, blame me.¡±


    He was a kindhearted person, benevolently naive, and foolishly filial.


    ¡°So now you¡¯re preparing to ask Qiao Xi to treat him? Qiao Xi is a very soft-hearted person, don¡¯t take advantage of her kindness.¡±


    The Huo Family¡¯s main house could ask her, and she could directly refuse.


    But if Huo Jiancheng asked her, it would be very difficult for her.


    ¡°You child...¡± Huo Jiancheng sighed and said, ¡°Why are you so quick-tempered.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t stop you from fulfilling your filial duties, but don¡¯t involve Qiao Xi.¡±


    ¡°Xingzhou! Your grandfather already knows he was wrong, and he really wants to say sorry to you in person. I know you¡¯re a child of compassion and loyalty. If you were truly heartless, you wouldn¡¯t care about the kindness from the Xu Family ten years ago, and during the car accident...¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou interrupted him and said, ¡°It¡¯s getting late, I¡¯ll have Old Chen take you home.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng saw his resolute and handsome face, full of disappointment.


    Asking him was useless.


    He glanced at the tightly shut door from the corner of his eye. Xingzhou was right, Qiao Xi was a very soft-hearted person.


    He took a deep breath and said, ¡°I¡¯ll head back first.¡±


    That night.


    The internet stirred up one wave after another.


    Most people who had insulted Qiao Xi deleted their previous comments, leaving behind an apology. Many patients who had been seen by Qiao Xi came forward to speak on her behalf, praising her kindness.


    The vice-president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, Ma Hongwen, was suspended, and the association¡¯s announcement was deleted.


    Wang Dafu¡¯s crimes were exposed, and his whole family was scorned severely.


    She cried piteously.


    ¡°Look at the injuries on my body, all caused by the Su Family¡¯s abuse.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen had a good-looking face which made her crying even more infectious.


    Cheng Han said coldly, ¡°However bad your life is, it has nothing to do with Qiao Xi. Why then do you keep hurting her again and again?¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen covered her chest, crying as if her heart was breaking, ¡°I already realize my mistakes, and I will definitely make it up to Qiao Xi from now on.¡±


    Qiao Xi listened to her words and slowly approached.


    She asked, ¡°Are you making it up to me because you know about Grandpa Cheng¡¯s status?¡±


    ¡°No! Xixi, Mom really knows she was wrong!¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her kneeling and felt uncomfortable inside.


    But forgiving her easily was something she couldn¡¯t do.


    ¡°The Su Family treats you badly? Didn¡¯t you say that Su Weiwei was your daughter?¡± Qiao Xi asked coldly.


    ¡°They either beat or scold me,¡± Zhao Yuzhen said through tears, ¡°Su Heng has a woman outside.¡±


    Truly pitiful.


    But there is often something despicable about someone pitied.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart hardened as she said, ¡°You publicly disowned me as your daughter; we are no longer mother and daughter.¡±


    Her eyes reddened slightly, and she looked at her with quite some resentment.


    ¡°Qiao Xi,¡± Cheng Han called out, ¡°you and Xingzhou go out first; I¡¯ll handle this matter.¡±


    Cheng Han made the decision for her.


    He knew Qiao Xi¡¯s character well; whether it was to stand by idly or to accept and forgive, she couldn¡¯t do either.


    ¡°You come in,¡± he said to Zhao Yuzhen.


    Zhao Yuzhen followed him inside, ecstatic.


    She didn¡¯t even take another look at Qiao Xi, which made Qiao Xi¡¯s heart grow even colder.


    Huo Xingzhou wrapped his arm around her shoulder, his hot lips pressing against the side of her face, ¡°Little Divine Doctor, I¡¯ll take you to vent.¡±


    Qiao Xi turned her head slightly, and his kiss landed on the corner of her lips.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy on those unworthy.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou circled her wrist, opened the car door, and let her get in.


    ¡°Mhmm,¡± Qiao Xi nodded, her eyes filled with warmth when she looked at him.


    Inside the small villa¡¯s living room.


    Cheng Han looked at the disheveled Zhao Yuzhen and slowly said, ¡°I can give you the Health Preserving Prescription, but you must agree to one condition.¡±

 Chapter 80: 80 He Collects Debts and Vents for Her

    Chapter 80: Chapter 80 He Collects Debts and Vents for Her


    Zhao Yuzhen was desperate to have a son.


    ¡°Uncle Cheng, you say. As long as it¡¯s something I can do, I¡¯ll try my best to do it,¡± she pledged earnestly to Cheng Han.


    Cheng Han spoke, ¡°Once you¡¯ve taken the Health Preserving Prescription, never seek out Qiao Xi again. Pretend that the mother-daughter bond has already run its course, with all debts of gratitude severed.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen agreed without hesitation.


    Watching her callous demeanor, Cheng Han felt even more repulsed.


    ...


    Cheng Han took up pen and paper and wrote down the prescription for her.


    Zhao Yuzhen clutched the prescription as if it were a rare treasure.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you!¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen had been prepared to kowtow in gratitude and had not expected to obtain the Health Preserving Prescription so easily. With this recipe, she might be able to bear a son for the Su Family.


    By then, after Su Weiwei married out, all the Su Family¡¯s inheritance would belong to her and her son.


    ¡°You can go now, remember my words.¡±


    Cheng Han¡¯s voice was cold and annoyed.


    Zhao Yuzhen, fearing he would change his mind, left immediately.


    Aunt Qian, watching from the side, sighed, ¡°Old Master Cheng, you¡¯re too kind-hearted.¡±


    Cheng Han explained, ¡°She is Qiao Xi¡¯s mother. This time, she knelt and played pitiful, what if next time she attempts suicide? Qiao Xi would always be entangled and harassed by her. Better for me to be the villain.¡±


    ¡°Anyone who didn¡¯t know better would think the Young Madam was picked up from somewhere. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a single resemblance between mother and daughter,¡± Aunt Qian remarked with disdain for such cold-blooded and heartless people.


    Cheng Han said somewhat absentmindedly, ¡°Maybe the daughter takes after her father.¡±


    Even though he had never seen Qiao Xi¡¯s father.


    ...


    Huo Building.


    Huo Group shareholders¡¯ meeting.


    Inside Conference Room No.1, seats were filled with shareholders, both major and minor.


    Huo Beiting and his son Huo Jianjun sat grim-faced, occupying the leading seats on either side.


    The assistant whispered a reminder to Huo Beiting, ¡°Mr. Xiaohuo, Tianyuan Group is here.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    As his words fell, the doors of the conference room were pushed open.


    Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi entered side by side, followed by Jin Kai, the project manager from Tianyuan Group.


    He was wearing a suit, with long legs, walking steadily.


    He cleared his throat and said, ¡°We have convened this shareholders¡¯ meeting today to discuss a change in share ownership. Shareholders have the right to participate in major decisions and replace managers. President Huo has proposed to remove the CEO and vice-CEO of Huo Group.¡±


    Replace the CEO of Huo Group?


    Nobody expected Huo Xingzhou to strike at the Huo family first!


    He wanted to kick them out of the management team!


    ¡°What right do you have to remove me! I was appointed vice-CEO by grandfather! The largest shareholder isn¡¯t even present, how dare you make such a proposal on your own!¡± not able to contain his impatience, Huo Beiting barked in disarray upon hearing Huo Xingzhou was targeting his position.


    ¡°Xingzhou, we¡¯re all family. Why must you be so ruthless?¡± Huo Jianjun sat up straight, saying earnestly.


    Huo Beiting yelled, ¡°I want to video call grandfather. He should be part of today¡¯s meeting.¡±


    ¡°Please do.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was noble and proud, his eyes devoid of any warmth.


    Each share of stock comes with one vote, and the old man only had 30%¡ªnot a controlling majority.


    Moreover... he never fought a battle unprepared.


    Right there in the meeting room, Huo Beiting set up the screen projection, connected it to the computer, and made a video call to the old man. Soon, Huo Weiguo¡¯s wrinkled old face appeared on the big screen, looking unwell and breathless.


    Huo Beiting exaggerated as he relayed the situation in the meeting room to him.


    The old man looked towards Huo Xingzhou and said, ¡°Xingzhou, must you really do this?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes shone with a cold sharpness as he answered, ¡°Of course.¡±


    The old man sighed and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s proceed with a show of hands.¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡±


    With a smile on his face, Jin Kai said, ¡°Before we vote by a show of hands, I¡¯d like to show the shareholders a document. It¡¯s the fruit of many months¡¯ labor.¡±


    He held a large stack of papers, distributing them around.


    Since the old man wasn¡¯t on-site, he thoughtfully sent him an electronic version to ensure he could see it clearly.


    Jin Kai deliberately did not give the document to Huo Beiting and his son.


    ¡°This...¡±


    The shareholders, seeing the documents in their hands, were all stunned.


    ¡°Is this for real? Ridiculous!¡±


    The big screen suddenly went dark, the camera on the old man¡¯s side shaking, his phone dropping to the ground.


    After looking at the document, he actually fainted, and the sounds of chaos from the Huo residence could be heard in the meeting room.


    ¡°Old man!¡±


    ¡°Old man, what¡¯s wrong with you!¡±


    ¡°Quick, call a doctor!¡±


    Huo Beiting and Huo Jianjun looked at each other, both sensing a dangerous aroma in the air.


    What exactly was written in that document?

 Chapter 81: 81 We are husband and wife, entwined with intense emotion

    Chapter 81: Chapter 81 We are husband and wife, entwined with intense emotion


    ¡°Embezzling public funds, transferring company projects, harming the interests of the company,¡± Huo Xingzhou looked at the father and son, ¡°amounting to hundreds of millions. How many years in prison do you think you deserve?¡±


    They had conspired to frame Qiao Xi and send her to jail.


    Unexpectedly, they were about to taste prison food themselves.


    Huo Beiting¡¯s and Huo Jianjun¡¯s faces turned pale, and their pupils constricted sharply!


    ¡°It¡¯s fake; all of these are fake!¡± Huo Beiting shouted.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was indifferent, his thin lips uttered cold words, ¡°The evidence is irrefutable. You wanted to bleed the Huo Family dry and start anew!¡±


    ...


    ¡°Jin Kai, show them.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Jin Kai looked at them pityingly and tossed the documents in front of them.


    Huo Beiting grabbed them and began to read, soon after, his demeanor collapsed.


    Every transaction was recorded, and each bore Huo Jianjun¡¯s signature.


    It was real!


    Huo Jianjun clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with ferocity.


    ¡°All these were my doing; Beiting had nothing to do with it. Every single one, signed by my own hand; he was unaware!¡± Huo Jianjun was prepared to sacrifice the pawn to save the chesspiece.


    He wanted to save his son.


    ¡°Dad...¡±


    Huo Beiting stammered.


    Such an amount would mean at least ten years¡¯ sentence or more.


    ¡°As long as someone takes responsibility, that¡¯s fine.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou seemed to have already anticipated Huo Jianjun¡¯s choice, except he had chosen a fool.


    ¡°Police are waiting downstairs. Would President Huo prefer to go by yourself, or should they come up to take you?¡± Huo Xingzhou sat in the dominant seat, speaking casually.


    The pain gripped Huo Jianjun¡¯s chest as he stood up, simmering with rage, ¡°I¡¯ll go by myself.¡±


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    Huo Beiting chased after him, ¡°Dad, we can pay back the money, to lessen the guilt.¡±


    Huo Jianjun lowered his voice, ¡°That 30% of the shares, never let it fall into Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hands. Otherwise, our lineage will never have a chance to turn things around.¡±


    ¡°Without green hills, there will be no firewood.¡±


    ¡°Dad, Huo Xingzhou is too malicious!¡±


    Huo Beiting was starting to feel fear, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s tactics were devious and unexpected.


    ¡°Remember! The shares!¡±


    Huo Jianjun didn¡¯t have time to say more, and he was quickly taken away by the police.


    Huo Beiting¡¯s face twisted, leaning against the cold wall, filled with murderous hate.


    Shares!


    He remembered that word, directly going to the underground parking lot and driving back to the Huo family¡¯s old mansion.


    Qiao Xi looked deeply into his eyes as she spoke.


    He could completely crush the Huo Family, but in the end, he chose to preserve it.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s appearance was refined, his voice slightly deep, ¡°The seat you¡¯re sitting on used to be mine. I had the utmost adoration and reverence for Grandpa... but he grew more and more wary of me. Here lie the traces of my journey. In the future, I will merge the Huo Family with Tianyuan Group, but as for the Huo Family... they better not think of getting involved.¡±


    So he kicked out all the members of the Huo Family in advance.


    Qiao Xi looked up to him speaking, did he realize that when alone, he still referred to the elderly Mr. Huo as ¡°Grandpa¡±?


    He was a man of deep affection.


    She wanted to help him fulfill his desires.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you are the most outstanding man I¡¯ve ever met.¡±


    Her almond-shaped eyes shone brightly, like the clear depths of a lake reflecting only his figure.


    Huo Xingzhou stood up, his hands bracing on both sides of her chair, leaning over to look at her, ¡°Little Divine Doctor, how many men have you met?¡±


    ¡°Quite a few.¡±


    Qiao Xi started to count.


    Those from the village, the school, and then the hospital.


    ¡°Just look at me, okay?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou leaned in closer, his nose almost touching hers.


    Qiao Xi plunged into the depths of his dark, profound eyes, and blurted out impulsively, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The man was pleased.


    His thin lips gently landed on her red ones, and his murmur during their intimate embrace was low, ¡°Little Divine Doctor, this is your painkiller for today.¡±


    Warm, throbbing.


    Her beautiful eyes were filled with wateriness.


    The bright sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows swept over her delicate and lustrous neck, as the man bent down to kiss her lips, ears, and neck. With a slight tilt of her head, Qiao Xi could see their shadows intertwining on the ground, full of passion and sorrow.


    She bit her lip, trying not to make a sound.


    He seemed to enjoy kissing her neck very much.


    She, too, couldn¡¯t help wanting to be close to him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo... it will leave a mark,¡± she said in a soft voice, reminding him.


    ¡°We¡¯re husband and wife.¡±


    He didn¡¯t listen.


    Instead, he picked her up, cupped the back of her head, and deepened their kiss.


    ¡°The phone... the phone is ringing,¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was almost shaky.


    There had been many unknown calls recently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll answer it for you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took out the phone from her pocket, saw an unsigned overseas call flash on the screen, and his eyes flickered.


    Then he swiped the screen and answered the call.


    But his thin lips settled mischievously on Qiao Xi¡¯s earlobe, kissing her softly and deliberately.

 Chapter 82: 82: Uncontrollable Passion Between Men and Women

    Chapter 82: Chapter 82: Uncontrollable Passion Between Men and Women


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    Qiao Xi was breathing slightly, speaking into the phone, ¡°May I ask, who is this?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou narrowed his eyes slightly and nibbled gently on her earlobe, causing Qiao Xi to cry out in alarm.


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡±


    Qiao Xi chided softly, ¡°Don¡¯t...¡±


    The person on the other end of the phone was breathing heavily and hung up immediately.


    ...


    Huo Xingzhou raised his eyebrows and distanced himself from her.


    ¡°Lately, have there been many such calls?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked thoughtfully.


    Qiao Xi nodded, ¡°Some don¡¯t say anything when I answer, and others are just looking for medical advice. But with my finger injured like this, I can¡¯t consult at the moment. The hospital has been urging me for a while, Dr. Yan wants me to go back to be a mascot who just collects a paycheck.¡±


    ¡°They all like you very much.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou used his hand to brush her hair behind her ear and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you home first, then go to the police station to deal with Huo Jianjun¡¯s matter.¡±


    ¡°No need, I can go back by myself.¡± Qiao Xi didn¡¯t want to take up his time.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have Lao Chen take you home.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    In these special times, Qiao Xi did not dare to go alone.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze fell on her shoulder, his fingers lightly picking at her strap, a quiet chuckle seemed to be hidden in his throat: ¡°Your strap is showing.¡±


    In the midst of confusion and desire, self-control was always hard to come by.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears turned bright red.


    She bit her lip and adjusted her clothing.


    ¡°Lao Chen¡¯s car is right at the entrance of the building.¡±


    ¡°I know. Goodbye, Mr. Huo!¡±


    Qiao Xi walked briskly to the door then turned back.


    She tiptoed and kissed the corner of the man¡¯s lips, ¡°This is for returning the favor.¡±


    After saying that, she ran out.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes deepened, male and female passions, sometimes uncontrollable.


    His patience and restraint were almost at their limit.


    Yet she still unconsciously provoked him.


    ...


    Qiao Xi descended the stairs and returned to the Huo family¡¯s small villa in high spirits.


    Huo Jiancheng was in the living room, restless.


    Separated by a wall of curio shelves, the bedroom scene was unclear.


    This was her second time entering the old master of the Huo Family¡¯s bedroom.


    The door behind her was closed by Azhong.


    Qiao Xi paused in her step and walked in.


    She saw Huo Beiting with a twisted expression, being pressed to the floor by a burly bodyguard. The old master of the Huo Family had his eyes tightly shut, leaning on a recliner, next to him on a bamboo tea table was a bowl of blackish, already cold medicinal decoction.


    ¡°You¡¯ve come.¡±


    Huo Weiguo¡¯s voice was murky and aged, he slightly opened his eyes to look at Qiao Xi, and there was no longer any brightness in them.


    ¡°Did you specifically ask for me?¡± Qiao Xi looked at the disheveled Huo Beiting on the floor and then turned her gaze to the old master.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Huo Weiguo¡¯s attitude towards her had become much calmer.


    He gestured with his hand, ¡°Please help me see what was added to this medicinal decoction.¡±


    Qiao Xi stepped closer and carefully lifted the bowl to sniff.


    A familiar scent.


    ¡°Tampered White Aconite, Angelica Dahurica... Direct consumption would lead to poisoning and death. This is the medicine Zhuo Feng used to deal with Mr. Huo.¡±


    Qiao Xi said indifferently.


    After Huo Weiguo heard this, he took a deep breath, ¡°Beast!¡±


    He threw the glass cup beside him at Huo Beiting, instantly swelling his forehead to redness.


    ¡°Grandfather!¡± Huo Beiting wailed with tears streaming down, ¡°It¡¯s all Huo Xingzhou¡¯s ruthless actions, he got my dad locked up, and next, he will come after me! I must get the 30% shares to stand against him.¡±


    Huo Weiguo coughed violently in anger.


    ¡°Even if you get the shares, you can¡¯t stand against him!¡±


    ¡°Why! Even you are on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s side, weren¡¯t you planning to give the shares to Huo Xingzhou since your seventieth birthday celebration?¡± Huo Beiting roared fiercely, arrogantly raising his head to look at the old master, full of hatred.


    With a hoarse voice, Huo Weiguo said, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have been partial. I cleaned up the mess for you after the car accident because I didn¡¯t want to lose two grandsons at the same time. I never expected you to make things worse. Haven¡¯t I been good enough to your main branch?¡±


    ¡°Good? Because we are easy to control, right? Whatever you say, we listen. Not like Huo Xingzhou who has his own opinions!¡±


    Huo Beiting laughed bitterly, his eyes reddened with laughter.


    Huo Weiguo waved his hand and spoke with a heart full of disappointment, ¡°I will not pursue today¡¯s poisoning. Take him out; I don¡¯t want to see him.¡±


    Who would have thought at seventy, I would end up alone.


    The bodyguard escorted Huo Beiting out of the room, leaving only Qiao Xi and the old master in the vast space.


    ¡°I¡¯ve made you witness a farce,¡± said the old master, looking at Qiao Xi.


    With a calm expression, Qiao Xi looked at him and said, ¡°You asked for me to come here, it wasn¡¯t just to identify the poison, was it?¡±


    The old master spoke softly, ¡°Go open the bedside table, the first drawer.¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned slightly and walked over.


    She pulled open the first drawer and saw the contents inside.

 Chapter 83: 83 Mr. Huo, I was very scared that day

    Chapter 83: Chapter 83 Mr. Huo, I was very scared that day


    That was a signed ¡°Stock Gift Agreement.¡±


    Qiao Xi took out the agreement to examine it; 30% of the shares were to be wholly gifted to Huo Xingzhou. Huo Weiguo¡¯s signature had already been signed, and with Huo Xingzhou¡¯s signature in the blank space, it would take effect.


    She pursed her red lips, looking toward the old master.


    Huo Weiguo said in a deep voice, ¡°Previously, at the hospital entrance, you said that when your fingers heal, you would come to me to discuss terms. After much thought, all I could offer was these 30% shares.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked down, her left hand tightly clutching the agreement.


    ¡°You guessed right, that¡¯s exactly what I want.¡± She wanted to fulfill Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wish.


    ...


    She hadn¡¯t expected the Huo family patriarch to see things so clearly.


    Huo Weiguo¡¯s gaze fell on her fingers. ¡°Cheng Acupuncture Technique is indeed as renowned as they say.¡±


    Her hands had been severely injured before, both wrapped in bandages, but now her left hand had largely recovered.


    Qiao Xi said indifferently, ¡°My right hand had shattered joints, my left hand was not as seriously injured to begin with.¡±


    Grandfather Cheng had treated her to promote blood circulation and remove stasis, reduce swelling and relieve pain. Her left hand was unsteady with the needle, the right unable to curl.


    Huo Weiguo¡¯s chronic ailment would require treatment after her right hand was healed.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you are willing to agree; consider the agreement as advance payment for my services.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Qiao Xi took the agreement and put it in her bag.


    Then she approached him and said, ¡°I can take your pulse first for you, assist with medicinal treatment so you don¡¯t have to suffer so much every day.¡±


    ¡°Good! Good!¡± Huo Weiguo extended his hand, his old eyes brimming with moisture.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s left hand rested on his wrist as she concentrated, taking his pulse with a calm spirit, and in those moments, she had a touch of Cheng Han¡¯s bearing.


    ¡°Please take a pen to jot down the prescription,¡± she reminded him.


    Huo Weiguo hurriedly fetched paper and pen, listening to her list each medicine, carefully recording them.


    Seeing that he had noted everything, Qiao Xi said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, then I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±


    ¡°Wait. Please tell Xingzhou to give me a chance for atonement. I was too harsh on him before...¡±


    ¡°Those words, you should say to him directly.¡±


    After finishing her words, Qiao Xi turned around and left the room.


    Butler Azhong and Huo Jiancheng were waiting in the hallway anxiously as they saw her exit.


    ¡°Miss Qiao Xi, how did it go?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, just the medicine was poisoned.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng turned pale with astonishment, ¡°How could Beiting do such a thing! Dad must be so heartbroken, I...¡±


    He hesitated, torn and anxious.


    Qiao Xi considerately said, ¡°Then you stay here, I¡¯ll take a cab back.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I know you want to merge Tianyuan and the Huo Family. So, this 30% of shares is the key for you to control the Huo Family. I hope to fulfill your wish.¡±


    He should stand at the very pinnacle in the business field.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, do you feel wronged?¡± he asked.


    The old Huo Family patriarch had not treated her well, looked down on her status, and humiliated her in every possible way. Huo Beiting had even plotted against her, almost leading to her death in Zhuo Feng¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Not wronged.¡±


    Qiao Xi knew what he meant and shook her head as she said, ¡°I made a deal with him; it was not a favor.¡±


    He contributed the shares, and she contributed her medical skills.


    An equal trade.


    Huo Xingzhou extended his hand and ruffled her soft hair.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, are you here to claim credit? If you could make one wish right now. What would you want?¡±


    He had said the same thing to her on the day she got drunk.


    It was a pity she didn¡¯t remember it.


    ¡°I want my grandmother to live a long and healthy life.¡± She looked at him without blinking and said.


    This wish was a bit difficult; Grandma Qiao¡¯s body was severely depleted, which had damaged her longevity.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked.


    After thinking it through carefully, Qiao Xi said, ¡°Then, I hope that after my hands are fully healed, I can go back to work at the hospital. Save up diligently, and perhaps one day I¡¯ll be able to open my own clinic.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou looked down, his large hand encircling her wrist, ¡°Does your right hand still hurt?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Qiao Xi was quite optimistic, showing him her left hand, ¡°But the left hand is almost better.¡±


    Only the unhealed scab remained on her left hand, and even the swelling had gone. Where the skin was intact, it had already returned to being fair and delicate.


    Huo Xingzhou lowered his head and kissed the ring finger on her left hand.


    The warm touch made Qiao Xi startle, a complex feeling of emotion surged in her heart. Suddenly, she embraced Huo Xingzhou, her cheek against his neck.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, actually, on the day I was kidnapped, I was also very scared. In that moment, I was really glad that my emergency contact was you.¡±


    She had no other person in Haicheng she could trust.


    The first person she thought of was him.


    ¡°The Little Divine Doctor is cautious for the future.¡±


    He said in a slightly deep voice, the tone carrying praise.


    Qiao Xi tilted her mouth upward, hugging him even tighter, warmth flowing in her eyes.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Su Weiwei heard insider news from the Huo Family and desperately sought confirmation from Huo Beiting.


    She called him, but the phone was turned off.


    She had almost turned to all of Huo Beiting¡¯s cronies to finally get an address.

 Chapter 84: 84 Cooked Rice

    Chapter 84: Chapter 84 Cooked Rice


    Haicheng City Wanting Grand Hotel.


    Room 1809.


    Su Weiwei, clutching her phone, stood coldly at the door of the hotel room, her heart burning with rage.


    She stretched out her hand and banged on the door.


    Footsteps quickly sounded from inside the room, and after the person inside looked through the peephole for a while, they finally opened the door.


    As soon as Su Weiwei saw a crack in the door, she pushed her way in forcefully.


    ...


    Slap!


    A slap landed on Fang Anni¡¯s face.


    ¡°Slut!¡±


    With her makeup twisted, Su Weiwei saw Fang Anni wearing a silk camisole dress, her body covered in various marks, her fury blazing!


    ¡°You lowly thing, not keeping your word! Are you that desperate for a man? Insisting on clinging to Huo Beiting.¡± Su Weiwei accused her, ¡°Where is Huo Beiting?¡±


    Fang Anni, holding her cheek, said coldly, ¡°He¡¯s passed out drunk.¡±


    Su Weiwei didn¡¯t believe her and pushed past her to go inside.


    At a glance, she saw Huo Beiting lying on the large bed, naked and thoroughly drunk, eyes shut in a stupor. Beside him, empty wine bottles, with wine stains all over the sheets.


    It was clear he had spent a wonderful night with this slut, Fang Anni.


    ¡°Huo Beiting! Wake up!¡±


    Su Weiwei approached the bed and roughly jostled him.


    ¡°Wake up!¡± In a fit of anger, she took a basin of cold water from the bathroom and threw it at him.


    Huo Beiting grunted a few times and woke up.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked at Su Weiwei fiercely.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you, is it true that your dad got arrested? Is it true that you were kicked out of the Huo Family home for poisoning your grandfather?¡± Su Weiwei never would have thought, out of all the choices, she actually picked such a venomous and useless man!


    Absolute waste!


    ¡°Su Weiwei, you look down on me? What right do you have to look down on me!¡±


    Huo Beiting staggered to his feet, grabbing her collar as he cursed, ¡°It¡¯s all because of you, you slut, that I have such bad luck! If you hadn¡¯t found that country bumpkin Qiao Xi to take your place, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs wouldn¡¯t have healed!¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, you are a curse!¡±


    Huo Beiting cursed maliciously.


    Su Weiwei retorted furiously, ¡°The truth is you are no match for Huo Xingzhou, I must have been blind to choose you!¡±


    If only she hadn¡¯t chosen Qiao Xi to marry in her stead back then.


    Slap!


    Su Weiwei bowed her head, biting her lip hard.


    She just wanted to snatch back the man that was hers.


    ¡°Go back to your room and tidy yourself up; look at you now. Don¡¯t embarrass me at the banquet in a couple of days,¡± Su Heng said, frowning at the bruises on her body, ¡°I will find you a good family to marry into.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    She needed to clean herself up, take good care of her skin, and wait for the day when she and Huo Xingzhou would turn cooked rice into raw rice.


    Su Weiwei ascended the stairs.


    After she left.


    Zhao Yuzhen, carrying a bowl of dark brown traditional Chinese medicine, walked out of the kitchen.


    Still with joy on her face, she looked at Su Heng and said, ¡°This is the Health Preserving Prescription given by Cheng Han, suitable for both men and women.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Su Heng didn¡¯t doubt her words; he just thought the good fortune had come too quickly.


    ¡°Yes! It will benefit both of us to regulate our health for pregnancy,¡± Zhao Yuzhen, never remembering grievances, embraced Su Heng and said, ¡°Husband, I want to bear your child.¡±


    Su Heng¡¯s eyes flickered, ¡°Don¡¯t risk being an older mother; I would be heartbroken. That woman from the Liu Family nearly bled out.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen felt even sweeter as she replied, ¡°I think it would make me very happy to have your child.¡±


    Su Heng pried her hands away and asked, ¡°What about raising my child then?¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen was stunned.


    Su Heng continued, ¡°You¡¯re getting older, and the child might not be healthy, plus you would have to endure the pain of childbirth. How about I bring one from outside for you to raise?¡±


    ¡°Husband, what do you mean?¡± Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s heart trembled.


    ¡°Yuzhen, I have a son outside now. Just born, hasn¡¯t had his one-month celebration yet. I¡¯ve decided to register him under your name,¡± Su Heng proclaimed.


    This was an announcement, a command, not a negotiation.


    Su Heng knew she would compromise because she had always been timid and couldn¡¯t let go of the wealth and glory of the Su Family.


    Zhao Yuzhen accidentally knocked over the bowl of medicine, tears cascading down.


    Then what was the point of all those years she spent seeking doctors and medicine!


    It was worth nothing!


    In the end, she was to raise the son of a mistress.


    ¡°Yuzhen, my son cannot be called illegitimate. It doesn¡¯t matter who his mother is. I hope you understand,¡± Su Heng stood up, patted her shoulder, and left.


    His intentions were clear; if she didn¡¯t agree, he could simply replace her as his wife.


    Zhao Yuzhen cried as she knelt on the floor, overcome with despair.


    Su Heng!


    Do you have any conscience?


    The Health Preserving Prescription she obtained through great difficulties was now useless!

 Chapter 85: 85 Qiao Xi is Relatively Shy

    Chapter 85: Chapter 85 Qiao Xi is Relatively Shy


    Two days later.


    The Sun Family banquet was held at the Jinling Grand Hotel.


    The Sun Family, always flaunting their wealth, had booked the entire well-known hotel in Haicheng and prepared a rest room on the second floor for each guest where they could touch up their makeup, wash up, or change clothes in private rooms.


    They didn¡¯t fuss with fancy Western-style banquets, choosing instead to lay out one hundred tables for a grand feast, each costing ninety-nine thousand, with drinks billed separately.


    The white and red wines were all limited editions, looking quite expensive.


    Large mahogany tables and heavy, luxurious chairs were neatly arranged, a sight of grandeur!


    ...


    President Sun and Mrs. Sun were dressed in red and gold, very festive.


    They welcomed waves of guests, with the male guests clustering around Sun Weimeng, hoping to use his connections to get to know Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Young Master Sun, how many times a night can you do it? The promotions at the club seem way too exaggerated, don¡¯t they?¡±


    ¡°Have you really recovered? How long did you take the medicine before you were cured?¡±


    ¡°Send me your WeChat, we¡¯re good brothers! You¡¯re on good terms with the National Doctor¡¯s disciple, say some good words for me.¡±


    Every man wanted to cure that particular issue.


    Even those without any ailments wanted to reach a higher level.


    Sun Weimeng looked around arrogantly: ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this later, today is my dad¡¯s fiftieth birthday.¡±


    Having said that, he strode toward the hotel entrance with great vigor.


    Peering around, he asked, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Huo Xingzhou arrived yet?¡±


    ¡°You should call him President Huo!¡±


    President Sun, portly with an affable smile, patted his shoulder.


    Sun Weimeng pretended to be earnest: ¡°Huo Xingzhou and I are good friends, we don¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡±


    ¡°Listen to him,¡± President Sun pretended to be angry and said to Mrs. Sun, ¡°Your son is getting above himself!¡±


    Mrs. Sun said proudly, ¡°Our son has an eye for talent. Back then, when so many looked down on Huo Xingzhou, it was our son who spoke up for him. Today¡¯s guests all praise the Sun Family¡¯s vision and wisdom.¡±


    Her tail was wagging in the clouds.


    President Sun laughed heartily: ¡°You and your mother, fortunate fools!¡±


    His business had soared, with several projects in collaboration with Huo Xingzhou turning a profit.


    The Sun Family had caught a favorable wind.


    ¡°Look at you,¡± Mrs. Sun playfully chided, then, noticing two cars arriving at the entrance, she nudged President Sun and reminded, ¡°Old Sun, the Su Family and Huo Family have arrived at the same time.¡±


    This was indeed a twist of fate, a narrow path for enemies crossing.


    ¡°The Su Family actually came,¡± Mrs. Sun frowned slightly, having only extended the invitation out of politeness.


    If Su Heng had any pride, he wouldn¡¯t have come.


    ¡°Every visitor is a guest.¡±


    One was the president of the Tianyuan Group, the other the most sought-after disciple of the National Doctor. These people all wanted to curry favor while they had the chance.


    Qiao Xi had never enjoyed such treatment before, and hearing those exaggerated words from the crowd, she couldn¡¯t cope.


    Her cheeks were flushed red.


    Seeing this, Huo Xingzhou pulled her even closer, as if deliberately protecting her.


    ¡°Please make way, she¡¯s quite shy.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was nearly cradling half of her body, and upon hearing this, people quickly made room.


    Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi¡¯s seats were at the head table, which also signaled the Sun Family¡¯s esteem of them.


    Meanwhile, Su Heng and Su Weiwei took their seats at another table, Su Weiwei¡¯s gaze almost burning a hole in Qiao Xi¡¯s back.


    ¡°Tone it down!¡±


    Su Heng warned in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t you see what kind of occasion this is?¡±


    ¡°I...¡±


    Su Weiwei reluctantly snorted.


    She was simply jealous of Qiao Xi, who had such good fortune.


    Su Heng reminded her, ¡°Tonight, I have identified a few suitable candidates for you. Their families are also interested. You¡¯ll have a chance to chat and cultivate a relationship. When you find someone you click with, we¡¯ll settle the matter.¡±


    Su Heng couldn¡¯t wait to marry off Su Weiwei.


    These past few days, he had not been idle, going directly to the Huo Family to call off the engagement. The old master agreed immediately, but Wang Fengxian refused to let it go and said many vicious things.


    Huo Beiting now spent his days drinking, a total lost cause.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    On the surface, Su Weiwei acquiesced, but in reality, she sneered dismissively.


    Who at this banquet could compare to Huo Xingzhou?


    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going to the restroom.¡±


    Su Weiwei stood up, cooing.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Busy with networking among the table¡¯s bosses, Su Heng didn¡¯t really pay much mind. The Su Family had suffered greatly in the recent Huo Family infighting. Su Heng had to swallow his pride and ingratiate himself with the wealthy elites he once scorned.


    Clutching her little purse, Su Weiwei made her way to the small garden outside, where the sky was dark and the streetlights glowed dimly.


    Following the garden path deeper in, she saw a young man in a tailcoat with a trim figure.


    ¡°It¡¯s you, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    She approached and asked.


    ¡°Miss Su.¡±


    The man greeted her respectfully.


    Weiwei looked him up and down and let out an odd chuckle.

 Chapter 86: 86 Playboy, Indulged in Women

    Chapter 86: Chapter 86 Playboy, Indulged in Women


    ¡°He even looks quite nice¡ªnot a bad deal for that country bumpkin.¡±


    Su Weiwei made her assessment, then took out two small packets of powder from her bag and handed them to him.


    ¡°I heard you used to professionally work as a male escort, and it took quite some effort to infiltrate this place. You¡¯ll get your money, but you¡¯ll have to cause a scene later so everyone knows,¡± Su Weiwei said maliciously.


    She wanted not only to secure Huo Xingzhou but also to ensure Qiao Xi¡¯s utter disgrace.


    ¡°Rest assured. In our line of business, once we take the money, we make sure to do a splendid job.¡±


    The waiter dressed in a tailcoat placed the two packets into his pocket.


    ...


    ¡°I¡¯ve already inquired. The Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is served in individual pots. Just put the powder into the dishes for Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi, one portion each. Then... pretend to accidentally dirty their clothes and take that opportunity to act.¡±


    Worried that Huo Xingzhou would realize something was off and leave on the spot, Su Weiwei wanted to delay as much as possible to find a suitable opportunity to strike.


    ¡°Understood, Miss Su.¡±


    The handsome waiter agreed smoothly, evidently not his first time handling such matters.


    Having said her piece, Su Weiwei left, her high heels clicking rhythmically as she sashayed away.


    As the waiter was getting ready to leave, he was suddenly stopped by a man blocking his path.


    He looked at the slovenly man before him in panic and exclaimed, ¡°Mo... Young Master Mo!¡±


    ¡°What are you holding there?¡± Mo Jiajun asked, staring at his hand.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    The waiter hid the items behind his back.


    A faint smile appeared on Mo Jiajun¡¯s lips: ¡°I heard everything.¡±


    He raised his eyebrows, walked up to the waiter, grabbed his hand, and snatched the items from it.


    ¡°Is this what Su Weiwei had you drop?¡±


    ¡°Mo... Young Master Mo! Please have mercy on me.¡± The waiter knew the gravity of the situation and begged for leniency, ¡°Please don¡¯t tell anyone, I beg you!¡±


    This scion of the Mo Family was capable of all sorts of outrageous deeds, a notorious playboy of Haicheng with no ethical boundaries.


    His reputation was even worse than Sun Weimeng¡¯s had been.


    Mo Jiajun pinched the powder packets in his hand and asked in a low voice, ¡°What is this?¡±


    Struggling to speak, the waiter replied, ¡°It¡¯s for... spicing things up.¡±


    ¡°Nice stuff!¡± Mo Jiajun weighed the powder packets in his hand, ¡°I can keep this secret, but you¡¯ll have to do as I say.¡±


    ¡°What do you need me to do, Young Master Mo?¡±


    With no other options, the waiter had to follow his instructions.


    ¡°Come closer.¡±


    Mo Jiajun was very careful when it came to wrongdoing, afraid of eavesdroppers. He whispered his instructions into the waiter¡¯s ear, who showed an expression of terror on his delicate face.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks turned an involuntary red.


    Huo Xingzhou merely lifted his eyes slightly and gave him a faint glance.


    Sun Weimeng immediately clamped his mouth shut.


    Mrs. Sun shot out her hand and gave him a hard smack, saying, ¡°President Huo, I hope you don¡¯t take offense, our boy is spoiled rotten. It¡¯s great that you and your wife have such a good relationship. Come, let us all wish President Huo a blissful marriage and a lifetime of happiness together.¡±


    She was quite good at livening up the atmosphere.


    Several people at the main table stood up to toast to Huo Xingzhou, Qiao Xi reluctantly lifted her glass as well.


    ¡°President Huo, may you have an early arrival of a precious child!¡±


    ¡°May you hold two within three years!¡±


    The comments were growing increasingly absurd.


    Huo Xingzhou drank three glasses in a row, accepting each toast graciously.


    Qiao Xi also sipped three small cups; the liquor was so strong, her face flushed almost instantly. The difference between white spirit and medicinal liquor was stark, and she couldn¡¯t help but sway slightly.


    But at that moment.


    The waiter also accidentally bumped into her, spilling soup on her dress.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, so sorry!¡±


    The waiter apologized frantically.


    Qiao Xi said softly, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I might not have been standing steadily.¡±


    She turned to Huo Xingzhou and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m going to step to the restroom.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pointed her towards the rooms on the second floor, ¡°The doors have nameplates, just find yours. The Sun Family has everything prepared, there should be spare clothes.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Seeing the situation, Mrs. Sun warmly said, ¡°Qiao Xi, why don¡¯t I go with you? I have prepared dresses in standard sizes for the female guests, just change and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°No need, I can find it.¡±


    Qiao Xi was too embarrassed to have Mrs. Sun accompany her, as she was also one of the day¡¯s main hosts.


    There were many guests at the dinner table coming to toast, and it would be improper for her to leave.


    ¡°Okay then, just call the room¡¯s landline if you need anything; the service desk can provide whatever you need.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    The Sun Family really was well-prepared.


    Qiao Xi stood up and slowly made her exit, heading towards the restrooms on the second floor.


    Su Weiwei glanced over and signaled the handsome waiter with her eyes, directing him to follow her up.


    Grinding his teeth, the waiter followed Qiao Xi at a careful distance.

 Chapter 87: 87 Huo Xingzhou, I Love You

    Chapter 87: Chapter 87 Huo Xingzhou, I Love You


    Qiao Xi ascended the staircase to the second floor.


    At a glance, she saw the prominently displayed nameplate and pushed the door open to enter.


    The dressing room was delicately furnished, featured a soft couch and a washroom, and the vanity was adorned with unopened cosmetics. The room was scented with aromatherapy, and the wardrobe was filled with men¡¯s and women¡¯s formal wear. Although not from the top luxury brands, they were far from mediocre.


    The Sun Family really was wealthy, so willing to invest.


    Her stomach was churning tumultuously.


    She propped herself on the soft couch for a while, but eventually couldn¡¯t hold back, rushing to the washroom to vomit.


    ...


    After throwing up, she felt much better.


    It was then that she had the heart to attend to the stains on her cheongsam. She was reluctant to change out of it, for it was a gift from Mr. Huo.


    The embroidery on it matched the patterns on his cuffs.


    Such secretive yet sweet little details made her replay the moments fondly in her heart. She wondered if that man had deliberately chosen this cheongsam for her.


    From outside the door, a series of footsteps echoed back and forth.


    Su Weiwei, through the door, listened for any sound.


    She arrived quite late, and hadn¡¯t seen if the waiter had entered with Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Su Weiwei!¡±


    A male voice called out from behind her.


    Su Weiwei jumped in alarm, turning to see the notorious playboy from Haicheng, Mo Jiajun. She said irritably while patting her chest, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Mo Jiajun¡¯s eyes roamed over her from head to toe, clicking his tongue in admiration.


    ¡°You have a great figure, and you¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    Su Weiwei that day could truly be described as stunning and alluring.


    Mo Jiajun couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart stir.


    With a laugh, Su Weiwei said, ¡°I¡¯ve always been beautiful.¡±


    She had spent three hours on her makeup, aiming to ensnare Huo Xingzhou with her pomegranate skirt¡¯s charm. Under the influence of the medicine, she didn¡¯t believe that man could remain indifferent.


    Mo Jiajun¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed a few times, his gaze murky.


    ¡°Come sit in my room, I have something to tell you,¡± he said slowly, his eyes filled with lust.


    Su Weiwei glanced at him disdainfully, ¡°I¡¯m busy!¡±


    She had to catch the adulterers in the act at the earliest opportunity.


    ¡°You¡¯ll regret not coming. I saw you and that waiter in the garden...¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Su Weiwei nervously interrupted him.


    ¡°I just want to make a deal with you, let¡¯s talk in my room. Ten minutes will be enough!¡±


    Mo Jiajun said with conviction.


    After hesitating for a moment, Su Weiwei finally agreed and followed Mo Jiajun toward the room at the end of the corridor. The Mo Family was in the paint business, barely considered a third-tier family. Theoretically, they were a suitable match for the Su Family.


    But Mo Jiajun, despite his decent background, had a tainted reputation.


    None of Haicheng¡¯s wealthy daughters wanted to marry him.


    There were even rumors that he might have some kind of venereal disease.


    Mo Jiajun opened the door to his room and ushered Su Weiwei inside. He then gently twisted the door lock, securing it.


    Su Weiwei remained oblivious.


    He poured a glass of water for Su Weiwei in a gentlemanly fashion, ¡°Have a drink.¡±


    ¡°Who dares to drink anything in your room?¡±


    Su Weiwei crossed her arms and looked at him, ¡°What did you see in the garden?¡±


    While speaking, she felt an overwhelming dryness in her mouth.


    ¡°Nothing much, just you giving him two packets of powder,¡± Mo Jiajun glanced at the clock on the wall, stalling for time.


    ¡°You saw wrong!¡±


    Su Weiwei quickly denied.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything, so why are you so nervous?¡± Mo Jiajun casually sat beside her, ¡°Or is it that you have a guilty conscience? Weiwei, why don¡¯t you tell me what that stuff was?¡±


    His hand rested on Su Weiwei¡¯s back.


    Su Weiwei felt a chill run down her spine and uneasily shrugged her shoulders, ¡°Mo Jiajun, what exactly do you want to do?¡±


    She felt uncomfortable all over, as if the blood in her limbs was churning.


    ¡°What I want to do, you know very well,¡± he replied.


    Mo Jiajun¡¯s fingers frivolously caressed her chin, ¡°Weiwei, you¡¯ve dressed up so beautifully, did you come to the banquet to find a man? Huo Beiting, not satisfying you?¡±


    ¡°Mo Jiajun, I don¡¯t have time to dawdle with you!¡±


    Su Weiwei pushed him away and stood up, only to feel dizzy and weak, her body collapsing downward.


    Mo Jiajun took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her waist.


    Feeling dizzy and flushed, Su Weiwei said, ¡°You... what have you done?¡±


    Her entire body was burning with an itch, even longing to be close to the man before her.


    ¡°Little sister Weiwei, you should be asking what you¡¯ve done yourself! The medicine you bought, don¡¯t you know its effects?¡±


    The medicine she bought!


    The high-end aphrodisiac!


    Fast-acting, causing confusion and desire.


    Those with weak wills are easily overcome.


    She closed her eyes, her thirst intense.


    ¡°Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t touch me!¡±


    Mo Jiajun¡¯s hand stroked her smooth skin, sliding down her back and suddenly ripping the lace at her back, exposing her beautiful back.


    ¡°Mo... Mo Jiajun, get off me!¡±


    She tried to struggle, but Mo Jiajun pressed her down hard on the soft couch.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want me to touch you, but do you want Huo Xingzhou to touch you? He probably doesn¡¯t have time to waste on you, the man¡¯s got a wife.¡± He lowered his head to sniff her neck, ¡°Such a strong musk perfume, you really came to seduce men.¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, this is called shooting yourself in the foot.¡±


    Mo Jiajun wanted to take advantage of the situation.


    The idea came from Su Weiwei, he merely manipulated the circumstances.


    He supposed she wouldn¡¯t dare to proclaim it loudly, or else Huo Xingzhou would never let her off the hook, making Su Weiwei suffer in silence.


    Mo Jiajun touched her without any inhibition.


    Only when she actively reached out her arms and embraced him did he finally tear her stockings beneath her skirt.


    ¡°Huo... Huo Xingzhou, I love you,¡± Su Weiwei said in her confusion, ¡°Take me!¡±


    ¡°Soon! Don¡¯t rush!¡±


    Mo Jiajun didn¡¯t care which man she was thinking of in her heart, a duck delivered to his door, who could resist.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, I¡¯m your wife!¡±


    This almost became her obsession, something she remembered even when her consciousness was unclear.


    Mo Jiajun coaxed her into various indecent acts with obscene words, enjoying the taste of conquest.


    He had also taken precautions, using his phone to take various photos.


    In the photos, Su Weiwei looked impatient and thoroughly enjoying herself.


    After preparing all this.


    He then began to enjoy the night.


    Screams of pleasure echoed from the room, faintly audible even through the door.


    The passing waiters all blushed, feeling that rich people really knew how to have fun.


    ...


    In the banquet hall.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression turned increasingly cold, his eyes darkening.


    His palms were unexpectedly hot and searing. He wasn¡¯t unfamiliar with these tricks.


    But he hadn¡¯t expected them to be used on him at the Sun Family¡¯s banquet.


    Now, he was most worried about Qiao Xi!


    Huo Xingzhou stood up and hurried toward the resting room.


    Young Master Sun joked, ¡°He can¡¯t sit still without seeing his wife for just a moment.¡±


    Mr. Sun and Mrs. Sun were more sensitive, noticing something off with Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go have a look.¡±


    They stood up and followed behind Huo Xingzhou.


    Seeing the main guests stand up, everyone else couldn¡¯t help but turn their eyes with interest.

 Chapter 88: 88 They Are All Not Good Stuff

    Chapter 88: Chapter 88 They Are All Not Good Stuff


    During the banquet, somebody abruptly spoke up, ¡°Old Sun has some good stuff, but he only shows it to President Huo. That won¡¯t do; I want to join the excitement too.¡±


    Others followed suit.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go too.¡±


    ¡°Let me take a look as well.¡±


    The bolder ones swarmed after them, though not daring to follow too closely.


    Upon seeing this, Su Heng frowned slightly and stood up, blending into the crowd. He wanted to know what secret deals the Sun Family and the Huo Family had.


    ...


    Leading the way, Huo Xingzhou and his group made their way to the second floor.


    Suddenly, the sound of a woman¡¯s scream was heard!


    It came from the end of the corridor.


    The faces of the Sun Family members all looked troubled.


    Huo Xingzhou quickened his pace even more, walking briskly towards the noise.


    The closer he got, the more piercing the scream sounded.


    ¡°This... this is Mo Jiajun¡¯s resting room,¡± Sun Weimeng said, his heart racing as he noticed the nameplate on the door; Qiao Xi had been missing for quite a while.


    Mo Jiajun was shameless; once he was done with a woman he fancied, he didn¡¯t care about her status.


    ¡°The Young Madam Huo seems to have been gone for quite some time now,¡± someone murmured in the crowd.


    ¡°She probably went to change her clothes,¡± suggested another.


    ¡°But changing clothes shouldn¡¯t take that long.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was the center of attention, and Qiao Xi, by his side, was also under scrutiny. Many people were aware that Qiao Xi had left her seat and didn¡¯t pay much attention to other rich young ladies.


    ¡°The person inside is... Mo Jiajun truly has some nerve!¡±


    They all assumed that the person inside was very likely Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Unable to hold back, Su Heng scoffed.


    ¡°A country woman with no manners,¡± he lamented, ¡°she was the only one who dirtied her clothes at the table, unlike the others.¡±


    He had long held grudges, and now he seized the chance to vent.


    Some agreed with him, while others pretended not to have heard.


    Madam Sun, fearing Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fury, said hastily, ¡°I... I¡¯ll go in first and take a look.¡±


    Should it really be Qiao Xi who had suffered misfortune, she didn¡¯t want an unseemly scene exposed before everyone.


    ¡°No need!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou suppressed his anger and kicked the door with his foot.


    The door trembled a few times before swinging open.


    A woman, her dress torn and disheveled, hair a mess, ran out and plunged directly towards his arms. Huo Xingzhou, quick as if avoiding bacteria, dodged swiftly.


    The woman fell to the ground, and from beneath her disarrayed hair, her delicate face was exposed.


    ¡°Su... Su Weiwei!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s her!¡±


    ¡°She and Mo Jiajun actually...¡±


    Shock froze on Su Heng¡¯s face as he incredulously pushed through the crowd to the front, only to find that it was indeed Su Weiwei.


    ¡°You... shameless!¡±


    Su Heng grabbed her and slapped her across the face.


    ¡°Dad! I... I was...¡± Su Weiwei cried miserably, especially terrified of the onlookers.


    She knew her reputation was completely ruined.


    ¡°Weiwei, dear.¡±


    At the doorway, Mo Jiajun, having dressed at his leisure, sauntered out.


    ¡°A joyous encounter for a man and a woman, you ought to be careful with your words,¡± Mo Jiajun warned.


    He was like a cancer, causing many daughters of wealth to suffer without being able to speak out.


    Hearing his words made Su Weiwei sob even harder.


    She was afraid of the scandal becoming public, that everyone would know she brought the narcotic powder and that Huo Xingzhou would kill her! Moreover, she didn¡¯t know what Mo Jiajun had done with another packet of the powder, or where it went!


    She also stole glances at Huo Xingzhou with the corner of her eye but didn¡¯t notice anything amiss about him.


    ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°Weiwei! Tell me the truth, did he force you?¡± Su Heng wanted to save the last shreds of dignity.


    Mrs. Mo from the crowd couldn¡¯t help but feel displeased, ¡°Your daughter and my son did such a thing, how can it be that my son forced her?¡±


    ¡°Weiwei!¡±


    Su Heng warned sternly.


    Su Weiwei kept hiding behind him, shaking her head while crying, ¡°No! He didn¡¯t force me!¡±


    She had suffered a great loss, but could only swallow the humiliation!


    ¡°You... you¡¯ve disappointed me so much! How could young people have no self-control!¡± Su Heng was so angry that veins throbbed on his forehead. Following the instincts of a businessman, he proposed what seemed to be the best solution.


    ¡°Since... since you both have feelings for each other, then our two families can sit down and properly discuss the marriage!¡±


    The Mo Family was not much worse off than the Su Family!


    It was just that Mo Jiajun¡¯s reputation was abysmal!


    Under the watchful eyes of all, Su Heng could only resort to this measure; otherwise, his Su Family¡¯s daughter would never be able to marry off!


    Mrs. Mo was overjoyed upon hearing this, picking up a daughter-in-law for nothing, and she was the Su Family¡¯s precious daughter!


    But Mo Jiajun was not pleased.


    He shook his head and said, ¡°Uncle Su, romance between a man and a woman is all about mutual consent. What she and I had was nothing but a fleeting affair. I have no intention of marrying her.¡±


    Afraid that Su Heng was not aggravated enough, he criticized, ¡°Her figure isn¡¯t bad, worthy of nine points. But her makeup is too heavy. If she were to remove her makeup and show her bare face, she would only score six points!¡±


    He criticized Su Weiwei from head to toe, humiliating her in every possible way, as if he thought very little of her.


    In the end, Mo Jiajun concluded with a summary, ¡°I slept with her, just to see what Huo Beiting¡¯s woman tasted like. Now that I¡¯ve tried, she¡¯s nothing special.¡±


    Mo Jiajun and Huo Beiting once had an unpleasant encounter, both vying for Fang Anni¡¯s attention. Fang Anni was cunning, and Mo Jiajun couldn¡¯t outsmart her, so he harbored a grudge.


    In terms of figure and appearance, Fang Anni was much better than Su Weiwei.


    ¡°You... you...¡±


    Su Heng was so angry that his whole body trembled.


    Su Weiwei left in shame and indignation, crying unceasingly.


    ¡°Uncle Su, don¡¯t blame me for shirking responsibility. The fact that she could engage in premarital sex shows she¡¯s no good herself,¡± Mo Jiajun said earnestly.


    What a scoundrel!


    Su Heng stormed out, furious!


    And with that, the farce came to an end.


    Mo Jiajun, licking his lips, thought to himself that Su Weiwei wasn¡¯t too bad, actually. Having taken so many photos as leverage, keeping her around as a convenient backup option did seem quite appealing.


    The Sun Family members all had unpleasant expressions watching the Mo Family.


    ¡°Mrs. Mo, your family¡¯s commotion has ruined our old Sun¡¯s banquet. Please leave first, and we will refund the money for the gift you brought,¡± Madam Sun said with a cold face.


    ¡°This...¡±


    Mrs. Mo had anger in her heart, but she didn¡¯t dare to offend the Sun Family.


    She could only twist Mo Jiajun¡¯s ear, grumbling as they left, ¡°How can you not control yourself! When a girl throws herself at you, can¡¯t you just avoid her?¡±


    ¡°Mom! She insisted on sleeping with me, what could I do,¡± he argued bluntly and absurdly.


    The others shook their heads; such lack of principle from the Mo Family¡¯s son.


    ¡°Huo... Huo Xingzhou, sorry for the false alarm!¡±


    It was only now that Sun Weimeng dared to speak up.


    He had never seen Huo Xingzhou in such a thunderous rage, and he too had been worried that it was Qiao Xi inside the room earlier.


    Huo Xingzhou gazed toward the other end of the corridor, where the girl in a pink cheongsam came into his view, causing the corners of his mouth to dip slightly. Actually, the moment he heard the scream upon reaching upstairs, he knew it wasn¡¯t Qiao Xi.


    He was all too familiar with her voice; it was concern that caused chaos in his mind.


    Still, he feared that the unsettling noises inside might be the cause of Qiao Xi¡¯s disappearance.


    That¡¯s why he let the situation unfold as it did.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Qiao Xi slowly approached, calling out softly.


    She had witnessed the commotion from the outskirts of the crowd. Su Weiwei was the one who had run down the stairs in front of her, and Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t understand why she would do such a thing with a man at such a major event.


    But, Su Family¡¯s affairs were none of her business.


    Huo Xingzhou grasped her wrist; his body was burning up, the temperature felt wrong.


    Qiao Xi looked up at him in surprise.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, let¡¯s go back first,¡± he said with a hoarse voice, as if even the air he breathed out was scorching.

 Chapter 89: 89: Mr. Huo, Let Me Help You

    Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Mr. Huo, Let Me Help You


    ¡°President Huo, you¡¯re leaving already? The dishes aren¡¯t all served yet.¡± Sun Wei tried to persuade them to stay, ¡°Why not wait a little longer?¡±


    Sun Weimeng, quick-witted, interrupted Sun Wei, saying, ¡°Dad, they have things to do.¡±


    Sun Wei didn¡¯t dare to press for details in front of everyone, so he politely said, ¡°Then we won¡¯t keep you any longer. President Huo, let me see you out.¡±


    ¡°No need, just have Young Master Sun take me for a ride.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s deep voice rang out, singling out Sun Weimeng.


    ¡°Sure thing!¡±


    ...


    Sun Weimeng felt incredibly honored.


    ¡°Make way, everyone, please make way!¡±


    He took the lead, escorting the couple out.


    Huo Xingzhou walked briskly, and Qiao Xi almost couldn¡¯t keep up. She felt that Mr. Huo was a bit odd, and ...


    His gaze was somewhat frightening.


    As if he was about to devour her.


    Sun Weimeng escorted them all the way to the outside of the grand restaurant, even got the valet to fetch the car keys, being attentive and responsible. He couldn¡¯t stop bragging, ¡°You have no idea how prestigious I was today; everyone was sucking up to me, wanting me to introduce them to the miracle doctor.¡±


    ¡°Huo Er, let me ask you one more time. Have you cured your infertility?¡±


    He had Qiao Xi, the miracle doctor, looking after him day and night; surely, he must be cured by now.


    Huo Xingzhou gave him a cold look and said, ¡°You talk too much.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just concerned about you.¡± Sun Weimeng grumbled a little, ¡°No good deed goes unpunished.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you go back to the car first.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou turned his head and softly instructed her, and without any objections, Qiao Xi returned to the vehicle.


    Sun Weimeng leaned in closer and said mischievously, ¡°Hey, you deliberately made Qiao Xi leave; you don¡¯t want to lose face, huh? It¡¯s okay to not be cured, why be so secretive about it?¡±


    He was on cloud nine lately, bragging every day.


    ¡°Sun Weimeng.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes seemed to be filled with tiny shards of ice, causing Sun Weimeng to suddenly startle and not dare to joke any longer.


    ¡°Now you go back in and take the utensils Su Weiwei and I used and deliver them to Zhou Yu. He¡¯ll know what to do with them.¡± His tone was serious and his expression grim.


    Upon hearing this, Sun Weimeng knew something was amiss!


    Even if Su Weiwei were foolish, she wouldn¡¯t do something disgraceful with Mo Jiajun on such an occasion.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go right now.¡±


    He didn¡¯t ask why; whatever Huo Xingzhou instructed, he did.


    ¡°Then you...¡±


    Sun Weimeng walked a few steps, then turned back to look at him.


    He suddenly paused and said, ¡°You¡¯ll definitely be fine; you¡¯re so shrewd.¡±


    He was overthinking!


    So he hurried back into the grand restaurant.


    Huo Xingzhou lowered his eyes, silently got into the car.


    The door closed.


    He then ordered, ¡°Old Chen, drive back to the small villa.¡±


    ¡°Yes, young master.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou stretched his hand and put down the partition between the front and back seats, creating two separate spaces.


    Qiao Xi just watched him, speaking with a hint of worry, ¡°Mr. Huo, something seems off with you.¡±


    As soon as her words dropped,


    The man turned off all the lights in the back seat.


    It got dark inside the car.


    Qiao Xi suddenly closed her eyes, adjusting to the sudden darkness. But then, with a strong force, she was pinned onto the soft car seat.


    The breathing near her ear was sizzling hot.


    ¡°Mr. Huo?¡±


    She struggled lightly.


    The man didn¡¯t speak, only busying himself with kissing her neck.


    Hot and moist.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s breath hitched, not expecting him to do such a thing.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    Qiao Xi dared not move, sensing his body temperature rising even more.


    Could it be...


    Tonight, Weiwei was obviously not herself; she was very reluctant to be with Mo Jiajun, yet she tearfully admitted it was voluntary.


    Could it be possible that she ate something she shouldn¡¯t have?


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t dare to move rashly, so she just let him lean on her.


    The heat from his body transferred to hers, and the occasional kisses kept her nerves on edge. She didn¡¯t know what to do in this situation, allowing him to have his way with her as he pleased.


    Fortunately, Xingzhou¡¯s consciousness remained very clear.


    Other than kissing, he did nothing more.


    It was as if clinging to her was merely a way to find relief.


    Qiao Xi had never felt the journey home to be so lengthy.


    When Old Chen parked the car in front of the small villa, Qiao Xi breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, we¡¯ve arrived!¡±


    She called out to remind him.


    The man planted a harsh kiss on her red lips before finally standing up.


    His tie was loosened, strands of hair on his forehead were askew and damp.


    His eyes were exceptionally dark, staring at her.


    Qiao Xi turned her head away unnaturally and opened the car door. The night breeze blew in, scattering the ambiguous atmosphere in the car.


    Xingzhou stepped out of the car without a word, and Qiao Xi noticed that he stumbled slightly as he did so.


    She wanted to help him but, for some reason, she pulled back her hand.


    Xingzhou slowly entered the living room; Aunt Qian was not at home either.


    Qiao Xi looked around and figured Aunt Qian must have gone to square dance at this time. She watched as Xingzhou ascended the stairs slower than usual.


    Qiao Xi was certain, he must have consumed the same thing as Weiwei!


    As for why such a coincidence occurred, she couldn¡¯t rule out Weiwei¡¯s scheming.


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡±


    Qiao Xi followed him upstairs.


    But all she heard was a ¡°bang¡± as his bedroom door closed behind him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Qiao Xi knocked on the door, ¡°Please let me in.¡±


    She could still take his pulse to see what exactly was wrong with him. If it was serious, he might need to go to the hospital.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to come in?¡±


    The man asked in a hoarse voice.


    Even through a door panel, Qiao Xi could sense the danger.


    She hesitated for a moment but, thinking she couldn¡¯t just leave him alone, said, ¡°I¡¯m coming in!¡±


    As the door opened,


    Xingzhou grabbed her wrist, spun her around, and pressed her against the door panel.


    He leaned in to kiss her.


    Passionately.


    Madly.


    He was not merely tasting as he had been in the car; this was a fierce assault.


    The drug that had been severely suppressed burst forth.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s breathing became rapid.


    Unable to resist, she could only plead pitifully for mercy.


    Redness tinged the corners of Xingzhou¡¯s eyes, revealing a seductive charm. His hands gripped her waist as he kissed her all the way to the large bed in the room.


    Qiao Xi stumbled, overwhelmed by his overpowering presence as he kissed her on the soft bed.


    With a forceful momentum!


    It was then she truly understood fear.


    But Xingzhou seemed out of control, unlike his usual restrained gentleness. Today he was like a different person. His hands explored her cheongsam, even attempting to undo her frog buttons. Qiao Xi was at a loss.


    She noticed he had opened the drawers of the bedside table, and in the quiet room, the sound of plastic tearing could be heard.


    Qiao Xi knew what he was doing and, with her nearly healed left hand, she clutched his hand tightly and said loudly,


    ¡°Mr. Huo! You must be ill!¡±


    The man finally snapped back to reality and met her eyes.


    He took a deep breath.


    Realizing that he had stopped his actions, Qiao Xi briefly exhaled in relief.


    Anxiety filled the depths of her almond-shaped eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, let me help you.¡±

 Chapter 90: 90 Only One of Her and Qiao Xi Can Live

    Chapter 90: Chapter 90 Only One of Her and Qiao Xi Can Live


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice was almost hoarse as he asked, ¡°How will you help me?¡±


    With her body?


    Qiao Xi could feel the pressure from this man; she gently pushed his body away and said, ¡°Please let go of me first.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand still tightly clutched her slender waist, like an iron hoop.


    As if afraid she would run away.


    ¡°If I let you go, then you¡¯ll leave,¡± he said blandly.


    ...


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s face burned red, ¡°Why would I be that kind of person?¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you know what drug I¡¯ve been given, and what I need most right now,¡± he said seriously, his eyes filled with suggestion.


    It was hard for Qiao Xi to pretend she didn¡¯t understand.


    She spoke with difficulty, ¡°I know, I will help you. But please, release my hand first.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou slowly released his grip, as if he believed her.


    Qiao Xi finally breathed a sigh of relief; she took the opportunity to roll out of the large bed and pulled a medicine box out from underneath it.


    As the box opened, a row of Golden Needles with a cold gleam was revealed.


    ¡°With the purging method, we can expel the heat toxin,¡± she said earnestly, holding a Golden Needle between her fingers.


    Huo Xingzhou closed his eyes slightly, as if resigned, and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi took off his jacket, undid the buttons on his shirt, located the acupuncture points, and inserted the needle.


    Such aphrodisiac drugs could be resolved by being dispersed.


    One needle, and then another.


    She asked, ¡°Mr. Huo, how do you feel now?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou slowly opened his eyes, tilted his head to look at her, and asked, ¡°If you didn¡¯t know Acupuncture Technique, what were you planning to do to save me?¡±


    His gaze was scorching.


    Qiao Xi nervously swallowed.


    ¡°I... I would have taken you to the hospital,¡± she said.


    ¡°Oh, to the hospital, huh.¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips suddenly quirked up slightly, ¡°Going to the hospital for such a matter is very embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°Hospitals will protect the privacy of the patient,¡± Qiao Xi explained weakly.


    ¡°But those who spy on me don¡¯t care about any privacy.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pressed on relentlessly.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes darted away, falling on the torn open package of ¡°Wife¡¯s Joy¡± on the bed. She recognized it as the box brought back from the countryside. She hadn¡¯t expected Mr. Huo to still have it; what... what was he intending to do just now?


    Qiao Xi said with a dry mouth, ¡°None of what Mr. Huo said holds up. I have medical skills and I can perform acupuncture.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou, with his shirt open, watched her with a smile that was not quite a smile.


    It was impossible to pry a single word out of her.


    ¡°Mr. Huo... Mr. Huo, if there¡¯s nothing else, I will go back to my room to rest,¡± she stuttered.


    After finishing her sentence, Qiao Xi fled in a panic.


    Huo Xingzhou watched her retreating back with a deep and intense gaze.


    ...


    That night.


    The Su Family was in an uproar.


    Su Heng pointed at Su Weiwei¡¯s nose, cursing loudly: ¡°Have you no shame? What exactly happened tonight, explain yourself!¡±


    He, Su Heng, had never been so humiliated.


    How he was supposed to hold his head high in Haicheng from now on, he could just imagine what people would say behind the Su Family¡¯s back.


    Zhao Yuzhen sat to one side, her face cold as she soothed the illegitimate child in her arms, her lips curved with mockery.


    Watching father and daughter get what they deserved, this was karma.


    Su Weiwei cried even harder, sobbing, ¡°I had someone buy that kind of medicine, intending to put it into the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish for Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi. I wanted to cook the raw rice into cooked rice with Huo Xingzhou in front of everyone, and I wanted to shame that bumpkin to no end!¡±


    ¡°But... but I never imagined that Mo Jiajun would find out. I don¡¯t know what method he used to drug me.¡±


    She covered her face, weeping with deep sorrow.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it willingly! Dad, please help me, teach me what to do!¡±


    Her life was ruined.


    All ruined by that village girl.


    Su Heng suppressed his rage, his face ghastly pale: ¡°Didn¡¯t I warn you not to set your sights on Huo Xingzhou! He¡¯s not someone we can afford to provoke.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t accept this! That man was supposed to be mine; it¡¯s all Qiao Xi who took everything away from me!¡±


    Su Weiwei still felt that it was Qiao Xi who owed her.


    Su Heng slapped her across the face, ¡°Can you come to your senses, please?¡±


    Su Weiwei was struck to the ground.


    She lay there sobbing and wailing miserably.


    ¡°You...¡± Su Heng vented for a while before saying, ¡°The best solution now is for you to marry Mo Jiajun, uniting the two families.¡±


    He still hoped to recoup some of the losses.


    ¡°I won¡¯t! I refuse to marry him!¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, can¡¯t you see? Now¡¯s not the time for you to choose, but whether Mo Jiajun will have you!¡± Su Heng¡¯s head throbbed with rage at the thought of Mo Jiajun publicly declaring his disinterest in marrying her.


    That rake, how dare he be so picky!


    Su Heng steadied himself on a chair, gasping for breath.


    Zhao Yuzhen had enough of the spectacle and, holding her illegitimate child, moved next to Su Heng, ¡°Husband, look how well-behaved Fengfeng is.¡±


    The child in her arms slept sweetly, also inheriting the mother¡¯s beauty, pure and clean.


    ¡°Husband, Weiwei didn¡¯t do it on purpose. If all else fails, we could send her abroad, and in a couple of years, when the dust settles, no one will mention it again.¡± Zhao Yuzhen originally held great affection for Su Weiwei, but what she had done was too hurtful.


    Now, she just wanted to send Su Weiwei away. The illegitimate child was still young and could be brought up to see her as his real mother.


    If she were to become pregnant later on, she would find an opportunity to deal with the illegitimate child. If she didn¡¯t get pregnant, she would keep him and foster the mother-son relationship.


    Then, in the future, everything in the Su family would still belong to her.


    She had the patience to wait!


    Su Heng looked at his precious son and felt much of his anger dissipate.


    The Su family still had a son!


    He was still in the prime of life; another two or three decades, and his son would grow up ready to take over the family business.


    He looked at Zhao Yuzhen with contentment and said, ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    Su Weiwei watched them with a face full of hatred and despair, ¡°Dad, are you really going to send me abroad? This bitch Zhao Yuzhen just wants to get rid of me with her bastard child!¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, watch your language! She is your stepmother, and this is your brother!¡±


    Su Heng made his final decision, ¡°If Mo Jiajun is willing to acknowledge the marriage, then you¡¯ll marry him. If he¡¯s unwilling, then you¡¯re going straight abroad!¡±


    Having said that, he went upstairs, hugging Zhao Yuzhen and the illegitimate child, not wanting to spare another glance at Su Weiwei.


    Su Weiwei lay on the ground, breaking down in tears.


    How did she end up in such a sorry state!


    Not long ago, she was the glorified fiance?e of the Huo family¡¯s young master, coveted by many!


    Before that, before Qiao Xi came along, she was the treasured pearl of the Su family, the center of attention wherever she went.


    It was all because of that jinx!


    Qiao Xi was her nemesis, her disaster!


    They were fated to be mortal enemies, only one could live!


    Su Weiwei¡¯s eyes were bloodshot with hatred, all directed toward Qiao Xi as she laughed almost maniacally.


    Suddenly.


    Her phone buzzed several times with the sound of a text message.


    Su Weiwei looked at the message content.


    Her hands trembled instantly, her complexion turned ashen as if she were made of paper.

 Chapter 91: 91: I Owe My Success to You

    Chapter 91: Chapter 91: I Owe My Success to You


    Su Weiwei clutched her mobile phone tightly.


    With her eyes red and swollen, she read the text message over and over again until, in a panic, she grabbed her car keys and ran out. Along the way, she even took a fall.


    Without bothering to wipe the blood off her body, she drove a car out of the garage, pressing the accelerator to speed away.


    Heading for Haicheng City Hospital.


    As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she scurried around like a headless fly.


    Such a young lady, who had never dealt with hospital procedures on a normal day, always had those sycophants around her take care of her matters. It was only at such times that a nurse would come out to ask for her needs.


    ...


    Su Weiwei, with messy hair, sobbed out a few words.


    The nurse¡¯s complexion changed, and immediately she took her to the special needs department.


    Su Weiwei dashed in without even a word of thanks.


    Half an hour later, she finally came to her senses and burst into tears.


    The doctor consoled her, ¡°It¡¯s okay, as long as you get the shot in time, there will be no big issue. You need to rest well now and observe for a few days.¡±


    ¡°I... I need to be hospitalized!¡±


    Su Weiwei dared not leave the hospital; she wanted to live within sight of it. This brought her some comfort.


    At her repeated requests, the hospital admitted her.


    Su Weiwei was escorted by a nurse to the ward and changed into patient attire.


    Only in such a tranquil environment did she have the chance to take out her phone and carefully examine the text message.


    It was from Fang Anni.


    She reminded her that Mo Jiajun had that dirty disease and needed to get an injection immediately to prevent it, otherwise, the consequences would be very serious once the time passed. Su Weiwei didn¡¯t bother to discern the truth from the falsehood; she only knew she couldn¡¯t afford to take the risk.


    Her reputation was already bad enough; if she got sick too, it would be a fate worse than death.


    She took a deep breath, dried her tears, and dialed Fang Anni¡¯s number.


    ¡°Hello, Fang Anni. Are you playing me?¡± Su Weiwei cried wretchedly.


    The woman on the other end of the line was calm in contrast, ¡°Did you get the shot?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s fine. Even though I stole your man, we¡¯re still best friends, not mortal enemies,¡± Fang Anni said indifferently, ¡°I genuinely like Huo Beiting. As for Mo Jiajun, I also heard it through the grapevine. Anyway, now that you¡¯ve had the injection, you¡¯re out of the danger zone.¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, you¡¯re really stupid. Don¡¯t harm yourself or others next time. Your brain isn¡¯t even as big as a dog¡¯s; you could only think of such a dumb solution.¡±


    Still somewhat unconvinced, Su Weiwei retorted, ¡°You don¡¯t need to lecture me. Someone like Huo Beiting, who¡¯s rubbish, you can have him. I won¡¯t fight over him with you anymore; we¡¯re square now.¡±


    She hung up the phone directly.


    For some reason, waves of sorrow surged in her heart.


    She wasn¡¯t reconciled, just wanting to take back everything.


    Who wouldn¡¯t like a man like Huo Xingzhou!


    How could someone like Qiao Xi, a mere country girl, be worthy! Even if she carried the title of National Doctor¡¯s apprentice, what did that amount to! After all, wasn¡¯t she just a stinky traditional medicine doctor who served others?


    ...


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi returned to the hospital to end her leave on the first day.


    Cheng Han administered acupuncture to her every day, and her finger dexterity improved very quickly.


    As soon as she arrived at the hospital, she was surrounded by doctors and nurses from the acupuncture rehabilitation department.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re finally back.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, our City Hospital¡¯s acupuncture rehabilitation department has become even more popular lately. Many patients are trying to get an appointment with Doctor Yan, just to see if you¡¯re still in his consulting room.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, this is for you.¡±


    Shu Xue held out a bouquet of flowers to Qiao Xi, ¡°Welcome back.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Qiao Xi accepted the flowers, hugging them to her chest as she softly thanked Shu Xue.


    ¡°What¡¯s all the politeness for? We¡¯re friends who have been through life and death together. Your husband gave me the most expensive mobile phone on the market, and I¡¯m a bit embarrassed,¡± Shu Xue said, linking arms with her and laughing even more happily.


    ¡°You deserve it.¡±


    Speaking of which, Qiao Xi realized she hadn¡¯t transferred the money to Huo Xingzhou on time.


    She decided to ask him how much he had spent when she got back that night, but the thought of what happened the night before made her shy.


    ¡°Shu Xue, I need to report to Dr. Yan now.¡±


    ¡°Hurry up then. Remember to call me to have lunch together at noon.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After Qiao Xi finished speaking, she turned and headed for Dr. Yan¡¯s office.


    Along the way, those who recognized her greeted her warmly or looked at her with kindly eyes.


    Only one person, dressed in a patient¡¯s gown, gloomily stared at her from around a corner.


    Qiao Xi paused for a moment, then walked around her.


    But that person clearly didn¡¯t want to let her go.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    Su Weiwei called out loudly.


    Qiao Xi stopped, turned around, and looked at her, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Su Weiwei, holding back her rage, asked, ¡°What¡¯s your relationship with Mo Jiajun? Why would he help you?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Qiao Xi was completely confused; she didn¡¯t even know a Mo Jiajun.


    ¡°Stop pretending! Last night, it should have been you... but the unlucky one turned out to be me. Did you get the better of Huo Xingzhou by chance?¡±


    Su Weiwei queried.


    Piecing things together, Qiao Xi guessed roughly what had happened.


    ¡°Last night, you were planning to drug Mr. Huo and me, but somehow you took it yourself, right?¡± she asked coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t know any Mo Jiajun, but I know you got what you deserved.¡±


    ¡°You... You were the one who was supposed to take that medicine!¡±


    Su Weiwei glared at her fiercely, ¡°You¡¯re the reason I ended up like this today!¡±


    ¡°Su Weiwei, I¡¯ve never messed with you. The bride swap was your idea along with Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s, I was living quietly in the countryside before that,¡± Qiao Xi reminded her.


    But this made Su Weiwei even angrier!


    ¡°What are you so proud of? Proud of marrying Huo Xingzhou by luck?¡±


    Su Weiwei sneered, ¡°Do you think he loves you that much? All he cares about is your face!¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t want to continue the argument with her, ¡°I have things to do.¡±


    After finishing her words, she quickly left.


    Su Weiwei shouted at Qiao Xi¡¯s departing figure, ¡°You¡¯ll suffer more than I have later! Your temporary pride is worthless! If you knew the truth about the car accident...¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t take the words of a madwoman to heart and headed straight for Dr. Yan¡¯s office.


    She heard voices inside and raised her hand to knock on the door.


    ¡°Come in,¡±


    Dr. Yan said.


    Qiao Xi turned the door handle and opened the door.


    She immediately saw Yan Shi¡¯an and Xu Xiuyuan inside.


    ¡°Dr. Yan, Director Xu.¡±


    Qiao Xi greeted them politely.


    ¡°Come in quickly!¡± Dr. Yan greeted her with a smile that was rare on his stern face, ¡°You could have rested at home for a few more days; there was no need to come to work so early.¡±


    ¡°My left hand is fine now, and my right is recovering. I can do some things to help you,¡±


    such as calling numbers, for example.


    ¡°I was just telling Director Xu that you are an ambitious young person.¡±


    Qiao Xi glanced at Xu Xiuyuan; their last meeting was at the press conference, before which they had an unpleasant encounter.


    Now facing each other, neither was sure what to say.


    Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s expression was somewhat cool as he spoke, ¡°Qiao Xi, I actually have something to discuss with you, let¡¯s step outside.¡±

 Chapter 92: 92: They Definitely Consummated the Marriage

    Chapter 92: Chapter 92: They Definitely Consummated the Marriage


    Qiao Xi looked at Xu Xiuyuan, actually not wanting to have too many dealings with him. But since he was essentially her immediate boss, she could only nod in agreement.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan was the first to walk out of the office, with Qiao Xi closely following behind.


    ¡°Dean Xu, do you need something?¡±


    Qiao Xi asked softly.


    In the long corridor, quite a few people were walking back and forth. Seeing them, those people would take an extra glance.


    ...


    But Xu Xiuyuan seemed unfazed by the onlookers. He started with an apology, ¡°The suspension was to quell the public opinion. Indeed, I made you suffer undue hardship without getting to the truth first. For that, I am very sorry.¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and said, ¡°That¡¯s normal procedure, it¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    ¡°Still, I owe you that apology.¡± His stern face softened a bit.


    Qiao Xi looked at him and felt a renewed sense of familiarity.


    ¡°Then I accept your apology.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan felt much relieved, and he took out a beautifully crafted invitation from his suit pocket: ¡°This is from my maternal grandmother for you, the Liu Family¡¯s full-moon celebration invitation. My aunt¡¯s delivery was successful, thanks to your help.¡±


    ¡°I...¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at the handwritten invitation, sensing the significance given by the other party.


    But she hesitated.


    ¡°Such occasions are usually for family only, it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for me.¡± She declined politely.


    ¡°The Liu Family has also sent one to the Huo Family, and Huo Xingzhou has already agreed to come.¡± Xu Xiuyuan knew her concerns and gave her a reason she couldn¡¯t refuse.


    He pressed the invitation into her hand.


    Qiao Xi held the invitation, no longer voicing any objections.


    Xu Xiuyuan observed her for several moments before leaving.


    Actually, Qiao Xi didn¡¯t really look much like his sister, and the longer he looked at her, the more agreeable he found her presence. The sister he had fantasized about since he was young probably should have been as gentle and docile as Qiao Xi. Not those who seem frail and sensible on the surface but use their cleverness and schemes to gain the affection of their family.


    ...


    Qiao Xi placed the invitation in her storage locker before assisting Doctor Yan with patient consultations.


    It was a busy morning, with a steady stream of patients.


    Even just calling numbers was proving to be exhausting for her.


    As soon as it was noon, Shu Xue called her out to eat.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, treat yourself well for a change.¡± Shu Xue took her hand warmly, ¡°We¡¯ll go eat at the mall today. We have a two-hour lunch break, consider it a celebration for you coming back to work.¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t splurge.¡±


    Even though Qiao Xi¡¯s worth had skyrocketed, she herself didn¡¯t really feel it and continued to live as thriftily and frugally as before.


    ¡°How could that be called splurging! I¡¯ll foot the bill!¡±


    Shu Xue was generously insistent, ¡°You have no idea how generous your husband is. Not only did he compensate me with a new phone, but he even had someone ask if I wanted a house as a reward! I was stunned at the time, that¡¯s wealthy people¡¯s style for you.¡±


    ¡°A house?¡±


    Qiao Xi was also taken aback.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t dare to accept it at that time; I regret it whenever I think about it now,¡± Shu Xue joked.


    How could she actually accept a house! If she took it, living in it wouldn¡¯t be peaceful.


    Qiao Xi covered her mouth and laughed along.


    She was filled with sweetness and joy; Mr. Huo was truly adorable.


    Suddenly.


    Her peripheral vision caught the giant screen in the mall displaying that international up-and-coming ballet dancer, Xu Xingluo.


    Lately, it seemed wherever she went, she would see her interviews and ads.


    Shu Xue followed her gaze, commenting, ¡°A ballet dancer making a stir like a celebrity. Even third-rate stars don¡¯t promote themselves as much as she does.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Qiao Xi didn¡¯t quite understand.


    Shu Xue earnestly said, ¡°In my heart, artists are all about solitude and dedication to their craft, not constantly thinking about making public appearances. The news about her return performance in Haicheng has been publicized for half a month already. Look, here¡¯s the time of her return.¡±


    Qiao Xi followed her gaze, it was tonight.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s flight was going to land at Haicheng Airport.


    But the performance was still a week away.


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s just more popular,¡± Qiao Xi speculated, ¡°Some people are just born with a natural charm.¡±


    Shu Xue pursed her lips, feeling a little jealousy inside, ¡°She¡¯s just lucky! Her brother is the administrative director of Haicheng Hospital, her father is the head of the Xu Family, and her mother is a precious daughter of the Liu Family. Do you know how high the Liu Family¡¯s power and status are? They say the Imperial Capital¡¯s Bell, Haicheng¡¯s Liu. The Liu Family isn¡¯t even in the same league as your Huo Family¡¯s President Huo.¡±


    The Liu Family had powerful connections and a long and profound heritage.


    They could truly be called top-tier elites!


    Whereas Huo Xingzhou came from a business background, the two couldn¡¯t be compared.


    Qiao Xi silently repeated to herself, ¡°Imperial Capital¡¯s Bell, Haicheng¡¯s Liu.¡±


    The phrase felt familiar, as if someone had said it to her before.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, don¡¯t let an unrelated person spoil your appetite.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently followed Shu Xue, showing none of the pride typical of a successor to the National Doctor.


    Shu Xue was even happier to see this.


    ...


    Evening.


    Old Chen, the driver, picked up Qiao Xi to drive her home.


    As soon as she entered the living room, she could hear Aunt Qian on the phone in the kitchen. Her door was not shut tight, and the voice was clear and audible.


    She was about to greet her when she saw a man descending the stairs at the entrance.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Huo Xingzhou nodded slightly as he approached, but he placed a finger to her lips, signaling her to be quiet.


    Qiao Xi dared not speak any further, listening to the louder sounds coming from the kitchen.


    Aunt Qian cackled into the phone, ¡°Yes, I saw it, it was torn.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at Huo Xingzhou confusedly, not understanding what Aunt Qian was talking about.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was indifferent, but his eyes were exceptionally dark.


    All they heard next, Aunt Qian was describing even more exaggeratedly in the kitchen: ¡°It was definitely consummated! I saw it when I was throwing out the trash this morning. But I haven¡¯t heard much about the brand the young master used. I¡¯m worried it¡¯s an inferior product, so I was thinking about buying a few boxes later to put in his drawer.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d be best if they don¡¯t use contraception; any child they produce will surely be beautiful. I think the young master is probably quite capable, so the Young Madam needn¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°Look at how many times Young Master Sun can do it in one night; it¡¯s the talk of Haicheng. Does the Young Madam have any good recipes? Wouldn¡¯t you prioritize the young master? Maybe they¡¯ve already cured the issue and have been keeping it a secret because they¡¯re too embarrassed to tell the elders!¡±


    At this moment.


    Qiao Xi finally understood.


    It was all because of the torn ¡°Mrs. Joy¡± from last night.


    Aunt Qian had misunderstood that she and Mr. Huo had already been intimate.


    Blushes crept up Qiao Xi¡¯s face, and as she faced the man¡¯s focused gaze, she swallowed and said, ¡°Should I explain to Aunt Qian?¡±


    ¡°What would the Little Divine Doctor need to explain? That I¡¯m impotent and haven¡¯t touched you, or that I managed to restrain myself after opening the Mrs. Joy?¡±


    Neither option was appealing.


    Qiao Xi was awash with embarrassment.


    Just then, Aunt Qian hung up the phone and came out of the kitchen, seeing them both looking guiltless.


    She greeted warmly, ¡°Young master, Young Madam, dinner is ready. There¡¯s scrambled eggs with chives, cold mixed wood ear mushrooms, goji berry and pork kidney soup... Would you like anything else?¡±


    The choice of dishes was indeed considerate.


    Qiao Xi looked at Huo Xingzhou awkwardly.


    The corners of the man¡¯s mouth curled up slightly with amusement, and he was about to speak when the phone in his suit pocket began to vibrate.

 Chapter 93: 93 Lipstick, Looks Good for Kissing

    Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Lipstick, Looks Good for Kissing


    Qiao Xi glanced over and saw that it was a call from Zhou Yu.


    Huo Xingzhou answered, his tone cold, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Come out for a gathering!¡±


    Zhou Yu¡¯s end was particularly lively, the noise and mix of voices and music could be heard even through the phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m not free.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou decisively refused.


    ...


    Qiao Xi gave him a second look, thinking Zhou Yu was after all his good brother.


    ¡°Come on! Xiang Huai and the others are back in Haicheng. They¡¯ve specially arranged a meet-up, saying they want to see you. Since the car accident, you haven¡¯t seen any of the old crowd,¡± Zhou Yu explained.


    He hoped Huo Xingzhou could expand his social circle and return to his former life.


    Zhou Yu, still well-intentioned, continued, ¡°Are you planning to keep Qiao Xi hidden forever? We know you¡¯re married, we also know your wife is the National Doctor¡¯s disciple. You should bring her out to meet us, right? Let¡¯s not wash away the dragon temple with the flood here, accidentally offending our own people.¡±


    His words were reasonable.


    Qiao Xi was next to Huo Xingzhou, catching the gist of the conversation.


    Huo Xingzhou turned around and asked her, ¡°Do you want to go?¡±


    Qiao Xi licked her lips, ¡°Zhou said, you haven¡¯t seen them in a long time. So... shall we go?¡±


    She too wanted to understand what his world was truly like.


    Before she appeared, had he been that carefree and dashing, flashing his brilliant clothes and fine horses?


    She wanted to know what the once most talked-about second young master of the Huo Family was like and what his friends would say about him.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    After receiving her agreement, Huo Xingzhou then said to Zhou Yu on the phone, ¡°Send me the address, and make it somewhere not too shady.¡±


    Zhou Yu laughed, ¡°Of course, we wouldn¡¯t be so improper. It¡¯s our first time meeting the sister-in-law; obviously, we¡¯ll keep it clean and tidy.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou hung up the call.


    Qiao Xi looked at him, hesitantly asking, ¡°Do I need to change my clothes?¡±


    Would her casual attire be too disrespectful when meeting his good friends?


    ¡°If you want to change, I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± he replied, leaving the decision up to her.


    Qiao Xi smiled and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go upstairs to change.¡±


    Her steps were light as she ran upstairs.


    Only Huo Xingzhou and Aunt Qian were left in the living room.


    Aunt Qian sighed, ¡°All these dishes are going to waste again, I don¡¯t know who I¡¯m cooking for.¡±


    ¡°You can eat them yourself,¡± Huo Xingzhou suggested with a hint of a smile in his eyes.


    Aunt Qian said grumpily, ¡°I¡¯m in good health; I don¡¯t need these kinds of foods. I made them especially for you, afraid that you wouldn¡¯t keep up after your illness.¡±


    ¡°So was that phone call you made in the kitchen also meant for me to hear?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked in return.


    ¡°Young master, haven¡¯t you two...¡± Aunt Qian looked at him surprised, ¡°Really?¡±


    She really hadn¡¯t expected the young master to be so incapable.


    Young men and women with feelings for each other, living under the same roof, and yet able to restrain themselves?


    ¡°I¡¯m no beast. She still has injuries on her body.¡±


    ¡°Master Cheng said the young madam¡¯s health has recovered, just waiting for her fingers to slowly heal. You must be kidding me, but these dishes can wait for Master Cheng to come home and eat.¡±


    Aunt Qian was resolute about not wasting food.


    Huo Xingzhou had no intention of interfering with her actions.


    But when Master Cheng returned home and saw these dishes, his face would probably look awful.


    He crossed his arms and leaned against the stairwell.


    After a while, Qiao Xi came down in a sweet French-style dress.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, shall we go?¡±


    She walked naturally to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s side, looking up at him.


    It was obvious that Qiao Xi took this gathering very seriously.


    She, someone who rarely wore makeup, had put on a light touch. Her eyebrows and eyes appeared more exquisite, and her lips were painted with a thin layer of grapefruit-colored lipstick, making her look very kissable. To match her dress, she had also carried a small bag filled with essentials for going out.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze had been on her the whole time, making Qiao Xi feel a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, is there something wrong with me?¡±


    Qiao Xi asked with visible nervousness.


    ¡°Nothing, you look very beautiful.¡± More beautiful than the heavy makeup she wore on their wedding night.


    He slightly extended his arm, gesturing to her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s lips uncontrollably curled into a smile as she took his arm.


    The couple left the house sweetly arm in arm, with the driver, Old Chen, opening the car door for them.


    ¡°Young Master, where are we heading?¡±


    ¡°Fuchun Garden.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou mentioned a place that Qiao Xi had never heard of.


    But Old Chen seemed very familiar with it, he didn¡¯t even need the GPS and directly drove them skillfully to Fuchun Garden.


    Qiao Xi sat in the car perfectly composed.


    She was somewhat nervous.


    She feared that those people would have a bad impression of her, which might affect Mr. Huo¡¯s relations with them.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou seemed to have noticed her discomfort and asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Qiao Xi, with a dry mouth and tongue, couldn¡¯t resist licking her lips; the grapefruit-colored lipstick tasted sweet and fruity.


    Seeing her action, Huo Xingzhou caught her wrist: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you have a good relationship with Zhou Yu. For the others, there¡¯s no need to pay them much attention.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded vigorously.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze darkened as he reminded her, ¡°Your lipstick has smudged.¡±


    ¡°Shall I touch it up?¡±


    She lacked experience and didn¡¯t even bring a makeup mirror when she left the house.


    ¡°Let me help you.¡± Huo Xingzhou took the lipstick out of her bag, slowly twisted off the cap. He leaned in close, using the stick to delicately outline her lips.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t dare look into his eyes, feeling as if they could enchant someone.


    Like a sexually appealing fairy.


    She lowered her gaze, and her eyes inevitably fell upon his pale, slender fingers.


    Huo Xingzhou put the lipstick back in place and tucked it into her bag.


    ¡°There, done.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Huo.¡±


    Qiao Xi quickly turned away, as if she had released a great sigh of relief.


    The car sped along, eventually coming to a stop at the entrance of Fuchun Garden.


    Fuchun Garden resembled a Jiangnan-style cottage, embodying a refined elegance. If not mentioned as a club, many people might never consider it as such.


    Pavilions and little gardens, with small bridges over flowing water.


    Qiao Xi, holding on to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand, had no time to take in everything.


    The Fuchun Garden Club looked especially beautiful at night, adorned with lights everywhere, and she even saw fireflies flying through the rockeries and bushes. The entrance was quiet, and only after walking further inside did they encounter noise.


    It was a large Chinese-style courtyard.


    Entering through the main hall, various guests were seated inside. The private rooms were on the second and third floors, surrounded on all sides, a fine place for leisure.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    The waiter recognized Huo Xingzhou upon seeing him.


    ¡°Mr. Zhou has already instructed us, as soon as you arrive, to guide you straight to him.¡± His attitude was very respectful and his gaze didn¡¯t dare to wander.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke indifferently, ¡°Thank you for the trouble.¡±

 Chapter 94: 94: The Exchange of Cups, An Unexpected Guest

    Chapter 94: Chapter 94: The Exchange of Cups, An Unexpected Guest


    The clubhouse atmosphere was dim, relying entirely on lighting to create the ambiance.


    Qiao Xi followed Huo Xingzhou step by step, not daring to fall behind even by a single step.


    Eventually, the waiter stopped in front of a carved wooden door and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, here we are.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    The waiter knocked on the door before opening it.


    Laughter and music immediately poured out from inside, assailing Qiao Xi¡¯s ears.


    ...


    ¡°Huo Second has arrived!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not Huo Second anymore; he¡¯s the President of Tianyuan Group!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Yu, it¡¯s just you who knows! You really are our good brother, helping Huo Xingzhou keep it a secret from us!¡±


    Looking inside, Qiao Xi could see seven or eight young men, but the most active one was the handsome man sitting next to Zhou Yu. He was wearing a dark blue shirt, paying great attention to his appearance and looking more refined than the others, with violet cufflinks adorning his wrists.


    His facial features were very sharp, and his phoenix eyes looked particularly shrewd.


    He stood up, walked to the doorway, and patted Huo Xingzhou¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Didn¡¯t expect you¡¯ve really recovered; we¡¯re happy for you.¡±


    His gaze then fell on Qiao Xi, with a somewhat intense scrutiny that made her a little uncomfortable.


    ¡°So this is Sister-in-law?¡± he seemed to say teasingly.


    The man called Xiang Huai was smiling at the corner of his mouth, his gaze never moving away from Qiao Xi.


    Zhou Yu quickly elbowed him aside and said, ¡°Xiang Huai, don¡¯t block the door! Huo Second, Qiao Xi, come in quickly and take a seat.¡±


    He pointed to the double sofa in the middle and said, ¡°I especially reserved a spot for you two, this is the lover¡¯s seat.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou replied indifferently.


    ¡°Zhou Yu! Can¡¯t you speak properly? What lover¡¯s seat, it¡¯s a married couple¡¯s seat!¡± the young men sitting by the sofa teased in unison, bursting into laughter.


    Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou sat together, her left hand held loosely by him, which made her feel a lot more at ease.


    Aside from her, there were no other girls here.


    The others occasionally looked her way with friendly eyes.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, can you sing?¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, could you take my pulse? I¡¯ve been feeling a bit weak recently, have to soak two cups of Goji berries every day.¡±


    They were all very enthusiastic, extending their hands for Qiao Xi to check their pulses.


    Except for the one called Xiang Huai, who just sat on the side, drinking.


    Qiao Xi was a bit overwhelmed.


    Huo Xingzhou said coolly, ¡°If you want to have your pulse taken, go register at a hospital. She¡¯s off work now; don¡¯t take up her rest time.¡±


    ¡°Yo! Look at him getting all protective!¡±


    ¡°So sweet.¡±


    ¡°Huo Second, you of all people have these moments too. Who would have known!¡±


    They joked.


    Qiao Xi smiled shyly, her eyes shining as she looked at Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Xingzhou, you¡¯ve come to the clubhouse today. You¡¯ve got to drink a cup, or the brothers won¡¯t let you leave!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t clear who first made the suggestion, but it was met with the agreement of most.


    ¡°Right! Gotta drink a cup!¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law has to drink too!¡±


    Zhou Yu intervened to smooth things over, ¡°Guys! That¡¯s not appropriate! Sister-in-law is still injured, and Xingzhou is just recovering from a serious illness. At a time like this, you can¡¯t drink alcohol!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Yu, I knew you would side with them! We¡¯re celebrating today, one cup won¡¯t hurt!¡±


    ¡°How about drinking a bridging cup then! We weren¡¯t there at your wedding. This could make up for it!¡±


    ¡°Bridging cup!¡±


    ¡°Bridging cup!¡±


    Someone even directly called the service desk to find two dragon and phoenix cups, which looked very festive.


    ¡°Drink with this! Sister-in-law, don¡¯t be shy!¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at Huo Xingzhou with a pleading expression in her eyes, clearly seeking help.


    She really didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    ¡°Hard to refuse such kindness.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said in a gentle voice.


    Seeing that even he was helpless, Qiao Xi resigned herself to fate.


    White liquor had already been poured into the pair of cups, not too much, just a small amount that could be quickly finished in one sip.


    ¡°Drink!¡±


    ¡°Drink!¡±


    Qiao Xi nervously pursed her lips, holding a small wine cup in her hand as she looked towards Huo Xingzhou. Her mind was blank, and she had no idea what the posture for the wedding toast was supposed to be like. Huo Xingzhou reminded her, and he led her hand around his arm, his eyes intently focused on her.


    At that moment, Qiao Xi felt as if she had found her backbone, and she closed her eyes slightly, taking a sip of the white liquor.


    Spicy and stimulating.


    The liquid flowed down her throat, sweetening her heart.


    There was no ceremony, no wedding toast, nor a grand banquet on their initial wedding night.


    If only...


    A touch of fantasy filled Qiao Xi¡¯s heart, she thought it must be because the liquor was too strong.


    Holding the small cup in her hand, she didn¡¯t even lower her arm, peering through the dim light at the stunningly handsome man before her.


    The others started to chuckle with insinuation upon seeing this.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Huo Xingzhou take anything so seriously before! Even in the past...¡±


    ¡°Seems like he¡¯s really taken it to heart.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t be shy, we¡¯re all easy to talk to.¡±


    They all offered their kind comfort, yet Xiang Huai sat to the side and scoffed, saying, ¡°We only hear laughter from the newlyweds, not the cries of the old flames.¡±


    As soon as these words fell, the atmosphere turned awkward.


    Xiang Huai didn¡¯t pay attention to them, stood up, and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to pick someone up.¡±


    ¡°Who is he going to pick up?¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s already here.¡±


    Among them all, it was Xiang Huai and Huo Xingzhou who held higher statuses and came from better families. The Xiang Family wasn¡¯t much in Haicheng but was a prestigious clan in the Imperial Capital.


    Zhou Yu¡¯s expression turned cold, and he explained to Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi, ¡°That kid is probably acting up again, don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s full of pride, and quite often a spoilsport.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, feeling that Xiang Huai didn¡¯t like her much, even to the point of dislike.


    Huo Xingzhou pinched her wrist and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to stay, we can go home now.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    He had finally gotten together with his friends.


    Qiao Xi made up her mind and said, ¡°I want to stay a bit longer. Mr. Huo, why don¡¯t you chat more with them? It¡¯s fine for me to just sit here. This place is quite novel to me.¡±


    She was considering Huo Xingzhou¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°Alright then, just sit there.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou guided her to sit down by the shoulder, and poured her a glass of juice, ¡°Don¡¯t drink any more alcohol.¡±


    ¡°Mhm, Mr. Huo, you shouldn¡¯t drink either, your body needs to recover.¡±


    The two of them were being so affectionate, making all the single people howl in protest.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, you¡¯re really not treating us like outsiders! What has Jiaojiao been up to lately? I¡¯m thinking of becoming your brother-in-law!¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou only has one sister, how are we going to share her!¡±


    The noise and chatter filled the room.


    The door of the private room at the clubhouse was pushed open.


    ¡°What are you all talking about that¡¯s so lively?¡± A girl as fresh as a blossoming flower stood next to Xiang Huai, her voice crisp and sweet as she said, ¡°Are you surprised to see me?¡±


    Dressed in a white French-style dress, wearing a red and black checkered hairband, with an extremely slender figure, she stood tall and graceful.


    Stunning everyone present.

 Chapter 95: 95 I Dont Want to Go Home Tonight

    Chapter 95: Chapter 95 I Don¡¯t Want to Go Home Tonight


    ¡°Xu Xingluo!¡±


    ¡°Xingluo!¡±


    ¡°I saw on the news that you were coming back; I didn¡¯t expect you to be on tonight¡¯s flight. You¡¯ve been gone for several months, such a heartless little thing.¡±


    Qiao Xi watched as those men, who had seemed indifferent before, all stood up to greet Xu Xingluo at the door. A flash of amazement crossed her eyes ¡ª so this was Xu Xingluo.


    Even more beautiful and charismatic than she appeared on the big screen, she was a sight to behold just standing there.


    Like a white swan on a nocturnal lake.


    ...


    Pristinely elegant yet captivatingly charming.


    Everyone flocked around her, asking all sorts of questions.


    She seemed destined to be doted on and adored by everyone, clearly a girl raised in an affluent environment, unreasonably perfect.


    ¡°Brother Jing!¡±


    ¡°Brother Zhou Yu!¡±


    Xu Xingluo politely greeted each one in turn.


    At last, her gaze rested on Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou.¡±


    Her voice was gentle and infinitely enchanting as she called out.


    Those two words seemed to twirl around on the tip of her tongue, gaining a hint of fragrance in the process.


    ¡°This must be your lucky bride, right?¡± Xu Xingluo¡¯s lustrous, peach blossom eyes looked at Qiao Xi as if puzzled, ¡°And quite pretty at that.¡±


    She was the first to extend her hand in a friendly gesture, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Xu Xingluo.¡±


    She was brimming with confidence.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s gaze drifted away from her white French dress and a faint smile bloomed on her lips, ¡°I¡¯m Qiao Xi.¡±


    The atmosphere suddenly turned a bit awkward.


    Zhou Yu¡¯s expression soured as he glared at Xiang Huai.


    What was the point of inviting Xu Xingluo over at a time like this if not to purposely annoy Huo Xingzhou?


    Xiang Huai raised his eyebrows, his face full of provocation.


    Huo Xingzhou looked uninterested, his deep eyes still as cold as the snow atop a lofty peak. His hand remained wrapped around Qiao Xi¡¯s wrist, his fingertips gently caressing it, causing Qiao Xi to feel a slight tickle.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face maintained its smile, as if she hadn¡¯t noticed this scene at all.


    She sat on the couch, chatting and warming relations with everyone else.


    Meanwhile, Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou were in a world of their own, their bubble seemingly impenetrable by anyone else.


    Huo Xingzhou listlessly fed Qiao Xi fruit from the platter, leaning back leisurely.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I... can¡¯t eat anymore.¡±


    Qiao Xi reminded him softly.


    The music inside the private room was quite loud, so if she wanted to speak with Huo Xingzhou, she had to lean in closer, which made the atmosphere even more intimate.


    ¡°Then you feed me,¡± said Huo Xingzhou, handing her the silver fork he was holding.


    Qiao Xi, having forgotten the momentary discomfort, asked with an upturned corner of her mouth, ¡°Which fruit do you want?¡±


    ¡°Any will do,¡± Huo Xingzhou replied indifferently.


    Qiao Xi speared a piece of cantaloupe and brought it to his lips.


    His gaze, sticky like spun sugar, lingered on her as he said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat anymore either, let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Seeing that he wanted to leave, Qiao Xi had no reason to refuse.


    Huo Xingzhou stood up, pulling her along, everyone in the private room watched them.


    ¡°It¡¯s gotten too late; we¡¯re heading back now,¡± Huo Xingzhou said in a deep voice.


    Qiao Xi stood by his side, not saying a word, fully endorsing his actions.


    ¡°Leaving so soon? It¡¯s only nine o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Married men are indeed different.¡±


    The others just teased, while only Xiang Huai spoke in a tone tinged with mockery, ¡°Why the rush to leave? Aren¡¯t you giving me face?¡±


    Xu Xingluo frowned, her eyes brimming with tears, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, is it because I came?¡±


    Her eyes were like those that could speak, eliciting sympathy with a glance.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s indifference was extreme as he pulled Qiao Xi and quickly left the club.


    Qiao Xi felt his mood had become even colder. Was it because he had seen the Xu family?


    Jiaojiao had said that the Huo family and the Xu family held a grudge, and they despised each other.


    The footsteps behind them were getting closer, and Qiao Xi looked back to see Zhou Yu running out.


    ¡°Huo Er, Qiao Xi. I really didn¡¯t know that Xiang Huai would bring Xu Xingluo here,¡± Zhou Yu hurriedly explained, ¡°He just said it was a gathering of brothers. I thought it had been so long since we¡¯d gotten together, so I called you out to have some fun.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked with concern.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were filled with a cold light as he said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t organize such boring events next time.¡±


    ¡°I promise it won¡¯t happen again,¡± Zhou Yu was almost swearing.


    After saying this,


    Huo Xingzhou left.


    Zhou Yu sighed. What in the world was all this?


    He slowly walked back, with the private room door ajar.


    Everyone else had left, except for Xu Xingluo and Xiang Huai. Xu Xingluo was sobbing, clutching her glass and downing drink after drink.


    ¡°Xiang Huai, he hasn¡¯t forgiven me!¡±


    Tears rolled down Xu Xingluo¡¯s cheeks, the most beautiful white swan in the ballet world lived up to her reputation.


    Xiang Huai held a tissue and gently wiped the tears from her face, his voice full of pity, ¡°It¡¯s okay, there¡¯s still time.¡±


    Xu Xingluo sobbed, shaking her head, ¡°I don¡¯t like the way he looks at me, he must hate me a lot. But I had my difficulties back then, it wasn¡¯t deliberate...¡±


    ¡°Xingluo, he¡¯s already married.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Xu Xingluo retorted agitatedly, ¡°That Qiao Xi is a country bumpkin, a bride for lucky fortune. They have no emotional foundation, while I¡¯m his childhood sweetheart! Didn¡¯t you all think we would end up together? ¡±


    Seeing her emotionally unstable, Xiang Huai could do nothing but nod in agreement.


    Xu Xingluo cried even harder, her peachy eyes red and swollen, as she coughed while clutching her chest.


    ¡°Should I have died in that car accident? If I had died, I wouldn¡¯t be suffering like this. Brother Xingzhou wouldn¡¯t hate me so much...¡±


    Xiang Huai quickly countered, ¡°You can¡¯t say that. It was his own choice.¡±


    He gently patted her back, ¡°Stop drinking, I¡¯ll take you home later.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go home tonight.¡±


    She was crying so hard that she could hardly catch her breath.


    Outside the room.


    Zhou Yu gently closed the door of the private room.


    What a cursed fate.


    Was Xu Xingluo still delusional?


    Zhou Yu stood for a while, then finally took out his phone and sent Huo Sijiao a text message: Xu Xingluo has come back!


    ...


    The night was dim.


    The Rolls-Royce drove quietly.


    The headlights were dim.


    Qiao Xi watched Huo Xingzhou, wanting to say something but hesitating. Seeing Xu Xingluo had made her think a lot.


    She came back from abroad.


    She and Mr. Huo might have more than an ordinary relationship.


    Then the birthday gift that Aunt Qian lost, could it have been sent by Xu Xingluo?


    And the overseas calls that Mr. Huo always received, were they also from her?


    Thinking of this, Qiao Xi felt stifled, a heavy feeling in her chest.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Huo Xingzhou turned his head, his handsome face looking at her, his eyes deep.


    Qiao Xi shook her head.


    ¡°Say whatever you want to say.¡±


    After hearing his words, Qiao Xi bit her lip and asked, ¡°Really? Can I?¡±


    ¡°Yes, say it.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, that Miss Xu and you...¡± her cheeks flushed, seemingly embarrassed.

 Chapter 96: 96: Mr. Huo, Lets Consummate our Marriage

    Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Mr. Huo, Let¡¯s Consummate our Marriage


    Huo Xingzhou stretched out his warm hand, pinching her chin with the tips of his fingers, and looked into her clear eyes, ¡°An insignificant woman.¡±


    He naturally knew what she was going to ask.


    So he gave her an answer.


    ¡°I...¡±


    Qiao Xi lightly bit her lip.


    She felt that their relationship wasn¡¯t at a stage where such questions were appropriate.


    ...


    ¡°Sorry, Mr. Huo.¡±


    Qiao Xi said, annoyed with herself.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers moved lightly to her cheek, tracing down her snow-white neck, ¡°I like that you ask.¡±


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t quite describe the feelings in her heart.


    Suddenly.


    The man leaned in close, his thin lips kissing her red ones.


    Qiao Xi obediently closed her eyes.


    A faint scent of alcohol and a slowly spreading air of intimacy.


    She felt slightly dizzy, yet couldn¡¯t help but sink into such tenderness.


    She extended her hand, willingly wrapping it around his neck.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, is your lipstick poisonous?¡± he murmured lowly.


    Between the exchanges of breath, all was scorching hot. Those pitch-black pupils became more lustrous, enchanting her very soul as he looked at her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed deeply.


    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t,¡± she had checked the ingredients.


    ¡°Then use it more often,¡± he said in a way that sent ripples through her heart.


    Qiao Xi felt a wave of dizziness; he liked her lipstick.


    In a very soft voice, she replied, ¡°Mhm.¡±


    The car quickly stopped at the small villa.


    Aunt Qian went to the kitchen to busy herself when she saw them return, bringing two bowls of sweet soup directly to the master bedroom.


    ¡°Young master, Young Madam, you didn¡¯t eat well outside, did you? I¡¯ve made you some supper, please eat some.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Aunt Qian.¡±


    Qiao Xi said with a smile while Huo Xingzhou took off his


    Aunt Qian let out a meaningful chuckle and then walked out.


    Soon, there came a series of soft noises from outside the door, and it sounded like the door was being locked too.


    Qiao Xi stood up alertly and went over to try the door handle.


    Was it locked?


    ¡°Aunt Qian?¡±


    Qiao Xi called out to the door.


    There was no sound from outside; Aunt Qian had already walked far away.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, Aunt Qian has locked the door.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was very calm.


    ¡°So tonight...¡±


    ¡°Aunt Qian wants you to sleep here tonight,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, looking at her. ¡°She did it on purpose. Because I didn¡¯t use it even after taking it apart last night.¡±


    Aunt Qian must be suspecting that he¡¯s impotent, trying to create an opportunity for them.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips tightly, saying helplessly, ¡°Oh.¡±


    Her wry expression made the man unconsciously reveal a smile.


    ¡°You¡¯ve slept here before,¡± he said, snaking off his tie with one hand, his gaze darkened as he looked at her, ¡°need a lesson?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou placed her hand on his lower abdomen and with a click, he unbuckled his belt, pulled it out, and handed it to her, ¡°Next time you come alone, I¡¯ll take a shower.¡±


    Soon, the sound of water came from the bathroom.


    Qiao Xi sat up straight with decorum, obediently seated on the sofa, the belt in her hands still warm from his touch, scorching her cheeks.


    She still couldn¡¯t get used to sharing a bed with Mr. Huo and being alone with him.


    What would happen tonight?


    Would Mr. Huo consummate their relationship with her?


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s phone lying on the coffee table suddenly began to vibrate, displaying an unfamiliar number. Qiao Xi was about to inform Huo Xingzhou when the call ended.


    Shortly after.


    The same number appeared on her phone screen, looking vaguely familiar.


    But she couldn¡¯t quite remember.


    Qiao Xi swiped the screen and answered the call, ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Xu Xingluo.¡±


    The phone was met with a coquettish voice, ¡°Is this Qiao Xi? I called Brother Xingzhou, but he didn¡¯t answer. So I got your number from someone.¡±


    Qiao Xi replied, ¡°He¡¯s taking a shower.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s breath hitched, and she laughed awkwardly, ¡°Do you always use such tactics?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Qiao Xi frowned.


    Xu Xingluo spoke in a normal voice, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ve upset Brother Xingzhou by showing up tonight, so I wanted to call and apologize. There are too many misunderstandings between us, and I know it¡¯s normal for him not to want to see me.¡±


    Qiao Xi was silent, not offering any comment.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, do you think he loves you?¡± Xu Xingluo asked, ¡°Or are you two together because of the bonds of marriage or does he truly love you?¡±


    Xu Xingluo chuckled, ¡°Xingzhou is too outstanding. Even though he¡¯s married, there are many women who flock to him. Can you keep him?¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t like her tone, so she said, ¡°Call him after he¡¯s finished showering.¡±


    She hung up the phone and took a deep breath.


    Her gaze fell on the steamy glass door and suddenly she felt bold enough to approach.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, how are your legs?¡±


    She asked, her throat dry.


    ¡°They¡¯re okay.¡±


    The sound of water in the bathroom stopped, followed by the man¡¯s deep voice.


    ¡°Is there anything you need me to get for you?¡± She stood at the door and asked softly.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pulled open the bathroom door, revealing his muscular upper body to Qiao Xi, causing her cheeks to heat up.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, if you want to look, you could just say so.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Qiao Xi was extremely embarrassed.


    She was so stupid. Why bother being upset over some outsider¡¯s words?


    ¡°Hmm, you didn¡¯t want to look.¡±


    He spoke with a hint of a smile at his lips, ¡°Then help me dry my back.¡±


    He stuffed the soft, dry towel into her hands.


    Qiao Xi, clutching the towel, moved slowly behind him, gently wiping. She had done this sort of thing often enough.


    She wasn¡¯t so embarrassed to be mortified at this point.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, Miss Xu called you a while ago.¡± She couldn¡¯t keep it to herself.


    ¡°What did she say?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou asked in a cold voice.


    ¡°She said she was sorry for upsetting you by appearing there tonight.¡± Qiao Xi simply relayed Xu Xingluo¡¯s message.


    Huo Xingzhou showed no reaction.


    ¡°Do you want to call her back?¡± Qiao Xi peeked in and asked.


    ¡°Does the Little Divine Doctor hope I will call back?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou turned around, his pale chest muscles facing her eyes.


    Qiao Xi found them dazzling.


    ¡°What if she needs you for something?¡± She was reluctant in her heart, but sometimes women say the opposite of what they mean.


    He wrapped his arms around her waist and said, ¡°Your right hand still hasn¡¯t healed, has it? I¡¯ll wash you.¡±


    He pulled her into the bathroom without accepting any refusals.


    Qiao Xi did not even get the chance to say her refusal. As for the mobile phone left on the coffee table, Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t touch it all night.


    The next day.


    Aunt Qian finally unlocked the door before dawn.


    After Qiao Xi got up, she was dragged to Cheng Han¡¯s treatment room for a proper session of treatment.


    He stroked his grizzled beard and said, ¡°No serious harm done, just need to slowly recuperate for a while. I have a visitor today, someone you know, the owner of Fu¡¯an Hall.¡±


    ¡°Are you and the owner of Fu¡¯an Hall also friends?¡± Qiao Xi asked, curious.


    ¡°Yes. You can get a discount when you buy herbs from him in the future.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±


    At the mention of a discount, Qiao Xi was pleased.


    Saving a little is still saving.


    ¡°Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law!¡±


    Huo Sijiao¡¯s voice came from the staircase.


    Qiao Xi stood up and walked quickly out, puzzled as she asked, ¡°Why have you come so early?¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m going to accompany you to work!¡±


    Huo Sijiao said, chin up and looking proudly self-assured.


    She had received definite news from Zhou Yu the night before, warning her against Xu Xingluo¡¯s tricks.

 Chapter 97: 97 She lifted her skirt to reveal her fair legs

    Chapter 97: Chapter 97 She lifted her skirt to reveal her fair legs


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°Why would I need you to accompany me to work?¡±


    Huo Sijiao looped her arm through hers and said, ¡°I insist! The main thing is, it¡¯s your first day of consultations. I¡¯m here to help maintain order at the scene, with many people coming for the ¡®apprentice of the National Doctor¡¯ reputation.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that exaggerated.¡±


    Qiao Xi said sweetly, ¡°I can only needle with my left hand, but not with my right. The number of patients I see each day is limited.¡±


    ¡°Just let me accompany you.¡±


    ...


    After a bout of coquetry from Huo Sijiao, Qiao Xi gave in, feeling helpless as she let Huo Sijiao take her to work.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my brother?¡±


    Huo Sijiao scanned around with her sharp eyes; not seeing Huo Xingzhou, an alarm went off in her heart.


    ¡°He went to work. There¡¯s a lot to handle at Tianyuan Group.¡±


    Huo Sijiao looked thoughtfully at Qiao Xi and said, ¡°Sister-in-law, my brother now has status and position, and his legs have healed. There must be many little fairies eyeing him outside, you need to prevent problems before they arise and don¡¯t give those women any opportunities.¡±


    Upon hearing her words, the smile at the corner of Qiao Xi¡¯s mouth faded slightly as she said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Huo Sijiao didn¡¯t take much notice. She drove a Maserati out of the garage and called out, ¡°Sister-in-law, get in the car.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi got in the car, and with a beautiful drift, Huo Sijiao took off towards the hospital.


    This luxury car attracted quite a bit of attention as it appeared at the hospital.


    Particularly because the two beautiful women getting out of it were both rather attractive.


    Qiao Xi was a bit uncomfortable with such attention.


    Huo Sijiao held her chin up high and, linking arms with her, walked in with heads held high. She was like a proud little peacock, wanting everyone to know that Qiao Xi was part of the Huo Family. Let the rumors disperse as quickly as they had gathered.


    Don¡¯t think she didn¡¯t know, those gossipers were all saying that her sister-in-law was not worthy of her brother, that even as an apprentice of the National Doctor she was still just a humble village girl.


    Just as the two entered the hospital, they were bumped into by a woman looking panicked.


    ¡°You... Su Weiwei?¡±


    Huo Sijiao was about to lose her temper, then she saw Su Weiwei, who was wearing sick clothes and had moist eyes.


    She was clutching her phone, her hair messy and hanging loose.


    Upon seeing Huo Sijiao and Qiao Xi, hatred burning like crimson in her eyes, Su Weiwei said.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, must you be so ruthlessly thorough?¡± Su Weiwei screamed hysterically.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Qiao Xi was flabbergasted.


    ¡°Where has our Su Family wronged you? You married Huo Xingzhou as a replacement and gained a huge advantage, yet you seek to drive our Su Family into the ground!¡± Su Weiwei vented, ¡°Even if I die, I won¡¯t let you off!¡±


    She enunciated every word.


    Each word seemed to contain endless blood-fueled hatred.


    After speaking for a bit, the person on the other end of the phone seemed to be hurrying her. She left in a rush without continuing to curse.


    Qiao Xi and Huo Sijiao looked at each other.


    Huo Sijiao was the first to speak, ¡°Does she... have a problem with her brain?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps she got a big shock,¡± Qiao Xi thought of the recent hospital gossip and knew Su Weiwei came in because she was infected with a disease by Mo Jiajun and wondered if the blocking treatment had worked.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, hurry and show me your new consultation room,¡± Huo Sijiao said eagerly, and Qiao Xi simply led her forward. Her consultation room was arranged next to Dr. Yan¡¯s, and there were no objections from anyone in the hospital to her ending her internship early to begin consulting.


    Because her mentor was Cheng Han!


    It¡¯s ten minutes to eight.


    At the consultation room door, people who had registered were already queuing.


    Qiao Xi changed into her clothes and mask and logged into the hospital system.


    Huo Sijiao sat on the waiting chair just outside the door, watching. Based on her understanding of Xu Xingluo, she was sure that woman would show up.


    That woman always tested the waters slowly, seizing the opportunity to devour her enemy and then deliver a fatal blow.


    Her sister-in-law didn¡¯t have such schemes.


    Huo Sijiao wrapped her arms around herself, watching as patients called by number entered one by one.


    Her eyes scanned through the crowd.


    Until it was almost evening.


    As expected.


    She spotted a slender woman, wearing a mask and sunglasses.


    Her temperament stood out, elegant like a crane among chickens.


    Even though Huo Sijiao didn¡¯t get along with Xu Xingluo, she had to admit that this woman was attractive and capable.


    Xu Xingluo also noticed her, took off her sunglasses, and revealed a light, harmless smile, ¡°Jiaojiao, it¡¯s been a long time.¡±


    Huo Sijiao straightened her back and walked over to her, ¡°Indeed, it has been a long time, I thought you would be hiding abroad like a turtle for the rest of your life.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s smile faded slightly, and her eyes started to moisten, ¡°So you¡¯ve misunderstood me too.¡±


    ¡°Misunderstood? When you knew my brother had become comatose, losing his right to inheritance, you didn¡¯t hesitate to leave the country,¡± Huo Sijiao said, harboring a lot of resentment. ¡°You always called him ¡®Brother Xingzhou,¡¯ and since you were little, you cried and clamored to marry my brother. So hypocritical.¡±


    Huo Sijiao didn¡¯t know the extent of her brother¡¯s relationship with Xu Xingluo, but at the time, everyone thought they were the most suitable couple for marriage.


    Every time Xu Xingluo saw her brother, she displayed unusual intimacy.


    She didn¡¯t explain when friends and relatives teased her, letting people talk as though she and Huo Xingzhou were a couple.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡±


    Xu Xingluo said with a bitter laugh, ¡°Huo Sijiao, I truly have my difficulties.¡±


    ¡°What difficulties? Let¡¯s hear them.¡±


    Huo Sijiao scoffed, sizing her up, ¡°I suppose it¡¯s the torment of your innate love for vanity, right? I really don¡¯t understand. Being the darling held in the palm by the Liu Family and Xu Family, how could you think so mercenarily and realistically.¡±


    Xu Xingluo prided herself as a ballet goddess, loving what¡¯s elegant, yet Huo Sijiao saw only one word when she looked at her.


    Tacky!


    ¡°Xu Xingluo, knowing my brother is good for nothing, you just thought of leaving him behind. And now you want to come back and make amends? Not a chance!¡±


    She, Huo Sijiao, would never let her ruin the relationship between her sister-in-law and brother.


    Xu Xingluo pressed her lips tightly together, her eyes turning red, ¡°Seeing him doing well is enough for me.¡±


    ¡°Hypocrite!¡±


    ¡°Jiaojiao, do you still remember ten years ago? Without me, he would have probably...¡± Xu Xingluo began, tears falling from her eyes.


    Huo Sijiao was originally furious, but upon hearing ¡°ten years ago,¡± her rage was instantly extinguished, even showing some hollow toughness.


    Xu Xingluo stopped there, glancing at the screen and saying, ¡°It¡¯s my turn now.¡±


    She put on her sunglasses and walked into the consultation room, with Huo Sijiao clenching her fists in frustration.


    Knock knock.


    Xu Xingluo politely knocked on the door of the consultation room.


    Then she walked in with confidence.


    ¡°Miss Qiao.¡±


    She wore a standard smile and sat on the low stool.


    Qiao Xi lifted her gaze to see her, what a coincidence.


    ¡°Miss Xu, in the hospital, you can call me Doctor Qiao.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Xu Xingluo looked pure and delicate, like a pampered darling. She seemed like a harmless dodder flower, hardly arousing any wariness.


    ¡°What seems to be the trouble with your body?¡± Qiao Xi asked softly.


    ¡°My leg hurts. Western medicine checks found no problems, but I keep feeling a dull pain,¡± Xu Xingluo revealed her fair right leg from under her skirt hem, ¡°It hurts a lot.¡±


    Qiao Xi checked her pulse with a furrowed brow but couldn¡¯t find any issue.


    Xu Xingluo spoke slowly, ¡°Doctor Qiao, have you ever heard of post-traumatic stress disorder after a car accident?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s head buzzed.


    She had come across this term before, on Mr. Huo¡¯s computer search screen.

 Chapter 98: 98: Avoiding Suspicion, I Got Married

    Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Avoiding Suspicion, I Got Married


    Xu Xingluo spoke with a light tone and at a slow pace, ¡°Ever since the car accident, I¡¯ve been left with this problem that just can¡¯t be cured! Doctor Qiao, you know I¡¯m a ballet dancer, this greatly impacts my professional career.¡±


    ¡°May I ask when the car accident happened?¡±


    Qiao Xi had her suspicions.


    ¡°It was three months ago,¡± Xu Xingluo said gently, ¡°Brother Xingzhou hasn¡¯t told you? We were in the accident together.¡±


    Qiao Xi had barely heard Huo Xingzhou mention the accident, and it was even rarer to hear the Xu Family¡¯s name in the villa.


    ¡°I¡¯m not very clear on the details.¡± Qiao Xi said honestly, ¡°You should not be coming to acupuncture rehabilitation, but rather, you should go to the mental health department or neurology for a check-up. Such conditions are often psychological.¡±


    ...


    ¡°Is that so? I thought since Doctor Qiao is a disciple of the National Doctor, you might have other methods.¡±


    Xu Xingluo looked somewhat despondent, ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I won¡¯t disturb you any longer.¡±


    She had come merely to probe the truth.


    Qiao Xi watched her stand up, her walking posture exceptionally graceful.


    She felt indescribable, once thinking Mr. Huo had searched for that term for himself; she hadn¡¯t expected that in that moment, he was thinking of Xu Xingluo.


    She was just an accident who had intruded midway, unaware of how many people had been part of his past, nor how splendid and colorful his life had been. She was even less aware of his past relationships with those brothers and friends.


    They were willing to deal with her because of her relationship with Huo Xingzhou.


    Yet, they were genuinely familiar with, and fond of, Xu Xingluo.


    ¡°Next please.¡±


    Qiao Xi pressed the call button.


    Xu Xingluo left with a faint smile on her lips. When Huo Sijiao saw her, she gave her a fierce glare.


    Xu Xingluo didn¡¯t take it to heart, seemingly unaffected.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, we are not enemies. Originally, we had the chance to become sisters-in-law, and our past relationship wasn¡¯t bad.¡±


    Huo Sijiao said harshly, ¡°That¡¯s impossible now, I already have a sister-in-law.¡±


    Xu Xingluo just smiled kindly and walked away.


    ¡°Miss Xu.¡±


    Seeing her approach, the driver hurriedly opened the car door.


    ¡°To Tianyuan Building,¡± Xu Xingluo said softly.


    It was time for her to make a visit.


    ¡°All right.¡±


    The driver closed the door and set off directly for Tianyuan Building.


    Xu Xingluo straightened her skirt and applied a very light makeup before getting out of the car. She approached the reception desk and inquired softly, ¡°I¡¯m here to see Chen Xun, we have an appointment.¡±


    The receptionist¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing her, excitedly asking, ¡°Are you Xu Xingluo?¡±


    Xu Xingluo nodded slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m a huge fan. I¡¯ll call Assistant Chen right away.¡±


    The receptionist eagerly phoned Chen Xun, who came down shortly after. Seeing Xu Xingluo, he greeted her respectfully, ¡°Miss Xu, welcome.¡±


    ¡°Chen Xun, it¡¯s been a long time,¡± Xu Xingluo said with a smile, ¡°Will it cause you trouble if I came to see you directly?¡±


    Xu Xingluo was still quite familiar with Huo Xingzhou¡¯s people; Assistant Chen Xun happened to be her senior from university, who started working for Huo Xingzhou right after graduating. Now he had become the assistant. Xu Xingluo hadn¡¯t expected that what was once a casual act of kindness would leave her with an ace up her sleeve at a crucial time.


    At least with Chen Xun there, Huo Xingzhou wouldn¡¯t kick her out.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°But you still kept a lot from me,¡± Xu Xingluo said, pretending to be angry, ¡°You even hid the fact that Brother Xingzhou is the President of Tianyuan Group so well.¡±


    Chen Xun apologized, ¡°Actually, I wasn¡¯t in the know. President Huo kept it well-hidden; only the senior executives were aware, I¡¯m just an assistant.¡±


    He simply did as he was told from above.


    ¡°I¡¯m not blaming you, just joking around.¡±


    Xu Xingluo poked her head in and asked, ¡°Is Brother Xingzhou in the office?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Chen Xun led the way, ¡°The group has been overwhelmed with business lately, President Huo has been busy dealing with it all.¡±


    Xu Xingluo curiously looked around at the decorations and displays, genuinely feeling the extent of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s capabilities. If only she hadn¡¯t...


    But it was all pointless now.


    She couldn¡¯t bear to let go.


    ¡°President Huo¡¯s office is just ahead.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I can go by myself; you can go ahead with your tasks.¡±


    Xu Xingluo said politely, watching Chen Xun leave before turning her gaze towards the pantry. After a moment¡¯s thought, she went in.


    Ten minutes later.


    She carried a steaming cup of coffee towards the CEO¡¯s office.


    Knock, knock.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    The man engrossed in paperwork didn¡¯t even lift his head.


    Xu Xingluo slowly approached, a fragrant breeze in her wake.


    ¡°President Huo, your coffee. Rose summer, no sugar, no milk,¡± Xu Xingluo said in an extremely playful tone. ¡°I remember it was your favorite.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou slowly looked up, frowning at her.


    ¡°Coffee is harmful to health; I¡¯ve lost my taste for it now.¡±


    Xu Xingluo was saddened, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I understand you¡¯ve always blamed me. I don¡¯t expect us to go back to being as close as we once were, but could you perhaps be a little nicer to me? I¡¯m really hurting inside.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a place for you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pressed the intercom, reprimanding coldly, ¡°Chen Xun, do you not wish to keep your job?¡±


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, it¡¯s my fault! I begged Senior Chen Xun to let me in,¡± Xu Xingluo quickly grabbed his hand and pressed down on the phone, ¡°Don¡¯t blame him, I just missed you too much.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou shook off her hand, wiping it with a tissue, ¡°Are you done speaking?¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears, ¡°Do you really dislike seeing me that much?¡±


    ¡°Conflict of interest.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said coldly, ¡°I¡¯m married.¡±


    ¡°But you were unconscious then; what kind of marriage is that if you had to marry in haste? Did you ever have a wedding ceremony?¡± Xu Xingluo stood before Huo Xingzhou, vulnerable and falling apart.


    She cried as if her heart was breaking.


    ¡°We have a registered marriage, recognized by law as husband and wife.¡±


    Xu Xingluo wiped away her tears, pretending to be strong, and looked at him seriously, ¡°I know you still blame me. But it wasn¡¯t my choice to leave; my family forced me to go abroad.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou closed the project proposal, looking at her, ¡°What does that have to do with me?¡±


    The depths of his eyes were icy cold, not a hint of warmth to be found.


    His gaze at Xu Xingluo was like looking at a stranger.


    He stood up, ¡°You should leave now.¡±


    Xu Xingluo sobbed, ¡°The words you broadcasted on the screen on the day Tianyuan Group Building was launched, weren¡¯t they meant to spite me?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou scoffed, turning to leave.


    Xu Xingluo clutched at his sleeve, pleading, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To pick up my wife from work.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Please keep your distance from me.¡±

 Chapter 99: 99: Ten Years Ago, He and She

    Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Ten Years Ago, He and She


    Xu Xingluo froze in place when she heard his words.


    He said, picking up his wife from work?


    It was hard to imagine these words coming from Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth, as he had always been aloof and noble. In the past, even her attempts to get close to him required utmost effort, but now he intimately referred to that village girl as his wife!


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou!¡±


    Xu Xingluo saw him ruthlessly press the elevator button and hurriedly chased after him, clinging onto him from behind.


    Huo Xingzhou coldly snapped, ¡°Let go!¡±


    ...


    Xu Xingluo shook her head, holding on even tighter. Tears welled up in her eyes, and the tear mole at the corner of her eye evoked pity.


    Huo Xingzhou impatiently pried open her fingers and pushed her aside.


    With a cry of alarm, Xu Xingluo¡¯s legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor. Sitting on the ground, her face turned pale, she clutched her chest and gasped for air, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I¡¯m... I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Her old ailment had flared up again!


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression tightened as he squatted down and rummaged through her bag for the asthma spray.


    Xu Xingluo weakly grasped his wrist, with tears streaming down her cheeks, ¡°I don¡¯t... I don¡¯t have it with me. If you don¡¯t forgive me, I won¡¯t even have... the courage to live on.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s handsome face was icy, ¡°Are you trying to coerce me with your death?¡±


    He pulled out his phone and called Chen Xun to buy a bottle of asthma spray from a nearby pharmacy. Soon after, Chen Xun arrived sweating profusely and delivered the spray. Huo Xingzhou immediately administered it to Xu Xingluo, and she began to recover after a while.


    She clutched the sleeves of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s clothes tightly, her face deathly pale as she said, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I just want your forgiveness. Do you still remember what happened that year... ¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have Chen Xun take you back.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou interrupted her with a dark tone.


    Tears fell like a string of pearls from Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes, ¡°What will it take for you to forgive me? Your instinctive reaction doesn¡¯t lie. When you saw me having an attack, your first thought was to find an asthma spray.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, you know that I got my asthma because I did something for you ten years ago... Can¡¯t you, for the sake of what happened ten years ago, stop deliberately provoking me?¡±


    She lifted her slender swan neck, looking at him eagerly.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid someone will find trouble if you die here! Chen Xun, get her out!¡± Huo Xingzhou, unmoved, called out again.


    Chen Xun immediately stepped forward and said to Xu Xingluo, ¡°Miss Xu, let me take you home first.¡±


    Xu Xingluo wiped away her tears and said with a sob in her voice, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you to cool down.¡±


    She left reluctantly, concealing a glimmer of dark intent in the depths of her eyes.


    Now that she had returned, she would not give up easily. After all, she still had countless schemes up her sleeve.


    Huo Xingzhou stood still, closing his eyes slightly.


    Images of the bloody car accident flashed across his mind: the collision of vehicles and the thunderous crash.


    He was a bloody mess in that instant and lost consciousness. When he woke up, he had fallen into an abyss where everyone could trample over him.


    And then, there was that night ten years ago when he was on the brink of death...


    He opened his eyes slowly, his mind in turmoil as he returned to the office, with the large floor-to-ceiling windows presenting a panoramic view of Haicheng.


    Lastly, he called Zhou Yu and said, ¡°Show me the previous cooperation case with the Imperial Capital¡¯s Zhong Family.¡±


    Zhou Yu promptly sent him the information, adding, ¡°The Zhong Family is mired in intense infighting ¡ª it¡¯s a good opportunity to fish in troubled waters.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou responded indifferently.


    He knew the Zhong Family¡¯s internal strife was due to the return of an illegitimate son with great capabilities and schemes. In the bustling Imperial Capital, Tianyuan Group sought to expand its business empire and needed to find a shortcut.


    After discussing business with Zhou Yu, who then tentatively asked, ¡°What¡¯s your plan now that Xu Xingluo has returned? I heard the Xu Family forcibly sent her abroad, and it wasn¡¯t her intention to abandon you and leave the country...¡±


    At the scene of the accident back then, Huo Xingzhou and Xu Xingluo were in the same car; Huo Xingzhou was critically injured, while Xu Xingluo was unscathed. Declared beyond help by the doctors, the Xu Family sent Xu Xingluo out of the country.


    It did look truly ruthless and heartless, utterly cold-blooded.


    ¡°Abandon?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou snorted coldly in disdain.


    Zhou Yu slapped himself hard on the face and explained, ¡°That was a poor choice of words. But Huo Er, even a dog raised for so many years develops an attachment, let alone a person? Initially, all of us thought you would end up with Xu Xingluo.¡±


    In terms of family background, personal character, and emotional foundation, Xu Xingluo and Huo Xingzhou were a match made in heaven.


    Besides, for families like theirs, a marriage alliance was the inevitable outcome, so why not choose someone who was a childhood sweetheart and mutual love?


    Apart from Xu Xingluo, who else would Huo Xingzhou choose?


    ¡°You¡¯re all blind.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave a chilly evaluation.


    Zhou Yu said helplessly, ¡°Alright, I hope you¡¯re not just being stubborn. Don¡¯t fail Qiao Xi, she¡¯s a good girl.¡±


    When Qiao Xi was mentioned, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s slender fingers unconsciously twirled the pen.


    His irritable and tainted heart seemed to be cleansed and washed by this name, becoming calm and warm.


    ...


    Eight o¡¯clock at night.


    Huo Sijiao dropped off Qiao Xi from work at the small villa and spoke earnestly, ¡°Sister-in-law, you have to make brother pick you up and drop you off at work every day, to stake your claim! Otherwise, little fairies outside will have their chance to wrap him around their fingers.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently nodded her head.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, thank you for bringing me back. It¡¯s getting too late, you better hurry home.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    ¡°Drive safely, call me once you get home,¡± Qiao Xi reminded again.


    Huo Sijiao sped off in the car, and as soon as she left, the smile on Qiao Xi¡¯s face faded. This morning, Mr. Huo had promised to pick her up from work, but he changed his mind in the evening, saying he was too busy to come.


    She glanced at the garage; the car Huo Xingzhou usually drove wasn¡¯t there.


    He hadn¡¯t come back yet.


    Qiao Xi entered the small villa, where Aunt Qian had also gone out to join the square dance, and everything was quiet.


    She returned to the second floor of the small villa with a heavy heart and closed the door to her room.


    Touching her cheek with a cold hand, the phrase ¡°post-traumatic stress disorder following a car accident¡± circulated in her mind, haunting her. She mechanically finished her nightly routine and lay on the soft bed with not a hint of sleepiness.


    It turned out that both Xu Xingluo and Huo Xingzhou had been in the car during that accident.


    In the early hours, the sound of the car engine shutting off rang out. Followed by the increasingly distinct footsteps at her door, she could hear a deliberately subdued voice outside.


    ¡°Is she asleep?¡± a low, pleasant male voice asked.


    ¡°The Young Madam must be tired from work; she went to bed early,¡± Aunt Qian replied.


    ¡°Hmm, you go rest, I¡¯ll check on her.¡±


    As the man finished speaking, Qiao Xi quickly closed her eyes tight and regulated her breathing. She could feel the door being gently opened and a sliver of light peeking through the crack.


    A tall and stately shadow slowly cast over her, and warm fingers brushed her cheek.


    Gentle, lingering.


    As the man drew closer, an alien, faintly sweet scent wafted toward her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s breath hitched, as if she¡¯d plunged into an ice-cold pit.


    It was the scent of the perfume Xu Xingluo wore, which she had just smelled during the day.


    The memory was vivid.

 Chapter 100: 100 Mr. Huo, I Want to Be Yours

    Chapter 100: Chapter 100 Mr. Huo, I Want to Be Yours


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body shook with tension, her hands clenched tightly under the bedsheet.


    What kind of intimate act must have happened, for the perfume scent of Xu Xingluo to linger?


    Her eyes felt slightly warm, a bit moist.


    She didn¡¯t dare ask for confirmation.


    But when Qiao Xi felt the man beside her slowly rising to leave, she didn¡¯t know where the courage came from as she grabbed his arm.


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    ...


    Her soft voice sounded, and she sat up in bed, her arms tightly wrapped around his robust waist.


    In the darkness, the man who had his back to her turned around, letting out a light chuckle.


    ¡°I thought you were going to continue pretending to sleep,¡± he said in a warm, lingering voice, while his slender fingers caressed her smooth skin.


    Qiao Xi boldly stood up, stepping onto the soft bed to look down at him as she looped her arms around the man¡¯s neck.


    Eyes met eyes.


    Such a pose instinctively bred ambiguity.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips tightly, feeling extremely uncomfortable.


    On one hand, she was too timid to ask about his relationship with Xu Xingluo; on the other, she forced herself to believe in Huo Xingzhou.


    The struggle that pulled at her nearly drove her insane.


    Suddenly.


    Her clear, watery apricot eyes filled with a do-or-die determination, she boldly met Huo Xingzhou¡¯s puzzled gaze and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, my hand is almost healed.¡±


    Direct.


    Fervent.


    The air stilled for a moment.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand pinched her soft waist, his eyes growing darker: ¡°Qiao Xi, do you even know what you¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she said in a low voice.


    That night, they nearly crossed the line in a moment of passion.


    He said that once her hand healed, he wouldn¡¯t let her go, and those ¡°marital joys¡± hadn¡¯t even come into play yet.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯m giving you another chance to think this through,¡± his voice was already hoarse to the point of being unrecognizable, his body a study in ascetic self-restraint. Only the tightening grip of his hands betrayed his agitation.


    Qiao Xi felt unbearably pressured by that sour bitterness and inferiority; she shook her head.


    No further consideration was needed.


    She kissed the man¡¯s thin lips directly, pressing her soft body against his.


    An innocent, passionate kiss set the pitch-black night ablaze.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s body tensed like a drawn sword.


    Letting her ignite it, tempt it.


    Qiao Xi lightly bit his lip corner, her eyes brimming with a moist light, her voice sweet and soft: ¡°Mr. Huo, I am willing.¡±


    No man could refuse such words.


    And Huo Xingzhou was no exception when faced with Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Don¡¯t regret it later,¡± Huo Xingzhou said in a deep voice, his breath scorchingly hot.


    Qiao Xi gripped his shirt tightly, her breath rapid.


    For once in her life, she wanted to act on impulse, to seize what she desired.


    ¡°I want to be yours.¡±


    In the truest sense of husband and wife.


    Her words acted like a fuse, igniting all the ambiguity. The man took control, his powerful hormones invading her space, pressing her firmly against the soft bed.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s boudoir, with its elegant light fragrance, mingled with the sharp scent on his body. The sweet cloying scent of Xu Xingluo quietly dissipated as if it had never existed.


    Lips entangled, clashing.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s dress zipper was pulled open, crumpled on her body. The man kissed her fair neck, his slender fingers caressing her skin.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks turned crimson, struggling to cope.


    She was extremely nervous; even her red lips trembled.


    ¡°Qiao Xi...¡± His voice was like the ultimate aphrodisiac, enchanting the heart. His well-defined fingers caressed her lower abdomen, whispering, ¡°Here, there might be a child.¡±


    Qiao Xi lay on the bed, her hair spread out, eyes wide open as she looked at him, her expression filled with confusion.


    ¡°Mrs. Merry is not one hundred percent effective in contraception,¡± he said softly. ¡°Let¡¯s wait a while longer.¡±


    His blood was surging, rationality on the brink of collapse, but he still called a halt.


    What he wanted to give her was not a first night of such hurried discontent.


    Qiao Xi half-lowered her eyes, letting out a sigh of relief at the bottom of her heart, but she felt a tinge of disappointment as well.


    Did he not want to touch her because Xu Xingluo had come back?


    Suddenly.


    The man took hold of her left hand, asking in a low and ambiguous tone, ¡°It has healed, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Qiao Xi looked at him, puzzled.


    ¡°Then tonight it shall be put to work,¡± the man said in a cold, abstinent manner, uttering shamelessly.


    It took Qiao Xi a long moment to realize what he meant, and her entire skin began to burn with heat.


    She did not resist, allowing his presumptuous movements.


    She turned her head and tightly closed her eyes, not looking at his gaze and the sexy expressions, the muffled sounds he made near her ear. It was clearer than back then through the bathroom door, surrounding her in a vivid stereo.


    Midnight approached a rest.


    Her face and ears were flushed red, her body stiff as she lay on the bed.


    The man beside her was content and satisfied. His voice hoarse, he began, ¡°Tomorrow at the Liu Family¡¯s full moon celebration, I will arrive late. I¡¯ll have Old Chen take you there first.¡±


    Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Is it because of Huo Jianjun¡¯s economic crime trial?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I cannot be absent.¡±


    Qiao Xi understood that with his status, there was no need for him to attend a child¡¯s full moon party. It was already nice of him to be willing to go.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mr. Huo. I can take care of myself. You deal with the important matters first.¡±


    She received calls from Mrs. Liu almost every day, chatting about family matters and casually mentioning the full moon celebration.


    It was hard to decline such hospitality, and Qiao Xi found it impossible to refuse.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, once the trial is over, I will rush over,¡± he said, rubbing her soft hair and kissing the corner of her lips.


    The trial would last at the latest until six in the evening, and the Liu Family¡¯s full moon celebration was also scheduled to officially start at six. The trip would take more than half an hour, and he worried she wouldn¡¯t feel comfortable with the ostentation of high society, concerned she might be bullied.


    Hearing his words, her eyes sparkled, and her heart was filled with sweetness.


    The dejection and speculations of the day seemed to wash away.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    She snuggled into his arms and obediently responded.


    The next day, the weekend.


    Qiao Xi awoke to find the bed beside her empty.


    As she went downstairs for breakfast, she saw Cheng Han, who rarely skipped going out. The elderly gentleman with white hair and beard gestured to her, ¡°Come here, let me check your hand again.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently sat on the couch, extending both hands for him to take her pulse and give her acupuncture. She subconsciously retracted her left hand, then relaxed it.


    Cheng Han gave her a look and examined each finger joint intently, saying in a deep voice, ¡°The flexibility in both hands has recovered well, your right hand needs two more days of rest. But this left hand...¡±


    He assumed it was because the hospital was too busy and cautioned, ¡°Don¡¯t overexert it.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears flushed with color.


    The phrase ¡°overexert it¡± made her recall scenes from the previous night, and she wished she could burrow into a hole.


    ¡°Qiao Girl, I¡¯m leaving Haicheng today.¡±


    Qiao Xi knew he was leaving but didn¡¯t expect it to be so sudden. With reluctance, she said, ¡°Can¡¯t you stay a bit longer? I can take you back when it¡¯s time.¡±


    Cheng Han waved his hand, ¡°Someone will take me back to Moon Village. You young couple should just enjoy your own lives.¡±


    His tone was resolute, leaving Qiao Xi feeling regretful.


    He spoke again, ¡°There is one thing I need to caution you about. No matter what the Liu Family asks you to do, don¡¯t agree.¡±


    Qiao Xi furrowed her brows, ¡°Why?¡±


    Could it be that Grandpa Cheng had some conflict with the Liu Family?

 Chapter 101: 101: The Secret of Twenty-Two Years Ago

    Chapter 101: Chapter 101: The Secret of Twenty-Two Years Ago


    ¡°I can¡¯t tell you just yet.¡±


    Cheng Han looked at her young and innocent, charming face, filled with concern.


    The time wasn¡¯t right to involve her in the complex matters of the past.


    ¡°Since Grandpa Cheng says so, I¡¯ll obey,¡± Qiao Xi didn¡¯t press further and obediently agreed.


    Cheng Han sighed and said, ¡°When your abilities have matured, you can do whatever you wish.¡± He took out a membership card from his pocket and placed it in front of her, ¡°Here¡¯s your membership card for the Haicheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Association.¡±


    ¡°If you want to open a clinic and avoid trouble, this will be very useful to you. Although there are all kinds within the association, there are some truly skilled people. My old friends will also look out for you.¡±


    ...


    Cheng Han had thought everything through for her, networking with relatives and friends over the past few days to pave the way for his disciple.


    Qiao Xi felt a warmth in her eyes as she accepted the membership card.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. With your temperament, you¡¯re easily bullied.¡±


    Cheng Han stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room to pack up, so don¡¯t hover around this old bag of bones. Young people should be vibrant.¡±


    Aunt Qian, listening to their conversation, chuckled after Cheng Han left, saying, ¡°The young master really likes the Young Madam¡¯s temperament.¡±


    She clearly knew that the two had spent the night together last night.


    Qiao Xi cast a shy glance at her.


    Aunt Qian covered her mouth, laughing as she said, ¡°Young Madam, when can we expect some good news from you and the young master?¡± She was very worried. There was another woman out there watching like a tiger poised to strike.


    ¡°It¡¯s... it¡¯s still early. Aunt Qian, I won¡¯t talk about this with you.¡±


    Qiao Xi lifted her skirt and ran lightly up the stairs, her hand covering her belly. She thought of what Mr. Huo had said last night. What if they really did have a child?


    ...


    The sky was dimming.


    The Liu Family estate, sprawling over a vast area. Corridors and lakes illuminated by lamplight, subdued and traditional.


    One hour before the celebration for the baby¡¯s full month, the Liu Family¡¯s kitchen had made ample preparations. The guests invited to the full month celebration were all closely related to the Liu Family. Those with ulterior motives, looking for a shortcut to success, were kept out.


    On the grand bed on the fifth floor of the modern Chinese-style villa, lay a man, emaciated to the bones.


    Thin, almost lifeless.


    His eyes were tightly shut, but his features still retained the handsomeness of his youth, and beside his bed were all the machines keeping him alive.


    This was the second young master of the Liu Family, the younger son of Old Madame Liu, Liu Zongyun.


    Liu Zongyun had been in a car accident when he was young and had been in a vegetative state for twenty-two years.


    Currently, there were three people standing beside the bed.


    Old Madame Liu, leaning on her cane, was much healthier and was able to walk a little. She was wringing her handkerchief, wiping Liu Zongyun¡¯s cheeks.


    Liu Huimin, holding her husband Xu Guangyao¡¯s hand, furrowed her brows and said, ¡°Mom, do we really need to ask that Doctor Qiao for help tonight? That girl is too young, and my brother has been like this for so many years...¡±


    She had her doubts.


    Even if the girl was Cheng Han¡¯s disciple, she was just a girl in her early twenties. Her husband had told her the girl had an improper mindset, likely seeking fame and status.


    He even suspected that it was Cheng Han who had healed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs but claimed it was his disciple¡¯s doing to give her credit.


    Old Madame Liu said sternly, ¡°Of course! She¡¯s our esteemed guest tonight. Don¡¯t underestimate her because of her youth; she¡¯s highly capable. Besides, we have no other alternatives.¡±


    ¡°Mom¡¯s right, we should give it a try if we have the chance,¡± Xu Guangyao said with a suitable smile on his face, his eyes slightly flickering as he stood nearby.


    His hands clenched slightly at his sides, he hoped this Qiao Xi didn¡¯t have much skill and that Liu Zongyun would never wake up. Otherwise, the things he did twenty-two years ago would be exposed.


    His eyes darkly fixed on Liu Zongyun lying on the hospital bed, he thought, don¡¯t blame him for being ruthless. If it weren¡¯t for Liu Zongyun stumbling upon his secret, he wouldn¡¯t have had the heart to take action.


    It was a pity he hadn¡¯t died; instead, he became a vegetative man who could not speak.


    Xu Guangyao thought of Qiao Xi¡¯s face, which bore some resemblance, and overturned that absurd suspicion. Initially, he was certain that the baby girl had died.


    How could there be a survivor!


    Madam Liu sighed, lamenting, ¡°Back then, Zongyun was clinging to my hand with an urgent expression before he fell into a coma. He wanted to tell me something, but in the end, he didn¡¯t get the chance to say it.¡±


    She really wanted to know what Liu Zongyun had to say.


    If he never woke up in this lifetime, that sentence might very well become his last words.


    Xu Guangyao comforted, ¡°Mom, he¡¯ll wake up.¡± As if.


    Madam Liu wiped her tears and said, ¡°I hope so. The full moon feast is about to start, you go ahead. I¡¯ll stay with Zongyun a bit longer.¡±


    Xu Guangyao nodded and walked out with his delicate wife in his arms.


    As the couple left the room, Liu Huimin¡¯s face grew serious, and she spoke in a low voice, ¡°Husband, are we really going to let that little girl treat my second brother? It¡¯s too unreliable.¡±


    She valued her family greatly and didn¡¯t want Liu Zongyun to fall into the hands of a quack.


    Xu Guangyao patted her shoulder gently and explained, ¡°Let¡¯s follow the old lady¡¯s wishes for now. As for that Dr. Qiao, we¡¯ll keep an eye on her.¡±


    Liu Huimin agreed emphatically, ¡°A country girl, accidentally married to the Huo Family¡¯s second young master, and even cured his legs. And then it turns out Huo Xingzhou is actually the powerholder of Tianyuan Group. All these incidents together don¡¯t seem like a coincidence. Perhaps Cheng Han is using her to pave the way, aiming to return to his status as a master of traditional Chinese medicine.¡±


    In the Chinese Medicine Community, the grand needle test event that occurs once every ten years, those who knew would not dare to speak a word.


    After that, it was the boundary division between north and south, with Cheng Han and Lu Bannong avoiding each other, leading to Cheng Han¡¯s withdrawal.


    Xu Guangyao took his eye medicine and said, ¡°Xingluo¡¯s return to the country is because she can¡¯t let go of Huo Xingzhou. That country girl has deep schemes; you need to protect Xingluo. In fact, a marriage alliance between our Xu Family and the Huo Family would be the best.¡±


    Liu Huimin thought of her daughter¡¯s melancholic look and felt very heartbroken.


    ¡°Husband, what should we do then?¡±


    ¡°We have to find a way to make Qiao Xi initiate a divorce.¡±


    Liu Huimin pondered thoughtfully.


    Leaning against the escalator on the upper floor, she looked down at her daughter in the banquet hall, smiling like a flower. Who would have thought that such a beautiful girl had almost been driven mad by her demons?


    Her heart¡¯s demon was Huo Xingzhou.


    Tonight Xu Xiuyuan and Xu Yunye, the two brothers, were not present, one busy with hospital affairs, the other obsessed with heavyweight motorcycle racing. As the jewel of the Xu and Liu Families, Xu Xingluo stood out especially, as if she became the center of attention instead of the little baby.


    Inside the banquet hall.


    Xu Xingluo wore a black diamond-studded dress with lace and feather decorations, resembling the noble black swan reborn from Swan Lake. Her figure was soft and slender, her demeanor unique.


    She wore a valuable little crown, and her makeup was delicate yet effortless.


    Surrounded by stars, the matrons and young talents lingered around her, showering her with endless flattery and admiration in their eyes.


    ¡°Xingluo is a grown lady now, truly beautiful. You couldn¡¯t find a more outstanding girl in all of Haicheng.¡±


    Xu Xingluo graciously smiled, ¡°Thank you, Aunt Lin, for the compliment. Tonight, I am representing my uncle to receive the guests, so if you don¡¯t enjoy yourself, it¡¯s all Xingluo¡¯s lack of hospitality.¡±


    ¡°So sensible!¡±


    ¡°The precious gem of the Xu and Liu Families, the only daughter.¡±


    An acquainted aunt held her hand, praising, ¡°I don¡¯t know how your mother taught you, but I am so envious. I don¡¯t have a daughter, only a disappointing son. Xingluo, would you like to be my daughter-in-law?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair, she should come to my house.¡±


    The Xu Family had a daughter, and a hundred families sought her.


    Facing their enthusiasm, Xu Xingluo bashfully smiled, ¡°Dear uncles and aunts, all my fathers and brothers, I am still young.¡±


    Her gaze caught sight of someone entering, and she excused herself, ¡°Have fun, everyone. I¡¯m going to greet the guests.¡±


    With that.


    She flicked the stray hairs at her temples and walked over with a smile on her lips.

 Chapter 102: 102: Consecutive Schemes

    Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Consecutive Schemes


    At the entrance of the banquet hall, Qiao Xi applied a light touch of makeup. Adorned in a white cheongsam embroidered with hibiscus, she moved elegantly towards the gathering. She tugged at the cheongsam¡¯s mandarin collar to cover the kiss mark on her neck.


    The folly of the previous night left her hands still feeling a bit numb.


    Xu Xingluo approached to greet her, looking like a swan emerging against the light, stunningly beautiful. She cheerfully called out, ¡°Miss Qiao, welcome.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded politely in response.


    She did not have much interaction with Xu Xingluo, but the few times they met were hardly pleasant. Perhaps it was the ambiguous relationship she had with Huo Xingzhou that made her feel uneasy.


    Without any obvious discomfort, Xu Xingluo intimately linked arms with Qiao Xi and said, ¡°It seems we are fated to meet, to think we look so alike. Let¡¯s exchange contact information? I¡¯ll scan your code.¡±


    ...


    She took out her phone, brooking no refusal.


    Qiao Xi reluctantly accepted the friend request, only to notice Xu Xingluo¡¯s profile picture was a white swan. She froze for a moment because she had accidentally seen that very picture on Mr. Huo¡¯s phone before.


    ¡°Miss Xu, there¡¯s no need for you to go out of your way to entertain me. I¡¯ll just sit in a corner for a bit,¡± Qiao Xi said politely.


    Xu Xingluo was the center of attention at the event, and Qiao Xi disliked the feeling of being scrutinized, as if she were being stripped bare for examination.


    She even overheard hushed whispers from the crowd, commenting on how she and Xu Xingluo standing together looked like sisters.


    There were even more outrageous speculations.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou must be pining for the past, just look at that face...¡±


    ¡°Exactly. How could a country girl compare to Xu Xingluo? Could it be a case of spurned love, finding a replacement out of spite?¡±


    With a smiling face, Xu Xingluo calmly said, ¡°Miss Qiao, don¡¯t mind what they say.¡±


    Those words stung Qiao Xi¡¯s heart like biting ants.


    The term ¡°replacement¡± made her extremely uncomfortable.


    Yet she consoled herself over and over again with Huo Xingzhou¡¯s words, Mr. Huo had said that ¡°Xu Xingluo was just someone unimportant.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked into her eyes and said, ¡°We are not alike.¡±


    Xu Xingluo let out a soft laugh. She knew Qiao Xi was not at peace inside.


    Suddenly, there was a commotion in the crowd.


    It turned out that Liu Zongquan and Yang Yuerong had arrived with their baby, drawing everyone to surround them and play with the child, all while using the opportunity to present valuable gifts. The extraordinary gifts, ones Qiao Xi had only seen on TV, filled the room.


    She subconsciously clutched her handbag, which contained the homemade gift she had made for the full-month celebration.


    She thought about waiting until the crowd thinned out to give it, not wanting to stir up any trouble.


    ¡°A Ming Dynasty jade cicada, wow! General Manager Yang, you sure are a generous uncle!¡±


    The guests exclaimed in awe.


    It turned out that the gift-giver was Yang Yuerong¡¯s brother, the baby¡¯s maternal uncle, who had brought a Ming Dynasty jade cicada. Symbolizing endless life, it conveyed an elder¡¯s auspicious wishes for the child.


    The crisp voice of Xu Xingluo rang out, ¡°What does this jade cicada look like? I want to see it too!¡±


    The moment she saw the jade cicada, her face lit up with joy.


    ¡°Uncle Yang, so you were the one who got the other jade cicada at the Yuandu Auction. I had planned to pair them up as a gift for my little cousin,¡± Xu Xingluo said, taking out an antique small redwood box and opening it.


    The lifelike jade cicada inside indeed matched the one presented by the Yang Family.


    ¡°They really are identical!¡±


    General Manager Yang nodded in approval, ¡°Xingluo you are thoughtful.¡±


    The Yuandu Auction was not a place a young lady like her could easily attend; she must have gone through a lot of trouble. The Ming Dynasty jade cicada was rare and highly prized, not something easily found.


    Xu Xingluo humbly replied, ¡°If you keep praising me, my tail is going to lift up to the sky. We all hope the little cousin will be safe and sound.¡±


    Listening to Xu Xingluo say this, the crowd once more praised her for being as kind-hearted as she was beautiful.


    Xu Xingluo smiled coquettishly and winked at Xiang Huai in the crowd.


    Xiang Huai raised his voice and said, ¡°Miss Qiao, what gift have you prepared this time? The disciple of National Doctor Cheng Han and the first lady of Tianyuan Group must have brought something of immense value.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d like to broaden our horizons.¡±


    ¡°Yes, what are you hiding?¡±


    In the lively scene, guests are most easily stirred up.


    Xu Xingluo, holding Qiao Xi¡¯s arm, cooed, ¡°I¡¯m curious about what they¡¯re saying. May I have the honor of taking a peek?¡±


    Her cheeks were filled with a nai?ve and innocent smile, as if she were a carefree Little Fairy.


    Next to her, Yang Yuerong, holding her baby in her arms, intervened, ¡°It¡¯s time to start the banquet. Let¡¯s take our seats first. The gifts are secondary¡ªit¡¯s an honor for us to have you here, giving face to the Liu Family.¡±


    She inwardly blamed Xu Xingluo for not knowing the severity of her actions, unsure whether Xu was doing it deliberately or unintentionally.


    Xiang Huai, however, was relentless, pressing Qiao Xi aggressively, ¡°You didn¡¯t come without a gift, did you?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart tightened.


    She knew it was difficult to escape this predicament; Xiang Huai¡¯s hostility towards her was always clear.


    Rather than being nervous and uneasy, she chose to be open and gracious. Her soft voice came out, ¡°I did bring a gift¡ªa handmade trifle, really not worth mentioning.¡±


    She opened her handbag and took out an exquisitely embroidered fragrance pouch.


    ¡°Tch.¡±


    Seeing the fragrance pouch, Xiang Huai let out a disdainful sneer, ¡°A common fragrance pouch that you can buy anywhere on the street?¡±


    Qiao Xi explained, ¡°According to ¡®Compendium of Materia Medica¡¯, fragrant herbs can be used for healing. This fragrance pouch is for expelling pathogens, strengthening the exterior to support the correct qi, and preventing colds. The child was born from a difficult labor and has a weak constitution. With summer around the corner and the cold from air conditioning, it¡¯s better to be prepared.¡±


    Hearing her explanation, many people had an epiphany.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that years ago, the fragrance pouches prepared by Cheng Han were all the rage and sold out instantly. These medicinal herbs...¡±


    Qiao Xi said, ¡°It¡¯s a formula modified by my master from the ¡®Compendium of Materia Medica¡¯, safe even for children to use.¡±


    What a thoughtful gift!


    Yang Yuerong was moved to tears, ¡°Only a mother understands the ingenious thought that Dr. Qiao put into this. You¡¯ve really addressed my immediate concern. We¡¯ve been very careful with this child because of his frailty.¡±


    ¡°This is care that money can¡¯t buy,¡± Chairman Yang remarked with admiration as he closely inspected the fragrance pouch. ¡°The heirlooms passed down from our ancestors are indeed rare treasures. Miss Qiao is truly remarkable!¡±


    With a forced smile, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re really amazing. Compared with your gift, mine feels quite inadequate. No wonder my aunt and grandmother like you so much.¡±


    In a soft voice, Qiao Xi replied, ¡°My skill is nothing more than a minor art.¡±


    Yang Yuerong said, ¡°Dr. Qiao, could you please attach the fragrance pouch to the baby?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Qiao Xi did not refuse; she pinched the fragrance pouch and tied it onto Liu Rongbao¡¯s clothes. The fair and chubby little bun was extremely happy, ¡°giggling¡± and tugging at her clothes, not wanting her to leave, even extending his arms for a hug.


    Yang Yuerong laughed, ¡°You and the baby must be fated. Usually, he won¡¯t even let Xingluo hold him; he really seems to like you. Dr. Qiao, please hold him for a moment.¡±


    Hearing this, Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes darkened.


    After some polite refusal, but unable to withstand the enthusiasm of mother and child, Qiao Xi reached out her hands and took the baby.


    Someone joked, ¡°Since the children like you so much, why not have one of your own?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed, but as she cradled the soft bundle in her arms and gently soothed him, her heart melted.


    Suddenly.


    She stumbled.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s high heel twisted, and with the baby in her arms, she tumbled forward.

 Chapter 103: 103: A Public Kiss, Full of Affection

    Chapter 103: Chapter 103: A Public Kiss, Full of Affection


    ¡°Ah! The child!¡±


    ¡°Careful now!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face was stricken with fear as she clutched the child in her arms tightly, ready to use her body as a cushion to protect the little one.


    In the blink of an eye, a strong arm encircled her upper body, pulling her into an embrace. She steadied herself, standing dumbfounded as she looked at the man who had hastily appeared before her.


    His features were handsome, his expression cool and collected. His eyes were dark as ink, irresistibly drawing one in.


    The child in her arms wailed loudly.


    ...


    Qiao Xi was still in shock when Yang Yuerong took the child over, examining it with tender concern.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡± Qiao Xi wanted to explain but wasn¡¯t sure how to begin.


    It seemed like she had been tripped by someone, but she couldn¡¯t be certain who. There were too many guests around, and it was unclear what their intentions were.


    Huo Xingzhou gently pinched the back of her hand, a gesture meant to comfort.


    His gaze was icy as a cold smirk curled at the corner of his lips, ¡°If someone no longer wants their feet, just let me know.¡±


    Xiang Huai spoke with nonchalance, ¡°Xingzhou, are you suggesting someone deliberately tripped her? Being protective of one¡¯s wife should have its limits.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, Brother Huai. Don¡¯t argue, this is all a misunderstanding,¡± Xu Xingluo hurriedly interjected.


    Yang Yuerong, with a face full of fear, patted the child¡¯s back to soothe it, ¡°It¡¯s all okay, no harm done. I¡¯ll take the child back to the room first. Make yourselves at home!¡±


    Her words carried no blame towards Qiao Xi, yet Qiao Xi felt a deep sense of guilt.


    Xu Xingluo kindly offered comfort, ¡°Qiao Xi, just be more careful next time.¡± Her words implied it was Qiao Xi¡¯s fault.


    She then turned to Huo Xingzhou and spoke affectionately, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I thought you weren¡¯t coming. We are going to Qing Lake to set off fireworks later.¡±


    ¡°I remember how much you loved setting off fireworks at Qing Lake as a child.¡±


    The Liu Family¡¯s estate was adjacent to the clear, blue waters of Qing Lake, stretching for miles, a breathtaking sight to behold.


    The Liu Family had spent a fortune on the latest and most fashionable fireworks that lined the lake¡¯s edge. There were also many tourists and media who had come upon hearing the news, eager to witness the grandeur of the fireworks display.


    As Qiao Xi watched Xu Xingluo¡¯s charming demeanor, her heart sank.


    Childhood memories? Did Xu Xingluo and Mr. Huo have memories exclusive to them?


    Qiao Xi felt a chill, though her hand was held tightly by the man. She heard him say, ¡°People¡¯s tastes change. What I liked before, I do not like now.¡±


    Every word he spoke was in her defense.


    Finally, Liu Zongquan could no longer stand by and said, ¡°Let¡¯s start the meal! After we¡¯ve eaten, you young people can go and enjoy the fireworks.¡±


    ¡°Please take your seats, everyone. The banquet begins now.¡±


    The main table was for the elders, while the table next to it was for the younger relatives who were close to them.


    Ironically, Xu Xingluo and Huo Xingzhou were seated at adjacent tables.


    She and Qiao Xi were seated on either side of Huo Xingzhou, with Xiang Huai next to her, followed by Liu Zongquan¡¯s eldest son, Liu Yi, whom Qiao Xi had met once.


    The rest of the seats were taken by younger members of the Yang Family, faces unknown to her.


    Xu Xingluo was charming and amiable, bright and captivating.


    She attended to everyone, serving food and pouring tea, not neglecting Qiao Xi either.


    Indeed, she was the high-quality daughter-in-law that all the prestigious families in Haicheng vied for, with her strong social skills, exceptional talent, and graceful demeanor.


    Watching her, Qiao Xi¡¯s gaze dimmed, and an unwarranted envy welled up inside her.


    Xu Xingluo placed the beautifully prepared Luo Pond Shrimp on the far side away from Huo Xingzhou and explained carefully, ¡°Brother Xingzhou is allergic to shrimp. He¡¯s hated them since he was little.¡±


    The intimacy in her voice caused Qiao Xi¡¯s heart to seize up suddenly.


    Then came a heavy sense of loss. Xu Xingluo¡¯s past with Mr. Huo was something she, an outsider, could never be a part of. Xu Xingluo knew what he loved and what he didn¡¯t.


    As for her, her knowledge of this man was very, very limited.


    ¡°My wife loves them,¡± Huo Xingzhou spoke indifferently.


    He stood up and, using the serving chopsticks, placed a small dish of shrimp on his plate. He elegantly rolled up his sleeves and meticulously peeled the shrimp shell and vein, then delivered the succulent flesh to Qiao Xi¡¯s lips.


    Qiao Xi opened her mouth instinctively, biting into the shrimp flesh, and chewed thoughtfully.


    ¡°Is it delicious?¡± the man asked, his features as fine as carved jade.


    Qiao Xi nodded vigorously.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s expression turned sour, and Liu Yi, who was sitting on the side enjoying the show, couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud.


    Xiang Huai¡¯s expression darkened as he took the whole plate of shrimp, saying, ¡°Xingluo loves to eat them too.¡±


    At the dining table, the two men seemed to be competing in a shrimp peeling contest to see whose plate had the most shrimp meat.


    Utterly childish.


    Huo Xingzhou took out a wet wipe and meticulously cleaned his fingers. Then he carefully arranged the dishes for Qiao Xi, all of which were her favorites. The two of them whispered from time to time, creating a world of their own.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s heart was filled with bitter resentment, holding a grudge.


    Even delicious delicacies tasted bland.


    ¡°Cousin,¡± Liu Yi leaned in, adding fuel to the fire, ¡°If I were Huo Xingzhou, I would choose Dr. Qiao too. You¡¯re too dramatic and take everyone for fools.¡±


    Xu Xingluo glared at him fiercely.


    Liu Yi shrugged indifferently, as their relationship as cousins had never been good.


    He didn¡¯t maintain any facade of closeness, ¡°My mom had a brother instead of a sister, and you¡¯re happy about it, aren¡¯t you? This way, no one can threaten your status as the only cherished pearl of both families.¡±


    ¡°Liu Yi, why would you think that?¡± Xu Xingluo said with a mournful tone, frowning.


    Liu Yi sneered without humor, ¡°Cousin, you¡¯d better pray there¡¯s never a day when your true colors are revealed. Haicheng¡¯s number one socialite, the well-behaved girl in the elders¡¯ eyes, the perfect daughter-in-law.¡±


    He had felt Xu Xingluo¡¯s scheming for attention since childhood, and he had often been wronged because of it.


    She wanted everyone to hold her in high esteem and follow her lead. And as the eldest grandson of the Liu Family, he was a stumbling block on her path to seeking favor.


    Xu Xingluo clenched her back teeth, seething with jealousy on the inside.


    Her eyes reddened as she watched Qiao Xi being pampered by Huo Xingzhou, while Xiang Huai consoled her, saying, ¡°Xingluo, I¡¯ve told you I would help you.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s nose turned red, ¡°Thank you, brother Xiang Huai.¡±


    Xiang Huai was her sharpest weapon, plus she still had that ¡®get out of jail free¡¯ card from ten years ago.


    That country girl wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against her!


    If it hadn¡¯t been for that car accident, the engagement would have been arranged after a month by their parents. She and Huo Xingzhou were meant to be together, and Qiao Xi was just an expendable interlude.


    ...


    Eight o¡¯clock on the dot.


    Qing Lake fireworks.


    The guests of the banquet hall poured out, after all, to watch the fireworks from the best spot at the Liu Family¡¯s was a rare treat.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I¡¯ve specially reserved the best spot for you,¡± Xu Xingluo offered eagerly, ¡°Come quick! The lighter is yours!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took the lighter and handed it straight to Qiao Xi.


    Qiao Xi looked at him, feeling sweet inside.


    The row of fireworks was neatly lined up by the lake¡¯s edge, waiting for the guests to ignite them personally. Qiao Xi had never set off fireworks since she was a child; to her, fireworks were a luxury.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, let¡¯s light them together,¡± Qiao Xi suggested.


    Huo Xingzhou casually nodded, holding her soft hand as they approached the fireworks fuse to light it.


    The fuse hissed, and the fireworks shot into the night sky, bursting into brilliant colors that reflected her joyously leaping fair face.


    ¡°So beautiful,¡± Qiao Xi exclaimed.


    Huo Xingzhou felt a lump in his throat, the lighter igniting not only the fireworks but also the simmering desires deep within him.


    ¡°Indeed beautiful,¡± he responded.


    In the full view of everyone.


    Huo Xingzhou suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her wildly. The light flickered on and off, and their passion intensified.


    The surroundings were noisy, and whistles and teasing sounds continued.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes turned bright red, stunned for a long time.


    How dare Qiao Xi! She¡¯s shameless!


    That destructive and uncontrollable emotion rose from the bottom of her heart as she looked at the chillingly dim Qing Lake; Brother Xingzhou was actually so intimate with that country bumpkin!


    She had never experienced it herself!


    ¡°Brother Xiang Huai, you once said that whatever I do, you¡¯d help me. Does that promise still stand?¡± Her lips trembled as she uttered these words.


    Xiang Huai said, ¡°It stands for a lifetime.¡±

 Chapter 104: 104 Both he and I have done more

    Chapter 104: Chapter 104 Both he and I have done more


    By the Qing Lake, the kiss ended.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears turned blazing red as she looked down and whispered softly, ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    He was always cold and proud. How could he do such a thing in front of so many people?


    ¡°Suddenly felt like it,¡± Huo Xingzhou pressed down an even hotter tide of emotion.


    Their relationship had undergone a breakthrough last night. Even if they hadn¡¯t taken the final step, there was no real difference anymore. A man always craves more of the woman he likes, never satisfied.


    At his response, heat rose to Qiao Xi¡¯s head. Shy glimmers flickered in her eyes as she looked into his, with a torrent of words she didn¡¯t know how to express.


    ...


    Xiang Huai paced over and said to Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Knowing when to bow out, Qiao Xi let go of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m going to watch the fireworks over there.¡±


    She left with a spring in her step.


    Xiang Huai¡¯s contemptuous gaze shifted from her retreating figure to Huo Xingzhou. ¡°You don¡¯t need to do this to make Xingluo feel hurt and regretful.¡±


    ¡°You like Xu Xingluo. Don¡¯t treat everyone like a fawning dog,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, his gaze relaxed.


    ¡°The cause of her mental illness is you!¡± Xiang Huai said sharply. ¡°You saw that psychological report, didn¡¯t you? She¡¯s been diagnosed with PTSD after the car accident, which developed into severe depression. Only you can save her! She was also a victim of that accident. It¡¯s the Huo Family that owes her!¡±


    Xiang Huai was emotional, his face contorted with rage. ¡°Huo Xingzhou, don¡¯t you think she feels she abandoned you when you were critically ill and went abroad? When she learned you had become a vegetable, her emotions spiraled out of control, and she tried to commit suicide.¡±


    ¡°It was the Xu Family who sent her abroad forcibly. Xingluo never thought of leaving you!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was indifferent. Hearing his accusations one by one, he finally spoke, ¡°So what?¡±


    ¡°Divorce the country girl and marry Xingluo,¡± Xiang Huai said bluntly.


    The corner of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth twitched slightly as he responded sarcastically, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Xiang Huai demanded coldly, ¡°Huo Xingzhou, have you forgotten what happened ten years ago? Back then, you promised the Xu Family to protect her for life.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, his eyes half-closed, which was exactly why he had done his utmost for the Xu Family in the beginning.


    ...


    On the other side of Qing Lake, the gentle waves lapped against the shore, where strange rocks were covered with wet and slippery green moss.


    Qiao Xi gazed at the colorful fireworks filling the sky, a smile curving her lips.


    ¡°Miss Qiao.¡±


    A dissonant female voice came from behind her.


    Xu Xingluo approached in her elegant black mini dress, sighing as she said, ¡°He never used to do things that would degrade himself like this.¡±


    Qiao Xi furrowed her brows and looked towards her.


    With a reconciling smile, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that car accident, Brother Xingzhou and I would probably be engaged by now.¡±


    Engaged?


    What was Su Weiwei then?


    A stand-in found after the accident?


    The smile gradually faded from Qiao Xi¡¯s face.


    Xu Xingluo continued slowly, ¡°We were childhood sweethearts, Haicheng¡¯s acknowledged golden couple.¡±


    Qiao Xi bit her lip and asked, ¡°What are you trying to say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much. Just thought you seemed a bit pitiable and wanted to give you a friendly heads-up. Brother Xingzhou and I have over a decade of affection. You and him...¡± Xu Xingluo¡¯s gaze was one of pity, of sympathy.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes slightly dropped. She had only known Mr. Huo for a few months.


    Xu Xingluo then asked, ¡°I heard you¡¯re a college student sponsored by the Xingyue Foundation? Actually, that foundation...¡± She stopped mid-sentence, covering her mouth and then added, ¡°I¡¯m afraid the truth might hurt you.¡±


    Her words implied more than they said.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s fingers dug deep into her palm, what was the truth?


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s peach blossom eyes were full of scheming as she took hold of Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and whispered, ¡°Your marriage started off wrong, has he ever personally told you he loves you? Has he ever willingly said he wants to marry you?¡±


    Qiao Xi felt dazed, he hadn¡¯t said that.


    Even from the start, an agreement had set boundaries on their relationship, meant to take effect once time was up.


    Xu Xingluo murmured, ¡°Men and women sometimes make intimate, ambiguous moves due to a rush of hormones. It¡¯s quite normal, I and Brother Xingzhou... have done even more than you.¡±


    She laughed bashfully.


    Qiao Xi was lost in thought, they...


    ¡°Qiao Xi, he¡¯s just acting out and being contrary with me. I don¡¯t want our love to hurt you, an innocent person. If you don¡¯t believe me, let¡¯s make a bet.¡±


    ¡°Bet on what?¡± Qiao Xi followed her lead and asked.


    Xu Xingluo suddenly laughed, pulling her into Qing Lake.


    Qiao Xi fell into the cold, dark depths of the lake unguarded, swallowing several mouthfuls of water, a fear of drowning engulfing her.


    Struggling in the water, Qiao Xi felt the air being squeezed from her lungs, panic hitting her full force. As her consciousness blurred, she saw that noble, abstinent man shed his coat and leap into the lake, swimming toward Xu Xingluo¡¯s direction.


    Her heart sank to the bottom, as if blasted by the cold gales of winter, blood turning to ice.


    Qiao Xi closed her eyes weakly, sinking into the water.


    Just as she fell into despair, a hand suddenly grabbed her clothes, and said with contempt, ¡°Huo Xingzhou saving Xu Xingluo is an instinct etched into his bones. Only I can be so charitable as to save your wretched life.¡±


    Xiang Huai¡¯s tone was full of disgust, Qiao Xi¡¯s head buzzed, and her stomach ached sharply.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, if you know what¡¯s good for you, you¡¯ll quickly divorce Huo Xingzhou.¡±


    Qiao Xi was extremely weak, barely perceiving through half-closed eyes Huo Xingzhou holding Xu Xingluo as they swam to the shore.


    A sharp pain spread from her chest throughout her body with no warning, her heart colder than the waters of Qing Lake at the end of spring.


    Xiang Huai brought her to the shore, where guests were already gathered. They surrounded the tearful Xu Xingluo and Huo Xingzhou, offering words of concern and comfort.


    There, Xu Xingluo¡¯s frail figure trembled, soaking wet, her arms clinging tightly around Huo Xingzhou¡¯s waist.


    The tear mole at the corner of her eye was striking, complementing the red mole on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s neck. It was as if to proclaim they were the ones who belonged to the same world, with Qiao Xi being nothing more than an interloper.


    ¡°See how well they match?¡± Xiang Huai mocked, ¡°Without me, you would have drowned. Huo Xingzhou wouldn¡¯t care about your life or death; he would only save Xu Xingluo.¡±


    Seizing the chance to sow discord, only Xiang Huai himself knew the machinations that had led to such a misunderstanding.


    Qiao Xi, clutching at her chest and coughing, stood drenched.


    The qipao she wore was stained with mud, a picture of utter disarray.


    The scattered gazes of the guests fell upon her, filled with pity and disdain.


    Tonight, they had seen the depth of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s feelings for Xu Xingluo, a golden couple of Haicheng that has been unshakable for over a decade.


    It was not a fairytale that a country girl could shatter.


    Within the crowd, Xu Xingluo clutched Huo Xingzhou¡¯s shirt, her eyes pure and clear as she spoke, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, you should check on Qiao Xi!¡±


    She craned her neck to look at Qiao Xi and called out, ¡°Qiao Xi, are you alright? I don¡¯t know why I fell into the water; it felt like someone pushed me, and I just grabbed onto the person next to me.¡±


    Hearing this, the guests all looked doubtfully at Qiao Xi.


    At that moment, it was only Qiao Xi and Xu Xingluo standing together. Xu Xingluo surely wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to jump in herself, right?


    So, it was Qiao Xi who had pushed Xu Xingluo?


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body tensed, and a strong sense of grievance and anger surged from within.


    The jostling and impulse drove her to approach Xu Xingluo, raising her hand to deliver a slap.


    Slap!


    A sharp slap landed on Xu Xingluo¡¯s cheek.

 Chapter 105: 105: No One Can Slander My Person

    Chapter 105: Chapter 105: No One Can Slander My Person


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s expression stiffened on her face, and for a moment, she did not react.


    Suddenly, she covered her face and began to cry pitifully, ¡°Miss Qiao, where have I offended you? Is it because Brother Xingzhou saved me first, making you unhappy?¡±


    The crowd was also stunned, whispering among themselves as they stared at Qiao Xi.


    Qiao Xi bit her lip hard, the taste of rust spreading in her mouth.


    Xu Xingluo intended to turn the tables, didn¡¯t she? There was no surveillance in the dim light by Qing Lake. The guests would believe whatever she said.


    She accused her of pulling her into the water and splashing dirt on her, forcing her to swallow this injustice in silence.


    ...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes reddened, and she feigned calm as she questioned, ¡°Just now you said it seemed like someone pushed you. At that time, it was only the two of us standing together. Are you implying that I pushed you?¡±


    Xu Xingluo, with tears in her eyes, said, ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean that.¡±


    Xiang Huai sneered, ¡°The wife of the president of Tianyuan Group, just this low and vulgar, an unbecoming thing. At the slightest disagreement, resorting to violence. You¡¯re afraid that Xingluo¡¯s return will steal Huo Xingzhou from you, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°After all... everyone present knows who should really be standing by Huo Xingzhou¡¯s side.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s lips were devoid of color, and she held her aching abdomen tightly as she spoke word by word, ¡°I¡¯ll only say this once, I didn¡¯t push her.¡±


    Xiang Huai sarcastically asked, ¡°Do you have any evidence to prove your innocence?¡±


    Qiao Xi clenched her teeth, her body icy cold.


    A dry suit jacket, carrying a chill fragrance, was draped over her drenched body.


    Qiao Xi turned her head, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was stern, his hand gripping hers tightly.


    He said in a deep voice, ¡°As for what the truth is, all we need to do is to find the most famous forensic scientist in the country, and we will have our answer.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him blankly, not understanding whom he really believed.


    Did he think she was lying, or did he not believe Xu Xingluo¡¯s words?


    Huo Xingzhou immediately had his bodyguards cordon off the scene of the incident, not allowing outsiders to disturb the footprints by the lake, preserving the original traces.


    ¡°No one can slander my person with impunity,¡± Huo Xingzhou warned as he looked at Xiang Huai.


    He bent down and picked Qiao Xi up, his white shirt stained with the mud from her body.


    His assertive declaration silenced everyone.


    Xu Xingluo said weakly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for such a fuss, if Qiao Xi says it wasn¡¯t her, then it wasn¡¯t.¡±


    To prove the innocence of a country girl, he actually wanted to call in a trace expert.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at her coldly and said, ¡°If Qiao Xi had pushed you, that would be intentional harm. Don¡¯t you care?¡±


    Having finished speaking, he carried Qiao Xi away.


    Xu Xingluo clutched her chest as an asthmatic attack hit her, and she fainted weakly.


    ¡°Xingluo!¡± Xiang Huai exclaimed in alarm.


    The Liu Family¡¯s full moon celebration came to an abrupt and chaotic end.


    The guests left with gossip in their bellies, eager to share with their friends.


    On the way back.


    In the dimly lit Rolls-Royce, Qiao Xi curled up in a corner, her clear eyes covered with a hazy fog as she stared blankly out of the window.


    The scene of Huo Xingzhou rescuing Xu Xingluo replayed over and over in her mind.


    Xiang Huai said that saving Xu Xingluo was an instinct of Huo Xingzhou.


    How deep must one love for such an instinct to be engraved in the heart?


    If it weren¡¯t for Xu Xingluo¡¯s car accident, they would have been engaged by now. The man she loved¡ªhad he also been so gentle and considerate to someone else?


    Had they hugged? Kissed?


    Had they been intimately entwined, lost in each other until death?


    Tears slid down her cheeks; Qiao Xi dared not cry aloud.


    The car slowly approached the small villa, and Qiao Xi was the first to open the door, walking inside unsteadily, clutching her stomach. The suit jacket scattered on the car seat had dark stains and the metallic, bloody scent.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression turned stern as he got out of the car.


    In the living room, Aunt Qian came up to them, surprised, and said, ¡°Young Master, how are you and the Young Madam both soaked through? Was the Liu Family¡¯s full moon party a pool party or something?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was about to go upstairs, but then he changed his mind and turned around to instruct, ¡°Aunt Qian, she fell into the water. See if there are any wounds on her.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Aunt Qian¡¯s expression became grave.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do it immediately.¡±


    After giving the instructions, Huo Xingzhou returned to the master bedroom, took off his drenched clothes, and put on loose pajamas. He frowned as he looked at the list of missed calls on his phone screen and deleted the call history.


    He then found Zhou Yu¡¯s number in the address book again and called him.


    Zhou Yu answered from a noisy, indulgent club, the sound of blasting music vibrating the eardrum, ¡°Hello, Huo Er.¡±


    ¡°Get me a forensic trace expert to investigate something at the Liu Family¡¯s place,¡± he said.


    When Zhou Yu heard this, he immediately became serious.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to look into it? The Liu Family and the Xu Family aren¡¯t pushovers, and this isn¡¯t going to blow up into a big issue.¡±


    ¡°We need to put on a good show.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou had no mood to speak further and hung up after saying his piece. Now, Zhou Yu also lost his mood for enjoying his drinks and worked through the night to act according to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s needs.


    Knock knock.


    A knock sounded at the door of the master bedroom.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Aunt Qian came in with a bowl of ginger soup and said, ¡°Young Master, the Young Madam has her period. I made her a bowl of brown sugar ginger tea, and this is the ginger soup I¡¯ve prepared for you.¡±


    ¡°No wounds on her body?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked again.


    ¡°None.¡±


    Observing his demeanor, Aunt Qian asked, ¡°Did you and the Young Madam have a fight? She hardly says anything now and didn¡¯t tell me what happened. She just mentioned that she accidentally fell into the water.¡±


    Aunt Qian guessed that something must have been amiss at the full moon party, and the Xu Family people would have been there too.


    ¡°I see,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to check on her?¡± Aunt Qian was keen to bring the young couple together, giving the Xu Family people no chance.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her and said, ¡°I still have business to take care of.¡±


    Feeling a bit disappointed, Aunt Qian didn¡¯t press on. She picked up the tray and left the room, thinking that she needed to report back to the Young Madam quickly. That little vixen from overseas was back to stir trouble; the family must present a united front.


    Huo Xingzhou caressed his fingers, absent-mindedly staring at the minimalist clock on the wall, its hands slowly ticking by.


    In the end, he was defeated by himself. Standing up, he opened the door to the master bedroom.


    Late at night.


    On the large bed in the secondary bedroom.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes were tightly shut, with cold sweat beading on her forehead.


    She shook violently from the pain, coldness penetrating her abdomen. She dreamt again of that dim and chaotic night on the snow mountain ten years ago, a night of avalanches and turmoil.


    The painful menstrual cramps were also a result of the chill she had taken into her body back then, and despite all efforts to recover, they had left a lingering ailment.


    On that night, as the snow collapsed, she heard faint calls for help outside the pitch-black ice cave.


    Intent on doing a good deed, she saved someone but was trapped on the snow mountain herself. Eventually, she was brought back to the village, her consciousness blurry, and her memories of that night and that young boy became hazy.


    Qiao Xi suddenly woke up, her palms ice cold.


    She stared blankly with her eyes wide open, gazing at the ceiling. The pounding heartbeat and panic from the nightmare lingered, refusing to subside.


    Suddenly.


    Footsteps sounded in the corridor outside her door, and the lock on her door made a slight noise.

 Chapter 106: 106: Qiao Xi, The One I Want to Save is You

    Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Qiao Xi, The One I Want to Save is You


    Qiao Xi quickly closed her eyes and pulled the blanket over her to feign sleep.


    She could clearly hear the door open, and the footsteps grew increasingly near. A large portion of the mattress beside her dipped, and that familiar fragrance of cold wood subtly wafted in.


    It was Huo Xingzhou!


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyelashes fluttered slightly, as the bitterness and complexity in her heart fermented.


    The wall lamp glowed dimly, and beneath it, the man¡¯s face was cold and flawless like jade. He reached out with his warm fingers and gently touched the corners of her eyes.


    They were wet.


    ...


    The man¡¯s voice was gentle, ¡°Qiao Xi, I know you are awake.¡±


    Qiao Xi, caught in her act, slowly opened her eyes to meet Huo Xingzhou¡¯s deep and undisturbed gaze.


    Her eyes were red and swollen, like walnuts, filled with accusation and grievance.


    ¡°Are you unhappy?¡± he asked.


    Qiao Xi stubbornly shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m not unhappy. It¡¯s getting late, Mr. Huo, you should go back and rest.¡±


    Her tone was distant and strange, as if urging him to leave.


    Huo Xingzhou fixedly glanced at her and said, ¡°Alright, then I¡¯m really leaving.¡±


    He was a king at gauging hearts and could naturally see through the petulance in her heart.


    She was inherently insecure and not brave enough.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart was steeped in sourness as her broken hair clung to both sides of her temples. Watching him stand up to leave, her eyes filled with moisture, mistily obscuring her vision.


    Didn¡¯t he want to explain anything further to her?


    ¡°Silly girl.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou suddenly turned around and, seeing her like that, pounced forward, pinning her down on the soft bed.


    Looking down from above, the man asked, ¡°If I leave, will you be able to sleep tonight?¡±


    Qiao Xi stared at him, lacking the courage to ask. It seemed that saying those words amounted to surrendering to him. Matters of the heart are always a game of chess. She might be naive, but she didn¡¯t want to submit.


    ¡°I can,¡± she said defiantly.


    Huo Xingzhou extended his finger, and as it stroked the corner of her lips, he could feel the moistness, ¡°What do I have to do to pry open that mouth of yours?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s hands clung tightly to the sheets, her fair legs tense and straight.


    Silence, no sound.


    Huo Xingzhou suddenly lowered his head to capture her lips in a finely dense kiss, scorching and wet. He bit her plump, gleaming lips with force, his hands pinching her slender waist.


    The water in Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes shimmered as she couldn¡¯t suppress the whimpers from between her lips and tongue...


    As his hand lifted the hem of her nightdress, Qiao Xi cried out in shame and alarm, ¡°I... I got my period.¡± Her eyes were red-rimmed, making her look very vulnerable.


    The man¡¯s breath was ragged against her cheek, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    Feeling very wronged, Qiao Xi¡¯s tears burst forth, ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    Actually, it hurt like hell!


    It was as if a blunt knife was slicing through her flesh, again and again.


    Huo Xingzhou wiped her tears away and said, ¡°Still being strong.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face was streaked with tears, her eyes clear as if washed, and it seemed she mustered all her courage to ask, ¡°Mr. Huo, is Miss Xu very important to you?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou rolled over to lie beside her and said softly, ¡°Qiao Xi, tonight I wanted to rescue you.¡±


    But he had been tricked.


    Qing Lake was dim, and Xiang Huai dived into the water without a second thought to save a life. Huo Xingzhou had been sure he would save Xu Xingluo, so he swam in another direction.


    But even Xiang Huai was deceitful.


    He had been entangled by Xu Xingluo and couldn¡¯t break free.


    ¡°Sorry for putting you in danger.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt the resentment within her dissipate significantly after hearing his explanation.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, do you believe me? I really didn¡¯t push her.¡± Qiao Xi felt terribly insecure in front of this man.


    She knew she had fallen for him.


    His gentle and restrained demeanor was like poison, addicting her.


    Huo Xingzhou gently wrapped his arms around her shoulders and said, ¡°With your character, there¡¯s no need for you to do such a thing. The Liu Family and the Xu Family treat her as the jewel in their crown and she¡¯s been spoiled rotten, try to avoid confronting her directly.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him, perhaps he and Xu Xingluo had once shared sweet moments, but they were in the past now.


    She tried to ignore the thorn in her heart and leaned closer to nestle in his embrace.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand rested on her abdomen. His warm palm caressed her as he said, ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t bottle up your grievances.¡±


    Qiao Xi turned her head and kissed his cheek, her eyes glistening.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The corners of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, ¡°Now, I want to...¡±


    After hearing him, her left hand went numb and she quickly hid both hands under the sheets, whispering, ¡°Only for a little while.¡±


    He actually hadn¡¯t meant it that way, but her adorable misunderstanding was too cute to correct, so Huo Xingzhou played along.


    ¡°Not too little,¡± whispered the man, barely audible.


    The friction of clothes and the churning of the covers created rustling sounds. Muffled kisses and low murmurs emerged faintly.


    ...


    In the hallway of the Liu Family home.


    The atmosphere was tense and anxious.


    The two families had complex thoughts, their expressions varied.


    The white-coated private doctor walked out of the room, removed his mask, and said, ¡°No serious problems, the asthma was triggered by falling into the water, and there¡¯s a slight fever.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Liu Huimin clutched her chest and breathed a long sigh of relief as she walked into the room; seeing the bruised cheeks of Xu Xingluo, her heart ached again.


    Liu Huimin hugged her and cried out, ¡°Baby, you¡¯ve broken mommy¡¯s heart!¡±


    Xu Xingluo nestled in her embrace, sobbing pitifully.


    She wiped away her tears and looking at the full room, said, ¡°Great Uncle, Aunt, Grandmother, I¡¯m sorry! Xingluo has worried you and spoiled the little cousin¡¯s full moon celebration, it¡¯s all Xingluo¡¯s fault.¡±


    Her mature demeanor was heart-wrenching.


    Madame Liu patted her head, comforting, ¡°It¡¯s good that Xingluo is okay, we don¡¯t blame you.¡±


    Liu Zongquan said in a deep voice, ¡°The security at Qing Lake hasn¡¯t been withdrawn yet. I heard that the Huo Family rushed the most famous trace expert to Haicheng overnight to investigate the truth.¡±


    His eyes were calm yet profound as he looked at Xu Xingluo and asked, ¡°Xingluo, what exactly happened then?¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s expression froze, and tears immediately fell, ¡°Uncle, I was too scared at the time, I just felt someone push me, but it might have been an illusion.¡±


    Liu Zongquan wasn¡¯t so easily fooled, he stared intently at Xu Xingluo and said, ¡°I want the truth.¡±


    Xu Xingluo shook her head pitifully, ¡°I can¡¯t remember clearly.¡±


    Liu Zongquan glanced at her indifferently and said, ¡°What the Huo Family wants is our attitude; the trace expert is secondary. No matter what the truth is, you¡¯ll apologize in person tomorrow to clear Qiao Xi¡¯s suspicion.¡±


    Xu Xingluo was taken aback.


    Standing to the side, Liu Huimin lovingly caressed Xu Xingluo¡¯s cheek, the palm print all too apparent.


    With a cold face, she said, ¡°Why should my daughter apologize?¡±


    Liu Zongquan took a deep breath and said, ¡°Because she is the apprentice of the National Doctor Cheng Han! Our Liu Family owes her a favor! Whether Zong Yun will wake up depends entirely on whether she is willing to help!¡±


    Tears streamed down Xu Xingluo¡¯s face as she said, ¡°For my little uncle, I¡¯m willing to do anything.¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Liu Huimin held her, crying with heartache, but inside she resented Qiao Xi even more.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as she smiled and said, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not wronged.¡±


    She was more afraid of the arrival of the trace expert; she had to find a way to destroy all traces at Qing Lake!

 Chapter 107: 107: Xu Xingluo Comes to Apologize

    Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Xu Xingluo Comes to Apologize


    The next day.


    The Huo Family¡¯s small villa.


    Gentle sunlight streamed through the white sheer curtains into the bedroom, and Qiao Xi slowly opened her eyes. She felt around beside her and touched warmth.


    Huo Xingzhou had already gotten up.


    She heard the sound of a man making a phone call on the balcony, fragments of conversation reaching her ears.


    Not long after, Huo Xingzhou pushed open the glass door and walked in, saying to her, ¡°The footprints by the Qing Lake were tampered with.¡±


    ...


    Qiao Xi was surprised, ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Huo have the bodyguards... ¡±


    Contempt surfaced in his eyes, ¡°Just a few bodyguards, they can hardly stop them. This morning the Liu Family publicly claimed that a servant accidentally pushed Xu Xingluo, and you fell into the water because you were implicated. The Liu Family will come to apologize.¡±


    ¡°They?¡±


    ¡°The Liu Family, the Xu Family, or the Xiang Family.¡± Huo Xingzhou had anticipated this.


    Qiao Xi said, ¡°Then the forensic expert you mentioned...¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t be coming, it was just a verbal threat.¡±


    ¡°This not only clears the suspicions off me but also avoids offending those major families.¡± Qiao Xi spoke more and more convinced of Mr. Huo¡¯s prudent actions.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers stroked her cheek as he asked, ¡°Do you feel wronged?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head, her eyes widening into a delicate smile, ¡°Not at all. Would Mr. Huo be mad at me for hitting someone?¡±


    She always cared about how much Xu Xingluo weighed in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heart.


    According to what outsiders said, Xu Xingluo might be the first love of the man before her, and that kind of deep, unforgettable first love.


    A childhood sweetheart, a first love without doubts, it must be different, right?


    ¡°No.¡± The man pinched her cheek and said, ¡°A rabbit will bite when cornered, try biting me next time.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face turned red.


    Huo Xingzhou straightened his coat and instructed, ¡°I have to go to the company today, you rest well at home. If they come to apologize, be bold in making demands, don¡¯t be too polite.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently nodded her head.


    After Huo Xingzhou left, she quickly freshened up and went downstairs. Aunt Qian had made her a sweet and tender date paste cake, accompanied by red bean congee, which was very nourishing.


    ¡°Young Madam, come and eat,¡± Aunt Qian called out.


    Qiao Xi sat down at the dining table with a smile, ¡°It smells so good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it.¡± Aunt Qian watched her happily pick up a piece of date paste cake and asked, ¡°Young Madam, have you heard a rumor recently?¡±


    ¡°What rumor?¡±


    Aunt Qian tentatively said, ¡°About the Su Family.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up, waiting attentively for her to continue.


    ¡°The Su Family is going bankrupt. Yesterday, in the Huo Family¡¯s main house trial, Su Heng was implicated. He was taken away for investigation, and now they¡¯re heavy in debt.¡± Aunt Qian added quickly, fearing she might worry about Zhao Yuzhen.


    ¡°Now creditors are surrounding your mother demanding money, asking her to pay off Su Heng¡¯s debts. The Su Family is liquidating its immovable assets. Su Heng is probably finished this time.¡±


    Qiao Xi chewed the soft and fragrant date paste cake in her mouth, no wonder Su Weiwei left the hospital in such a hurry last time.


    As for Zhao Yuzhen¡¯s bleak fate, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to feel happy about it.


    ¡°Young Madam?¡± Aunt Qian called out softly.


    Qiao Xi put down the date paste cake and asked, ¡°Has she called the Huo Family... ¡±


    ¡°She did, and she was crying pitifully.¡± Aunt Qian said with a sigh, ¡°I think you should know about these things, mother and daughter as you are. I worry you might regret not knowing later on; blood ties are a connection that can¡¯t be cut.¡±


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and said calmly, ¡°I know.¡±


    Just as Aunt Qian was about to continue speaking, the villa¡¯s doorbell rang. She wiped her hands and got up to open the door.


    Seeing the visitor, Qiao Xi also set down her bowl and chopsticks.


    ¡°Mrs. Liu, Miss Xu is inside, please,¡± Aunt Qian said politely.


    Liu Qiushuang, leaning on her cane as she entered, saw the wedding photos hanging on the wall and commented, ¡°Truly a perfect match.¡±


    Xu Xingluo felt as if each sweet wedding photo was stabbing her heart.


    Aunt Qian, shrewd as ever, chuckled and said, ¡°The young master and the young madam have been through hardships together; their bond is deeper than that of the average couple. Unlike some who only share in wealth and scatter at the first sign of trouble.¡±


    Liu Qiushuang knew all too well whom she was referring to as ¡°some people,¡± but she could only feign ignorance.


    ¡°Xingluo,¡± Liu Qiushuang beckoned, ¡°hurry and put the gifts down.¡±


    Carrying packages large and small, Xu Xingluo placed them on the living room coffee table and said, ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯m sorry about last night. It was my fault for not understanding the situation and causing you to be misunderstood. It¡¯s all because that servant was careless and caused us both to fall into the water.¡±


    Qiao Xi glanced at the gifts¡ªall of them valuable. Mr. Huo said there was no need for formalities.


    Her tone distant, she said, ¡°An apology is all it takes to settle this.¡±


    Surveying the room, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have a destination wedding photoshoot? I remember Brother Xingzhou saying he wanted to do one. But all these photos on the wall are studio shots.¡±


    With a forced smile, Aunt Qian replied, ¡°Miss Xu, how could one do a destination photoshoot with a disability in the legs? The young master said whatever others have, he will make up for the young madam¡¯s share in the future. You needn¡¯t worry.¡±


    Qiao Xi raised her eyebrows, unable to suppress a smirk.


    With moist eyes, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°I apologize. More than anyone, I wish for Brother Xingzhou to be well. Last night, he saved me first; you won¡¯t blame me, will you?¡±


    Aunt Qian snorted with disdain.


    Licking her dry lips, Qiao Xi said, ¡°No, I won¡¯t. He said he meant to save me, but he mistakenly saved you by accident.¡±


    Xu Xingluo was speechless.


    Why would Huo Xingzhou stoop to explaining himself to a village girl?


    Aunt Qian gave Qiao Xi a covert thumbs up behind her back¡ªwell done, young madam!


    Liu Qiushuang attempted to smooth things over, taking her hand and saying, ¡°Dear child, to be honest, there¡¯s something else I¡¯d like to ask of you.¡±


    ¡°Please take a seat,¡± Qiao Xi remained cordial, ¡°Aunt Qian, a cup of tea, please.¡±


    ¡°Right away, young madam,¡± Aunt Qian said as she went into the kitchen.


    Calculating glints flickered in Xu Xingluo¡¯s doe eyes as she smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll just go to the restroom for a moment, you two chat.¡± With that, she walked off to the corner as if well-accustomed to the place.


    Qiao Xi suppressed a slight discomfort and let her go.


    Liu Qiushuang sat down on the nearby sofa with a worried look on her face. Her well-cared-for hands grasped Qiao Xi¡¯s wrist and said, ¡°Xiaoqiao, there¡¯s no one else I can turn to for this.¡±


    ¡°Please go on.¡±


    Liu Qiushuang said gravely, ¡°I¡¯m asking you for help to treat my youngest son. He was in a car accident more than twenty years ago and has been in a coma ever since, surviving only on life-support machines.¡±


    The elegant elderly lady¡¯s eyes reddened as she wiped away her tears.


    ¡°The doctors said... he won¡¯t last much longer...¡±


    ¡°Xiaoqiao, please help me. The Liu family will reward you handsomely, willing to fulfill any request in exchange,¡± Liu Qiushuang was prepared to pay any price for her son.


    Qiao Xi felt sympathy for her.


    But she always remembered Cheng Han¡¯s admonition; Grandpa Cheng had said she must not agree to the Liu family¡¯s request, no matter what.


    ¡°Mrs. Liu, I¡¯m not that capable,¡± she demurred.


    ¡°Xiaoqiao, just give it a try!¡± Liu Qiushuang said urgently, ¡°Just to try, please take a look at him once!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart clenched with difficulty as she shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t agree to that.¡±


    Liu Qiushuang pressed, ¡°You pledged at the start of your studies as well¡ªto devote yourself to medicine, to save lives and help the injured! Xiaoqiao, if you could save Huo Xingzhou, why can¡¯t you at least look at my son?¡±


    Qiao Xi shut her eyes firmly, unwilling to meet her gaze.


    She couldn¡¯t forget the words she said on the day of her oath; she was prepared to devote her life to the fight for medicine.


    But now, she had refused the plea of a patient¡¯s family member.

 Chapter 108: 108: Truly Good Stuff

    Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Truly Good Stuff


    The elegant old lady, holding her chest and speaking in a hoarse voice, said, ¡°Are you holding a grudge because of how I used to make things difficult for you? I apologize to you. You can make any demand.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt as if there was a heavy stone pressing down on her heart and said resolutely, ¡°I can¡¯t disobey my teacher¡¯s orders, I cannot agree to your request.¡±


    Hearing this, Liu Qiushuang had a moment of recognition that seemed to say ¡°as I suspected.¡±


    Liu Qiushuang immediately deflated, her complexion turning ashen as she said, ¡°I knew it, I was asking for too much. It was our Liu Family that broke the rules first, it¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    Back then, Liu Zongyun was one of Lu Bannong¡¯s patients, someone Cheng Han would not have touched.


    ...


    She just couldn¡¯t bear to give up that sliver of hope, though she also knew it was very unlikely her youngest son would wake up.


    Qiao Xi frowned, once again it was about the rules.


    She didn¡¯t know what had happened in the past, and Grandpa Cheng had never mentioned even a single word about it to her.


    Just as Qiao Xi was about to ask, Aunt Qian¡¯s questioning voice came from the stairway, ¡°Miss Xu, why have you run upstairs?¡±


    Qiao Xi and Liu Qiushuang both turned their attention toward the sound.


    Xu Xingluo brushed back her scattered long hair and said, ¡°I went to take a look at the studio. It holds many memories of Brother Xingzhou and me, I didn¡¯t expect it to be preserved as it was.¡±


    Aunt Qian said calmly, ¡°The house has been too busy, I¡¯ll rearrange it someday.¡±


    It certainly wasn¡¯t kept the same for her!


    ¡°Xingluo, it¡¯s so impolite of you. As a guest, how could you just run around?¡± the matriarch feigned anger as she scolded.


    Xu Xingluo hugged her arm coquettishly and said, ¡°Sorry, I forgot for a moment that I was a guest. I used to come here often, more familiar with the place than Miss Qiao.¡±


    Then she raised her eyes to Qiao Xi and said, ¡°Miss Qiao, you won¡¯t mind, will you?¡±


    ¡°I do mind.¡±


    Qiao Xi said softly, ¡°So next time, Miss Xu, don¡¯t run around. Xingzhou doesn¡¯t like others touching his things.¡±


    She kept mentioning Huo Xingzhou with every other sentence, calling him ¡°Brother Xingzhou¡± in a way that made Qiao Xi quite uncomfortable.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s smile tugged at the corner of her mouth, her eyes cold and devoid of warmth.


    With a heavy heart, Liu Qiushuang said, ¡°Xiaoqiao, we will take our leave now. Let¡¯s pretend I never asked for anything today.¡±


    ¡°Take care.¡±


    Qiao Xi did not attempt to detain them.


    After Xu Xingluo helped the elderly lady away, Qiao Xi received a phone call.


    She spoke earnestly into the phone, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    ...


    Half an hour later.


    Qiao Xi took a taxi to the hospital and headed straight for the large conference hall.


    The hospital was preparing to hold a charity clinic mobilization meeting, dispatching young doctors to the countryside for public service, to provide free medical care to the villagers.


    The meeting room was packed with young doctors and nurses from all departments of the hospital. Shu Xue, sitting in the back row, waved to her, ¡°Qiao Xi, over here!¡±


    Qiao Xi walked briskly to her side and sat down, asking, ¡°Why is this event so big this time?¡±


    Shu Xue whispered, ¡°It¡¯s the hospital¡¯s 50th anniversary charity clinic; the media is going to cover it too. Each department is picking two young doctors to go down to the countryside for the charity clinic, volunteering is encouraged.¡±


    Qiao Xi suddenly understood.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡± Shu Xue grasped her wrist, ¡°Actually, hospital leadership is considering sending you because you¡¯ve been gaining a lot of fame recently. But charity service is no easy task, so don¡¯t hastily agree.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Qiao Xi asked, puzzled.


    Shu Xue, with the air of someone who had been there, advised, ¡°Conditions in the countryside are tough, the local dialect hard to communicate in, and the signal is weak. Once it rains, it¡¯s easy to lose contact. Some of the patients are unreasonable, fierce, and crude.¡±


    Qiao Xi laughed upon hearing this, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I grew up in the countryside.¡±


    Shu Xue, frustrated as if dealing with a stubborn child, said, ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re too carefree! There are vixens all around your husband, and you¡¯re just fine with leaving?¡±


    Hearing her words, Qiao Xi reined in her smile.


    One Xu Xingluo was already a significant threat. It couldn¡¯t be ruled out that there might be other people coveting Mr. Huo.


    ¡°Xuexue, my marriage to him was an accident. If it hadn¡¯t been for me, would he have married a well-matched lady from a rich family?¡±


    ¡°My goodness! What do you mean by accident? That¡¯s a match made in heaven!¡± Shu Xue exclaimed in amazement, ¡°You and Huo Xingzhou have registered your marriage. Don¡¯t you like him?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± Qiao Xi said softly.


    ¡°Then there you go! If you like him, don¡¯t let go so easily. Qiao Xi, you need to be strong! There will always be women around Huo Xingzhou! You have to be even more...¡±


    Shu Xue started to brainwash her, filling Qiao Xi with courage.


    In the end, she patted her on the shoulder and said, ¡°There are still two days left to sign up for the volunteer doctor session. You might as well not go and leave the opportunity to the single doctors in the department.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    The volunteer medical service mobilization meeting began, and Xu Xiuyuan represented hospital management in addressing the meeting. Qiao Xi had turned off her phone¡¯s volume and vibration but noticed an unread message from Huo Xingzhou.


    Upon seeing the content, she couldn¡¯t keep the corners of her mouth from turning up.


    Qiao Xi looked down and typed a line: ¡°I¡¯m at a meeting at the hospital.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll come pick you up after it¡¯s finished,¡± Huo Xingzhou replied, succinct.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips, clutching her phone and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Seeing this, Shu Xue tsk-tsked and said, ¡°Joined at the hip, and a day apart feels like an eternity. Even so, are you still willing to go volunteer in the countryside?¡±


    Qiao Xi pinched her arm and said, ¡°Keep it down.¡±


    ¡°Shy, are we? After being a couple for so long,¡± Shu Xue glanced at her before suddenly realizing something and said, ¡°You guys haven¡¯t actually...¡±


    Qiao Xi rapidly covered her mouth, panicking, ¡°Keep your voice down.¡±


    Shu Xue gestured with her thumbs touching, asked in a hushed tone of surprise, ¡°Really not yet? Aren¡¯t his legs better? Could the rumors that he¡¯s infertile be true? You can¡¯t cure him?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed pink, ¡°It¡¯s not that, we...¡±


    ¡°Lack of experience? Are you shy?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not...¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, let¡¯s not talk about this topic anymore.¡±


    Shu Xue patted her on the shoulder, ¡°Come to my office later, I have something good for you.¡±


    ¡°What good thing?¡±


    ¡°Some proper materials and resources. You can look at them when you get back,¡± Shu Xue said, ¡°Absolutely high quality. I¡¯ve been collecting them for many years.¡±


    After the meeting ended.


    Qiao Xi was handed a USB drive by Shu Xue, which she examined over and over in her hand.


    Walking out of the hospital, Qiao Xi saw the familiar Rolls-Royce parked there.


    The driver, Old Chen, got out and opened the rear door. The tall man was deftly typing something on a laptop.


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    Qiao Xi sat down beside him, stealing glances at his expression.


    ¡°What brought you to the hospital?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked casually.


    Qiao Xi thought that the list for the volunteer session wasn¡¯t yet confirmed, so she replied, ¡°An impromptu meeting.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that in your hand?¡± The man noticed the black corner protruding from her hand.


    ¡°A USB drive, with some materials on it,¡± Qiao Xi asked, ¡°May I use your laptop?¡±


    She also wanted to know what Shu Xue had put together.


    It just so happened that Huo Xingzhou had brought his laptop.

 Chapter 109: 109: Wild Flowers Smell Sweeter than Homegrown Ones

    Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Wild Flowers Smell Sweeter than Homegrown Ones


    Huo Xingzhou handed her the laptop.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Huo.¡±


    Qiao Xi directly inserted the USB drive into the port. She opened the file on the USB drive, and the overall title was ¡°Cultivating Mind and Morality.¡±


    There were also two folders beneath it, named ¡°Exploring the Mysteries of the Human Body¡± and ¡°Learn from the Foreigners to Control the Foreigners.¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned slightly, thinking to herself that Shu Xue really seemed to enjoy studying medicine.


    Each folder contained hundreds of videos, all labeled with numbers that revealed nothing about the content, but their duration was astonishing.


    ...


    Huo Xingzhou merely glanced at it, his eyes slightly deepening.


    He spoke in a quiet voice, ¡°Are you sure you want to watch this now?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Qiao Xi casually responded and clicked on the first video in the folder ¡°Learn from the Foreigners to Control the Foreigners.¡± The screen filled with the stark white bodies of muscular Western men holding a woman...


    In an instant, the car was filled with the woman¡¯s exaggerated, unmistakable screams.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body stiffened, feeling a burning sensation as she hurriedly closed the window.


    ¡°Cough.¡± The driver, Old Chen, tactfully remarked, ¡°Young Master, I¡¯ll go out for a smoke.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou responded, his tone laced with barely discernible amusement.


    Old Chen got out of the car, and the door closed with a ¡°bang.¡± Qiao Xi covered her flaming cheeks with her hands, her body burning up.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice was gentle, his eyes deep as he asked, ¡°Is it good?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mind was a mess, and she dryly replied, ¡°It¡¯s... okay, their... physiques are quite good.¡±


    What was she even saying?


    Huo Xingzhou narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, ¡°Good physiques?¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. Huo, I didn¡¯t mean that...¡± She hadn¡¯t actually seen anything clearly.


    Shu Xue had done her in; this wasn¡¯t proper material for study or work at all!


    It was clearly...


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you are married,¡± he said.


    Qiao Xi felt even more mortified.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m sorry...¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes flickered, embarrassed.


    ¡°If you want, there¡¯s plenty at home,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, casually pulling off his tie and tossing it aside. With his slender, fair fingers, he began unbuttoning his white shirt.


    One.


    Two.


    Three.


    And there seemed to be a trend to continue.


    His perfectly sculpted torso was exposed in front of her, dazzling.


    ¡°Mr. Huo?¡± Qiao Xi stared at him in a panic.


    Perhaps all men have a desire to win in such matters.


    He asked, ¡°Home flowers and wildflowers, which do you think is better?¡±


    Qiao Xi was rendered speechless, ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re not sure, then touch and decide.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took her hand and placed it on his chest, semi-forcibly making her feel.


    It was firm.


    Elastic.


    The surging strong male hormones overwhelmed her.


    Qiao Xi shrank her hand timidly but he gripped it even tighter, her fingers even catching on his muscles, shallowly sinking in.


    His shirt lay carelessly open, muscles tempting, yet his ascetic and serious face remained expressionless.


    ¡°Have you made your comparison?¡± he asked in a low voice.


    Qiao Xi felt as though she was in the midst of a blazing fire. She said with a parched throat, ¡°You... home flowers are better.¡±


    She was moved, unable to resist the temptation of Huo Xingzhou, who seemed like a god descended to become a lust demon.


    This man is really... so subtly provocative.


    ¡°What¡¯s good about me?¡± he asked huskily. His dark eyes reflected her face.


    Qiao Xi licked her dry lips and said with embarrassment, ¡°You have a nice body, which I can touch. I... didn¡¯t see his clearly.¡±


    The moment she opened the video, she was too ashamed to look closely.


    ¡°Well... such chances are rare, cherish it.¡±


    His words seemed to linger on his lips and teeth. Qiao Xi looked up at him and could see the fervor in his eyes, along with his intense effort to restrain his emotions.


    She shook her head slightly, her fingers unintentionally tracing over his chest.


    As if they had a tacit understanding, the man¡¯s hot kisses landed on her slender, fair neck.


    As if drawn in, she tilted her head back, allowing him to do as he pleased.


    It took a while for the temperature inside the car to cool down.


    Her lips were slightly swollen, and there were faint marks on her neck.


    The man¡¯s suit was wrinkled, tossed aside. He pulled out the USB drive from the laptop and said,


    ¡°I¡¯m confiscating this USB drive.¡±


    Qiao Xi covered her clothes and glanced at it, wanting to say something but hesitating. She was unsure what to give back to Shu Xue.


    Huo Xingzhou, however, misunderstood and asked, ¡°Can¡¯t bear to part with it?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head repeatedly, explaining, ¡°No, not at all.¡±


    The man chuckled lightly, ¡°If you can¡¯t bear to, keep it. It¡¯s no fun watching this stuff alone. From now on, we¡¯ll study it together.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    Qiao Xi felt she could throw herself into the Huanghe River and still not wash herself clean. Mr. Huo must think she¡¯s quite naughty behind closed doors, up for anything.


    Driver Lao Chen spent half an hour smoking his cigarette before returning to the car, driving straight to the Huo family¡¯s small villa.


    Aunt Qian came out to greet them, saying, ¡°Dinner is ready, and the young master¡¯s luggage is all packed.¡±


    ¡°Luggage?¡± Qiao Xi asked, puzzled.


    Huo Xingzhou explained, ¡°I have a business trip tomorrow and will be away for three or four days. If you need anything, just ask Zhou Yu, I¡¯ve already instructed him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so sudden,¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s smile faded quite a bit as she clung to his sleeve, full of reluctance, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To the Imperial Capital, to handle a big order.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± The thought of not seeing Mr. Huo for three or four days made her heart heavy.


    Huo Xingzhou rubbed her hair and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, have dinner first.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently nodded.


    Aunt Qian teased, ¡°The Young Madam really can¡¯t be apart from the young master for a second. Why not take leave and go with him?¡±


    ¡°Aunt Qian! I still have to work,¡± Qiao Xi said, embarrassed.


    ¡°Young master, you still owe the Young Madam a honeymoon,¡± Aunt Qian suggested, ¡°How can a newlywed couple go without a honeymoon! Make it up when you come back from your business trip.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pinched the back of Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Indeed.¡±


    The next day.


    Early in the morning.


    Qiao Xi woke up to find Huo Xingzhou gone, and the spacious villa felt instantly deserted.


    Turns out, that man had already occupied such an important place in her heart.


    She ate breakfast absentmindedly, prepared by Aunt Qian, and then was driven to the hospital by Driver Lao Chen. She felt wilted, walking toward the hospital entrance in a daze.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    Shu Xue, brimming with energy, called out and ran over from a distance.


    ¡°Good morning, Xuexue,¡± Qiao Xi greeted, mustering up some spirit.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, have you seen the news today?¡± Shu Xue said excitedly, ¡°You¡¯d never guess what about the Xingyue Foundation...¡±


    Qiao Xi took out her cellphone, and the home page push notification was a link to the Xingyue Foundation¡¯s latest interview.


    She clicked on the link to play the video.


    In the high-definition video, Xu Xingluo¡¯s exquisitely flawless face appeared.


    Smiling at the camera, she said, ¡°Hello, everyone. I am Xingluo, the lifelong spokesperson for the Xingyue Foundation and the principal dancer of the International Ballet Troupe.¡±

 Chapter 110: 110: The Truth Behind the Car Accident

    Chapter 110: Chapter 110: The Truth Behind the Car Accident


    Lifetime spokesperson?


    Qiao Xi pursed her red lips and continued to watch the video.


    The female host complimented, ¡°Miss Xu is quite impressive! Since the foundation¡¯s inception, you¡¯ve been the spokesperson, and you were very young at that time. We are surprised, how did you become the lifetime spokesperson for the Xingyue Foundation?¡±


    Xu Xingluo appeared shy, saying, ¡°Actually, this foundation was established for me.¡±


    ¡°The name ¡®Xingyue¡¯ is derived from my name and also the place where I and the secret founder made our commitment to each other. That¡¯s why it¡¯s called the Xingyue Foundation.¡±


    The host exclaimed dramatically, ¡°Wow! How romantic! So, since your special place is Moon Village, is that why you support the villagers there? Can we know who the secret founder is?¡±


    ...


    ¡°No, I promised to keep it a secret. However, I can share another little secret with everyone, the National Doctor¡¯s disciple who has recently become very famous is also one of our beneficiaries.¡±


    She gave a sweet smile to the camera.


    ¡°Oh my! Then Miss Xu is almost like a benefactor to the National Doctor¡¯s disciple!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eardrums buzzed, and her fingers tensed.


    The things she believed in, the life she was grateful for, had all been a product of Huo Xingzhou and Xu Xingluo¡¯s sweetness.


    Without Xu Xingluo, there would be no Xingyue Foundation, nor would there be such a bright and splendid future for her, Qiao Xi, right?


    It was her redemption in the first half of her life!


    In the dark, it seemed as though something extremely important was collapsing, disillusioning.


    Shu Xue was gossiping on the side, ¡°So the Xingyue Foundation was established for Xu Xingluo. The secret founder must really love her. I just have no idea who he is.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s fingers trembled slightly, her palms cold.


    She said, ¡°I know who it is.¡±


    Shu Xue suddenly sensed something and quickly changed her tune, ¡°Xu Xingluo is definitely making it up, it¡¯s all for hype!¡±


    Qiao Xi smiled bitterly and shook her head.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, Huo Xingzhou is a gentleman! He¡¯d definitely not play two sides, you should call him right now to get things clear!¡± Shu Xue said frankly, ¡°Once you have clarity, you¡¯ll feel at ease.¡±


    She even snatched Qiao Xi¡¯s phone, closed the video, opened the contacts, and directly dialed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s number.


    ¡°Shu Xue, you...¡± Qiao Xi could not intercept in time.


    ¡°Come on, husband and wife should be honest with each other.¡± Shu Xue, hearing the busy signal on the other end, said with confusion, ¡°Why is it turned off?¡±


    Qiao Xi explained, ¡°I meant to tell you, he¡¯s on a business trip. He¡¯s on a plane right now and can¡¯t answer the call.¡±


    She took back her phone and smiled, saying, ¡°Thank you, I will call him to ask.¡±


    Suddenly.


    From the hospital¡¯s entrance there came a shout, the piercing sound of an engine, as a sports car crashed into a roadblock, injuring a few pedestrians. It had its high beams on in broad daylight, speeding towards Qiao Xi.


    The woman in the driver¡¯s seat had disheveled hair, looking like a demon from hell, her face grotesque. The car¡¯s speed soared to 180 miles per hour!


    ¡°Crazy woman!¡±


    ¡°The car¡¯s out of control, everyone get out of the way! Where¡¯s security?¡±


    ¡°Call the police quickly!¡±


    ¡°Shu Xue!¡±


    Qiao Xi forcefully pushed Shu Xue away.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, get out of the way!¡± Shu Xue fell to the ground, watching as the car sped towards Qiao Xi. Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open, blinded by the high beams.


    Bang!


    The roaring explosion rose as the car blew a tire and skidded, narrowly missing Qiao Xi and crashing into the hospital¡¯s flowerbed.


    The security guards immediately pulled the woman from the driver¡¯s seat, speaking sternly, ¡°Are you drunk driving? Do you realize this is a hospital?¡±


    ¡°Call the police! This is a severe traffic offense!¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    The woman with the twisted face screamed, ¡°You won¡¯t die a good death!¡±


    Shu Xue steadied Qiao Xi, her legs weak, and asked with concern, ¡°Are you alright? Isn¡¯t that your stepsister?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head and took steps until she stood in front of Su Weiwei, staring into her bloodshot eyes she asked, ¡°Su Weiwei, do you want me dead?¡±


    Su Weiwei was restrained by the security guards, looking utterly disheveled.


    She screamed like a madwoman, ¡°It was you who ruined me, ruined the Su Family! You are a jinx, I wish you¡¯d die without a place to be buried!¡±


    ¡°The Su Family went bankrupt, my dad got arrested! My life is neither human nor ghost! Why do you get to live so glamorously!¡±


    She loathed Qiao Xi!


    Her happy life had shattered since Qiao Xi appeared.


    Qiao Xi watched her spit flying as she spoke calmly, ¡°Su Weiwei, I owe you nothing. You caused an accident and injured someone, prepare to go to jail.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid one bit!¡±


    Su Weiwei sneered and howled, ¡°Qiao Xi, I may have lost, but you haven¡¯t won!¡±


    ¡°No one has told you the truth about the car accident back then! Xu Xingluo was sitting in the passenger seat!¡±


    ¡°When the accident happened, Huo Xingzhou went against human instinct, turned the steering wheel the other way to protect Xu Xingluo! He was severely injured, fell into a coma, and became a vegetable, while Xu Xingluo was unscathed!¡±


    ¡°In Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heart, you will never compare to Xu Xingluo! She was his childhood sweetheart, his innocent first love! She¡¯s Haicheng¡¯s famous lady, unmatched in talent and stunning in looks!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s the one he protected with his life!¡±


    Su Weiwei watched Qiao Xi¡¯s face grow uglier and laughed crazily, ¡°What does it matter if you have the status? He will always have Xu Xingluo in his heart!¡±


    Qiao Xi stood there stunned.


    In the early summer season, she suddenly felt a chill on her back.


    Her well-constructed mental state crumbled again and again.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, are you okay?¡± Shu Xue took her arm.


    Qiao Xi nodded with pursed lips, a sourness and unfounded inferiority bubbling in her heart.


    The police arrived quickly, taking both Su Weiwei and Qiao Xi to the police car, cooperating with the investigation. Shu Xue went back to the hospital to ask for leave on behalf of Qiao Xi.


    Su Weiwei was detained for causing injuries in an accident.


    After finishing her statement, Qiao Xi left the police station, and Zhou Yu was waiting at the entrance.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, are you hurt? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll follow this matter to the end,¡± Zhou Yu opened the car door for her to get in.


    Qiao Xi sat in the backseat, heavy-hearted.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, when Xingzhou left, he specifically told me to take good care of you,¡± Zhou Yu glanced at her through the rearview mirror, ¡°Let me arrange for two more bodyguards for you.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Yu.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse, ¡°I want to ask you something.¡±


    Zhou Yu¡¯s heart skipped a beat, guessing what she wanted to ask. He had heard about what happened at the hospital entrance.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Xu Xingluo and Mr. Huo... were they very close before?¡± Asking others wouldn¡¯t be as good as asking Zhou Yu. He was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s good brother.


    Zhou Yu hesitated for a moment, then explained, ¡°Actually, Xingzhou wouldn¡¯t discuss such private matters with me. But it was obvious to anyone looking that Xu Xingluo was the Huo Family¡¯s choice for a daughter-in-law. If that accident hadn¡¯t happened...¡±


    ¡°They would have gotten engaged?¡± Qiao Xi said calmly.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, please don¡¯t get the wrong idea. He never publicly admitted to liking Xu Xingluo, yet he did so much for you!¡± Zhou Yu hastily explained.


    ¡°Still, Xu Xingluo loves to play little tricks and act coquettishly, it¡¯s normal that you can¡¯t compete with her,¡± Zhou Yu said, ¡°Sister-in-law, in a couple of days, I will sort out some nice things for you.¡±


    The car slowly arrived at the Huo Family¡¯s small villa.


    Qiao Xi bid farewell to Zhou Yu, standing at the door, unable to calm her emotions for a long time.


    If Mr. Huo was willing to risk his life for Xu Xingluo, didn¡¯t that count as love? Xingyue Foundation, the car accident, which of these didn¡¯t represent a profound love?


    The cell phone she held tightly in her hand suddenly vibrated.


    The screen lit up, displaying ¡°Husband calling¡±.

 Chapter 111: 111: Not a Single Good Man!

    Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Not a Single Good Man!


    Did Mr. Huo call to explain things to her?


    For a moment, a myriad of thoughts flashed through Qiao Xi¡¯s mind. She mustered her courage, ready to clear up the doubts buried in her heart.


    And so.


    Qiao Xi pressed the answer button and spoke with a normal tone, ¡°Hello, Mr. Huo.¡±


    ¡°Young Madam, hello, this is Chen Xun.¡±


    A strange male voice came through the phone, and Qiao Xi felt an indescribable sense of loss.


    ...


    It wasn¡¯t him.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Recently, President Huo will have a secret meeting with the Zhong Family. The Zhong Family is cautious and will use a signal blocker in the hotel. President Huo likely won¡¯t have many opportunities to contact you, so if there¡¯s anything, it¡¯s best to wait until he returns home,¡± said Chen Xun formally.


    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Qiao Xi said, her eyes downcast. Chen Xun¡¯s meaning was clear¡ªdon¡¯t call him during this period.


    Then did he know about the interview with the Xingyue Foundation online?


    On the other end, Chen Xun hung up the phone and deleted the call log.


    Qiao Xi stared at the black screen of her phone, thinking she would get an explanation.


    If he admitted he truly couldn¡¯t let go of Xu Xingluo, then she would... step back.


    At this moment.


    A noise came from outside the villa.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you cannot go in!¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t made an appointment, you can¡¯t just enter!¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up and saw the plainly dressed Zhao Yuzhen, holding a child in her arms.


    ¡°Xixi! I want to talk to you for a moment!¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen stood on the other side of the fence, her face bare, collagen depleted, and a few more wrinkles present.


    ¡°Young Madam Huo, this woman insists on coming in. President Huo instructed us before he left to pay special attention to the safety of your home,¡± explained the security guard.


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and said, ¡°Let her in, I know her.¡±


    ¡°Ah, alright.¡±


    ¡°Xixi.¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen followed Qiao Xi into the living room, still holding the wailing infant in her arms.


    Qiao Xi poured her a glass of warm water and sat on the sofa, saying, ¡°Aunt Qian isn¡¯t here, so I can¡¯t offer you much hospitality. What do you want with me?¡±


    Her gaze fell on Zhao Yuzhen, who was gently soothing the little baby.


    This child must be Su Heng¡¯s illegitimate son. She was so considerate towards her husband¡¯s illegitimate child, yet treated her like a flood or savage beast.


    So she could also be a gentle and generous mother.


    ¡°Xixi, I... I¡¯ve come to say goodbye,¡± Zhao Yuzhen said with a bitter smile. ¡°I wanted to talk to you before leaving.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Qiao Xi¡¯s expression remained indifferent.


    ¡°Xixi, I know you resent me. As a mother, I indeed owe you an apology,¡± Zhao Yuzhen said.


    From her bag, Zhao Yuzhen took out a yellow jade pendant and stuffed it into Qiao Xi¡¯s hand. Qiao Xi looked down and saw the whole jade was of pure color, lustrous as fat.


    Having been influenced by the Huo Family for so long, she knew this was a priceless object.


    ¡°What do you mean? Compensation?¡± Qiao Xi asked.


    ¡°This originally belonged to you,¡± Zhao Yuzhen spoke slowly. ¡°Keep it as a remembrance.¡±


    Qiao Xi clenched the yellow jade, originally thinking Zhao Yuzhen had come for money.


    But she hadn¡¯t expected... it was to bring her a gift.


    ¡°You are now Young Madam Huo. I shouldn¡¯t be saying these things. But...¡± Zhao Yuzhen said with tears in her eyes, ¡°Huo Xingzhou and Xu Xingluo have been entangled for many years, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be at a disadvantage.¡±


    ¡°Women should rely on themselves; depending on a man never ends well. I am a living example!¡±


    ¡°You are the disciple of National Doctor Cheng Han, with a skill of your own! Women should not only have love but also a career! Men are no good at all!¡±


    Zhao Yuzhen spoke earnestly, with each sentence coming from the heart, clearly in the manner of a loving mother.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s throat tightened, and she asked hoarsely, ¡°Where were you earlier?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xixi.¡±


    Qiao Xi had waited more than twenty years, and she had finally received this sincere apology, but it was too late.


    It came so late that it barely made any ripples in her heart.


    Zhao Yuzhen gave her several more earnest instructions, and finally left with a reluctant embrace of the child.


    Qiao Xi stuffed a bank card into the swaddling clothes of the child.


    It contained her savings from the time she had been out seeking medical treatment; the last time Aunt Qian mentioned the Su Family¡¯s bankruptcy, she had prepared it.


    It could be considered as support for Zhao Yuzhen. From then on, their paths would diverge, with no more entanglements.


    After Zhao Yuzhen left, the living room quickly became silent.


    Qiao Xi sat stiffly for a long time before finally picking up her phone and dialing the hospital: ¡°Hello, I¡¯d like to volunteer for the free clinic.¡±


    ...


    Two days later.


    The Haicheng City Municipal People¡¯s Hospital volunteer medical team was assembled. Two buses set off one after the other toward remote towns under Haicheng¡¯s jurisdiction, and Qiao Xi was assigned to the poorest Longtan Township.


    It took four or five hours to reach the destination. As soon as she got off the bus, the signal on her phone became sporadic, and the messages she sent were just spinning.


    A young male doctor traveling with her lamented, ¡°The network signal is really bad here; I can¡¯t even send a message to let my girlfriend know I¡¯m safe.¡±


    The embarrassed Village Chief said, ¡°We¡¯ve had heavy rain recently, which washed away the base station. Once it clears up, the mobile company will send someone to repair it. Please bear with us for now, doctors, I¡¯ll take you to settle in.¡±


    Though the place was poor, the accommodations the village had arranged for them were clean single-story houses, one for each person. They had even arranged for villagers to cook and wash dishes for them.


    The area for medical examinations and equipment was set up at a nearby school.


    As soon as Qiao Xi got off the bus, she heard an announcement over the loudspeaker about a free medical checkup the following day, asking all the villagers to be present on time.


    The male doctor said with a smile, ¡°You take this very seriously!¡±


    ¡°We in the countryside don¡¯t have many resources, and we don¡¯t dare to go to big hospitals. But now that you¡¯ve come, it¡¯s great!¡± The Village Chief said with an honest smile, ¡°It¡¯s a tremendous blessing!¡±


    Qiao Xi smiled, bending her lips. The morose and sultry emotions of love in her heart were dispelled.


    If one cannot be a great statesman, then become a great healer. Insightful in advancing, compassionate in retreating.


    This is probably the meaning of practicing medicine.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, come and have dinner!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m coming!¡±


    ...


    The next day.


    Exiting the Imperial Capital Grand Hotel was a group of people, led by a tall and noble-looking man.


    ¡°Chen Xun, the phone.¡± Huo Xingzhou extended his hand, and Chen Xun placed the phone in his palm.


    Huo Xingzhou flipped through the call log, furrowing his eyebrows, ¡°There were no calls from home?¡± He wanted to ask about Qiao Xi.


    These past days, the Zhong Family¡¯s illegitimate son had placed signal jammers in the hotel, fearful of any mishaps. The Huo Family, seeking to expand their territory, had to follow the other party¡¯s rules.


    ¡°None,¡± Chen Xun replied, his voice low as he concealed his unease.


    The man went straight to Qiao Xi¡¯s number and called it.


    ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable; please try again later.¡± Hearing the busy tone on the phone, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression turned dark.


    He then called Zhou Yu and asked, ¡°Where is Qiao Xi?¡±


    Zhou Yu was roused from a haze of drunken revelry, stunned, ¡°You don¡¯t know? Qiao Xi went to the countryside for a mobile clinic, she¡¯ll be gone for three or four days. Didn¡¯t she report to you, her husband?¡±

 Chapter 112: 112: My Wife Ran Away, Are You Going to Compensate Me?

    Chapter 112: Chapter 112: My Wife Ran Away, Are You Going to Compensate Me?


    After hearing his words, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression grew even uglier.


    Zhou Yu suddenly realized something and said, ¡°Sister-in-law must be mad at you. Just look at the comments online...¡± Zhou Yu told Huo Xingzhou everything about the Xingyue Foundation¡¯s interview, as well as the words Su Weiwei had said that day.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s face turned darker and darker.


    ¡°She¡¯s jealous! With you and Xu Xingluo pledge love and professing deep affection, it¡¯s normal for her to feel uncomfortable.¡±


    ¡°She has nothing to do with me,¡± Huo Xingzhou gritted out.


    ¡°Telling me is useless! You need to explain it to Qiao Xi! She left in such a hurry, even the bodyguards weren¡¯t notified.¡± Zhou Yu immediately sent over the location of Qiao Xi¡¯s volunteer work.


    ...


    ¡°Make sure to sweet-talk your wife; I¡¯ve prepared a box of nice things for you guys,¡± Zhou Yu said suggestively, ¡°you¡¯re in for a treat.¡±


    His ¡°nice things¡± were definitely more thrilling than the ¡°Mrs. Happy.¡±


    But Huo Xingzhou was no longer in the mood to listen to his jokes and hung up the phone directly.


    ¡°Chen Xun, book a flight ticket.¡±


    Chen Xun had a troubled look on his face: ¡°President Huo, there¡¯s still a celebration banquet.¡±


    ¡°My wife has run away; are you going to compensate for that?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked coldly, with immense pressure.


    Chen Xun dared not say another word and immediately took out his phone to book a first-class ticket. The Huo Family did have a private jet, but Huo Xingzhou has always been low-key.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke in a heavy voice, suddenly bursting out, ¡°Did she really not call?¡±


    Chen Xun¡¯s fingers stiffened, and he steadied his voice to reply, ¡°No.¡±


    He had already deleted the call history, and in the meantime, sent something to Xu Xingluo. She assured him that President Huo would not find out about it. This assistant job paid a salary of several hundred thousand a year, with a lot of room for advancement.


    He was not yet willing to give it up.


    ¡°Chen Xun, you are in charge of the current work at the Xingyue Foundation. Was it you who agreed to make that interview public?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked casually, but Chen Xun broke out in a cold sweat.


    ¡°It was me.¡±


    ¡°Delete it all over the internet; I don¡¯t want to see any media promotion. From today, hand over the foundation¡¯s work to Zhou Yu,¡± Huo Xingzhou said coldly.


    Chen Xun¡¯s lower lip trembled, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Clarify with the media the true meaning of the name of the foundation, and explain the real significance of the words Xing and Yue. Do you think a foundation committed to caring for the elderly and the poor only deserves to become a vulgar romance gimmick?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s tone was icy, and his powerful deterrent force turned Chen Xun¡¯s face pale.


    President Huo did not seem to like Miss Xu as much as expected; he actually intended to publicly humiliate her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, President Huo. I will take care of it,¡± Chen Xun complied with each directive, no longer entertaining any thoughts of resistance.


    ¡°Once the plane arrives at Haicheng Airport, first arrange a car for me. I¡¯m going to Longtan Township,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    That silly girl doesn¡¯t feel secure; she¡¯ll hide and cry.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Before long.


    The flight from the Imperial Capital to Haicheng took off.


    Online, there was a new uproar because of the ¡°Xingyue Foundation¡±.


    The founder behind the scenes of the Xingyue Foundation turned out to be Huo Xingzhou, the CEO of Tianyuan Group!


    Before netizens could exclaim, a clarifying announcement from the Tianyuan Group appeared out of the blue.


    Tianyuan Group: ¡°From now on, if there is no blazing fire, may it be like the glow of fireflies or the stars and moon shining faintly in the dark. As the nights drag on, the stars and the moon accompany us! May all who seek the light encounter it, and walk in its warmth! This is the original intent behind naming the Xingyue Foundation!¡±


    ¡°Rumors on the internet are not true; the choice of spokesperson is decided by the group¡¯s senior management. If there is any scandal, they will be immediately discontinued; there is no lifetime contract!¡±


    ¡°Additionally, President Huo has decided to expand the foundation¡¯s range of assistance to include families seriously impoverished due to illness or injury, with all medical expenses covered by the foundation after verification! To honor the elderly, pity the poor, save the dying, and help the injured! This is also the original intention of our Young Madam in practicing medicine!¡±


    This announcement slapped Xu Xingluo¡¯s face hard.


    It also elevated Qiao Xi¡¯s status.


    She was a university student assisted by the Xingyue Foundation and, in the end, she gave back to the foundation.


    ¡°What a beautiful love story! The CEO of Tianyuan Group and the apprentice of the National Doctor, a powerful alliance! This is a living Bodhisattva!¡±


    ¡°I always said how could a foundation become someone¡¯s pledge of love, slap in the face!¡±


    ¡°Xu Xingluo may be beautiful, but we love Doctor Qiao! She also participated in the City Hospital¡¯s free clinic this time!¡±


    In the midst of one-sided praise, there were also different voices.


    ¡°Our Xingluo would never lie. She and Huo Xingzhou were Haicheng¡¯s golden couple; who knows if Huo Xingzhou could be accused of crossing the river and tearing down the bridge. What about apprentice of the National Doctor, isn¡¯t that just an overhyped marketing stunt?¡±


    ¡°Can a country girl compare with Haicheng¡¯s number one socialite?¡±


    In a luxurious villa, Tian Tian typed away fiercely, defending Xu Xingluo and belittling Qiao Xi.


    She and Xu Xingluo were close as sisters, and Tian Tian¡¯s heart ached for her predicament. The country girl used a wedding ritual to clinch the position of Young Madam Huo, leaving Xu Xingluo¡¯s love unrequited.


    On the other end of the internet,


    Sun Weimeng hired hundreds of internet trolls to command: ¡°Tear that user named ¡®Sweet but Not Spicy¡¯ to shreds! She¡¯s blind and brainless, what¡¯s so great about Xu Xingluo! Does she compare to a divine doctor?¡±


    Internet comments were almost unilaterally in favor of praising Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    Compared to fighting and being jealous, the public was more concerned with livelihood issues, and they admired the vision of the Tianyuan Group.


    They had unprecedented positive feelings toward Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi, while Xu Xingluo¡¯s lovesick remarks seemed like the antics of a buffoon.


    Tian Tian, seeing those comments cursing her, was livid.


    She picked up her phone and dialed Xu Xingluo¡¯s number.


    ¡°Xingluo! Have you been online? I¡¯m going to be driven mad by these ignorant netizens, they have no idea what really happened! You and Huo Xingzhou are the true couple, they¡¯re all singing praises of a provincial bumpkin!¡±


    Tian Tian spoke rapidly, with an impassioned voice.


    ¡°The Xingyue Foundation was originally established for you, and Huo Xingzhou totally denies it! I bet it¡¯s that country girl behind his back, whispering sweet nothings and manipulating him! She¡¯s so scheming!¡±


    ¡°The misunderstanding and distance between you and Huo Xingzhou is only temporary! With you as the Xu Family¡¯s heiress, who would really love a country bumpkin!¡±


    After venting, Xu Xingluo on the other end of the phone looked displeased.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s fingers were tense as she had, of course, seen the clarifying announcement online. She hadn¡¯t expected Brother Xingzhou to be so heartless, to trample her dignity into the ground.


    Even the ordinary netizens dared to mock her!


    ¡°Tian Tian.¡± She squeezed out a gentle smile, ¡°Thank you for sticking up for me, but Qiao Xi... she¡¯s too powerful! I really can¡¯t outdo her, maybe Brother Xingzhou and I are just not meant to be.¡±


    ¡°How is that possible! You two are the most perfect match!¡± Tian Tian was their number one ¡®ship¡¯ fan, head over heels!


    ¡°I used to think so too. Brother Xingzhou likes cleanliness and has a bit of a cleanliness obsession. I¡¯ve always been pure, with only him in my heart. Yet he¡¯s still enchanted by Qiao Xi,¡± Xu Xingluo said with grievance.


    Upon hearing this, Tian Tian suddenly had an idea.


    ¡°Xingluo, wait for my good news.¡± Tian Tian immediately hung up the phone, her eyes gleaming with excitement.


    That country girl living in the backwoods of Longtan Township presented a heaven-sent opportunity.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s obsession with cleanliness was well-known in the circle, and he himself was not prone to philandering. Outsiders seeing Xu Xingluo by his side thought he was devoted.


    But Tian Tian knew Xu Xingluo and Huo Xingzhou had never been intimate; when asked about it before, Xu Xingluo had shyly said she was waiting for their wedding night.


    If...


    A smile curled up on Tian Tian¡¯s lips.

 Chapter 113: 113 He Kicked Open with One Foot

    Chapter 113: Chapter 113 He Kicked Open with One Foot


    The sky grew dark.


    Days of heavy rain had turned the dirt roads into an impassable quagmire, and the road conditions in Longtan Township were terrible. Qiao Xi took refuge under the rain awning of the medical camp, treating the last patient.


    ¡°Gastrointestinal discomfort, a few doses of this medicine should do the trick. When eating, make sure to chew slowly and opt for soft and bland food. Avoid eggs and seafood while taking this medicine.¡±


    Qiao Xi wrote a prescription and dispensed the medicine to the old lady.


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor Qiao. You are so patient.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just doing my job.¡±


    ...


    The Village Chief squatted beside the rain awning, smoking with a frown as he looked at the relentless rain: ¡°This rain doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s going to stop anytime soon. Xiaoli, set up the roadblocks and warning signs on the way into the village tomorrow, so no passing vehicles get caught up in it.¡±


    As Qiao Xi packed up her equipment, she asked, ¡°Chief, does that mean cars can¡¯t make it in from outside?¡±


    ¡°During the rainy season, there¡¯s a risk of landslides, and in past years they¡¯ve injured quite a few people. We in Longtan Township are too poor to repair the roads.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Qiao Xi felt uneasy.


    She returned to her prefab dormitory and tidied up a bit. The room¡¯s arrangement was simple¡ªone bed, one cabinet, and a set of desk and chair. She picked up her cellphone from the cabinet, noting how weak the signal was, rendering it impossible to make a call.


    Outside, thunder and lightning filled the sky with a dark shroud.


    Qiao Xi found herself missing Huo Xingzhou and couldn¡¯t help but remember what Su Weiwei and Xu Xingluo had said. The Xingyue Foundation was something he established for Xu Xingluo, a testimony to their love.


    In that shocking car accident, it was Huo Xingzhou who shielded Xu Xingluo.


    If it wasn¡¯t love, then how else could it be explained?


    And her marriage to Mr. Huo had been an accident from the start. But to give up such a good man so easily, she simply couldn¡¯t do it.


    Qiao Xi lay on her bed in a daze, drowning in her emotions, unable to extricate herself.


    If he said it wasn¡¯t so, she would believe him.


    Outside the small prefab, a shadowy figure lurked stealthily.


    With meticulous movements, the person carefully picked the old-fashioned lock and slipped inside. He crept towards the bed on tiptoe...


    A flash of lightning lit up the room, and thunder shattered the heavens, waking Qiao Xi with a start. As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw a swaying shadow, a strange man standing in the room.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Qiao Xi exclaimed, breaking into a cold sweat.


    A rough hand immediately covered her mouth, and a menacing warning followed, ¡°Don¡¯t scream! I won¡¯t harm you! Just do as I say let me strip you and take a few pictures, then I¡¯ll let you go!¡±


    ¡°Mmmph...¡± Qiao Xi bit his hand fiercely, and the man recoiled in pain.


    Seizing the opportunity, she ran towards the door, but the man grabbed her hair and dragged her back.


    The thunderous noise outside drowned Qiao Xi¡¯s cries for help. She struggled frantically, knocking over the room¡¯s only pots and pans.


    ¡°Help! Help!¡±


    ¡°Shut up, you wench! If you don¡¯t behave, I¡¯ll make sure you regret it!¡± he changed his mind. This little woman was delicate and pretty, someone he had had his eye on for many days.


    He felt an itch he wanted to scratch.


    After all, leaving behind photos as leverage would ensure she wouldn¡¯t dare say anything.


    With that in mind, he began to tear at Qiao Xi¡¯s clothes, but Qiao Xi grabbed a long needle from her cufflink and thrust it into his arm.


    Shu Xue had said that desperate environments produce desperate people, so one must always be cautious. That¡¯s why she never removed the long needle from her cufflink, even when sleeping.


    ¡°Ow!¡±


    With a howl of pain, Qiao Xi seized the opportunity to grab a stool and hit him with it.


    ¡°You little bitch, I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯t get out of this easily! No one in Longtan Township dares to hit Li Yao!¡±


    Qiao Xi ran to the door, only to find it was tied shut with wire, impossible to open.


    She cautiously stayed close to the wall, keeping her distance from Li Yao.


    With a sleazy tone, Li Yao boasted, ¡°If I dared to do this, of course I¡¯ve got some tricks up my sleeve! With such a heavy storm, guess who could save you! Even if you scream your lungs out, they can¡¯t hear you!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes reddened as she clenched her lips tightly.


    If only Mr. Huo were here!


    At this very moment, she longed for that man to be by her side, to rescue her from danger.


    But he was far away in the Imperial Capital...


    ¡°Strip yourself, spare yourself some misery! My skills are unmatched, stick with me and you¡¯ll forget all your sorrows! The widows in the village are all begging for me...¡±


    He looked at Qiao Xi nonchalantly, as if she were prey ready to be devoured, and let loose a stream of vile and harassing words.


    Struggling to keep her disgust in check, Qiao Xi said, ¡°Since you¡¯ve been watching me for several days, you should know I¡¯m quite adept with acupuncture! Guess how many silver needles I have on me? If you dare touch me, I¡¯ll cripple you!¡±


    She felt uncertain, but she had to feign fierceness to intimidate Li Yao.


    ¡°For disobeying a toast, you shall suffer the harder drink! Once I take you down, I will definitely...¡±


    Clang!


    The door was kicked open with a bang, teetering on its hinges.


    The man in a suit, his shoes covered in mud, entered as lightning flickered, illuminating his stern profile.


    He was like an asura from hell.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s pupils shrank, as if she were in a dream. She dared not blink as she watched the man walk in, silently kicking Li Yao with punches that landed with thudding flesh.


    Li Yao let out a piercing scream, pleading.


    Huo Xingzhou, as if deaf to the cries, tossed his jacket aside and rolled up his sleeves to continue the beating.


    A crowd had gathered around the small house, even the Village Chief had arrived, shouting, ¡°Stop fighting! He¡¯s going to die!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s happened here? This man is... seems like President Huo from the Tianyuan Group! Dr. Qiao¡¯s husband!¡±


    ¡°Li Yao must have been up to his old tricks again to get beat like this by someone¡¯s husband.¡±


    Qiao Xi reached out and grabbed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s arm, ¡°Stop it, it¡¯s not worth it.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou ceased his assault, coldly wiping the blood from his hands onto Li Yao¡¯s clothes. He turned to the onlookers and said, ¡°This man broke in with intent to rob and kill. Please, take him to the police station.¡±


    Li Yao spat out blood, feebly defending himself, ¡°I didn¡¯t...


    He just wanted to take a picture; a picture was worth two hundred thousand.


    The villagers nodded in agreement, ¡°Li Yao is nothing but trouble! It¡¯s exactly the kind of thing he would do!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve seen him eyeing Dr. Qiao these past few days, looking to steal money! He deserves prison!¡±


    ¡°Completely heartless! To target a doctor from the city who comes here to do good, he deserves it!¡±


    The Village Chief decided to have Li Yao tied up and sent to the police station, and the crowd dispersed once they saw there was nothing more to watch.


    Only Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou were left in the messy room.


    She spoke in a forced calm, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the Village Chief and get you another room.¡± After everything that had happened, his sudden appearance left her unsure of how to interact with him.


    ¡°This room is fine.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou put the table and chairs back in place and said in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t bother them this late. Is there any water?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get it for you.¡±


    ¡°Just tell me where it is, I¡¯ll go myself.¡±


    ¡°Turn left out the door and walk straight, there¡¯s a public bathhouse,¡± Qiao Xi said, her voice devoid of emotion, distant and foreign.


    After Huo Xingzhou left and returned from his quick wash-up,


    Qiao Xi avoided his gaze and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go to sleep. I have to do a free clinic early in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The two of them lay on the bed in silence, the sound of rain outside slowly diminishing. Qiao Xi felt no sleepiness; her mind was racing with countless thoughts.


    A pair of warm hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her tightly into an embrace.


    Qiao Xi stiffened.

 Chapter 114: 114 Her Aladdins Lamp

    Chapter 114: Chapter 114 Her Aladdin¡¯s Lamp


    ¡°Qiao Xi, was there ever a moment where you wanted me to come?¡±


    In the dimness, Huo Xingzhou asked softly.


    Qiao Xi bit her lower lip, almost letting a choked sob spill out.


    She wanted him to come.


    Therefore, he truly appeared before her.


    Like Aladdin¡¯s lamp in a fairy tale.


    ...


    But she didn¡¯t speak and pretended to be asleep.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t pierce through her poor acting, only held her tighter. He could clearly feel her trembling.


    She was very scared tonight.


    The depths of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were dark; there was something off about that man. He carefully took out his phone, wanting to call Zhou Yu, but the signal was almost non-existent.


    He frowned, thinking if Chen Xun hadn¡¯t fixed the signal tower by tomorrow, he would fire him.


    When the dawn arrived.


    Qiao Xi opened her eyes, feeling the warm heat at her back. The man¡¯s iron-clad arms were still tightly wrapped around her waist. She gently moved his hands and got out of bed.


    Behind her,


    the man¡¯s voice was languid: ¡°Why not sleep some more?¡±


    Qiao Xi paused, turned to look at the man with his shirt open, then awkwardly turned away.


    ¡°The free clinic is quite busy.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou propped up on his arms, looking at her: ¡°About last night...¡±


    ¡°Thank you for last night,¡± she again stubbornly said, ¡°Actually, even if you hadn¡¯t come, I would have managed to deal with him.¡±


    It seemed as if by saying this, she could sever the connection between them.


    A ripple stirred in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes as he asked with a smile, ¡°Did you take him down? I wasn¡¯t aware you had such abilities.¡±


    Qiao Xi opened her mouth, at a loss for words.


    After a moment of stunned silence, she started to shoo him away: ¡°Mr. Huo, the conditions in Longtan Township are poor; please return to Haicheng. Forgive me for not being able to play the good host.¡±


    Her tone was very cold, heartless.


    Huo Xingzhou reached out his large hand, grabbed hers, and said, ¡°I will return with you all tomorrow.¡±


    The free clinic was ending soon.


    ¡°As you wish, I need to go get ready for work,¡± Qiao Xi said indifferently, feeling stifled.


    Some things, if she didn¡¯t ask, would he not tell her?


    Why had he come all the way to Longtan Township? Did he have clairvoyance and clairaudience, knowing she would run into trouble last night?


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou spoke gravely, ¡°Even if you were to sentence me to death, at least let me know the reason. If you don¡¯t say anything, I won¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking.¡±


    He wanted to hear her admit her jealousy, admit she cared about him.


    Qiao Xi gripped her hand tight then let go, as though she had made a decision.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, about the online rumors regarding you and Xu...¡± Before Qiao Xi could finish her sentence, she was interrupted.


    A young male doctor¡¯s clamorous voice was heard from outside.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, there¡¯s an emergency! It¡¯s extremely urgent!¡±


    Upon hearing this, Qiao Xi¡¯s expression turned serious as she hurriedly walked out. Just as she reached the door, she bumped into Chen Xun carrying big and small bags; the two exchanged a brief glance.


    Qiao Xi nodded casually and dashed out.


    Leaving behind Huo Xingzhou with a gloomy expression, Chen Xun began to speak, ¡°President Huo, these are the daily clothes prepared for you.¡±


    ¡°What about the signal tower?¡±


    Chen Xun nervously answered, ¡°The workers are already fixing it. Following your instructions, a signal base station will be set up every kilometer, and it will be completed today.¡±


    Ever since returning from the Imperial Capital, President Huo had been increasingly dissatisfied with him. Chen Xun was trembling with fear, walking on thin ice.


    He took out a document and handed it to Huo Xingzhou with both hands, saying, ¡°This is the police statement; Li Yao received an anonymous call and accepted two hundred thousand. He was planning to take inappropriate photos of the Young Madam and give them to the mastermind behind the scenes.¡±


    ¡°At the moment, police are investigating the identity and motive of the person behind the scenes, and results should be forthcoming soon,¡±


    Huo Xingzhou pinched the transcript, examining it closely.


    ¡°Once you have the results, inform me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President Huo,¡± Chen Xun hesitated, ¡°Do you have any other instructions?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou looked up, his profound eyes peering into him, ¡°Chen Xun, you know what I do to traitors. You came recommended by Zhou Yu, and the position of special assistant is crucial.¡±


    This was a warning.


    A cold sweat broke out on Chen Xun¡¯s back.


    He hadn¡¯t been following Huo Xingzhou for long. Recently, he indeed had engaged in some minor behind-the-scenes moves, but they were trivial and did not affect the company¡¯s interests.


    ¡°President Huo, I won¡¯t betray your trust. You can entrust me with any task.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou, inherently detached and protective, said, ¡°Go to the best nearby restaurant and order meals. You¡¯re in charge of today¡¯s meals for the medical volunteer team.¡±


    Chen Xun constantly complained. The nearest restaurant would take two to three hours back and forth. The roads were slippery due to the rain, and there might be dangers.


    But Huo Xingzhou was testing him and was also venting his frustration caused by the Xingyue Foundation incident.


    He had no choice but to agree.


    ¡°Yes, President Huo,¡± Chen Xun said with difficulty.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke indifferently, ¡°Be careful on the road. If it really comes to it, the company has also purchased accident insurance.¡±


    After Chen Xun left,


    The thunder roared, and though it was daytime, the sky outside was as dark as night.


    The rain poured down furiously, such that not even the rain shelter could keep it at bay. Huo Xingzhou stepped outside the house, looking around but not spotting Qiao Xi.


    He grabbed a hurried figure and asked, ¡°Where did Doctor Qiao go?¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao went to the back mountain! A villager fell ill and couldn¡¯t move; they¡¯ve gone to administer emergency treatment!¡± the Village Chief said anxiously, ¡°With such heavy rain, I¡¯m worried sick.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold me back! I need to find them quickly!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression became stern, he took the rain cloak from the room, and followed the Village Chief, who led him up the mountain,¡± Be careful.¡±


    The soil was loose, and there were many landslides along the way. After half an hour, they finally spotted four or five figures.


    With just one glance, his pupils contracted sharply.


    The mud and rocks of the cliffside collapsed, and the ground where they stood gave way, sliding downwards.


    The Village Chief shouted, ¡°Run quickly! That section is going to collapse!¡±


    The individuals panicked, scrambling to escape, but how could they outrun the speed of a natural disaster? They were soon swept into the mudslide, desperately clutching at tree roots and boulders.


    Qiao Xi only felt her body slide and tumble down with the mud and stones, causing her whole body to ache sharply.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou acted decisively, seizing her hand, ¡°Don¡¯t let go!¡±


    Qiao Xi lay on an extremely steep slope, unable to open her eyes because of the rain hitting her face.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s arm muscles bulged as he straightened his body and little by little, pulled her up.


    It seemed Qiao Xi could smell a strong iron scent. She was powerless, lying flat on the ground. Through her blurry vision, she saw the tall figure and the Village Chief pulling the others up as well.


    ¡°Get down the mountain quickly! A landslide can happen here any second!¡± the Village Chief called out as the group scrambled down the mountain in disorder.


    Qiao Xi was carried on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s back. Her cheek pressed against his warm back, and a strong emotion suddenly surged in her heart.


    She suddenly understood that all her doubts and anxieties stemmed from falling in love with this man.


    She had never truly faced her own feelings before.


    To fall in love with someone is to start with feeling inadequate.


    ¡°Huo...¡±


    Just as Qiao Xi was about to speak, she felt something sticky in her palm.


    She looked at her hand.


    Rinsed by the rainwater, her hands were not only smeared with sand and stones, but also tainted with a faint trace of blood.

 Chapter 115: 115: Husband, Please Forgive Me

    Chapter 115: Chapter 115: Husband, Please Forgive Me


    Qiao Xi panicked, ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯re injured.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a small cut, no big deal.¡± Huo Xingzhou walked steadily, his voice calm. He carried Qiao Xi all the way down the mountain, back to the small bungalow where the doctors were staying temporarily.


    Qiao Xi was placed securely in the room, her limbs felt weak as she looked at the pale-faced Huo Xingzhou, stammering.


    A colleague exclaimed, ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯ve lost a lot of blood!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes fell on his arm, a long gash from which blood kept flowing.


    The remaining surgeon immediately said, ¡°Dr. Qiao, you¡¯re covered in dirt, go wash up. I¡¯ll take care of your husband¡¯s wound, trust my skills.¡±


    ...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s head felt heavy, her eyes reddening.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke indifferently, ¡°You go first.¡±


    She was pushed out by the crowd, while those villagers watched Huo Xingzhou nervously, fearing he might suffer a mishap.


    Qiao Xi dragged her heavy feet to the public bathhouse. She took off her dirty coat, and inside the lining was a cellphone in a waterproof bag.


    After losing signal in the village, she was using it to check the time, but suddenly, it lit up.


    The screen flickered; it was a call from Shu Xue.


    The signal was back!


    The phone also automatically connected to a nearby network.


    Qiao Xi immediately answered the call, and an extremely excited Shu Xue said, ¡°Qiao Xi, I finally got through to you! I¡¯ve been trying my luck calling you every day, but couldn¡¯t get through.¡±


    ¡°Are you looking for me for something?¡± Qiao Xi asked hoarsely.


    ¡°Big news! Have you gone online? Quickly search for the keywords Xingyue Foundation and Tianyuan Group announcement, your husband is so cool!¡± Shu Xue was thrilled, ¡°I knew Xu Xingluo was spouting nonsense!¡±


    Qiao Xi turned on speakerphone and began searching the internet for news.


    She saw the announcement from Tianyuan Group: The nights are long, but the stars and moon accompany us. May we all encounter light in our pursuit and walk bathed in its glow.


    That was the origin of the Xingyue Foundation¡¯s name.


    Moreover, they had set up a medical aid fund, cherishing the elderly and the poor, saving lives and healing wounds!


    He said this reflected the true spirit of her medical practice.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s throat constricted, her eyes welling up.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, the purpose of setting up the medical aid fund is cherishing the elderly and the poor! There are so many words to choose from, but Huo chose ¡®cherishing¡¯! It¡¯s a low-key display of affection!¡±


    Shu Xue, dwelling on the word choice, sounded sweeter than someone in love, ¡°Your husband denied any connection with Xu Xingluo, silencing those netizens, and gave you dignity!¡±


    ¡°Even the lifetime endorsement is fake! Xu Xingluo didn¡¯t gain any advantage this time, and many people are mocking her. But the internet has no memory, and as a ballet goddess, she still has a considerable loyal fanbase,¡±


    Shu Xue remarked with feeling.


    Qiao Xi reviewed the clarification announcement again and again.


    Tears spilled out, falling onto the phone. She also looked at the missed calls, noticing many were from Mr. Huo.


    He had already given an explanation, he also wanted to explain to her in person.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, are you moved to tears?¡± Shu Xue asked carefully.


    Qiao Xi shook her head and said, ¡°Shu Xue, I think I misunderstood him. He clearly...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like a woman chasing a man with a layer of yarn in between. Men are easy to coax; just say some nice words. As for...¡± Shu Xue remembered the crazy woman Su Weiwei¡¯s words and advised, ¡°Don¡¯t believe others¡¯ words; you should listen to him personally.¡±


    Maybe those women had ulterior motives all along.


    Even interviews with the Xingyue Foundation could be filled with lies.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded firmly.


    ¡°Tomorrow your medical volunteer work will be over, and when you come back, I¡¯ll throw a party to welcome you back and dust you off!¡± Shu Xue proposed.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. You... should study more of the proper material I gave you, men like that sort of thing,¡± Shu Xue said quickly before hanging up the phone.


    Qiao Xi was stunned for a moment.


    Were those things...actually useful?


    She bit her lip, recalling Mr. Huo said it was boring to watch those things alone, it was more interesting with two people.


    Did he like it too?


    Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly finished washing up in the public bathroom before changing into clean clothes.


    When she returned to the room, it was quiet and clean. The villagers whom Huo Xingzhou had saved couldn¡¯t express their gratitude, so they had cleaned the place as a way to say thanks.


    The man sat on the bed with his upper body bare; his right arm was wrapped in gauze, with faint traces of blood seeping through. The young male doctor was finishing up and tied a butterfly knot.


    Turning to see Qiao Xi, he said, ¡°Dr. Qiao, the wound has been treated, but it might leave a scar. The task of soothing the patient¡¯s emotions, I¡¯ll leave to you. I¡¯ve got signal back, so I¡¯m going to call my girlfriend.¡±


    He teased her and left with his tools.


    Once the door closed, the room grew silent.


    Qiao Xi moved carefully and said softly beside the bed, ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for what?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked casually.


    His attitude was extremely cold, which hurt.


    A feeling of sorrow tightened in Qiao Xi¡¯s heart, and she said with a mixture of regret and bitterness, ¡°It¡¯s my fault; I put you in harm¡¯s way.¡±


    ¡°Is that all?¡± he said, dissatisfied.


    ¡°I did it on purpose... to give you the cold shoulder.¡±


    ¡°So you know that was the cold shoulder?¡± His eyes filled with tiny shards of ice, looking utterly inviolable.


    Qiao Xi felt a deep sense of guilt, her eyes turning red as she said, ¡°I saw the clarification online, my apologies.¡±


    So she only felt guilty after seeing that.


    Huo Xingzhou let out a cold laugh, and seeing her pitiful look, his heart ached for her. He reached out and pinched her red lips, saying, ¡°They say a dying duck¡¯s quack is the hardest to quell, so how come yours is so soft?¡±


    Just say you¡¯re jealous, say you¡¯re green-eyed.


    Is that so hard?


    He rubbed her red lips forcefully with the tips of his fingers, as if to punish her. Her full, luscious lips were kneaded into an even more charming and tender redness, swollen and soft.


    Qiao Xi winced in pain and opened her mouth slightly.


    ¡°Say a few nice things first, and I might consider letting bygones be bygones,¡± he said, loosening his grip and watching her with a relaxed air.


    Qiao Xi gently bit her lip. Su Weiwei said that men were easy to placate, so she decided to say a few more kind words.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I was wrong. Please forgive me. I¡¯ll never do it again,¡± she pleaded, her voice soft.


    For her, a little old-fashioned, to act coquettishly was not an easy task.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Huo Xingzhou said derisively, ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re truly insincere. An apology to a stranger is no different than this, let alone between us as husband and wife.¡±


    The words ¡°husband and wife¡± sounded as if they were coated in honey coming from his mouth.


    Qiao Xi licked her swollen lips, hesitantly calling out, ¡°Husband...¡±


    She remembered Mr. Huo liked it when she called him that.


    ¡°Husband, I shouldn¡¯t have given you the cold shoulder,¡± she said softly, ¡°please forgive me. At the very least...¡±


    ¡°At the very least what?¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heart softened by half; he simply took wicked pleasure in tormenting her. He wanted to see what kind of provocative things the prim and proper little lady could say next.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks were flushed red as she boldly leaned in to peck the corner of his lips.


    She whispered, ¡°I can watch that with you.¡±

 Chapter 116: 116: Anything is Possible

    Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Anything is Possible


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze instantly darkened as he stared at her and said, ¡°I can¡¯t understand.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s neck turned beet red, and she averted her gaze, muttering, ¡°You know, that thing.¡±


    ¡°I lost too much blood, I don¡¯t remember,¡± he furthered his feigned difficulty.


    Qiao Xi blurted out in frustration, ¡°Exploring the Mysteries of the Human Body, ¡®To Subdue the Barbarians with Their Own Skills¡¯...¡± By the time she reached the last word, she could no longer show her face.


    Huo Xingzhou reached out and wrapped his arms around her slender waist, his tone laced with hidden laughter, ¡°So you wanted to watch these things with me. If you really want to, I¡¯ll make do and accompany you.¡±


    Shu Xue was wrong, men are indeed easy to coax, but they also know how to take an inch and ask for a mile, acting coy even after gaining an advantage.


    ...


    Qiao Xi was extremely ashamed.


    ¡°The USB drive is in the car, you can go get it. We have all night long, I¡¯ll risk my life to keep you company,¡± he said, his eyes half-lowered, hiding the teasing light within.


    Qiao Xi was both angry and annoyed, yet she found herself at a loss for words.


    In a rash move, she blocked his nonsensical thin lips and gave them a light bite.


    Huo Xingzhou held her tightly against his lower back, deepening the kiss.


    Heart-wrenching and tender.


    Complex and lingering.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s breath quickened, her face flushed. Her almond eyes were as clear as water that had been washed over them, watery and seductive. The beast locked within Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heart seemed ready to burst its cage.


    He sought to possess her forcefully.


    He spoke while slightly panting, ¡°If you want to make amends, donate yourself to me next time. There¡¯s a home theater in the villa; you can do whatever you want.¡±


    His implication was very clear.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heartbeat became erratic, pounding loudly.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, can I do whatever I want?¡± he asked.


    Qiao Xi shivered, meeting his exceptionally dark eyes, and replied softly, ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Whatever he wanted, he could do.


    ...


    The next day.


    The rain gradually stopped, and after the persistent downpour, the sun made a rare appearance.


    ¡°Such perfect weather! It¡¯s as if it knew we were leaving today and cleared the way for us.¡± The male surgeon exclaimed, ¡°Now the bus will be able to get through.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s finally time to go, but I¡¯m a little reluctant to leave.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so envious of Dr. Qiao, having her husband come to take her home. Where can you find such a handsome and respectable husband!¡±


    The medical equipment for the charity clinic had been packed up, just waiting for the bus to arrive before leaving.


    Qiao Xi was an exception; Huo Xingzhou had driven over and could take her home at any time.


    The Rolls-Royce at the entrance of the village had already attracted countless onlookers.


    The mountain roads were difficult to navigate, and the car was initially covered in mud and scratches, but villagers whose lives had been saved by Huo Xingzhou the day before had spontaneously cleaned it.


    When Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou walked out of the small flat, they were quickly surrounded by the enthusiastic villagers.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, your medical skills are truly exceptional! My child can walk on the ground now...¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, thank you for saving us! We feel so guilty that you got hurt! Here are some homegrown eggs and green vegetables from our home, not worth much!¡±


    ¡°And here are ours...¡±


    Several baskets of homegrown eggs and green vegetables were thrust into Huo Xingzhou¡¯s arms. Qiao Xi had seen him dressed in suits, high and mighty, but she had never witnessed a scene like this.


    She chuckled at the sight.


    ¡°Chen Xun, what are you dazed for?¡±


    With a dark expression, Huo Xingzhou passed everything to Chen Xun and instructed, ¡°Put them in the car, don¡¯t let them get crushed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, President Huo.¡±


    Chen Xun tirelessly stowed the items and took his place in the driver¡¯s seat.


    Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou also got into the car. She looked out through the car window towards Longtan Township, a feeling of reluctance rising in her heart.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, will we have a chance to come back here in the future?¡± Qiao Xi asked from the back seat.


    ¡°You can come back whenever you want,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Chen Xun, get in touch with Zhou Yu and allocate a portion of funds for the road construction in Longtan Township.¡±


    To get rich, build roads first.


    This saying is a timeless truth, regardless of the era, but building roads demands huge amounts of labor and resources.


    Qiao Xi stared at Huo Xingzhou in shock, her heart unable to calm down for a long time. She even felt ashamed for once thinking that the Xingyue Foundation was merely a token of commitment.


    The man she had fallen in love with had great depth of character and a spirit as clear as the breeze and bright moon.


    ...


    After a three-hour drive, Qiao Xi finally arrived at the Huo Family¡¯s small villa.


    To her surprise, Du Juan and Huo Sijiao were also there, helping Aunt Qian prepare a welcoming feast.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡¯re finally back! We were just guessing when you¡¯d arrive,¡± Huo Sijiao said warmly, linking arms with Qiao Xi. ¡°The kitchen is filled with all your favorite dishes.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for the trouble,¡± Qiao Xi said politely.


    ¡°We¡¯re family,¡± Du Juan said with a smile. ¡°Come, let¡¯s talk, Mom has something to say to you.¡±


    Qiao Xi glanced at Huo Xingzhou and received his approval. His wound was hidden beneath the white shirt, not visible on the surface.


    On the road, he had insisted that his injury must be kept a secret from the family.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the bedroom to change my clothes,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    After he left, Du Juan managed to send Huo Sijiao to the kitchen to help Aunt Qian.


    Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law sat in the living room, as close as mother and daughter.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I saw the stuff online. Originally, the Xu Family and the Huo Family wanted to unite through marriage; that was my foolish idea,¡± she said apologetically. ¡°I was thinking that the two kids, having grown up together, would make a perfect match.¡±


    Xu Xingluo used to be obedient and sensible too.


    But the car accident made Du Juan see her true nature.


    When the second branch of the Huo Family fell into decline, everyone kicked them while they were down, including the Xu Family, who couldn¡¯t wait to distance themselves. When the second branch suggested a ¡°lucky¡± marriage to ward off bad luck, Xu Guangyao sent his daughter abroad overnight.


    Having seen the true faces of the Xu Family, Du Juan could understand but not forgive.


    ¡°In the past, what Xingzhou really felt for her, we, as elders, weren¡¯t sure. But it¡¯s clear to anyone with eyes that Xingzhou is very fond of you.¡±


    ¡°My son is too proud, with a strong sense of self-esteem, and deep down, he¡¯s a bit of a male chauvinist. Please bear with him, after all, you two are going to spend a lifetime together!¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and shook her head, saying, ¡°Mr. Huo is very good.¡±


    She understood that Du Juan was there to reassure her.


    ¡°If you say he is good, then he is good. If he does something not good, you tell me. I¡¯ll discipline him for you!¡± Du Juan said, laughing.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s lips curled into a slight smile.


    ¡°Aunt Qian¡¯s soup is ready too, let¡¯s eat together,¡± Du Juan stood up, took her hand, and whispered, ¡°From now on, you can treat me as your own mother.¡±


    Qiao Xi was startled, her eyes welling up with tears.


    It was clear Du Juan knew what had happened in the Su Family, but she didn¡¯t spell it out, leaving Qiao Xi with her dignity intact.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Qiao Xi replied, choked up.


    ...


    The warmth and harmony at the Huo Family was starkly different.


    In North Haicheng, the luxurious and wealthy Tian Family was turned upside down.


    The cause was a phone call Tian Tian had received from the police station, requesting her cooperation with an investigation.


    Her face turned pale as she shouted into the phone, ¡°Hiring a hitman? Burglary? I did not...¡±


    She hadn¡¯t done those things!


    She had merely used connections to buy off a thug to take some photos to threaten Qiao Xi into a divorce.


    If Qiao Xi didn¡¯t agree to a divorce, then she would leak her private photos. The Huo Family cared about their reputation; they too would make Qiao Xi divorce Huo Xingzhou.


    How had it turned into a case of hiring a hitman?


    Tian Tian¡¯s throat was parched, and her scalp tingled, ¡°Could there be some mistake? In a society ruled by law, how could I dare hire a hitman?¡±


    The voice of the police officer on the phone said, ¡°Cooperating with an investigation is every citizen¡¯s duty. Please rest assured, we won¡¯t wrongly accuse an innocent person. Please come to the station as soon as possible.¡±


    Tian Tian¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and her complexion turned ashen.


    She wasn¡¯t innocent, but she wasn¡¯t that vicious either.


    With her mind elsewhere, she drove a BMW out of the garage toward the police station, and, distracted, she crashed directly into a bollard. Passers-by rushed her to the hospital...


    The incident blew up unexpectedly.

 Chapter 117 117: 117 Qiao Xi, Dont Forgive Her

    Chapter 117: Chapter 117 Qiao Xi, Don¡¯t Forgive Her


    ¡°`


    The moon was like a hook.


    In the master bedroom of the small villa.


    Qiao Xi had sent the second daughter and mother of the Huo family away and was preparing to change Huo Xingzhou¡¯s dressing with the medicine box in hand.


    Upon opening the door, she saw the tall man on the phone, his expression serious and his face cold and stern.


    Huo Xingzhou said a few words to the person on the other end of the phone and then hung up, turning to look at her.


    ...


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m here to change your gauze,¡± Qiao Xi said as she put aside the medicine box, opened it layer by layer, and took out the alcohol cotton.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, there¡¯s a result concerning Li Yao¡¯s matter. The police have found the mastermind behind him.¡±


    ¡°The mastermind?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him in surprise.


    She had thought that the other party was just greedy for money and remembered that at first, Li Yao had said he wanted to strip her and take a few photos. Qiao Xi felt that Li Yao was planning to use the photos for extortion.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that there would be a mastermind involved.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Qiao Xi mentally scanned through a list of names, even considering Xiang Huai and Xu Xingluo. But instinctively, she thought that such high and mighty people would not stoop to such vulgar and despicable methods.


    ¡°The only daughter of the Tian family, Tian Tian.¡±


    This unfamiliar name stunned Qiao Xi.


    She then heard Huo Xingzhou say, ¡°I¡¯ve kept a lid on the matter with Li Yao. Outsiders only know that Tian Tian was involved in the case and had a car accident on the way to the inquiry. The Tian family has applied for bail.¡±


    This was to protect Qiao Xi¡¯s reputation.


    Because there are always some people who spread rumors, and the more they are spread, the more intense they become, causing secondary harm to the victims.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Huo,¡± Qiao Xi said softly.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were deep as he continued, ¡°Tomorrow the Tian family will surely come to apologize and seek a private settlement. If you don¡¯t agree, we will send Tian Tian to detention. If you forgive her, then think about what conditions you want to set.¡±


    Qiao Xi was silent for a moment and then asked, ¡°Will she only be detained?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou explained, ¡°Although I emphasized hiring a murderer and robbery when I reported the crime, the police have their own judgment and investigation.¡±


    ¡°She paid Li Yao to violate privacy rights. As for what she planned to do with the photos, it hasn¡¯t happened yet, and much of it was Li Yao¡¯s subjective thought. After a struggle, Tian Tian would at most be detained.¡±


    For the Tian family, having their only daughter detained was also unacceptable.


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath, ¡°I see.¡±


    She bent her head and unwound the gauze round after round from Huo Xingzhou¡¯s arm, revealing the ghastly wound underneath.


    ¡°Alcohol disinfection might sting a bit, so bear with it,¡± she said with pity.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t take the minor wound to heart but said seeing her so concerned, ¡°The doctor said it would scar. I guess that¡¯s my way of fighting for you once. You should treat me better from now on.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently nodded her head.


    Huo Xingzhou chuckled, ¡°So gullible? Does that mean I can bully you however I want?¡±


    ¡°My mother-in-law said she would take care of you for me.¡±


    ¡°So the Little Divine Doctor had already gotten the Gold Medal Command Arrow a long time ago, no wonder you¡¯ve been so indifferent to me.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡±


    Qiao Xi said with feigned annoyance, her hand¡¯s movement becoming a bit heavier.


    The man inhaled sharply from the pain and wrinkled his cold face, ¡°Just yesterday, you were affectionately calling me ¡®husband¡¯ and wanted to apologize. Today, with my mother¡¯s support, you¡¯ve turned into a shrew.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed red, ¡°Not at all.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know that Mr. Huo had this side to him, lively and spirited, much better than his aloof and noble side.


    ¡°Do the words you said when apologizing still count?¡± He was asking for interest now.


    Qiao Xi faltered, unable to articulate a reason, while Huo Xingzhou said lightly, ¡°It¡¯s still early, let¡¯s go to the home theater to watch a movie.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t fully recovered from your injuries!¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s neck flushed a bright red as she hurriedly left the room.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, wondering where her mind had gone.


    It was just about watching a movie, nothing more.


    ...


    The next day.


    ¡°`


    Dawn was breaking.


    The peace within the small villa was shattered by noisy clamor.


    Sun Weimeng had his driver deliver dozens of gift boxes, claiming they were gifts for Qiao Xi to celebrate her return from Longtan Township.


    The gesture was grandiose, including cordyceps, matsutake, and ganoderma, all of which were top-notch products.


    His complexion was rosy and he was wearing a floral shirt, looking spirited. It was obvious that the man was relieved of his ailment and felt light-hearted. In the pleasure domains of Haicheng, Sun Weimeng¡¯s scandalous rumors were spread.


    Rich, sweet-talking, with hardly any trouble.


    He had become the darling of girls in all the major clubs.


    Qiao Xi looked at the valuable medicinal herbs spread all over the floor and declined, ¡°Young Master Sun, these are too precious. Please take them back!¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t do. Once I, Young Master Sun, give something away, there¡¯s no taking it back. Moreover, these were specially collected for you.¡±


    Despite his messy personal life, Sun Weimeng was someone who knew about gratitude and repaying kindnesses.


    ¡°Take them,¡± Huo Xingzhou spoke authoritatively, accepting the gifts on their behalf.


    Upon hearing this, Young Master Sun beamed, ¡°I came today to share some gossip with you, the Tian Family has run into big trouble!¡±


    The Sun Family and Tian Family were in fierce competition in the real estate business, resorting to petty tactics like bribing cleaners to pour boiling water on the other¡¯s money tree, or unplugging internet cables. Small-scale business wars like these were endless.


    To see the Tian Family¡¯s misfortune was naturally a delight for the Sun Family!


    He said with an air of mystery, ¡°I heard that Tian Tian is suspected of hiring someone to commit murder and has been summoned by the police. She was in a car accident on the way there, broke her right hand, and even suffered facial paralysis!¡±


    A broken hand was understandable, but facial paralysis?


    Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou exchanged a glance, then listened as Sun Weimeng continued, ¡°It was too cold in the car, blowing her into facial paralysis. Experts at City Hospital said it¡¯s difficult to treat, hard to recover.¡±


    ¡°Who knows who¡¯s carrying out divine justice!¡±


    Sun Weimeng was oblivious to the incident in Longtan Township, unaware that the agents of divine justice were seated right in front of him.


    Qiao Xi felt somewhat embarrassed and didn¡¯t know how to respond, while Huo Xingzhou squeezed the back of her hand.


    ¡°President Huo, could the Tian Family have offended someone? Who could have such capability?¡± Sun Weimeng furrowed his brow in deep thought, considering his safety, ¡°Would they turn against our Sun Family too?¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice was clear and cold, sparing with words.


    Sun Weimeng wanted to discuss it further when Aunt Qian raised her voice, ¡°Young Master, Young Madam, the Tian Family is here!¡±


    Finally, they had arrived.


    ¡°What are they here for...¡± Sun Weimeng was mystified, without a clue.


    The gifts had arrived before the guests.


    The Tian Family also sent a pile of gifts, but compared to Young Master Sun¡¯s meticulous preparations, they fell short.


    Mrs. Tian helped Tian Tian in, a woman with a great figure and not lacking in looks, standing at one-seventy-five, about the same height as Young Master Sun. Except, her arm was wrapped in gauze and hung in front of her chest, and the right side of her face was paralyzed.


    ¡°President Huo, Young Madam.¡±


    Mrs. Tian apologized with a smile, ¡°I have brought my undutiful daughter to apologize.¡±


    Tian Tian whimpered, ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯m sorry. I only let Li Yao take your private photos, I did not instruct him to hire someone for murder, or burglary. These things are not related to me, please forgive me.¡±


    Sun Weimeng suddenly realized that the Tian Family had offended the Huo Family!


    No wonder!


    ¡°Taking photos is already despicable enough! What were you planning to do with those photos?¡± Before Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou could speak, Young Master Sun exploded like a lit firecracker!


    ¡°Tian Tian, your character truly does not match your name, vicious!¡± Young Master Sun incited, ¡°Qiao Xi, you mustn¡¯t forgive her!¡±


    Tian Tian was seething with anger, ¡°Sun Shorty, don¡¯t go too far!¡±


    Mrs. Tian twisted her arm sharply, ¡°Shut up.¡±


    ¡°Talking about Diamond Barbie over here! Qiao Xi, she did other things too! She insulted you online!¡± Sun Weimeng took out his phone and flipped to the homepage of the online account ¡°Sweet Tian Not Spicy.¡±


    ¡°This is you, isn¡¯t it, Tian Tian! Look at the filthy things you¡¯ve written!¡±


    The comments continuously belittled Qiao Xi and elevated Xu Xingluo, calling Qiao Xi a country bumpkin, a star of calamity, a woman who throws herself at men, among other things.


    Slap!


    Mrs. Tian lashed out at Tian Tian with a slap to her ear.

 Chapter 118 118: 118: Xingluo, Qiao Xi is a Good Person

    Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Xingluo, Qiao Xi is a Good Person


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe these words are actually coming out of your mouth! Have the Lady courses I sent you to been totally wasted on you?¡±


    Lady Tian was biting her teeth, furious.


    ¡°Mom, I was wrong! I didn¡¯t think before I spoke...¡± Tian Tian covered her cheeks and sobbed loudly, ¡°Can you hit my left cheek in the future? My right cheek is paralyzed!¡±


    Her left cheek was expressive, but the right was stiff.


    It looked both pitiful and laughable.


    ¡°Apologize to Young Madam Huo right now! You must be utterly respectful, or else the Tian Family will no longer acknowledge you as our daughter,¡± urged Lady Tian.


    ...


    Tian Tian cried even more miserably, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Qiao Xi, I¡¯ll never say such things about you again! The incident with Li Yao was my fault! You can hit me or scold me, wuwuwu...¡±


    Her mother said that Qiao Xi was capable of curing her facial paralysis.


    But she had seriously offended Qiao Xi. How could this country girl be so capable!


    ¡°I have no quarrel with you, so why did you do that?¡± Qiao Xi asked.


    Tian Tian sobbed, ¡°Xu Xingluo is my best friend. I wanted you and Huo Xingzhou to divorce, so I tried to use the photos to threaten you. I really didn¡¯t hire someone to commit murder...¡±


    Anger surged in Qiao Xi¡¯s heart, ¡°Did you not think that those photos could ruin my reputation?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Tian Tian cried sincerely.


    Sun Weimeng snorted coldly, ¡°Crocodile tears! You¡¯re being hypocritical, and your so-called best friend is no good either.¡±


    Tian Tian hurriedly explained, ¡°I did it without Xingluo knowing, she¡¯s innocent.¡±


    Lady Tian glared at her disappointing daughter and said, ¡°Young Madam, the Tian Family is willing to offer our utmost sincerity for a private settlement. Any condition is fine, within my capabilities.¡±


    The Tian Family desired a letter of forgiveness.


    At this moment.


    Huo Xingzhou finally spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Lady Tian, is that all?¡±


    His dark eyes were unfathomable, as if penetrating the human heart.


    Lady Tian intended to take it slowly and not provoke the Huo Family, but Huo Xingzhou saw through her.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more favor we want to ask. Tian Tian has facial paralysis, and Doctor Yan from the Acupuncture department said Young Madam has the healing touch and might be able to cure it. We would like to ask for Young Madam¡¯s assistance...¡±


    ¡°The Tian Family sure knows how to calculate,¡± sneered Huo Xingzhou. ¡°My wife¡¯s help doesn¡¯t come at the original rate anymore.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Lady Tian was already prepared to be fleeced, even if it meant sacrificing half of her fortune.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯ll never speak ill of you again. You tell me to go east, and I wouldn¡¯t dare go west!¡± pleaded Tian Tian pitifully, as a girl¡¯s face is extremely important.


    Everyone looked towards Qiao Xi, waiting for her decision.


    Qiao Xi, biting her lip, her fingers curling and then stretching, said, ¡°I can write the letter of forgiveness, and I can treat your condition. But I have one condition...¡±


    ¡°Please state it!¡±


    Lady Tian¡¯s face brightened with joy, ¡°Anything is fine, as long as you agree.¡±


    Thinking of what Huo Xingzhou said the night before about the Tian Family being very wealthy, Qiao Xi declared decisively, ¡°Improve the infrastructure of Longtan Township.¡±


    ¡°No problem, that¡¯s easy!¡± said Lady Tian.


    ¡°And...¡± Qiao Xi looked at her, ¡°ten percent of the Tian Family¡¯s annual profit should go to charity work.¡±


    She was demanding a large share, testing Lady Tian¡¯s bottom line.


    ¡°Deal! I shall make the financial reports public, and donate the profits to Xingyue Foundation for you and your husband to allocate! Is there anything else you require?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head, ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Lady Tian offered proactively, ¡°I can also donate to build fifty Hope schools, what do you think about that, Young Madam?¡±


    Her demeanor was highly subservient, putting even Sun Weimeng on edge.


    Qiao Xi nodded, her tone softening considerably, ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re also willing to treat my face?¡± Tian Tian smiled brightly through her tears.


    ¡°Since I promised, I will not go back on my word. I can spare you an hour after work each day, or you can come to my clinic at Haicheng City Hospital.¡±


    Tian Tian said urgently, ¡°I¡¯ll go register at the hospital! You¡¯re still in pretty good shape.¡±


    She felt that the Tian Family was doomed, but to her surprise, Qiao Xi actually showed mercy. She was nothing like the uncouth and unreasonable person Xingluo described.


    Mrs. Tian said with a relaxed demeanor, ¡°Young Madam is kind-hearted. Our Tian Family will remember this favor. If there¡¯s anything you need in the future, just command us.¡±


    Sun Weimeng became unhappy when he heard this, remarking sarcastically, ¡°With our Sun Family here, there¡¯s no need for your Tian Family¡¯s help!¡±


    The position of top sycophant belonged to no one else but him!


    Mrs. Tian smiled awkwardly.


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Tomorrow I will send someone to finalize the contract details with you. My wife has to work, so we won¡¯t keep you any longer.¡±


    ¡°It was us who disturbed you, we¡¯ll be leaving now!¡±


    Mrs. Tian said a few words of polite courtesy and, pulling Tian Tian along, left.


    Sun Weimeng also made his leave.


    As the three of them left Huo¡¯s villa, Sun Weimeng snorted coldly and said, ¡°Tian Tian, I warn you not to pull any more tricks! Even if Qiao Xi forgives you next time, I won¡¯t let you off so easily.¡±


    Tian Tian¡¯s face flushed red: ¡°You... You profligate, what right do you have to lecture me!¡±


    ¡°Even though I¡¯m not capable, I act in an open and aboveboard manner and never resort to despicable means! Farewell!¡± He left with dignity.


    Scolding the Tian family felt great!


    Tian Tian tearfully felt wronged, ¡°I know I was wrong too, yet he still spoke to me like that.¡±


    Mrs. Tian looked at Sun Weimeng¡¯s retreating figure and said softly, ¡°What if you were to marry Sun Weimeng, how would that be?¡±


    Tian Tian¡¯s eyes widened in shock, ¡°Are you crazy?¡±


    ¡°Both our families are in real estate, joining forces will certainly take us to new heights. The Sun family has a good reputation, and Sun Weimeng is a good kid.¡±


    ¡°He has a bunch of flings!¡± Tian Tian exclaimed.


    ¡°The Sun family is known for strict wives; once married, he¡¯ll change for the better.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t marry him!¡±


    Mrs. Tian looked at her helplessly and said, ¡°As you are now, indeed, you are not a good match for him.¡±


    Tian Tian felt like she had suffered a great blow, never having imagined that one day she would be deemed unworthy of the Sun family¡¯s spendthrift.


    She got into the car distractedly and deleted comments on the internet from her phone.


    After much hesitation, she sent Xu Xingluo a few voice messages.


    ...


    At this moment, Xu Xingluo was at the Liu Family.


    The fifth-floor bedroom was packed with white coats.


    Liu Zongyun had a sudden cardiac arrest, and it was another round of chaotic resuscitation. Xu Xingluo, alone, stepped out of the room and played the voice messages.


    She heard Tian Tian say.


    ¡°Xingluo, I think Qiao Xi is a good person, and she doesn¡¯t seem like a country bumpkin from the countryside. She¡¯s beautiful, has excellent medical skills, and is very cultured.¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou seems to really love Qiao Xi, and if she had saved my life, I would love her too. Xingluo, why don¡¯t you just give up on Huo Xingzhou?¡±


    ¡°My mom says fate is predestined by heaven, and you two are destined but not fated.¡±


    ¡°You have such good conditions; anyone you choose would do, even Xiang Huai isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    Xu Xingluo cursed inwardly, not bad my ass!


    She didn¡¯t like that bootlicker Xiang Huai at all! She wanted Huo Xingzhou! That man was originally hers!


    What kind of love potion had Qiao Xi used, for even Tian Tian to switch sides!


    Xu Xingluo looked gloomy, feeling tightness in her chest.


    Looking at the person who had been in a vegetative state inside the room for over twenty years, remembering a secret she had overheard by chance, she began to scheme.

 Chapter 119 119: 119: Pressed Step by Step, Caught in a Dilemma

    Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Pressed Step by Step, Caught in a Dilemma


    Inside the Liu Family Villa.


    The emergency treatment had finally ended.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s heartbeat had gradually stabilized, and his breathing had become steady. Old Madam Liu, wiping away her tears, was exhausted from staying up all night.


    The Family Head, Liu Zongquan, said, ¡°Yuerong, help Mother back to her room to rest.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yang Yuerong helped the old lady downstairs.


    ...


    Liu Huimin leaned weakly against Xu Guangyao, her eyes red and swollen from crying, ¡°Big brother, the doctor said he can¡¯t hold on much longer and told us to prepare for the worst soon. What are we going to do!¡±


    She and Liu Zongyun were close in age, making their sibling bond even stronger.


    Liu Zongquan¡¯s mood was heavy, ¡°Perhaps Doctor Xiaoqiao still has a glimmer of hope. Mother personally went to plead, but he was unwilling to help!¡±


    Xu Guangyao offered comfort, ¡°Everyone has their fate. Perhaps death would be a release for Second Brother. He has been bedridden for so many years and suffered a lot.¡±


    He was eager for Liu Zongyun to take that secret to the grave.


    Liu Huimin cried uncontrollably.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes moved as she spoke up, ¡°Uncle, Mother, I have a way!¡±


    ¡°What way?¡±


    ¡°Tell us.¡±


    The three adults looked at her with varying expressions.


    Xu Xingluo was graceful and eloquent as she spoke passionately.


    After she had finished speaking.


    Xu Guangyao was the first to object, ¡°No way! How could we stoop so low? Xingluo, your idea won¡¯t work!¡±


    After a long silence, Liu Zongquan said, ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡±


    On one side was his brother¡¯s life, and on the other, the Liu Family¡¯s honor.


    Xu Xingluo didn¡¯t receive their consent and felt a bit dejected. But she directed her gaze at Liu Huimin, taking advantage of the time alone with her on the way home.


    She tentatively began, ¡°Mom, do you really want to watch Uncle pass away?¡±


    ¡°When you were in labor, he had an accident. You¡¯ve said that it¡¯s your lifelong regret. Don¡¯t you want to make amends?¡±


    ¡°Dad and Uncle care about face, but can you bear to see Grandmother heartbroken? Whether Qiao Xi can treat him or not, we¡¯ll know if we try. Let¡¯s not let Uncle leave this world with regrets...¡±


    These words struck deep in Liu Huimin¡¯s heart.


    Driven by the grief of losing a relative, she nodded her head, ¡°Okay! We¡¯ll do it behind their backs. You¡¯re the clever one, Qiao Xi has to agree, whether she wants to or not.¡±


    Xu Xingluo nestled in her arms acting like a spoiled child, ¡°I can¡¯t bear to see Uncle go either.¡±


    ¡°My good child,¡± Liu Huimin said gently, stroking her hair, ¡°Xingluo, you are my little quilt that sticks close to me.¡±


    ¡°I want to be your quilt for life.¡±


    ...


    On the hospital road.


    Inside the car.


    Qiao Xi glanced several times at Huo Xingzhou before speaking, ¡°Mr. Huo, you also hope I can reconcile with the Tian Family, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Would you feel wronged?¡±


    The man spoke languidly.


    Qiao Xi smiled and shook her head, ¡°This bit of grievance brings a path to life for many. I¡¯m actually quite happy about it.¡±


    ¡°But Madam Tian is generous ¨C the cost to build a single Hope Primary School is about two million, and fifty would be a billion. This wasn¡¯t originally my condition...¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth corners dipped slightly as he touched her nose and said, ¡°She¡¯s not being generous, she¡¯s being smart.¡±


    ¡°Smart?¡± Qiao Xi furrowed her brows, not understanding.


    She was unfamiliar with the intricate ways of high society and no one had taught her.


    Wanting to cultivate her thinking, Huo Xingzhou explained, ¡°By agreeing to your condition, she could only resolve the conflict. So she suggested donating fifty Hope Primary Schools as a calling card for the Huo Corporation.¡±


    ¡°Social connections are a resource more important than money. Furthermore, both the Tian Family and the Sun Family are in real estate, and the Sun Family has already formed a good relationship with the Huo Family. The Tian Family, however, doesn¡¯t have a single pathway to get close to the Huo Family.¡±


    Qiao Xi said in confusion, ¡°So this time the Tian Family is seizing the opportunity to network with the Huo Family, turning peril into safety.¡±


    ¡°A child who can be taught!¡±


    Qiao Xi was utterly bewildered and exclaimed, ¡°It really is an exhausting effort!¡±


    Their rich brains, what are they made of? No wonder they have ways to generate wealth!


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her intently and said, ¡°One day, they will go through great lengths just to see you as well.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt warmth in her heart and responded firmly, ¡°Mhm!¡±


    The driver stopped the car at the hospital entrance, and Qiao Xi stepped out lightly, ¡°Mr. Huo, you should hurry to the company! You just landed a big order, so there¡¯s no need to pick me up from work anymore.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood there, watching the car drive away with a beaming smile, before proceeding into the hospital.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, good morning! The media response to this charity consultation was great. I heard the hospital is going to hold a commendation meeting for you all!¡±


    Qiao Xi asked with a smile, ¡°Really? That¡¯s quite nice.¡±


    She changed into her white lab coat and headed to the clinic.


    ¡°You¡¯re at work? It¡¯s going to be a busy day!¡± Shu Xue said with a laugh, ¡°The patients who came seeking your reputation were so disappointed when you weren¡¯t here.¡±


    Qiao Xi smiled at her and clocked in. Twenty appointments were snapped up in an instant.


    She had already surpassed Yan Shi¡¯an to become the most sought-after doctor in the Acupuncture Rehabilitation Department. Some speculated that in the future, Qiao Xi might become the youngest chief physician in history.


    ¡°Number one, Xun Chunlei.¡±


    ¡°Next patient...¡±


    The waiting area outside her clinic was filled with patients, ranging from those needing physical conditioning to those with difficult diseases that Western medicine could not solve. All these patients were seeking a glimmer of hope for themselves.


    Qiao Xi always had a surprise for them.


    She treated each patient with patience. As noon approached, she rubbed her sore neck and opened the calling system once more.


    ¡°Number twenty, Liu Zongyun...¡±


    As the mechanical female voice sounded, Qiao Xi was stunned.


    She involuntarily got to her feet¡ªthe name was not unfamiliar to her. But with so many people sharing the same name in the world, it couldn¡¯t be the person she was thinking of.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s body was filled with tubes; the Liu Family wouldn¡¯t risk taking him to the hospital.


    ¡°Number twenty, Liu Zongyun. Please come to the Acupuncture Rehabilitation Department for Doctor Qiao Xi to see you.¡± The mechanical female voice repeated.


    Suddenly there was noise outside, the sound of wheels rolling down the corridor as two black-suited bodyguards wheeled in a hospital bed into the Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic.


    ¡°Number twenty is right here.¡±


    A woman in a well-fitted cheongsam approached, her long hair simply held up by an agate hairpin, exuding an elegant and luxurious aura.


    ¡°Please trouble Doctor Qiao to have a look at my elder brother,¡± Liu Huimin said indifferently.


    The corridor was crowded with onlookers; bringing in a critically ill patient for traditional Chinese medicine treatment was a first!


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and turned to Liu Zongyun on the simple hospital bed, saying, ¡°Miss Liu, your brother is extremely weak and can¡¯t withstand jostling. I suggest you take him to the intensive care unit immediately.¡±


    Liu Huimin¡¯s tears fell, but her eyes held little warmth.


    Following Xu Xingluo¡¯s suggestion, she said, ¡°We have made an appointment and are following hospital procedures. As a disciple of a National Doctor, are you going to turn a patient away? He is just a patient to you, but he¡¯s my family member.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, please provide the consultation. Whatever the outcome, the Liu Family will not hold it against you.¡±


    By saying this, she was putting Qiao Xi on the hot seat.


    Ignorant bystanders said, ¡°Doctor Qiao, just have a look!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps the methods left by the National Doctor could work. They brought a comatose person here as a last resort. No one will blame you if it doesn¡¯t work!¡±


    The vulnerable always receive more sympathy.


    After all, it¡¯s the doctor¡¯s duty to save lives and provide aid.


    Qiao Xi clenched her fists tightly; her legs felt heavy as if filled with lead, her eyes trembling slightly.


    This move by the Liu Family had forced her into a dilemma.


    They were pressuring her.

 Chapter 120 120: 120: His Life Depends on You

    Chapter 120: Chapter 120: His Life Depends on You


    Liu Huimin stared at Qiao Xi, waiting for her answer.


    Under the public¡¯s gaze, using such means to coerce a young girl was indeed shameless. But the thought of Liu Zongyun being sentenced to death by the doctors hardened her heart.


    Yet for some reason, her heart felt heavy.


    A twinge of pain struck her.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, are you going to refuse a patient?¡± Liu Huimin asked calmly.


    Qiao Xi was silent, her palms sweaty with cold sweat.


    ...


    Teacher¡¯s orders or duty? No answer.


    Liu Huimin pressed on, ¡°Dr. Qiao, you are a doctor. No matter what, life is of utmost importance. If word of today¡¯s incident gets out, can you still live up to that white coat you¡¯re wearing?¡±


    She was relying on the fact that the general public was unaware of the conflict between Cheng Han and Lu Bannong and wanted to use public opinion to pressure Qiao Xi, forcing her to swallow bitter fruit in silence.


    A heavy stone weighed on Qiao Xi¡¯s heart as she looked at Liu Zongyun, who lay on the hospital bed with his eyes tightly shut, surrounded by the buzzing chatter of bystanders.


    She had cornered herself into a dead end.


    Suddenly.


    The simple and easy-to-use instrument on the hospital bed started to beep an alarm, Liu Zongyun¡¯s complexion turned cyanotic, his breathing grew weak.


    The Liu family¡¯s bodyguards panicked, ¡°Miss, his heart has suddenly stopped! We must resuscitate him quickly!¡±


    Liu Huimin¡¯s fingers went numb, but she became even more composed.


    She was willing to take a bet!


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, if you don¡¯t agree to treat him, I won¡¯t send him to the emergency room today. Whether he lives or dies today all depends on your answer!¡±


    She was betting on Qiao Xi¡¯s concern for her reputation!


    Betting on her kindness, betting on her heavenly duty as a doctor!


    The stake was Liu Zongyun¡¯s life!


    Qiao Xi¡¯s throat tightened, and her eyes reddened as she said hoarsely, ¡°I agree.¡±


    Upon hearing these three words, Liu Huimin slumped against the wall and raised her voice, ¡°Hurry to the emergency!¡±


    She had won the bet!


    But she felt none of the joy or satisfaction she had imagined; instead, a pervasive gloom loomed over her, as if something was slipping out of control in the dark.


    Qiao Xi approached her and slowly said, ¡°Once he¡¯s out of critical condition, I will start treatment. But his situation is very serious, I hope you are prepared mentally.¡±


    Liu Huimin said with forced strength, ¡°Of course! I don¡¯t hold out hope, I just don¡¯t want my family to have any regrets. Even if my second brother dies, they¡¯ll move on once you¡¯ve tried.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her and said earnestly, ¡°To be your family member is truly a blessing.¡±


    But to outsiders, it¡¯s somewhat cruel.


    Qiao Xi turned and walked towards the exterior of the hospital, not even bothering to take off her white coat.


    Liu Huimin felt an unprovoked sourness welling up, drowning her heart.


    She clutched at her chest, the pain striking her fiercely.


    Around the corner.


    Xu Xingluo delighted in the spectacle, her lips curled upward with satisfaction in her peach blossom eyes.


    That day, she overheard her parents¡¯ conversation outside the study. Apparently, Cheng Han and Lu Bannong had conflicts, and the two had agreed to a North-South Division, neither touching the other¡¯s patients.


    Otherwise... they were finished!


    If Qiao Xi agreed to save her second uncle, she would have to face that consequence.


    If Qiao Xi didn¡¯t save him, she would hire an internet army to spread the news far and wide, causing her to lose her job and tarnishing the reputation of the National Doctor.


    No matter what she chose, it was wrong!


    ¡°Xingluo.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan walked up to her with a grave expression, startling Xu Xingluo greatly.


    ¡°Brother.¡± She squeezed out a flustered smile in panic.


    ¡°Come to the office with me.¡±


    Xiuyuan¡¯s demeanor was cold, and Xingluo followed him step by step to the office, her mind racing with countless thoughts.


    The moment the office door closed, the atmosphere tensed.


    Xiuyuan demanded, ¡°Was it your idea?¡±


    With an appearance of pity, Xingluo said, ¡°It was me. I was worried about my second uncle, my maternal grandmother is on the verge of collapse, and everyone doesn¡¯t want to lose my second uncle.¡±


    ¡°The Liu Family has already sought out Qiao Xi, and she has clearly refused. By doing this, where do you put her? And where do you put the order of our hospital?¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan was extremely angry, yet his expression became even more composed.


    ¡°If the relatives of patients start doing the same, pressuring doctors, how can the hospital function? Today the security did not drive you out only because of the Xu Family¡¯s face! Otherwise, you...¡±


    ¡°Big brother, I know I was wrong,¡± Xu Xingluo tugged at his sleeve, cooing.


    Xu Xiuyuan, massaging his swollen Taiyang Acupoint, said, ¡°Second Uncle¡¯s health is deteriorating, the chances of recovery are almost nil. Qiao Xi has her reasons for not agreeing; you have no idea what she¡¯d have to face if she accepted...¡±


    ¡°Face what?¡±


    Xu Xingluo pretended to be clueless as she looked at him.


    She knew, that¡¯s why she pressured Qiao Xi into accepting.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just don¡¯t do this kind of thing again,¡± Xu Xiuyuan chided.


    ¡°Yes! I will be obedient!¡±


    Xu Xingluo playfully raised four fingers, swearing.


    ¡°You can go now.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan looked at the dressed-up and beautiful Xu Xingluo, speaking indifferently.


    The brother and sister had never been close; perhaps it was the age difference, they couldn¡¯t play together.


    But he always felt an expected sister should be like Qiao Xi.


    Not like the pampered darling before him, raised amongst luxuries, often uttering oblivious words like ¡°why don¡¯t they eat meat porridge?¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan found such thoughts absurd.


    He needed to call the Liu Family, tell them to come quickly.


    ...


    Hospital lunch break.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes were red, the whites laced with red veins. Clutching her phone, she hesitated to dial that number.


    After a long while.


    She finally made up her mind and dialed.


    The call was quickly picked up, the serious voice deliberately slowed down, ¡°Qiao girl, what is it that you need from me?¡±


    Upon hearing this voice, Qiao Xi immediately choked up, her emotions collapsed, ¡°Grandfather Cheng, I¡¯ve made a mess. I accepted the Liu Family¡¯s request for medical aid...¡±


    Cheng Han was a wise man.


    He understood that Qiao Xi must have been schemed against; her nature was inherently good. If they were hell-bent on having her help, she couldn¡¯t escape it.


    Open confrontations and hidden attacks, how could she guard against them all? This was also one of the reasons why Cheng Han did not reveal her identity before.


    Not every medical practitioner possesses an innocent heart. Because they have the power over life and death, some hearts darken, stained with filth.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Grandfather Cheng. I¡¯ve let you down,¡± Qiao Xi sobbed, her heart filled with grievance and guilt.


    Cheng Han sighed deeply and comforted her, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Those are all old issues, maybe no one will cling to them. You are just my apprentice; I will protect you.¡±


    Qiao Xi asked, ¡°What exactly happened back then? Why does the Liu Family say that they broke the rules?¡±


    Unable to hide it from her, Cheng Han disclosed the secret, ¡°Back then, when Chinese medicine was flourishing, Lu Bannong and I agreed to the North-South Division, each minding our own business. One person¡¯s treated patient, the other would absolutely not touch.¡±


    ¡°The Liu Family used their influence to request Lu Bannong¡¯s treatment, so we can¡¯t intervene, or else it would be breaking the rules.¡±


    Qiao Xi inquired further, ¡°What are the consequences of breaking the rules?¡±


    Images flashed through Cheng Han¡¯s mind, and eventually, he said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, don¡¯t worry. Since you¡¯ve decided to treat Liu Zongyun, then do it well. I know it¡¯s painful for you to refuse a patient.¡±


    The healer is also a hero.


    The greatest among heroes serve their country and their people.


    How can one stand by and watch a life fade away?


    The roots of the Chinese Medicine Community were skewed during the North-South Division, perhaps... this might be a turning point.


    Even under threats from all sides, there should be a glimmer of hope.


    As her master, I will protect her and help her clear the thorns along her path.


    Qiao Xi did not detect the heaviness in his words and declared with the resolve of a vow, ¡°I will try my best!¡±


    She would be worthy of the white coat she wore!

 Chapter 121 121: 121 Coitus

    Chapter 121: Chapter 121 Coitus


    Qiao Xi hung up the phone, her steps firm as she walked back.


    Shu Xue ran up to her, panting as she said, ¡°I finally found you! The Liu Family has already processed the hospital admittance, and they¡¯re staying in ward 2121. No matter how much Director Xu persuaded them, they insisted that you are the chief physician.¡±


    She complained, ¡°It¡¯s so overbearing! Registering to see a doctor is the standard procedure, but their special circumstances don¡¯t count at all! It¡¯s all because they rely on their family¡¯s overwhelming power.¡±


    Qiao Xi had already calmed down a lot and asked, ¡°Are the patient¡¯s vital signs stable now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve been resuscitated,¡± Shu Xue said, linking her arm with Qiao Xi¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m also responsible for ward 2121.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her deeply and said in a hoarse voice, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ...


    ¡°Hey, good sisters share both good fortune and tough times. If he wakes up, it will be a case that shakes the whole country. Whether I can be promoted to head nurse depends on you!¡±


    Shu Xue deliberately said these things to cheer her up.


    Qiao Xi walked quickly towards the door of ward 2121.


    The hallway was already filled with people from the Liu and Xu families, and even Liu Yi, who was rarely seen, had appeared.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes were red as she said excitedly, ¡°Qiao Xi, thank you for agreeing to save my second uncle. I thought you refused before because of Brother Xingzhou, and that I was being petty.¡±


    Even at this time, she wanted to disgust Qiao Xi.


    Ever since the incident with the Xingyue Foundation, Shu Xue had lost all fondness for Xu Xingluo.


    With sarcasm, she said, ¡°Miss Xu is quite aware of herself. Have you thought it over about coming to consult on breast augmentation last time?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t...¡± Xu Xingluo denied furiously and with embarrassment.


    All men love a curvaceous figure, and her flat chest resulted from controlling her diet for ballet. So, she inquired secretly about the possibility of breast augmentation. How did this nurse know?


    Qiao Xi glanced at her chest without making any comment, which made Xu Xingluo feel even more humiliated.


    ¡°Doctor Xiaoqiao,¡± the elderly Madam Liu said tearfully, ¡°this is hard on you.¡±


    Today, the Liu Family went out to attend a banquet, and it was Liu Huimin who sneaked out Liu Zongyun. By the time they received Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s call, it was already too late.


    They couldn¡¯t bear to pass up such a good opportunity.


    Liu Zongquan was more practical, ¡°Doctor Qiao, regardless of success, the Liu Family will remember this kindness. You can propose any conditions you like; we will certainly agree.¡±


    Xu Guangyao stood by, supporting Liu Huimin. He didn¡¯t believe a young girl could turn the situation upside down!


    Even Lu Bannong, in his time, did not dare to act rashly and could only try to prolong life.


    Qiao Xi entered the ward silently, looking at Liu Zongyun, surrounded by machines and tubes, with even greater seriousness.


    Taking the pulse.


    Diagnosing.


    The Qi and blood were deficient, like withered vines, relying solely on external nutrition. There was a cerebral hemorrhage, and the meridians in the limbs were severely damaged.


    Medications were too aggressive, the body couldn¡¯t withstand it.


    Medications were too light, there were no effects.


    No wonder Western medicine had no solution, the excessive steroids also caused Liu Zongyun to develop drug resistance.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s expression was grave, her beautiful eyebrows tightly furrowed.


    She closed her eyes, feeling the changes in the Meridian Qi and Qi machine, the blood flowing beneath the tips of her fingers.


    Xu Guangyao watched her expression, his lips curling secretly in a smirk, pretending to be concerned as he asked, ¡°Is it treatable?¡±


    Qiao Xi let go of her hands and looked at everyone as she said, ¡°His condition has been delayed for a long time, affecting his lifespan. Even if...¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that not even a disciple of the National Doctor could cure him,¡± Xu Guangyao said regretfully. ¡°Mom, Huimin, don¡¯t be too sad.¡±


    The old Madam Liu sobbed aloud, and Liu Huimin¡¯s eyes reddened.


    Qiao Xi spoke word by word, ¡°Mr. Xu, I haven¡¯t finished talking.¡±


    ¡°I only have a ten percent chance of success, are you willing to accept my treatment plan?¡±


    Her words, like a bolt from the blue, made their ears ring.


    ¡°What? Ten percent?¡± Tears streamed down Liu Qiushuang¡¯s face, her joy wild. ¡°Never mind ten percent, even if it¡¯s one in a thousand, or one in a million chance, I accept it!¡±


    ¡°Husband, did you hear that?¡± Liu Huimin also lost her composure.


    Xu Guangyao nodded vaguely, but subconsciously felt that Qiao Xi was lying.


    ¡°Treat! Just do it your way!¡±


    Liu Zongquan gritted his teeth and spoke, his eyes turning red despite his tough exterior.


    Qiao Xi calmly said, ¡°I have two conditions. First, the hospital room must remain quiet, with only one person allowed to stay. Second, a liability waiver needs to be signed.¡±


    She had learned to leave a way out for herself.


    Shu Xue considerately handed over the liability waiver, and Liu Zongquan signed his name without hesitation.


    ¡°Now that the patient is in my hands, I will use all my knowledge to save him. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be heading to the consulting room.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s gaze was cool as she left the hospital room.


    Shu Xue followed closely behind, and once out of the room, she gave a thumbs-up: ¡°Slick!¡±


    She then leaned in close to Qiao Xi and asked mysteriously, ¡°Did you use the material from last time?¡±


    At the mention, Qiao Xi glared at her and said, ¡°You almost killed me! That wasn¡¯t... at all what I thought.¡±


    Shu Xue¡¯s expression rippled playfully, ¡°Killed where? In bed? Silly girl, who still puts the real stuff on a USB drive these days?¡±


    Qiao Xi retorted angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense! We haven¡¯t...¡±


    ¡°Not yet? Then he¡¯s really useless, worse than a beast,¡± Shu Xue ran her mouth off.


    Qiao Xi explained weakly, ¡°It¡¯s just that there hasn¡¯t been a suitable opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Then don¡¯t leave after work. I¡¯ve prepared a small gift for you,¡± Shu Xue thought contentedly, relying on a sister is the best!


    Qiao Xi was apprehensive about her gift: ¡°I don¡¯t want it.¡±


    ¡°This is to celebrate the success of your volunteer clinic; I¡¯d be sad if you didn¡¯t accept it. It¡¯s just a little dress; I took a long time picking it out.¡± She clutched her chest like a tragic figure, sadly saying.


    ¡°Fine then.¡±


    Qiao Xi agreed reluctantly.


    If it¡¯s just a dress, then there shouldn¡¯t be a problem.


    ...


    Ten o¡¯clock at night.


    Having finished work, Huo Xingzhou returned to the small villa. Aunt Qian had prepared a late-night snack and said, ¡°Master Zhou sent a local express delivery that he said could only be opened by you. I¡¯ve sent it to your room.¡±


    ¡°And there¡¯s more...¡±


    Aunt Qian¡¯s smile held a secret, ¡°The Young Madam¡¯s personal belongings have all been moved to your room; a husband and wife should not sleep separately after all.¡±


    This was Aunt Qian¡¯s suggestion, which Qiao Xi accepted bashfully.


    So Aunt Qian swiftly stuffed her clothes and personal belongings into the master bedroom.


    A pleasant look seemed to flicker in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes, ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Aunt Qian prattled on, ¡°You¡¯re not getting any younger, and people your age already have children. The young master needs to hurry up.¡±


    It¡¯s crucial not to give those fox spirits out there a chance.


    She feared for the Young Madam being taken advantage of and worried that the young master had not yet settled his heart. After all, the life-saving debt from ten years ago was too profound.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou casually loosened his suit jacket and draped it over the couch.


    He picked up the express box from the coffee table and strolled upstairs.


    Upon opening the door to the master bedroom, he saw that it contained more feminine items. Bottles and jars were neatly arranged on the dressing table and women¡¯s nightgowns and dresses hung intermingled in the wardrobe.


    The four-piece bed set had been changed to a very gentle cream color, a light blue gift box sat in the center of the bed, and Qiao Xi¡¯s phone was tossed aside.


    Was that prepared for him?

 Chapter 122 122: 122: Qiao Xi, Try It On for Me

    Chapter 122: Chapter 122: Qiao Xi, Try It On for Me


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips curved slightly upward as he casually tossed the express delivery box onto the carpet.


    He picked up the neatly wrapped small gift box and examined it carefully, unable to guess what was inside.


    The sound of water trickling came from the bathroom.


    The steamy glass door only allowed a vague glimpse of a graceful figure, nothing more could be discerned.


    Huo Xingzhou placed the small gift box back to where it was, wanting to wait for her to come out and tell him personally. With one hand, he pulled off his tie, undid two buttons of his shirt, rolled up his sleeves, and began flipping through a magazine.


    When Qiao Xi came out wearing her pajamas, she saw the man under the light with brows like jade.


    ...


    Her little face was pinkish-white from the heat, and the tips of her hair were damp.


    Lotus flowers bloom from clear waters, truly nothing could be more fitting.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯re back,¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s voice trembled slightly as she slowly walked towards him. She thought Aunt Qian must have made things clear to him. Starting tonight, she would be staying in the master bedroom.


    She understood what that meant.


    The man put down the magazine he was holding and looked her up and down with a calm expression, saying, ¡°I know all about the hospital. If you¡¯re unwilling, I can force the Liu Family to take their person away.¡±


    Qiao Xi could not openly refuse a patient.


    But if the Family Head of the Liu Family voluntarily gave up treatment, it wouldn¡¯t affect her reputation.


    Qiao Xi breathed a sigh of relief and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I also want to challenge myself.¡±


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re careful,¡± said Huo Xingzhou indifferently.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s toes curled, the atmosphere a bit awkward. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the express box on the carpet and asked, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Yu sent it, you can open it for me if you¡¯re not busy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi found a letter opener in the drawer and sliced open the express tape.


    Propped up on his hand, Huo Xingzhou watched calmly as she removed the protective foam, her cheeks flushing red as she looked at the contents inside.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°Nothing...¡± Qiao Xi said a bit flusteredly, ¡°Maybe next time you should open it yourself.¡±


    ¡°Let me see.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo!¡± Qiao Xi exclaimed.


    Still, the man approached and forcefully dumped the contents of the box onto the big bed. An assortment of small toys scattered across the bedsheets, various styles and sizes, including a freshly packaged ¡°Happy Wife.¡±


    Qiao Xi remembered Zhou Yu saying before she went to Longtan Township for a charity clinic that she was too serious and rigid, promising he would prepare some nice things for her.


    Looking at the ¡°nice things¡± scattered across the bed, her scalp tingled.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked pointing at a light blue small gift box in the middle of the bed.


    Qiao Xi quickly said, ¡°A dress from Shu Xue.¡±


    So it wasn¡¯t for him. But hearing the name Shu Xue, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes grew deep as he said, ¡°Try it on.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Qiao Xi responded eagerly.


    To have the chance to get away from such an awkward and ambiguous situation was something she could only hope for.


    The small gift box was opened, and a black lace camisole nightgown fell out, along with a bow tie.


    It advertised sheer thinness, unable to hide anything at all.


    Qiao Xi felt a rush of blood to her head, her face burning, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.


    Huo Xingzhou watched her with a deep gaze.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, perhaps Shu Xue... got the gifts mixed up, I¡¯ll return it to her tomorrow.¡± Qiao Xi hastily packed the dress back into the box, her cheeks aflame. In her twenty-two years of life, she had never seen such a boldly intimate dress.


    At the bedside, her cellphone inappropriately ¡°ding-donged¡± twice.


    Two messages with content appeared on the lock screen.


    Zhou Yu: Sister-in-law, did you receive the things? Men like it a bit wild.


    Shu Xue: I selected this nightgown for you with care, sure to make your man insatiable.


    Huo Xingzhou raised his eyebrows, looking at Qiao Xi who was on the verge of shame and anger.


    He cleared his throat and said, ¡°She said she didn¡¯t send it to the wrong person, and even wanted me to be unable to stop.¡±


    Qiao Xi was too ashamed to show her face, covering her burning cheeks, her gaze flitting away.


    ¡°She¡¯s always been like this, it¡¯s not what I intended. Mr. Huo, please don¡¯t misunderstand...¡± she explained dryly, without much conviction.


    ¡°What about Zhou Yu? This box of things was originally prepared for you.¡± He slowly began to speak.


    Qiao Xi broke out in a sweat, her face flushed with red. She racked her brains for an excuse: ¡°I... I¡¯m hungry, I¡¯ll go check the kitchen to see if there¡¯s any...¡±


    Huo Xingzhou stretched out his hand, pulling her slender waist closer, almost whispering in her ear, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about going anywhere tonight.¡±


    The temperature in the bedroom gradually climbed, and the affection in his eyes deepened.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡± she pushed against him, ¡°You still have a wound on your hand.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t affect anything.¡± He stressed the word ¡°anything.¡±


    But Qiao Xi knew it was only in reference to that one thing.


    Her body felt electrified, the places he touched unbearably tender.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, will you try it on for me?¡± His nose brushed against her soft cheek, rubbing gently. His thin lips kissed her face intermittently, oozing sexual tension.


    It was hard to firmly refuse.


    Qiao Xi murmured, ¡°It¡¯s too sheer.¡±


    Wearing that dress was no different from being naked.


    ¡°Just for me to see.¡±


    Qiao Xi bit her lip, her palms sweaty. She was wrestling with her embarrassment, yet excitement surged through her veins.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, do men all like... fairies?¡± Even he wasn¡¯t exempt from such common desires.


    Huo Xingzhou lowered his head and kissed the corner of her lips. ¡°I do like them, but I like it even more when you become a fairy for me.¡± His response was more intense than usual, deepening the kiss.


    Qiao Xi was pressed down onto the large bed, the playful toys knocked under the bed. A hint of red swirled in the depths of his eyes as he kissed down fiercely, sucking hard.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t resist and let out a sob.


    Her nightgown was overwhelmed, her skin, fresh from a bath, extremely sensitive.


    The man propped himself on his arms, his forehead damp with broken strands of hair, he said in a hoarse voice, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower, will you change into the dress?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s chest heaved as she breathed heavily, looking at him with watery, soul-stirring almond eyes.


    She didn¡¯t speak, nor did she refuse.


    Huo Xingzhou understood her implicit acceptance.


    He turned over, taking off his white shirt and tossing it aside, exposing his robust upper body, and started unbuckling his belt as he walked, tossing it aside as well.


    The suit pants hung loosely from his strong waist.


    A blood-red mole near the groin was strikingly sensual, adding an accent to the area.


    His long legs strode towards the bathroom.


    Soon, the sound of water came from the bathroom.


    Qiao Xi paused for a while, her heartbeat pounding nonstop. She hooked her fingers around the thin, see-through nightgown, her face flushed as she struggled with herself for quite some time.


    How could she wear such a dress!


    On the bedside table, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s phone buzzed, interrupting Qiao Xi¡¯s struggle.


    She leaned over to see, the unmarked number was Xu Xingluo¡¯s.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mind cleared a bit, and she answered the phone decisively, ¡°We are going to sleep now, call back tomorrow.¡±


    Having said that, she hung up.


    Not caring what Xu Xingluo¡¯s reaction would be on the other end.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s fingers stroked the lacy nightgown, she bit her lip and put on the dress. Looking down at her faintly visible skin, she was hit with a wave of embarrassment and hastily pulled the nightgown on over it.


    The bathroom door opened.


    The man walked towards her, his body damp with moisture.

 Chapter 123: 123: Whether Im Dressed or Not, See for Yourself

    Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Whether I¡¯m Dressed or Not, See for Yourself


    ¡°Are you dressed?¡± His eyes darkened as he asked in a low voice.


    Qiao Xi knelt on the soft bed, her hands covering her chest, her almond-shaped eyes misty. She bit her lip, seemingly at a loss for words.


    The man¡¯s handsome face was extremely cold and restrained, but his eyes seemed to be blazing with layers of flames, an unstoppable wildfire.


    ¡°Not dressed?¡± he asked again.


    Qiao Xi lowered her head, her ears burning hot.


    A light chuckle escaped from his throat as he leaned down to kiss her eyelashes, ¡°Little Divine Doctor, why so shy?¡± After all, they had been utterly candid with each other earlier.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face flushed so deeply it seemed blood might seep out.


    She was well aware of what would happen tonight; she would give herself completely to the man in front of her. The words of Shu Xue and Zhou Yu flashed through her mind; she took a deep breath and mustered the courage to speak.


    ¡°Whether I¡¯m dressed or not, Mr. Huo, you can find out for yourself,¡± she said, her voice soft and trembling at the end. Her eyes were brimming with unripe charm.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    That word rolled off his tongue before he uttered it.


    His nimble and long fingers climbed to her collar and slowly unbuttoned her nightgown, one after another, revealing a scene where ivory skin and black lace intertwined.


    At that moment.


    The annoying ringtone of a phone shattered the enchanting atmosphere.


    The man frowned deeply.


    Qiao Xi saw it was her phone.


    ¡°It¡¯s a call from the hospital,¡± Qiao Xi explained softly, quickly answering the nurse station¡¯s call, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, the patient in Room 2121 is in critical condition!¡±


    ¡°Got it, I¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    Qiao Xi hung up the phone. Typically, any issues with inpatients would be handled by the on-duty doctors. But Liu Zongyun¡¯s case was special, and Qiao Xi had instructed that any situation should be reported to her.


    She looked at Huo Xingzhou apologetically and said, ¡°Mr. Huo, I need to go to the hospital.¡±


    It was like the arrow at the end of its flight suddenly interrupted.


    Huo Xingzhou was not angry; he spoke with a hoarse voice, ¡°I¡¯ll take you there.¡±


    ¡°No need. Aunt Qian said that the big deal you¡¯ve taken on recently is very important; get some rest early.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have Old Chen take you.¡± This was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s final concession. Old Chen was good with his fists and feet and could protect her.


    Not to let an incident like what happened with Li Yao occur again.


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, hurriedly changed her clothes in the dressing room, and left the house.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze was heavy as he watched the small toys and board games strewn over the bed, feeling listless. He picked up his phone, noticed the recent call display flicker.


    In the end, he deleted that familiar string of numbers.


    Then he dialed Zhou Yu¡¯s number.


    Zhou Yu answered the phone with a chuckle, ¡°How¡¯s it going? Brother¡¯s been good to you, right? I even inspired your wife.¡±


    ¡°You taught her?¡± Huo Xingzhou arched an eyebrow, no wonder the conservative girl would say something like that. He warned, ¡°My wife, I¡¯ll train myself. Your nonsense isn¡¯t needed!¡±


    Zhou Yu grumbled, ¡°A dog that bites Lu Dongbin doesn¡¯t recognize a good person¡¯s heart. You must not have scored, I can already smell your frustration.¡±


    ¡°Meet at the company in half an hour.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was concise and hung up the phone.


    Zhou Yu cursed, ¡°Evil capitalist, calling me to work overtime at the company at this late hour, are you sick?!¡±


    Despite his reluctant words, his actions were honest as he drove earnestly to Tianyuan Group for overtime.


    ...


    At the hospital.


    Qiao Xi hurried into Room 2121; everything was normal.


    She asked the on-duty nurse, ¡°What happened just now?¡±


    ¡°The heart went into sudden arrest, but it returned to normal after a while. I was afraid of any complications, so I thought I should still call you over,¡± she said, looking down, her voice tinged with guilt.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t notice and nodded her head, then asked,


    ¡°Who¡¯s accompanying him tonight?¡± The Liu Family didn¡¯t hire nurses, with family members taking turns to keep watch daily.


    It wasn¡¯t about not being able to afford it, but rather a desire to spend as much time as possible with Liu Zongyun. Perhaps, this was the last stretch of his life.


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    Xu Xingluo, dressed in an elegant Chanel-style set, held a basket of fresh-cut fruits, smiling brightly at Qiao Xi.


    ¡°When you¡¯re looking after a patient, it¡¯s best not to leave them alone, otherwise accidents can easily happen,¡± Qiao Xi said coldly.


    Xu Xingluo showed no remorse and said, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry for disturbing you and Brother Xingzhou¡¯s sleep.¡±


    Qiao Xi was very aware of her hostility and couldn¡¯t avoid it. She spoke lightly, ¡°A phone call in the middle of the night is indeed very disappointing.¡±


    Jealousy seethed in Xu Xingluo¡¯s heart, but her face always kept a smile as she said, ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯ve been through everything you and he are doing. We were close as teenagers, skin to skin.¡±


    ¡°Honestly, this time in the Imperial Capital, I lived... with him. A man like him, his needs in that respect won¡¯t be few.¡±


    Xu Xingluo lifted her chin proudly, boasting, ¡°The part he loves to kiss the most is a woman¡¯s neck, he likes my ballet-trained supple body, and there... on his lower back is a red mole.¡±


    Qiao Xi was shocked.


    The red mole on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lower back had sunk into the crease of his buttocks, extremely private.


    But Qiao Xi wouldn¡¯t just listen to her sow discord, ¡°Do you have proof?¡±


    Xu Xingluo lifted her phone, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll send it to you.¡±


    A short video was sent to Qiao Xi¡¯s cellphone, and she pursed her lips to open it.


    The quality of the footage in the video wasn¡¯t very clear, a bit shaky, but it captured Huo Xingzhou moving about in a bathrobe.


    It was in a large hotel.


    Xu Xingluo said with certainty, ¡°Sooner or later, Brother Xingzhou and I will get back together. You should divorce soon; it won¡¯t be too painful.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her for a long while, and then, under Xu Xingluo¡¯s puzzled gaze, called Sun Weimeng.


    ¡°Young Master Sun, I need a favor. Please help me check the flights Xu Xingluo took to the Imperial Capital recently, and the hotels she stayed at.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Xu Xingluo¡¯s complexion slightly changed, ¡°The Xu Family has a private jet too, what¡¯s the point in checking the flights.¡±


    Qiao Xi said, ¡°Mr. Huo mentioned that private plane routes still have to be reported to the airport, and can be traced. Because the process is complicated, he prefers first-class on commercial flights.¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    A single mistake can ruin everything.


    Xu Xingluo hadn¡¯t expected the country girl to understand these things, her plot fell short at the last hurdle.


    She hadn¡¯t been to the Imperial Capital during this time; one poke and the lie unravels.


    Seeing Xu Xingluo so nervously agitated, Qiao Xi knew she was lying.


    ¡°Miss Xu, when you¡¯re free, please take better care of the patient instead of engaging in such tricks.¡± Qiao Xi suspected that tonight¡¯s issue with Liu Zongyun was also related to her.


    But Qiao Xi never assumed the worst about people; after all, Liu Zongyun was Xu Xingluo¡¯s biological uncle.


    Having said this, she headed towards the duty room.


    Xu Xingluo felt tightness in her chest and was extremely annoyed.


    What airs a country girl put on, someone will deal with her sooner or later!


    Inside the duty room.


    Qiao Xi repeatedly watched the short video, guessing it must have been taken by someone close to Huo Xingzhou whom Xu Xingluo had a deep connection with.


    As for the ¡°red mole on the lower back¡± mentioned by Xu Xingluo, it was indeed troubling.


    The good mood Qiao Xi had the whole night was ruined by her disgust.


    She didn¡¯t want to fall into Xu Xingluo¡¯s trap, but it was something women do care about deeply. Her husband¡¯s ex, her husband¡¯s first love, her husband¡¯s first time.


    She had truly fallen for Mr. Huo.


    After much hesitation, Qiao Xi dialed Zhou Yu¡¯s number, preparing to inquire about the details.


    On the other side,


    Zhou Yu saw the incoming call and looked at Huo Xingzhou working overtime on the other side of the office in surprise.


    ¡°Huo Er, your wife¡¯s calling me!¡±

 Chapter 124: 124: Is Your First Time Still There?

    Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Is Your First Time Still There?


    Huo Xingzhou lifted his gaze and looked at him sharply.


    Zhou Yu answered the phone with a triumphant smile and turned on the speaker.


    ¡°Hello, sister-in-law. Calling me so late, what¡¯s up?¡± Zhou Yu asked politely. With Huo Xingzhou beside him, he didn¡¯t dare to be frivolous.


    ¡°Zhou Yu, I want to ask you something. When in the Imperial Capital, who had free access to Mr. Huo¡¯s room?¡± Qiao Xi asked, somewhat embarrassed.


    It felt like a spot check.


    Zhou Yu grinned and said, ¡°Sister-in-law, you want to know if there were any women, right? Not even a female mosquito could get in or out of his room. It¡¯s always taken care of by Chen Xun.¡±


    Secret meetings were so important, how could he afford to make any mistakes?


    As soon as Qiao Xi heard it was Chen Xun¡¯s responsibility, she confirmed, ¡°Really no one else?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely certain.¡± Zhou Yu almost swore to heaven, ¡°If he was that kind of person, he would have been surrounded by women a long time ago. Why would he need to sneak around?¡±


    Qiao Xi held her question in her mouth, too ashamed to speak it.


    But thinking about Zhou Yu¡¯s personality, she tentatively asked, ¡°Do you know that he has a red mole on his lower back?¡±


    Zhou Yu exaggeratedly said, ¡°Sister-in-law, are you here to show off your love? But I¡¯ve known about it for a long time! We played together as kids, we all know.¡±


    That red mole was flamboyantly bright, a stark contrast to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s cold, restrained complexion.


    Zhou Yu, with no filter on his mouth, teased again, ¡°You¡¯ve progressed to this extent, it seems the gift I gave was really useful.¡±


    Qiao Xi swallowed her last question and hung up the phone.


    She initially also wanted to ask if Mr. Huo¡¯s first time was still intact.


    ...


    In the President¡¯s office of Tianyuan Group.


    Zhou Yu helplessly shrugged his shoulders, ¡°She hung up.¡±


    His eyes twinkled with amusement, his deep blue pupils resembling a vast ocean.


    ¡°Do you two have a lot of private contact?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked icily, a warning hidden in his eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wrong me, man. You should reflect on what you did to make sister-in-law feel insecure; she even called to test me,¡± Zhou Yu raised an eyebrow, frivolously asking, ¡°Did you have a fling in the Imperial Capital?


    ¡°I¡¯m not as shameless as you,¡± he said with a dark expression.


    Zhou Yu asked sleazily, ¡°Tell me the truth, is your first time still intact?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou had always been restrained and sensible from a young age, and he certainly wouldn¡¯t speak of such private matters.


    But even the most sensible people have their adolescent phase, and Zhou Yu wasn¡¯t sure if he had ever sought out women, or if there had been moments he couldn¡¯t control himself with Xu Xingluo.


    ¡°Go home.¡±


    ¡°Xingzhou, that¡¯s not cool! I even shared with you the details of my first time in a hotel room, yet you¡¯re not being honest with me,¡± Zhou Yu complained with a look of grievance on his handsome face.


    He really wanted to know what Huo Xingzhou, a man like him, would look like in a frenzy of passion.


    ¡°Ah.¡±


    He sighed lengthily, ¡°Shame on me for looking at these design drawings with you late at night. Some people can¡¯t separate work from private life. Pulling a subordinate to work overtime just to surprise the wife.¡±


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense. Have you finished looking?¡±


    ¡°These two are not bad.¡±


    Zhou Yu handed the two design drawings he was holding to Huo Xingzhou, ¡°The first time I see you caring so much, have you taken Qiao Xi to heart?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou raised his eyes, neither confirming nor denying, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Saving a life indeed deserves repayment, even if it¡¯s being at someone¡¯s beck and call. Has she ridden your 1.8-meter-tall horse yet?¡± Zhou Yu persisted, using another turn of phrase.


    Huo Xingzhou shot him a cold glance, ¡°Disgusting!¡±


    Zhou Yu countered with a slam on the desk, ¡°You call me disgusting, but let¡¯s see if you can live your life without using your wife¡¯s joytoy! Don¡¯t use the little toy I gave you! Hah, you think pleasing a woman is just in-out, in-out, there¡¯s a lot of skill involved.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be in charge of the construction project in Longtan Township.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou stood up and left the office, shrouded in the darkness of the night.


    ¡°Hey, Huo the Second! We haven¡¯t discussed the charity auction yet! What are you going to donate for the auction? Don¡¯t walk away; I hate that you¡¯re such a blockheaded piece of wood!¡±


    Zhou Yu roared heart-wrenchingly.


    He had no idea that some people could read between the lines and be quite quick-witted.


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi woke up in the duty room; she had slept at the office desk, feeling sore all over.


    Shadows of fatigue lurked beneath her eyes.


    She hadn¡¯t gone home last night.


    After a quick wash in the restroom, Qiao Xi headed to Ward 2121. Inside it was very quiet, with just the ticking sounds of the machines. Xu Xingluo had left at some unknown time.


    The man lying on the hospital bed was gaunt and haggard, cheeks hollowed, but one could still discern his once handsome features.


    His eyes tightly closed, the veins stood out on the back of his hand.


    Qiao Xi performed a routine check to ensure his values were normal. She then fetched the Golden Needle and laid it out in a straight line.


    For a comatose patient, the priority of acupuncture treatment was to awaken the senses. Her hands confidently placed fine needles on the Divine Court, Baihui, and Brain House acupoints. She also targeted other points such as the Chongyang and Xiexi acupoints.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s condition was special, and Qiao Xi boldly decided to stimulate his entire body¡¯s circulation. She continued by inserting needles into the Chongyang Acupoint and the Xiexi Acupoint, among others.


    Her temples were soaked with sweat. The prolonged concentration required for acupuncture was testing.


    Qiao Xi wiped the sweat from her palms with a clean towel and wrapped Mugwort Floss around the long needles, performing a warm acupuncture.


    Three hours had passed by the time she finished.


    The man on the bed was covered in needles, which must have been agonizing. As Qiao Xi stood up, she saw two girls standing at the door, seemingly mesmerized.


    Shu Xue recovered first. ¡°I brought you breakfast!¡±


    Huo Sijiao spoke in a daze, ¡°Sister-in-law, you looked like a divine healer just now. Watching you do acupuncture was like watching a dance with rhythm.¡±


    She had always thought that acupuncture was just about hitting the right points, but this had been an eye-opener.


    This was Qiao Xi¡¯s true skill!


    ¡°It¡¯s not that exaggerated!¡± Qiao Xi packed her things and closed the door behind her.


    Shu Xue and Huo Sijiao eagerly offered to carry her stuff, with Huo Sijiao even bringing soymilk and deep-fried dough sticks to Qiao Xi¡¯s mouth. ¡°Have a bite, divine healer. I heard from Sister Shu that this is your favorite breakfast place.¡±


    She turned around and just like that, decided to buy out the place and the people in it!


    Qiao Xi looked at them, puzzled. They had become close like sisters in just a moment?


    ¡°Eat up, sister-in-law!¡± Huo Sijiao was extremely affectionate.


    Qiao Xi bit into the crispy dough stick¡ªdelicious! It would be even better dipped in soymilk!


    Shu Xue whispered gossip, ¡°Last night, Wang Yuan accepted money from Xu Xingluo and deliberately called you to the hospital. It was obviously to disturb your married life and to give you trouble on the side.¡±


    Before Qiao Xi could respond, Huo Sijiao was bursting with righteous indignation.


    ¡°She¡¯s always been manipulative, treating us like fools!¡±


    Qiao Xi asked, ¡°How do you know?¡±


    Shu Xue raised her chin and said, ¡°I overheard it in the restroom. Wang Yuan was saying she¡¯s going to a counter to buy an LV pillow bag!¡±


    Just a phone call for ten thousand yuan¡ªwhat an easy profit!


    She looked at Qiao Xi and ranted, ¡°Xu Xingluo couldn¡¯t possibly have installed surveillance on you, right? I just gave you a piece of lingerie... and then she suddenly ¡®hmm hmm hmm¡¯...¡±


    Qiao Xi quickly covered her mouth.


    Huo Sijiao, with her clear yet silly eyes, asked, ¡°Lingerie what?¡±

 Chapter 125: 125: What Are Adults Afraid Of?

    Chapter 125: Chapter 125: What Are Adults Afraid Of?


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Qiao Xi said evasively.


    Huo Sijiao didn¡¯t believe her for a second, ¡°What kind of secret can I possibly not know about? Shu sister, I can also get you an LV, just tell me quickly!¡±


    Such a rich young lady!


    Shu Xue, bending over backward for the bag, prized Qiao Xi¡¯s hand away and said, ¡°It¡¯s a kind of... battle gown!¡±


    Qiao Xi was both embarrassed and annoyed!


    ¡°Oh~¡±


    Huo Sijiao dragged out her tone, looking at Qiao Xi with a hint of ambiguity, ¡°Sister-in-law, I didn¡¯t expect you and my brother to be so adventurous! I know a physical store that sells battle gowns, I¡¯ll take you there to try some out sometime!¡±


    ¡°No need...¡± Qiao Xi declined her enthusiasm.


    ¡°Count me in, count me in!¡± Shu Xue was extremely interested, ¡°I always buy online, never knew there were actual stores for these.¡±


    Huo Sijiao boasted, ¡°My best friend told me about it, very private and the stuff is very fashionable.¡±


    As soon as Shu Xue heard fashionable, her eyes lit up.


    If battle gowns are in vogue, that¡¯s really something. Shu Xue¡¯s imagination was already conjuring up dramatic scenes of smoke and gunfire.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, we¡¯ll pick out a few for you to alternate, I guarantee my brother won¡¯t be able to take his eyes off you! All those vixens outside won¡¯t stand a chance with their little schemes!¡±


    Huo Sijiao said eagerly, suddenly recalling something else.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, did you wear it last night? What was my brother¡¯s reaction?¡±


    ¡°Right, that little bit of fabric cost me five hundred bucks, give me some feedback on your experience!¡± Shu Xue nudged her arm, teasing.


    Qiao Xi turned red with their probing questions, remembering last night¡¯s event, she even found her breathing unsteady.


    ¡°Stop talking nonsense,¡± Qiao Xi said, denying her true feelings.


    ¡°Shu sister, my sister-in-law is shy. She¡¯s not daring to say it yet, what¡¯s there to fear as adults,¡± Huo Sijiao said with a smile that filled her eyes, ¡°Come on, tell us.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, just satisfy our curiosity,¡± they urged.


    Qiao Xi denied vehemently, ¡°I didn¡¯t wear it!¡±


    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll let you off,¡± Huo Sijiao said with a radiant smile. After all, Aunt Qian and mother had prepared lots of nice things for brother and sister-in-law, deer antler, and everything.


    Qiao Xi grabbed her breakfast, biting into it fiercely.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, I have to go to work now. If you have nothing to do, go have fun,¡± she said.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, I do have something! I see you¡¯re scheduled for the morning, you¡¯re free in the afternoon. I¡¯ll take you out shopping, it¡¯s a mission that brother gave me,¡± Huo Sijiao declared cheerfully.


    ¡°Shop for what? Battle gowns?¡± Shu Xue perked up, almost not wanting to go to work.


    Huo Sijiao laughed till she trembled, ¡°No, it¡¯s for the charity auction. Tomorrow night Haicheng¡¯s high society hosts its annual charity auction, all the notable people will be there, sister-in-law surely has to attend with brother.¡±


    ¡°I envy you rich young married women, leading such a colorful life every day,¡± Shu Xue sighed.


    Huo Sijiao warmly invited, ¡°If Sister Shu wants to go, I can take you with us.¡±


    Shu Xue waved her hand, ¡°No, the glitzy world is too alluring. Go on, you two talk, I¡¯m going to check the rooms.¡± Despite her loose talk, she was a sensible person.


    That wasn¡¯t a layer of society she should get involved with, for the tragedy lies in high aspirations not matched by fate.


    Watching her leave, Huo Sijiao exclaimed, ¡°Sister Shu really is a clear-headed person, no wonder sister-in-law would become such good friends with her.¡±


    ¡°Shu Xue really is great,¡±


    said Qiao Xi with a gentle tone, the corners of her mouth curving into a smile.


    ...


    After a morning of work, Qiao Xi was dragged by Huo Sijiao into a shopping mall.


    An array of dazzling goods, blinding to the eyes.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m taking you to Haicheng¡¯s best private studio. They¡¯ve air-freighted Master Irina¡¯s summer collection, it¡¯s a global limited edition, and I¡¯ve reserved some for you,¡± said Huo Sijiao.


    Huo Sijiao rushed Qiao Xi into the studio, all hustle and bustle.


    ¡°Miss Huo, are you here to try on the Irina Naicai?¡± the enthusiastic owner asked.


    ¡°Yes, let my sister-in-law have a try. You guys figure out a style for her, and give the makeup a shot,¡± Huo Sijiao sat on the couch, flipping through a magazine of new arrivals, ¡°These heart-shaped earrings, plus a teardrop diamond necklace, and a pair of silver high heels should do it.¡±


    ¡°Alright, Young Madam Huo, please follow me.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt entirely out of her element in such a place, so she had no choice but to let them dress her up.


    Designed by Master Irina, the Naicai fabric was made of vintage oil-painting silk, looking mottled yet full of charm.


    It was a sexy strapless gown that bared smooth, round shoulders, with a high slit that ran up to the thigh.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s figure was curvy, with snow-white skin that was perfect for bringing out the charm of this particular dress.


    However, she¡¯d always been conservative and hadn¡¯t ever worn such scanty dresses in public, her hands nervously covering her chest.


    ¡°Young Madam, this dress must have been tailor-made for you. If I were a man, I would be staring non-stop at that beautiful bust...¡±


    The boutique owner sighed, not expecting Young Madam Huo¡¯s enchanting figure to be hidden beneath her usual casual clothes.


    No wonder President Huo was so attentive to her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears reddened at the comment. She felt she¡¯d put on quite a bit of weight in nearly three months, with certain areas continuing to grow. Perhaps it was because of Aunt Qian¡¯s delicious cooking.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, this is even more tempting than a battle gown! My taste is truly impeccable!¡±


    Huo Sijiao¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°You have to wear this one!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too revealing...¡±


    Qiao Xi felt her skin was excessively exposed, worrying that taking larger steps might lead to an unwanted reveal.


    ¡°If it¡¯s time to show, we show. Some people don¡¯t even have anything to show!¡± Huo Sijiao hinted pointedly, referencing Xu Xingluo¡¯s frail and thin figure with a flat chest.


    ¡°Sister-in-law! You must control my brother, make him so obedient that he won¡¯t dare to even look the wrong way. Aren¡¯t you tempted to have such an unattainable flower completely at your beck and call?¡±


    Tempted.


    Qiao Xi was convinced by her.


    Huo Sijiao briskly pulled out Huo Xingzhou¡¯s supplementary card. ¡°Charge it.¡±


    ¡°Right away.¡±


    The boutique owner was thrilled to close such a big sale.


    After changing out of the strapless gown with the slit, Qiao Xi left the studio with Huo Sijiao.


    ...


    In the Xu Family¡¯s living room.


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s face was ashen as he tossed the hospital report to the side. Liu Zongyun¡¯s vital signs had stabilized; there were no signs of danger.


    Xu Xingluo, unaware of the situation, clung to his arm and acted affectionately, ¡°Daddy, what happened?¡±


    Xu Guangyao pushed her away, fuming, ¡°This is all your fine doing!¡±


    Xu Guangyao had thought he could rest easy once the Liu Family gave up on treatment and Qiao Xi refused to save Liu Zongyun, with everything falling back into calm. He hadn¡¯t expected his own daughter to stir up trouble.


    She had come up with that idea!


    And forced Qiao Xi to accept it!


    Now that Liu Zongyun was out of the critical period, what if he woke up? Xu Guangyao suppressed the fear in his heart. A little girl like Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t possibly awaken him.


    ¡°Daddy?¡±


    Tears filled Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes as she called out with grievance.


    She was the apple of her father¡¯s eye; he¡¯d never spoken to her in such a tone before.


    Taking a deep breath, Xu Guangyao said, ¡°Xingluo, don¡¯t be reckless next time. You nearly got your second uncle killed this time; what if Qiao Xi decided not to treat him? He would have missed the best chance to be saved.¡±


    ¡°Daddy, I know I was wrong. But the outcome is good, everyone is happy,¡± Xu Xingluo said, her eyes crinkling with a simple, innocent smile.


    Happy my ass!


    Xu Guangyao nearly spit out blood; he was the only one not pleased.


    Controlling his anger, he went upstairs. Xu Xingluo lowered her head and glanced at her phone, noticing a new message alert.


    After seeing the text message, she replied: Keep the other Naicai from Master Irina for me, I have a big plan for it.

 Chapter 126: 126: Hold Your Head High and Chest Out, the Beauty Commits Violence

    Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Hold Your Head High and Chest Out, the Beauty Commits Violence


    The following day.


    Three hours before the charity auction, Huo Sijiao arrived at the Huo family¡¯s small villa with her makeup artist and headed straight for the master bedroom.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m here,¡± she said as she pushed open the door. ¡°Is my brother not here?¡±


    Qiao Xi, who had just finished bathing, came out while wiping her damp hair and replied, ¡°He¡¯s busy at the company and will come back later to pick us up.¡±


    The Huo family¡¯s second branch was to attend the charity auction that evening in full force.


    ¡°He really is a workaholic,¡± Huo Sijiao remarked. ¡°Let the makeup artist do your makeup first.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi asked hesitantly, ¡°I heard that at the annual Rongde Auction, everyone needs to prepare an item for bidding. Do you think this will do?¡±


    She pulled out a piece of shiny, translucent yellow jade from the drawer of her dressing table, the one Zhao Yuzhen had given her.


    ¡°This is yellow jade,¡± Huo Sijiao realized, recognizing its value.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, where did you get such a treasure? It¡¯s warm and smooth to the touch, with a pure color. The round droplet shape is substantial, too.¡± It must be worth at least a million.


    Huo Sijiao knew that Qiao Xi¡¯s family was poor, and any valuable jewelry or clothes she had were gifts from her brother and mother; she had never seen this piece of yellow jade before.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s gaze was hard to read as she said, ¡°Zhao Yuzhen gave it to me, she said it was mine. It¡¯s not much use to me, keeping it by my side...¡±


    ¡°At least she has some conscience,¡± Huo Sijiao commented. ¡°The Rongde Auction is quite large, typically items valued over a hundred thousand can enter.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    Qiao Xi was also relieved.


    ¡°Speaking of yellow jade, the Liu family will certainly participate in the auction this time,¡± Huo Sijiao said loudly.


    ¡°Is there a connection?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s said to be the piece lost by Liu Uncle years ago, the one he wore from childhood. The Liu family is superstitious, believing that recovering it will bless Liu Uncle into waking up. So they never miss any auction, big or small.¡±


    Huo Sijiao found the idea curious, but then she remembered that when Huo Xingzhou was in a coma, their family had even believed in marriage for good luck.


    She could understand their feelings.


    For family, sometimes one could do even the most absurd things.


    Qiao Xi carefully placed the yellow jade into a small wooden box and put it in her handbag.


    ...


    At six in the afternoon, there was a knock at the bedroom door.


    Chen Xun said with not much respect in his eyes but politeness in his tone, ¡°Young Madam, the car is downstairs.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Dressed up, Qiao Xi had put on a small Chanel-style jacket over her dress, covering the exposed skin on her shoulders.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t cover up. Everyone will be dressed beautifully, it¡¯s fashionable!¡± Huo Sijiao said as she snatched the jacket and threw it back into the main bedroom.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t stop her in time and Chen Xun urged from beside her, ¡°Young Madam, President Huo is waiting for you in the car.¡±


    Qiao Xi gave him a look, lifted the hem of her dress, and followed him downstairs, then said, ¡°Assistant Chen, I heard that during your business negotiations in the Imperial Capital, you were the only one allowed in and out of Mr. Huo¡¯s room?¡±


    Chen Xun grew nervous and quickly replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I have received a video from Miss Xu involving my husband¡¯s privacy,¡± Qiao Xi knew Chen Xun was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s capable assistant and didn¡¯t tear into him, only giving a warning.


    ¡°Such things affect our marital relationship, and I don¡¯t wish to receive them anymore,¡± Qiao Xi said seriously.


    Chen Xun understood that this was a warning from Qiao Xi and also an opportunity.


    He was filled with regret for having helped Xu Xingluo out of a sense of obligation, realizing it was no benefit to his career advancement. Many coveted the position of the president¡¯s assistant¡ªit was a ticket to the top.


    Chen Xun walked briskly out of the villa and courteously opened the car door, ¡°Young Madam, please get in the car.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Qiao Xi spoke in a soft voice.


    She looked up to see the man in the car focused on his work, then gently lifted her skirts and sat down beside him.


    Huo Xingzhou closed his laptop and rubbed his swollen temples.


    ¡°Let me press it for you,¡± Qiao Xi offered, extending her hand to gently press on the acupoints on his head.


    Her fair, slender arms fluttered before the man¡¯s eyes, and with just a slight tilt of his head, Huo Xingzhou could see an unrestricted view of her allure.


    Indeed, this dress was very sexy.


    Qiao Xi usually dressed in simple and gentle elegance, seldom so vibrant and captivating.


    ¡°Who chose the dress?¡± Huo Xingzhou lazily asked.


    Qiao Xi paused for a moment before responding, ¡°Jiaojiao ordered it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s quite cold in the auction house,¡± he warned kindly.


    But Qiao Xi felt that the man before her thought she was wearing too little.


    ¡°Oh.¡± She hung her head low, a bit disappointed. She had hoped he would say something more, but all she got was this tepid remark.


    Huo Xingzhou noticed her mood and pinched her cheek: ¡°What were you expecting?¡±


    He could see right through her little thoughts.


    ¡°Not at all,¡± she said as her red lips, filled with cinnabar-colored lipstick, shimmered and looked incredibly beautiful.


    Huo Xingzhou leaned in closer and whispered in a lower voice, ¡°Very pretty.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyelashes quivered slightly as she looked up into his deep, profound eyes and saw the amazement and appreciation within them. She smiled slightly, and her apricot eyes also sparkled.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her red lips, thinking of what Huo Sijiao and Shu Xue had said ¨C cuteness was nothing against sexiness.


    Men are visual creatures.


    Qiao Xi felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze and turned her head to shout out the car window, ¡°Jiaojiao, hurry up and get in!¡±


    ¡°Coming, sister-in-law!¡±


    Huo Sijiao hurried into the car, and like a giant bulb, she squeezed into the back seat, scattering the budding romantic atmosphere.


    ¡°Brother, isn¡¯t my sister-in-law beautiful? Did she mesmerize you? Tonight, she is bound to dazzle everyone!¡± Sijiao boasted proudly, as if talking about herself.


    She was already covering her cheeks, fantasizing about the scene, sure that Xu Xingluo could never wear such a sexy dress in her lifetime unless she padded her chest.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, you¡¯re exaggerating too much,¡± Qiao Xi interrupted her grand speech.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, you are naturally beautiful, and only got compared by others because you don¡¯t dress up normally.¡± Huo Sijiao felt it was essential for her to gain confidence.


    Even without makeup, Qiao Xi was pure and radiant. With the addition of makeup and dresses, she transformed into a stunning beauty with boundless charm.


    However, her clear eyes contrasted greatly with her attire, creating a strikingly beautiful paradox.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, chin up, chest out! Show off what you have! If it wasn¡¯t for taking you to that store, I would never have guessed you were a C cup,¡± Sijiao said.


    Hearing her increasingly absurd comments, Qiao Xi almost wanted to bash her head on the ground in frustration.


    A glance from the corner of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eye swept over her, it seemed that the nourishing supplements prepared by Aunt Qian were effective.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, I¡¯m feeling a bit carsick, I¡¯ll rest for a while,¡± Qiao Xi made up a poor excuse, leaning back on the cushion to feign sleep.


    Huo Xingzhou gently shifted her head to rest on his shoulder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you when we get there.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Qiao Xi felt sweetness in her heart.


    Huo Sijiao covered her eyes, ¡°When it comes to showing off affection, who can compare to you two? I¡¯ll sit with mom and dad later, I don¡¯t want to be blinded by your displays of love.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t come and act as a third wheel.¡±

 Chapter 127: 127: She is glowing

    Chapter 127: Chapter 127: She is glowing


    The car stopped in front of the chic, milky-white art gallery in the city center, where the enormous exhibition hall had been transformed into a banquet hall for the charity auction.


    The annual charity auction was of vast scale; anyone who could offer an auction item worth one hundred thousand could secure an entry ticket. It was the best chance for middle and lower-tier businessmen to skyrocket their success overnight.


    What if one were fortunate enough to strike a deal with one of the big four families?


    Thus,


    the parking lot outside was already filled with luxury cars, large and small, neatly arranged.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s Rolls Royce drove into the underground parking garage, and they took the elevator directly up from there. The Huo family members were very low-key, disappointing those outside who were specifically waiting to greet and see famous faces.


    The elevator stopped on the second floor, right at the entrance to the auction hall, which was permeated with a strong artistic atmosphere.


    There was a row of exquisitely crafted safes, where the guests¡¯ auction items were stored. The transparent glass covers allowed everyone to clearly see the contents inside, stimulating both covetous glances and competitive spirits.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, the scale of this charity auction is immense. The most amusing part is that anything can be auctioned, as long as you have the guts! A couple of years ago, a young starlet took the stage to auction themselves, and now with a sugar daddy, they¡¯ve become an A-lister in the industry.¡±


    This place was not only for charity, but also a hub for high society networking and a Golden Den of opportunities for many.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes were opened wide.


    ¡°President Huo, I¡¯ll go register the auction items,¡± said Chen Xun respectfully.


    ¡°Assistant Chen, I...¡± Qiao Xi was about to take out the yellow jade box from her bag when she heard a cry of panic.


    ¡°Xiaolei! Spit it out quickly! Is there a doctor?¡±


    A discreetly dressed woman was vigorously patting the back of a four or five-year-old child, saying, ¡°Bend over, spit it out.¡±


    The incident was sudden, and she was panic-stricken. Qiao Xi rushed over with quick steps, and at a glance knew the child¡¯s airway was obstructed.


    ¡°Let me try.¡±


    ¡°Madam Huo?¡± The woman released her grip, recognizing the face of Qiao Xi.


    Qiao Xi picked up the child and leaned his body forward. With her left hand clenched into a fist and her right hand grasping her left wrist, she vigorously applied pressure to the upper part of the child¡¯s abdomen. The Heimlich maneuver, a basic lifesaving technique mastered by every doctor.


    After several attempts,


    the child spit out an almond kernel and cried bitterly.


    Qiao Xi released her hands and patted the child¡¯s back, ¡°It¡¯s okay now.¡±


    The woman, wiping away the tears from her face, said excitedly, ¡°Thank you, Dr. Qiao! This child is naughty and ate snacks when we weren¡¯t paying attention. I didn¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Qiao Xi advised, ¡°If you have kids at home, it might be good to learn some emergency skills like these. Hospitals regularly offer special lectures on the topic.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely attend!¡± The woman held her child, overflowing with the joy of surviving a close call.


    ¡°The child has been scared; you better comfort him quickly,¡± Qiao Xi said before walking towards Huo Xingzhou and Huo Sijiao at the entrance to the auction hall.


    The two siblings had been quietly waiting for her, observing everything she did.


    Huo Sijiao looked at her earnestly and said, ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡¯re truly noble! No, it¡¯s the profession of being a doctor that¡¯s noble. Sometimes, what you save is not just one person, but several families.¡±


    She, who always lived idly, indulging in pleasures, suddenly felt lost.


    Should she also find some meaningful work?


    Qiao Xi blushed at the praise, ¡°It¡¯s part of the job; I helped because I could.¡± Such emergency care was simple for a doctor.


    She turned to Huo Xingzhou and said, ¡°About registering the auction items...¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, Brother has already had Chen Xun register them. He had already prepared for you, so you don¡¯t need to auction off your own things. After all, that was left to you by your mother.¡±


    Even though Zhao Yuzhen was an unfit mother, Qiao Xi still harbored complex feelings for her.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Huo.¡±


    ¡°Between husband and wife, there¡¯s no need for thanks.¡± He extended his hand to hold hers, and Qiao Xi smiled and graciously linked her arm with his.


    Together, they entered the vast auction hall, filled with a throng of people.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡± Du Juan called out, holding onto Huo Jiancheng¡¯s arm and waving her hand, ¡°Right here.¡±


    ¡°Dad, Mom.¡±


    Qiao Xi greeted them with a subdued tone.


    Du Juan, satisfied with her attire, said, ¡°A girl should dress up beautifully and flamboyantly. Your jewelry is a bit plain, though. I¡¯ll buy you some more later.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Mom.¡± Qiao Xi didn¡¯t reject her kindness.


    ¡°How partial Mom is, pampering only my sister-in-law! I¡¯m your biological daughter, too,¡± Huo Sijiao pouted and acted coquettishly.


    ¡°You¡¯re a debt collector.¡±


    Du Juan reached out to tap her nose, and her gaze shifted to the family that had just entered the door. Her face immediately turned sour.


    Following her gaze, Huo Sijiao commented with displeasure, ¡°Bad luck.¡±


    ¡°Auntie and Uncle, Jiaojiao, Brother Xingzhou! You¡¯re here too,¡± Xu Xingluo said in a pure white embroidered long dress, with a ruffled collar enhancing her noble and elegant appearance.


    She greeted them politely and sweetly, ¡°Auntie, you look more and more beautiful.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Jiancheng, Du Juan.¡± Following closely, Liu Huimin and Xu Guangyao approached them, making polite conversation.


    The elders of both families used to get along well, and Du Juan and Liu Huimin were even considered good girlfriends. But the car accident had fractured their relationship.


    Lowering her stature, Liu Huimin said, ¡°Du Juan, let¡¯s let bygones be bygones. You¡¯re a mother, too; you should be able to empathize with me.¡±


    Du Juan replied sarcastically, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t know the pain until the knife cuts you.¡±


    Xu Xingluo pleaded softly, ¡°Auntie Du Juan, Brother Xingzhou and I grew up together, our families have always been close. Please forgive us...¡±


    Du Juan chuckled coldly, pulling Qiao Xi to stand before her, ¡°Xingluo, everyone says you¡¯re sensible and generous. You call Xingzhou ¡®Brother¡¯, so why didn¡¯t you greet your sister-in-law Qiao Xi?¡±


    ¡°I...¡±


    How could she possibly call a country bumpkin her sister-in-law? That would be more unbearable than death.


    ¡°Hmph.¡±


    Du Juan, with Qiao Xi in tow, walked towards the front side of the auction hall, other people closely following behind.


    Stomping her foot in frustration, Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes turned red with grievance, ¡°Mom, Brother Xingzhou still won¡¯t forgive me. What should I do? I don¡¯t see the point in living anymore.¡±


    Liu Huimin hugged her, her heart aching, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, dear. I¡¯ll help you. The doctor said you need to be happy every day and not to overthink. Anything you desire, your father and I will lay it before you.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t stand the sight of her daughter lying in a pool of blood, barely alive, ever again.


    Liu Huimin and Xu Guangyao exchanged a glance.


    ¡°Rest assured,¡± Xu Guangyao insisted, ¡°Huo Xingzhou will definitely be yours.¡±


    Inside the auction hall.


    The seating had been arranged in advance, with the elders of the Xu and Huo families separated on one side, and the slightly younger generation on the left. Qiao Xi could even see Young Master Sun from a distance.


    When Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi appeared hand in hand, the entire hall witnessed the grandeur of the apprentice to the National Doctor.


    She was beautiful, possessed expert medical skills, and was presentable.


    She didn¡¯t look at all like a country bumpkin; indeed, clothes make the man just as a saddle makes the horse.


    Qiao Xi gently covered her chest and bent down to sit. Huo Xingzhou was beside her, and across a narrow aisle were Xu Xingluo and Xiang Huai, next to them sat a fat businessman in a floral shirt.


    ¡°That¡¯s Xiang Ming, Xiang Huai¡¯s uncle.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou, noticing her lingering gaze, informed her.


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Qiao Xi only felt Xiang Ming¡¯s stare was strange, making her uncomfortable.


    The lights in the hall brightened, and the auctioneer took the microphone, announcing, ¡°The annual Rong De Auction begins now.¡±

 Chapter 128: 128: A Humiliating Outfit Clash

    Chapter 128: Chapter 128: A Humiliating Outfit Clash


    The auction revenue from the Rongde Auction, half of it was donated to charity causes, while the remaining half went to the sellers. Without any important items in the early stages, everyone¡¯s attention was mostly on casual conversation.


    Xu Guangyao and Huo Jiancheng were sitting close to each other; the two had an agreement since earlier years to go out to play mahjong, drink, and ride horses together, and they could be considered very close.


    ¡°Jiancheng,¡± Xu Guangyao said in a hushed voice, ¡°the matter with the kids won¡¯t affect our friendship as adults, right? Let¡¯s go out for a drink sometime.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng was a soft-hearted good-natured person. He seldom had confrontations with others, so he responded.


    ¡°Sure, you just set the time. The family business is all managed by Xingzhou, so I¡¯m quite free,¡± Huo Jiancheng said softly.


    A glint of shrewdness flashed in Xu Guangyao¡¯s eyes. ¡°Actually, our families could become in-laws. The idea of ¡®marriage to avert misfortune¡¯ is nonsense, and it¡¯s not necessarily true that Xingzhou likes Qiao Xi. Men always want to act on a whim after a setback.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng didn¡¯t respond directly and seemed rather perfunctory.


    ¡°Jiancheng, don¡¯t forget the agreement you signed on behalf of Xingzhou ten years ago,¡± Xu Guangyao said with a smile.


    Huo Jiancheng tensed up all over, looking at him in disbelief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me, Jiancheng. My daughter Xingluo is head over heels for your son, and I have no choice but to act. That agreement was notarized, and you agreed to it with a smile.¡±


    Xu Guangyao was here to give a reminder.


    He hoped Huo Jiancheng could take charge and persuade Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou to divorce.


    ¡°You... that¡¯s all in the past,¡± Huo Jiancheng said, wiping his face. He had been coaxed into signing.


    No one else in the family knew; they thought it was a joke. Who would have expected Xu Guangyao to bring it up all of a sudden?


    ¡°I¡¯ve kept it very carefully,¡± Xu Guangyao said.


    He was threatening him.


    Huo Jiancheng felt his mind go blank and was in a daze.


    Suddenly.


    There was commotion in the auction hall.


    Standing on the stage was a beautifully svelte celebrity, the third-rate actress Ruan Xiu. With delicate and frail hands, she held the microphone and said in a delicate voice, ¡°I¡¯m auctioning myself off.¡±


    ¡°Everything about me, including myself,¡± she teased, playing with her hair and casting seductive glances.


    Ruan Xiu was petite and had a beautiful appearance.


    But more importantly, she was wearing the same outfit as Qiao Xi.


    She was dressed in an Naicai by the designer Irina, her hair pinned up in a new-style Chinese bun, charming and seductive. Her makeup and hairstyle were identical to Qiao Xi¡¯s.


    Everyone unconsciously glanced at Qiao Xi with their peripheral vision to gauge her reaction.


    Xiang Huai¡¯s distant uncle, Xiang Ming, stroked his belly and laughed heartily, ¡°This bodysuit dress has something special; it¡¯s so provocatively enchanting! I love these kinds of daring and seductive women! Looking from behind, I almost thought it was the Young Madam of the Huo family!¡±


    He seemed unaware of the abnormal atmosphere and continued, ¡°Just for this dress alone, I have to bid for a night with the beauty; but then again, all women are the same when the lights are out.¡±


    His words carried a humiliating undertone.


    Yet it was impossible to take issue with him; arguing with someone like Xiang Ming already lowered one¡¯s own standards.


    Xu Xingluo smiled coyly with her head bowed; she had calculated that the noble families valued their reputation.


    Xiang Huai¡¯s distant uncle was vulgar and did not consider the occasion when speaking.


    Spending money on a dress just to humiliate Qiao Xi was well worth it.


    ¡°You...¡± Huo Sijiao was the one who couldn¡¯t sit still any longer, but she was pulled back by Du Juan just as she was about to speak.


    ¡°Sit down; the more you make of it, the more embarrassing it is for your sister-in-law. It should have been ignored with just a few words, but making a scene will turn it into gossip,¡± Du Juan said.


    ¡°But he¡¯s insulting my sister-in-law!¡±


    ¡°Your brother won¡¯t sit idly by,¡± Du Juan patted her shoulder, soothingly, ¡°Just watch.¡±


    Meanwhile.


    Xiang Ming directly announced a bid of one dollar.


    ¡°I¡¯m a simple man; I just love beauties. If you all won¡¯t bid, then I¡¯ll start,¡± he said at the Rongde Charity Auction, where the starting bid for any item was one dollar, to bid as one pleased.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s pretty face was frosty.


    Xu Xingluo said with feigned innocence, ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t take it to heart. Uncle Xiang definitely didn¡¯t mean that you¡¯re the vulgar one.¡±


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    Young Master Sun shifted his chair closer, covering his chest and retching with disgust, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but whenever I hear a white lotus or green tea speaking, I get a physiological urge to vomit. Miss Xu, I¡¯m definitely not saying you¡¯re green tea.¡±


    Having seen so many young ladies, he knew full well the tactics of women.


    Xu Xingluo was here to disgust Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Sun Weimeng, your words are too harsh,¡± Xiang Huai retorted with a cold frown, defending Xu Xingluo.


    ¡°This is harsh?¡±


    Sun Weimeng snorted coldly, ¡°Then you haven¡¯t seen me spewing even fouler language.¡±


    The auction continued.


    Ruan Xiu¡¯s price had reached two hundred thousand, and Xiang Ming, with his bold and lavish demeanor, bluntly said, ¡°Five hundred thousand! Give me some face, fellas, I really want to taste this woman.¡±


    His vulgar words were met with no competition.


    ¡°Five hundred thousand once!¡±


    ¡°... Sold! President Xiang is truly fortunate!¡±


    Ruan Xiu, with seductive eyes like silk, sashayed to Xiang Ming¡¯s side and sat in his lap.


    Xiang Ming groped her, squeezing her buttocks, and said, ¡°A big butt is great for bearing children; give me a son and I¡¯ll buy you another house.¡±


    ¡°Oh, President Xiang, you¡¯re so naughty,¡± Ruan Xiu giggled, leaning into his embrace.


    Xiang Ming said, ¡°Xiuxiu, when I see you in that dress, I just want to rip it off and have my way with you. You vixen, born to seduce men.¡±


    Ruan Xiu and Qiao Xi, the homophony of their names was clear.


    He deliberately called her the nickname, using innuendo to humiliate Qiao Xi.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s lips curved slightly, sharing a satisfied smile with Xiang Huai as they made eye contact.


    The two were sickeningly sweet, not minding the occasion. Xiang Ming repeatedly called her ¡°Xiuxiu,¡± provocatively challenging.


    Qiao Xi gripped the armrest tightly, feeling like she had thistles at her back under the scrutinizing gaze of those around her¡ªthe lecherous appraisal of her figure by the sleazy men, their malicious probing, and the veiled contempt.


    She felt even more uncomfortable in her dress.


    At her side, Huo Xingzhou took her hand, stroked the back of it as if to comfort her.


    Qiao Xi glanced at him, straightened her back, and sat upright.


    ¡°The next item for auction is Miss Xu Xingluo¡¯s eighteenth birthday dress. This is one of the most important items in her life. The bidding starts now.¡±


    Many in the venue gave face to the Xu Family, and Xu Xingluo¡¯s peach-blossom eyes filled with mirth as she watched the price of the dress soar to a million.


    In the end, only Xiang Huai remained.


    ¡°One million once.¡±


    ¡°One million twice.¡±


    ¡°Three million,¡± a deep voice sounded in the auction hall.


    All eyes turned to Huo Xingzhou!


    Xu Xingluo was surprised and excited, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, you truly...¡±


    Qiao Xi turned her head in shock, only to see the man composed and calm.


    Xiang Huai raised his paddle, ¡°Four million!¡±


    ¡°Five million,¡± Huo Xingzhou was very calm, bidding without hesitation. No matter how much Xiang Huai bid, he continued to raise the price.


    A dress worth a few hundred thousand was bid up to more than ten million by the two of them.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face flushed with excitement, her vanity immensely satisfied. Two top-quality men, competing and desiring her¡ªwhat could be more face-giving than that?


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, Brother Xiang Huai, please don¡¯t fight over me,¡± she said coyly, ¡°Brother Xiang Huai...¡±


    She placed her hand on Xiang Huai¡¯s bidding paddle, shaking her head; Xiang Huai reluctantly gave up.


    ¡°Ten million once!¡±


    ¡°Ten million twice!¡±


    ¡°Ten million three times, congratulations to President Huo for a rage bid for his beauty!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were downcast, his long fingers gliding over his phone screen, as if the bustle and noise around him were irrelevant.


    Huo Sijiao was frantic.


    Angrily, she said, ¡°What on earth is my brother doing? Has he rekindled something with that vixen? I...¡± She was about to confront him when her phone vibrated.


    She pulled out her phone to see the message, and her anger dissipated instantly.


    Humph!


    So, the real drama was still to come.


    She picked up a large plate of cream cake, and with her head held high and chest out, she walked over.

 Chapter 129: 129: Not Bad at the Waist

    Chapter 129: Chapter 129: Not Bad at the Waist


    In the auction hall.


    The princess dress with diamonds embedded was brought in front of Huo Xingzhou, and he casually took out a card and swiped for ten million.


    Xu Xingluo said with a beaming smile, ¡°Brother Xingzhou has bid for the me at eighteen.¡±


    She knew he had her in his heart.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, it¡¯s just a dress, you¡¯re not jealous, are you?¡± she asked.


    Idle chit-chat over tea.


    Young Master Sun held up the teacup beside him and said, ¡°The top-grade Biluochun is indeed different.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at Xu Xingluo and said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s just a dress.¡±


    ¡°This dress is different; it represents my coming of age. I didn¡¯t expect Brother Xingzhou to cherish it so much, just like he once cherished me,¡± Xu Xingluo raised her voice and said.


    A love triangle between two women and a man, everyone loves to watch.


    Ruan Xiu, snuggled in Xiang Ming¡¯s arms, covered her mouth and laughed, ¡°Men like it wild in bed, but outside, they still prefer dignified and elegant. If I were President Huo, I¡¯d also like Miss Xu...¡±


    Just as she finished talking, a large blob of cream cake was thrown onto her.


    Sticky and disgusting.


    The Naicai dress was utterly ruined.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Ruan Xiu screamed, looking at the approaching Huo Sijiao, daring not to speak her anger.


    Huo Sijiao shrugged her shoulders and said, ¡°Sorry, my hand slipped, all because someone¡¯s words disgusted me.¡±


    ¡°You...¡± Ruan Xiu glared at her.


    Huo Sijiao said with a laugh, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, if your dress is dirty, just change into another one. Luckily, my brother just bid on a dress worth ten million, I¡¯ll compensate you with that.¡±


    She casually tossed Xu Xingluo¡¯s dress to Ruan Xiu, ¡°You even made a profit.¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Ruan Xiu held the dress in her arms, looking helplessly at Xu Xingluo and Xiang Ming.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s cheeks flushed as she said, ¡°Jiaojiao, how can you give my dress to such a woman to wear!¡±


    Huo Sijiao teased, ¡°Why not! Your dress has chest pads and hip pads, she¡¯ll look even more curvy in it, might even give birth to a chubby son.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, you spent ten million for me, and Jiaojiao...¡± Xu Xingluo stomped her foot, complaining.


    Huo Xingzhou stood up and said flatly, ¡°It¡¯s only right to compensate for dirtying someone else¡¯s clothes.¡±


    ¡°Besides, that ten million wasn¡¯t spent for you. It was to buy Qiao Xi¡¯s one-of-a-kind, I can¡¯t stand to see anyone else wearing the same thing as her.¡±


    His voice was cool and detached.


    In front of so many people, he didn¡¯t leave any face.


    Domineering and protective to an extreme.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s expression was as if her palette of colors was knocked over, completely losing face.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou...¡±


    Huo Xingzhou ignored her and warned Ruan Xiu, ¡°Miss Ruan, for the next three days I expect to see you parading in that princess dress, topping the trending searches every day. Otherwise, consider it a challenge to Tianyuan Group.¡±


    Ruan Xiu¡¯s face turned pale.


    After finishing his words, Huo Xingzhou wrapped his arm around Qiao Xi¡¯s waist and left the auction hall directly.


    Huo Sijiao said with a lifted chin, her voice loud and clear, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you understand? It was my brother who instructed me to throw the cream cake. He bid on Xu Xingluo¡¯s dress to compensate Ruan Xiu with it.¡±


    ¡°Some people should stop wishing for more than they deserve. The ten million was simply to make my sister-in-law happy.¡±


    ¡°A lady from a prestigious family mixing with vulgar tycoons and third-rate actors, aren¡¯t you ashamed! Your collusion really drags down your value,¡± Huo Sijiao was blunt in speech, regardless of the consequences.


    Her attack was swift, ¡°What a milkmaid dress! Vulgar in the extreme! Now go ahead, use your coming-of-age ceremony dress as a milkmaid dress!¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s body teetered, on the verge of utter humiliation and collapse.


    Satisfying!


    Sun Wei gave a thumbs-up on the side, encouraging her to speak up more.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, hold back a little,¡± Du Juan timely intervened, turning to Xu Family¡¯s people and said, ¡°My daughter is candid and speaks without thinking, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    Huo Sijiao smiled and said, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s wrong of you to take a child¡¯s words seriously.¡±


    The expressions on Xu Guangyao and Liu Huimin¡¯s faces were very stiff.


    Today¡¯s affair was clear to anyone with eyes; it was Xu Xingluo who had orchestrated it. A simple investigation at the private studio would reveal who bought the second Naicai dress.


    They were in the wrong and could only endure the scolding.


    ...


    Underground parking garage.


    Inside the dim Rolls-Royce.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes, bright as apricot blossoms, fixed on Huo Xingzhou, brimming with deep affection.


    She leaned in gently and kissed the corner of his mouth.


    After a brief silence, the man¡¯s eyes crinkled upwards as he asked, ¡°Are you teasing me?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s heartbeat skipped, seeing the laughter and affection in the depths of his eyes.


    A rustling sound arose.


    Huo Xingzhou moved closer, his palm resting on her waist, lifting her to sit on his lap.


    Face to face.


    That sexy, thigh-split long dress now split even higher. Qiao Xi scrambled to cover it up.


    ¡°All the more excessive parts have been seen. What¡¯s the need to cover up?¡±


    His handsome face was overflowing with wantonness and aggression, and with a tenderness that was barely visible. His lips descended onto her snowy neck, the wet kisses dropping one by one, overwhelming her defenses.


    Forced to tilt her head back, Qiao Xi looked at the Rolls-Royce¡¯s starlit ceiling, the view swaying before her eyes.


    Kissing alone was like drinking poison to quench thirst, only inciting deeper impulses within her.


    In a daze, Qiao Xi recalled the words Xu Xingluo had said.


    His needs in that regard were great.


    He liked to kiss a woman¡¯s neck.


    He liked a body with good flexibility.


    These words seemed to be true.


    Because she could feel Mr. Huo¡¯s gaze falling on her, growing increasingly scorching. Sometimes, she felt as if he undressed her completely with his eyes.


    She couldn¡¯t help but lose herself in his fervent kisses.


    Knock knock.


    The car window was tapped.


    Turning her head, Qiao Xi could see Sun Weimeng¡¯s head through the car window glass. He peered into the car and couldn¡¯t help but tug at the door.


    ¡°Huo...¡±


    Qiao Xi felt extremely shy and wanted to call for a halt.


    ¡°One-way glass, he can¡¯t see inside.¡± His lips played with her earlobe, tormenting and twirling it.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t help but make a sound, her body half-numb.


    ¡°Huo Second! Huo Second! I know you¡¯re in there!¡±


    Sun Weimeng¡¯s voice came from outside.


    Huo Xingzhou paused for a moment on her shoulder, draped his suit jacket over her, and then lowered the window.


    ¡°What is it?¡± His tone was impatient.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Young Master Sun looked him over with a sleazy expression, ¡°Nice waist you¡¯ve got there, shaking a heavy-duty Rolls-Royce like that.¡±


    After hearing this, Qiao Xi wished she could crawl into a hole.


    ¡°Get to the point.¡± Huo Xingzhou spoke indifferently.


    ¡°The video I shot for you.¡± Sun Weimeng took out his phone, ¡°Look at your assistant and Xu Xingluo, exchanging confidences.¡±


    In the video, Chen Xun and Xu Xingluo stood by the restroom door, apparently talking about something.


    ¡°You better not be harboring a traitor in your camp, I¡¯m giving you a friendly warning.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Having said that, Huo Xingzhou started to roll up the window.


    Sun Weimeng stuck his head through, shamelessly asking, ¡°I heard Mrs. Le released a new product, got any stock? Good stuff should be shared, you know.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou shot him a cold glance, ¡°Got some at home, follow my car.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, that¡¯s quite embarrassing, I¡¯ll go start my car now.¡±


    Not a hint of embarrassment in him could be seen.

 Chapter 130: 130: Xu Xingluo Committed Suicide

    Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Xu Xingluo Committed Suicide


    It was nine o¡¯clock at night.


    Sun Weimeng swept through the Huo Family¡¯s small villa like a swarm of locusts, taking with him the Madame Le and the small toys.


    Only one box of the old Madame Le remained in the drawer, the very one that had been unsealed back in Moon Village.


    The man¡¯s slender fingers pinched the box, and he looked at Qiao Xi, asking, ¡°Shall we use it up? If not, it will expire.¡±


    He was blunt, making no effort to hide his coveting gaze towards her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s almond eyes were bright yet shy, and her voice soft as she said, ¡°I don¡¯t like to waste either.¡±


    The implication was very clear.


    Huo Xingzhou laughed softly, his excitement and pleasure visibly filling the air. His pale fingers touched the zipper on her back, the calluses from years of writing brushing against her skin.


    A tingling sensation.


    ¡°Wait, I need to check on the hospital situation first,¡± Qiao Xi recalled the interruption last time, so she picked up her phone to inquire about the on-duty doctor tonight and, receiving a reply that everything was normal, she finally felt at ease.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a bath.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou lifted her into his arms, his long legs carrying them into the bathroom. He placed her on the vanity, their eyes level. He kissed her deeply on the lips, and Qiao Xi gasped, holding him tight.


    She had desired this too.


    Tonight was good as well.


    The annoying ring of the cell phone broke the silence.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, it¡¯s your phone...¡± she said, breathlessly.


    ¡°Ignore it.¡±


    He was determined not to answer, and Qiao Xi was kissed until she was helplessly moaning.


    ¡°Young Master!¡±


    ¡°Young Master, there¡¯s been a serious incident!¡± Aunt Qian knocked on the door.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyebrows were dark with gloom as Qiao Xi, pushing him, stepped out of the bathroom door, ¡°If Aunt Qian is looking for you, it must be important.¡±


    The man kissed the corner of her mouth and said, ¡°Next time we check into a hotel, no phones allowed.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded obediently and intelligently.


    Huo Xingzhou opened the door to see Aunt Qian with an anxious expression.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I got a call from the Xu Family. I didn¡¯t want to disturb you, but the eldest young master of the Xu Family called several times, saying...¡± Aunt Qian glanced at Qiao Xi inside the room and muttered something in a low voice.


    Upon hearing this, Huo Xingzhou sneered, ¡°Can I cure sicknesses?¡±


    ¡°He also said that you must call him back urgently.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou followed Aunt Qian downstairs, and Qiao Xi heard their footsteps going away. A short while later, the sound of an engine echoed from outside the villa.


    She ran to the second-floor terrace and saw Huo Xingzhou and Old Chen, the driver, leaving in the night.


    It must be related to the Xu Family.


    A sense of disquietness crept into Qiao Xi¡¯s heart.


    That night, she didn¡¯t sleep well. At five in the morning, a phone call woke her up.


    A single sentence completely jolted her awake!


    ¡°Xu Xingluo has attempted suicide by slitting her wrists!¡± Huo Sijiao¡¯s voice was shocked and a bit scared, ¡°She was taken to Haicheng City Hospital for emergency treatment last night.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart finally sank; so last night Mr. Huo had gone to the hospital.


    Xu Xingluo actually tried to kill herself!


    ¡°Sister-in-law, after you left yesterday, I gave Xu Xingluo a good tongue-lashing. Then Mrs. Ye stepped in and blacklisted the Xu Family, the Xiang Family, and that Ruan Xiu from Rongde¡¯s charity auctions,¡± said Huo Sijiao.


    ¡°That Mrs. Ye is the mother of the child you saved; it turns out that the Rongde Auction House is left to her as assets by her maternal family.¡±


    Yesterday, Xu Xingluo had lost face in every possible way.


    Huo Sijiao felt uncomfortable in her heart, ¡°Did I trigger her actions?¡±


    She disliked Xu Xingluo but didn¡¯t want her dead. At her core, Huo Sijiao was kind-hearted and couldn¡¯t overlook a life.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. When I¡¯m at work today, I¡¯ll find out more about her situation,¡± Qiao Xi said softly, trying to comfort her.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Sijiao hung up the phone, full of anxiety.


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and rubbed her swollen head, feeling no longer the slightest bit sleepy.


    She got out of bed and went downstairs, only to find that Aunt Qian had risen early. There were also two strangers in work uniforms in the living room.


    ¡°Young Madam, you¡¯re awake.¡±


    ¡°This is...¡± Qiao Xi looked at the two men, puzzled.


    Aunt Qian was also confused, ¡°The young master sent them to check the smart home system, but usually, it¡¯s just a major checkup at the end of the year.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t think much of it as she had other things on her mind and didn¡¯t have the appetite. Aunt Qian forcefully stuffed two shepherd¡¯s purse and pork fried buns into her hands, and unable to refuse, Qiao Xi took the buns and hailed a taxi.


    In the taxi.


    She browsed through her social media with a heavy heart when suddenly, she came across a swan avatar.


    Xu Xingluo: No matter when or where, you will eventually come to my side.


    The accompanying picture was of a hospital ward, with a tall man showing a stern side profile, his features sharp and piercing.


    Familiar indeed, as those same features had sunk into an endless sea of desire just last night.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and sent a text to Huo Sijiao, asking if she had seen Xu Xingluo¡¯s social media post.


    Huo Sijiao replied with ¡°No.¡±


    Qiao Xi realized it was a post visible only to her.


    She comforted Huo Sijiao with a few words, saying Xu Xingluo was fine.


    After all, if she was able to post on social media, with words that dripped with sweetness and boastfulness, there couldn¡¯t be anything seriously wrong.


    As soon as Qiao Xi entered the hospital, Shu Xue came up to her to complain, ¡°I had the night shift last night, and Xu Xingluo was in room 2122; quite a number of people visited her. I even saw your husband.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    ¡°You should take my words to heart and secure your man¡¯s affections. Use any means necessary; if you had even one-tenth of Xu Xingluo¡¯s cunning, Huo Xingzhou would surely be devoted only to you,¡± Shu Xue advised earnestly, ¡°I asked the doctor about her wrist wounds. They¡¯re very shallow and won¡¯t even leave a scar.¡±


    They just looked scary.


    ¡°You should hurry home and rest after your shift. Look at those dark circles, you resemble a panda.¡± Qiao Xi managed a weak smile and urged her.


    ¡°Fine. Don¡¯t overthink it. President Huo seems like a decent man; I doubt there¡¯s any rekindling of old flames.¡±


    After a bit more nagging, Shu Xue left.


    Qiao Xi put on her white coat, ready to start her early rounds as usual. She was Liu Zongyun¡¯s primary physician in room 2121, and inevitably had to pass by room 2122.


    The door was ajar, revealing a sliver of space.


    From inside came Xu Xingluo¡¯s frail voice.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I want some fruit.¡±


    The silhouette shifted, and Qiao Xi saw Huo Xingzhou was still inside the room. Her heart ached inexplicably at the sight.


    Whatever Xu Xingluo said or did, Qiao Xi could disbelieve. Yet now, she saw with her own eyes as Huo Xingzhou truly handed the fruit plate to Xu Xingluo.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, feed me, please,¡± Xu Xingluo pleaded with a delicate, rosy-cheeked face that hardly seemed like that of someone who had attempted suicide.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s breath caught upon hearing her words.


    Just as she was about to push the door open, someone patted her shoulder. Startled, she turned around to find Huo Jiancheng.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Qiao Xi said softly.


    Huo Jiancheng waved his hand, signaling her to follow him.


    Qiao Xi had hardly had any one-on-one interaction with her father-in-law, and their relationship was usually quite formal and respectful. Now that Huo Jiancheng had something to say, she had no choice but to follow him.


    Huo Jiancheng pushed open the hospital¡¯s emergency exit door and walked into the corridor.


    Only then did he begin to speak.

 Chapter 131: 131: I Hope You Get Divorced

    Chapter 131: Chapter 131: I Hope You Get Divorced


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I hope you can divorce Xingzhou.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng looked scholarly and refined, his face bore a three to four points resemblance to Huo Xingzhou, yet he lacked the sharp and cold temperament.


    His words struck her like a sudden clap of thunder.


    Qiao Xi was completely stunned: ¡°Why?¡±


    They all seemed to get along so happily as a family; why would her father-in-law have such a thought?


    ¡°He and Xu Xingluo can¡¯t be separated. Ten years ago, Xingluo saved Huo Xingzhou, and he promised to protect her for life. Without Xu Xingluo, there would be no Huo Xingzhou as he is today.¡±


    These words struck Qiao Xi head-on.


    She spoke hesitantly, ¡°The car accident debt was repaid, one life for another.¡±


    ¡°Their feelings over more than ten years can¡¯t be untangled, she was willing to kill herself for him. The kindness he shows to you, is it romantic love or gratitude for saving his life? If it¡¯s romantic love, how deep could it be in just three months?¡±


    ¡°I am very grateful to you for saving my son, and as compensation, I will give you fifty million. I hope you¡¯ll accept it and sign the divorce agreement.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s head buzzed, and following her instincts, she said, ¡°If he doesn¡¯t propose a divorce, I won¡¯t divorce.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t bear to let go.


    Huo Jiancheng patiently said, ¡°Child, I¡¯m doing this for your own good. If Xu Xingluo dies, can the two of you live peacefully? Besides, my son will definitely marry Xu Xingluo, you believe me!¡±


    He was very certain.


    Qiao Xi felt uneasy inside, why was he so sure?


    Huo Jiancheng emphasized again, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be too hurt, withdraw as soon as possible.¡±


    It was a kind reminder, and not a trace of ulterior motive could be seen in his eyes.


    Qiao Xi bit her lower lip hard, her mind in turmoil: ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Must you hit your head against the south wall before you are willing to turn back?¡± Huo Jiancheng lamented.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes reddened: ¡°If he is the south wall, then I accept that.¡±


    She had never been favored so blatantly; Mr. Huo was the first.


    ¡°Child, you will regret it.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng shook his head, looking at her with pity and regret, ¡°My offer is always valid, the fifty million check is ready for you at any time. Don¡¯t tell Xingzhou about this.¡±


    After that, he left.


    Qiao Xi stood in the corridor for a long time, realizing that not everyone in the Huo Family hoped she and Huo Xingzhou would grow old together.


    Had the father-in-law not said these words, she would have never known his true thoughts.


    What about the mother-in-law and Jiaojiao?


    Deep down, did they also feel she was not a good match for Huo Xingzhou?


    Why was Huo Xingzhou certain to marry Xu Xingluo?


    ...


    When Qiao Xi returned to the hospital ward corridor, Xingzhou was no longer in room 2122. She took the Golden Needles and headed towards room 2121.


    Xu Xingluo opened the door of the hospital room, poked her head out and called to her.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    Her delicate face was tender, breaking into a radiant and bold smile, ¡°Last night, Brother Xingzhou took care of me all night, you don¡¯t mind, do you?¡±


    ¡°He held me while talking to me, and gave me water to drink,¡± Xu Xingluo overflowed with happiness, ¡°He still can¡¯t bear to see me sad.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt as though her blood had turned to ice, a coldness spreading from her limbs to her brain.


    She looked at Xu Xingluo with a cold gaze and asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t you say these things in front of Huo Xingzhou? The photos you posted on the circle of friends, visible to me alone? Do you think being a mistress is something to be proud of?¡±


    ¡°You... you¡¯re the mistress! We had a marriage agreement long ago; you¡¯re the one who came later!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m legally married to him, we are husband and wife. What are you?¡± Qiao Xi said slowly.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face turned red: ¡°You and he will get a divorce sooner or later.¡±


    Qiao Xi scoffed, ¡°With the way you stick to him like a disgusting leech? Since you¡¯re so certain we¡¯ll divorce, why don¡¯t you ask him to bring it up?¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you... your words are too harsh!¡±


    ¡°Xu Xingluo, if the Liu Family still wants me to treat Liu Zongyun, I advise you not to provoke me,¡± Qiao Xi said, her eyes chilling to the bone, threatening.


    Xu Xingluo, as if she had caught onto something, sneered, ¡°You¡¯re a doctor, saving lives and tending to the wounded is your duty! If you don¡¯t treat him, just wait to be drowned in spit.¡±


    Qiao Xi closed in on her, her whole body emitting a cold seriousness.


    A nameless anger surged in her heart.


    ¡°Just because of the high moral standards associated with my profession, I should be taken advantage of by you, time and again? How shameless and devoid of moral principles can you be, for him to actually take an interest in you?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was clear, looking straight at her, ¡°I used to think you were elegant and noble, but now... as the daughter of the Xu Family, you¡¯re truly a letdown.¡±


    Xu Xingluo was rendered speechless by her words, huffing and puffing.


    Qiao Xi gave her a cold look and then turned to enter Liu Zongyun¡¯s ward.


    She calmed her emotions and heard the sound of things being smashed in the next room, her lips twitched slightly. She laid out her needle pack and calmly administered acupuncture to Liu Zongyun.


    The long needle penetrated the skin, and Liu Zongyun¡¯s leg muscles could be seen twitching slightly.


    Qiao Xi suspected she was seeing things.


    She inserted several more needles, each of which caused a minimal tremor.


    Was it a response from his pain nerves?


    Liu Zongyun might retain a slight consciousness, so Qiao Xi rang the bell to call for a nurse and asked for a neurology specialist to consult and determine Liu Zongyun¡¯s specific condition.


    An hour later.


    The neurology specialists arrived and after examination confirmed Liu Zongyun was conscious.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, your judgment is correct. For the following treatment, we would like to participate as well, as this could become a typical case study in our country.¡±


    The human brain is a miraculous thing, a field that has not been completely conquered by medicine.


    Some people in vegetative states just suddenly wake up.


    Qiao Xi said frankly, ¡°Welcome.¡±


    ...


    Late at night.


    A Rolls-Royce stopped outside the small Huo Family villa. Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were tinged with a hint of green, his white shirt unbuttoned at the top, and his body carried a faint smell of alcohol.


    He got out of the car expressionlessly and walked into the villa.


    Chen Xun followed behind him with Huo Xingzhou¡¯s laptop and coat.


    In the living room, Aunt Qian was watching a soap opera, but she stood up hurriedly when she heard them.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, President Huo has had quite a few drinks at a social engagement tonight; please prepare a bowl of Hangover Soup,¡± Chen Xun said.


    ¡°Alright. Why drinking again?¡±


    Aunt Qian turned off the TV, took the coat from Chen Xun, and poured a glass of warm water for Huo Xingzhou.


    Huo Xingzhou took a sip and looked up at the clock on the wall, the hour hand was on twelve.


    It¡¯s late, she must be asleep.


    Aunt Qian reminded him, ¡°Young Master, the Young Madam swapped shifts with someone tonight, said she was on the night shift.¡±


    Shifts in the Acupuncture Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine were already scarce, and Qiao Xi, being capable, had even fewer.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Was it really a shift or was she playing the turtle and hiding her head in the shell?


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s attempted suicide was not a secret. Considering his abrupt departure last night, the little vinegar jar would surely overthink.


    She hadn¡¯t called him all day today.


    ¡°Being a doctor is really hard, working night shifts is tiring, and if you do it for too long, you age prematurely. Young Master, Mr. Chen, shall I make some supper for you too?¡±


    Chen Xun hastily waved his hand, ¡°No need to bother, I¡¯ll be going first.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou called out indifferently, ¡°Wait, come to the study with me.¡±


    Chen Xun felt a surge of anxiety but resignedly followed.

 Chapter 132: 132: High Fever Nightmare

    Chapter 132: Chapter 132: High Fever Nightmare


    In the study.


    Huo Xingzhou sat before his desk, a faint hint of red at the corners of his eyes, lazily leaning back in his office chair.


    On the desk lay a small black object the size of a fingernail¡ªa pinhole camera¡ªChen Xun, with his wide knowledge and experience, recognized it immediately.


    Chen Xun¡¯s forehead broke out in a cold sweat, his body rigid, clueless about what had just happened.


    Huo Xingzhou lifted his eyes, devoid of any warmth, ¡°Chen Xun, would you like to explain, or shall I?¡±


    ¡°President Huo, I¡¯m not sure what you mean.¡±


    ¡°The things you¡¯ve done for Xu Xingluo since returning to Haicheng,¡± Huo Xingzhou said coldly, staring at him. ¡°You know I detest traitors the most. I¡¯m giving you one last chance to come clean.¡±


    A jolt of shock went through Chen Xun¡¯s heart, his blood almost freezing.


    ¡°President Huo, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Chen Xun had thought that if Qiao Xi went easy on him, the matter would be over.


    But he hadn¡¯t anticipated Huo Xingzhou would settle scores after the fact.


    ¡°Go on,¡± he said, dropping his gaze, sounding utterly disinterested.


    Chen Xun straightened himself, his voice trembling as he spoke, ¡°The first time was when Miss Xu wanted to get into Tianyuan Group; I let her through the door. I thought you still had feelings for her.¡±


    ¡°The second time was in Imperial Capital. Young Madam called you, and I deleted the call log. Then I told her you were very busy these days and that she shouldn¡¯t call.¡±


    ¡°Also... I took video of you at the hotel and sent it to Miss Xu. She... she did it on purpose; she sent it to Young Madam, but Young Madam didn¡¯t misunderstand, and she had come to me in private about it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry, President Huo.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou sneered coldly, ¡°You really went out of your way to help Xu Xingluo, driving a wedge between my wife and me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I realize I was wrong,¡± Chen Xun said, head bowed in shame.


    The room was silent for a long time. Chen Xun¡¯s leg muscles ached as he heard Huo Xingzhou say, ¡°And this? Did you install it?¡±


    The man¡¯s slender fingers twirled the tiny camera, his eyes brimming with disgust.


    ¡°Not me!¡± Chen Xun replied urgently, ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything else.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou let out a cold laugh, ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you a chance to redeem yourself. This device was found in the master bedroom, and the images and videos on it are all synced to the other party¡¯s cloud server.¡±


    ¡°Within two days, find Fei Luan, delete every backup, and make sure there¡¯s no leak.¡±


    Chen Xun was internally crying out in despair. The top female hacker Fei Luan had a terrible temper, but President Huo was even more frightening.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll get right on it.¡±


    With a hint of ¡°kindness,¡± Huo Xingzhou reminded him, ¡°If you fail, consider yourself transferred to the Arctic to work on the natural gas project.¡±


    ¡°I will get it done!¡± Chen Xun, thinking of the desolate and frigid Arctic, felt an unprecedented surge of motivation.


    ¡°You may leave.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou slightly closed his eyes, his fingertips massaging the Taiyang Acupoint.


    He hadn¡¯t slept in twenty-four hours, his under eyes tinted with faint dark circles. A slight smell of alcohol lingered on him, fatigue washing over.


    Leaning against the chair back, half-asleep and half-awake, Huo Xingzhou seemed to see the snow cave from ten years ago.


    In the dark, finger-invisible snow cave, a delicate girl warmed him with her body.


    From all the girls on the camping expedition, only Xu Xingluo stayed.


    When he woke up in the hospital, everyone told him it was Xu Xingluo who had saved him. Since then, he had always been more forgiving and special towards her, willing to protect her for life.


    But tonight, in a haze, the face in the snow cave had become that of a young Qiao Xi.


    What did she look like as a young girl? Was she as he imagined?


    ...


    The night passed.


    Early morning screams awoke Huo Xingzhou, who¡¯d spent the night in the study.


    ¡°Young Madam, what are you doing sleeping on the living room floor!¡± Aunt Qian saw her cheeks tinged with an abnormal red, reaching out to touch her forehead.


    She was burning up!


    ¡°Young Madam, wake up,¡± Aunt Qian said, supporting the groggy Qiao Xi, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the room.¡±


    As they reached the corridor, Huo Xingzhou opened the door of his study and asked with furrowed brows, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Young Madam has a fever.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take her,¡± Huo Xingzhou said as he took Qiao Xi from Aunt Qian and deftly picked her up. She felt burning hot to the touch.


    He placed the woman in his arms onto the large bed and called a private doctor to come.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body was burning up, her lips cracked, and the air she exhaled was hot. She opened her eyes weakly to look at the man standing by the bed and hoarsely called out, ¡°Mr. Huo.¡±


    After her shift had ended at four or five in the morning, she felt so exhausted that she fell asleep on the couch.


    And once she slept, she lost consciousness.


    ¡°Drink some warm water,¡± Huo Xingzhou said as he poured her a cup of warm boiled water and brought it to her lips.


    Qiao Xi obediently moved forward and took a few sips, then complained pitifully, ¡°It¡¯s bitter.¡±


    Aunt Qian fetched a thermometer and took her temperature.


    ¡°Oh, 39.2 degrees,¡± she said with hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m not sure what kind of medicine she should take.¡±


    Qiao Xi coughed twice and said with difficulty, ¡°Just fever-reducing medicine will do. It should just be the flu from the hospital, it¡¯s nothing serious.¡± She had been too busy working these past few days and had not taken proper precautions.


    At the change of seasons, such problems easily arise in the summer.


    She instructed Aunt Qian to fetch a particular fever-reducing medicine from the medical kit and swallowed it down with water.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine after some sleep,¡± she said, not so delicate.


    Aunt Qian watched her with concern, feeling distressed.


    She then turned to Huo Xingzhou and said, ¡°Young Master, you should rest in the next room. I can take care of Young Madam here.¡±


    Flu is contagious, after all.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with her. Aunt Qian, please go to the kitchen and make some light porridge and side dishes. She loves pickled cucumbers and sea cabbage, which might help whet her appetite.¡±


    He always had a good memory and kept her preferences in mind.


    After taking the medicine, Qiao Xi drifted in and out of consciousness, not very energetic, and not knowing when she fell asleep. From time to time, she could hear someone whispering by her ear and the door opening and closing.


    It was as if she was in a dream, yet it seemed real.


    Her forehead and palms were burning while her legs felt cold. She curled up under the covers, feeling as though she was covered in snow. She lay on the warm back of a thin, young boy carrying her.


    He had a scent on him that was extremely pleasant.


    ¡°Ah...¡±


    She clenched her eyes shut, wanting to call out to him but found herself trapped in a nightmare.


    The scene shifted, becoming more bizarre.


    She dreamed that everyone close to her had died, leaving her alone in a vast, empty world.


    ¡°Grandma...¡±


    With her face stained with tears, Qiao Xi sobbed and couldn¡¯t wake up.


    ¡°Qiao Xi...¡± Huo Xingzhou gently patted her cheek, ¡°Qiao Xi, wake up.¡±


    He sat by her bed, listening as she mumbled a name unclearly and watching her cry sorrowfully in her dream.


    He didn¡¯t know what she was dreaming of that made her so distressed.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou leaned over, his eyes tender and soothing, ¡°It¡¯s just a dream, you¡¯ll be fine once you wake up.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyelashes were wet, and she stared at him blankly as she opened her eyes.


    Suddenly, she sat up and hugged him tightly, bursting into tears in his arms.


    Huo Xingzhou gently patted her back, again and again.


    Qiao Xi could not stop sobbing as she clutched her heart, feeling a real pain, ¡°Mr. Huo, I dreamed that Grandma had passed away. I have no family left...¡±

 Chapter 133: 133 Little Vinegar Pack, What Can You Understand

    Chapter 133: Chapter 133 Little Vinegar Pack, What Can You Understand


    Huo Xingzhou stroked her disheveled hair, tender and patient as he said, ¡°Dreams are always the opposite.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks pressed against his chest, listening to the strong and powerful heartbeat, she didn¡¯t dare let go.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I saw you in Xu Xingluo¡¯s hospital room yesterday. She asked you to feed her fruit...¡± Her voice was soft and hoarse, seeking an explanation.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t feed her.¡±


    The corners of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth turned down slightly as he said, ¡°Nothing at all. It was Xu Xiuyuan who called me, insisting that I come over because...¡±


    Qiao Xi interrupted him, ¡°I understand, she saved your life before.¡±


    What saddened her was not his midnight visit to Xu Xingluo, but the words Huo Jiancheng said to her. She dared not ask Huo Xingzhou directly, fearing it would affect their father-son relationship.


    ¡°Little jealous girl, what do you understand?¡± Huo Xingzhou laughed, rendered speechless.


    Forget it, it¡¯s still best not to tell her about that, so she wouldn¡¯t have to worry and be frightened while sick.


    ¡°Young Madam, have something to eat,¡± Aunt Qian said as she entered with a tray, on which were four or five small dishes, and a bowl of thick, fragrant white porridge.


    There was even a layer of rice oil on the porridge, which made it look appetizing.


    ¡°This white porridge was specially cooked in a clay pot, sweet and delicious,¡± Aunt Qian said as she placed the tray beside the bed, ¡°Your favorite pickled cucumber, sea kale, I also stir-fried some taro shreds and fresh bean sprouts, all to whet the appetite.¡±


    Her side dishes were top-notch.


    ¡°Just focus on recuperating these few days. The doctor said it was overwork that caused your immunity to drop, leaving you vulnerable to the flu. Director Xu personally granted you a three-day sick leave.¡±


    Feeling embarrassed, Qiao Xi replied, ¡°Thank you, Aunt Qian.¡±


    ¡°Poor child, you¡¯ve suffered,¡± she said as she wiped Qiao Xi¡¯s face with a towel, ¡°You¡¯ve cried yourself into a little calico cat.¡±


    Aunt Qian treated her like her own daughter, pitying her for the early death of her father and her unreliable mother, the young girl advancing step by step through sheer grit. Even the strongest people have their moments of vulnerability.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes welled up with hot tears, breaking into a smile, ¡°I¡¯m not a little calico cat.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Qian, I¡¯ll take care of her. You¡¯ve been working hard for a long time, go rest,¡± Huo Xingzhou insisted.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    If the young couple needs to cultivate their feelings, let them be. If the young master falls sick as well, then Treat it as a holiday.


    Aunt Qian gently closed the door behind her.


    Huo Xingzhou picked up the bowl of white porridge, a hint of a smile on his lips, ¡°I¡¯ll feed you.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face reddened, and suppressing the insecurity in her heart she leaned over to take a sip. Her clear and soft eyes gazed at him, ¡°Have you only fed me?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the case.¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s thin lips parted lightly.


    Qiao Xi felt a tinge of disappointment.


    The man leaned over, covering her red lips with his, his thin, scorching lips parting her teeth.


    In the thick of passion, he said, ¡°Only you have been fed this way.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, it¡¯s contagious...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s bound to be contagious,¡± He couldn¡¯t possibly let her recuperate in this room alone.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s chest heaved as she gasped, pushing him away, ¡°Your phone is ringing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go out to take a call,¡± Huo Xingzhou pulled out his phone and saw it was Chen Xun calling. He stepped away from Qiao Xi.


    He must be calling about the hacker Fei Luan.


    ...


    Qiao Xi watched his retreating figure, the smile on her face slowly fading.


    She clutched her chest, that sense of unease struggling to escape.


    The scenes from her dream vivid in her mind, the thought of her grandmother leaving her made Qiao Xi¡¯s throat turn sour and dry.


    Unable to resist, she pulled out her phone, went through the contacts, and dialed her grandmother¡¯s number.


    The phone rang for a long time, until finally it was answered.


    ¡°Nannan.¡± The familiar address brought tears brimming in Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Grandma, I miss you,¡± Qiao Xi sniffled, suppressing her crying for fear the old woman would hear.


    ¡°Silly child, have you been wronged in Haicheng? Is Xingzhou treating you well? How is the Huo Family treating you?¡± Grandma Qiao¡¯s loving voice came through the phone.


    Qiao Xi covered her lips as the tears began to fall.


    When people are sick, they tend to become fragile and tender.


    ¡°Grandma, Xingzhou has been very good to me, and the people of the Huo Family too. It¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t seen you in a long time.¡± Qiao Xi sniffled and said in a coquettish manner, ¡°I¡¯ll come to see you when I get a break.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re happy, this old bag of bones can rest easy. I always worried that you were all alone with no one to look after you.¡± Grandma Qiao sighed endlessly; her health was poor, and she wouldn¡¯t live for many more years.


    ¡°Grandma, you¡¯ll live to be a hundred years old.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the use of living that long.¡±


    The conversation between grandmother and granddaughter continued for half an hour before they finally ended the call.


    Qiao Xi yawned wearily. Holding her phone, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.


    Meanwhile, in Moon Village.


    Grandma Qiao let out a sigh¡ªshe always felt that the child wasn¡¯t very happy and wondered what was on her mind.


    The shouting of the courier outside interrupted Grandma Qiao¡¯s thoughts.


    ¡°Grandma Qiao, a package from Haicheng!¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡±


    Grandma Qiao walked briskly and collected the package.


    ¡°Grandma Qiao, surely it must be something Qiao Xi sent you again. Your granddaughter has really made something of herself¡ªshe¡¯s quite something now!¡±


    ¡°The child has always been dutiful.¡±


    Grandma Qiao received the envelope and glanced at the sender¡ªit wasn¡¯t Qiao Xi. She didn¡¯t think much of it since Qiao Xi often bought things online to send to her.


    But this time, it was a document.


    It felt square and hard to the touch.


    Grandma Qiao tore open the seal, and inside were a stack of printed photos.


    She drew out the stack of photos with confusion, looking at them one by one.


    She froze, her gaunt fingers trembling.


    Her lips were tightly pursed, her face turning pale and ashen.


    All at once, Grandma Qiao¡¯s spirit seemed to drain away as she crumpled to the ground.


    Her heart ached as if it were being cleaved by a knife. She covered her mouth crying pitifully¡ªher Nannan was not doing well at all in Haicheng.


    No wonder her calls always sounded so aggrieved.


    Who sent these things? What was their purpose?


    She checked the sender again and saw an unfamiliar name.


    Grandma Qiao, with trembling fingers, followed the number of the sender and dialed it.


    On the other end of the line, a younger woman made threats and insults.


    After hearing those words, Grandma Qiao, overcome with rage and panic, fainted.


    ...


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s condition improved, and Tian Tian¡¯s acupuncture sessions were moved to the Huo family¡¯s small villa.


    Tian Tian sat in the second-floor treatment room, holding her right cheek and looking around, ¡°This is where Huo Xingzhou and Sun Weimeng were cured, right? It¡¯s really professional.¡±


    Hopefully, her facial paralysis could be cured too.


    ¡°Lie down,¡± Qiao Xi said, pointing at the bed.


    Tian Tian obediently lay down, feeling nervous as she stared at Qiao Xi who picked up the Golden Needle, ¡°Did you hear about Xingluo¡¯s suicide a few days ago?¡±


    She and Xu Xingluo were good friends, and she couldn¡¯t help but worry about her.


    ¡°I know,¡± Qiao Xi replied indifferently, holding the Golden Needle and choosing acupuncture points near the Sanyinjiao Acupoint, Yingxiang Acupoint, and away from the Sanzuli Acupoint, Fengchi Acupoint.


    As the needle penetrated the skin, Tian Tian hissed in pain.


    It still hurt a little.


    Tian Tian hemmed and hawed, seeming like she had something else to say but hesitating.


    Qiao Xi glanced at her, ¡°If you have something to say, just say it.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll say it, but please don¡¯t get angry!¡±

 Chapter 134: 134: As a Mother, So Is Her Resolve

    Chapter 134: Chapter 134: As a Mother, So Is Her Resolve


    ¡°You tell me.¡±


    Qiao Xi stabbed the Golden Needle down, her brisk and efficient manner sending shivers down Tian Tian¡¯s spine.


    Her voice trembling, she said, ¡°If Xingluo threatens you with her death, would you divorce Huo Xingzhou?¡±


    Tian Tian, caught in the middle, was like an indecisive reed swaying to and fro. She was good friends with Xu Xingluo for many years and also relied on Qiao Xi¡¯s medical skills.


    ¡°Did Xu Xingluo ask you to come here with these questions?¡± Qiao Xi asked calmly.


    Tian Tian bowed her head in shame and said, ¡°I¡¯m asking for myself. Xingluo has severe depression; she can¡¯t live without Huo Xingzhou. That¡¯s her obsession, and I¡¯m afraid of losing her...¡±


    Qiao Xi sometimes truly envied Xu Xingluo.


    She had friends who would risk their lives for her.


    She had family members who cherished her like treasure.


    And she had memories with Huo Xingzhou from their youth.


    Qiao Xi said coldly, ¡°On what grounds do you think her death could threaten me? Because I¡¯m a doctor, you all think you can force my hand with your lives?¡±


    ¡°Tian Tian, even if ten Xu Xingluos died in front of me, I wouldn¡¯t divorce Huo Xingzhou because of her,¡± Qiao Xi declared.


    Tian Tian said sorrowfully, ¡°I understand. Actually, that¡¯s what Xingluo said too. She also mentioned that there are some things at the Huo Family home that she hopes I could retrieve for her as a final memento.¡±


    When Xu Xingluo spoke of it, she had instructed Tian Tian not to mention it if Huo Xingzhou was at home.


    But when she arrived at the Huo Family home, Huo Xingzhou wasn¡¯t there, only Qiao Xi. Perhaps Qiao Xi was easier to talk to than Huo Xingzhou.


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and said, ¡°What are they? I¡¯ll go get them.¡±


    ¡°In the art studio on the top floor, there¡¯s a box with some items inside, on the lowest shelf of the standing cabinet,¡± said Tian Tian, her gaze darting around, ¡°maybe I should get it instead? It¡¯s not good for you to see those kinds of things.¡±


    Qiao Xi glanced at her indifferently and stepped out of the treatment room, heading to the art studio on the top floor.


    She gently pushed open the door of the art studio, having already formed a guess in her mind.


    Qiao Xi opened the standing cabinet and saw a box. Hesitantly, she lifted the lid, revealing a stack of sketches within.


    Life drawings.


    The woman in the sketches was striking provocative poses, naked, her sexuality laid bare.


    Sketches viewed from every angle, the details vividly rendered.


    Side views, front views, back views.


    The subject was Xu Xingluo.


    Qiao Xi recalled stumbling upon that blurry sketch in the studio long ago, wondering if it was of a plaster model or a real person.


    It turned out, it was all Xu Xingluo.


    Why were there life drawings of Xu Xingluo in Huo Xingzhou¡¯s art studio?


    Qiao Xi felt a chill in her heart, as if her living heart was being tightly bound by a tenacious thread, tearing apart.


    She bit her tongue, tasting the metallic sweetness, barely maintaining her composure.


    Qiao Xi carefully arranged all the sketches and brought them downstairs to Tian Tian.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯m sorry. Xingluo is hospitalized, so I could only come to get them,¡± Tian Tian said with guilt, ¡°You saw them, right? That¡¯s all in their past.¡±


    ¡°Tian Tian.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her, her eyes cold as ice, ¡°Have you ever considered why she specifically asked you to retrieve them? And why were you the one to come forward last time at Longtan Township? Who¡¯s the beneficiary, and who¡¯s the victim?¡±


    Xu Xingluo was like a maggot in one¡¯s flesh, disgusting and relentless.


    She just wouldn¡¯t let her have peace of mind.


    Tian Tian was taken aback. Simple-minded and impulsive, she truly hadn¡¯t thought that much.


    ¡°Don¡¯t always let yourself be used by others; go back,¡± said Qiao Xi wearily.


    She really felt sickened by Xu Xingluo¡¯s manipulation, even though she kept telling herself that it was all in the past. Perhaps this was just another of Xu Xingluo¡¯s schemes.


    But she couldn¡¯t help the retching, the nausea was overwhelming!


    Tian Tian looked at her worriedly, then left with a few drawings in her arms, her mind clouded with thoughts of Qiao Xi¡¯s words.


    Could it be that her good friend had always been using her? Her mother had also told her to stay away from Xu Xingluo.


    After Tian Tian left.


    Qiao Xi sat alone in the studio for a long time.


    She couldn¡¯t stop wondering what Xu Xingluo and Huo Xingzhou had done in this very studio. Aunt Qian said his painting skills were superb, and Xu Xingluo used to come here to play often as a child.


    Was there ever a moment when they gave in to their budding emotions, stealing forbidden fruit?


    Qiao Xi thought, she wasn¡¯t as magnanimous as she had believed.


    Her phone¡¯s ringtone interrupted her thoughts. She answered the call and, frantic, said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be right there.¡±


    Qiao Xi hurried downstairs.


    ...


    Haicheng City Hospital Orthopedic Inpatient Department.


    An elderly woman with greying hair and a frail body leaned back on the bed. Her right leg was abraded, the knee raw and bloody.


    Grandma Qiao looked gratefully at the elegant and dignified woman before her, ¡°Madam, you are truly kind, I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±


    While speaking, Qiao Xi ran in out of breath, ¡°Grandma, are you alright? What suddenly brought you to Haicheng?¡±


    ¡°Nannan said she missed me, so I came to see you,¡± Grandma Qiao said with tears in her eyes, offering reassurance, ¡°The doctor said it¡¯s just a minor abrasion. I¡¯ll be better after a couple of days of rest. It¡¯s all thanks to this kind madam that I was brought to the hospital.¡±


    Qiao Xi turned her head to look at the woman in the corner of the room.


    Liu Huimin, with an innocent smile, said, ¡°Dr. Qiao, if you don¡¯t mind, could we go out and talk for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Qiao Xi.


    Grandma Qiao, puzzled, said, ¡°You know each other? What a coincidence, you even look a little alike.¡±


    Qiao Xi explained, ¡°She¡¯s a patient¡¯s relative from the hospital, we¡¯ve met a few times. Grandma, you should lie down and not move around.¡±


    She looked at Liu Huimin and said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk outside.¡±


    Liu Huimin lifted her skirt elegantly and followed her out the door.


    In the corridor of the high-end ward, it was very quiet, with hardly anyone coming and going.


    The sweat on Qiao Xi¡¯s forehead emerged as fine beads, and her soft hair stuck to her cheeks, making her look very docile.


    Liu Huimin stared at her for a good while before putting on the airs of a lady and said, ¡°It seems your grandma is your weak spot. But next time, you may not be so lucky.¡±


    Qiao Xi suddenly looked up, her gaze icy, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Liu Huimin stared into her almond-shaped eyes, heart hardened, and said, ¡°Xingluo is my daughter, and a mother is naturally protective. You may not understand, a mother is willing to sacrifice everything for her daughter.¡±


    ¡°Being the daughter of Zhao Yuzhen, you¡¯ve probably never tasted the feeling of being doted on, have you?¡±


    Liu Huimin added with a smirk, ¡°Dr. Qiao, I don¡¯t really want to make things difficult for you. Just divorce Huo Xingzhou, and I¡¯ll meet your demands.¡±


    The same old divorce.


    Qiao Xi stared at her fiercely, ¡°So my grandmother¡¯s injury, you did that? What does a human life mean to you?¡±


    At this point, how could she not know that her grandmother¡¯s injury was orchestrated by the woman before her.


    And she still hypocritically played the good person in front of her grandmother.


    Liu Huimin smiled radiantly, ¡°Dr. Qiao, you can¡¯t just say anything. I¡¯m the good Samaritan who brought your grandma to the hospital, don¡¯t make unfounded speculations.¡±


    Qiao Xi enunciated each word, ¡°Mrs. Xu, Liu Zongyun is still in my hands.¡±

 Chapter 135: 135 I Resign, I Quit

    Chapter 135: Chapter 135 I Resign, I Quit


    Liu Huimin laughed gently, ¡°He¡¯s been admitted to the hospital, and you¡¯re the attending physician. How could you afford to recklessly endanger a life? Aren¡¯t you afraid of tarnishing the reputation of a National Doctor?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body was tense as she said, ¡°You signed a disclaimer agreement.¡±


    The smile on Liu Huimin¡¯s face grew even more intense as she looked at Qiao Xi with pity, ¡°My girl, I have a good eye for people. You are kind-hearted and would never make a joke out of someone¡¯s life. I¡¯ve heard that my second brother is showing signs of improvement, thank you for that.¡±


    Actually, Liu Huimin had a high regard for Qiao Xi, if only she weren¡¯t Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wife.


    Thinking of her daughter washing her face with tears all day, she had to get Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou to divorce, to set everything back on the right track.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes reddened, her fingers trembling.


    Kindness and morality had also become a knife that stabbed into her body.


    Liu Huimin knew when to stop, ¡°Think it over and contact me when you¡¯re ready. You¡¯ve never seen how the rich deal with trouble, stay in your own class.¡±


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and suddenly laughed.


    She looked deeply at Liu Huimin, wanting to be willful just this once.


    ¡°I resign, I¡¯m not doing this anymore!¡±


    Liu Huimin¡¯s expression changed instantly.


    Qiao Xi laughed with red eyes, moisture brimming at their base as she said, ¡°You forced me to take on patients through hospital procedures, then I won¡¯t stay at this hospital. You¡¯d better find someone more capable!¡±


    She staked her career and faced Liu Huimin with defiance.


    ¡°You...¡± Liu Huimin¡¯s face turned pale.


    ¡°Madam Xu, I haven¡¯t experienced your wealthy people¡¯s tactics. But I¡¯m not someone who repays evil with kindness, you¡¯ve overestimated me.¡±


    She usually appeared gentle and easy to bully, but once someone touched her bottom line, she would fight back fiercely.


    Blunt and reckless resistance sometimes cost her enemies dearly.


    Her vulnerability was also her armor, thorny at that.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have touched my grandmother.¡±


    Qiao Xi turned and entered the ward, slamming the door shut with a bang.


    Liu Huimin was left outside, flustered, her face alternating between red and pale.


    Inside the ward.


    ¡°Grandma.¡±


    Qiao Xi approached the old woman¡¯s bed and, seeing the blood in the IV tube on her hand, said, ¡°Why are you moving around!¡±


    Grandma Qiao pursed her lips and shook her head, ¡°I didn¡¯t move, I didn¡¯t move.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her emaciated figure and said, ¡°You¡¯ve lost weight again, you don¡¯t listen when I tell you to eat properly.¡±


    Her eyes reddened, and she started crying, hugging the old woman, ¡°You really don¡¯t listen; I would have come back to see you when I had time. Why on earth did you come to Haicheng.¡±


    If she hadn¡¯t come, she wouldn¡¯t have gotten hurt.


    Grandma Qiao¡¯s voice was hoarse with emotion, ¡°I wanted to bring you some fruits and vegetables from home, but sadly they all got crushed by the truck.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t lack that little bit of food. It¡¯s such a hassle to bring them all the way here,¡± Qiao Xi cried even harder as she spoke.


    Grandma Qiao gently patted her back, ¡°I am getting old, I won¡¯t be able to farm much longer.¡±


    Her days were numbered.


    She tentatively asked, ¡°What about Xingzhou?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s at work, very busy these days.¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you two still getting along well?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded and said they were.


    ¡°Mr. Huo is particularly good to me, protecting and pampering me,¡± Qiao Xi emphasized again, ¡°Very good.¡±


    Grandma Qiao nodded, and she silently sighed, resolving to find an opportunity to ask Mr. Huo about it later.


    Qiao Xi sniffled, reminded of her bold declarations just moments ago, and said, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m going to step out for a bit. I¡¯ll be back soon, just rest easy.¡±


    ...


    Qiao Xi walked to the hospital director¡¯s office and hesitated before knocking on the door.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    Qiao Xi pushed the door open and walked in slowly.


    When Xu Xiuyuan saw her, a slight smile curled up at the corner of his mouth, ¡°Looking for me? Have some water, sit down and talk.¡±


    He poured a cup of warm water and handed it to Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Qiao Xi said with a hoarse voice, sitting on the sofa, her apricot eyes slightly swollen.


    Xu Xiuyuan chose his words carefully before asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up, her eyes red with blood vessels visible, and said, ¡°Director Xu, I want to resign.¡±


    ¡°Why? Our hospital has been channeling resources towards you, planning to cultivate you into a renowned doctor. Don¡¯t you want to become someone like Cheng Han?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up and said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t quite understand. It was the Liu Family and the Xu Family who begged me to save someone, so how can they still threaten me with such arrogance to get a divorce?¡±


    She had a lot of grievances and resentment in her heart.


    Xu Xiuyuan suddenly understood, feeling a surge of guilt at the bottom of his heart.


    He pushed his gold-rimmed glasses and said, ¡°Did my mother cause you trouble? I¡¯m very sorry, I will restrain her. Xingluo attempted suicide; she¡¯s emotionally unstable.¡±


    ¡°Suicide? The kind of shallow scar that allows posting on social media lively the very next day?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mind flashed with the image of her grandmother¡¯s bloody, mangled knees, her tone indignant.


    ¡°What social media?¡± Xu Xiuyuan asked.


    Qiao Xi took out her phone, opened it, and threw the phone in front of Xu Xiuyuan.


    Upon seeing it, Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s pupils shrank, clearly understanding that Xu Xingluo had blocked them, and this was a provocation towards Qiao Xi.


    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault that day,¡± Xu Xiuyuan explained, ¡°Initially, Huo Xingzhou did not want to come, but I called him. Nothing happened between them; I stayed in the ward the whole time.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan hesitated, as Huo Xingzhou had forbidden him to speak of a certain matter, and he could only swallow his words.


    He could never have imagined Xu Xingluo would resort to such vile tactics, maybe she had gone crazy. To dare to install surveillance in the Huo Family home and threaten Huo Xingzhou with a private video.


    ¡°Nothing happened? Feeding food? Feeding fruit?¡± She had heard it with her own ears.


    Hearing her words full of jealousy, Xu Xiuyuan knew she had witnessed the scene. He said with a smile, ¡°Huo Xingzhou said, if you don¡¯t have hands to eat with, then don¡¯t eat. My wife is a little jealous pot. So the food and fruit were thrown into the trash.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks turned red, utterly embarrassed.


    ¡°I am Xu Xingluo¡¯s brother, but I won¡¯t blindly take her side. You and Huo Xingzhou are husband and wife, and her behavior is unethical. Qiao Xi, not everyone is blind and heartless.¡±


    Xu Xiuyuan was a man seemingly cold on the outside but warm on the inside, always gentle and polite.


    Qiao Xi moistened her dry lips and said, ¡°Director Xu, you speak very kindly. But I still want to resign, and it¡¯s not out of impulse or revenge.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to be threatened anymore, didn¡¯t want to follow the routine.


    Traditional Chinese medicine shouldn¡¯t be confined to hospitals and should be appropriately passed on. Since she already had her medical practice license and was a member of the Haicheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, it was time for her to fulfill her own desires.


    Xu Xiuyuan could not hide his disappointment, ¡°Think it over for a few more days. If you are still as determined next time, I will approve it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi replied softly.


    Perhaps she should also be thankful to Liu Huimin for giving her the courage to make this decision.


    She walked out of the director¡¯s office and saw Shu Xue in the corridor.


    Shu Xue raised the car keys in her hand and said, ¡°I¡¯m off work. You seem down, let me take you to a nice place.¡±


    ¡°My grandmother...¡± Qiao Xi wanted to refuse.


    Shu Xue wrapped an arm around her waist and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve arranged a caregiver for you. Two hundred and twenty a day, absolutely reliable. Your grandmother agreed to let me take you out to have fun, her injury isn¡¯t serious.¡±


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Qiao Xi asked reluctantly.


    Shu Xue smiled mysteriously and played coy, ¡°You¡¯ll know when we get there.¡±

 Chapter 136: 136: Oh, My Husband Is Here

    Chapter 136: Chapter 136: Oh, My Husband Is Here


    Shu Xue drove her modest sedan priced over a hundred thousand directly to their destination.


    Qiao Xi sat beside her, watching her closely.


    Shu Xue laughed and asked, ¡°What? Falling for me?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head, ¡°I really envy you. You have a complete family, spoiled since childhood. A respectable job and pretty good material conditions.¡±


    Shu Xue cursed playfully, ¡°You¡¯re doing a Versailles. Madam President of Tianyuan Group, envying an ordinary person like me.¡±


    ¡°You live life in full color.¡± Qiao Xi was sincere.


    There were many things about Shu Xue that she envied.


    ¡°Then follow your sister, I¡¯ll take you to enjoy a fabulous nightlife. Men have to socialize, and women should go out too, don¡¯t be old-fashioned all the time. Also... don¡¯t be too concerned about men, it leads to unhappiness.¡±


    Shu Xue had her own logic, ¡°Pleasure yourself first, if there¡¯s extra energy then please your husband. Men like the push and pull, they don¡¯t appreciate what comes too easily.¡±


    ¡°Twisted logic.¡± Qiao Xi protested cutely.


    Shu Xue smiled til her eyes curved, ¡°This is the truth earned from numerous battles, how could it be twisted or heretical!¡±


    Shu Xue hit the brakes and parked the car in a tight spot, ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    Qiao Xi got out of the car, her ears met with boisterous vibrations.


    The bustling nightlife was effervescent with lights and the smell of alcohol and perfume filled the air, while the rhythmic beat of drums spilled out of the door.


    ¡°A bar?¡± Qiao Xi stepped back, ¡°How will we drive after drinking?¡±


    ¡°You really are a good girl. Just book a designated driver. Qiao Xi, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never been to one?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head.


    ¡°Let me show you the world. Bars aren¡¯t as chaotic as you think. This one has my favorite band performing live, it¡¯s fun to drink, listen to music, and sometimes chat with strangers after work.¡±


    Shu Xue took her hand and led her inside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to get you home by ten o¡¯clock.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi walked into the bar, greeted by pleasing and rhythmic tunes, it looked clean and comfortable.


    Shu Xue was clearly a regular, led to a booth where the waiter immediately served her a dozen beers and a White Lady.


    ¡°White Lady is a lemon cocktail, sour and sweet. You should like it.¡±


    She stretched out, sinking comfortably into the sofa of the booth.


    ¡°Joyful!¡±


    Qiao Xi, following her lead, relaxed and took a gentle sip, as her taste buds tingled with pleasure. She gulped down the whole cocktail and felt a slight burn.


    It was as if her nerves were also aroused, and she loosened up.


    ¡°Feels good, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Shu Xue asked.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Qiao Xi curled up like a cat in the booth.


    The two beautiful women without male company attracted attention. Several young men nudged each other to get their WeChat, but were politely turned down. They did not persist.


    Qiao Xi listened to the music, sipping on the sweet drink, feeling light and airy.


    She didn¡¯t know how many she¡¯d had, but she felt like she was walking on clouds, soft and indulgent.


    Suddenly, Shu Xue pointed to a corner and said, ¡°Just looking at his back, he¡¯s a top-tier handsome guy.¡±


    She stretched out her finger, tracing in the air, ¡°Smooth side profile, probably works out. Broad shoulders, slim waist, long legs... and beautiful hands.¡±


    Curious, Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Why do you call it a ¡®male dog waist¡¯?¡±


    Shu Xue smirked suggestively, whispering an explanation in her ear. Qiao Xi flushed red and smacked her lightly.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, that¡¯s a top-tier handsome man! He¡¯s got high standards. In just twenty minutes, five or six girls have tried chatting him up and none could sit down. I¡¯m really curious what his face looks like.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go over and take a look?¡± Qiao Xi said, her eyes hazy with the alcohol. These cocktails were truly intoxicating, fiercer than the medicinal liquor back home.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go over.¡±


    Shu Xue put down her glass and sauntered over. However, the handsome guy stood up and headed to the washroom¡ªa real mood killer!


    Shu Xue sat in his seat out of boredom, waiting for the hunk to return.


    In the restroom.


    Zhou Yu held his cell phone and loudly said, ¡°It¡¯s an emergency! Huo Er, your wife is drinking in the bar!¡±


    ¡°Hurry up! In ten minutes, there have already been three or four men who approached her, and she seems to have drunk quite a bit!¡± Qiao Xi had bodyguards around her originally, but she disliked it and could only have them withdrawn.


    Zhou Yu ended the call and loosened his shirt collar.


    He¡¯d hoped to have a romantic encounter after work, but who would have thought he¡¯d run into Qiao Xi in a bar.


    The odds were lower than winning the lottery!


    Zhou Yu sobered up a bit and upon leaving the restroom, saw that his seat was taken, and by the girl who was with Sister-in-law.


    They had met once at the hospital, but he didn¡¯t have a deep impression of her.


    ¡°Handsome, can I add your WeChat?¡± Shu Xue looked up and asked with a smile brimming on her face.


    Zhou Yu pretended to be indifferent and said, ¡°I¡¯m a decent person, I don¡¯t just add any girl¡¯s WeChat.¡±


    Shu Xue was even more impressed by him, and finding him familiar, she asked, ¡°Have we met somewhere before?¡±


    Zhou Yu saw that she didn¡¯t recognize him and playfully said, ¡°Your pickup line is so cliche?, even ¡®Dream of the Red Chamber¡¯ is more fashionable than you.¡±


    Shu Xue was hurt by the hunk¡¯s indifference and sadly returned to their booth, hugging Qiao Xi and wailing, ¡°He didn¡¯t give me any face at all! Then why does he keep looking at us?¡±


    On hearing this, Qiao Xi looked up. She just happened to meet Zhou Yu¡¯s face.


    ¡°Zhou Yu?¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, what a coincidence,¡± Zhou Yu said mockingly as he approached.


    Qiao Xi, holding a drink, slurred her words as she interrogated, ¡°Zhou Yu, why won¡¯t you add Shu Xue¡¯s WeChat?¡±


    She was obviously drunk but still had some awareness left.


    Shu Xue was stunned, ¡°He¡¯s Zhou Yu? The one who always brings toys from ¡®Taotao Le¡¯ to you guys?¡±


    Zhou Yu pointed to the pure and innocent nurse and asked, ¡°She¡¯s the Shu Xue who sends you USB drives and ¡®battle gowns¡¯?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded obediently, ¡°Yeah. You guys always send such strange things...¡±


    She let out a light burp, exhaling a breath reeking of alcohol.


    Zhou Yu and Shu Xue exchanged a look, each noticing the peculiarity in the other¡¯s eyes. Qiao Xi, oblivious to the undercurrents, pulled them both to sit down and said, ¡°Come on, drink.¡±


    Zhou Yu suggested, ¡°Sister-in-law, drink less.¡±


    Qiao Xi muttered, ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡±


    Alcohol made people forget their troubles and act recklessly.


    Suddenly, the stage lights focused on Qiao Xi¡¯s face, and she squinted her eyes.


    The sound system carried the voice of a young boy, ¡°The next song goes out to the girl at table 12 in the white dress.¡±


    Qiao Xi was dazed, reacting half a beat too slow.


    The band¡¯s lead singer, looking handsome and wild, held the microphone and stepped towards Qiao Xi, his voice magnetic and pleasant. In his affectionate eyes, he gazed deeply at her.


    Under the spotlight of the crowd, he finally reached her and extended his hand, inviting her.


    ¡°May I have a way to contact you?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him, struggling to recognize, ¡°I... don¡¯t know you.¡±


    ¡°You will after tonight, I¡¯ve fallen for you at first sight.¡±


    What first sight, men and their tall tales!


    Zhou Yu reached out to stop them, but the bar crowd¡¯s cheering was too much. They surrounded Qiao Xi and the lead singer, excited for a thrillingly romantic night to unfold.


    Qiao Xi frowned and said, ¡°I have a husband.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so young, where would you get a husband?¡± the lead singer countered.


    Qiao Xi swayed a bit, pointing with her fair finger towards the bar entrance, ¡°Look, my husband is here.¡±

 Chapter 137: 137: She took off her clothes, begging him to paint

    Chapter 137: Chapter 137: She took off her clothes, begging him to paint


    The crowd was like a woven tapestry.


    The lights were dazzling.


    Through the layers of people, Huo Xingzhou exuded a biting chill. Old Chen, the driver, parted the crowd, and the man approached Qiao Xi expressionlessly, wrapping his arm around her waist.


    His icy eyes fixed on the band¡¯s lead singer, his thin lips parted slightly, ¡°I am her husband, any problem?¡±


    ¡°No...¡±


    The young man lacked confidence, thoroughly overwhelmed.


    Qiao Xi leaned into his embrace, her body reeking of alcohol, ¡°Husband... I¡¯m married.¡± Her hands roamed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s body without any rhyme or reason.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t mess around,¡± Huo Xingzhou warned, shedding his coat into Old Chen¡¯s hands, slowly unbuttoning his white shirt and rolling up his sleeves to reveal his muscular arms.


    A wave of sexual tension rolled in.


    He hoisted Qiao Xi up, and she protested, shouting, ¡°Drink! Shu Xue drinks!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s palm patted her backside gently, then he looked towards the band¡¯s lead singer, ¡°Still want to add contact information? You can add mine.¡±


    The band¡¯s lead singer hastily shook his head, ¡°Big brother, please go ahead. I didn¡¯t recognize the great man before me!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou withdrew his gaze, carrying the petite figure away from the bar.


    ¡°So handsome!¡±


    Shu Xue¡¯s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkled as she spoke.


    In her mind was a mess of yellow material, ¡°Aiya, Qiao Xi is going to get it tonight and won¡¯t be able to get out of bed.¡±


    Zhou Yu commented next to her with a faint voice, ¡°You sound very experienced?¡±


    His features were handsome and beautiful, his deep blue eyes even more captivating. With a striking figure and face, he was like a flamboyant butterfly.


    Shu Xue found herself entranced by his profound eyes all of a sudden.


    As if thunder had met with fire, one seeking an affair, the other amusement, and they found themselves compatible at a glance.


    ¡°Handsome, I have some 3D movies at home. Want to watch them together?¡± she boldly asked, influenced by the alcohol.


    Zhou Yu hummed with a laugh, his eyes deeper, ¡°Coincidentally, I have a wall of little toys, want to give them a try?¡± His fingers traced her back, teasing her.


    Unable to contain herself, Shu Xue responded with a tender voice, ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try then.¡±


    Hormones surged, and Zhou Yu kissed her cheek. Shu Xue curved her lips, not to be outdone.


    Their passion was overwhelming, and they couldn¡¯t stop.


    They were both skilled at kissing, lost in each other. Zhou Yu was pleasantly surprised to find a woman who matched him so well.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to my place,¡± he said.


    Shu Xue, panting, shook her head, ¡°I have to work tomorrow, let¡¯s go to my place.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Zhou Yu accommodatingly fulfilled the office worker¡¯s request, kissing her passionately as they left the bar.


    ...


    The Huo Family residence.


    Huo Xingzhou carried Qiao Xi out of the car, and she struggled uncooperatively, crying and shouting for more alcohol.


    ¡°Shh, Aunt Qian is asleep,¡± Huo Xingzhou whispered, ¡°Be good, let¡¯s go to the bedroom first.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face was flushed, and she blinked, ¡°I want to go to the studio! I want to go!¡±


    She was drunk and very unreasonable! Maybe she was used to being obedient normally, but now her true self was released after the alcohol.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you there.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave in and carried her to the top-floor studio.


    Once in the studio, Qiao Xi pushed Huo Xingzhou away. She stumbled as she tugged at her clothes, the zipper of her dress was at the back. No matter what she did, she couldn¡¯t reach it and, in frustration, tore at her neckline.


    Her shoulders were half exposed.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, what are you doing?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked in a low voice.


    ¡°Painting!¡±


    She was acting out of jealousy.


    With a rip, the fabric tore, and she pulled off a big piece of the dress, ¡°Paint me!¡±


    Why should Xu Xingluo have what she didn¡¯t!


    ¡°Where do you want to paint?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked with a helpless chuckle, standing in the flickering light, his arms folded as he watched her throw a drunken tantrum.


    ¡°Paint on my body.¡±


    She spoke softly, still sounding petulant.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s breathing paused and his eyes darkened, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    He hadn¡¯t picked up a paintbrush since he was ten.


    ¡°Of course!¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes were red with tears as she cried out, ¡°Do you only want to paint Xu Xingluo? I saw everything!¡±


    Her tears rolled down one by one, her crying figure pitiful to behold.


    Her voice, tremulous with sobs, accused, ¡°Right here, you painted so many of her, all without clothes! She even had Tian Tian come to get them, just to embarrass me!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I hate you.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze was deep and dark, his voice icy, ¡°I have never painted any other woman nude.¡±


    It seemed that Xu Xingluo hadn¡¯t just planted pinhole cameras in the bedroom to capture Qiao Xi changing into a lace sling dress, but had also placed something inappropriate in the studio, secretly doing disgusting, shady things.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying! You did paint, and I want it too!¡±


    Qiao Xi let her emotions run wild, crying heartbreakingly. She loved Huo Xingzhou so much, yet so many people around them didn¡¯t want them to be together.


    She had been holding back so much grievances, all of which she unleashed tonight.


    Qiao Xi stripped off her tattered dress completely and pointed at her butt, ¡°Paint right here! Paint!¡±


    She was being capricious and domineering, but Huo Xingzhou couldn¡¯t bear to scold her and found her incredibly adorable.


    He reached out to take her wrist, ¡°Don¡¯t take it off, you¡¯ll be naked.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s be naked!¡± She was defiant.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯ve never painted anyone else,¡± Huo Xingzhou earnestly explained.


    Then he remembered, she wouldn¡¯t recall anything after waking up from her drunken stupor.


    Speaking was pointless.


    Qiao Xi grabbed a thick black marker and stubbornly pushed it into his hand, ¡°Paint! Right here!¡±


    She pointed at her own butt.


    ¡°Why does it have to be there?¡± Huo Xingzhou glanced at the smooth, pale skin, inquiring.


    ¡°Because in the village, they stamp the pigs right here.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s body was softening, almost leaning into his embrace as she spouted nonsense.


    Huo Xingzhou looked down to see a vision of spring.


    If she remembered tonight after sobering up, she would be mortified to death. Having stripped herself bare, demanding a man to paint on her body.


    This was so unlike the conservative girl he knew.


    Huo Xingzhou removed the cap from the pen and tossed it aside, the thick black marker now touching the base of her spine. The cold sensation made Qiao Xi shiver, a ticklish touch.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, did you really... never paint Xu Xingluo?¡± Her apricot eyes were hazy with drunkenness as she continued to cling to the question.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice was hoarse, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Tell me again tomorrow, okay? I¡¯ll forget it,¡± Qiao Xi, reeking of alcohol, pleaded while lying on his chest.


    ¡°You won¡¯t forget,¡± he responded.


    He wouldn¡¯t let her forget about tonight.


    Huo Xingzhou picked her up, her silky smooth skin a test of his self-control to not devour her then and there. This time, she had stripped herself completely.


    He carried her to the tatami area designated for rest and laid her down.


    Qiao Xi closed her eyes but did not forget to murmur, ¡°Make it a good one.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou, obliging her, drew a circle on her pale backside with the marker.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡± Qiao Xi lay there restlessly, ¡°You... Ayi...¡±


    Ayi?


    It was the first time Huo Xingzhou heard this name clearly. Was it a man or a woman?


    He had no idea who was causing her such concern.


    She would call for Ayi when sick, when drunk, sometimes even in her sleep, uttering the name in a blurred voice.

 Chapter 138: 138: Qiao Xi Gets Drunk, Charming and Coquettish

    Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Qiao Xi Gets Drunk, Charming and Coquettish


    Qiao Xi slept soundly on the tatami, her long hair draping onto her skin, barely covering the important parts.


    It was tantalizingly indistinct.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were deep as they swept over her.


    She had drunk alcohol, and her skin was flushed with a delicate pink. For some reason, he thought of the phrase ¡°spring sleep under begonia trees, voluptuous and charming.¡±


    He caught sight of the most depraved and persistent desire deep within his heart, an uncontrollable craving.


    He lowered his eyelashes and took out a sketchpad he hadn¡¯t used in years from the cabinet, his slender fingers holding a pen. Smooth lines fell onto the paper...


    His body was burning hot, unbearable.


    He scrutinized every inch of her skin with his sharp gaze, every different shade, every detail deeply imprinted in his mind.


    Those things he hadn¡¯t done in reality were repeated over and over again under his lingering and invasive gaze.


    The night deepened.


    The ¡°shasha¡± sound of the pencil tip rubbing against the sketch paper stopped.


    Huo Xingzhou covered Qiao Xi with a blanket, and slowly walked out of the studio to answer his vibrating phone.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°President Huo, it¡¯s me, Chen Xun.¡± Chen Xun had been searching day and night and finally convinced ¡°Fei Luan¡± to hack into the network and delete those photos and videos.


    Perhaps President Huo went through the trouble of finding a female hacker because of his possessive desire for the Young Madam.


    ¡°Fei Luan has deleted all backup videos. But she discovered that the files had traces of being copied and printed; they have already been leaked.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression darkened, ¡°Traces of copying?¡±


    Chen Xun hurriedly declared his loyalty, ¡°I¡¯ve already followed the clues and am on the trail. I believe we will find it soon.¡±


    ¡°Mmh.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou responded indifferently.


    He had just hung up the phone when he received a new message alert with a ¡°dingdong¡± on his phone. He switched to the green app, where Xu Xingluo had sent him a photo.


    He opened it.


    In the chat box appeared a photo of someone in revealing sleepwear, translucent and quite seductive. Only, the chest was not full enough to exude a sexy charm.


    Xu Xingluo: Brother Xingzhou, do you think this nightgown looks good on me?


    Huo Xingzhou regarded it coldly.


    Dingdong!


    Dingdong!


    Xu Xingluo then sent several more photos of her long legs and chest, barely squeezed to create cleavage, full of a worldly air.


    Huo Xingzhou coldly saved the pictures and warned,


    ¡°The photos and videos recorded by the pinhole camera have been erased by someone I found. Don¡¯t use this method again, or don¡¯t blame me for pursuing it to the end. Also, hand over the photos you¡¯ve copied and printed, or else your pictures will be hung in Haicheng¡¯s largest mall.¡±


    Block, delete friend.


    ...


    In the Xu Family, inside the Princess room.


    Upon reading Huo Xingzhou¡¯s words, Xu Xingluo was anxious to explain but saw a red exclamation mark instead.


    The other party is no longer your friend.


    Brother Xingzhou had deleted her!


    Xu Xingluo stomped her feet in anger. She began to check the backups of videos and photos on her phone, only to find they had vanished into thin air.


    She nervously picked at her nails. She had sent the printed photos to the old lady in the countryside; where was she to find them now.


    Jealousy crazed her heart. Why did Brother Xingzhou like a country girl!


    She bit her hand, anxious and angry, when suddenly the villa¡¯s hall erupted in fierce quarreling and the sound of things being smashed startled Xu Xingluo.


    Clutching her phone, Xu Xingluo pushed open the door of her room and crouched at the corner of the second floor to eavesdrop.


    In the living room, the atmosphere was as tense as a drawn bow.


    Liu Qiushuang wielded her cane, lashing out at Liu Huimin in agony, ¡°Fool! You really are a fool! Your second brother was just starting to get better, and you forced Qiao Xi to resign!¡±


    Liu Huimin defensively argued, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect her to be so extreme! She actually wanted to resign just like that!¡±


    She was panicked at the time.


    But her pride prevented her from stooping to appease a young girl.


    ¡°Even a clay figurine has a temper. You hurt her grandma, causing her to be hospitalized. How could she not fight back!¡±


    Liu Huimin said in a low voice, ¡°She has no evidence, I was just trying to persuade her to divorce Huo Xingzhou. I will compensate her. Xingluo even attempted suicide!¡±


    Compared to Qiao Xi¡¯s fate, she cared more about her own daughter.


    Liu Qiushuang saw that she was being obstinate and, unable to contain her anger, hit her hard.


    ¡°Why should they divorce! Weren¡¯t you and your husband the ones who forcefully sent Xingluo abroad? Now you regret it?¡± Liu Qiushuang gasped for breath.


    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t be angry, Huimin is just worried for her daughter,¡± Xu Guangyao tried to soothe from the side.


    He was secretly pleased to hear about Qiao Xi¡¯s resignation, as the news of Liu Zongyun¡¯s improvement had him restless.


    Liu Zongquan, who had been sitting on the side the whole time, suddenly said, ¡°Tomorrow, all of you go to the hospital and apologize to Qiao Xi. Please ask her to stay at Haicheng City Hospital.¡±


    ¡°Huimin, do you understand? You must be humble and sincere.¡±


    Liu Huimin nodded reluctantly, ¡°I understand.¡±


    She acknowledged her mistake, but ever since Xingluo returned to the country, heartbroken, and eventually chose to take her own life, Liu Huimin¡¯s heart ached, and she constantly thought about breaking up Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou.


    She loved her daughter after all.


    Liu Qiushuang snorted coldly, ¡°Children will have their own luck. As a mother, how could you aid and abet such cruelty! From today onwards, control Xingluo¡¯s behavior and prevent her from meddling with that young couple.¡±


    ¡°Mom...¡± Liu Huimin pleaded, ¡°Xingluo is sick. She can¡¯t control her behavior.¡±


    ¡°Then find the best psychiatrist in the country.¡±


    Liu Qiushuang, frustrated at her lack of progress, said, ¡°Tomorrow, you must try your hardest to make Qiao Xi stay.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Xu Xingluo was squatting in a corner on the second floor, listening intently to the conversation in the living room.


    So the old lady from Moon Village had come to Haicheng and was hospitalized.


    She needed to find a chance to retrieve the printed photos.


    Otherwise, Huo Xingzhou really could do such a thing.


    Xu Xingluo calculated in her mind when a shadow fell upon her, blocking most of the light.


    Startled, she looked up to see it was Xu Yunye, dressed in a heavy motorcycle outfit.


    ¡°Big brother, you scared me to death!¡± she complained, patting her chest.


    Xu Yunye, with delicate and handsome features, looked androgynous. Holding a cool helmet in one hand, he looked down from above and said, ¡°Did you do something guilty?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business,¡± Xu Xingluo pouted. Other twins might get along well, but the Xu family¡¯s twins had been at odds since childhood.


    Xu Yunye hummed lightly and took her phone from her, the screen displayed explicit photos.


    ¡°Sending private photos to a married man in the middle of the night. Xu Xingluo, you really have morals,¡± he mocked. ¡°If Huo Xingzhou was that stupid, he wouldn¡¯t have made it with Tianyuan Group.¡±


    ¡°Give it back to me!¡±


    Xu Xingluo snatched her phone back. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Xu Yunye laughed coldly, ¡°You¡¯re the mistress, bringing shame to our Xu family. If you didn¡¯t resemble Dad slightly, I¡¯d really think you were picked up from the streets.¡±


    Xu Yunye was tired of Xu Xingluo¡¯s dual facades¡ªdocile and charming in front of the elders, shameless and mischievous in his presence.


    Even the identity of ¡°younger sister¡± was something she had cried and fought to get.


    According to their grandmother, she was the first to be born, originally the older sister. But at the age of three or four, she cried and insisted on being the younger sister.


    Since then, the Xu family had one more pampered young lady.


    Xu Xingluo glared at him with anger puffing her cheeks, ¡°You¡¯re the one who was picked up. The most superfluous person in our family is you!¡±


    Xu Yunye glanced at her coldly, ¡°Do you need me to tell Huo Xingzhou about what you did abroad?¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face turned pale.


    Xu Yunye contemptuously walked past her and entered his room.

 Chapter 139: 139 Why Isnt She Wearing Clothes?

    Chapter 139: Chapter 139 Why Isn¡¯t She Wearing Clothes?


    The next day.


    In the painting studio of the Huo Family¡¯s small villa.


    Qiao Xi, bleary-eyed with throbbing temples, lay on the tatami.


    Her hangover response was intense, and she propped herself up with aching back and waist.


    Tired.


    Her whole body ached.


    She rubbed her sore eyes, lazily stretched, and the blanket slid off, revealing her upper body.


    Qiao Xi was stunned for a moment¡ªwhy wasn¡¯t she wearing any clothes?


    On the floor were scattered pieces of a dress and underwear, along with some torn scraps of fabric.


    She was nearly about to scream.


    Her body reacted violently, her limbs ached¡ªhad she and Mr. Huo had a drunken mishap last night?


    She knocked on her head, unable to recall anything.


    Her gaze inadvertently swept over to the drawing on the easel, and she was stunned.


    As if struck by lightning.


    Then, her cheeks flushed and her body heated up.


    This...


    What on earth was this?


    On the sketch paper, a woman lay nude on the tatami, heavy with sleep. Her features were clear, even... the parts of her body were vividly detailed.


    It was a drawing of her!


    Compared to Xu Xingluo¡¯s previous drawing, this was bolder, more realistic, more emotional.


    Even though Qiao Xi didn¡¯t understand art, she could see that the strokes in this drawing and Xu Xingluo¡¯s previous one were not by the same person.


    Could this be Mr. Huo¡¯s skill level?


    Qiao Xi, feeling embarrassed, bit her lip as she stared at the drawing, waves of warmth surging through her over and over again.


    The most damning thing was that there was a small turtle on the rear of the woman in the drawing.


    Qiao Xi immediately turned to look at her own behind.


    There was a crudely drawn turtle on her backside, accompanied by a flamboyant signature.


    The three characters ¡°Huo Xingzhou¡± were very conspicuous.


    Qiao Xi was so mortified she wanted to bash her head against tofu and wished she had never been born into this world. Her dress was too torn to wear, so Qiao Xi had no choice but to wrap herself in the blanket and sneak out of the room.


    She tiptoed into the corridor, intending to hurry back to her room to take a shower and change clothes.


    But unexpectedly.


    She bumped into a warm embrace.


    ¡°In such a hurry, where are you going?¡± Huo Xingzhou steadied her by the shoulders and asked.


    Seeing him, Qiao Xi¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of red.


    ¡°Nowhere. Mr. Huo, my body reeks of alcohol, and I wanted to take a bath first.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her with a teasing smile, ¡°Don¡¯t you remember again? Then what should we do, I was taken full advantage of by you.¡±


    Qiao Xi steeled herself, thinking indeed something indescribable had happened.


    She felt a tinge of regret¡ªthe man had conquered her body, and she had no memory of it.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I am sorry. I will take responsibility,¡± she said, her face flushed.


    ¡°How will you take responsibility?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked leisurely, watching her, well aware she had misunderstood, yet he didn¡¯t correct her.


    He let her struggle and regret.


    ¡°I... I will let you decide my fate.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou chuckled, ¡°So obedient? Last night you were very aggressive, stripping off your clothes and clinging to me.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt a mix of shame and anger, and with each word, she wished her head could sink lower.


    Huo Xingzhou looked down and said, ¡°Last night you stripped yourself naked, insisting that I draw on your behind, very cute. Don¡¯t worry, I wouldn¡¯t touch a drunk, even if she stripped naked...¡±


    And it wasn¡¯t just his mouth that was tough.


    Last night, who knows who spent most of the evening chilled to the bone.


    Qiao Xi felt so hot she could smoke, she reached out to cover Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore.¡±


    If he continued, she would be utterly disgraced.


    Huo Xingzhou whispered into her earlobe, ¡°I have never painted for any other woman, and since you like my paintings so much, wait for me in the studio after work today.¡±


    He wanted to see what she looked like when she was sober, surely it would be incredibly seductive.


    Qiao Xi said softly, ¡°Can I not go?¡±


    ¡°Try it.¡±


    His threat was lingering and sensual as he turned and walked away.


    Qiao Xi took several deep breaths before she could recover. Staring at his retreating figure, her mind was filled with the lewd gibberish Shu Xue had spoken.


    Such as, the waist of a male dog.


    ...


    At eight in the morning, Qiao Xi returned from leave to work.


    The department had heard rumors of her resignation and came to verify. Qiao Xi didn¡¯t confirm it directly, merely stating that she was considering.


    Qiao Xi, with sharp eyes, saw Shu Xue yawning and just making it to work on time, and called out to her.


    ¡°Shu Xue, I brought you breakfast. Aunt Qian¡¯s handmade soup dumplings, you said you liked them last time.¡± Qiao Xi handed the glass thermal box to her.


    Shu Xue yawned again, tears brimming in her eyes and dark circles under them.


    Curiously, Qiao Xi asked, ¡°What were you doing last night?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring it up, I was hounded by a dog all night.¡±


    Shu Xue was drowsy and thought it was a respectful and handsome guy. She didn¡¯t expect that he would turn into a wild dog once he entered her home, but his waist was indeed nice. Her mattress squeaked all night long.


    She just stared at the ceiling, swaying.


    Feeling like a small boat in the sea, drifting aimlessly. In the latter half of the night, she attempted to escape, crying and crawling, but was caught by the ankle by the wild dog and dealt with again.


    She was drained dry by a male fairy.


    Not until dawn did she finally fall asleep.


    And she almost arrived late for work.


    Tired, but indeed exhilarating.


    She had a big appetite and had developed a taste for it.


    ¡°When did you get a dog at your place?¡± Qiao Xi asked.


    ¡°Got it last night.¡±


    Shu Xue rubbed her sore waist and looked at Qiao Xi, asking, ¡°Were you taken care of last night?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Really not? Huo Xingzhou was so forceful last night, asserting his dominance, then carried you off. I saw him slap your butt, and thought you would be taken care of to the point of being unable to get out of bed. Is he all show and no go?¡±


    Shu Xue pushed her shoulder suggestively.


    ¡°I was drunk, he wouldn¡¯t touch me.¡±


    ¡°You believe the sweet nothings of men, who knows how much they struggled internally. If he didn¡¯t take advantage of you, it was out of respect.¡±


    Shu Xue concluded knowingly.


    Qiao Xi was in a great mood.


    Mr. Huo said he never painted a nude portrait for Xu Xingluo, so he hadn¡¯t. She remembered the last time Liu Qiushuang and Xu Xingluo came to the villa, and how Xu Xingluo sneaked down from upstairs.


    Those paintings, it must have been her own act.


    Secretly putting them there, then making Tian Tian take them away right in front of her.


    Crude and low methods, yet effective.


    It made one feel as disgusted as swallowing a fly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go see Grandma first.¡± Qiao Xi stuffed the soup dumplings into her hands and made her way towards orthopedics.


    After making the rounds in the ward and not finding her grandmother, the patient in the neighboring bed said, ¡°This morning a rich couple came and transferred your grandma to the VIP ward. They must be your relatives, right?¡±


    Rich people?


    Qiao Xi thought of Liu Huimin, could it be that she hadn¡¯t given up hope?


    Qiao Xi pressed her lips tightly and hurried toward the VIP ward area.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao.¡±


    Liu Huimin emerged from a single patient room, lacking the arrogance of yesterday.


    Qiao Xi ignored them and barged into the ward. Seeing her grandmother lying safely in the hospital bed, she sighed in relief.


    ¡°Nannan. The kind people from yesterday said they would get me a new room and brought all these things for me, I...¡± The old lady was anxious and nervous.


    ¡°It¡¯s what they should do. You lie down, Grandma. I¡¯ll go outside and talk to them for a moment.¡±


    Qiao Xi addressed Xu Guangyao and his wife, ¡°My grandmother needs to rest. Please, come out.¡±

 Chapter 140: 140: The Child was Switched Twenty-Two Years Ago

    Chapter 140: Chapter 140: The Child was Switched Twenty-Two Years Ago


    Xu Guangyao was the calmest; he took his wife and left the hospital ward.


    ¡°Doctor Xiaoqiao, the incident yesterday was my wife¡¯s mistake. We apologize to you and hope you won¡¯t impulsively resign,¡± Xu Guangyao said hypocritically.


    ¡°I acted out of urgency, I apologize.¡± Liu Huimin was a doting mother, but she wasn¡¯t completely thoughtless.


    Even if she didn¡¯t like Qiao Xi, she knew the gravity of the situation.


    First, coax her not to resign.


    If they really wanted her to divorce Huo Xingzhou, they had other means. If necessary, the Xu Family would gamble big for their daughter¡¯s lifelong happiness.


    Qiao Xi looked at them and said, ¡°I will definitely resign, not out of temper or impulse.¡±


    ¡°What conditions do you require to reconsider your resignation?¡± Liu Huimin asked eagerly.


    ¡°Madam Xu, yesterday you told me to scram back to my own class, and today you¡¯re dropping your pride to plead with me not to resign. Do all you wealthy people excel at changing faces?¡±


    ¡°I take back what I said yesterday, and I apologize to you,¡± Liu Huimin regretted deeply. She should have considered everything before dealing with Qiao Xi, rather than threatening her directly.


    Qiao Xi looked at her calmly, ¡°Can you vomit the food you ate yesterday?¡±


    She truly was impervious.


    Liu Huimin could no longer maintain her ladylike demeanor, she asked, ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±


    Qiao Xi replied coldly, ¡°I want to resign.¡±


    Liu Huimin was so full of regret that she was green inside; she had had no idea that Qiao Xi was so stubborn. Had she known, she would never have antagonized her.


    Xu Guangyao patted his wife¡¯s back in a soothing manner, yet internally he was very pleased with Qiao Xi¡¯s answer.


    He was more than eager for Qiao Xi to resign and was quite grateful for Liu Huimin¡¯s folly at a critical moment.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, that¡¯s a human life we¡¯re talking about! If he wakes up, you could become famous everywhere!¡± Liu Huimin tried desperately to persuade her.


    Qiao Xi shook her head, ¡°As long as he stays in the hospital, he won¡¯t die easily.¡±


    Abiding by the ethics of a doctor, Qiao Xi said, ¡°Science and medicine are progressing, and internationally, there are more studies on vegetative states. I don¡¯t know who made the decision for him to recuperate at home, but it was very unwise. If he had been brought to the hospital years earlier... he might have already woken up by now.¡±


    Could any medical team be better than the resources of a major hospital?


    More than twenty years ago, Lu Bannong couldn¡¯t cure him. Perhaps it was due to the limitations of the era, and the underdeveloped medical science.


    Traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are not in opposition; they complement each other.


    Qiao Xi knew well that her medical skills weren¡¯t that exceptional; this period of time, she had relied on the help of neurology specialists.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Guangyao¡¯s pupils constricted.


    Qiao Xi said coldly, ¡°I will be responsible for the handover during the one-month resignation period. After that, please do as you see fit.¡±


    She was kind, but she also had edges.


    After Qiao Xi finished speaking, she left.


    Liu Huimin almost collapsed into Xu Guangyao¡¯s arms, ¡°Did we do something wrong? If we had sent second brother to the hospital earlier, would he have...¡±


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s palm was moist as he gently said, ¡°Huimin, are you blaming me? It was my idea at the beginning.¡±


    ¡°Guangyao, you have always had the best intentions for your brother. He could get better care at home, doctors and nurses aren¡¯t that attentive.¡±


    Liu Huimin loved Xu Guangyao deeply and never doubted his intentions.


    ¡°Perhaps Qiao Xi said all those things just to make me feel guilty,¡± Liu Huimin consoled herself with an excuse.


    Xu Guangyao patted her shoulder and kissed her cheek, ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it, second brother¡¯s condition is improving. He may wake up within this month.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Liu Huimin hoped that in the month before Qiao Xi left, she would put her heart and soul into her work.


    Xu Guangyao said tenderly, ¡°There are matters at the company; I¡¯ll get the driver to take you back.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tire yourself out, husband; I would be heartbroken,¡± Liu Huimin looked at him with affection.


    Decades into their marriage, her affection was still as sweet as if it was their first love.


    Xu Guangyao smiled and concealed the scorn in his eyes as he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ...


    Xu Guangyao left the hospital, hailed a taxi, and headed to Central Mall.


    Afterwards, he switched to another taxi and arrived at the Biyuan Residential Area. It was a high-end, private community in Haicheng, rumored to be home to some celebrities.


    ¡°Drive into the underground parking garage,¡± Xu Guangyao told the taxi driver.


    ¡°Sure thing.¡± The driver, used to such sights, was unimpressed.


    Xu Guangyao got out of the car, took out an access card, and swiped it to take the elevator to the 16th floor. There was only one residence per floor, each a sprawling luxury apartment.


    When the elevator doors opened, a fragrant breeze wafted through.


    A woman with a pretty face and well-maintained appearance threw herself into his arms.


    ¡°Guangyao!¡± she squealed in a pinched voice, ¡°You haven¡¯t come to see me in such a long time.¡±


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s hand roamed as he hugged her tightly and kissed her passionately. ¡°Here I am now, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to make it up to me. For every time you slept with Liu Huimin, you owe me one,¡± she said as she flipped her long hair and kicked off her high heels, wrapping her arms around his waist and seducing him fervently.


    ¡°Do you still have the medicine?¡± Xu Guangyao took off his suit jacket, unable to wait any longer.


    The refined and dignified Mr. Xu on the outside was, in this place, a debauched rogue who couldn¡¯t get enough, letting his true nature run wild.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯ll make sure you enjoy yourself.¡±


    The two shamelessly stripped off their clothes and rolled around on the carpet. Xu Guangyao uttered filthy, vulgar words, and the woman took special pleasure in it, feigning cries in response.


    Nearing fifty, Xu Guangyao lacked the vigor of a young man. But as women grow more eager with age, she coaxed him into swallowing several blue medicinal pills.


    Driven by male pride, Xu Guangyao held out, waiting for the woman to plead for mercy.


    ¡°Guangyao! Dear brother, please spare me,¡± she trembled, giggling.


    ¡°Who makes you feel better, me or Liu Huimin?¡± she teased.


    Holding her dearly, Xu Guangyao exclaimed, ¡°Liu Huimin is like a dead fish in bed, nowhere near as wild as you.¡±


    As night fell and the sudden rain stopped,


    Xu Guangyao held Shen Shiyun tenderly in his arms, his fingers still restlessly pinching her skin. ¡°Liu Huimin can¡¯t take care of herself like you do.¡±


    Shen Shiyun asked with a smile, ¡°Really? But she¡¯s the youngest daughter of the Liu Family.¡±


    The person she hated the most in her life was Liu Huimin. Even though she and Xu Guangyao were childhood sweethearts and she was his first love, she could only be his mistress, living in the shadows.


    ¡°She¡¯s no match for you,¡± Xu Guangyao said, drawing on his post-coital cigarette, the smoke wafting away as he savored the moment.


    He caressed the woman¡¯s soft skin and cooed, ¡°We are childhood sweethearts, while Liu Huimin is just a stepping stone for my rise to power. You¡¯re always in my heart, and you even bore me a daughter.¡±


    Shen Shiyun rubbed her chest against his arm and said, ¡°How is Xingluo doing lately? I heard she tried to kill herself.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s fine. But there¡¯s something else: Liu Zongyun¡¯s condition is improving,¡± he said.


    Shen Shiyun looked up in shock, ¡°If he wakes up, our swapping of babies twenty-two years ago can¡¯t stay hidden.¡±


    That year, she chose to give birth via cesarean on the same day as Liu Huimin and switched the two baby girls. Xu Guangyao had his confidant deal with Liu Huimin¡¯s child, but everything was overheard by Liu Zongyun.


    Xu Guangyao decisively dealt with Liu Zongyun.


    ¡°He won¡¯t wake up!¡± Xu Guangyao said harshly.


    Shen Shiyun voiced her concern, ¡°Lately, I¡¯ve been feeling very uneasy. Guangyao, is the child truly dead?¡±


    ¡°Dead. I saw the photos,¡± he said, squinting, ¡°Pale as a ghost, thoroughly dead.¡±


    This was his revenge against Liu Huimin and the Liu Family!


    He had started from nothing, enduring years of looking up to the Liu Family and accumulating a lot of resentment in his heart.

 Chapter 141: 141 Ive been thinking about you all day

    Chapter 141: Chapter 141 I¡¯ve been thinking about you all day


    Xu Guangyao and Shen Shiyun spent a honey-sweet afternoon together. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Qiao Xi, despite Xu Xiuyuan¡¯s repeated attempts to keep her, still submitted her resignation.


    She would finish handing over her work within a month, and suddenly she felt somewhat lost.


    Her ultimate dream had always been to open a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic. Both the Tian Family and the Sun Family had given her a sum of money for the clinic, but it was still not enough to start it up.


    ¡°Really decided to leave?¡± Yan Shi¡¯an finished his day¡¯s work, took off his mask, and asked.


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently responded.


    Yan Shi¡¯an laughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s good for you to leave. It¡¯s a good thing for you.¡± He was from the same era as Cheng Han and knew old affairs of the past.


    When Qiao Xi was forced to treat Liu Zongyun, he had been very worried for her.


    She had broken the rules.


    But there had been no news from the Imperial Capital, which was probably good news.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, your temperament doesn¡¯t suit the strict confines of the hospital. Granted, the hospital is good, but you should have your own vast world where you can treat illnesses, save lives, and study medical skills.¡±


    She was too kind, too upright.


    She needed to be somewhere where she could make her own decisions, not somewhere where she was led by the nose.


    ¡°Thank you, I understand,¡± Qiao Xi inhaled deeply and managed to squeeze out a faint smile.


    Yan Shi¡¯an was silent for a while, still not voicing the advice he wanted to give. In three months, the Chinese Medicine Community would be having its Golden Needle Conference, which takes place once every ten years. The Haicheng Traditional Chinese Medicine Association would surely select participants.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t go.


    Cheng Han should advise her, so he, an outsider, wouldn¡¯t say more.


    ¡°Doctor Yan, I¡¯m going to do the rounds,¡± she said.


    Qiao Xi greeted him and then left. She habitually did one round of evening checks before finishing her shift and going home.


    In particular, ward 2121 demanded special attention.


    In front of Liu Huimin, she had been tough, but inside she would never recklessly disregard a life. In this last month, she would still fulfill her professional duties.


    The ward was quiet.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s complexion had improved a bit; the hospital¡¯s specialists were all very attentive.


    Qiao Xi checked all his indicators, removed the Golden Needles that had been inserted earlier, and cleaned the needle marks.


    Her gaze swept around, and suddenly it fixed on something.


    The gaunt man on the bed opened his dry eyes, his pupils deep, showing no emotion.


    Qiao Xi waved her hand in front of his eyes, then checked again with the aid of tools.


    This was an involuntary reaction from a person in a vegetative state.


    She let out a slow sigh of relief and closed his eyelids.


    This was a good sign, indicating that Liu Zongyun¡¯s condition was improving and that he had strong recovery abilities. Qiao Xi had heard it said that sometimes the human body¡¯s will to survive could break through limits.


    In medicine, there was a term to summarize this phenomenon, called a miracle.


    ¡°May you recover soon,¡± Qiao Xi whispered.


    She picked up her things and left the ward, with driver Old Chen waiting for her in a Rolls-Royce outside the hospital entrance.


    ¡°Young Madam,¡± he greeted Qiao Xi with a wave, ¡°here you are.¡±


    The hospital staff had gotten used to it; everyone knew that Doctor Qiao¡¯s husband was very doting and that the young couple had great affection for each other.


    Qiao Xi quickened her pace to get into the car.


    ¡°You¡¯re not on duty tonight, Young Madam?¡± Old Chen asked with a smile.


    ¡°Mhm.¡± Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Has Mr. Huo finished work and gone home yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet, the company has been very busy lately.¡± Old Chen pressed the accelerator and left the hospital.


    Qiao Xi felt a small sense of disappointment and hesitated before speaking, ¡°Can we go to his company? I¡¯ll wait for him to finish work, and we can go home together.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Old Chen cheerfully agreed.


    Sitting in the back seat, Qiao Xi gazed out of the window, lost in her thoughts.


    Mr. Huo had said he would go home after work to paint... She blushed, chiding herself for her lack of restraint.


    And that painting in the studio had not yet been put away; what if Aunt Qian saw it?


    And the torn dress; it was truly embarrassing.


    The car drove all the way to Tianyuan Group, where the entire building was brightly lit, with many people still not off work.


    Driver Lao Chen explained, ¡°Young Master places great importance on the cooperation with the Zhong Family, as it is key for Tianyuan Group to step into the Imperial Capital. It is also the most important part of his business map.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really impressive.¡±


    Qiao Xi genuinely admired and looked up to Huo Xingzhou, understanding Xu Xingluo¡¯s persistence.


    Nobody would be willing to let go.


    ¡°Good evening, Young Madam!¡±


    The receptionist, with high emotional intelligence, had already committed Qiao Xi¡¯s face to memory.


    Qiao Xi gave a shy smile.


    Lao Chen pressed the elevator button for her and said, ¡°Young Master is in a video conference, please wait for him in his office. I¡¯ll park the car in the underground garage.¡±


    ¡°Alright, go ahead with your work.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood waiting for the elevator at the private entrance.


    The gazes of the passing employees were intense upon her, and she also heard some girls whispering to each other.


    ¡°That¡¯s the boss¡¯s wife, she looks really young. Not only is she pretty, but she¡¯s also the successor of National Doctor Cheng Han¡ªtruly outstanding.¡±


    ¡°Indeed. Aside from her family background, she¡¯s quite on par with Miss Xu.¡±


    ¡°Nowadays, marriages are about matching social status. Miss Xu and the boss have more in common, right? When the old love cries, the new love is bound to lose.¡±


    ¡°What common interests! It all depends on what the boss likes! During an interview at Xingyue Foundation, the boss slapped Miss Xu¡¯s face personally. Isn¡¯t such favoritism obvious enough?¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and stepped into the elevator.


    She didn¡¯t believe in ¡°when the old love cries, the new love is bound to lose,¡± but the phrase ¡°matching social status¡± indeed struck a chord in her heart.


    Many people said she wasn¡¯t worthy of Huo Xingzhou.


    The elevator stopped at the president¡¯s office level; large conference rooms lined both sides of the corridor. Qiao Xi walked slowly, noticing that the number one conference room was filled with people.


    At the head of the long conference table sat Huo Xingzhou, his demeanor cool, speaking fluent and authentic English.


    Watching him through the glass door, Qiao Xi was captivated by his charm.


    This was her husband.


    Qiao Xi tiptoed to the president¡¯s office, admiring the newly arranged workplace. The towering windows captured the twilight and sunset.


    Footsteps and the sound of a door closing came from behind.


    As Qiao Xi turned around, she was pinned by the man. His thin lips descended upon her red ones, savoring the sweetness.


    The man¡¯s cold woody fragrance ensnared her senses in waves. Qiao Xi closed her eyes, wrapping her arms around his neck, leaning in for the kiss.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes darkened as he lifted her onto the desk.


    Passion and desire ran amok.


    The office door opened and then closed. Qiao Xi turned in alarm, only to be captured again in a deeper and more fervent kiss.


    ¡°Stay focused,¡± he breathed hotly, his voice husky.


    Her dress neckline was pulled down, his hand landing on her inner thigh, giving a light pat.


    ¡°Do you want to continue painting?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Qiao Xi gasped for air, her eyes half-closed. A trace of light lipstick left a mark on his collar.


    After a while, the office returned to silence.


    Huo Xingzhou restrained his ardor, pulling back from her subtly, his hand remaining on Qiao Xi¡¯s waist, slowly tightening.


    ¡°Hmm...¡± Qiao Xi let out an uncomfortable protest.


    ¡°Why did you suddenly come to the office?¡± he asked.


    Her eyes shimmered, and she said awkwardly, ¡°Lao Chen said you were working overtime, so I came by to see you.¡±


    ¡°Came by?¡± He leaned in close, his breath scorching her skin, ¡°Tell me the truth.¡±


    She was reserved and bashful.


    But Huo Xingzhou wanted her to be bold, frank, and unrestrained in front of him.


    Even...

 Chapter 142: 142: Tonight, Becoming His Person

    Chapter 142: Chapter 142: Tonight, Becoming His Person


    Even casting aside all reserve, without holding anything back.


    Huo Xingzhou also harbored the inferior masculine trait of possessiveness, unique and unrivaled.


    Qiao Xi, due to her long-standing personality, wasn¡¯t adept at expressing the fondness in her heart. She would silently do things for him, yet found it tough to utter the words ¡°I love you¡±.


    Huo Xingzhou put a lot of effort into it but couldn¡¯t pry open her mouth.


    He bit down hard by the corner of her mouth as if to punish her.


    His usually stern and gloomy eyes softened into heaps upon heaps of gentleness, ¡°I thought about you all day during the company meeting.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s lovely lips curved slightly, and a bright light flashed in her beautiful eyes.


    She sat on the office desk, legs dangling, a tender emotion rippling in the depths of her eyes.


    ¡°Actually... I have something to tell you,¡± she said, her heart fluttering, fearing his different opinion.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I resigned from the hospital,¡± she added proudly, her self-respect evident. ¡°I have some savings, so I won¡¯t be eating for free at home.¡±


    She felt inferior at heart, afraid that he might think less of her.


    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him, puzzled.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when we get home,¡± Huo Xingzhou examined her and gently wiped away the lipstick at the corner of her mouth with his fingertip. ¡°It came off when I kissed you.¡±


    Qiao Xi subconsciously pursed her lips, smearing the remaining lipstick.


    She was led by Huo Xingzhou out of the office.


    In the corridor.


    Chen Xun stood uneasily, bowing slightly as he respectfully said, ¡°President Huo, the documents you requested.¡±


    He had just pushed the door and seen the two of them kissing, inseparable, and immediately backed out, wondering if he would receive a directive next to go buy contraceptives from the pharmacy.


    Fortunately, President Huo was not so absurd as to lose control in the office.


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took the document bag, speaking indifferently.


    Qiao Xi looked on curiously, having a sense of mystery.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t say much else and took her home. Throughout the drive, he never spoke, instead he was confirming business matters on his laptop; Qiao Xi hesitated to speak.


    She gazed at him again and again with her almond-shaped eyes.


    Mr. Huo really seemed so busy, constantly on calls and video conferences throughout the ride. How late would he work tonight if she had not come?


    Qiao Xi hung her head low, idly twirling her fingers, occasionally stealing glances at him.


    After dozens of minutes, the car stopped in front of a small villa.


    Driver Old Chen had already gotten out, leaving the two of them alone in the car.


    Huo Xingzhou closed his laptop and turned to her, asking, ¡°What did you want to tell me?¡±


    He hadn¡¯t ignored her subtle actions, it was just that he was stretched too thin. The Zhong Family from Imperial Capital had many meticulous and fussy demands with their order. Many details were like nitpicking.


    Even Zhou Yu joked, asking if he had offended the Zhong Family in some way, by digging up their ancestors¡¯ graves or stealing their wife.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s throat tightened, and she shook her head.


    Those shameful words were hard to speak when they reached her lips.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get out of the car first.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi walked out as if in a daze, like a marionette on strings.


    Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, too confused to sort out.


    She wanted to ask if Aunt Qian would discover the things in the studio. She also wanted to know if the words Mr. Huo said that morning still held true.


    What did he mean by that? Was it what she had been thinking?


    She spent the entire day excited and nervous, filled with both fear and anticipation.


    Would they completely come together tonight? What kind of preparation should she make for it?


    Following beside him, Qiao Xi entered the living room, her mind unsettled.


    ¡°Young Master, Young Madam,¡± Aunt Qian greeted them with a smile, ¡°I have cleaned the studio. It¡¯s quite chilly at night, do take care of yourselves.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks flushed red.


    The torn dress, the explicit nude paintings¡ªall had been seen by Aunt Qian.


    ¡°Young Master, I¡¯ve framed that painting for you, it looks very nice. Young Madam¡¯s medical books have also been moved to the studio, so it¡¯ll be convenient for both of you to paint or read there.¡±


    Aunt Qian said with a smile in her eyes, teasingly.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, when will dinner be ready?¡± Huo Xingzhou asked, changing the subject as he saw her shyness.


    ¡°Soon, there¡¯s still a pot of soup in the kitchen, I¡¯ll bring it over.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took off his coat and hung it up, placing the documents on the coffee table. He sat down at the dining table with ease, while Qiao Xi moved hesitantly towards it and slowly took a seat.


    Aunt Qian brought over the soup, lifted the lid and said, ¡°Ginseng, astragalus and Chinese wolfberry soft-shelled turtle soup, it¡¯s nourishing for the parts it targets.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression turned a bit peculiar.


    Qiao Xi, being familiar with medicinal cuisine, naturally knew what the soup was for, it was intended to strengthen the kidneys and bolster yang energy.


    Especially when she saw that the soup contained eucommia, which strengthens the liver and kidneys, and fortifies the sinews and bones. It¡¯s particularly effective for those who suffer from weakness and soreness in the waist and knees.


    ¡°One bowl each, you must finish it,¡± Aunt Qian insisted as she served them each a bowl and placed it in front of them.


    Under Aunt Qian¡¯s supervision, she made sure Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou finished their soup before she left satisfied.


    Qiao Xi glanced up stealthily at Huo Xingzhou, catching his focused, burning gaze.


    Undercurrents stirred, and an ambiguous tension arose.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m full,¡± Qiao Xi said softly.


    He responded calmly, ¡°First take a bath and change into the dress, see you in the studio?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded ever so slightly.


    She fled as if escaping calamity, while Huo Xingzhou leisurely served himself another bowl of soft-shelled turtle soup, taking his time to savor it, though it was somewhat fishy.


    The good intentions of Aunt Qian should not be wasted.


    ...


    Qiao Xi entered her room and immediately locked the door behind her.


    She found the black lace spaghetti strap dress and nervously took out the USB given to her by Shu Xue. Could some last-minute cramming still be of use?


    How could she satisfy Mr. Huo? What should she do in a special situation?


    Her cheeks were flushed red, and in her urgency, she could only call Shu Xue for advice. The call connected promptly, but Shu Xue¡¯s voice sounded a bit strange.


    ¡°Shu Xue, what should I pay attention to for the first time?¡± Qiao Xi asked, embarrassed.


    ¡°Hmm... use protection to enjoy pleasure longer,¡± Shu Xue hoarsely replied, ¡°But since you¡¯re a married couple... it¡¯s okay either way.¡±


    She paused for a moment then continued in fits and starts, ¡°Qiao Xi, men are usually... very quick their first time. Is it his first time? Anyway, you... just make sure you enjoy yourself.¡±


    ¡°I... um!¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned and asked, ¡°Is your dog giving you trouble again?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I have to hang up now.¡±


    Beep, beep, beep.


    After a string of busy signals from the other end of the phone, Qiao Xi felt that Shu Xue said a lot, yet said nothing substantial.


    Feeling feverish with a spinning head, she accessed the USB and opened the file ¡°Use the Barbarians¡¯ own methods to subdue them,¡± hoping to learn something new. She forced herself to watch for over ten minutes before mustering up the courage to grab the battle gown and head to the bathroom.


    She lingered in the bathroom for an hour, scrubbing her skin until it was pink and radiant.


    Underneath, she wore the almost transparent black dress, and wrapped herself with an impenetrable sleeping gown, making her way step by step to the studio on the top floor.


    She gently pushed open the door to find the man already seated there, his forehead¡¯s stray hairs dotted with droplets of water. He was dressed in a silky dark blue nightgown, apparently having already taken a bath.


    As she entered, he lifted his eyes towards her in a captivating manner, scrutinizing her serious yet resolute little face.


    ¡°Are you coming as if to meet your demise?¡± he asked.


    Qiao Xi took deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling.


    If offering herself was akin to meeting her demise, then she indeed came for that very reason.


    ¡°Come in, lock the door,¡± he said with a composed air.


    Qiao Xi obediently closed the door and as the lock clicked, her heartbeat instantly lost its rhythm.


    The painting from last night hung on the wall, and she stood transfixed by it.


    Behind her, the man approached, his large hand tracing a path up from her thigh, the warmth of his breath in waves upon her face.


    The skin, freshly bathed, was exceptionally sensitive.


    She began to tremble uncontrollably.


    Qiao Xi stretched out her hands to stop his wandering ones, pleading almost to the point of begging, ¡°Mr. Huo, that¡¯s too fast...¡±

 Chapter 143: 143: The First Time

    Chapter 143: Chapter 143: The First Time


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes were like a dust storm sweeping through a sandy city, intense and scorching; reason pressed down the tide of emotions first.


    His hands found her phone from beneath Qiao Xi¡¯s robe and only then did he release her.


    The eyes, narrow and cold, lifted slightly as he began to speak slowly, ¡°Mr. Huo isn¡¯t as quick as you think...¡±


    His slender fingers pressed and held the power button, and the phone completely turned off. Then he placed her phone on a nearby cabinet.


    So he was just looking for her phone.


    Qiao Xi glanced at it and also saw his phone, along with the document Chen Xun had handed him.


    ¡°Take a look.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou handed her the document.


    ¡°For me?¡± Qiao Xi took it with both hands, tore the seal, and pulled out a stack of papers from inside.


    What caught her eye first was ¡°Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic Record,¡± along with business contracts and high-definition photos of the clinic. Qiao Xi didn¡¯t dare blink, looking through the documents with seriousness, utterly astonished.


    The clinic had a huge space, clean and bright, with all the necessary facilities.


    As if it was just waiting for its owner.


    ¡°This... Mr. Huo, I... Is this for me?¡±


    Her dream had always been to open a clinic, and now it had easily appeared before her eyes.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    ¡°Really for me?¡± she repeated joyfully.


    In Huo Xingzhou¡¯s unfathomable deep eyes, a hint of warmth emerged, ¡°Little Divine Doctor, your wish to Aladdin¡¯s lamp has come true.¡±


    For the first time in his life, he naively played such a trick with a girl.


    Qiao Xi looked up, her eyes glistening, filled with his image. The Aladdin¡¯s lamp she had prayed to in her poor and struggling youth had descended in her most confused moment.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, this must have cost a lot of money, right?¡±


    She had secretly researched the costs of opening a clinic; just the decoration and rent were astronomical. She would never have enough money.


    ¡°It¡¯s worth it to fulfill your dream,¡± he said.


    Qiao Xi caressed the documents tenderly, looking up at him again, her heart filled with a surge of heat and joy.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, when I earn money, I¡¯ll pay you back!¡± She couldn¡¯t bear to refuse such kindness and was eager to achieve her wish.


    ¡°Mmm, when you¡¯ve made money, you have to support me.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was sweet.


    ¡°Now, give the clinic a name. I¡¯ll have Chen Xun get the plaque made tomorrow,¡± Huo Xingzhou suggested.


    Qiao Xi furrowed her brows, thought for a while, and finally decided, ¡°Let¡¯s call it Cheng Acupuncture. Grandpa Cheng said that the Cheng Acupuncture Technique has declined, and I¡¯m the only successor left. I want to make it shine.¡±


    Never forget why you started, always fulfill your duties.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her with a burning gaze.


    He was always cold, his pale exterior belied an indolent nobility etched in his lightly sketched features, making it hard to imagine that such a cold person could have such fiercely passionate eyes.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heartbeat quickened under his gaze, and she averted her eyes.


    ¡°Mr. Huo?¡± she called out softly.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s large hand landed on her waist, his slender fingers pressing in firmly.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart trembled with his grip, as if electrified, her body tingling.


    ¡°Draw?¡±


    His breath was hot as he asked.


    Qiao Xi licked her red lips and nodded faintly.


    It was like a clear signal.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice, suggestive and magnetic, rose, ¡°Will you undress, or shall I help you?¡±


    Excellent men all have the patience at such times; the longer the prelude, the longer the aftertaste. Huo Xingzhou, like a seasoned hunter, waited for Qiao Xi to silently fall into his net.


    In just a few short moments, many thoughts flashed through Qiao Xi¡¯s mind.


    She bravely looked at the man, her delicate fingers touching the tie of her robe, and gently pulled.


    The robe fell open, and she hesitantly took it off, exposing herself completely to Huo Xingzhou.


    His eyes half-closed, he picked up a drawing pencil and said, ¡°Sit properly.¡±


    ¡°This close?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at the stool next to the easel and slowly sat down, feeling a bit cool.


    She was blushing all over, her eyes flickering. She felt exceedingly shy under the man¡¯s gaze, while he, seemingly chaste and unattainable, appeared utterly unmoved by her allure.


    The sketching pencil touched the thick paper, and his left hand reached for her eyes, nose, and lingered on her lips for a long time.


    He spoke with an air of moral integrity, ¡°Observing distances.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt weak all over from his teasing.


    Huo Xingzhou set the pencil aside and turned to look at her, ¡°Qiao Xi, do you really take me for a saint?¡±


    She sat before him in seductive battle gown, allowing him to manipulate and caress her.


    Exceedingly meek and compliant.


    Does he really think he can¡¯t touch her?


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you know what I want to do to you.¡±


    The fine hairs on his forehead were soaked with sweat, and a trace of restrained embarrassment flashed through the ink-like depths of his eyes.


    ¡°May I?¡± he asked again.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she slowly opened her mouth, ¡°Mr. Huo, you can do whatever you want to me.¡±


    As soon as the words fell, Qiao Xi¡¯s breath was stolen away in an instant.


    The man suddenly grabbed her slender waist and bent down to plant an indulgent kiss.


    Qiao Xi was kissed until she was dizzy, smoke rising from her seven orifices.


    Disarmed and unguarded.


    Routed in disarray.


    In the heat of passion, he kissed her with a hoarse voice, ¡°A long, long time ago, I¡¯ve wanted to dishonorably tear off your dress.¡±


    To see how seductive the prim little body can be, leading his heart on a relentless pursuit.


    Qiao Xi was carried to the tatami, beautiful red marks bloomed on her, and she called out urgently, ¡°Mr. Huo... is this your first time?¡±


    She still wanted an answer.


    With the arrow set on the bowstring, if it wasn¡¯t, she would feel a bit disappointed.


    ¡°Little jealous creature,¡± his thin lips pressed against the side of her face, ¡°Whether it is or isn¡¯t, why don¡¯t you find out.¡±


    His grip was strong, the flimsy fabric couldn¡¯t withstand his manhandling, and the strap of her nightgown fell apart. A drop of sweat slid down his perfect jawline from his forehead.


    And landed on her chest.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, I¡¯ve given you a chance to back out,¡± he said, towering above her, breathing heavily as he struggled to restrain himself.


    Qiao Xi tilted her head up slightly, slowly wrapping her arms around his neck, her body drawing close to kiss the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I have no regrets,¡± she said.


    At her words.


    He laid siege and poured forth.


    Within the studio, sounds rang out repeatedly.


    The sketch paper on the easel fell to the floor, its unfinished portrait showing. In the drawing, those almond-shaped eyes were as clear as if washed by spring water, pure and filled with tender affection.


    The night was long and unforgettable.


    In the middle of the night, the woman¡¯s sobs and pleas sounded, like a pitiful little animal.


    The sudden downpour paused, then resumed, and only by dawn did it come to a halt.


    ...


    At noon, the sun was high in the sky.


    In the master bedroom.


    Qiao Xi woke groggily, staring blankly at the ceiling, feeling a bit dizzy.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s figure was no longer beside her.


    The previous night had been wild and embarrassing.


    She was coaxed into saying so many things, into doing so many shameful acts.


    She gently lifted the covers, her smooth skin marked by mottled traces, her limbs aching. Just before dawn, she vaguely felt Mr. Huo carry her to the master bedroom¡¯s bathroom and carefully clean her.


    At the bedside, there was a light purple bubble sleeve dress, which she put on slowly, and then she left the room.


    Upon seeing her, Aunt Qian couldn¡¯t stop smiling and said, ¡°Young Madam, lunch will be ready soon.¡±


    Trying to maintain her composure, Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Where is he?¡±


    ¡°Little couples are so affectionate, can¡¯t stand to be apart even for a moment, the young master is by the pool,¡± Aunt Qian replied.


    Qiao Xi walked toward the backyard pool, feeling embarrassed.


    From a distance, the sound of water splashing reached her, and the man under the sunlight revealed perfect muscle lines, his body glistening with droplets. His limbs were long and powerful, swimming with grace.


    On his back were a few faint red scratches, presumably from fingernails.


    Hearing her approach, Huo Xingzhou turned his head to look at her, his gaze as invasive as ever.


    Qiao Xi lowered her head under his stare, just about to speak. The man¡¯s phone on the lounge chair started vibrating. She glanced and saw it was a number without a name.


    ¡°Answer it for me,¡± he said without any hesitation.


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    The moment Qiao Xi picked up the call, she heard Shu Xue¡¯s voice on the other end.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m sorry to disturb you. I got your number from Qiao Xi¡¯s emergency contacts. Please tell Qiao Xi...¡±


    ¡°Shu Xue, it¡¯s me,¡± Qiao Xi interrupted.


    It took Shu Xue a moment to realize who was speaking. Taking a deep breath, she excitedly said,


    ¡°Qiao Xi, Liu Zongyun in room 2121 has regained consciousness! Come to the hospital quickly!¡±

 Chapter 144: 144 Qiao Xi, Its Your First Time Not Being at a Disadvantage

    Chapter 144: Chapter 144 Qiao Xi, It¡¯s Your First Time Not Being at a Disadvantage


    Liu Zongyun woke up?


    Qiao Xi¡¯s mind went blank for a moment, her breathing rate changed as she gripped her phone.


    Her treatment plan was aggressive, and the hospital¡¯s professional equipment continuously monitored his vital signs. Qiao Xi had never thought that Liu Zongyun would wake up at such a time!


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way immediately,¡±


    she said, her voice trembling, since it was the first time she had treated a patient in such a critical condition.


    She even forgot about Huo Xingzhou¡¯s presence, turned around quickly, her legs wobbly and almost stumbled.


    Strong arms held her, and the man asked in a deep voice, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him, her emotions running high, ¡°Mr. Huo, Liu Zongyun woke up!¡± She wanted to go to the hospital to witness the miracle, to see how much he had recovered.


    All the specialists were there, just waiting for her, the chief physician.


    Huo Xingzhou steadied her and said, ¡°I¡¯ll change my clothes and drive you there. Don¡¯t rush, and don¡¯t try to be too strong.¡±


    He was very clear about how wild and ferocious he had been last night. He could even see Qiao Xi¡¯s legs trembling still.


    Qiao Xi bit her lip and nodded.


    Fifteen minutes later.


    Qiao Xi sat in the passenger¡¯s seat, Huo Xingzhou, dressed in a suit, stepped on the accelerator, his expression proud and satisfied.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I could have gone by myself. Old Chen said you have a lot of urgent business, and the Zhong Family¡¯s order is tough to handle.¡±


    Speaking of which, Zhong was a rare surname.


    ¡°Today, you are more important,¡± he turned his head, his glance sweeping over her tenderly as he spoke.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s full and luscious red lips curled slightly.


    Huo Xingzhou caught the small gesture and asked casually, ¡°Does it still hurt? I applied some medicine on you during the night.¡±


    Qiao Xi blushed and glared at him.


    ¡°Shy? You should get used to it.¡± Once a man starts, how can he stop?


    Qiao Xi awkwardly said, ¡°Mr. Huo, it wasn¡¯t your first time, was it?¡±


    She hadn¡¯t had a moment to think about this last night. Now that she thought back, she realized his expertise was overwhelming.


    It was nothing like what Shu Xue had said!


    ¡°What makes you say that?¡± Huo Xingzhou was in a good mood, even his cold face seemed gentle.


    ¡°Shu Xue said that men are usually very fast and inexperienced their first time...¡± She had said some even more outrageous things that Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t bring herself to repeat.


    Anyway, it was nothing like Huo Xingzhou.


    Just the thought of him being intimate with Xu Xingluo lessened the joy in her heart.


    Huo Xingzhou applied the brakes and pulled over.


    He turned to look at her, his dense and sharp brows raised as he said, ¡°It seems we need to have a deeper conversation about the topic of being quick and inexperienced.¡±


    Qiao Xi mustered the courage to meet his gaze, ¡°Mr. Huo, you haven¡¯t answered my question directly.¡±


    He leaned in, his hands on her shoulders, and his assertive masculine energy enveloped her.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I like the admiration and obsession for me in your eyes, wanting to become the person who is omnipotent in your heart,¡± he stated seriously, ¡°in every aspect.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    Just as she was about to speak, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers gently pinched her lips, silencing her.


    He said, ¡°The flash drive Shu Xue gave was very useful, and my learning ability isn¡¯t bad either. The first time experience shouldn¡¯t have been too disappointing for you. So, did you enjoy it?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face turned beet red.


    It was painful at first, but later... she really enjoyed it.


    ¡°Did you enjoy it? Nod or shake your head,¡± he asked again.


    Qiao Xi gave a slight nod.


    His lips curled slightly, ¡°You want a faithful partner, and so do I. I hope that from head to toe, even every strand of hair on your head only thinks of me.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you didn¡¯t get the short end of the stick on your first time.¡±


    Because it was his too.


    He looked at her with his slightly narrow eyes shimmering, his cool voice like a refreshing spring flowing over the tip of Qiao Xi¡¯s heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said, hanging her head in shame.


    Huo Xingzhou smiled faintly, ¡°You being jealous is quite cute.¡±


    He gripped the steering wheel, pressing down on the accelerator to resume driving. Qiao Xi spent the rest of the journey like a frightened quail, not daring to speak any further.


    How embarrassing!


    How could she have blurted out such a thing in a moment of impulsiveness.


    Jealousy without reason.


    The car arrived at the hospital entrance.


    Huo Xingzhou caught sight of a familiar luxury car parked next to them and said, ¡°You go ahead with your business, I¡¯ll visit Grandma later.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t wait to talk to him more and hurried inside as soon as she got out of the car.


    ¡°Take it slow, don¡¯t trip.¡±


    Behind her, Huo Xingzhou¡¯s voice came through with a trace of laughter. Qiao Xi paused and, feeling both shy and annoyed, slowed down her pace.


    As she walked slowly into the hospital, the smile on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips disappeared, and a familiar voice emerged from beside him.


    ¡°Yo, who¡¯s this?¡±


    Next to Huo Xingzhou¡¯s car was a Maserati. Its window rolled down, revealing a handsome face behind sunglasses.


    It was Zhou Yu.


    ¡°Tsk, tsk,¡± Zhou Yu examined him from top to bottom through the car window and remarked with a sigh, ¡°Someone looks spirited in the face of good fortune. You¡¯re brimming with energy, like you¡¯ve taken an ¡®Immortal Pill¡¯ or something.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave him a cold glance and asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you been working overtime lately?¡±


    He had left work early two days and even turned up at the hospital.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze fell between his legs, ¡°Visiting the doctor at the hospital, not functioning anymore?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s absolute nonsense! I¡¯m quite formidable, you know. I¡¯m adept in all eighteen skills in bed,¡± Zhou Yu hummed in response. ¡°As for you, if you¡¯re not skilled, women will scorn you.¡±


    He looked at Huo Xingzhou with pity, ¡°I have a collection of manuals and toys here; does your wife need any?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was very disdainful, ¡°Qiao Xi and I are legally married; we don¡¯t need that kind of stuff. And you...¡±


    That pause was full of contempt.


    ¡°You¡¯re teasing me for being single, huh! I have a vast forest, happier than you are.¡±


    Zhou Yu felt sour in his heart.


    After so many years of indulgence, he also wanted a prodigal¡¯s return, but there were no suitable women around him.


    How he envied Huo Xingzhou!


    ...


    In the hospital ward.


    Qiao Xi hastily made her way to Room 2121, where a large group of people had gathered outside. The entire Liu and Xu families had arrived, young and old, around a dozen of them, crammed at the door of the ward.


    Their expressions varied upon seeing Qiao Xi. Liu Qiushuang and Liu Huimin were the most excited, covering their faces and crying silently.


    And a gaze as sharp and piercing as a blade cut through the air. Qiao Xi looked reflexively towards its source: Xu Guangyao.


    She paused for a moment.


    When Shu Xue saw her, she quickly grabbed Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and squeezed her way into the ward with her.


    The room was also crowded with specialists from related departments, all at least deputy chief physicians.


    Shu Xue spoke with grave seriousness, ¡°He¡¯s opened his eyes and performed basic checks that indicate consciousness. He can hear us and respond now. All the department heads are waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao is here.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, please take a look!¡±


    The distinguished-looking chiefs made way for Qiao Xi; some thought she was lucky to have encountered a miracle, while others believed she truly had the skills.


    After all, she was the apprentice of the National Doctor Cheng Han.


    Qiao Xi approached Liu Zongyun on the hospital bed. The man¡¯s gaze followed her, his eyes revealing a degree of warmth.


    She examined his limbs and then tested his five senses.


    At last, she spoke.

 Chapter 145: 145: The Hatred in Liu Zongyuns Heart

    Chapter 145: Chapter 145: The Hatred in Liu Zongyun¡¯s Heart


    ¡°The patient has regained consciousness, but the rehabilitation may take much longer, possibly three to five years,¡± Qiao Xi said as she looked at the others. ¡°He¡¯s been lying down for over twenty years and has lost some functions.¡±


    ¡°His speech and limbs will need a lot of exercise, and how much he can recover will depend on his willpower.¡±


    Qiao Xi glanced at the now conscious Liu Zongyun, feeling a tinge of regret in her heart.


    All he could move now were his eyes.


    But this was also a miracle in medical terms, for him to regain consciousness so soon.


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, there¡¯s another patient in our department who could use your help. We¡¯d like to observe and learn,¡± they said.


    ¡°The Cheng Acupuncture Technique is really sublime. No wonder so many people are concerned about the National Doctor, Cheng Han,¡± the chief physicians exclaimed.


    Qiao Xi humbly replied, ¡°It¡¯s the advancement of modern medicine. Had he come to the hospital earlier, perhaps he could have woken up sooner.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, you¡¯re too modest!¡±


    The doctors in white coats all filed out of the ward, but Qiao Xi was stopped by the Liu Family. Liu Qiushuang, with tears brimming in her eyes, held her hand, ¡°Xiaoqiao, thank you for not holding a grudge.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Qiao, my offer still stands. This is the debt the Liu Family owes you, and I will make it right within my capabilities,¡± Liu Zongquan said with sincerity.


    Liu Huimin¡¯s eyes flickered with shame and discomfort.


    She couldn¡¯t lower her pride enough to say a sincere thank you. Xu Xingluo was almost openly jealous, and Xu Guangyao found it even harder to say anything.


    Meanwhile, everyone else was expressing their gratitude to Qiao Xi, not noticing their awkwardness.


    Qiao Xi said indifferently, ¡°The family has one hour for visitation. You should go in now.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    They swarmed into the ward, chattering incessantly.


    Xu Xingluo hadn¡¯t moved. Her sharp gaze scrutinized Qiao Xi. A face of springtime beauty, relaxed brows and eyes, and the undeniable flush of spring, betrayed by the kiss marks behind her ear.


    ¡°Did you sleep with Brother Xingzhou?¡± Her tone was cold and dark, totally at odds with Little Fairy¡¯s usual persona.


    Exceedingly gloomy.


    ¡°None of your damn business,¡± Shu Xue stood in front of Qiao Xi, ¡°They¡¯re husband and wife, isn¡¯t it normal for them to have a marital relationship? What¡¯s it to you? Who do you think you are?¡±


    Shu Xue almost laughed to death. This woman, who tried to be a mistress, had the nerve to act high and mighty in front of the wife.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡± Xu Xingluo bit her teeth as she spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t be smug for too long. So what if you slept together?¡±


    ¡°Oh, someone is so sour yet still talking tough,¡± Shu Xue mocked.


    Qiao Xi gently patted Shu Xue¡¯s hand and turned to Xu Xingluo, ¡°Initially, I really envied you. Bright and beautiful, oblivious to the hardships of the world, with so many people doting on you. You¡¯re beautiful, from a good family, and the principal ballet dancer.¡±


    ¡°But later, I realized you have no moral bottom line. All that glitters is not gold. I know about all the things you¡¯ve done.¡±


    Qiao Xi wanted to set things straight once and for all.


    ¡°Those ambiguous phone calls, the nude paintings in the studio, and the moments in your friends¡¯ circle visible only to me. You dared to provoke me but never dared to show up in front of Mr. Huo. That even more clearly proves those things were false, thank you for making our relationship stronger.¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s cheeks flushed with anger and steam seemed to be rising from her head.


    This country girl was too scheming, acting wanton behind the scenes to seduce Xingzhou, yet playing the innocent in front of him.


    How infuriating her words were!


    ¡°No need to waste words on such a person. Let¡¯s go, I ordered some coffee.¡± Shu Xue laughed, linking arms with her, ¡°It¡¯s star daddy who¡¯s treating, sparing no expense for you.¡±


    Qiao Xi followed Shu Xue out.


    Xu Xingluo was furious, that country bumpkin dared to talk to her like that.


    ¡°Xingluo, come in quickly, let your second uncle recognize you,¡± Liu Huimin quickly pulled her into the ward, ¡°Hurry up and greet everyone!¡±


    Xu Xingluo was pushed to the bedside, staring blankly at the emaciated Liu Zongyun on the bed.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± she said softly.


    ¡°Brother, this is my daughter, Xingluo. The day you had your accident was her birthday. She has always been sensible since she was little, not even celebrating her birthday,¡± Liu Huimin said with tears in her eyes.


    Liu Zongyun, lying in bed, stared at Xu Xingluo, so agitated that he wanted to speak, but he couldn¡¯t make a sound.


    ¡°Xingluo, your uncle always nagged me to have a daughter, he loved daughters the most.¡±


    Veins on Liu Zongyun¡¯s neck bulged as he shed tears in desperation.


    He screamed silently at the bottom of his heart!


    She¡¯s the mistress¡¯s daughter, the product of Xu Guangyao¡¯s affair!


    Seeing this, Xu Guangyao hurriedly pulled Xu Xingluo back, ¡°Brother is just too happy. The doctor said his emotions can¡¯t be too agitated. Let¡¯s let him rest more, we have all the time in the world.¡±


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s heart raced, he dared not meet Liu Zongyun¡¯s eyes.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s awakening was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s heart pounded relentlessly; luckily, he had not regained his speech and could not move his limbs.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with Zongyun. All of you go back,¡± Liu Qiushuang said as she bent over and sat beside the bed, shooing everyone away.


    ¡°Mom, you¡¯re getting on in years. How can you take care of your brother in the hospital? Maybe...¡±


    ¡°You all go back! I just want to stay here, I want to talk to him more,¡± she said, tears streaming down her face.


    She had waited twenty-two years, and her youngest son had finally awakened.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s all go then. The ward is so crowded, the air isn¡¯t circulating.¡± Liu Zongquan took charge, and everyone left.


    The ward quieted down.


    Liu Zongyun kept crying, tears falling down the sides of his face onto the pillow, dampening a small patch.


    ¡°My child, do you feel wronged?¡± the old Mrs. Liu asked with a hoarse voice, her heart aching.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s tears continued to flow, and he was unable to articulate a word.


    He wanted to say.


    Twenty-two years ago, Xu Guangyao secretly swapped a baby girl for Huimin¡¯s biological daughter. Their beloved Liu family baby was gone, and the mistress¡¯s illegitimate daughter was living well.


    Xu Guangyao had betrayed Liu Huimin long ago!


    He was a viper in disguise; their entire family had been deceived!


    It was Xu Guangyao who caused him to become a vegetable!


    ¡°Heh... heh...¡±


    He desperately wanted to reveal the truth, but could only manage to utter a feeble sound.


    His mouth couldn¡¯t speak, his hands couldn¡¯t write.


    He was in utter despair!


    Liu Qiushuang took a handkerchief and gently wiped his cheeks, ¡°Don¡¯t cry! Don¡¯t cry! It¡¯s a good thing that you woke up. The doctor said that as long as you cooperate with the treatment, you can slowly recover!¡±


    ¡°I know you have something to tell me, the things you wanted to say before the car accident that left you comatose, right? If so, blink once. If not, blink twice.¡±


    Liu Zongyun, through his tears, blinked once.


    Liu Qiushuang¡¯s voice choked, ¡°My child, I¡¯ll get the best rehabilitation experts in the country to help you recover. Then you can say anything you want!¡±


    Liu Zongyun blinked once.


    He had awakened!


    When the day came that he could speak, Xu Guangyao¡¯s end would be near!

 Chapter 146: 146: Cant Resist Male Beauty

    Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Can¡¯t Resist Male Beauty


    Hospital nurses¡¯ station.


    Shu Xue took out a takeaway and handed a caramel macchiato to Qiao Xi.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like bitter drinks, so this one is sweet and rich,¡± Shu Xue whispered. She had ordered an iced Americano for herself, unwrapped it and took a big gulp.


    With the caramel macchiato in hand, Qiao Xi carefully observed Shu Xue¡¯s complexion.


    ¡°Shu Xue, your dark circles are quite noticeable. Haven¡¯t you been resting well at night?¡± She recalled that when she had called Shu Xue last night, Shu Xue¡¯s dog was causing a ruckus again.


    It must be a large breed.


    ¡°Yeah, I am a bit tired,¡±


    said Shu Xue, smacking her lips.


    She shouldn¡¯t have suggested going to her house that night.


    The stray dogs even knew the way, gathering at her door every night. She couldn¡¯t resist a handsome man, repeatedly giving in.


    She wondered why he had so many tricks up his sleeve and even came with toys. Shu Xue had had a few boyfriends, but none as ferocious and pleasing to women as Zhou Yu.


    She indulged herself for yet another night.


    This morning she almost arrived late, but it was Zhou Yu who had brought her to the hospital.


    ¡°Is the dog you keep an Alaskan?¡± Qiao Xi asked curiously. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen it yet.¡±


    She had never been to Shu Xue¡¯s home either.


    Shu Xue, lost in her thoughts, replied subconsciously, ¡°It¡¯s a seal.¡±


    A fighter jet of a seal, extraordinarily strong in that regard.


    ¡°What?¡± Qiao Xi was puzzled.


    ¡°Nothing! Just a stray dog picked up from outside, kept it for a few days. Not sure if I¡¯ll keep doing so, I hope he behaves better.¡±


    Shu Xue did indeed hope they could keep a long-term relationship. The pressure of working at the hospital was too much, going home to someone she could vent to would be so good.


    Zhou Yu was handsome and gentlemanly, with superior skills, making him the most suitable candidate.


    ¡°I heard from the old folks in my village that dogs are extremely loyal, but they can get carried away. Be cautious, reward them with a date for every beating, then the dog will be well-trained to protect its master,¡±


    Qiao Xi chatted with her intermittently.


    Shu Xue¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Best sister! PUA, your village elders really have it figured out, I get it!¡±


    She¡¯d try it out tonight.


    ¡°Why are you so odd?¡± Qiao Xi always felt they weren¡¯t on the same wavelength, even though they were clearly talking about dogs.


    Shu Xue quickly changed the subject, asking, ¡°What was it about when you called me last night? You seem radiant, was it your first time?¡±


    ¡°How was he? Good in the waist? How many times in one night?¡± She leered at Qiao Xi.


    The topic was rather risque?.


    Qiao Xi blushed at her gaze: ¡°Just average, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Modest! How can a woman be modest on such a topic? You seemed to enjoy it. Did you use protection?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head.


    In the heat of the moment, contraception had slipped her mind.


    But considering Mr. Huo had entrusted the clinic to her, she feared she couldn¡¯t afford to get pregnant for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get some medicine from the pharmacy later,¡± she said.


    ¡°When you¡¯re young, have fun, don¡¯t let children tie you down. Did you wear the clothes I gave you last night?¡±


    Qiao Xi was lost for words.


    She wore them, but they were torn apart by Mr. Huo.


    He, normally so cold and restrained, also had a day when desire overtook him, and he was especially dominant.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, you¡¯re keeping secrets from me!¡± Shu Xue leaned in closer. ¡°Come on, tell me, I¡¯m curious!¡±


    ¡°They got torn.¡±


    Qiao Xi said softly, her face red.


    The fabric was so thin, a little force would deform it, let alone from Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Tsk tsk, a man who breaks his vegetarian streak is really fierce,¡± she mused, then asked, ¡°Was it his first time?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded.


    Shu Xue felt as sour as a lemon.


    She hadn¡¯t expected a man like Huo Xingzhou to still be a virgin. Where could you find such a clean and wealthy handsome man!


    ¡°Call Huo Sijiao, we¡¯ll go to a physical store this afternoon to buy a few battle gowns! She said last time that she knows a store like that!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not.¡± Qiao Xi declined.


    ¡°We must! I¡¯ll call her right away!¡±


    ...


    The bustling center of Haicheng City.


    Inside the slow-moving car.


    Xu Guangyao was restless, his back drenched in cold sweat.


    This morning, the call from the hospital nearly scared him to collapse, worried that Liu Zongyun might reveal the truth about that year.


    All that he owned would be lost.


    ¡°Husband, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Liu Huimin asked with concern, sitting beside him, ¡°Didn¡¯t you rest well last night?¡±


    Xu Guangyao waved his hand: ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I¡¯m just worried about my second brother. He is awake now, but only his eyes can move, I¡¯m afraid he might not recover.¡±


    Liu Huimin smiled with satisfaction: ¡°How could that be! He will gradually get better. The doctors all said he would die, but he still woke up! They said he has a strong will to live, he must be reluctant to leave us!¡±


    No!


    Xu Guangyao knew very well that Liu Zongyun was driven by hatred.


    He had awakened to take revenge on him.


    Xu Guangyao was anxious, turning to Xu Xingluo who was sitting in the passenger seat: ¡°Xingluo, accompany Dad to the company. The family business will eventually have to be handed over to you and your sibling, so it¡¯s good for you to get familiar with the operations sooner.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s gaze was inscrutable, and she nodded: ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t be outdone by a country girl, she had to become Young Madam Huo no matter what.


    That was her obsession!


    She was determined to marry Huo Xingzhou!


    At any cost!


    Maybe, through the cooperation of their two families, she would have more opportunities to get close to Brother Xingzhou.


    Liu Huimin said with a laugh, ¡°Why not take Yunye too? You¡¯ve always been partial to Xingluo since she was little; you really favor girls over boys.¡± Though she said this, she was actually very pleased.


    That Xu Guangyao doted on his daughter was a good thing.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± Xu Yunye, fiddling with his phone, said indifferently.


    He didn¡¯t like the insincerity of the business world, nor did he want to share the same space with Xu Xingluo.


    ¡°You just know how to race cars and play games all day, can¡¯t you be more ambitious?¡± Xu Guangyao vented his hidden frustration on Xu Yunye.


    He had never liked Xu Yunye, considering him superfluous to the family. This son always seemed at odds with him, as if born to exact debts.


    Xu Yunye snorted, ¡°Isn¡¯t having an older brother enough?¡±


    ¡°Prodigal!¡±


    ¡°At least the sister is ambitious!¡± Xu Yunye cast a cold glance at Xu Xingluo.


    Xu Xingluo quickly tried to appease: ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be angry, let¡¯s get out of the car first. Mom and second brother should head home.¡±


    The car stopped at the Xu family¡¯s entrance.


    Xu Guangyao snorted and got out of the car; Xu Xingluo followed suit.


    They took the elevator up to the chairman¡¯s office.


    Xu Xingluo was extremely agitated inside, her brows and eyes filled with hostility.


    As she watched Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou¡¯s relationship grow stronger.


    Xu Yunye was threatening her with something from abroad, and she didn¡¯t know if he would actually blow her cover.


    ¡°Xingluo, close the door.¡±


    Xu Guangyao looked into her eyes, this child resembled him the most, was the most ruthless at heart.


    Seemingly fragile on the surface, but strong-willed.


    This was his and Shen Shiyun¡¯s biological daughter, who he had always held in the palm of his hand, and he hoped she could become superior to others.


    Now, Liu Zongyun had woken up.


    Xu Guangyao hesitated whether to tell her the true story of her birth.


    ¡°Dad?¡± Xu Xingluo closed the door and looked at him with puzzlement.


    Xu Guangyao took a deep breath: ¡°Xingluo, there¡¯s something Dad wants to tell you.¡±

 Chapter 147: 147: Xu Xingluo Finds Out About His Origins

    Chapter 147: Chapter 147: Xu Xingluo Finds Out About His Origins


    Xu Xingluo saw his serious expression and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Xu Guangyao took out a yellowed agreement from the safe and handed it to her, ¡°Take a look, this is what I mentioned to you before.¡±


    Xu Xingluo stared at the pages, flipping through them eagerly.


    ¡°Notarized?¡± her eyes lit up.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    A hidden smile appeared on the corners of Xu Guangyao¡¯s mouth, ¡°If you want to marry Huo Xingzhou, I can make it happen for you. If Huo Jiancheng had produced this document earlier, you would have married into their family already.¡±


    Xu Xingluo snorted dismissively and scoffed, ¡°He¡¯s a hypocrite. If he had brought this out earlier to make me marry Brother Xingzhou and cheer him up, we would have gotten our marriage certificate already. Why wait until now?¡±


    She bore a grudge against Huo Jiancheng as well.


    Xu Guangyao said with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s not too late. Tianyuan Group has an important collaboration with the Zhong Family in the Imperial Capital. This is our best opportunity.¡±


    ¡°Mm, thank you, Dad!¡±


    Xu Xingluo held the document, kissing it repeatedly, as if it were Huo Xingzhou himself.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing.¡±


    Xu Guangyao hesitated as he looked at her, ¡°Your second uncle¡¯s health must never recover!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Xingluo, do you trust me?¡± Xu Guangyao asked.


    ¡°Of course, I trust Dad. But what does this have to do with my uncle?¡± Xu Xingluo had no familial affection for Liu Zongyun and trusted Xu Guangyao even more.


    At this point.


    Xu Guangyao knew he could no longer keep her in the dark, or else how could she align with him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you somewhere, keep quiet about it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Guangyao took her to hail a cab at the company¡¯s entrance and switched cabs along the way.


    They finally stopped at Biyuan Residential Area.


    ¡°Dad, why did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk.¡±


    Xu Guangyao pressed the elevator button, and the access card took them to the 16th floor.


    Before them was a tightly shut door, lavishly decorated.


    Xu Xingluo stared at the door, and a wave of nervousness suddenly rose from the bottom of her heart. Following her instincts, she said, ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t want to go anymore, I want to go downstairs.¡±


    Intuition told her that behind this door was something she didn¡¯t want to face.


    Xu Guangyao grabbed her hand, ¡°You must go.¡±


    He rang the doorbell.


    Quick footsteps came from inside, and as the door opened, fragrant air wafted out, and a graceful woman threw herself into Xu Guangyao¡¯s arms, ¡°Husband, I¡¯ve missed you so much.¡±


    Xu Guangyao patted her buttocks and said, ¡°Look who I brought!¡±


    ¡°Xingluo!¡±


    The woman looked at Xu Xingluo, her eyes reddening with excitement.


    Xu Xingluo stepped back twice, looking at them incredulously, ¡°Dad, are you seeing another woman! Does Mom know? How could you do this?¡±


    Liu Huimin and Xu Guangyao were regarded as a model couple in Haicheng, and Xu Xingluo had never imagined her father would have an affair.


    Shen Shiyun felt deeply wronged hearing herself being referred to as ¡°the other woman.¡±


    ¡°Xingluo, I am your mother!¡±


    Xu Guangyao had said that if he ever brought Xu Xingluo here, it would mean it was time to reveal her true origins to her.


    ¡°My mom is Liu Huimin, you shameless wretch, what nonsense are you spouting!¡±


    Xu Xingluo became emotionally agitated and turned to run away.


    Xu Guangyao quickly grabbed her hand, dragging her inside the room and locking the door.


    Xu Xingluo slammed her fists against the door, her whole body engulfed in a panic. She had a premonition that what Xu Guangyao was about to say would overturn her life, and she didn¡¯t want to hear it!


    ¡°Xingluo!¡±


    ¡°Xu Xingluo, calm yourself down! Once you walk out that door, you lose all ties to wealth and glory!¡±


    Xu Xingluo stopped what she was doing and stared blankly at Xu Guangyao.


    Xu Guangyao said sternly, ¡°Come here, sit down.¡±


    ¡°Xingluo, come.¡± Shen Shiyun coaxed her, trying to pull her along, but Xu Xingluo shook her off aggressively.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    She sat down on the sofa in a huff.


    Xu Guangyao softened his tone and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to tell you this originally. But now, I can no longer hide it from you.¡±


    ¡°This is Shen Shiyun, your biological mother.¡±


    He introduced her, and Shen Shiyun looked at Xu Xingluo with affection.


    Xu Xingluo was not moved at all, her heart filled with resentment, ¡°Nonsense! My mother is Liu Huimin of the Liu Family. How could this woman dressed like a flamboyant fox be my mother?¡±


    She glared at Shen Shiyun with hatred, unwilling to accept the truth.


    Slap!


    Xu Guangyao slapped her across the face.


    ¡°Dad, you hit me?¡± Xu Xingluo covered her cheek, looking at him in disbelief.


    Throughout her life, Xu Guangyao had never even raised his voice at her.


    ¡°Xu Xingluo, we don¡¯t have time for you to be willful. Even if you don¡¯t acknowledge her, it won¡¯t change the truth.¡± Xu Guangyao took a deep breath and spilled everything.


    ¡°Back then, Shiyun and Liu Huimin gave birth on the same day, and I swapped you with that child. But Liu Zongyun saw it, and while he hurried to tell the Liu Family the truth, he was hit by a truck driver I bribed and became comatose.¡±


    ¡°Over the years, because your blood type is the same as mine and you also resemble me somewhat, no one suspected your identity.¡±


    Xu Xingluo muttered, ¡°But now my second uncle has woken up... No wonder he was so agitated when he saw me; it wasn¡¯t because he liked me, but because he hated me!¡±


    She felt as if the sky had fallen!


    She was actually the daughter of a mistress!


    ¡°This can¡¯t be true...¡± she said, as if her soul had departed her body.


    All of it was a lie!


    She was the esteemed and cherished pearl, how could she be the daughter of a mistress hidden in the shadows?


    ¡°Dad, you¡¯re lying to me, right?¡±


    Xu Guangyao said mercilessly, ¡°You are indeed my and Shiyun¡¯s biological daughter, who has lived over twenty years of luxury that was switched at birth.¡±


    Xu Xingluo covered her face and cried in despair!


    Xu Guangyao continued slowly, ¡°Xingluo, now is not the time to cry. If Liu Zongyun fully recovers, both our father and daughter will be doomed! So, we absolutely cannot let him speak!¡±


    A vicious glint flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°What should we do then?¡±


    Xu Xingluo was only good at causing small troubles and doing disgusting things. With her intelligence, she couldn¡¯t come up with a perfect plan.


    ¡°We make sure he never speaks again! I¡¯ve consulted a doctor; people in comas have very low immunity and most die from viral infections. I will find a way; when the time comes, I¡¯ll need your cooperation.¡±


    This was the quietest way, leaving no evidence to find.


    Xu Xingluo sobbed and her mind grew active. With red eyes, she asked, ¡°What happened to the other child? Could she threaten my position?¡±


    Even with such a drastic change, she quickly regained composure to look after her own interests.


    Xu Guangyao sneered. They were cold-hearted and ruthless, just alike at the core ¡ª definitely his daughter.


    ¡°Back then, I instructed the truck driver to take her and dispose of her; she¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°Did you see it with your own eyes, Dad?¡±


    ¡°He sent me a photo, of a dead infant.¡±


    Xu Xingluo always felt uneasy, her eyelids twitched. She did not want to overlook any possibility, ¡°Dad, are you sure he didn¡¯t deceive you? Can you still find that truck driver?¡±


    Xu Guangyao laughed scornfully, ¡°Country folk see the money and get greedy; he took five hundred thousand and ran off to Southeast Asia.¡±


    The truck had insurance, so even after he had hit Liu Zongyun and left him in that state, he did not go to prison.


    Shen Shiyun looked at them with a content smile on her face, ¡°We three are finally reunited as a family.¡±

 Chapter 148: 148: Every Affair is Thrilling

    Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Every Affair is Thrilling


    Shen Shiyun warmly grabbed Xu Xingluo¡¯s hand, but Xu Xingluo shook it off without giving any face.


    She despised Shen Shiyun.


    ¡°Who says we¡¯re a family of three? Even though you gave birth to me, it was Liu Huimin who raised me.¡± She looked down on Shen Shiyun.


    ¡°Xingluo! Your mother has suffered a lot for you,¡± Xu Guangyao scolded.


    Xu Xingluo sneered and asked, ¡°Dad, would you divorce to marry her?¡±


    Xu Guangyao fell silent.


    Shen Shiyun felt hurt inside, but had long since accepted this fact.


    The Liu Family was a top-tier powerhouse in Haicheng that wouldn¡¯t fall for decades. The Xu Family had developed step by step relying on the power of the Liu Family, and Xu Guangyao would not divorce Liu Huimin.


    Unless Liu Huimin died.


    He could only be widowed, not divorced.


    Otherwise, the Liu Family would destroy him.


    He was so frustrated back then that he had an affair, seeking a gentler haven. He even harbored thoughts of revenge, switching two baby girls, letting the Liu Family dote on the daughter of his mistress.


    Xu Xingluo said sarcastically, ¡°If you won¡¯t marry her, then what kind of mother should I call her? Dad, I hope you remember that my mother is only Liu Huimin, don¡¯t let it slip.¡±


    Shen Shiyun¡¯s eyes reddened, and tears fell.


    She had thought their first meeting would be filled with motherly and filial affection but hadn¡¯t expected Xingluo to resist her so much.


    ¡°Xingluo, don¡¯t speak so harshly,¡± Xu Guangyao said, hugging Shen Shiyun with sympathy.


    Xu Xingluo was extremely cold-blooded as she said, ¡°Dad, before Uncle¡¯s issue is resolved, I advise you to come here less often. Do you really think there are walls that can block out the truth? Once discovered, all your efforts will be in vain.¡±


    She looked at Shen Shiyun and continued, ¡°You claim to be my birth mother. For my sake, you should keep your distance from my dad to avoid being found out.¡±


    What she cared about the most was her own status.


    She wanted to be the treasured daughter of both the Liu and Xu Families, Haicheng¡¯s number one socialite.


    Nobody could be allowed to destroy that! Not even her biological mother.


    ¡°Xu Xingluo, are you really so heartless!¡± Xu Guangyao exclaimed in anger.


    Shen Shiyun clung to his arm, her tears flowing as she sought to comfort him, ¡°Xingluo is right, let¡¯s first tackle the current problem. Every time you come here, you risk being discovered, and it¡¯s okay for us to suffer a little bit.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s bitter remark, hypocritical!


    These cuddling tactics were her leftovers.


    She stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Xu Guangyao called out to her, ¡°Stop your ballet dancing from tomorrow on, come work at the company. You are my dearest daughter, and the company will be yours to inherit.¡±


    He was paving the way for her.


    Xu Xingluo looked at him in surprise, ¡°All of it for me?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I have to plan for your future,¡± he stated.


    ¡°I will go to work tomorrow.¡±


    Having said that, she left the room.


    Shen Shiyun collapsed into Xu Guangyao¡¯s arms crying, ¡°She doesn¡¯t acknowledge me, not even willing to call me ¡®mom¡¯ once.¡±


    Xu Guangyao gently patted her back, speaking tenderly, ¡°Give her some time, she will come around.¡±


    ¡°Guangyao, do you really plan to give the company all to Xingluo? Can she handle it alone?¡± Shen Shiyun hesitated, ¡°What if we gave Xingluo a little brother?¡±


    Though she was in her early forties, she could still have a child.


    Xu Guangyao raised an eyebrow, ¡°Sure, you can give me one.¡±


    He tore open his shirt and pushed Shen Shiyun down on the sofa, ¡°Once born, I¡¯ll raise him with Liu Huimin¡¯s dowry.¡±


    Shen Shiyun broke into laughter, kissing him passionately.


    Every time she and Xu Guangyao were in bed together, a sense of revenge against Liu Huimin thrilled her!


    Such an affair was both exciting and addicting!


    She believed Xu Guangyao felt the same! Every time he was upset, he would turn to her for a fierce encounter!


    That foolish woman Liu Huimin, raising their daughter, still blissfully thought she had a good husband.


    Who knew the person beside them had been keeping a mistress for over twenty years.


    ¡°Guangyao, hold me tight.¡±


    ...


    In the hospital¡¯s private room.


    The distinguished and aloof man, holding a fruit knife, peeled an apple with deliberate slowness. After he finished peeling, he cut the apple into pieces, removed the core, and threw it into the trash can.


    ¡°Grandma, eat some fruit.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou passed the white porcelain plate to Grandma Qiao and took up a fork.


    Grandma Qiao was uneasy and nervous, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She was a rural woman, worlds apart from the Huo Family. She never thought there¡¯d come a day when an Eldest Young Master would peel an apple for her.


    ¡°Qiao Xi is busy with work today, quite so. She likely won¡¯t have time to take care of you, but if you have any problems, you can talk to me,¡± Huo Xingzhou said politely and courteously.


    He looked elegant and noble.


    Grandma Qiao shook her head, ¡°You must be busy too, I can take care of myself. The doctor said it¡¯s a minor scrape. With a two-day observation in the hospital, I¡¯ll be able to go back.¡±


    The young couple seemed to have a good relationship.


    Then why were Nannan¡¯s private photos sent to the countryside? Who took them? Could these photos be leaked elsewhere?


    If this young man in front of her found out, would the two children divorce?


    A man¡¯s pride is strong; it would probably be hard for him to accept such a thing, especially since those from high-status families care a lot about face.


    Grandma Qiao was troubled and scared.


    ¡°I¡¯m not busy today,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    At worst, he would work overtime during the weekend to catch up on the time.


    ¡°If you have time, Grandma, please tell me about Qiao Xi¡¯s childhood. Was she always so proper and serious? She¡¯s so beautiful, were there any boys who bullied her?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou was very curious about her childhood.


    Grandma Qiao¡¯s attention was diverted, and she began to reminisce about Qiao Xi¡¯s younger days.


    ¡°Nannan, she¡¯s been following Cheng Han to learn medicine since she was little. During her summer and winter holidays, she would follow him into the mountains to recognize herbs. The village boys were very naughty, and because she was cute, they liked to tease her.¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t seem like a country girl; she was fair, clean, and very smart.


    ¡°Later, Cheng Han¡¯s family had a relative¡¯s child come over. At first, Nannan didn¡¯t like him. Then, when she was twelve years old, she went into the mountains to gather herbs in the winter, and there was a big, heavy snowfall.¡±


    The sky filled with snowflakes set off panic among the villagers, and eventually, there was an avalanche.


    ¡°That kid spent three or four hours looking for Nannan in the mountains and at last carried her back. Nannan was seriously ill after returning home and only then did their relationship improve.¡±


    Childhood sweethearts?


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes flashed, ¡°Was it a boy or a girl?¡±


    ¡°A boy, he was Nannan¡¯s best playmate,¡± Grandma Qiao said with a sense of regret, ¡°Suddenly one day, that kid disappeared. Cheng Han said he died in an accident, and Nannan cried a lot when she got back.¡±


    Dead?


    Huo Xingzhou asked, ¡°Was his name Ayi?¡±


    Grandma Qiao nodded quickly, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the name. I heard that his parents were no longer around, it was quite pitiful.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze was deep, truly pitiful.


    It¡¯s just that Qiao Xi always thought of him, and he felt a bit jealous.


    Grandma Qiao picked out many more amusing stories from Qiao Xi¡¯s childhood and talked for quite a while before yawning tiredly.


    ¡°You should rest. I¡¯ll have someone bring dinner to the room,¡± Huo Xingzhou said.


    After finding the caregiver and explaining the patient¡¯s needs, he left.


    At six in the evening.


    Qiao Xi finally emerged from the circle of department heads.


    All day, she had been brought by the senior doctors to examine many difficult and complex cases. They hoped she could use acupuncture to aid in the treatment of chronic diseases, bringing more hope to the patients.


    She removed her mask and took off her white coat.


    In the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Huo Xingzhou standing at the door of the office. The man¡¯s handsome face was bathed in backlight, as though a filter had been applied, austere and attractive.

 Chapter 149: 149 Mr. Huo, It Hurts a Little

    Chapter 149: Chapter 149 Mr. Huo, It Hurts a Little


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯ll be ready soon.¡±


    Qiao Xi said as she arranged her things. After tidying up her desk, she then turned around and walked out of the office.


    She hesitated for a moment, then affectionately hooked Huo Xingzhou¡¯s arm, tilting her head up and giving him a shy smile.


    ¡°Did you have a good time today?¡±


    ¡°Mhm!¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded vigorously.


    ¡°I felt the sense of achievement that comes with practicing medicine. Liu Zongyun¡¯s awakening is due to everyone¡¯s efforts and the sharing of knowledge among colleagues, which allows us to help more patients.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m truly happy. I am someone useful to society.¡±


    She became even more convinced of the path of practicing medicine.


    Huo Xingzhou watched her intently, her almond-shaped eyes shining with a rippling brightness, her entire being seeming to glow. He felt a tender sweetness overflow in his heart, filled with a possessive delight.


    This person, she was his.


    ¡°As a celebration, I had Aunt Qian prepare a feast for you,¡± he said with a light chuckle.


    Qiao Xi spoke with a blush, ¡°That¡¯s too much trouble for Aunt Qian.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s happy to do it, loves the fuss.¡±


    No doubt the table would once again include nourishing foods to invigorate and benefit the kidneys. He was fine with it, but Qiao Xi needed to build up her strength.


    She was too delicate.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi stepped lightly, getting into the car with him.


    The young couple returned home, loving and affectionate. Aunt Qian had already served the food on the table. At a glance, it was all sustenance for vitality.


    Cordyceps duck soup, goji berry lamb porridge, stir-fried leeks, and the like.


    ¡°Young Master, Young Madam, please eat to your heart¡¯s content. I spent a long time preparing these ¨C don¡¯t let my efforts go in vain.¡±


    Aunt Qian didn¡¯t leave after her declaration but supervised them to make sure they finished everything.


    Qiao Xi had eaten to the point of being stuffed, and Huo Xingzhou took care of finishing it in the end.


    ¡°I¡¯m so full,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get more exercise, head back to the room first,¡± said Huo Xingzhou nonchalantly.


    Why should they head back to the room to exercise? Qiao Xi¡¯s mind uncontrollably drifted to the events of the previous night.


    She stood frozen in place, ¡°Isn¡¯t it bad to exercise right after eating?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou raised an eyebrow, ¡°Once you¡¯re prepared, you¡¯ll have digested it.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears turned red, what kind of preparation?


    Without asking aloud, she followed Huo Xingzhou upstairs to the master bedroom. She bit her lip, her fists clenched tightly, feeling anxious. It was only seven or eight in the evening ¡ª wouldn¡¯t it be too early for that kind of thing?


    ¡°Come here, change into this.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou handed her a bag and when Qiao Xi saw it, her face turned even redder.


    It was blazing red and there was very little fabric.


    Had he bought it?


    ¡°Mr. Huo, can I not wear it?¡± He tore her black camisole dress last night, and now he wanted her to wear something bright red.


    Did men really particularly enjoy these things?


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at her, ¡°As long as you¡¯re willing, it¡¯s okay not to wear anything. After all, only Aunt Qian is here; no one else will see. I¡¯ll go change into my swimming trunks.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Qiao Xi voiced her confusion.


    ¡°To teach you how to swim. This is a swimsuit, what did you think it was?¡±


    Embarrassed, Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks turned beet red, ¡°I¡¯ll go put it on.¡±


    Carrying the swimsuit, she went to the bathroom, took several deep breaths, and slid out of her dress. The swimsuit was very revealing, covering only the essential areas, and looked quite sexy.


    She grabbed a large bath towel, wrapped it around her body, and slowly walked out of the bathroom.


    Huo Xingzhou cast her a quick glance, his eyes briefly lighting up.


    Such a vivid and bold color looked incredibly beautiful on her, making her exposed skin even more fair and smooth.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, his voice slightly husky.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    Qiao Xi carried out her changed clothes and, as she moved, a small box of pills fell to the ground. The box was clearly labeled as short-acting contraceptives, with signs of having been used.


    The man picked up the pill box before she did, his expression cold as he looked at her, ¡°You took the pills?¡±


    A tightness gripped Qiao Xi¡¯s heart, accompanied by an inexplicable sense of guilt, and she nodded.


    He furrowed his brow and asked, ¡°Why are you taking the pills? Don¡¯t you want to have children with me?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Qiao Xi hastened to explain, ¡°Mr. Huo, you¡¯ve been managing the clinic for me, and I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t have enough energy. I do want to have children with you, I just thought it¡¯d be best to first get the clinic running well before...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take the pills next time, they¡¯re harmful to your body.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou rubbed her head, ¡°You should have told me last night.¡±


    ¡°But I was afraid you would think... it wouldn¡¯t feel good.¡± She lowered her head, feeling a bit aggrieved.


    She had looked up some messy stuff online, which claimed that the sensation with contraceptives was poor and men didn¡¯t like it. She didn¡¯t want their first time to leave a bad impression.


    ¡°Silly girl, there are so many birth control methods. You¡¯re a doctor, you should know better.¡±


    Indeed.


    Qiao Xi remembered that there were indeed many methods of contraception that didn¡¯t involve contraceptives.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I understand,¡± she said softly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, go swimming.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gently pushed on her lower back, and Qiao Xi obediently walked out. The man opened the bedside drawer, took out a box of something, and then left the bedroom.


    ...


    The swimming pool at the Huo family¡¯s villa was large, with a depth of one and a half meters.


    After Qiao Xi got into the water, it reached her neck. She held onto a super-sized swim ring, feeling completely secure. Huo Xingzhou pulled her out and said, ¡°Warm up first.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±


    She dutifully followed his lead in the warm-up exercises, her form graceful, her fine figure laid bare before the man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Stretch your arms straight.¡± His large hand rested on her shoulder, lifting her arms.


    Qiao Xi struggled to lift her hands as he stood behind her, his strong masculine pheromones overwhelming her.


    She shifted her small hips slightly, embarrassed.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, get into the water.¡±


    No sooner had Huo Xingzhou spoken than Qiao Xi went into the water. She asked, ¡°Mr. Huo, why do you suddenly want to teach me how to swim?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to drown next time.¡±


    He always remembered the incident at the Liu family¡¯s Qing Lake and had taken the time from his busy schedule to teach her swimming.


    Huo Xingzhou indeed was very strict, not cutting any corners.


    Qiao Xi was forced to correct her stroke and move back and forth, her body aching all over. She stretched her limbs, practicing the simplest breaststroke. It was unclear whether it was due to the teacher¡¯s skill or the student¡¯s natural talent.


    Eventually, her breaststroke looked decent, and she could swim back and forth.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Huo Xingzhou finally said.


    Qiao Xi lay at the edge of the pool, panting. Swimming was truly exhausting; she had experienced Huo Xingzhou¡¯s merciless side, and no amount of pleading had helped.


    She looked up at him softly, just as Huo Xingzhou reached out his hand.


    ¡°Come up.¡±


    When Qiao Xi heard his command, she reached out her hand to him.


    With a strong pull, he lifted her out of the water. Carried by the momentum, Qiao Xi fell into his embrace, their bodies touching, reigniting the memory of the previous day when he had been mighty and conquering upon her.


    ¡°Lie down first, I¡¯ll help relax your muscles,¡± Huo Xingzhou pointed to the lounge chair on the shore and directed.


    Qiao Xi obediently lay on the lounge chair, her body¡¯s contours perfectly displayed. The man, bending over, massaged her leg muscles with his hands.


    ¡°Ah... it hurts a bit,¡± she cried out.


    ¡°You¡¯ll feel better soon,¡± he said.


    Her teeth clenched, she felt her muscles transition from aching to a sense of relief. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh contentedly, unaware that the man¡¯s gaze upon her had changed completely.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I haven¡¯t reached my exercise quota for today,¡± he said slowly.


    With her hands supporting her body, Qiao Xi looked at him, and the next second, she was encircled by his warm, broad arms, his thin lips forcefully invading.

 Chapter 150: 150 Just a Kiss, How Is That Enough

    Chapter 150: Chapter 150 Just a Kiss, How Is That Enough


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    Qiao Xi was forced to twist her body to kiss him, panting heavily.


    The man¡¯s kisses fell again on her neck, earlobes, and cheeks, leaving Qiao Xi overwhelmed. She took the opportunity to change positions, lying on the lounge chair with her hands pressing against his well-defined abs.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, wait...¡±


    The swimming pool was open on all sides, and she could see the intense desire in his eyes that he could not hide.


    Under her palms was a beating heart, throbbing so powerfully. The temperature from his skin was almost scalding her hands.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡±


    With one hand, he bound her hands above her head and leaned down to kiss her exposed skin, dominant and forceful.


    The lounge chair creaked noisily, its flimsy support seeming as if it might fall apart any second.


    ¡°This place... it¡¯s not good.¡±


    Her almond-shaped eyes softened with ripples, her voice so tender it was barely coherent. Under the bright light of day, it was a test of her modesty. She had never considered doing anything outside of a bedroom.


    ¡°Little prude, nobody will see us.¡± He looked restrained and stable, yet he indulged himself wantonly in matters like these, unrestrained and willful.


    Being called ¡°little prude¡± by him, Qiao Xi felt wronged, thinking to herself that men really do prefer wildness.


    The last bit of fabric on her was hanging by a thread, the ties at her back already undone by him. His lips slowly moved downward, and she resignedly closed her eyes, saying,


    ¡°Mr. Huo... after you¡¯ve had enough, let¡¯s go back to the room, okay?¡±


    Her eyes were misty, eliciting sympathy.


    But Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t want to let her have her way.


    Today, he had consumed a great deal of jealousy, knowing that in her purest, most innocent girlhood, there had been another boy for company. Even if it was just an early-deceased companion, his heart still felt sour.


    ¡°Little Divine Doctor, to what extent is considered enough?¡±


    He pulled away from her, deliberately asking.


    Qiao Xi, with her hands restrained by him, felt very insecure and didn¡¯t dare to move. She was afraid that the slightest movement would cause the untied swimsuit to fall off.


    Blushing, she answered, ¡°Just hugs and kisses.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not enough! Only last night was enough, just one kiss is not satisfactory.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    Qiao Xi was at a loss for words, racking her brains for an excuse to persuade him. Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she said, ¡°Mr. Huo, we didn¡¯t bring... that.¡±


    The corner of his mouth curved slightly, ¡°I brought it.¡±


    He took out a box of opened condoms from his side, ¡°Enough for us to use all night long.¡±


    She had been checkmated.


    Qiao Xi looked at him with a mixture of sorrow and resignation, powerless.


    ¡°You did this on purpose, it wasn¡¯t just about teaching me to swim.¡±


    ¡°Teaching you to swim is true, but I require a tuition fee.¡± He took out a condom and said, ¡°It¡¯s just been a long premeditation, and I won¡¯t let you go today.¡±


    The rest of her words drowned between their lips.


    Stirred up by him, Qiao Xi¡¯s entire body heated up, dizzily complying with him. Whatever he said went. Under his superior learning ability, it was inevitable that from her mouth would come pleading sounds of ¡°Brother¡± and ¡°Husband.¡±


    The man seemed to enjoy it.


    Tonight, because of the turbulent jealousy, he was especially fierce.


    In the heat of passion, Qiao Xi covered her face, too shy to look at his expression.


    Huo Xingzhou forcibly parted her hands, his voice so hoarse it hardly sounded human, his breath scorching hot.


    ¡°Look at me, Qiao Xi.¡±


    Look at how he possessed her!


    In this life, she could only ever watch him.


    In the dead of night, the pool water stirred again, the sound-activated lights on the poolside flickering on and off, working overtime for a very long time.


    ...


    In another corner of the bustling Haicheng.


    In a noisy bar, the sound of music and drums thundered in her ears. Xu Xingluo brought the glass to her lips, drinking one after another.


    All she ordered was vodka, wanting to drown herself in drunkenness.


    Proud and arrogant, she could not accept the truth of her origins. She numbed the torment only with alcohol.


    As she drank, she cried.


    She frantically dialed Huo Xingzhou¡¯s number on her cellphone, but the line was always busy. Huo Xingzhou had blocked all her contacts, and she could no longer reach him.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, you¡¯re so heartless!¡±


    Were all those years of childhood friendship pretend?


    They were almost husband and wife.


    If it weren¡¯t for Qiao Xi, she should¡¯ve been the one entwined in love and affection with Brother Xingzhou. She harbored a deep hatred in her heart, hating Qiao Xi for being in this world, hating that she wasn¡¯t Liu Huimin¡¯s biological daughter.


    A desire to destroy the world even rose from the depths of her heart.


    ¡°Xingluo!¡±


    Xiang Huai rushed into the bar and saw her, in a drunken haze, continuously pouring alcohol.


    He snatched the glass from Xu Xingluo¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Stop drinking! Huo Xingzhou is not worth you degrading yourself.¡±


    ¡°What do you care, what are you to me!¡±


    She grabbed the bottle and took several big gulps, choking until tears streamed down her face.


    ¡°Stop drinking!¡± Xiang Huai threw the bottle aside and pulled her, trying to take her outside. Xu Xingluo resisted desperately, crying bitterly about her pitiful birth and Huo Xingzhou¡¯s heartlessness.


    ¡°If you like me, then keep me company in drinking. My heart aches so terribly, but I feel better after drinking.¡±


    She screamed hysterically.


    Xiang Huai gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll keep you company.¡±


    He joined Xu Xingluo in her madness, each matching the other drink for drink, while his eyes revealed his growing feelings for her.


    He had liked Xu Xingluo for many years. But even knowing her heart was set on Huo Xingzhou, he followed her around like a lovesick fool.


    ¡°Cheers!¡±


    Both were piteous, their love unrequited.


    ¡°Drink up!¡±


    With alcohol clouding her mind, Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes blurred as she stared at Xiang Huai, seeing double.


    It was as if he were the one she most desired.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, you finally came to see me. That little slut Qiao Xi, she clings to you every day, so shameless.¡± She mumbled on and on, ¡°I saw her trying to seduce you in that sling dress...¡±


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou...¡±


    She threw herself into Xiang Huai¡¯s arms, her pale arms wrapping around his neck, holding him tight as she nibbled on him.


    Her skilled movements made Xiang Huai¡¯s heart pound.


    ¡°Xingluo, stop this,¡± he said, his will wavering as he pushed back.


    Xu Xingluo pulled at his clothes, her hands wandering downward.


    ¡°I want you! Brother Xingzhou, you can do those things to Qiao Xi, why can¡¯t I? I want to be with you.¡± She straddled Xiang Huai.


    Many in the bar had started to watch them.


    Xiang Huai, not wanting Xu Xingluo to be recognized, picked her up and left the bar to go to the hotel next door, planning to get a room to settle her down.


    He booked a suite and sent Xu Xingluo in, intending to leave.


    But she, like a clingy fairy, stripped off her clothes, pulled him into a kiss, and threw him onto the bed.


    Facing the woman he had loved for years, Xiang Huai finally couldn¡¯t resist, and he went with the flow.


    He was extremely tender and considerate, letting her vent on his body, as she kept calling out ¡°Brother Xingzhou.¡± He fulfilled all her demands, completing her and Huo Xingzhou¡¯s dream of spring.

 Chapter 151: 151: Turning Clouds Over Rain, Taking Photos as Souvenirs

    Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Turning Clouds Over Rain, Taking Photos as Souvenirs


    A night of recklessness.


    The sun was high in the sky.


    It was noon by the time Xu Xingluo slowly woke up. She felt the soreness and relief in her body and was clear about what had happened. Those peach blossom eyes looked towards Xiang Huai sitting at the edge of the bed.


    Xiang Huai quickly asked, ¡°Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat? I prepared a new dress for you.¡±


    Xu Xingluo, with a blank expression, threw off the covers, walked barefoot on the floor, and naturally picked up the new dress and put it on.


    Then she said coldly, ¡°Last night was an accident, I was drunk and mistook you for someone else. Brother Xiang Huai, you should know who I love.¡±


    Xiang Huai guiltily replied, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I will take responsibility.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t control himself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to take responsibility, and don¡¯t tell anyone about this,¡± she said with a cold and stern face.


    Xiang Huai felt lost, yet even more guilty.


    ¡°Brother Xiang Huai, you once said you would protect me for a lifetime, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, as always.¡±


    ¡°Then you will surely help Xingluo fulfil her wish, won¡¯t you?¡± Xu Xingluo softened her voice. She was drunk last night but not to the extent of not recognizing people.


    She was always clear that it was Xiang Huai she was with.


    The best way to tie a dog down is with a bone, her background was a ticking time bomb, she needed to hold more cards in her hand.


    And who was better suited to be her dog than Xiang Huai?


    A loyal dog with a good background, obedient and does not bite, and also good in bed. Give him a little bone and he¡¯s overwhelmingly moved, even willing to risk his life for her.


    Sure enough!


    Upon hearing her words, Xiang Huai swore, ¡°I am willing to do anything for you, even climb mountains of knives and go down to the seas of fire.¡±


    Xu Xingluo held his hand and said, ¡°Brother Xiang Huai, I don¡¯t need you to climb mountains of knives and go down to the seas of fire. I have a favour to ask of you, I have a friend who wants a paternity test, but it cannot be done in Haicheng.¡±


    Because the medical industry in Haicheng was more or less connected with the Xu Family, she feared Xu Xiuyuan would find out.


    ¡°I want to ask you to help her with the paternity test privately.¡±


    ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll ask a friend in the Imperial Capital,¡± said Xiang Huai, who was well-connected and handsome. Somehow he was charmed by Xu Xingluo. For her, he had rejected proposal gestures from socialite women of the Imperial Capital.


    ¡°Then thank you very much, I¡¯ll give you the stuff in a couple of days.¡±


    Xu Xingluo still harboured a sliver of hope that perhaps her father was deceiving her, simply charmed by that woman from outside.


    She needed to conduct a paternity test with Liu Huimin to fully confirm this matter.


    ¡°Between us, there¡¯s no need for polite words. Rest assured, no one will know about last night¡¯s events.¡±


    Xiang Huai repeatedly assured her.


    ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll be leaving first.¡±


    Xu Xingluo said and turned around, her expression growing cold again. She opened the hotel room door and left.


    Xiang Huai sat by the bed for a long time, alternating between happiness and loss, distressed. He was infatuated with all that had happened last night, and even took out his phone to look at the photos taken during their intimate moments.


    He simply couldn¡¯t resist wanting to record that loving night with Xu Xingluo.


    This might be the only time in his life.


    Only.


    Xingluo wasn¡¯t a first-timer.


    He guessed that she must have given her first time to Huo Xingzhou a long time ago, considering their close relationship, it was inevitable there would be moments of passion.


    Huo Xingzhou, that bastard, to abandon Xingluo, who is such a good girl.


    Xiang Huai secretly vowed to make Xu Xingluo¡¯s wish come true.


    ...


    Xu Xingluo left the hotel and took a taxi home.


    Xu Guangyao and Liu Huimin had already gone out to socialize, and the servants were cleaning thoroughly.


    She tiptoed to push open the master bedroom door, wanting to take a few strands of Liu Huimin¡¯s hair. But the room had already been cleaned by the maid, spotless.


    She entered the bathroom and reluctantly picked a few strands of hair with follicles from the air cushion brush, clutching them in her palm.


    She sighed in relief and left the room.


    A haunting male voice arose from behind her.


    ¡°Xu Xingluo, what are you sneaking around for like a thief?¡± Xu Yunye, dressed in loose pajamas, stared at her with piercing eyes.


    Xu Xingluo jumped in fright, her face turning deathly pale.


    ¡°Are you sick!¡± she cursed loudly.


    ¡°No guilty conscience, no fear of ghosts knocking at your door.¡±


    Xu Yunye sniffed, ¡°Such a strong smell of alcohol, did you go out and mess around?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business, stop targeting me,¡± Xu Xingluo added. ¡°Mom hopes for a harmonious and warm home. You wouldn¡¯t want to disappoint Mom, would you?¡±


    She held her breath and walked past Xu Yunye.


    Xu Yunye snorted coldly, if it weren¡¯t for his mother, he wouldn¡¯t even manage superficial harmony with Xu Xingluo.


    He pulled out his phone and dialed a number casually: ¡°Mazi, I agreed to tonight¡¯s hairpin turn race, register for me.¡±


    He just couldn¡¯t be bothered to stay at home.


    ...


    At the Huo family¡¯s small villa.


    Aunt Qian was directing the workers to replace the fixed beach chairs by the swimming pool, while Qiao Xi also watched on, afraid that something that shouldn¡¯t be there might appear.


    She had taken the day off and stayed at home, too lethargic to stir up any energy.


    Last night her waist had almost broken, and the beach chair was terribly uncomfortable.


    In the late night, she floundered in the water for quite a while, Mr. Huo seemed tireless, forcing her to say she loved him, loved only him, again and again. Later, he even had her call him ¡°good brother¡± in all sorts of begging styles.


    She had not expected that despite his frosty abstinence, he would be exceptionally sultry in bed.


    This morning he went to work looking refreshed and spirited. She, however, slept until noon and even caught a slight cold.


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t help but sneeze again.


    Seeing this, Aunt Qian said, ¡°Young Madam, you should take some cold medicine and sleep for a while. How did you catch a chill? Is the air conditioning in the villa turned up too high?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    The water in the pool was too cold last night, the walls of the pool icy, his body very hot.


    She was caught between the ice and fire, too engrossed in the fun to notice.


    Aunt Qian nodded, then yelled at the workers, ¡°Make sure to check thoroughly, screw everything tightly. The last beach chair we bought was of no good quality at all, it fell apart in no time.¡±


    Qiao Xi hung her head, her ears burning red.


    The quality of the beach chair was actually quite good; it was just that Mr. Huo was too vigorous, shaking it violently until it fell apart.


    Aunt Qian yawned, her eyes ringed with dark circles. ¡°Young Madam, I¡¯m really a bit sleepy, I didn¡¯t rest well last night. Could you please keep an eye on the workers for me?¡±


    Qiao Xi asked concernedly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you need me to check on you?¡±


    ¡°No need,¡±


    Aunt Qian waved her hand, ¡°A wild cat might have snuck into the villa. I slept in a daze and heard it meowing throughout the night, sounding quite adorable and pitiful, so I didn¡¯t sleep soundly.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears grew even hotter.


    ¡°Aunt Qian, you should go and rest,¡±


    she urged Aunt Qian to leave, fearing she would say something more embarrassing. Last night Mr. Huo had also said... she sounded like the wild cat under the wall in Moon Village.


    She felt utterly mortified.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave it in your hands then,¡± Aunt Qian covered her mouth, yawned continuously, and left the backyard.


    Qiao Xi gazed at the calm surface of the swimming pool, a wave of embarrassment surging through her heart.


    Next time, she definitely wouldn¡¯t do it here!

 Chapter 152: 152: Twin Electrocardiographic Induction

    Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Twin Electrocardiographic Induction


    That night.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t get home until after eleven.


    Qiao Xi, hearing the noise, lay on the master bedroom¡¯s large bed and pretended to be asleep.


    Angered and annoyed by what Aunt Qian had said during the day, she resolved not to engage with Huo Xingzhou, to avoid his advances tonight.


    In the dim room.


    Huo Xingzhou turned on the room¡¯s warm light and sat on the edge of the bed after changing his clothes.


    He reached out and pinched her nose, laughter spilling from his throat, ¡°Is my little wildcat angry?¡±


    Clearly, he had heard Aunt Qian complain once again.


    Qiao Xi opened her eyes and glared at him, ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    Her voice was slightly husky, heavy with nasal intonation, sounding even more aggrieved.


    ¡°Did you take your medicine?¡± Huo Xingzhou looked at her helplessly.


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°Next time, I won¡¯t do it in the water,¡± he compromised.


    He hadn¡¯t realized women¡¯s bodies were so fragile; even a summer night¡¯s water could easily cause a chill. In his eagerness, he just couldn¡¯t stop, just like any man newly acquainted with carnal pleasures.


    Just as Qiao Xi was about to speak, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her chest.


    She clutched her chest with both hands, her face turning deathly pale, and curled up in pain. A sharp and urgent pain struck her heart, forcing her to cry out in pain.


    But soon, that momentary pain passed, and calm returned.


    ¡°Qiao Xi?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I¡¯m fine. Just a sudden heart twinge, it¡¯s a normal reaction.¡± She took a deep breath and checked her pulse herself.


    Huo Xingzhou covered her with the silk quilt, ¡°Next time, don¡¯t wait up for me. You should go to sleep at ten. If I come home late, I¡¯ll sleep in the guest room.¡±


    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently nodded her head.


    This kind of inexplicable pain, sometimes mild, sometimes severe, had been with her since childhood. Grandpa Cheng said it was a normal occurrence; people consuming grains might occasionally experience little pains, which shouldn¡¯t be overthought.


    The human body is mysterious, with many unexplored and undeveloped areas.


    She quietly fell into a deep sleep, not knowing that that night,


    all ambulances of Hai City Hospital were dispatched, wailing for two or three hours.


    The emergency department was a scene of mayhem, and the Xu family found no peace either.


    ...


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi returned to work at the hospital where the emergency department colleagues looked exhausted, with several doctors sporting heavy dark circles.


    Compared to them, she had it much easier.


    Since she was going to resign, the on-call scheduling had been canceled this time, and her usual caseload had reduced.


    Directors of other departments asked her to assist in the examination rounds, fostering more interaction between traditional Chinese and Western medicine.


    This opportunity was something Qiao Xi would not refuse.


    Following these experienced doctors, she learned many techniques and encountered more cases, making her main daily task to conduct rounds.


    Shu Xue came out from the duty room, yawning.


    Qiao Xi considerately offered breakfast, ¡°Here, the fried dough sticks and soy milk you wanted.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi darling, how will I ever manage without you?¡± Shu Xue hugged her and gave her a peck.


    Qiao Xi smiled and lowered her head.


    While eating, Shu Xue said, ¡°I was swamped last night; they were short-staffed at emergency, so I was called in. I spent the whole night looking at gory sights, and I threw up all night. Still, nothing beats soy milk and fried dough sticks...¡±


    She couldn¡¯t stand the smell of meat now.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Qiao Xi asked.


    ¡°Last night, there was a serious accident during an underground car race on a hairpin bend. One person died on the spot, three others were declared dead after unsuccessful resuscitation, and seven were injured.¡±


    The hairpin bend refers to a road with many difficult curves, also known as the sheep¡¯s intestine bend. Normally drivers would slow down and be very cautious. These people actually went racing, really risking their lives.


    Shu Xue bit into a dough stick and said vaguely, ¡°They are all rich kids playing with heavy motorcycles. Once an accident happens, it¡¯s either death or injury.¡±


    Qiao Xi followed with a couple of sighs.


    Shu Xue took a big gulp of soy milk and said, ¡°Don¡¯t go home after work this evening, I¡¯ve made plans with Huo Sijiao, we three will go shopping!¡±


    Let¡¯s go to that battle gown store!


    ¡°Go shopping for what?¡± Qiao Xi asked.


    ¡°Never mind, we¡¯ll take you. Hurry, go on rounds, don¡¯t keep the senior doctors waiting.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded casually, then put on her white coat and followed the hospital¡¯s senior doctors on rounds.


    They started from the second floor of the inpatient department, where the recently hospitalized patients felt overwhelmed by the sudden visit from several experts.


    Lucky them!


    The group conducted rounds all the way to the orthopedic department.


    Qiao Xi could hear a familiar voice even before she reached the door of the room.


    In the open ward, Liu Huimin, her face pale and eyes swollen, was scolding, ¡°I told you, car racing is too dangerous! Do you know how many people died this time? I was scared to death last night!¡±


    ¡°Yunye, can¡¯t you be more mature!¡±


    The young man lying on the hospital bed, his head and limbs wrapped in bandages, looked like a mummy.


    His eyes held a defiant look as he said indifferently, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m just the redundant one in the Xu family. My older brother is excellent, my sister is adored; my death wouldn¡¯t be a loss.¡±


    Liu Huimin covered her chest and cried out, ¡°You are the child I carried and gave birth to; how can you be redundant? You¡¯ve really disappointed me.¡±


    Xu Yunye¡¯s eyes drooped, and he said self-mockingly, ¡°Father came to the hospital, scolded me after seeing I wasn¡¯t dead. Xu Xingluo didn¡¯t even come, she¡¯s sleeping soundly at home.¡±


    Liu Huimin explained, ¡°Xingluo is timid, I didn¡¯t tell her.¡±


    Xu Yunye snorted, ¡°They say twins have telepathy, but I think she¡¯s been heartless since we were kids. Perhaps she was picked up from somewhere? Oh no, you all love her so much, I must be the one who got picked up.¡±


    ¡°Yunye you...¡±


    The attending doctor stepped forward to intervene, ¡°Doctors are making rounds, family members, please leave temporarily.¡±


    Liu Huimin took a deep breath, her heart aching as she left the ward and waited in the corridor. Qiao Xi brushed past her and walked into the ward.


    ¡°Mild concussion, multiple bone fractures and cracks, but no internal injuries. The patient is young and has strong recovery capabilities.¡±


    He¡¯s lucky to be alive!


    Qiao Xi listened to the attending doctor and nodded.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, would you take his pulse?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, sure.¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t hesitate, she stepped forward, bent down, and grasped Xu Yunye¡¯s wrist, placing her index and middle finger on it.


    ¡°Nothing serious, just need some time to heal,¡± she said softly.


    Xu Yunye extended his finger and hooked her white coat, saying, ¡°Doctor, don¡¯t you want to check more carefully?¡±


    Qiao Xi pulled back her white coat and said flatly, ¡°No need.¡±


    Xu Yunye found her cold expression surprisingly pleasant.


    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re much prettier than Xu Xingluo!¡± he said casually with a smile.


    ¡°Haha, Doctor Qiao is really popular,¡± the senior doctors joked as they bustled out of the ward.


    Qiao Xi hurriedly left.


    Behind her, Liu Huimin¡¯s lecturing voice continued, ¡°How can you belittle your own sister? She¡¯s much prettier than Qiao Xi. No wonder Xingluo doesn¡¯t like you, her brother!¡±


    Indifferently, Xu Yunye said, ¡°Mom, being blindly infatuated is an illness, you need to cure it! I think she¡¯s more suited to be my sister than Xu Xingluo is.¡±

 Chapter 153: 153: The National Doctors Apprentice Actually Bought Sex Toys?

    Chapter 153: Chapter 153: The National Doctor¡¯s Apprentice Actually Bought Sex Toys?


    Hospital shifts ended at six o¡¯clock.


    Huo Sijiao parked her BMW mini at the hospital entrance, waiting for Shu Xue and Qiao Xi to come out.


    Upon seeing her car, Shu Xue exaggeratedly said, ¡°Did Huo Xingzhou go bankrupt? Where¡¯s the young miss¡¯s sports car?¡±


    Huo Sijiao laughed with a snort and said, ¡°I switch them out, the sports car can¡¯t fit both of you. Sister-in-law, get in quickly!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi and Shu Xue sat in the back, holding hands and chatting warmly.


    Feeling a pang of jealousy, Huo Sijiao rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Sister Shu, that¡¯s my sister-in-law! Don¡¯t hog her all the time!¡±


    Shu Xue teased, ¡°As if I dare! Huo Xingzhou would kill me!¡±


    Huo Sijiao laughed heartily and said, ¡°Sister-in-law, today I¡¯ll take you to that shop to choose a few outfits that will make my brother unable to resist.¡±


    Qiao Xi had thought they were simply going out for shopping and eating, and was surprised to see the lingerie shop added to the plans. She hastily waved her hands, ¡°No need, just buy your own clothes.¡±


    ¡°No way! You are the star!¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, once you¡¯re on this pirate ship, you can¡¯t escape!¡±


    Qiao Xi glared at them in annoyance, but eventually she gave in to the arrangements.


    In idle conversation, Shu Xue said, ¡°You all better take care of yourselves lately, this flu wave is quite severe. Recently, the pediatrics department is overwhelmed every day, and even the elderly can¡¯t withstand it. Those with weak immunity, all end up flat on the board!¡±


    Unconcerned, Huo Sijiao said, ¡°Hey, no worries. The flu happens every year, and we young people are strong and healthy!¡±


    Suddenly she remembered something and asked, ¡°Sister-in-law, how come you suddenly caught a cold?¡±


    Trying to hold back her laughter, Shu Xue teased, ¡°Right, you even took the day off yesterday. Could it be that you caught a chill in your belly button?¡±


    The Chinese have a deep-seated belief in the danger of catching a chill in the belly button.


    A blanket must cover the belly button.


    Waves of gossiping mirth washed over Huo Sijiao¡¯s face as she asked, ¡°Oh, under what circumstances would one¡¯s belly button catch a chill?¡±


    Shu Xue played along, ¡°Sometimes, when you¡¯re in the mood, who cares about belly buttons? Just two days ago, our Doctor Qiao was blooming like a peach blossom, and now she looks like an eggplant hit by frost, completely drained.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, you two.¡±


    Qiao Xi warned with no real threat.


    Huo Sijiao and Shu Xue were a laughing mess as they parked at Haicheng¡¯s largest shopping mall.


    The three good friends entered the mall hand-in-hand, heading straight for the lingerie shop. All the top brands were on the top floor, and it was indeed something for that lingerie store to claim a spot there.


    The shop was decorated with luxurious mystery, not vulgar at all, and it even aroused a special desire to explore.


    This was a woman¡¯s private retreat, a man¡¯s paradise.


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Shu Xue¡¯s eyes shone as she looked at the dazzling array of distinctively designed battle gowns. These were styles that hadn¡¯t hit the market yet, exquisite, bold, and inventive.


    ¡°All of it¡¯s good stuff!¡± She looked at the price tag, the cheapest being over a thousand.


    The shopkeeper was a very elegant middle-aged beauty, and she was also the store¡¯s clothing designer, with the shop¡¯s classic styles all coming from her hand.


    ¡°Feel free to browse, our special items are not for try-on. Just pay and take away if you like...¡± She smiled kindly, with not a hint of oddity in her eyes.


    ¡°Sister-in-law! How about this one?¡± Huo Sijiao showed her a silver fishnet dress, all made of openwork that hid nothing.


    Qiao Xi shook her head, her face burning red.


    Entering this store had already used up all her courage for the month.


    ¡°If sister-in-law says no, then it¡¯s good stuff!¡± Huo Sijiao was ready for a big haul, ¡°This one, this one, and this one too! All good stuff!¡±


    ¡°Jiaojiao, I¡¯m not wearing those!¡± Qiao Xi was utterly despondent; these were even more revealing than the camisole nightgown from last time.


    With a tinge of regret, Huo Sijiao put down the dress, ¡°Sister-in-law, you would definitely look good in them! I¡¯m paying today anyway, so you have to buy at least two pieces. If you won¡¯t choose for yourself, I¡¯ll pick for you! They will be directly delivered to your house!¡±


    Qiao Xi wanted to cry but had no tears, looking around she picked out two dresses that seemed relatively conservative.


    ¡°These two will do.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Huo Sijiao put them at the counter for the cashier to ring up.


    Brimming with excitement, Shu Xue browsed through the dresses, particularly fond of that fishnet dress! Remembering Zhou Yu, who would be visiting nightly, she felt it necessary to pick one up.


    ¡°Boss, I¡¯ll take this one.¡±


    Shu Xue carried the fishnet dress to the counter.


    Both Qiao Xi and Huo Sijiao stared at her with strange looks in their eyes.


    ¡°Shu Xue, you got a boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Sister Shu, when did you leave the single life? Going all out, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Shu Xue didn¡¯t answer directly, evasively saying, ¡°Better safe than sorry, I¡¯m an adult now!¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law, look how enlightened Sister Shu is! You¡¯re great in every way, just not as liberated as Xu Xingluo! I even bumped into her wearing revealing dresses trying to seduce my brother.¡±


    Huo Sijiao said irritably, ¡°Luckily my brother isn¡¯t just any man, he has strong willpower.¡±


    The smile faded from Qiao Xi¡¯s face.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about disgusting people, let¡¯s go eat hotpot after we pay,¡± Shu Xue said excitedly as she scanned the QR code to pay. The tattered fishnet dress cost her over three thousand yuan, that¡¯s half a month¡¯s salary.


    She clutched at her chest, feeling a bit of pain.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, I¡¯ll pay for it myself.¡± Qiao Xi rushed to scan the code first; it didn¡¯t seem right to have her sister-in-law pay for such things.


    Huo Sijiao didn¡¯t insist on paying, so she said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you guys to hotpot.¡±


    Just as the three of them were about to leave the store, they accidentally bumped into Shen Shiyun who was entering.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Shu Xue casually apologized.


    Shen Shiyun, with a cold expression, strutted in on her high heels.


    Once outside the store, Shu Xue lamented, ¡°There are so many rich and elegant ladies in the world, why can¡¯t I be one of them?¡±


    Huo Sijiao corrected her, ¡°She¡¯s not a ¡®sister¡¯, she¡¯s an ¡®auntie¡¯. She may look young, but the wrinkles on her neck and her dressing style suggest she¡¯s at least in her forties.¡±


    Girls from wealthy families develop a keen eye; they might be blind to men, but they¡¯re incredibly accurate when it comes to women.


    Shu Xue clicked her tongue twice and said, ¡°Women in their thirties are like wolves, forties like tigers, while men just decline. Qiao Xi, you must make sure Huo Xingzhou keeps fit, and strive for a ¡®never-falling silver lance¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Tch.¡±


    Qiao Xi glared at her, annoyed.


    ¡°Look! What rotten luck!¡±


    Huo Sijiao nudged them, gesturing with her eyes toward the approaching people.


    As fate would have it, Tian Tian and Xu Xingluo were right across from them. Tian Tian felt a bit guilty when she saw Qiao Xi.


    Xu Xingluo slightly tilted her chin up, scrutinizing them. With a flicker of her peach blossom eyes, she glanced at the adult store behind them, then shifted her gaze to the brown paper bag in Qiao Xi¡¯s hand, sneering with sarcasm.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, Jiaojiao, what a coincidence! You¡¯re out shopping too?¡± Xu Xingluo approached with pleasantries.


    Huo Sijiao feigned a smile without a hint of warmth, ¡°Does the young lady need to bring a bag-carrying little sister when she goes out to shop?¡±


    Xu Xingluo replied with a composed smile, ¡°Starting from tomorrow, I¡¯ll be working at Xu¡¯s. Tian Tian is accompanying me to buy some work outfits. What did you buy, Qiao Xi?¡±


    Taking advantage of Qiao Xi¡¯s distraction, she yanked the brown paper bag out of her hands and gave it a shake.


    Two erotic nightdresses fell to the ground, revealing and sensual.


    Xu Xingluo exclaimed loudly, ¡°The grand disciple of the National Doctor out shopping for erotic items, are we?¡±


    The title of National Doctor Cheng Han¡¯s disciple was too prominent, and Xu Xingluo¡¯s voice attracted quite a spectatorship.

 Chapter 154: 154: She Wants to Be Huo Xingzhous Mother-in-Law

    Chapter 154: Chapter 154: She Wants to Be Huo Xingzhou¡¯s Mother-in-Law


    The customers wandering this floor at the very least belonged to the middle class, with families who had a modest amount of money.


    They were not unfamiliar with the name of National Doctor Cheng Han, and there were some who recognized Qiao Xi¡¯s face and knew her identity.


    Upon hearing Xu Xingluo speak like that, they all began to chatter among themselves.


    ¡°So she really is the disciple of National Doctor Cheng Han.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s President Huo¡¯s wife and also a doctor at Hai City Hospital.¡±


    ¡°She looks so proper; how could she be so liberal in private? I thought she was a good, virtuous woman, but she¡¯s so flirty!¡±


    In this society, the demands on women were already strict; sometimes even buying sanitary pads invited strange looks from others, let alone products that symbolized sexual pleasure.


    Men brazenly sized up Qiao Xi¡¯s figure, whispering among themselves. Lewd and scornful gazes repeatedly scanned over her, while women pointed and made remarks.


    A continuous torrent of slut-shaming.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face turned pale, her body tense.


    She was thin-skinned and had always been conservative.


    Faced with such a scene suddenly, even retorting felt weak.


    Xu Xingluo was quite pleased with the scene she created, feigning innocence, she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my hand slipped. Qiao Xi, why would you buy something like this?¡±


    She covered her mouth, hypocritically saying, ¡°I almost forgot, you married Brother Xingzhou by seducing him during his moment of grief. To secure your position as Young Madam Huo, you can only rely on using such means to captivate a man.¡±


    ¡°Seduce your mom!¡± Huo Sijiao had a fiery temper and cursed loudly.


    Xu Xingluo, my brother and sister-in-law have a harmonious marital life; how does it bother you?¡± she looked around scornfully and jeered, ¡°What you do behind closed doors is even more outrageous! Stop acting like a moral paragon and making sarcastic comments here!¡±


    Huo Sijiao looked down on Xu Xingluo with contempt. ¡°Even if you stripped naked in front of my brother, he wouldn¡¯t be tempted!¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face reddened with anger, and she sarcastically remarked, ¡°I¡¯m not like some people who wear strapless, transparent nightgowns and exhaust all their wiles trying to seduce Brother Xingzhou, acting slutty like a vixen. Still, playing hard to get, insisting that Brother Xingzhou undress them himself.¡±


    A chill ran down Qiao Xi¡¯s back.


    How did Xu Xingluo know about their private bedroom matters?


    Would Mr. Huo discuss such private matters with Xu Xingluo?


    Under the public gaze, Qiao Xi felt as if she had been stripped bare.


    ¡°If you keep spouting nonsense, I¡¯ll tear your mouth apart!¡± Huo Sijiao, a fiery Little Chili, charged at Xu Xingluo, ready to hit her and pulling on her hair.


    Tian Tian and Shu Xue joined the fray to break up the fight.


    When women fight, it¡¯s all about clawing, scratching, and pulling hair out.


    ¡°Stop fighting, Jiaojiao!¡±


    ¡°Stop it, all of you! Xingluo, we¡¯re out in public!¡± Tian Tian and Shu Xue shouted while trying to break up the fight.


    Qiao Xi on the side desperately looked for an opportunity.


    She found the right moment, took the long needle pinned to her cuff, and used the Flying Needle technique to prick Xu Xingluo and Huo Sijiao¡¯s arms twice.


    Qiao Xi withdrew her hand, threading the Silver Needle back into her cuff to create a natural pleat.


    ¡°Stop fighting,¡± Qiao Xi said, her voice clear and cold.


    Xu Xingluo and Huo Sijiao¡¯s arms tingled with a painful numbness, forcing them to stop their movements.


    Shen Shiyun, who was watching from a corner, immediately ran over, protecting Xu Xingluo like a mother hen and backhanded Qiao Xi across the face.


    A loud slap.


    It was exceptionally resounding.


    Xu Xingluo and Huo Sijiao both paused, stunned.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face quickly swelled and reddened, and Huo Sijiao, with tearful eyes, angrily demanded, ¡°Who are you to hit someone? Auntie, are you in cahoots with Xu Xingluo?¡±


    Shen Shiyun, gasping for breath and attempting to seem confident while actually being weak, pointed at Qiao Xi and said, ¡°It was her who first used the needle on others, how malicious.¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi was clearly trying to break up the fight!¡± Shu Xue spoke out in indignation, ¡°Who do you think you are?¡±


    Shen Shiyun blurted out, ¡°I am...¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s voice was sharp and cracked as she forcefully pushed Shen Shiyun aside, ¡°Who do you think you are, meddling in other people¡¯s affairs!¡±


    She was afraid Shen Shiyun¡¯s identity would be exposed¡ªthe woman was truly restless!


    Shen Shiyun looked hurt, then quickly realized that she must keep their mother-daughter relationship a secret. So, gripping her purse under Xu Xingluo¡¯s disgusted gaze, she prepared to leave.


    But she was stopped by two men.


    The strong and sturdy driver, Old Chen, grabbed Shen Shiyun¡¯s arm. Beside him stood a young man radiating coldness, his gaze icy.


    ¡°Is this President Huo of Tianyuan Group?¡± someone in the crowd said.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou has arrived!¡±


    The man approached slowly, his complexion even paler and more striking under the lights that shone as bright as day. He stopped in front of Qiao Xi, gently tracing the slap mark on her cheek with his fingertips.


    Huo Xingzhou said coldly, ¡°You think you can slap someone and just walk away? It¡¯s not that easy.¡±


    Shen Shiyun¡¯s body trembled, Xu Guangyao had advised her to stay indoors. She was to especially avoid noble families, lest she give herself away.


    In the past, she had been a nanny for the Xu family, secretly involved with Xu Guangyao night after night.


    Xu Xingluo was conceived during that time.


    Those who were on good terms with the Xu family might have seen her.


    After so many years, she wondered if those people would still remember her.


    Shen Shiyun said meekly, her head bowed and tears in her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I made a mistake! I saw a few girls fighting and wanted to break it up.¡±


    Huo Sijiao spoke up indignantly, ¡°Xingluo and I were the ones fighting, and sister-in-law was just standing on the side. You hit me and that¡¯s fine, but why did you hit my sister-in-law!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s your relationship with Xu Xingluo?¡±


    Shu Xue said, holding onto Qiao Xi¡¯s arm.


    Shen Shiyun replied softly, her voice laced with tears, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, really sorry! I apologize to all of you. I have no relationship with Miss Xu, I just got carried away and tried to stop the fight.¡±


    All she wanted was for the incident not to escalate and for Huo Xingzhou not to investigate her past.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at her coldly and, taking Qiao Xi¡¯s hand, said, ¡°For a flimsy apology to be exchanged for a slap, would you accept that, Qiao Xi?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head.


    The man, with his eyes half-lowered, said, ¡°You can deal with it however you like. As long as I¡¯m standing here, no one will dare to touch you.¡±


    Qiao Xi met his piercingly cold gaze, took a deep breath, and turned to stand in front of Shen Shiyun.


    She raised her hand and delivered a heavy slap to Shen Shiyun¡¯s face, twisting it to the side.


    With an indifferent expression on her lovely face, Qiao Xi said, ¡°We¡¯re even now. You may go.¡±


    Burning with humiliation, Shen Shiyun could only think about getting revenge once she became Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mother-in-law¡ªto settle the score with the wretched girl before her!


    ¡°Look, her nose is crooked!¡± Huo Sijiao, eager for more drama, pointed at Shen Shiyun¡¯s nose.


    ¡°It¡¯s really crooked! Looks like her nose is surgically altered!¡±


    Enduring the humiliation, Shen Shiyun covered her nose and fled in a panic.


    After she left, Xu Xingluo felt a huge weight lift from her heart. But when she turned and saw how well Huo Xingzhou was treating Qiao Xi, jealousy crept in uncontrollably.


    In tears, Xu Xingluo said to Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I just said a few words, and Jiaojiao wanted to hit me! It was clearly their fault, look at this abominable thing...¡±


    She pointed at the erotic robe on the floor, playing the victim first.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡± Qiao Xi started to say, worried he might also feel embarrassed.


    The paraphernalia from the bed lay exposed to public view, something few could confront nonchalantly.


    Huo Xingzhou bent down, picked up two pieces of negligee thin as cicada wings with his fingers, and casually tossed them into the nearby trash can.


    Xu Xingluo caught a glimpse of Qiao Xi¡¯s face, which was filled with smugness and scorn.


    Brother Xingzhou would never like such vulgar things!


    But what she saw next drained the blood from Xu Xingluo¡¯s face!

 Chapter 155: 155 I Just Like to See Her Wear It

    Chapter 155: Chapter 155 I Just Like to See Her Wear It


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, women from small families just can¡¯t make it onto the stage of high society. Our daughters of wealthy households would never...¡±


    Before Xu Xingluo could finish her sentence, she saw Huo Xingzhou hand a Black Gold Card to Huo Sijiao.


    ¡°These two pieces are dirty. Go to the store and pick out dozens of them for your sister-in-law to bring back,¡± he said indifferently, sweeping his gaze over the crowd. ¡°I just like to see her wear them.¡±


    With that said, no one dared to speak up.


    Even sometimes, power and status could make his words absolute, setting the trends for a time.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face turned ugly, disbelief evident.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, what are you talking about? How could you like such things?¡±


    Shu Xue laughed heartily, ¡°Your Brother Xingzhou is a man after all. What¡¯s wrong with a little fun between husband and wife in private? You¡¯re the one being nosy!¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks burned, and she reached out to hook her fingers through Huo Xingzhou¡¯s.


    Xu Xingluo cried out in a voice full of grievance, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I am the savior of your Huo Family. Without me, you would have died long ago.¡±


    Huo Sijiao snorted coldly, always bringing up the life-saving favor.


    But the Huo Family was indeed in the wrong, as many families were aware of Xu Xingluo¡¯s favor from ten years ago.


    Huo Xingzhou remained unmoved, his gaze still icy cold.


    He looked at Xu Xingluo calmly and said, ¡°You should know, this is the biggest mall in Haicheng, with a giant screen. Remember what I told you?¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s lips trembled, recalling his threat, her heart aching sharply.


    If she didn¡¯t hand over those copied photos she had printed out, he would display the private, explicit photos she had sent in the biggest mall in Haicheng.


    To let her lose all her dignity.


    His brows lowered, and he said mercilessly, ¡°I¡¯ll give you one more day, don¡¯t forget.¡±


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I...¡± Xu Xingluo clutched her heart, as if struck by ice and snow at dozens of degrees below zero.


    Those photos had all been sent to the old lady; the nurse she bribed hadn¡¯t even managed to steal them back yet.


    Huo Xingzhou took Qiao Xi by the hand, his eyes softening a bit, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Okay, fine.¡±


    Qiao Xi obediently agreed.


    Huo Sijiao, knowing what to say, spoke up, ¡°Brother and sister-in-law, you go home first. Shu Xue and I will go pick out some clothes and make sure to deliver them to you tonight.¡±


    Shu Xue nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at grains.


    Huo Xingzhou nodded slightly and left with Qiao Xi.


    Xu Xingluo watched their retreating figures, her eyes brimming with tears, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, what does our many years of affection count for?¡±


    Huo Sijiao waved the Black Gold Card in front of her with a smile, ¡°Consider it your bad luck.¡±


    Shu Xue, linking arms with Huo Sijiao, said affectionately, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry and pick out the sexiest and most fashionable lingerie for Qiao Xi. We¡¯ll make sure a certain Brother Xingzhou can¡¯t take his eyes off of her and clings to Qiao Xi every day.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The two close friends entered the lingerie shop together.


    Xu Xingluo was so angry that her chest heaved, and her eyes turned red.


    Standing aside, Tian Tian carefully approached Xu Xingluo and said, ¡°Xingluo, you and Huo Xingzhou are not suitable. Why not just let go? I think he and Qiao Xi are very affectionate.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes, red with fury, fixed on her, ¡°Have you been bought over by Qiao Xi¡¯s small favors as well? Are you facially paralyzed or mentally?¡±


    Tian Tian froze.


    Xingluo used to speak softly and gently, like a spring breeze, but now she was being unreasonable, like a fishwife.


    ¡°I...I just think you could find someone who loves you, you don¡¯t need to...¡±


    ¡°What the hell are you, Tian Tian! How dare you point fingers at me, pleased to see my misfortune?¡±


    ¡°Xingluo, I didn¡¯t mean that.¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Xu Xingluo couldn¡¯t hold back anymore, revealing her most selfish and vulgar side.


    Tian Tian, deeply hurt by her words, left crying, abandoning several bags of clothes.


    Xu Xingluo took a deep breath, trying to calm her emotions.


    The crowd that had been enjoying the spectacle gradually dispersed.


    She took out her cellphone and made a call to the nursing aide at the hospital, ¡°Hello, I¡¯ll add another hundred thousand, hurry up and sneak out the photos.¡±


    ¡°Tonight is the final deadline, otherwise, I won¡¯t pay you a penny.¡±


    She hung up the phone, suppressing a heart full of rage.


    She picked up the clothing bag that Tian Tian had tossed aside, filled with high-end professional women¡¯s clothing. Starting tomorrow, she would officially enter Xu Corporation and have more opportunities to encounter Huo Xingzhou.


    She was determined to snatch that man back from Qiao Xi¡¯s hands.


    ...


    In the car on the way back.


    Qiao Xi stole glances at Huo Xingzhou, again and again.


    She felt that Mr. Huo was keeping secrets from her. Like, the last words he spoke to Xu Xingluo, and how Xu Xingluo knew about the things in their bedroom.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± the man asked, turning his head towards her.


    Qiao Xi shook her head and asked lightly, avoiding the main issue, ¡°Mr. Huo, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s embarrassing to have people know about that kind of thing? Do you think I am a bad woman?¡±


    The man glanced at her, and his deep voice resonated, ¡°Qiao Xi, most of those who work in the sex toys industry are making money. Do you know why?¡±


    Qiao Xi said uncertainly, ¡°Because it¡¯s selling well?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it sells well. So many people sneak around to buy it. They seek pleasure in sex, yet they feel ashamed to let others know.¡±


    His gaze was cool as he looked at her, ¡°This society has placed many layers of shackles on women, using various criteria to differentiate between good and bad women. Good women are supposed to be modest and demure, to feel shy and reticent when talking about sex, not to smoke, not to drink, not to have tattoos, and to be versatile enough to go from the parlor to the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°But you haven¡¯t broken any laws or violated social decency. One could say you¡¯re a good person.¡±


    ¡°Yet, does being a good person require paying such a high price once a gender is attached? Who has set these rules?¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, recognize your body¡¯s reactions and desires, and try to please yourself.¡±


    He spoke with a peaceful tone, without a hint of transgression, as if it were as simple as eating and drinking.


    But it sounded like a roar in Qiao Xi¡¯s ears.


    It was deafening.


    Her world was turning upside down.


    The education she had received was traditional and conservative. She didn¡¯t dare to wear pretty clothes and was even more scared of teasing from boys her age when she was developing, walking with her chest hunched and her head down.


    ¡°Mr. Huo...¡±


    She looked at him, her voice trailing off uncertainly.


    Huo Xingzhou leaned in closer, and looking into her reddening eyes, he said, ¡°If society defines you as a bad woman, then the kind of woman I like is a bad woman.¡±


    His breath was warm, and the crisp scent of his cologne invaded her mind.


    His slightly elongated eyes were dark and profound.


    Qiao Xi, almost as if possessed, closed her eyes and brought her lips to the corner of his, touching them lightly.


    Her heart, her vision, her whole world was filled with only him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not enough,¡± he said, pinching her waist and making her straddle him.


    His long fingers slid down the partition between the front and back seats, creating a private space in the back seat.


    They kissed face to face, their embrace intense and moving.


    Qiao Xi wrapped her arms around his neck, her breath warm, her eyes earnest and pure.


    ¡°Tonight, Mr. Huo, pick something you like, and I can wear it,¡± she said.


    For the little conservative, this was a leap forward.


    ¡°Anything?¡± His straight nose brushed against her cheek as he kissed her delicate jaw, wet and gentle.


    She tilted her head back slightly.


    Moisture welled up at the corners of her eyes.


    ¡°Whatever you pick, I¡¯ll wear it.¡±

 Chapter 156: 156 I Threatened Her

    Chapter 156: Chapter 156 I Threatened Her


    It was midnight.


    In an ordinary residential apartment complex.


    The sound of water splashing in the bathtub echoed as Shu Xue¡¯s fishnet dress was completely soaked. Her fluffy head burrowed against her body.


    For the first time, she felt like a crisp, juicy cabbage being relentlessly rooted by an insatiable stray dog, torn to pieces.


    She gasped for air, relishing the lingering sensations in her body.


    After a long while.


    The man finally lifted his head, his deep blue eyes reminiscent of a boundless sea, his damp hair dripping with droplets. Trailing down his neck, it cascaded onto his lean waist.


    He said contentedly, ¡°This dress has got something, your taste isn¡¯t bad.¡±


    Got something?


    Shu Xue collapsed in the bathtub, rolling her eyes in exhaustion.


    She said wearily, ¡°Don¡¯t come tomorrow night.¡±


    Zhou Yu¡¯s fingers deliberately trailed across her skin, contently watching her shiver, he lazily asked, ¡°Tired of me?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t keep up.¡±


    The dark circles under her eyes couldn¡¯t be concealed with foundation anymore.


    This daily routine was really deadly.


    Also, she felt that the tactic of reward and punishment was ineffective; her skill level was no match for Zhou Yu. She could already feel herself hopelessly enamored, unable to withstand Zhou Yu¡¯s charm after just a few days.


    ¡°Then move in with me, I¡¯ll have the maid brew you some soup to boost your strength.¡± Zhou Yu liked her a lot, was easygoing and down-to-earth, which inexplicably suited them both.


    So, he was willing to put effort into their relationship.


    ¡°As what? Moving in as what?¡±


    Shu Xue pushed him away, grabbed a towel, and wrapped herself up, dripping water as she exited the bathroom.


    Zhou Yu followed her, embracing her from behind and whispered, ¡°As my girlfriend, isn¡¯t that fine?¡±


    Shu Xue chuckled, ¡°Then you have quite a few ex-girlfriends.¡±


    She was somewhat displeased; Zhou Yu was handsome and charming in many ways. It would be a lie to say she wasn¡¯t moved by him, but he would never change his ways.


    In front of her, he never hid his proficient lovemaking skills, clearly a man with vast experiences.


    He also said that marriage was the graveyard of love, where all passion drowns. They could maintain this relationship for a long time but would never register their marriage.


    A typical commitment-phobe.


    ¡°Jealous?¡± he teased, ¡°We can date a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s jealous!¡± Shu Xue lifted her foot and kicked him, ¡°Get lost.¡±


    Zhou Yu shamelessly laughed, grabbing her ankle and pulling her close.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get lost together!¡±


    He promptly pinned her onto the bed.


    Shu Xue stared at the ceiling as it rocked once again.


    She felt faintly that maintaining this type of relationship with Zhou Yu wasn¡¯t so bad.


    But thinking of the relentless marital pressure at home, she felt annoyed.


    Unable to resist, she kicked him again in the chest but was once again dragged into the depths of passion.


    ...


    The next day.


    The weather was disagreeable as a torrential rain poured down.


    The rain fell like beans from the dark sky. Qiao Xi lay on the large bed in the master bedroom, her legs feeling weak.


    The bed next to her was still warm, probably because Mr. Huo had left not long ago.


    The cellphone on the nightstand buzzed, his phone. Qiao Xi hesitated whether to answer or not, the caller paused then called again, and she glanced at the caller ID before picking up.


    ¡°Hello, Young Master Sun.¡±


    Qiao Xi explained, ¡°Mr. Huo is not here. I can relay a message for you if you¡¯d like.¡±


    Sun Weimeng said indifferently, ¡°Talking to you is the same.¡±


    His tone excited, he blurted out, ¡°Yesterday¡¯s event has spread all over Haicheng¡¯s elite, Huo Xingzhou openly declared his liking for sexy nightgowns, causing countless people to follow suit. Now that store is sold out, I didn¡¯t get one!¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t know how to respond.


    When she heard noise at the door, the man came in holding some documents, as if he had seen a lifesaver.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, Young Master Sun is on the phone.¡± She handed the cell phone to Huo Xingzhou.


    ¡°Put it on speaker.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    Qiao Xi could only turn on the speaker.


    Upon hearing the noise, Sun Weimeng said, ¡°Huo Er, you¡¯re not being fair! How can you not share such a good thing with me, I¡¯ve been in the field of love affairs for years and I¡¯ve never had such treatment.¡±


    ¡°You gave me an inspiration, I suddenly have a great idea.¡±


    Sun Weimeng said excitedly, ¡°Tonight, I¡¯m going to buy dozens and spend a fortune to host a lingerie show at the club. Let the ladies wear them and do a runway walk. Are you coming?¡±


    Upon hearing this, Qiao Xi glanced sideways at Huo Xingzhou.


    Huo Xingzhou, utterly uninterested, casually said, ¡°Such things, you can look for Zhou Yu.¡±


    ¡°Right! Why didn¡¯t I think of that!¡± Sun Weimeng slapped his thigh, as if he had an epiphany.


    He hurriedly hung up the phone, probably to contact Zhou Yu.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and said, ¡°Young Master Sun mentioned that the clothes from that store are all sold out.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°As expected. Someone taking the lead gives them an excuse to release their repressed nature.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up at him, feigning curiosity, and asked, ¡°Young Master Sun invited you to the lingerie show, why didn¡¯t you go?¡±


    She clearly knew the answer, yet she liked hearing him say it.


    But...


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s large hand was on her waist as he stared at her and said, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m quite interested in seeing it, but unfortunately, I have a family.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt a bit angry.


    He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes cold and dark: ¡°There are dozens of pieces hanging in the closet, do you want to try them on one by one for me? Just to compensate for my loss.¡±


    ¡°I wore one last night,¡± she said softly, looking down.


    He whispered soothingly, ¡°Can we do it after work tonight?¡±


    Qiao Xi smirked, her eyes filled with a seductive gaze as she shook her head.


    She couldn¡¯t do it.


    ¡°I need to get up now, I¡¯m going to be late for work.¡± Qiao Xi threw back the covers and pushed him away.


    ¡°No rush.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou handed her a document bag, ¡°Here¡¯s your stuff.¡±


    Qiao Xi took it, ripped open the bag, and a bunch of printed photos slipped out. They were all of her wearing a strap semi-transparent nightgown, very revealing.


    Her mouth agape, she looked at Huo Xingzhou for an explanation.


    ¡°Last time Xu Xingluo came to our house and installed a hidden camera, planning to leak your videos. I hired a hacker to intercept it, this is the copy she printed out.¡±


    ¡°She once sent it to your grandma; this was instigated by the caretaker to steal from grandma¡¯s place. I¡¯ve already called to reassure grandma, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips and asked, ¡°Why did she do this?¡±


    Thinking that grandma might have seen these photos, she felt very upset.


    ¡°I threatened her.¡±


    He opened his phone¡¯s photo album directly, showing Xu Xingluo¡¯s suggestive nightgown and thigh photos.


    Qiao Xi browsed for a long time, feeling jealous.


    ¡°Why do you have so many of her photos?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou chuckled lightly, ¡°She sent them.¡±


    He immediately deleted the photo album, clearing it.


    ¡°So, you saw all of them?¡± Qiao Xi felt a sourness in her heart.


    Huo Xingzhou leaned in and kissed her on her red lips, his eyes smiling, ¡°Not as stirring as yours.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t talk with you anymore, I¡¯m going to be late for work.¡±


    With a pout, she covered her chest with her hands and ran into the bathroom to wash up.

 Chapter 157: 157 The Conspiracy of the Xu Family Father and Daughter

    Chapter 157: Chapter 157 The Conspiracy of the Xu Family Father and Daughter


    The rainstorm had just ceased.


    Hai City Hospital, Room 2121.


    Liu Huimin, dressed extravagantly, gently wiped Liu Zongyun¡¯s cheeks with a towel.


    ¡°Big brother, I¡¯m really happy that you¡¯ve woken up.¡± She said with a smile, her eyes as clear and bright as they were in her forties, full of charm.


    Beauty unmarred by time.


    Liu Zongyun looked at her calmly; after a few days of digestion, he was barely able to control his emotions.


    ¡°Xingluo and Guangyao will come to see you later. Today is Xingluo¡¯s first day working at the Xu company. She always used to fuss about wanting to dance ballet and refused to join the company, I don¡¯t know how she came around.¡±


    When she spoke of Xu Xingluo, she showed signs of worry, ¡°That child is so devoted to Huo Xingzhou, I know what she¡¯s doing is not right. But I always want to indulge her, fortunately, Guangyao is smart and has a backup plan...¡±


    In the midst of speaking.


    Xu Xingluo, dressed in professional attire, and Xu Guangyao entered the ward.


    ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m here to see you,¡± she greeted him with an innocent face and a beaming smile.


    ¡°Huimin, how is big brother doing today?¡± Xu Guangyao asked insincerely.


    Liu Huimin spoke with relief, ¡°The doctor says all his indicators are improving, he¡¯s slowly recovering.¡±


    Xu Guangyao was taken aback and managed a smile, ¡°That¡¯s good news.¡±


    Xu Xingluo affectionately took Liu Huimin¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Mom, let me stay overnight tonight. Grandma is sick, you can¡¯t fall ill too. As a niece, I should spend more time with uncle.¡±


    ¡°But Xingluo, you have to go to work, mom is worried about you,¡± she replied.


    Xu Xingluo said obediently, ¡°I¡¯m more worried about you, mom.¡±


    Liu Huimin was moved to tears, ¡°My Xingluo has grown up.¡±


    The Liu family cared deeply for Liu Zongyun, and personal care was always handled by family members for fear that caregivers wouldn¡¯t be devoted enough.


    It was Old Mrs. Liu a few days ago, but she fell ill after staying up two nights due to her old age.


    Tonight it was Liu Huimin¡¯s turn.


    Xu Xingluo found the opportunity to intervene. Liu Huimin was completely unaware of her daughter¡¯s misconduct, and was touched by how understanding Xu Xingluo had become.


    ¡°Huimin, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°Husband, what is it?¡±


    ¡°Xingluo did very well at the company today, she has a natural talent for business. I¡¯m thinking of gradually handing the company over to Xingluo, what do you think?¡± Xu Guangyao said cheerfully.


    Liu Huimin smiled brightly, ¡°Husband, it¡¯s great that you think this way. I¡¯ve always been worried that you would favor sons over daughters.¡±


    Xu Guangyao wrapped his arms around her and said, ¡°My daughter is my treasured sweetheart. What I¡¯m thinking is, you still have 20% of the Xu company¡¯s shares. Could you transfer them to Xingluo¡¯s name first? If she owns shares, she¡¯ll be able to establish herself in the company.¡±


    Liu Huimin was completely trusting, she had no reservations about her own daughter.


    ¡°Of course, there¡¯s no problem. Just draft the share transfer agreement and I¡¯ll sign it. Xingluo is my treasure; I¡¯m willing to give her everything.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s lips curled up with a hint of a smile, ¡°Mom is so good to me!¡±


    ¡°Heh...¡±


    Liu Zongyun, laying in the hospital bed, let out a distressed gasp.


    He widened his eyes and gasped, don¡¯t give them the shares!


    Xu Guangyao hid his ruthlessness, and with a smile said, ¡°Look, even big brother is happy for us!¡±


    ¡°Big brother must be consoled seeing us so happy,¡± Liu Huimin cuddled up to him and said sweetly.


    Xu Xingluo tugged the corner of her mouth, with a cold sneer hidden in her eyes.


    ¡°Mom, you and dad go home first. I¡¯ll stay here and take care of uncle. I¡¯ll call you if anything happens.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Liu Huimin responded.


    Xu Guangyao held her as they walked out, turning his head to give Xu Xingluo a knowing look.


    Xu Xingluo nodded subtly.


    After watching her parents leave, she finally closed the door of the ward and hesitated for a moment before locking it.


    She moved closer, sitting by the bedside under the sharp gaze of Liu Zongyun.


    If she had known about her own origins earlier, she would have never suggested for Qiao Xi to treat Liu Zongyun.


    Who would have known that Qiao Xi really had the skills to wake him up!


    Trouble has arisen, and now I have to deal with the aftermath!


    ¡°Uncle, I¡¯ll keep watch tonight.¡± Xu Xingluo took out a glass cup from her LV bag and poured a glass of water for Liu Zongyun. ¡°Drink some water.¡±


    This cup was specially purchased with care, a glass cup for patients with severe influenza that hadn¡¯t been sterilized.


    Xu Guangyao had said that people in a vegetative state have extremely poor immune systems, and a viral infection would be enough to kill him. This method was very covert; no one would notice.


    Thankfully, the hospital had assigned a private room instead of an intensive care unit. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to act with the surveillance cameras present.


    ¡°Uncle, drink some water.¡±


    She brought the cup to Liu Zongyun¡¯s lips, her fingers trembling as she did this for the first time.


    Liu Zongyun couldn¡¯t control his facial muscles and could only watch as she fed the water to him.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s delicate and pretty face squeezed out a smile.


    ¡°Uncle, you¡¯ve been a vegetable for so many years; you must be living a fate worse than death. If I were you, I¡¯d rather die.¡±


    The paternity test she had asked Xiang Huai to conduct had come back.


    Indeed, she was not the biological daughter of Liu Huimin, just as Xu Guangyao had said.


    She, Xu Xingluo, was the daughter of a mistress!


    Thinking of this, Xu Xingluo was filled with hatred!


    ¡°How good it would be if you slept quietly! I wouldn¡¯t have become so tormented by discovering my origins!¡±


    Xu Xingluo muttered under her breath, her eyes red with bloodshot veins.


    Liu Zongyun glared at her.


    Xu Xingluo, feeling guilty and frightened by his glare, reached out to cover Liu Zongyun¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t blame me. I can¡¯t possibly let you wake up and tell everyone the truth.¡±


    Every man for himself, or face the wrath of Heaven and Earth.


    ¡°Ha... poison...¡± Liu Zongyun weakly let out a gasp.


    Malicious!


    ¡°You think I¡¯m malicious? You can talk?¡± Xu Xingluo panicked at the speed of his recovery. She feared that by tomorrow, Liu Zongyun would be able to reveal the truth. Her panic caused her to kick a stool.


    In her frantic state, she angrily grabbed a silver needle from the bedside tray and jabbed it into Liu Zongyun¡¯s body.


    She poked him repeatedly with the needle.


    ¡°How can you speak! You mustn¡¯t say anything!¡±


    She was terrified and acting crazy!


    Xu Xingluo hated Liu Zongyun to death, thinking that it was he who had ruined her life!


    ¡°Ha ha...¡±


    Liu Zongyun let out a painful groan.


    He tensed his muscles, attempting to resist, but he was powerless.


    Panting heavily, Xu Xingluo stopped her actions and, looking down at Liu Zongyun revengefully, said, ¡°Dad mentioned that the baby girl, your niece, was already dead back then.¡±


    When Liu Zongyun heard this, his heart ached unbearably. Tears gathered in his eyes and trickled down his cheeks into the pillow.


    When that child was born, he had secretly gone to the nursery to hold her and had tucked a piece of yellow jade into her embrace, hoping she would grow up safe, happy, and treasured by everyone.


    Xu Guangyao was ruthless, even capable of harming his own flesh and blood!


    ¡°Feeling heartbroken? You¡¯ll be able to see her soon.¡±


    Xu Xingluo stood by the patient bed, looking down at him from high above, ¡°When you¡¯re gone, I¡¯ll burn plenty of paper money for you.¡±


    Xu Xingluo calmed her breathing, put the glass cup back into her bag, and walked out, carrying the bag.


    Throughout the long night, she had no intention of staying in this hospital room; even faking her presence would suffice.


    In the morning, she¡¯d just find an excuse. The elders wouldn¡¯t blame her.


    After all, she was the only girl from two prestigious families, the jewel held in their palms!


    She twisted the doorknob, opening the door to the sickroom.


    And immediately faced a pair of scrutinizing, indifferent eyes; the man blocked her way out.


    Xu Xingluo was startled, dropping her bag to the floor with a crisp sound as the glass shattered.


    In the silent corridor, the noise was especially jarring.

 Chapter 158: 158: Are You Sick? I Didnt Steal Anything

    Chapter 158: Chapter 158: Are You Sick? I Didn¡¯t Steal Anything


    ¡°What¡¯s in the bag?¡± Xu Yunye¡¯s gaze fixed dangerously on the LV bag as he asked.


    He leaned against the door, with bandages wrapped around his limbs. Standing on one foot, he looked somewhat comical.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s heartbeat became irregular, and she picked up the bag and hid it behind her back as she answered, ¡°Nothing. How long have you been standing here?¡±


    She didn¡¯t know how soundproof the hospital room door was and feared Xu Yunye had heard her conversation with Liu Zongyun.


    ¡°Not long, but your face is so white. Are you feeling guilty about something?¡± He had heard something being turned over inside.


    Xu Xingluo reflexively retorted, ¡°You are the one feeling guilty.¡±


    ¡°Open the bag and let¡¯s see.¡±


    Xu Yunye narrowed his slightly long, almond-shaped eyes as he commanded.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to see; it¡¯s all my privacy,¡± Xu Xingluo refused without hesitation.


    ¡°You¡¯re feeling guilty,¡± Xu Yunye said coldly, ¡°did you steal something from your second uncle¡¯s hospital room?¡±


    ¡°Xu Yunye, are you sick? What could I possibly steal?¡± Xu Xingluo laughed out of anger.


    ¡°Open it, or I¡¯ll call the police right now and say you¡¯re stealing...¡±


    ¡°You must be sick; I¡¯ll show you!¡±


    Xu Xingluo angrily opened the LV bag and spread it out for him to see.


    She said discontentedly, ¡°It¡¯s just a glass cup that I usually use to drink water!¡±


    Xu Yunye scrutinized the pile of glass fragments for a while, then said, ¡°You carry a cup with you? And can¡¯t bear to throw it away even when it¡¯s broken?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only because you¡¯re blocking me, otherwise, I would have thrown it away already.¡± She didn¡¯t want to leave evidence in the hospital and was planning to throw it away after leaving the hospital. But she had not anticipated Xu Yunye staying up in the middle of the night to scare people.


    Xu Yunye jerked his chin toward the side, ¡°Look, there¡¯s a trash can right there. Throw it!¡±


    The two siblings had never gotten along since they were young, always clashing with each other, with a rather detached relationship.


    The Xu Family prioritized daughters over sons. Xu Yunye was neither the favored eldest son nor the cherished youngest daughter, and he had always been in a state of neglect. Even his hospitalization due to injury did not garner much care, and Xu Guangyao had not even inquired about him.


    His parents had instinctively ignored him.


    Xu Yunye snorted, ¡°Can¡¯t even bear to throw away a broken cup, huh?¡± Quite strange.


    ¡°Who says that.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, Xu Xingluo threw the glass shards into the corridor¡¯s trash can. After emptying them, she shook her designer bag in frustration, turned around, and walked away.


    Xu Yunye called after her, ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t you in charge of taking care of the second uncle tonight?¡±


    ¡°I...¡± Xu Xingluo quickly concocted an excuse, ¡°I¡¯m going to buy some supper.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like you care much anyway. I¡¯ll take care of him tonight, you¡¯d better leave,¡± Xu Yunye said.


    Xu Xingluo looked disdainfully at his injuries, ¡°Are you sure you can manage?¡±


    ¡°If I can¡¯t, I can call a nurse,¡± he replied coldly.


    Xu Xingluo, eager to leave, said, ¡°As you wish.¡±


    She strode off.


    Xu Yunye watched her leaving, feeling very strange about the whole situation.


    Why did she lock the door in the hospital room?


    And why was there a strange noise coming from the room?


    He casually picked up a piece of broken glass from the trash and slipped it into his pocket.


    Then, supporting himself against the wall, he hopped into the hospital room on one foot and laboriously shifted himself to the bedside.


    ¡°Second Uncle, I¡¯ll be watching over you tonight,¡± Xu Yunye said as he moved a chair next to Liu Zongyun and sat down.


    Liu Zongyun¡¯s eyes were open, filled with bloodshot lines. He looked at Xu Yunye, his tears falling drop by drop, and his right index finger trembled slightly, trying to move.


    He wanted to reveal the truth but was powerless to do so.


    ...


    The next day.


    Doctor Qiao had just started her shift and was following her senior colleagues on their rounds when she received an urgent notice.


    The 21st floor of the inpatient department had turned into a complete mess.


    Liu Zongyun from room 2121 showed abnormal data across all bodily measurements and was rushed directly into the resuscitation room.


    Qiao Xi had not finished her rounds when she hurried to the entrance of the resuscitation room.


    At this time, Liu Zongyun was still her patient, and she needed to understand the situation clearly.


    The hallway was already filled with members from the Xu and Liu families, their faces showing various expressions. Xu Yunye, his body wrapped in bandages, leaned against the wall, his eyes rimmed with dark circles, his complexion awful.


    Old Mrs. Liu was on the verge of crying herself into a faint when she saw Qiao Xi, her demeanor anxious, wanting to say something to her.


    Qiao Xi did not engage, passing through the crowd with a cold expression, she entered the preparation room to put on sterile clothing and then entered the resuscitation room.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao is here,¡± the nurses said, making way for her as experts from the internal medicine department were performing emergency aid.


    Qiao Xi stared at the drastically falling data, frowning tightly, ¡°Why has this situation occurred? When I did the rounds yesterday, all his measurements showed improvements.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s influenza that¡¯s caused the high fever,¡± the expert replied briefly.


    Qiao Xi watched the resuscitation closely; at such times, her acupuncture could not showcase any effect.


    ...


    Outside the resuscitation room.


    Old Mrs. Liu sobbed breathlessly, her entire body collapsing.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    ¡°Grandma!¡±


    Liu Zongquan, the head of the Liu family, quickly supported Old Mrs. Liu, and said to Xu Xiuyuan and his son, ¡°Xiuyuan, Yi, take grandma home.¡±


    ¡°All right. Grandma, we¡¯ll take you back first,¡± said Xu Xiuyuan and Liu Yi as they carefully escorted Old Mrs. Liu away.


    Liu Zongquan watched the resuscitation room with a heavy heart, his brows furrowed.


    Liu Huimin covered her lips, hugging Xu Xingluo while crying sorrowfully, ¡°How could this have happened? My second brother was recovering; he was just fine, so how did he end up in the resuscitation room again? Could it be that Qiao Xi holds a grudge against me...¡±


    ¡°Huimin!¡±


    Liu Zongquan warned, ¡°Watch your words.¡±


    Liu Huimin cried even harder.


    Xu Xingluo and Xu Guangyao exchanged glances, both seeing satisfaction in each other¡¯s eyes.


    Both father and daughter hoped that Liu Zongyun¡¯s resuscitation would be unsuccessful, that he would die!


    ¡°Xingluo,¡± Liu Zongquan called her name, ¡°you were watching over him last night, was there anything abnormal?¡±


    Xu Xingluo stood straight, her body tense.


    Glancing at Xu Yunye by the corner of the wall, she said, ¡°I left early last night; it was second brother who insisted on staying with our uncle. I don¡¯t know what happened in the ward.¡±


    She rubbed her nose, feeling a bit itchy.


    ¡°I was the one watching,¡± Xu Yunye said with a grave expression. ¡°But I kept watch the whole time, and as soon as I noticed an irregularity on the cardiac monitor in the morning, I pressed the emergency bell.¡±


    Xu Guangyao accused, ¡°Yunye, you¡¯ve always been careless in your work. Did you get distracted playing games at night and slack off?¡±


    Xu Yunye looked at him coldly, filled with disappointment. He should never have hoped for any fatherly love.


    At that moment.


    The door to the resuscitation room opened.


    Qiao Xi, wearing a white coat, walked out, and the crowd surrounded her.


    ¡°How is it, Doctor Qiao?¡±


    ¡°Is Zongyun out of danger now?¡±


    Qiao Xi removed her heavy mask and said to them, ¡°It¡¯s influenza that has caused the high fever. The experts are still performing resuscitation, the situation is critical.¡±


    Liu Zongquan exclaimed in shock, ¡°How could it be influenza? We¡¯ve all been very careful.¡±


    Qiao Xi explained, ¡°The seasons are changing, and influenza is prevalent. Perhaps the virus was brought in by family visitors. Has anyone else caught the flu?¡±

 Chapter 159: 159: He Died, She was Indirectly Responsible for the Murder

    Chapter 159: Chapter 159: He Died, She was Indirectly Responsible for the Murder


    Xu Xingluo said with a surly tone, ¡°The hospital sees so many people coming and going every day, what if one of your doctors caught the flu and transmitted it to my uncle?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s pretty face turned cold as she replied, ¡°Liu Zongyun¡¯s ward is under the care of Shu Xue and me. We perform disinfection and pathogen testing every day. We¡¯re even more cautious with special wards, so that kind of issue is highly unlikely.¡±


    Xu Xingluo, still not convinced, retorted, ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say. I heard that you caught the flu not long ago. Are you just trying to pass the blame onto us, the relatives, to shirk responsibility?¡±


    Qiao Xi tugged at the corner of her mouth, looking at them indifferently and said, ¡°I have recovered and also undergone pathogen testing. Besides, you signed the ¡®Disclaimer Agreement¡¯. Do I need to shirk responsibility?¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face turned red with persistence, ¡°So, you¡¯re retaliating because we forced you to take in a patient, holding a grudge!¡±


    Xu Yunye pulled her over with a look of disgust and said, ¡°Xu Xingluo, stop making unreasonable scenes!¡±


    ¡°Xu Yunye, how can you side with an outsider!¡±


    Liu Huimin, seeing the siblings argue, defended Xu Xingluo and said, ¡°Yunye, don¡¯t talk to your sister like that. She¡¯s also worried about your second uncle, and besides, who knows what¡¯s in people¡¯s hearts?¡±


    Her insinuation caused Qiao Xi to frown.


    Qiao Xi glanced at Liu Huimin, her gaze settling on Xu Xingluo, ¡°The flu has an incubation period; the absence of symptoms doesn¡¯t mean one hasn¡¯t caught the flu. If you have doubts, we can test everyone who¡¯s been in and out of ward 2121 for pathogens.¡±


    Xu Yunye said nonchalantly, ¡°Sure! I think that¡¯s a good idea too, to prevent anyone from blaming me. Xu Xingluo is precious while I am just a blade of grass.¡±


    ¡°You... unfilial child.¡±


    Xu Guangyao scolded with a cold face.


    Xu Xingluo, with her eyes welling up, said, ¡°Big brother, mom and dad love you too. Why are you always at odds with me?¡±


    Here comes the nauseating act again.


    Xu Yunye looked at Qiao Xi and said, ¡°Doctor Qiao, where can we get tested?¡±


    Just as Qiao Xi was about to answer, she heard Xu Xingluo sneeze several times beside her.


    Xu Xingluo covered her mouth and nose, her eyes wide with panic.


    In that moment, the corridor outside the emergency room was exceptionally quiet.


    ¡°I...¡± Xu Xingluo trembled as she tried to explain but couldn¡¯t help covering her mouth again.


    ¡°Achoo.¡±


    Her face turned pale, and she looked tense.


    Could it be that the virus from the glass she touched yesterday had also infected her?


    Xu Yunye laughed, the corners of his mouth curving, ¡°It seems we don¡¯t even need to test anymore, who knows who¡¯s the real ¡®thief shouting to catch the thief¡¯?¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s expression grew even more unsightly.


    Liu Zongquan frowned and glanced at her before saying, ¡°As for who brought the virus, we should all get tested for pathogens. Finding the source will put everyone at ease and prevent further transmission to Zongyun.¡±


    He politely said to Qiao Xi, ¡°Doctor Qiao, please arrange for our tests now.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have a nurse bring it over.¡±


    She made a call to Shu Xue, who quickly prepared tests for multiple people.


    Shu Xue, carrying a tray, exchanged a glance with Qiao Xi. Then she looked at everyone and said, ¡°After finishing, the results will be ready within five minutes.¡±


    After explaining, she distributed the tests to them and explained how to use them.


    They generally used nasopharyngeal secretions to isolate the influenza virus to determine the flu.


    Xu Xingluo pursed her lips tightly, taking the test with clammy palms.


    Xu Yunye watched her closely, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Afraid to do it? You were quite arrogant just now.¡±


    Xu Xingluo glared at him fiercely.


    With no way out in this situation, she had no choice but to take the test.


    The rest of them had finished testing as well.


    The reagents were lined up on the tray, with a simple distinction made among them, and Xu Xingluo¡¯s sample was placed on the far right side of the tray.


    They stared closely at the tray, watching as the colors of the reagents slowly changed.


    ¡°There¡¯s a reaction.¡±


    The other reagents responded quickly, but the one on the far right kept changing.


    It finally showed a positive result.


    Shu Xue raised her eyebrows and said to Xu Xingluo, ¡°Miss Xu, the result is quite clear. It was you who transmitted the flu to the patient in ward 2121, leading to his admission to the emergency room. If he dies, you¡¯ll be indirectly responsible for his death.¡±


    ¡°Our hospital has emphasized time and again that only one family member should stay overnight. You should disinfect with alcohol when entering and leaving, and try to reduce the frequency of your visits.¡±


    Xu Xingluo burst into tears, her eyes red, her knees bending.


    With a thud...


    She knelt down in front of the emergency room.


    ¡°Uncle, Mom, it¡¯s all my fault! I didn¡¯t know I was in the incubation period of the virus and caused such harm to my second uncle!¡±


    She straightened her back, crying pitifully with tears streaming down like raindrops.


    Her tears dropped like pearls: ¡°I wanted to spend more time with my second uncle, to show my filial piety. But I didn¡¯t realize I was bringing him such great danger, I was wrong.¡±


    The main point is one must be flexible!


    Liu Huimin hugged Xu Xingluo like a mother hen protecting her chick, and said, ¡°Big brother, Xingluo didn¡¯t do it on purpose. She¡¯s a good girl, it¡¯s all out of filial piety.¡±


    Xu Guangyao also said, ¡°Xingluo has always been pure and lovely. She has no ill intentions. Big brother, don¡¯t blame her, blame us as parents if you must.¡±


    Liu Zongquan was very disappointed in Xu Xingluo, but this situation was not something he could blame her for. He closed his eyes slightly, not wanting to see her face.


    ¡°Heh...¡± Xu Yunye let out a mocking laugh, ¡°If it were me who caught the flu, Mom and Dad would probably have me buried alongside my second uncle.¡±


    Slap!


    Xu Guangyao slapped Xu Yunye¡¯s face and cursed, ¡°Your second uncle isn¡¯t even dead, what nonsense are you spouting!¡±


    Liu Zongquan stopped Xu Guangyao and took a deep breath, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t hit the child.¡±


    He then turned to Xu Xingluo, who was kneeling on the ground, and said, ¡°Xingluo, no one wanted this to happen. But you were disrespectful to Doctor Qiao, apologize to her.¡±


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s eyes were swollen as she timidly looked at Qiao Xi, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked down at her from above, ¡°If it¡¯s not sincere, there¡¯s no need to say it.¡±


    ¡°I did not... I am sincerely apologizing to you. Qiao Xi, I know you are prejudiced against me, I...¡± She pursed her lips, looking forlorn.


    Qiao Xi gazed steadily at her, making Xu Xingluo feel as uncomfortable as if ants were crawling over her, as though Qiao Xi could see through to the filth in her heart.


    She bit her lip and clutched her chest as she started to breathe rapidly, collapsing softly to the ground.


    ¡°Xingluo!¡±


    ¡°Mom...¡±


    Liu Huimin, in a panic, took out an asthma inhaler she carried with her and sprayed it twice for her daughter, tenderly and carefully stroking her back, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, baby, Mom has it right here.¡±


    A mother¡¯s love and a child¡¯s filial piety, profoundly moving.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get excited! Relax!¡± She held Xu Xingluo, comforting her earnestly.


    Liu Huimin complained, ¡°Xingluo has asthma, she can¡¯t get too emotional. Big brother, Yunye, why are you picking on her? And also...¡± Her eyes swept coldly over Qiao Xi as she spoke.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, as family members we spoke rashly out of urgency, you can understand that, right? I see you being gentle with other patients¡¯ families, so why single out our Xingluo? She¡¯s already apologized, what more do you want from her?¡±


    She was somewhat resentful of Qiao Xi, feeling that it was her who precipitated Xu Xingluo¡¯s sudden asthma attack.

 Chapter 160: 160: His Private Life is Quite Rich

    Chapter 160: Chapter 160: His Private Life is Quite Rich


    Liu Huimin helped the frail Xu Xingluo to her feet and said in a mocking tone, ¡°Doctor Qiao, if you resent me for forcing you to take in a patient, come at me! Xingluo has asthma and severe depression; she can¡¯t handle the stress.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable.


    Shu Xue couldn¡¯t help but laugh sarcastically on the side, ¡°She¡¯s weak, so she must be right? Who was the one desperately making things difficult for our Qiao Xi over a man, even trying to slander our medical staff just a moment ago? If you¡¯re so noble, take the patient away!¡±


    She stood protectively near Qiao Xi, indignant, ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen someone play both judge and executioner, demanding our Qiao Xi to cure her, and also trying to snatch her husband! Is she supposed to be the Virgin Mary, speaking so kindly to you?¡±


    Liu Huimin¡¯s cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, at a loss for words.


    ¡°I...¡±


    ¡°Enough, Huimin!¡± Liu Zongquan was extremely helpless; this younger sister of his lost all reason whenever it came to Xingluo!


    She had been neurotically fragile after giving birth, spending a long time dreaming that someone would steal her daughter, hence she doted on her daughter like the apple of her eye from a young age.


    Liu Zongquan decreed firmly, ¡°From now on none of you should come to the hospital. If Zong Yun makes it through today¡¯s ordeal, I¡¯ll hire a high-priced caregiver to look after him. Apart from me and the old lady, no one else needs to come.¡±


    ¡°Big brother, how can that be!¡± Xu Guangyao was anxious; what if Liu Zongyun didn¡¯t die today?


    Then they wouldn¡¯t have the chance to find an opportune moment, would they?


    Xu Guangyao pleaded earnestly, ¡°Big brother, we want to spend more time with second brother. If you¡¯re really worried, the newest convalescent home under the Xu Family banner is about to be completed. How about sending the second brother there? Under our supervision, you could rest easier, right?¡±


    The high-tech convalescent home built by the Xu Family indeed had substantial appeal, introducing nursing robots and eliminating the risk of infections.


    Liu Zongquan¡¯s stance softened, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it once his condition stabilizes. Doctor Qiao, what exactly is my brother¡¯s condition? What should we do next?¡±


    Finally, there was someone sane in charge.


    Qiao Xi looked at him and said, ¡°He¡¯s currently undergoing emergency treatment, and it¡¯s uncertain whether he¡¯ll pull through. Even if he leaves the emergency room, he will need to be observed in the intensive care unit for a week. If the fever doesn¡¯t subside, it could lead to pneumonia, and at that point... he might not make it.¡±


    Not make it?


    Liu Zongquan wiped his face, his expression defeated.


    It had been with great difficulty that he had awaited his awakening, only to carelessly catch the flu.


    Amid the extremes of joy and sorrow, he was utterly exhausted.


    He spoke hoarsely, ¡°Thank you, Doctor Qiao.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome; I¡¯ll be leaving now if there¡¯s nothing else. The intensive care unit is not my responsibility at the moment; I need to wait until his condition stabilizes before I can proceed with acupuncture.¡±


    After giving her instructions, Qiao Xi turned and left. Shu Xue, carrying a tray, followed Qiao Xi out.


    In the corridor.


    Liu Zongquan seemed to have lost his pillar of strength, his eyes reddened, his body trembling. If Liu Zongyun hadn¡¯t initially awakened, they wouldn¡¯t have been so distressed.


    They had finally seen a glimmer of hope, everyone counting on him to stand up again and live a normal life. But the sudden blow pushed everything back to square one.


    Xu Xingluo, frightened, began to cry defensively, ¡°Big uncle, hit me, scold me! It¡¯s all Xingluo¡¯s fault, I am to blame!¡±


    She raised her hand and slapped herself.


    ¡°Big uncle, I¡¯ll kneel right here! I¡¯ll keep kneeling until second uncle comes out!¡± She clasped her hands together to pray, ¡°All heavenly gods and buddhas, please bless my second uncle to pull through this ordeal, I am willing to sacrifice ten years of my life.¡±


    ¡°Xingluo!¡± Liu Huimin pulled her away, distressed, ¡°Don¡¯t say nonsense!¡±


    Xu Xingluo wept bitterly, ¡°Mom, as long as second uncle is safe. It¡¯s not just ten years; even twenty or thirty years of life, I am willing! It¡¯s all my fault today, I shouldn¡¯t have...¡±


    She sobbed uncontrollably.


    Liu Huimin held her, her heart wrenching with pain.


    Liu Zongquan remained silent, staring intensely at the emergency room¡¯s red light.


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s eyes flashed, and he silently prayed that Liu Zongyun would hurry up and die, and not wake up to trouble him anymore!


    Xu Yunye, still recovering from a fracture, had a delicate face devoid of any color. He stared at the endlessly crying Xu Xingluo and felt something was off!


    The doubts from last night slowly surfaced in his mind.


    When she first saw the pathogen test reagent was positive, her face showed shock that didn¡¯t seem fake!


    Did she really infect his uncle unintentionally?


    He snorted with a laugh, feeling that he was overthinking it.


    As a member of the Xu Family, she had no motive to harm his uncle.


    ...


    Qiao Xi and Shu Xue walked to the nurse station.


    Shu Xue handed her a sandwich, ¡°Want to eat?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head, smiling as she said, ¡°Aunt Qian prepares breakfast for me every day, I¡¯ve eaten at home. I left in a hurry this morning and didn¡¯t bring any for you.¡±


    Shu Xue opened the sandwich mournfully and said, ¡°Aunt Qian¡¯s cooking has spoiled me, nothing else tastes good anymore.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll bring some for you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re resigning soon, I won¡¯t be able to eat it for long.¡± She bit vigorously into the sandwich and said with puffed cheeks, ¡°It¡¯s easy to go from frugality to luxury, but difficult to return, eating at street stalls feels the same to me.¡±


    Qiao Xi liked her character, not greedy and full of a sense of justice.


    Her eyes smiled warmly as she said, ¡°From tomorrow until the day I leave, I¡¯ll bring it for you.¡±


    Shu Xue blew her a kiss.


    She chewed on the sandwich and observed Qiao Xi¡¯s expression, casually lowering her eyes as she asked, ¡°Has your husband been very busy recently? Was he home last night?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he was home, why?¡±


    Shu Xue shook her head, ¡°Nothing, I was just curious what rich men do at night. That time at the bar when we ran into Mr. Zhou, does he stay home like your husband?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her for a good while and said, ¡°Are you interested in him? That¡¯s not right, you¡¯ve got something going on.¡±


    Just a couple of days ago, when they went shopping for lingerie, Shu Xue bought some too.


    That clearly indicated she had something going on, could she have taken a liking to Zhou Yu?


    Shu Xue defensively said, ¡°I was just asking out of curiosity, didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±


    Qiao Xi breathed a sigh of relief and said, ¡°You scared me. Mr. Zhou is a good guy, and has a warm heart. But judging by how he usually hangs around with Mr. Huo, his private life seems quite colorful.¡±


    ¡°How colorful?¡± Shu Xue asked.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips, thinking of the phone call she had overheard, and then leaned in close to Shu Xue¡¯s ear and said, ¡°Last night, Young Master Sun and Mr. Zhou held a lingerie show at the Haicheng Club, inviting many people to watch.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    Shu Xue couldn¡¯t quite process this immediately, ¡°You mean, they had the club¡¯s female models walk the runway in lingerie? How is that any different from being naked?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, ¡°Young Master Sun said the lingerie from Haicheng¡¯s store sold out yesterday, and he wanted some too. So he came up with this idea and invited Mr. Zhou over.¡±


    Shu Xue ground her molars angrily, lamenting why Zhou Yu, that damn dog, didn¡¯t show up last night!


    So it turned out he had so many women to show off to him!


    Qiao Xi, seeing her grinding her teeth, felt that something was amiss.


    ¡°Shu Xue, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

 Chapter 161: 161: He Asks Her, Is It Soft?

    Chapter 161: Chapter 161: He Asks Her, Is It Soft?


    Shu Xue struggled to suppress the sourness and anger in her heart and said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    She clumsily changed the subject, looking at Qiao Xi and asking, ¡°Do you think Liu Zongyun in Room 2121 will be resuscitated successfully?¡±


    Qiao Xi hid her doubts and was led by her words into a train of thought.


    She recalled the sight of Liu Zongyun in the resuscitation room and replied, ¡°I think so, his will to live is very strong.¡±


    When she went in, Liu Zongyun had weakly extended his index finger, hooking it onto her sterile gown. It was then that Qiao Xi realized his fingers could still move slightly, albeit with minimal range.


    His murky, dim eyes shimmered with a desire to survive.


    Qiao Xi thought, surely heaven wouldn¡¯t fail someone who is suffering so much.


    Shu Xue remarked with emotion, ¡°If he hadn¡¯t made it, then Xu Xingluo would have been indirectly responsible for the death of her own uncle and would likely feel guilty for a lifetime.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath, suddenly feeling a tightness in her chest.


    She didn¡¯t have much work today, so she stayed at the nurse¡¯s station with Shu Xue while waiting for news from the resuscitation room.


    Two hours later.


    News finally came from the other side; Liu Zongyun¡¯s condition had temporarily stabilized, but he was to be transferred to the intensive care unit for observation.


    The heavy stone in Qiao Xi¡¯s heart also fell.


    Shu Xue smiled at her, ¡°You can relax now, right? Xu Xingluo and Liu Huimin were so rude to you, yet you still pay special attention to Liu Zongyun?¡±


    With a faint trace of a smile in her eyes, Qiao Xi responded, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    She lowered her head to glance at the text message on her phone and said to Shu Xue, ¡°I have to leave for a bit later, I¡¯ve already asked for leave. If anything comes up, give me a call, and I¡¯ll rush back to the hospital.¡±


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Qiao Xi put away her phone and hurriedly walked towards the hospital exit.


    ...


    A stretched Lincoln was parked at the hospital entrance. The Huo family¡¯s old mansion butler, Azhong, saw her coming out and courteously opened the car door, saying, ¡°Young Madam, watch your head.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Qiao Xi got into the car, the Lincoln heading towards the Huo family¡¯s old mansion.


    Ever since Huo Xingzhou and Old Sir Huo cut ties, her visits to the old mansion had dwindled to once a week. Each time, butler Azhong would personally come to pick her up at the hospital¡¯s entrance.


    More than an hour later.


    The car stopped in front of the heavy and rustic gates of the old mansion, and Azhong opened the car door. Qiao Xi got out and followed him inside.


    Wang Fengxian, once the great-aunt, confronted them. She was plainly dressed, gone was her previous flamboyance. Her gaze upon seeing Qiao Xi was cold, as if harboring many grudges.


    With Huo Jianjun in prison and Huo Beiting exiled without Old Sir Huo¡¯s permission, they wouldn¡¯t be able to return to the country in this lifetime.


    Qiao Xi walked past her and continued inside.


    Following the butler upstairs, she entered Huo Weiguo¡¯s room.


    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± Huo Weiguo¡¯s hoarse voice sounded. He looked much better, and the frequency of his cold symptoms had reduced. After so many years, he was finally savoring the taste of living.


    ¡°To administer your acupuncture.¡±


    Qiao Xi put down her needle pack, and Azhong skillfully began preparations for the Old Sir.


    Huo Weiguo lay on the bed while Qiao Xi, holding a slim needle, pierced his acupoints with a stern face throughout the procedure.


    Huo Weiguo couldn¡¯t help but speak, ¡°I heard you brought Liu Zongyun to consciousness?¡±


    Qiao Xi calmly responded, ¡°He woke up, but it¡¯s uncertain if he¡¯ll survive. His condition was entirely due to delayed treatment; had he gotten to the hospital earlier, he might have awakened sooner.¡±


    Old Sir Huo chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re too modest; I know all about that incident from back then.¡±


    He reflected on the past with many emotions, ¡°You saved Liu Zongyun, have you also thought about the consequences you¡¯d face?¡±


    ¡°What consequences?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him, puzzled.


    Old Sir Huo was surprised; apparently, she didn¡¯t know yet.


    He swallowed the words that had reached the edge of his lips, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Perhaps because you are younger, they might not be too harsh. Cheng Han is your mentor, he will definitely protect you.¡±


    The elders probably wanted to protect her, not wanting her to panic, so they temporarily didn¡¯t tell her about the consequences.


    Qiao Xi furrowed her brows slightly.


    It seemed everyone knew, even Grandpa Cheng was hesitant and faltering.


    Huo Weiguo looked at her and admonished earnestly, ¡°I heard Xingzhou has given you a clinic, so you should take this opportunity to build your network and reputation. He, a businessman, can¡¯t protect you all the time.¡±


    One was the bloodless battlefield of commerce, the other was the strictly-ruled Chinese Medicine Community.


    If Lu Bannong and the Northern Sect really wanted to make an issue out of Qiao Xi breaking the rules, the influence of Tianyuan Group might not be able to protect her much.


    Unless, she was willing to leave the Chinese Medicine Community.


    Huo Weiguo felt that Qiao Xi wouldn¡¯t be willing to do so.


    Each time she inserted a needle, her eyes were bright.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t quite understand his meaning, but she still responded, ¡°Understood.¡±


    As she inserted a row of long needles into Huo Weiguo¡¯s body, Azhong suddenly came in from outside and said, ¡°Old Sir Huo, Young Master Xingzhou has arrived.¡±


    Huo Weiguo chuckled twice, ¡°He still worries about me.¡±


    His voice had barely fallen.


    The man, dressed in a suit and dressed to the nines, strode in with a cold aura.


    He looked at Qiao Xi and asked, ¡°Are you done?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, ¡°Yes, but the needles still need another half an hour before they can be removed...¡±


    ¡°Removing the needles is something anyone can do,¡± Huo Xingzhou said, holding her hand and completely ignoring Old Sir Huo, ¡°Let¡¯s go home first.¡±


    Old Sir Huo was forced to lay on his stomach in bed, unable to turn over.


    He roared, ¡°You brat! Are you treating me as air?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at him indifferently, ¡°We have already severed ties.¡±


    Old Sir Huo gasped for air, his voice heavy, ¡°But we¡¯re still blood relatives. I admit my fault; can we let bygones be bygones?¡±


    He was sincerely apologizing, a rare occurrence indeed.


    But Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°What¡¯s done is done.¡±


    He pulled Qiao Xi and walked outside.


    Old Sir Huo¡¯s eyes were moist; he would have to spend the rest of his life repenting for the favoritism he showed in the first half.


    Outside the old residence.


    Qiao Xi got into Huo Xingzhou¡¯s battered Rolls Royce and asked, ¡°Mr. Huo, do you really not plan to forgive him? The old man is of age and quite pitiful.¡±


    His eyes closed, he said, ¡°He brought this upon himself.¡±


    Qiao Xi let out a chuckle, mimicking Huo Xingzhou¡¯s previous manner, extending her hand to touch his lips.


    ¡°Turns out a dead duck¡¯s mouth is soft, huh?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze was dangerous as he carelessly opened his lips and bit her index finger, staring at her.


    Qiao Xi was taken aback.


    Her finger was sensitive, and the soft touch of his lips and tongue as they grazed her fingertip sent an electric shiver through her body.


    She quickly retracted her finger, curling it into a fist.


    Warm, moist.


    His fair face, with a hint of presumptuousness, asked lightly, ¡°Soft or not?¡±


    Qiao Xi felt a tingling sensation in her scalp.


    Soft.


    Her thumb unconsciously rubbed her index finger, somewhat overwhelmed by his seductive boldness.


    Seeing her uncomfortable and not answering, Huo Xingzhou grew even bolder.


    ¡°Do you prefer a soft duck, or a hard one?¡±

 Chapter 162: 162 Qiao Xi, The Sound Insulation Here is Very Good

    Chapter 162: Chapter 162 Qiao Xi, The Sound Insulation Here is Very Good


    Qiao Xi¡¯s almond-shaped eyes were misty with moisture, her lovely lips pursed, as she hung her head, wishing she could find a block of tofu to crash into and die.


    ¡°Not answering?¡± Huo Xingzhou leaned in and asked.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was as soft as a mosquito¡¯s, extremely embarrassed.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, there¡¯s someone else in the car.¡±


    In the driver¡¯s seat in front sat Old Chen, who upon hearing this said, ¡°Young Master, Young Madam, I see and hear nothing.¡± He immediately pulled down the partition between the front and rear seats and stepped on the gas.


    The car started moving.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s deep and tranquil gaze rested on Qiao Xi, ¡°Do you prefer something tender or something crispy?¡±


    ¡°I...¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s egg-shaped face turned bright red, she was at a loss.


    Huo Xingzhou let out a light laugh from his throat, ¡°Is it that hard to choose? If you like something tender, then have the Jinling salted duck, and if you prefer something crispy, then have roast duck. Decide and let Aunt Qian prepare dinner.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at him in confusion. Was it just about choosing what duck to eat for dinner?


    She had thought it was something else entirely.


    ¡°Have you decided?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded, and said unnaturally, ¡°Let¡¯s go with the salted duck.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t quite grasped why they specifically had to eat duck that evening.


    Huo Xingzhou nonchalantly sent a message to Aunt Qian, asking for a Jinling salted duck for dinner.


    He set his phone aside, returning to his reserved self as if he had simply been asking what to have for dinner.


    Yet, Qiao Xi¡¯s heart was churned into ripples.


    She bit her lip gently, a bit annoyed by his teasing.


    She remained sullen during the entire ride, thinking about how to get even that evening. She couldn¡¯t let him... tease her all the time, could she!


    The car stopped at the small villa.


    Aunt Qian came out to receive them as she saw the car, saying, ¡°Dinner will be ready soon, I¡¯ll just go slice the duck and then serve it.¡±


    Qiao Xi washed her hands in the restroom, dried them with the towel thoroughly, then sat down at the dining table.


    The man served her a bowl of old duck broth and said, ¡°Try this soup made from a tough duck.¡±


    Qiao Xi puckered her lips and took a big sip.


    Huo Xingzhou watched her do so and said, ¡°I¡¯ve enrolled you in a driving course, you can get your license in half a month. During this time with the hospital handover, you have less on your plate and can learn.¡±


    Qiao Xi slowed her eating pace, and looked up at him slowly, puzzled.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t elaborate further, only saying, ¡°Qiao Xi, I also want to sit in your passenger seat.¡±


    Qiao Xi struggled to suppress the corners of her mouth curling up, her tone cold as she said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took in her every little expression, he just hoped she would master one more skill, one that could save lives in a crucial moment.


    The two finished dinner while the sky had only just begun to darken, the clock pointing to seven.


    She wiped the corners of her mouth with a wet towel and looked at Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Mr. Huo, shall we watch a movie?¡± She harbored thoughts of revenge, surely she couldn¡¯t be the only one whipped into a frenzy by him.


    Huo Xingzhou lazily raised an eyebrow, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Someone was offering themselves on a plate, where would he find the heart to refuse.


    She thought she could play games with him but she was still too green. He just watched quietly as Qiao Xi put on her performance, as she walked right into the tiger¡¯s mouth.


    With her own mischievous plans in mind, Qiao Xi went upstairs with the man into their home¡¯s media room. This was her first time in the media room, and there were many signs of use.


    It indicated that Mr. Huo also came here often.


    In the home theater room, the lighting was somewhat dim.


    A massive screen hung on the wall, surrounded by a full set of surround sound speakers, and the soft, expansive sofa looked incredibly comfortable.


    The man turned around and asked her, ¡°What movie shall we watch?¡±


    Qiao Xi licked her dry lips, her mind active. She mustered up her courage and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t Mr. Huo say that when we have time, we should study together ¡®Using the Barbarians¡¯ Techniques to Control the Barbarians¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    He picked up the remote and turned on the player. Qiao Xi glanced over and saw that the USB drive was already plugged in. She looked at him in surprise¡ªit turned out he had already watched it privately.


    Perhaps, many times over.


    Huo Xingzhou calmly looked at her and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s full, rosy lips parted as she asked, ¡°Was what you said last time true?¡±


    ¡°Which ¡®last time¡¯?¡±


    He casually clicked through the files, considering which video might be suitable to play at the moment.


    She was referring to the time he said he had already practiced many times privately, so his first time was particularly skilful. She had accused him of not being a first-timer, and he said he wanted to maintain a perfect image in her heart, even wanting their first time to be with someone who seemed capable of anything.


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m lying to you?¡± Huo Xingzhou said as he clicked on a video, ¡°How about this one?¡±


    Qiao Xi, enduring her embarrassment, said, ¡°Any of them is fine.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou turned the volume up to the maximum, and the speakers all around began to operate. He beckoned her with his hand, gesturing for Qiao Xi to come sit beside him.


    Qiao Xi took step after step towards him, sitting down next to him with a heavy heart, yet deliberately keeping a foot of distance between them.


    Huo Xingzhou placed the remote on the coffee table and asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to study? Why sit so far away?¡±


    ¡°I...¡±


    She had wanted to provoke his emotions, to see him lose control and get angry, just as he teased her with a duck.


    But Qiao Xi had overestimated her own nerve; alone with him in such an enclosed space, her heart rate quickened. Gradually, the sounds of a man and woman¡¯s ambiguous moans emerged from the speakers.


    The huge screen was right in front of her, and although she tried to ignore it, her peripheral vision always caught glimpses.


    Her entire body was burning up, and before her eyes was a man staring intensely at her.


    She was in a difficult position.


    ¡°Not studying, then?¡± His voice was magnetic and very seductive.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m too full. I¡¯d better go swim to help digest the food, Mr. Huo, please do as you please.¡± Qiao Xi made a hasty retreat.


    As she stood up and quickly walked towards the door, Huo Xingzhou grabbed her wrist. With a firm pull from him, she fell softly into his embrace. The springy sofa even bounced a bit, fitting their bodies closely together.


    Perfectly intertwined.


    Qiao Xi lay on top of him, her eyelashes trembling.


    Even though it wasn¡¯t the first time, she was still very nervous and shy.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s gaze grew dark: ¡°You think you can escape after entering this door? Weren¡¯t you the one who wanted to study ¡®Using the Barbarians¡¯ Techniques to Control the Barbarians¡¯ with me? Little Divine Doctor, you should keep your word.¡±


    Qiao Xi pushed against him: ¡°I changed my mind!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hands gripped her delicate waist, ¡°Too late, I¡¯m in the mood now.¡±


    Qiao Xi shifted her body, only to press closer to him. The moans of a man and a woman emitted from the speakers filled her ears as she gently bit her lip and whispered, ¡°How about we go back to the main bedroom?¡±


    It was too unrestrained here.


    ¡°Beg me, hmm?¡± he said with a half-smile while looking at her, the bright birthmark on his pale neck particularly striking.


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips, unable to utter a word.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips brushed against her earlobe, his moist kiss accompanied by a whisper, ¡°The soundproofing here is excellent; no one can hear you no matter how loud you scream.¡±

 Chapter 163: 163 Inducing Labor

    Chapter 163: Chapter 163 Inducing Labor


    Qiao Xi dodged his kisses,


    the man was leisurely, just like a skilled hunter dealing with trapped prey, completely patient.


    There was no escaping it anyway!


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you... at least turn off the video first.¡±


    ¡°Why turn it off? We can study and practice at the same time, don¡¯t you agree?¡± he coaxed her, his brow lowering, his eyes full of warm tenderness.


    Qiao Xi shook her head, no good.


    It was too shameful.


    She couldn¡¯t handle watching someone else do something while doing something with Mr. Huo. She somewhat regretted provoking this man. Why did she bother to get back at him?


    He seemed abstinent and restrained, but he turned quite nasty at night. Knowing how strong his needs were, why did she need to have her revenge?


    ¡°Mr. Huo! I... my period is here!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not, I¡¯ve been keeping track of the time. Today is not your ovulation day, it¡¯s very safe.¡± He kept his arm around her waist, neither pressing closer nor letting go, making Qiao Xi very uncomfortable.


    He was naturally gifted in this area, a self-taught genius.


    As he said, he tried to be perfect in every aspect. Even with this, he wanted to maintain absolute control in front of Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    ¡°Xingzhou!¡±


    Outside the home theater, Du Juan called out loudly.


    Qiao Xi tensely stared at Huo Xingzhou: ¡°Mr. Huo lied, the soundproofing is terrible!¡±


    Huo Xingzhou laughed softly.


    But Qiao Xi was especially panicked, quickly scrambling off him. She grabbed the remote control and turned off the video, her hands fumbling as she straightened her disheveled clothes.


    The home theater door was pushed open, and Du Juan looked towards them. Qiao Xi gaped at her, unable to explain herself, while Huo Xingzhou stood up unhurriedly, casually buttoning up his shirt.


    Du Juan felt a bit awkward but couldn¡¯t help feeling glad as she said, ¡°Did I interrupt you? Please continue, I¡¯ll go downstairs.¡±


    ¡°Mother-in-law, we were just watching a movie! Nothing¡¯s going on, I¡¯ll accompany you downstairs.¡±


    Qiao Xi quickly took her arm and left Huo Xingzhou behind as they made their way down. Huo Xingzhou watched their retreating figures and did not chase after them, instead, he walked into his study.


    Following Du Juan into the living room, Qiao Xi poured a glass of water and handed it to her.


    ¡°Here, have some water.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Du Juan took the glass, her gaze intently fixed on Qiao Xi¡¯s stomach.


    Qiao Xi felt a bit embarrassed and sat on the sofa.


    Du Juan spoke directly, considering Qiao Xi as family with nothing to hide, ¡°Is Xingzhou okay? I heard you cured Sun Weimeng; how is Xingzhou in that aspect?¡±


    The fear of him being infertile had worried her to death before.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly as she said, ¡°He¡¯s quite good.¡±


    He was more than quite good.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯ve never worked in my life, and your father-in-law only has a nominal position at Tianyuan Group. We¡¯re getting old and feel very lonely and empty with nothing to do. Without anything to occupy us, we can¡¯t stop thinking about having grandchildren around.¡±


    Du Juan spoke earnestly, ¡°Young people recover quickly, so it¡¯s better to have children early. You don¡¯t even need to take care of the child, just carry it for ten months, and after giving birth, hand it over to us!¡±


    The persuasion from elders to have children was always the same.


    Qiao Xi felt troubled, ¡°Mr. Huo handed the clinic over to me, I want to achieve something.¡±


    ¡°I can help you with the clinic too. Careers are lifelong pursuits, you¡¯re better off having a child then dedicating yourself to your career.¡± Du Juan held her hand, ¡°Qiao Xi, I¡¯m not forcing you.¡±


    She sighed and continued, ¡°Our family doesn¡¯t have many children, and recalling the time Xingzhou had that car accident, I am still terrified. Please consider it, okay?¡±


    Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment, then nodded.


    Du Juan¡¯s face lit up with a smile, ¡°I¡¯ve heard your hospital is holding a conference, are you the keynote speaker?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Xi said.


    This expert exchange program was mainly centered around Liu Zongyun¡¯s case, with Western medicine practitioners eager to witness the profoundness of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qiao Xi cherished this opportunity to promote acupuncture and facilitate the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine.


    ¡°Well done, I¡¯m proud of you too.¡±


    Qiao Xi smiled at her, ¡°I¡¯m very honored as well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s getting late; I won¡¯t disturb you any longer. You should...¡± Du Juan gestured a motion, ¡°hurry back to your room and get some sleep.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded embarrassingly.


    ...


    That night.


    In a luxury apartment on the 16th floor of Biyuan Complex.


    The family of three, Xu Xingluo, sat in the living room, the atmosphere heavy with gloom.


    Shen Shiyun poured a cup of tea for both daughter and father, ¡°Drink some water first to soothe your throat. Coming here so late, you weren¡¯t noticed, were you?¡±


    ¡°No worries. Liu Huimin knows I¡¯m with Xingluo and is very reassured,¡± Xu Guangyao said indifferently.


    After all, which father would take his daughter to visit his mistress?


    Xu Xingluo snorted disdainfully, ¡°You¡¯re the one who should be careful. Last time, when I had a dispute with Qiao Xi, why did you have to butt in? Do you realize you¡¯re a mistress who can¡¯t be seen in the light?¡±


    She had no respect for Shen Shiyun.


    Even though she was her biological mother.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xingluo. I saw you were being bullied and didn¡¯t think it through,¡± Shen Shiyun said, her affection for Xu Xingluo evident, having missed her all these years.


    ¡°What if Brother Xingzhou notices something¡¯s off? You¡¯re too foolish!¡±


    ¡°Xingluo!¡± Xu Guangyao reprimanded, ¡°Don¡¯t speak to your mother like that; she was trying to help you.¡± He wrapped his arm around Shen Shiyun¡¯s waist and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t go out unnecessarily in the future, okay?¡±


    Shen Shiyun¡¯s eyes reddened as she said okay.


    Xu Xingluo glared at them and spoke, ¡°There¡¯s news from the hospital that Uncle has been successfully resuscitated and has been moved to the intensive care unit. Big Uncle won¡¯t let us go to the hospital, what should we do?¡±


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s expression was fierce, ¡°He won¡¯t be out of danger within a week. What if he contracts pneumonia?¡±


    ¡°Dad, we can¡¯t just hope for ¡®what ifs.''¡± She was somewhat critical of Xu Guangyao, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault, why didn¡¯t you kill him in the first place? Or suffocate him while he was unconscious. Now it¡¯s impossible to do anything.¡±


    Xu Guangyao said coldly, ¡°Who would have thought he had such a strong will to live and wake up one day.¡±


    He fell silent for a long time, a glint of determination flickering in his eyes.


    ¡°I have another way.¡±


    Xu Xingluo asked eagerly, ¡°What way?¡±


    Xu Guangyao slowly said, ¡°Qiao Xi will soon leave Hai City Hospital, and the intelligent nursing home under Xu¡¯s Group is about to open. We can convince the Liu Family to transfer Liu Zongyun to the nursing home, where we can act at any time.¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t agree!¡± Xu Xingluo said without hesitation.


    ¡°What if I get Lu Bannong¡¯s apprentice to take care of him?¡± Xu Guangyao narrowed his eyes, a smile curling up at the corners of his mouth.


    Xu Xingluo paused, that might make them agree.


    ¡°Dad, how can you manage to get Lu Bannong¡¯s apprentice?¡± The boundaries set between the north and south were not to be crossed and interfered with.


    Xu Guangyao was also puzzled, ¡°He contacted me, saying he wanted to study how Liu Zongyun woke up.¡±


    Xu Xingluo gritted her teeth, ¡°Then let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll persuade Mom; she listens to me! She can advocate for the Liu Family to send Uncle to the nursing home!¡±


    Father and daughter discussing a life without any sense of reverence.


    Their ruthlessness was as if carved from the same mold.


    With one worry resolved, Xu Xingluo felt free to chat and asked a question that had been hidden in her heart, ¡°Dad, why don¡¯t you like Second Brother?¡±

 Chapter 164: 164: The Exquisite Flying Needle Technique

    Chapter 164: Chapter 164: The Exquisite Flying Needle Technique


    Xu Xingluo and Xu Yunye were twins, but their circumstances were worlds apart.


    In the Xu Family, Xu Yunye was invisible. In Xu Xingluo¡¯s unconscious competition for affection, Xu Yunye became the scapegoat, less loved by their parents.


    After Xu Xingluo learned about her origins, she speculated that Xu Yunye¡¯s lack of favor might be because he was born to Liu Huimin.


    But then she thought, Xu Xiuyuan was also her child.


    Why did their father treat the two brothers so differently?


    Xu Guangyao said indifferently, ¡°He¡¯s disappointing, lacks success.¡±


    Though he said this, he knew very well what the truth was.


    Back then, when the two girls were switched, Xu Yunye looked at him with clear eyes. Xu Guangyao could still remember that scene as if all his thoughts were seen through by a child in swaddling clothes.


    He felt guilty, even becoming furiously embarrassed.


    He had always suppressed Xu Yunye since childhood, even though he knew he didn¡¯t remember anything from the day of his birth, but Xu Guangyao couldn¡¯t bear to look into his eyes.


    Xu Xingluo didn¡¯t believe, ¡°Just that alone?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask so much,¡± Xu Guangyao said with a furrowed brow. ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll have the lawyer draft a share transfer agreement, you better get Liu Huimin to sign it quickly.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Xu Xingluo thought of owning 20% of Xu¡¯s shares and was very delighted.


    Xu Xiuyuan only had 5%, and Xu Yunye had nothing at all.


    ¡°She really is willing to give it to Xingluo? That¡¯s great,¡± Shen Shiyun couldn¡¯t contain her joy.


    Liu Huimin is a foolish woman.


    ¡°I¡¯m her most beloved daughter, if not to me then to whom?¡± she disdainfully lifted her chin, ¡°As long as the truth doesn¡¯t come out, I¡¯ll always be Liu Huimin¡¯s daughter, and everything she has is mine.¡±


    Liu Huimin held 20% of Xu¡¯s shares, dozens of properties, and a jewelry store. It was the largest jewelry store in the country, a dowry from the Liu Family.


    Xu Xingluo had long coveted the jewelry store and planned to get Liu Huimin to transfer it to her later.


    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing,¡± Xu Guangyao said proudly. ¡°Huo Jiancheng called me.¡±


    Xu Xingluo looked at him eagerly, ¡°What did he say?¡±


    Xu Guangyao said, ¡°He will fulfill your wish, and make Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou divorce. The condition is that we must keep the agreement we signed ten years ago a secret for now. He will help us achieve our goal.¡±


    Xu Xingluo beamed with joy, ¡°That¡¯s really great! Better than us handling it ourselves, so we don¡¯t have to completely fall out with Brother Xingzhou!¡±


    Huo Jiancheng¡¯s willingness to take the lead was a good thing!


    She increasingly felt that the agreement Xu Guangyao secretly signed with Huo Jiancheng ten years ago was a precautionary measure.


    Xu Guangyao said contentedly, ¡°Let¡¯s just wait for his good news! I guess he wouldn¡¯t dare tell the other Huo Family members about the existence of that agreement.¡±


    ¡°Even if it gets to the point of no return, Huo Xingzhou wouldn¡¯t break with his biological father!¡±


    ...


    A week later.


    The medical conference at Hai City Hospital convened on time, and Qiao Xi had to perform acupuncture on Liu Zongyun in front of them. A group of Western doctors from various major hospitals had gathered, highly skilled professionals with decades of experience.


    Usually arrogant, they now watched intently a young woman in her twenties.


    After a week of observation, Liu Zongyun had been moved to a high-class ward. Though he had passed the critical period, his physical data had significantly dropped, and his periods of unconsciousness were growing longer each day.


    Qiao Xi sat at the bedside, holding the needle handle between her thumb and forefinger, twisting and releasing, the needle flying like a bird flapping its wings.


    It swiftly entered Liu Zongyun¡¯s acupoints.


    This was the Flying Needle Technique she had practiced since childhood, which placed very strict demands on finger and wrist strength. Her Flying Needle could penetrate three points into wood, even Cheng Han said she was spoon-fed by fate.


    An extraordinary talent.


    The old western doctors had also witnessed the Flying Needle Technique in Chinese medicine, but seeing it performed with such a pleasing and sharp demeanor as Qiao Xi¡¯s was rare!


    The long, thin needle was swiftly and precisely jabbed into Liu Zongyun¡¯s acupoints without the slightest deviation.


    Qiao Xi exerted force downward with her wrist and finished the last acupoint.


    A highly esteemed western doctor spoke up, ¡°I had seen Cheng Han¡¯s Flying Needle Technique back in the day and was amazed. I didn¡¯t expect someone to follow in his footsteps. Doctor Qiao is indeed the case where the student surpasses the teacher.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps the treatment plan for comatose patients should integrate both Chinese and Western medicine, complementing each other. Chinese medicine greatly helps in recuperation and rehabilitation, observing the qi and controlling the vital forces, something many devices cannot achieve.¡±


    Qiao Xi stood up and said with a faint smile, ¡°You are all my seniors, I have merely shown a modest skill.¡±


    This exchange conference was wholeheartedly promoted by Xu Xiuyuan, initiated by Qiao Xi¡¯s idea.


    By leveraging the country¡¯s first case of a coma patient waking up after twenty years as a basis, it facilitated an exchange and learning among experts from major hospitals. A historically strong medical team was temporarily formed to continue treating Liu Zongyun.


    The experts studied and learned, and Liu Zongyun received substantial treatment.


    Qiao Xi was well aware that she merely played a role in connecting and coordinating everyone.


    She was about to resign, and it was time for someone else to take over Liu Zongyun¡¯s case.


    If Xu Guangyao and Xu Xingluo found out about this, they would be furious.


    The father and daughter were even planning to transfer Liu Zongyun to a nursing home to silence him.


    Xu Xiuyuan, dressed in a black suit, entered the ward and said, ¡°Please move along, we have prepared a dinner at Jinling Grand Hotel. The hospital has arranged cars for transport outside.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The experts left the ward in a single file and proceeded to the hospital¡¯s main gate under the guidance of the staff.


    Qiao Xi packed up her needle kit and stayed in the ward to wait for half an hour before removing the needles.


    Xu Xiuyuan walked in and said amiably, ¡°Qiao Xi, thank you for your hard work. Today¡¯s event was largely thanks to you, those experts are very interested in my uncle¡¯s condition and decided to stay on for his treatment.¡±


    Qiao Xi said indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m just cleaning up the mess I left. Dr. Yan will be responsible for acupuncture in the future, I¡¯ve already informed him of the precautions.¡±


    ¡°Mm, thank you,¡± he said.


    Xu Xiuyuan pursed his lips and added, ¡°And about what my family did, I¡¯m very sorry.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes flickered, her face showing a perfunctory smile, ¡°You feel sorry, but will they restrain themselves? Your sister is intent on being ¡®the other woman¡¯. But I¡¯m resigning, hoping never to cross paths with them again.¡±


    She knew Xu Xingluo wouldn¡¯t give up easily; she was as pesky as a fly.


    ¡°I will control her actions,¡± Xu Xiuyuan said helplessly.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t believe it.


    She had already seen how the Xu and Liu families spoiled Xu Xingluo, who nearly indirectly caused Liu Zongyun¡¯s death and got away with just a few tears.


    They indulged Xu Xingluo too much, her tears were her best weapon.


    ¡°Dean Xu, I have finished handing over the hospital¡¯s affairs. I won¡¯t be coming in tomorrow,¡± she said. Her clinic had completed all its procedures, and she also had a driving test to take.


    Quite busy.


    Xu Xiuyuan scrutinized her expression, especially her dewy apricot eyes. He had more memories of his mother Liu Huimin in her younger days than the twins, and he always felt that Qiao Xi had many similarities with his mother.


    But Qiao Xi was smarter than his mother, more straightforward and simple, and more independent.


    He couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how strange the world was.


    If it weren¡¯t for Xingluo¡¯s blood type being the same as his mother¡¯s, and her resemblance to his father, along with his parents¡¯ many years of love,


    he might have harbored a ridiculous notion.


    ¡°I heard you have activities tonight, you should go ahead,¡± he said lightly.


    Qiao Xi nodded, she never thought to invite Xu Xiuyuan.


    After all, as the dean, it wasn¡¯t appropriate for him to attend such events.

 Chapter 165: 165: That Night, Who Did You Spend the Beautiful Evening With?

    Chapter 165: Chapter 165: That Night, Who Did You Spend the Beautiful Evening With?


    Qiao Xi walked past Xu Xiuyuan and returned to her office.


    Shu Xue cheerfully wrapped her arm around her, deliberately rubbing against Qiao Xi with her full chest and teased, ¡°So? Do you feel like I¡¯ve gotten fuller?¡±


    Qiao Xi gave her a reproachful glare.


    Shu Xue said with a laugh, ¡°We¡¯re all women, what¡¯s there to be shy about. Do you want me to share some tips?¡± She reached toward Qiao Xi, who was wearing a white lab coat, with the mannerism of a hooligan, and clicked her tongue twice.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite big yourself, unexpectedly.¡±


    Qiao Xi subconsciously retorted, ¡°Not as big as you.¡±


    ¡°Feeling shy, huh?¡± Shu Xue laughed and added, ¡°Xu Xingluo wouldn¡¯t even dare to think about it, she just had breast augmentation surgery a few days ago. She can have the stitches removed as soon as one week, and she¡¯s coming on strong.¡±


    ¡°What does that have to do with me,¡± Qiao Xi said indifferently.


    Shu Xue exaggeratedly sniffed the air and said, ¡°Why do I smell jealousy?¡±


    ¡°Not at all!¡±


    Shu Xue earnestly advised, ¡°Qiao Xi, you should wear tight clothes more often. Eat more pig trotters and papaya to let them grow more, and it¡¯s best to massage them regularly to promote secondary development. But...¡±


    She snickered lewdly, ¡°Your Mr. Huo will take care of that.¡±


    ¡°Stop talking!¡± Qiao Xi said, her face turning red as she covered Shu Xue¡¯s mouth.


    Shu Xue¡¯s voice came out muffled through her fingers, ¡°Men like them big... visual creatures. A woman acting a bit coy, using some tricks now and then, doesn¡¯t degrade her value wuwu...¡±


    She always had a set of twisted logic that Qiao Xi could not refute.


    Shu Xue pried her hand away saying, ¡°In a marriage, using tricks is called being fun.¡± Before Qiao Xi could get annoyed, she quickly added, ¡°They¡¯re waiting for us! I¡¯ll rush to drive, let¡¯s head over together.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll wait for you at the hospital entrance.¡±


    Parking was always hard at the hospital, and since Shu Xue was just a nurse, she didn¡¯t have a fixed parking spot every day.


    Sometimes it was good enough just to find a parking space.


    Qiao Xi went back to her office to change clothes and quickly walked to the hospital entrance. Shu Xue drove to pick her up, honking twice.


    ¡°Where are we meeting tonight?¡± Qiao Xi buckled her seatbelt and asked.


    Shu Xue played coy again, ¡°You¡¯ll know when we get there.¡±


    In the end, the car stopped at Fuchun Garden.


    Qiao Xi was stunned at the entrance, ¡°Shu Xue, did you win the lottery?¡± She had been here with Mr. Huo before and had sneaked a peek at the bill, which had a minimum personal consumption of eight hundred.


    Shu Xue patted her shoulder and said, ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t be too touched. I¡¯m picking up the tab tonight, you just enjoy yourself. A farewell dinner for sisters must be high-class! Eight hundred per person, and it¡¯s only around a dozen people, it costs me over three thousand just to buy a piece of lingerie.¡±


    And that fishnet dress was even ruined by someone.


    She and Qiao Xi were close friends, so this amount of money was well spent.


    A glint of light flashed through Qiao Xi¡¯s almond-shaped eyes, ¡°Let me take care of the bill later.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight with me about it,¡± Shu Xue linked arms with her and walked inside, ¡°I¡¯m sucking up to a future rich lady, and this isn¡¯t just a farewell dinner, but also a celebration of your clinic¡¯s upcoming opening. Once your clinic starts making money, I¡¯ll rely on you for a life of decadence.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded earnestly.


    The two girls frolicked into the Fuchun Garden Club and were led by the waiter to private room 887.


    The sofa inside was already filled with people, the young doctors from the department were all playing games, and hastily invited them to join when they saw them come in. Shu Xue joined the game, and Qiao Xi sat next to Yan Shi¡¯an.


    ¡°Doctor Yan, I¡¯ll have to entrust you with Liu Zongyun¡¯s follow-up acupuncture treatments.¡±


    Yan Shi¡¯an, with his air of integrity, seemed completely out of place in this club, sitting with a taut face that was very solemn and serious. It looked like it was his first time in such an establishment.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, thank you for being willing to share the secrets of the Cheng Acupuncture Technique with me. My acupuncture skills haven¡¯t advanced in years,¡± he said, expressing gratitude despite his expressionless face.


    ¡°Grandpa Cheng wanted to expand the influence of the Cheng Acupuncture Technique, and I am fulfilling his wish,¡± Qiao Xi said smilingly, looking at him, ¡°Doctor Yan, let¡¯s work hard together!¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Yan Shi¡¯an had great admiration for this young woman. She might appear as delicate as silk, yet she was exceptionally resilient. Like bamboo surviving through rain, unscorchable by fire, she grew robustly with each passing spring.


    As Qiao Xi was conversing, Shu Xue called out to her.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, can you take over the game for a bit? I need to use the restroom!¡± She dragged Qiao Xi into the crowd and handed her the deck of playing cards.


    Qiao Xi was forced to take over, and Shu Xue quickly walked away.


    Shu Xue closed the door to the club¡¯s private room and glanced at her phone again, checking the message she had already read. She hummed lightly and strolled past the neighboring Room 888 on her way to the restroom.


    The corridor leading to the restroom was dimly lit, and both walls were adorned with openwork decorations. The gilded edges gleamed and sparkled as the light hit them. Below stood a handsome and pretty man.


    Shu Xue slowed her pace, her smile fading a little.


    ¡°What did you want me for?¡± she asked, tilting her chin up at Zhou Yu.


    Zhou Yu¡¯s eyes held a smile, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you been answering my calls this week? I¡¯ve been going to your place, always coming up empty-handed.¡±


    Shu Xue snorted coldly, ¡°Tired of it.¡±


    Zhou Yu¡¯s smile became more beguiling as he wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her close.


    ¡°Really tired? My tricks every night are different¡ªhow could you possibly get tired?¡± he said, confident in this regard.


    Shu Xue rolled her eyes, inwardly jealous that he had watched the lingerie show with Young Master Sun, and she had no idea who he had spent that night with. She was annoyed at her emotions being influenced by a man.


    It was supposed to be just a fling, with no strings attached.


    ¡°The partners I find are always one-on-one. Those one-many things, I find them dirty,¡± Shu Xue pushed him away, ¡°Since you went to the club to watch the lingerie show, don¡¯t come back to me.¡±


    Zhou Yu held her tighter, beaming, ¡°Are you jealous? I won¡¯t look for anyone else before we¡¯re done. Sun Weimeng is just a fool who doesn¡¯t know how to play, I was merely teaching him. How could I join in myself?¡±


    His tone was quite proud.


    The anger inside Shu Xue subsided significantly, and she asked, ¡°How did you know I was here? And what are you doing here?¡±


    Zhou Yu kissed her cheek and explained, ¡°I saw you when you came in. In Room 888 next door, I¡¯m doing business with Huo Er. What brings you and Qiao Xi here?¡±


    ¡°A farewell dinner from the hospital.¡±


    Shu Xue said impatiently, ¡°I need to get back; they¡¯ll get suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Am I that embarrassing to be seen with?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Yu, aren¡¯t you the one who hates trouble the most? They don¡¯t know, so let¡¯s keep it that way and save the hassle,¡± Shu Xue looked at him as she spoke, ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t even know how to introduce you¡ªare you expecting me to say you¡¯re from the same ¡®artillery battalion¡¯ as me?¡±


    Zhou Yu looked at her, his eyes curving into a smile that was both radiant and roguish.


    He whispered in her ear with a smirk, ¡°How about we test the trajectory tonight?¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    She kicked him in the leg and quickly walked away.


    Zhou Yu watched her retreat with a playful look, thinking he¡¯d inform Huo Xingzhou about Qiao Xi being here once his business was done.


    ...


    Room 887.


    When Shu Xue returned, she saw that two little turtles were drawn on Qiao Xi¡¯s face, one on each side, very symmetrically.


    She was bad at playing poker and played a mess. She lost the most at the table, with turtles drawn not only on her face but on her arms as well.


    ¡°Why are you all picking on Doctor Qiao! Qiao Xi, come sit next to me. If I win, I¡¯ll let you draw on them and get revenge for you!¡± Shu Xue sat down next to Qiao Xi, protecting her.


    Qiao Xi was having a blast and encouraged, ¡°Beat them quickly.¡±


    She had very few friends her age, but the friends she made in the hospital departments were all good. Especially Shu Xue¡ªthey could be best sisters for life.


    True to her word, Shu Xue dominated the table as soon as she played.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes curved into crescent moons as she laughed, taking the marker to draw a little turtle on each of them.


    When they were all having a great time, someone knocked on the door to the room.


    Knock knock.


    Two servers pushed in a mobile food cart, placing drinks and dishes one by one on the long table.


    ¡°Which one of you is Miss Qiao Xi?¡± the server asked politely.


    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±


    Qiao Xi raised her hand.

 Chapter 166: 166 My Tenderness Is Only For You

    Chapter 166: Chapter 166 My Tenderness Is Only For You


    The waiter retrieved a very special bouquet of purple-blue flowers from the dining cart and began to speak.


    ¡°These are from the guest in the next private room, sent to wish you happiness in your resignation,¡± the waiter approached and handed her the bouquet.


    Qiao Xi hesitated and did not accept it immediately, asking, ¡°Who¡¯s in the next room?¡±


    ¡°The person didn¡¯t say,¡± the waiter replied apologetically.


    It was Shu Xue who covered her mouth and teasingly shouted, ¡°It¡¯s your husband! I saw him when I went to the restroom! He and Zhou Yu are discussing business next door!¡± Zhou Yu had relayed her message, so it counted as seeing him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo is next door?¡±


    Qiao Xi was surprised and she took the bouquet. Enclosed within the beautifully wrapped bouquet were clusters and clusters of eucalyptus flowers, which were very common in Moon Village.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes shimmered with a glossy wetness. How did Mr. Huo know she liked such flowers?


    Could it be that during her last visit home, he had seen the dried flowers on her windowsill? Qiao Xi lowered her head to sniff the flowers, her heart filled with sweetness and a sense of being cherished.


    Qiao Xi said to the waiter, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. If you need anything, you can just ring the bell,¡± the waiter said, pushing the dining cart and leaving the private room.


    As soon as the door closed, the private room burst into excitement.


    ¡°Wow! Doctor Qiao¡¯s husband is so romantic!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the president of Tianyuan Group! I thought such domineering CEOs only thought about making money and working, but I didn¡¯t expect him to have a romantic side too! Doctor Qiao, you married the right man!¡±


    ¡°Who says Huo Xingzhou isn¡¯t domineering!¡± Shu Xue pointed at the bouquet and said, ¡°Do you know what these flowers are?¡±


    Everyone shook their heads.


    Qiao Xi knew¡ªthey were the eucalyptus flowers that could be seen everywhere in the countryside. They were extremely resilient and tenacious.


    Shu Xue raised her voice and said, ¡°These are eucalyptus flowers! Do you know the floral language of eucalyptus flowers?¡±


    Again, everyone shook their heads; doctors seldom encountered romance, let alone understood these rare flowers in flower shops. If it were roses, sunflowers, or daisies, they might know a thing or two.


    Shu Xue looked at Qiao Xi and said, ¡°Do you know?¡±


    Qiao Xi shook her head in confusion. She had never known that eucalyptus flowers had a floral language.


    When she was a child, her grandmother would point to the hills covered with eucalyptus flowers and tell her that these wild flowers were incredibly tenacious and impossible to eradicate. She had loved these special flowers ever since.


    ¡°Stop keeping us in suspense, Shu Xue! What is the floral language of eucalyptus flowers?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re making us anxious!¡±


    ¡°Tell us, tell us!¡±


    Shu Xue wore a mysterious smile and said, ¡°Eucalyptus flowers are particularly domineering; they kill all the plants around them, but they allow the Shihua bird to perch on them.¡±


    ¡°So the floral language of eucalyptus flowers is, ¡®My tenderness is for you alone. I don¡¯t love the myriad things of this world; I favor only you.''¡±


    Eucalyptus has met the Shihua bird, loves nothing else, loves only you.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    ¡°Domineering yet affectionate, Mr. Huo is just like that!¡±


    ¡°I declare that starting today, my favorite flower is the eucalyptus flower. Doctor Qiao, do you have any quality resources to introduce? I want to taste the bitterness of love!¡±


    The women doctors were nearly swooning.


    Qiao Xi held the bouquet, her lips curved into a smile she couldn¡¯t suppress. Her heart seemed to seep layer upon layer of honey, her whole body emitting pink bubbles.


    Shu Xue watched Qiao Xi teasingly and asked, ¡°Let¡¯s interview the person involved. What¡¯s your current feeling? You¡¯re really a winner in life, achieving both love and career success.¡±


    Which noble son could be so considerate.


    Qiao Xi just smiled and did not reply, but her expression said it all.


    The gathering ended after more than an hour.


    As Qiao Xi left the club, she sent a message to Huo Xingzhou, but he did not reply. She thought to herself, this must be an important business matter. Otherwise, he would surely have shown up in her private room.


    Shu Xue offered to drive Qiao Xi home, but Qiao Xi declined.


    She carried the flowers and directly hailed a taxi.


    Before ten o¡¯clock at night, Qiao Xi had arrived at the Huo Family¡¯s small villa, and by the time she entered, Aunt Qian had already gone to rest.


    Qiao Xi took a vase from the kitchen cabinet, filled it with water, and carefully pruned the Eucalyptus Flowers before placing them into the vase. She looked at them over and over again, then found a nutrient solution in the garden¡¯s tool shed and added it to the vase.


    In this way, the fresh flowers would last at least a week without wilting.


    She placed the bouquet on the small white round table in front of the large floor-to-ceiling window on the first floor. Moonlight streamed in, as if adding a layer of filter.


    She thought it would definitely look nice under the sunlight as well.


    Who said Mr. Huo didn¡¯t understand romance? Domineering and passionate, she really liked this flower language.


    ...


    Inside the parking lot of the Fuchun Garden Club, there were two luxury cars.


    A Rolls-Royce with a Haicheng license plate, familiar to the locals¡ªit was Huo Xingzhou¡¯s. Another was a Cullinan, with an Imperial Capital license plate, and the number was exceedingly rare.


    Imperial A00007.


    This license plate signified power, a very strong and substantial background.


    At this moment, a group of people came out of the club one after another. Leading them was a young man whose demeanor was as upright as pine and bamboo. His white suit highlighted his slender frame perfectly, making his waist look thin and his legs long.


    His eyes were exceptionally beautiful, with the corners slightly upturned as if carrying hooks.


    A gentle gentleman, as mild as jade, there was no better description.


    The whole person looked as if he had stepped out of a girl¡¯s comic book¡ªa bona fide prince of the Imperial Capital.


    If Huo Xingzhou were the last bit of snow on a high mountain or a silent cedar, chilling to the bone, then this young man was akin to an aquatic plant, giving off a refreshing feel.


    On the surface, he seemed relaxing, but deep down, he was profoundly enlightened and strictly disciplined.


    An attendant respectfully opened the car door for him and said, ¡°Young Master Zhong, please get in the car.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    He responded softly, his voice sounding like striking jade, extremely pleasant.


    He glanced back at the club¡¯s main entrance and asked, ¡°Has the flower been delivered?¡±


    The attendant bowed his head and replied, ¡°A waiter has already taken it over, just said it was from the adjacent private room.¡±


    Upon hearing this, his eyes twinkled.


    He bent slightly and got into the Cullinan.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the Imperial Capital.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Young Master Zhong.¡±


    The Cullinan accelerated away from the Fuchun Garden Club.


    Five minutes later, Zhou Yu played with a credit card skillfully, speaking to the calm and steady man beside him, ¡°This meal directly cost two hundred thousand, remember to reimburse me.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave him a cold glance and said, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t ordered that bottle of Kangdi, it wouldn¡¯t need to be so expensive.¡±


    Zhou Yu chuckled, ¡°I just wanted to taste what the ¡¯94 Kangdi was like.¡±


    ¡°Put it on your tab; I don¡¯t want to see your reimbursement form at finance.¡±


    That bottle of ¡¯94 Romane?e-Conti was valued at 180,000.


    Zhou Yu looked at him plaintively, ¡°You¡¯re negotiating a deal worth several billion with the Zhong family, you¡¯re too stingy! Two hundred thousand is a month¡¯s salary for me!¡± Of course, that was excluding bonuses.


    Huo Xingzhou snorted coldly.


    Driver Old Chen drove up to them and got out to open the back door of the car.


    Huo Xingzhou got in without a moment¡¯s hesitation and coldly closed the door behind him.


    Zhou Yu, left behind, clung to the car window and shouted, ¡°Fifty percent off! I¡¯ll pay half, okay? Mr. Skinflint, don¡¯t go!¡±


    The Rolls-Royce whizzed past him, leaving only a trail of exhaust.

 Chapter 167: 167: Qiao Xi Takes the Initiative and Gains the Upper Hand

    Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Qiao Xi Takes the Initiative and Gains the Upper Hand


    The car drove all the way to the Huo family¡¯s small villa.


    When Huo Xingzhou got out of the car, he saw the light was on in the master bedroom on the second floor. He lowered his eyes slightly, a small smile curving the corners of his mouth; he had told her not to wait for him if he wasn¡¯t home by ten o¡¯clock at night.


    Yet she still waited as usual.


    ¡°Old Chen, you can go back and rest.¡±


    ¡°Sure, young master.¡±


    The driver, Old Chen, parked the car in the garage, and Huo Xingzhou entered the living room.


    He took off his tie and coat with both hands and hung them on the coat rack beside him. The bouquet by the floor-to-ceiling window caught his peripheral vision; clusters of purple and blue flowers in full bloom were a delight to the eyes.


    He raised his eyebrows, recognizing them as the wildflowers that were everywhere in Moon Village.


    After being arranged by a city florist, they looked extraordinarily different.


    He knew right away they were from Qiao Xi, as Zhou Yu had told him she went out for a farewell dinner with her colleagues tonight. Starting tomorrow, she would no longer be working nine-to-five.


    Huo Xingzhou undid two buttons from his white shirt and poured himself a glass of warm water, drinking it in one gulp.


    He had drunk quite a bit tonight, as that Young Master Zhong from the Imperial Capital had brought a few managers who kept filling his cup.


    His eyes darkened, and he put the glass down and went upstairs.


    As he reached the bedroom door, he gently pushed it open and saw Qiao Xi lazily asleep on the sofa. She had taken a shower, wearing a dress that reached her knees, with a strand of hair stuck to her cheek.


    She looked sound asleep.


    Huo Xingzhou didn¡¯t wake her, instead going into the bathroom to take a shower.


    After the shower, she was still sleeping.


    Wearing his pajamas, he bent down, picked her up, and could still detect a faint scent of alcohol on her, light and subtle. It seemed she had drunk quite a bit at the farewell dinner, and still carried the residual smell of alcohol after washing up.


    She must have been very happy tonight.


    Qiao Xi felt herself floating in a daze, and as she opened her blurry eyes, she found Huo Xingzhou holding her.


    ¡°Mr. Huo... you¡¯re home?¡±


    ¡°Yes, next time go to bed. Sleeping on the sofa is uncomfortable and can cause a stiff neck,¡± said Huo Xingzhou, freshly bathed with moisture still on him. His voice was hoarse, and stripping away the suit made him seem more relaxed and leisurely.


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    Qiao Xi covered her mouth and yawned, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes.


    Huo Xingzhou placed her on the bed, and she instinctively clutched the hem of his shirt: ¡°Mr. Huo, thank you.¡±


    Thank you for the flowers tonight.


    And thank you for everything he had done for her.


    Qiao Xi propped herself up and, opening the drawer, took out an A4 paper and handed it to him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, this is the IOU for the clinic. I¡¯ve already consulted with Zhou Yu, and starting up the clinic will require 1.25 million. I still have some money on hand for ongoing operations. But for now, I can¡¯t repay this amount to you.¡±


    Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t comfortably take his money to realize her dreams.


    In front of Huo Xingzhou, she insisted on having a backbone.


    The gap between them was too great, and she didn¡¯t want to depend on him to live.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, consider this money I owe you. Once the clinic is profitable, I¡¯ll pay you back slowly,¡± Qiao Xi carefully wrote this IOU.


    She didn¡¯t know if he would be angry or refuse.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at her and asked, ¡°Do we need to make it so clear between us?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded firmly: ¡°We do!¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Huo Xingzhou took the paper, placed it in an envelope on the nightstand, and said, ¡°Then you owe me 1.25 million. If you truly can¡¯t pay it back, I accept any form of compensation.¡±


    ¡°What kind of compensation?¡±


    Qiao Xi had barely finished speaking when Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand mischievously tickled her waist, and she couldn¡¯t help but burst into laughter.


    ¡°Stop! Mr. Huo, stop!¡±


    She was terribly ticklish!


    Older people in the village always said women who are ticklish will eventually be afraid of their husbands.


    Huo Xingzhou played with her for a bit and, watching her laugh uncontrollably, leaned over and said, ¡°You¡¯re not getting up early for work tomorrow, so let¡¯s do something else.¡±


    His chest was warm and broad, enveloping Qiao Xi completely.


    She heard his powerful heartbeat, her almond eyes filled with a watery sheen as she looked at him. Then, she promptly kissed his thin lips, imitating his previous advances.


    She seemed to have forgotten something; wasn¡¯t she supposed to get up early tomorrow?


    Huo Xingzhou propped himself up on both sides of her body, with barely any movement¡ªonly the bulging veins on the back of his hand betrayed his unrest.


    Qiao Xi looked up and kissed along his sharp jawline, her lips eventually finding the red mole on his neck.


    Kissing further down.


    Distinct collarbones.


    The sensual crevice of his pectoral muscles.


    Tonight, she wanted to be the only Shihua Bird perched upon the Blue Eucalyptus Tree.


    She pecked kisses all over his body.


    Naive, yet she unabashedly stirred the impulses lurking in the depths of a man¡¯s heart. His Adam¡¯s apple rolled as he asked with deep emotion, ¡°Who taught you to do this?¡±


    ¡°I learned it from Mr. Huo.¡±


    Her voice was soft and whispery, laden with deep feelings.


    The alcohol in her blood brazenly clashed, scattering all her reason. She was very bold, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Under the haze of hormones, Qiao Xi was not as timid as usual.


    She let the man take whatever he wanted from her.


    Back and forth.


    Deep and shallow.


    Huo Xingzhou was more sober than she, and well aware that this little prude would beat her chest and stamp her feet in regret tomorrow, ashamed of being too bold and open.


    But for now, he would take advantage of her rare initiative seduction upon having a little drink, seizing every benefit.


    ...


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi was woken up by a 7 o¡¯clock alarm, feeling as if her body had fallen apart.


    Huo Xingzhou was already not in the room, she turned off the alarm and got up. Suddenly remembering, she was horrified¡ªshe was supposed to take her driving test for Section Three today!


    Mr. Huo had registered her for the driving exam. She squeezed in driving lessons during her breaks from work the week before, and at night, she would have extra lessons with Mr. Huo. She had swiftly passed Section One and Section Two with his help, and with his assistance, she had also prepared for Section Three.


    Qiao Xi found driving to be a very simple matter.


    Maybe soon, she would be able to drive for him.


    Qiao Xi, dressed in a set of blue and white sportswear and wearing a sun visor cap, headed out. Old Chen, the driver, offered to take her to the driving school, but she declined.


    It always felt extremely awkward to be dropped off at the driving school in a Rolls-Royce, drawing a lot of attention.


    She arrived at the test route at exactly 8:30 a.m.


    Section Three was an on-road test, set in a Haicheng Suburbs area with fewer cars. This was to simulate inner-city traffic without being too dangerous, especially friendly for novices.


    But an open road segment meant there would be traffic from other vehicles.


    ¡°Qiao Xi!¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law!¡±


    Sun Weimeng and Huo Sijiao, two live wires, ran over with a bunch of drinks and a banner. They distributed drinks among the examining candidates and instructors, then exuberantly unfurled the banner.


    Written on it was: The dazzling world mesmerizes the eye, today our sister shines the brightest! Go all out, Qiao Xi is cool!


    How embarrassing!


    Who needs a banner to cheer them on when taking a driver¡¯s exam? Their antics drew the attention of everyone present. Some students even asked who Qiao Xi was, and instructors pointed her out.


    Qiao Xi pulled her cap down low, pretending not to know them!


    But Sun Weimeng and Huo Sijiao rushed over to her, one kneading her shoulders and the other handing her a bottle of mineral water.


    ¡°Is this pressure okay, sister-in-law?¡±


    ¡°Section Three is the most crucial! Once you pass, you¡¯re basically set to get your license, so don¡¯t be nervous!¡±


    Qiao Xi reluctantly accepted the water bottle and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    She hadn¡¯t been nervous before.


    But seeing their grand display, she felt she would be letting them down if she didn¡¯t get a perfect score.


    ¡°Do your best! We¡¯re waiting for you!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi chatted with them for a bit before it was her turn to take the driving test.


    Huo Sijiao and Sun Weimeng stood on the spot, craning their necks in anticipation. Sun Weimeng pointed to a white BMW driving back and forth on the testing road, saying to Huo Sijiao, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that car look familiar?¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Right there.¡±


    Sun Weimeng pointed to the white BMW that moved back and forth at the corner. Huo Sijiao followed his gaze and nodded, ¡°It does seem a bit familiar!¡±


    ¡°Wait! That looks like Xu Xingluo¡¯s car!¡±


    ¡°What is she planning to do?¡±


    Sun Weimeng¡¯s scalp tingled with unease, ¡°No, stay here and keep watch, I¡¯ll get the car. Whatever she is plotting, we have to stop her!¡±


    Huo Sijiao stomped her foot anxiously.

 Chapter 168: 168: Xu Xingluo is a Pile of Bullshit

    Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Xu Xingluo is a Pile of Bullshit


    Qiao Xi was completely unaware of the imminent danger.


    She entered the examination process, following the preparatory steps her instructor had emphasized before getting into the car. Then, she sat inside, turned on the left signal, honked the horn, and started the car.


    A safety officer was inside the car, speaking with a dialect accent.


    He looked tough, with a stern face.


    Qiao Xi focused intently on following the rules during the test, performing well in every task. It wasn¡¯t until she entered a city road section and needed to slow down and turn right that a car, driving in the wrong direction from the front section at high speed, approached.


    Qiao Xi was forced to stop abruptly.


    She planned to let the white BMW pass before restarting.


    But the BMW just illegally stayed put, seemingly ready for a standoff.


    The safety officer, losing his temper, honked at the BMW, but the driver ignored him.


    The safety officer got out of the car and knocked on the BMW¡¯s window. As it rolled down, Xu Xingluo¡¯s charming and beautiful face appeared. She was about to deceitfully find an excuse to explain to the safety officer.


    Yet the officer, cursing in a foreign dialect, snapped, ¡°Get the hell out of the way, you are freaking annoying!¡±


    Spittle sprayed all over Xu Xingluo¡¯s face.


    With a steely face, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°I can¡¯t move because of weak legs and a psychological shadow.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense!¡±


    He furiously retorted.


    Everyone could see she had driven in the wrong direction and stopped there on purpose. But normally, hindering a driving test would only result in a fine, not a particularly severe punishment.


    Xu Xingluo had plenty of money.


    Driving in the wrong direction on a regular road also only resulted in three penalty points.


    The Xu family could easily handle such a minor issue; she had come to vent her spleen.


    After going home last night and hearing Xu Xiuyuan talk about the conference, she was furious!


    It turned out that so many experts were actually providing follow-up treatment for Liu Zongyun. Her and her father¡¯s plans were completely thwarted, and the Liu family was no longer going to transfer Liu Zongyun to the Xu family¡¯s sanatorium.


    Xu Xiuyuan even praised Qiao Xi for her intelligence, saying the idea of the conference was Qiao Xi¡¯s!


    Xu Xingluo felt that she and Qiao Xi were natural enemies, like fire and water!


    On impulse, after finding out where Qiao Xi was, she came to make trouble!


    The safety officer returned to the car and told Qiao Xi, ¡°Just hit her.¡±


    He didn¡¯t care about this damn job anymore; he¡¯d go home and take over eighteen leather factories.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Qiao Xi was stunned, but before she could react,


    ¡°Good gracious!¡± the safety officer exclaimed in surprise.


    Bang!


    A loud noise erupted in front.


    A Maserati collided with Xu Xingluo¡¯s white BMW.


    The airbags deployed, and Xu Xingluo, propelled by inertia, was thrust onto the steering wheel.


    She clutched her chest, her expression contorted with pain. The wound from her breast augmentation surgery had not yet been stitched up, and she felt something shift and rupture within.


    Both luxury cars had their fronts crumpled in, and Sun Weimeng coughed violently a few times.


    He was going straight, and Xu Xingluo was driving in the wrong direction.


    The primary responsibility was attributed to Xu Xingluo.


    Sun Weimeng was the first to get out of the car, taunting Xu Xingluo, ¡°I¡¯m hypoglycemic and it went dark before my eyes, didn¡¯t see clearly! But I was going straight, you were in the wrong lane, you have to take full responsibility.¡±


    ¡°You...¡± Xu Xingluo clutched her chest, pain striking her again.


    Sun Weimeng scoffed dismissively, ¡°What about you! Let¡¯s handle this with the police; I¡¯ve also been wanting to get a new car.¡±


    Even if it went through commercial insurance, he intended to fleece Xu Xingluo!


    ¡°Sun Weimeng, you¡¯re deliberately targeting me,¡± Xu Xingluo couldn¡¯t believe there actually was such a madman.


    ¡°Who told you to drive against the rules. And you wanted to disgust Qiao Xi; think more with your brain. Did you leave your IQ overseas?¡± Sun Weimeng used to fancy her too, back when every young master in the city liked Xu Xingluo.


    I didn¡¯t expect her character to be so vile.


    Some people should only be admired from a distance, not trifled with.


    Getting closer reveals they¡¯re nothing but a pile of cow dung.


    The insurance company and traffic police arrived quickly.


    After assessing the situation, Xu Xingluo was deemed fully responsible. Both cars were moved aside, and as Xu Xingluo was sweating profusely from the pain, Huo Sijiao thoughtfully called an ambulance for her.


    The ambulance took her away, and Qiao Xi started her second test.


    Sun Weimeng and Huo Sijiao sat back down by the roadside, prying open two bottles of soda.


    Ding!


    The soda bottles clinked, making a crisp sound.


    ¡°Sun Weimeng, I admit you were really impressive today!¡±


    ¡°Huo Sijiao, you truly are Huo Xingzhou¡¯s sister!¡±


    The two exchanged a smile.


    Huo Sijiao then posted a photo of the ambulance on social media with the caption: Hai City¡¯s foremost socialite¡¯s boob job fails, fortunate to have been rescued by yours truly! A good deed a day, no thanks needed!


    Xu Xingluo being known for her burst breast implant and taken away in an ambulance must have been humiliating.


    Sun Weimeng sighed, ¡°You are still the worst.¡±


    Huo Sijiao, lifting her lips, said, ¡°I¡¯m not as bad as Xu Xingluo, how she manages to be both stupid and evil is beyond me, truly shocking. My sister-in-law¡¯s test is almost over, let¡¯s hurry over.¡±


    ...


    Hai City Hospital¡¯s Department of Plastic Surgery.


    Xu Xingluo underwent surgery to remove the fragments of the implant and was then moved to a hospital room. She saw Huo Sijiao¡¯s social media post and got so angry that she threw her phone!


    It landed right in front of Liu Huimin.


    ¡°Xingluo?¡±


    ¡°Mom.¡± As Xu Xingluo opened her mouth, tears streamed down her cheeks.


    ¡°You silly girl, why would you do something like a breast augmentation surgery! I heard about your car accident in the suburbs and almost lost my soul from fright,¡± said Liu Huimin as she hugged Xu Xingluo, tears falling out of sorrow.


    Xu Xingluo sobbed intermittently, ¡°Brother Xingzhou likes fuller figures, and Qiao Xi and her friends always mock me for being flat-chested. I couldn¡¯t take it anymore; today¡¯s accident wasn¡¯t intentional.¡±


    ¡°I wanted to drive in the suburbs to overcome the trauma from the previous car accident. I couldn¡¯t manage the turn, and who knew it would interfere with Qiao Xi¡¯s test? Sun Weimeng was unreasonable and just crashed into me.¡±


    ¡°Mom, is Qiao Xi a fairy? Why does everyone favor her?¡± Xu Xingluo cried incessantly, playing the victim first.


    Liu Huimin thought her daughter¡¯s imperious manner was no big deal as long as others didn¡¯t bully her. She gently patted Xu Xingluo on the back and said, ¡°Huo Jiancheng has already agreed to your father¡¯s terms, Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou will divorce.¡±


    ¡°By then, that country girl won¡¯t be able to stir up much trouble in Hai City! Even a disciple of the National Doctor breaks the rules. If the Imperial Capital doesn¡¯t pursue it, we¡¯ll just fuel the fire.¡±


    Liu Huimin said with clenched teeth, full of disdain.


    She used to feel a bit guilty about forcing Qiao Xi to take over treating Liu Zongyun.


    But now, she didn¡¯t feel even a sliver of it!


    It was only a matter of time before Lu Bannong of the Imperial Capital¡¯s Northern Sect and others would take action, and it wasn¡¯t a matter of if but when Qiao Xi would be ruined!


    That country girl had only one way out, and it was a path she had set for her.


    Xu Xingluo sniffled and said, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re really good to me; I want to be your little coat for life.¡±


    ¡°As long as Xingluo is happy, Mom is willing to do anything for you. Don¡¯t worry, what you want will definitely come true,¡± Liu Huimin said, comforting her gently.


    Xu Xingluo leaned on her shoulder, unveiling a secretive smile.


    ¡°Mom, Qiao Xi¡¯s clinic is about to open. I... I don¡¯t want her to have it too easy; am I being too wicked?¡± Xu Xingluo said, innocently and naively.


    Liu Huimin hesitated for a moment and then said, ¡°Her clinic won¡¯t run smoothly.¡±


    She planned to sabotage it!


    Why should her daughter suffer while her enemy thrived?

 Chapter 169 - 169 169 Qiao Xi Do You Want to Change Your

    ?Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Qiao Xi, Do You Want to Change Your Husband? Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Qiao Xi, Do You Want to Change Your Husband? ¡°Mom, you are so good,¡±


    Xu Xingluo nuzzled into her collar, ¡°I really hope to be your daughter for eight lifetimes.¡±


    The words were sincere.


    Shen Shiyun was not presentable in public.


    ¡°Mom feels the same.¡± Liu Huimin regarded her daughter as the apple of her eye, almost forgetting Xu Yunye with his broken bones in the hospital.


    The mother and daughter hugged each other, filled with warmth.


    Xu Yunye stood at the door for a moment and then left, limping on his crutch.


    Sourness and a sense of anger with nowhere to be vented rose in his heart. He always took part in extreme sports, merely to catch the attention of his parents. But all he ever got in return was his father¡¯s scolding and a tiny bit of concern from his mother.


    Xu Yunye scoffed.


    He shouldn¡¯t have had any expectations.


    The hope of the Xu Family was Xu Xiuyuan, and the love of the Xu Family belonged to Xu Xingluo.


    He was just an extra.


    He took out his phone and called a friend, saying, ¡°Hello, find out where Qiao Xi¡¯s new clinic is and book an appointment for me.¡±


    He wanted to be discharged from the hospital, out of sight, out of mind.


    ...


    Qiao Xi¡¯s clinic was set to open four days later.


    She took the remaining four days to finish the opening procedures for the clinic and successfully completed her last driving test, just waiting for her driver¡¯s license to be issued.


    Before the opening, she notified all her friends that she did not want to have a grand opening ceremony but simply wanted to start the business quietly.


    But that morning, the entrance of Qiao Xi¡¯s clinic was still filled with baskets of flowers.


    She directed the two new apprentices she had hired to cooperate in their tasks.


    ¡°Jiang Yue, check the herbs again, and Wang Lang, arrange the baskets at the door properly.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Doctor Qiao,¡± Jiang Yue checked the herbs swiftly and efficiently.


    Wang Lang set out the flower baskets neatly and said, ¡°Doctor Qiao, shall I go and buy some insecticide as a precaution? The weather is hot, and insects breed quickly; we need to be careful about hygiene in the corners of our store.¡±


    ¡°That would be great; thank you,¡± Qiao Xi said.


    Qiao Xi wiped the bright glass windows; the clinic had excellent lighting and covered more than two hundred square meters.


    Outside the clinic, a delivery boy stopped his electric scooter at the door, holding a rectangular package. There was a transparent plastic section on the package which revealed the lush and fresh bouquet inside.


    ¡°Who is Qiao Xi? This is your local delivery.¡±


    Qiao Xi stepped out of the clinic and said, ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Please sign for it.¡±


    Qiao Xi glanced at it, seeing eucalyptus flowers. She nodded and unhesitatingly signed her name.


    After the delivery boy left, she held the bouquet and looked toward the neighboring Tianyuan Building, a sweet smile on her lips. She hadn¡¯t expected Mr. Huo to send flowers again.


    She went back inside the clinic, removed the outer packaging, and arranged the eucalyptus flowers in a large vase.


    The vase was placed inside her private consulting room.


    After all this, she carried a fragrant bowl of preserved egg and pork congee into the inner room.


    The clinic¡¯s innermost area was divided into three rooms, designed as temporary living spaces, to provide accommodation for apprentices as staff dormitories.


    Qiao Xi walked to the quietest room toward the back and knocked before entering.


    ¡°Granny,¡±


    Granny Qiao was lying in bed watching TV dramas, her face breaking into a smile as she saw Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Granny, time for breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Xixi, don¡¯t fuss over this old woman. I can take care of myself. Your clinic must be very busy,¡± Granny Qiao said with a smile.


    Qiao Xi shook her head, ¡°Taking care of Granny is only right. You always say you want to live with me in the Huo family¡¯s home, but you refuse! So I had to settle you here instead; once your leg heals, I¡¯ll take more care of your health.¡±


    Qiao Xi had really wanted to bring Granny Qiao to the small villa to live, but the old lady didn¡¯t want to trouble anyone. She even said she would return to the countryside if she moved there. Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t possibly let her go back to the countryside with an injury.


    In the end, they reached a consensus to stay at the back of the clinic.


    Granny Qiao¡¯s eyes were murky and dim.


    She was running out of steam.


    Her greatest wish was to see Qiao Xi with her own children, knowing the desire for blood-related family that Qiao Xi had always harbored.


    ¡°Xixi, when do you and Mr. Huo plan to have children?¡± the elderly woman asked.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face reddened as she said, ¡°We¡¯re still young.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s 28 already, not so young anymore. It would be good to have them early, maybe Granny could still hold a great-grandchild...¡± She cut herself off mid-sentence, ¡°Go on with your work, don¡¯t mind me.¡±


    ¡°Then please stay here and take it easy, and if you need anything, just ask Jiang Yue and Wang Lang. They¡¯re here in the clinic 24/7 and will take good care of you.¡±


    After giving her instructions, Qiao Xi headed out.


    Granny Qiao watched her leave and sighed.


    Years ago, she clearly knew that her daughter-in-law had given birth to a stillborn, but Xiao Xi was the child brought back home.


    Granny Qiao always kept this secret closely guarded, daring not to tell anyone.


    ...


    At 8:30 AM, the clinic opened promptly for business.


    All the appointments released online were booked up.


    Many people came specifically for the reputation of the ¡°National Doctor¡¯s disciple,¡± finding it more convenient to see Qiao Xi now that she had her own clinic.


    Once the doors of the clinic opened, people young and old streamed in.


    In just a moment, the spacious clinic became especially crowded and lively.


    Jiang Yue was in charge of the pharmacy, brewing and dispensing medicine, while Wang Lang was responsible for receiving patients and maintaining order on site.


    Qiao Xi glanced around and felt that they were still short on hands.


    ¡°Sister-in-law!¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, we¡¯re here!¡±


    Sun Weimeng and Huo Sijiao, dressed casually, showed up with energy as if ready to work hard.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, we¡¯re here to help. Sun Weimeng and I will handle maintaining order on site. Let Wang Lang assist you, you can¡¯t manage alone,¡± Huo Sijiao said sweetly.


    Qiao Xi, too busy to be courteous, quickly nodded in agreement. With Wang Lang helping out, her efficiency greatly improved.


    Prescheduled online appointments were limited to fifty per day.


    Yet there were many patients who traveled long distances just to wait; Qiao Xi, moved by their plight, added a few more slots on site.


    Busyness consumed her to the point where she barely had a few bites of lunch, continuing to see patients nonstop until the evening.


    Even Huo Sijiao and Sun Weimeng were overwhelmed, barely able to move their sore, swollen limbs.


    ¡°Next, please.¡±


    Qiao Xi said with a hoarse voice.


    A young man with delicate features limped in, leaning on his crutch¡ªXu Yunye with a dark expression. Despite trying to grab an appointment online, he hadn¡¯t managed to secure one.


    He had gotten a number outside from Sun Weimeng out of sheer pity.


    Qiao Xi was surprised to see him.


    ¡°Here¡¯s my medical history,¡± Xu Yunye placed Haicheng City Hospital¡¯s record in front of her.


    Qiao Xi licked her dry lips and said, ¡°Second Young Master Xu, actually your body just needs a few months of rest to recover. It¡¯s just a simple fracture from a fall, no other issues.¡±


    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t heal well, I could end up a cripple! Surely you wouldn¡¯t bear to see me so young and already a cripple, right?¡± Xu Yunye was adamant about staying, though even he wasn¡¯t sure why.


    Qiao Xi, somewhat helpless, said, ¡°Extend your hand.¡±


    Obediently, Xu Yunye stretched out his hand. In front of Qiao Xi, he was nothing like the reckless younger son of the Xu Family, enthralled by extreme sports, but rather a docile, pleading Samoyed.


    Qiao Xi felt Xu Yunye¡¯s pulse.


    His body was healthier than anyone¡¯s; it was merely an external injury.


    She was about to pull her hand back, but Xu Yunye caught her wrist.


    He gazed at Qiao Xi directly and asked.


    ¡°Do you love Huo Xingzhou? How about considering a change of husband?¡± he said with an irreverent smile.

 Chapter 170 - 170 170 The Profligate Son

    ?Chapter 170: Chapter 170: The Profligate Son! Chapter 170: Chapter 170: The Profligate Son! Clang!


    The consultation room door was pushed open by Huo Sijiao, and Qiao Xi took the opportunity to withdraw her wrist.


    ¡°How dare you, Xu Yunye, taking advantage of seeing the doctor to seduce my sister-in-law! I¡¯ll beat you to death, you scoundrel!¡± She grabbed the broom that was in the corner and struck Xu Yunye viciously with it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll beat you to death!¡±


    ¡°You dog, you dare to covet my sister-in-law! How dare you try to steal my brother¡¯s woman, when you can¡¯t even compare to him?¡±


    Huo Sijiao was fierce and knocked Xu Yunye to the ground. He was already injured, and now he looked even more pathetic, his usually sleek hair now a tangled mess, no longer resembling the dignified son of a noble family.


    ¡°Jiaojiao, stop hitting him!¡±


    Qiao Xi hugged Huo Sijiao, ¡°Stop it, we don¡¯t want any trouble over this, it¡¯s not worth it!¡±


    Xu Yunye kept crying out in pain, and sat on the ground holding his injured arm. He said shamelessly, ¡°I sustained internal injuries from the beating, and you must take responsibility for it.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t explain why he insisted on her treatment, but he felt an inexplicable sense of security being near her.


    ¡°You... you¡¯re shameless!¡± Huo Sijiao¡¯s cheeks puffed up with anger as she retorted, ¡°I didn¡¯t even use full strength!¡±


    Xu Yunye snorted, ¡°You said you would beat me to death. Look at these red marks on my arm.¡± He rolled up his sleeve, and the pale skin made the red welts stand out even more.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean you caused internal injuries,¡± Huo Sijiao said, feeling guilty and annoyed at the same time.


    Xu Yunye swept his gaze around and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s call the police and see what they have to say. I only have one demand¡ªI want treatment.¡±


    ¡°Impossible! You fox spirit, you just want to seduce my sister-in-law!¡± Huo Sijiao would never allow such a thing to happen, ¡°Go ahead, call the police. I¡¯ll see it through to the end.¡±


    She absolutely couldn¡¯t leave a ticking time bomb by her sister-in-law¡¯s side.


    ¡°I¡¯m seducing her? I...¡± Xu Yunye complained, ¡°I just wanted to remind her that Xu Xingluo is very obsessive. She has to have whatever she wants, and those who offend her never end well. I hope Doctor Qiao can find a different husband to stay away from danger.¡±


    He meant well!


    How did he become a male fox spirit?


    ¡°Hmph,¡± Huo Sijiao huffed, ¡°My sister-in-law and brother won¡¯t get a divorce, and Xu Xingluo won¡¯t be able to break them up.¡±


    Xu Yunye shrugged, ¡°Hopefully that¡¯s the case.¡±


    He did not believe that Xu Xingluo could let go easily. Every time she caused trouble, the Xu Family and the Liu Family would clean up her messes.


    Huo Sijiao lightly kicked his leg, ¡°Get up!¡±


    ¡°Ouch, my leg is broken, I can¡¯t walk.¡±


    ¡°If you insist on making me leave, let¡¯s have the police come and judge. I came here as a patient, and you guys beat me up. Is there no justice?¡±


    Xu Yunye spread his hands and lay down on the floor. He looked like he wouldn¡¯t respond to anyone unless they agreed to his demands; otherwise, he would not leave.


    Calling the police would greatly affect the reputation of the clinic.


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll treat you. Your injury is in the bone; acupuncture can promote local blood circulation and control the pain! But this is just an auxiliary treatment method, you need to take good care of yourself.¡±


    Xu Yunye said, ¡°As long as it works.¡±


    Huo Sijiao scoffed, ¡°Wasting medical resources¡ªyou know how many people are in line outside waiting for my sister-in-law to treat them?¡±


    Without paying attention to their bickering, Qiao Xi turned to Wang Lang and said, ¡°Register him. He¡¯ll come over for acupuncture starting tomorrow. Old patients don¡¯t need to re-schedule or take a new number.¡±


    Wang Lang nodded and helped Xu Yunye up to register.


    Watching the commotion, Sun Weimeng gave Xu Yunye a thumbs-up. He hadn¡¯t expected to find someone in Haicheng who was even more shameless and brazen than himself.


    Impressive!


    After dark,


    Qiao Xi closed the clinic.


    Huo Sijiao was responsible for driving Qiao Xi home.


    ¡°Sister-in-law, Aunt Qian has prepared a celebratory banquet for you. Tonight, let¡¯s all gather as a family.¡± The clinic isn¡¯t having a grand opening ceremony, but we should still celebrate among ourselves.


    Qiao Xi sank into the passenger seat¡¯s cushion, tiredly saying, ¡°To trouble Aunt Qian again.¡±


    ¡°Aunt Qian is happy to do it.¡± Huo Sijiao then tentatively asked, ¡°Sister-in-law, what do you think of Xu Yunye? He and Xu Xingluo are twins, siblings born of the same mother.¡±


    After thinking for a moment, Qiao Xi said, ¡°I don¡¯t have any particular thoughts, he¡¯s just a patient.¡±


    ¡°Sister-in-law! You need to be on your guard, Xu Yunye must have ulterior motives, and his intentions aren¡¯t pure. I think he¡¯s being instigated by Xu Xingluo, trying to destroy what you¡¯ve worked for.¡±


    Qiao Xi slightly furrowed her brows; in fact, she hadn¡¯t perceived any malice from Xu Yunye.


    But Huo Sijiao¡¯s suggestion wasn¡¯t without reason, hence she said, ¡°Once the scars you caused on him are healed, I¡¯ll find a reason to make him leave. It¡¯s true that his injuries don¡¯t need to take up the clinic¡¯s resources.¡±


    ¡°Deal! I¡¯ll come to the clinic to keep an eye on him whenever I¡¯m free.¡±


    Huo Sijiao secretly resolved to keep a close watch on Xu Yunye, blaming herself for being too impulsive and giving him an opportunity to exploit.


    The car drove all the way to the small villa.


    The villa was lit up like daylight inside.


    When Qiao Xi and Huo Sijiao arrived, Du Juan and Aunt Qian both came out to greet them.


    Du Juan thoughtfully took Qiao Xi¡¯s bag and said, ¡°Tired, aren¡¯t you? I heard the clinic was very busy today, are you short on staff? I¡¯ll ask a friend to find you a few more experienced apprentices.¡±


    ¡°Okay, thank you, Mother-in-law.¡±


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t refuse her kindness, as today was indeed hectic. They couldn¡¯t keep calling on Huo Sijiao and Sun Weimeng to help every day, after all.


    Her gaze swept over to Huo Jiancheng sitting in the living room, and she licked her lips and called out politely, ¡°Father-in-law.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Jiancheng responded with a grunt, showing no signs that they ever had an unpleasant conversation.


    ¡°Hurry up and wash your face, it¡¯s time for dinner. Jiaojiao, go to the study and call your brother down.¡±


    ¡°Right away.¡±


    Aunt Qian was busy bringing dishes from the kitchen to the dining table. Seeing this, Qiao Xi said, ¡°Aunt Qian, let me help you.¡±


    She followed Aunt Qian, placing each dish on the dining table. Huo Sijiao and Huo Xingzhou also came down from upstairs, and the whole family cheerfully sat around the dining table.


    Du Juan poured everyone a glass of red wine and said, ¡°Let¡¯s toast to the thriving success of Qiao Xi¡¯s career.¡±


    ¡°Cheers!¡±


    Qiao Xi took a sip of the red wine and said, ¡°Thank you all! And thank you, Aunt Qian, for preparing such a wonderful meal for us!¡±


    She turned to the man sitting beside her with a cold, proud look in his eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯m especially grateful to Mr. Huo, without you there would be no clinic.¡±


    She drained her glass of red wine in one gulp.


    She was thankful to him for founding the Xingyue Foundation, which allowed her to attend college smoothly.


    She was thankful to him for helping her open her own clinic, fulfilling her life¡¯s dream.


    He really was like Aladdin¡¯s lamp from the fairy tales, fulfilling her wishes at every turn.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips curved slightly downward, stained with the deep red wine, his voice a bit deep as he said, ¡°I wish you everything your heart desires.¡±


    Across the dim light of the dining table, Qiao Xi and he exchanged a smile.


    ¡°Cough cough...¡± Huo Jiancheng¡¯s ill-timed cough interrupted, ¡°Xingzhou, after we eat, let¡¯s talk in the study. I have something I want to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The relationship between father and son had always been good; Huo Xingzhou knew his father wasn¡¯t skilled in business, so he took on the family enterprise early on.


    Qiao Xi pressed her lips together, giving Huo Jiancheng a glance.


    She still felt uneasy inside.

 Chapter 171 - 171 171 I Want You I Really Do I Must Have

    ?Chapter 171: Chapter 171 I Want You, I Really Do, I Must Have Chapter 171: Chapter 171 I Want You, I Really Do, I Must Have After dinner.


    Huo Sijiao had arranged to go to a bar with friends and ran off right after eating. Aunt Qian and Du Juan were cleaning up the table, and Du Juan instructed, ¡°Qiao Xi, go take the fruit from the kitchen to their study. Xingzhou¡¯s dad has been having stomach issues recently, and he always needs some fruit after meals.¡±


    As one ages, one must admit defeat.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Qiao Xi was very well-behaved in front of her elders, carefully carrying the fruit upstairs.


    She walked through the corridor to the door of the study; the door was not completely closed, revealing a slight gap. Just as she was about to knock, she heard Huo Jiancheng inside saying,


    ¡°She¡¯s a disciple of the National Doctor, and you¡¯re just grateful to her, that¡¯s not romantic affection. Marrying Xu Xingluo is the same; the Xu Family can help you in business and even expand your influence in the Imperial Capital. Qiao Xi can¡¯t help you with this, she might even cause you a lot of trouble...¡±


    ¡°Xu Xingluo has severe depression; if she succeeds in killing herself for you, Xu Guangyao and Liu Huimin will definitely make you pay dearly.¡±


    ¡°Xingzhou, you have to believe me! Dad is doing everything for your own good; I would never harm you!¡±


    The words of Huo Jiancheng made sense.


    Qiao Xi felt as if there was a hole in her heart, letting in a cold wind that froze her flesh and blood.


    Her eyes flickered, forcing back the moisture in them. Carrying the plate of fruit, she quickly headed back.


    So, her father-in-law had not given up on persuading them to divorce.


    In Huo Jiancheng¡¯s eyes, she was a trouble for Huo Xingzhou.


    Since they had met, Mr. Huo had always been solving troubles around her. He resolved issues with the Su Family that helped her grandmother, dealt with the drama that arose at the alumni meeting, resolved the rumors at the hospital, and did so much for her.


    She felt utterly useless, unable to help him in any way.


    Qiao Xi despondently carried the tray downstairs.


    Du Juan, puzzled, asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take it in?¡±


    Qiao Xi quickly collected her emotions and replied, ¡°It seemed like they were discussing business; I didn¡¯t want to interrupt them.¡±


    ¡°Then just leave it in the living room for now. Who knows what serious business father and son can discuss?¡± Du Juan commented with a bit of snark. ¡°Your father-in-law has indeed been going out a lot lately, all secretive. If I didn¡¯t know he didn¡¯t have the guts to cheat, I¡¯d suspect he¡¯s keeping a mistress.¡±


    Qiao Xi forced a smile.


    ¡°Alright, you look pale. Go take a shower and rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother-in-law.¡±


    If it were any other time, Qiao Xi wouldn¡¯t just leave and let Du Juan be alone in the living room. But she was too tired from the day and had too much on her mind, so she left.


    She aimlessly walked upstairs to the master bedroom and closed the door behind her.


    Qiao Xi sat on the edge of the bed, feeling as though all her bones were loose. She wondered whether the discussion in the study had ended, and whether Mr. Huo would waver in his commitment to stay with her.


    That was his biological father, after all. He must carry significant weight.


    Qiao Xi reached out to open the drawer by her bedside, inside which lay the Marriage Agreement they had signed at the beginning. The agreement stipulated a maximum duration of three months, with the marriage terminable at any time should Party A¡¯s legs fully heal, leading to their divorce.


    Their relationship had always been unequal.


    Initially, the marriage was a ruse to replace a bride, yet outsiders felt she had snagged a bargain.


    All her efforts were met with suspicion of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s involvement. She never denied his kindness, letting the name ¡°Huo Xingzhou¡± brand itself onto her.


    She took a deep breath.


    Three months had passed, and Mr. Huo¡¯s legs were fully healed. By all rights, the agreement was now in effect, and they could divorce at any time.


    Yet Mr. Huo and she had tacitly never mentioned the agreement.


    Qiao Xi didn¡¯t know if he was too busy with work to remember, and she had never reminded him.


    She couldn¡¯t bear it.


    She couldn¡¯t let go.


    She wasn¡¯t willing to give up.


    Qiao Xi put the agreement back in the drawer.


    The door made a noise as a tall man walked in. His voice was slightly hoarse, ¡°Why are the lights off?¡±


    The room was lit only by the light seeping in from the street lamps and the moon outside, dim yet clear enough to make out shapes.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired.¡±


    Qiao Xi adjusted her mood and asked, ¡°Have you finished talking with your father?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou turned on the crystal lamp, his cool gaze landing on Qiao Xi as he asked, ¡°Haven¡¯t you taken a shower yet?¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded.


    ¡°Shall we together?¡± he suggested casually, quite frankly.


    The turmoil in Qiao Xi¡¯s heart was stirred up into a mess. Her almond-shaped eyes looked at him, ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯ll help you.¡±


    He acted unlike before, disregarding her subtly voiced refusal, and forcefully carried her into the bathroom. The showerhead was turned on, and warm water poured down, drenching them both.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s clothes clung to her body, revealing a vague view underneath.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, I don¡¯t want to tonight...¡± She placed her hands on his chest, pushing him away.


    Her eyes also conveyed refusal.


    ¡°But I want to, very much so. I must.¡± He restrained her hands, pinning them above her head.


    The man¡¯s wet kiss landed on her neck, ¡°Qiao Xi, what are you being stubborn about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not being stubborn.¡± She said, her tone unnatural.


    ¡°Liar.¡±


    He watched her dispassionately while his other hand unzipped her dress, pulling it down in one swift motion. Qiao Xi let out a shocked cry, but he captured her lips, punishingly sucking all the oxygen from her mouth.


    He kissed her until she nearly suffocated before slowly pulling away.


    Water droplets fell from his tousled hair, his wet lashes making his gaze look even more dark and dangerous: ¡°If you don¡¯t speak, you¡¯ll be bullied to death by me.¡±


    Qiao Xi bit her lip, stubborn as ever.


    Huo Xingzhou slowly lifted his eyelids and said, ¡°My father is old and has always been timid and fearful of taking responsibility; he¡¯s prone to worrying too much. Don¡¯t take his words to heart, and I certainly won¡¯t either.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, you...¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up at him, taken aback.


    Did he know what she was being stubborn about?


    He slowly said, ¡°Mother mentioned that you brought up fruit platters, and you seemed off.¡±


    The man was devastatingly handsome, the red mole on his neck catching the eye, his indifferent nature yet perceptive of people¡¯s hearts.


    Qiao Xi looked at him, her eyes reddening with grievance.


    ¡°I apologize on his behalf; he was confused when he said those things. Xu Xingluo was someone he watched grow up, so he doesn¡¯t distinguish close from distant properly. Clearly, a daughter-in-law should be closer, yet he insists on speaking for an outsider.¡±


    His finger grazed her nose tip.


    The mist in Qiao Xi¡¯s almond-shaped eyes condensed into tears, rolling down.


    ¡°Mr. Huo.¡± She cried out.


    He was too good.


    So good that she never wanted to let go in her lifetime.


    So good that she couldn¡¯t bear for him to be hurt, always hoping he would get the best things in the world.


    He bent down, tenderly kissing her eyelashes, drawing Qiao Xi into the depths of desire, stirring her up incompletely. Caught up in her feelings, she wrapped her arms around his lean waist, her eyes rippling like spring water, hungrily returning his kiss.


    But the man abruptly pulled away, his expression growing indifferent, his passion receding.


    Qiao Xi tried to kiss him closer, but Huo Xingzhou stopped her.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s voice was lingering and soft, her eyes wide and tumultuous with passion as she looked at him, both pitiful and seductive.


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°No rush, I still have an account to settle with you.¡±

 Chapter 172 - 172 172 Qiao Xi Will You Have an Affair

    ?Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Qiao Xi, Will You Have an Affair? Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Qiao Xi, Will You Have an Affair? Qiao Xi blinked slowly, not comprehending.


    She didn¡¯t understand how the man had restrained himself at such a crucial moment.


    Her eyes brimmed with moisture, her voice soft and husky, ¡°What account?¡±


    They didn¡¯t have any unsettled accounts!


    ¡°Did you meet Xu Yunye at the clinic today?¡± The man¡¯s fingers caressed the skin on her back, preventing her from moving any closer.


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    She hummed in response, staring absentmindedly at the red mole on his neck. The heat of her body, wave after wave, was urging her to find a solution.


    ¡°He held your hand and seduced you to change husbands?¡± His voice was hoarse and barely recognizable, yet he maintained his composure throughout.


    Upon hearing his words, Qiao Xi was so shocked that she lifted her dewy eyes to look at him, ¡°It¡¯s all a misunderstanding! Nothing happened between him and me; he said that to remind me that Xu Xingluo won¡¯t let things go easily.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t had the slightest hint of flirtation, who tattled to you!¡±


    She felt so wronged.


    ¡°Jiaojiao said it, telling me to keep an eye on you, not to let anyone steal you away,¡± he said, his fingertips warm as they reached the base of her spine. His brows were furrowed, and the corners of his eyes carried a hint of sentiment and danger.


    ¡°Will you have an affair? Hmm?¡± His tone was incredibly seductive, his lips landing on her shoulder.


    Gentle kisses, time and again, brushing against her sensitive spots.


    Qiao Xi wanted to kiss him back but was stopped by him, insisting on a definite answer.


    She looked pitiful, tormented by desire to the point of death!


    ¡°I won¡¯t, Mr. Huo,¡± she said with a faint sob.


    The inkiness in his eyes surged with intensity as he spoke, ¡°I don¡¯t object to you having normal interactions with the opposite sex, just avoid improper behavior. People with bad intentions like Xu Yunye, minimize contact.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Even if Huo Xingzhou hadn¡¯t mentioned it, Qiao Xi wouldn¡¯t have had much contact with the Xu family anyway. She¡¯d find an opportunity in a few days to discharge Xu Yunye from the hospital.


    Du Juan had warned Qiao Xi before, her son was domineering and ruthless at heart, a man of strong possessiveness, and a hidden patriarch. On the surface, he was self-disciplined and aloof, but he was like a dragon fervently guarding his treasure.


    Not allowing anyone to touch it, not even slightly!


    Qiao Xi tentatively moved closer, kissing his red mole.


    This time, he didn¡¯t refuse.


    A room filled with love.


    During their intimate moment, she stretched out her hand to cover his eyes, saying shyly, ¡°Mr. Huo, don¡¯t look at me.¡±


    He restrained her hands, whispering softly, ¡°I want to look at you, and you must also look at me.¡±


    Only look at him.


    Watching each other merge together, possessing each other.


    With hearts and eyes full only of the other.


    ...


    The next day.


    Qiao Xi got up early and left, as there was much to do at the clinic, and she had to sacrifice her sleep. Aunt Qian got up to make breakfast and just happened to see her leaving.


    By the time Huo Xingzhou came downstairs, breakfast was already prepared.


    Aunt Qian placed the simple breakfast on the table, staring at Huo Xingzhou several times, and couldn¡¯t help but point at his neck.


    ¡°Young Master, it¡¯s too obvious on your neck,¡± Aunt Qian spoke frankly.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    Huo Xingzhou cracked open a boiled egg, leisurely peeling the shell and asked.


    Aunt Qian said, ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll go get you a mirror.¡±


    Aunt Qian returned to her room, took a small round mirror, and walked over to the dining table to hand it to Huo Xingzhou, ¡°Young Master, take a look at yourself! Going to the company like this may not be appropriate, it quite undermines your authoritative image.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took the mirror, and soon the handsome brows and eyes of the man appeared in it, the two unbuttoned buttons of his shirt revealing his neck completely.


    The red mole on his neck was right by his Adam¡¯s apple.


    At this moment, it was glaringly red and somewhat swollen.


    It was sucked out!


    Anyone with eyes could tell what it was, and imagine how intense the previous night had been.


    ¡°Shall I go to the Young Madam¡¯s dressing table to find some concealer to cover this up?¡± Aunt Qian suggested.


    Huo Xingzhou handed the mirror back to her and said, ¡°No need to trouble yourself, let it be.¡±


    ¡°Well... if you say so!¡±


    Aunt Qian didn¡¯t persist. With such an obvious mark, it might even deter the flocks of frivolous admirers outside!


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes briefly swept over to the vase of Eucalyptus Flowers by the living room¡¯s floor-to-ceiling window and said, ¡°What flowers are these? They seem to have been blooming for quite a while.¡±


    He seemed to remember seeing these kinds of flowers everywhere in Moon Village.


    This bunch of Eucalyptus Flowers had been blooming for nearly a week.


    Aunt Qian had only learned from Huo Sijiao¡¯s mouth what they were called last night, and the two of them had looked up their meaning online as well.


    ¡°Eucalyptus Flowers! They were brought by the Young Madam from the clubhouse the day she went to her farewell dinner, seems like they¡¯ve been open for a week now! The Young Madam changes the water and adds nutritional solution every day, but they should wither in a couple of days.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou said indifferently, ¡°Since she likes them, from now on, order this type for the house¡¯s floral decorations.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing!¡±


    Aunt Qian couldn¡¯t help but add, ¡°Young Master, do you know what the language of the Eucalyptus Flower is? My tenderness is only for you. I don¡¯t love the myriad things in the world; I favor only you. I didn¡¯t expect the Young Madam to have such a sentimental side.¡±


    The corners of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth curved into a smile.


    He had read Tagore¡¯s ¡°Stray Birds¡± when he was younger and knew Tagore¡¯s line ¡°The Eucalyptus has found the Shihua Bird, I love nothing in the world so much as you.¡± Yet, he didn¡¯t expect the Eucalyptus¡¯s flower language to match its meaning so closely.


    After a quick breakfast, he asked Old Chen to drive him to Tianyuan Building.


    ...


    Meanwhile, near Tianyuan, on the bustling streets, Cheng Acupuncture had already opened its doors.


    Qiao Xi controlled the number of online appointments, reducing them to thirty each day, and urged patients only to come to the clinic once they had secured an appointment to avoid a wasted trip.


    Only then did the clinic start to run on the right track, functioning in an orderly manner.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, we can finally take a breather,¡± Jiang Yue said with a wry smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been preparing medicine all morning, and the patients say it¡¯s more convenient to take the medicine from our clinic rather than brewing it at home.¡±


    Qiao Xi consoled her, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. My mother-in-law said she would hire some more help for us, and you¡¯ll be able to take a holiday and get some rest then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor Qiao! But are you really the lady boss of the Tianyuan Building next door? The local merchants were gossiping and asking about it,¡± Jiang Yue said.


    Qiao Xi smiled and replied, ¡°Yes, Mr. Huo is indeed my husband.¡±


    ¡°I really admire you! You could be living the life of a wealthy wife, yet you choose to dedicate yourself to medicine, truly worthy of being the disciple of the National Doctor!¡±


    A glimmer crossed Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes; this had been her dream since childhood, and now she also had another goal.


    She very much wanted to stand at a height where she could be on par with Mr. Huo, to climb up step by step and rightfully stand by his side. To let everyone know they were a match, and that she wasn¡¯t just dragging him down.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Grandma; you guys handle things here for a moment,¡± Qiao Xi said softly.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, about your grandma... there¡¯s someone with her right now,¡± Jiang Yue said, seeming troubled.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when you go see.¡± She couldn¡¯t stop him at all this early in the morning.


    The Young Master had already been inside for several hours, hadn¡¯t he?

 Chapter 173 - 173 173 If You Dont Divorce Huo Xingzhou Will

    ?Chapter 173: Chapter 173: If You Don¡¯t Divorce, Huo Xingzhou Will Be Widowed Chapter 173: Chapter 173: If You Don¡¯t Divorce, Huo Xingzhou Will Be Widowed Qiao Xi listened to Jiang Yue¡¯s words, intending to walk further inside when a woman¡¯s voice stopped her.


    ¡°Qiao Xi.¡±


    A graceful and dignified woman in high-heeled shoes entered the clinic. She carried a designer handbag in both hands, her gaze scrutinizing Qiao Xi¡¯s figure.


    Turning around, Qiao Xi saw Liu Huimin standing there with haughty demeanor. The patients and their families waiting nearby curiously looked on.


    ¡°This is the clinic Huo Xingzhou opened for you with his money? You¡¯re quite capable,¡± Liu Huimin disdainfully remarked. She had thought Qiao Xi was an independent girl, but she too was essentially living off a man¡¯s money.


    ¡°Do you need something?¡± Qiao Xi asked indifferently.


    The last thing she wanted was to entangle herself with the Xu Family, but they repeatedly intruded.


    Liu Huimin, with a smirk at the corner of her mouth, looked around before speaking, ¡°Are you sure you want me to talk about it here?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked at her, her eyes growing colder, ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Liu Huimin making a scene in the lobby would be harmful to the clinic. Qiao Xi didn¡¯t want to provide gossip fodder nor spoil her clinic¡¯s business.


    The smile on Liu Huimin¡¯s face grew deeper as she followed Qiao Xi into her private consultation room.


    The door gently closed behind them.


    Qiao Xi asked, ¡°Just say what you need to say. There doesn¡¯t seem much left to discuss between us.¡±


    ¡°No tea for a guest?¡± Liu Huimin sat down on the sofa for visitors and picked critically, ¡°Is this the etiquette Zhao Yuzhen taught you? You¡¯re less cultured than the average girl.¡±


    Qiao Xi replied calmly, ¡°My father died early, and my mother remarried. What can a mother who made her daughter marry in her place teach me? Besides, you come from a noble background but don¡¯t seem to show much etiquette either.¡±


    She and Liu Huimin had fallen out when Liu Zongyun was sent to the hospital.


    ¡°That sharp tongue of yours, no wonder it has Huo Xingzhou wrapped around your finger,¡± Liu Huimin said, scrutinizing Qiao Xi¡¯s face as she placed her handbag aside.


    She laughed and continued to mock, ¡°Your face resembles my daughter¡¯s, Huo Xingzhou probably sees you as a substitute. He and Xingluo grew up together, sharing a deep bond.¡±


    Qiao Xi was unfazed by her words; she had heard them so much that they had become noise.


    Everyone said Huo Xingzhou couldn¡¯t let go of Xu Xingluo, but she had eyes to see where that man¡¯s heart truly was.


    Qiao Xi smiled lightly, ¡°If you¡¯re here to sow discord between my husband and me, you might as well leave. I won¡¯t divorce him, so don¡¯t bother.¡±


    Liu Huimin seemed to have anticipated her response.


    ¡°Do you love Huo Xingzhou?¡± she asked. ¡°If you love him, you will definitely divorce him.¡±


    Liu Huimin was confident.


    Qiao Xi glanced at her, ¡°What you¡¯re saying is contradictory. The more I love him, the less likely I am to part with him.¡±


    Liu Huimin shook her head, confidently asserting, ¡°You will. Besides, men value their careers most. Do you think Huo Xingzhou will choose between Tianyuan Group and you?¡±


    Qiao Xi responded directly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for him to choose between me and Tianyuan Group. Career and marriage are not contradictory, your words are really strange.¡±


    Liu Huimin disliked her impervious nature intensely.


    Frowning, she stared at Qiao Xi and said, ¡°Everything you have is given by Huo Xingzhou, you¡¯re just a leech clinging to him. I heard you are trying to expand your fame through this clinic? Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t stay open for long.¡±


    Liu Huimin, aware of the past agreement between Lu Bannong and Cheng Han, was ready to push Qiao Xi into a dead end, leaving her powerless to retaliate.


    For a healer, patients are just waves that propel the boat forward.


    She wouldn¡¯t allow Qiao Xi to accumulate enough reputation.


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Qiao Xi said coldly.


    ¡°Take it as you will.¡± Liu Huimin stood up and looked at her, ¡°If you divorce Huo Xingzhou now, you can still keep your clinic and continue your acupuncture business, and the Xu Family won¡¯t hold grudges. But if you delay, it won¡¯t just be about divorce anymore, it¡¯s uncertain whether you¡¯ll keep your life.


    When the time comes and Huo Xingzhou is widowed, it¡¯s only natural for my Xingluo to marry him, and you¡¯ll have no part in it.¡±


    The hidden schemes and ruthlessness in her tone made Qiao Xi clench her lips.


    Just because they are a powerful family, can they disregard ordinary people?


    Qiao Xi sneered coldly, ¡°Have you forgotten how you begged me like a dog in the hospital not to resign? Ungrateful scoundrel describes people like you precisely.¡±


    Liu Huimin felt embarrassed and angry when Qiao Xi mentioned this, ignoring the unspoken pain in her heart.


    She snorted coldly and said, ¡°My second brother is being treated by many experts, and Dr. Yan is doing his acupuncture rehabilitation. I assume he will recover soon. Originally, the doctors all said his will to live is astonishing, a miracle. In fact, you just got lucky.¡±


    Qiao Xi thought that Liu Huimin must be the hardest-mouthed person in the world.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, I advise you to divorce soon, lest you lose everything. Losing this clinic and the only family member you care about.¡±


    Remembering Xu Xingluo¡¯s desperate tears, Liu Huimin threatened sternly.


    ¡°I won¡¯t divorce, please leave.¡± Qiao Xi¡¯s apricot eyes were icy cold, ¡°Don¡¯t touch my grandma, or I will go to any length to tear off a piece of flesh from you.¡±


    Knock knock.


    The door was knocked twice, and Xu Yunye, with his arm wrapped in gauze, looked at them lazily: ¡°Sorry to disturb you two. Doctor Qiao, it¡¯s already half-past eight, work time, and Jiang Yue said I¡¯m the first one for acupuncture today.¡±


    Liu Huimin looked at him in surprise: ¡°Yunye, why are you here? Shouldn¡¯t you be at Hai City Hospital?¡±


    Xu Yunye looked down, chuckling sarcastically and said, ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t know I was discharged. I thought you came here to ask Doctor Qiao about my condition. I didn¡¯t expect it was for Xu Xingluo¡¯s forced marriage.¡±


    ¡°Yunye, you... you come back with me!¡±


    Liu Huimin was slightly embarrassed and scolded.


    ¡°I still need treatment.¡± Xu Yunye argued stubbornly.


    ¡°She won¡¯t treat you properly! Our Xu Family has already offended her, be obedient and come home with me.¡± Liu Huimin spoke earnestly and pleadingly.


    Xu Yunye smiled, ¡°No. I¡¯ll stay here as Doctor Qiao¡¯s hostage, to guard your last line of morality, and see if you would give me up for Xu Xingluo.¡±


    His tone was light, yet it hid his hurt.


    Liu Huimin looked at him disappointedly and said, ¡°Yunye, Xingluo is your younger sister. Why must you keep opposing her.¡±


    Xu Yunye stayed silent, leaning against the door.


    Liu Huimin clenched her teeth, angrily taking her handbag and turned to leave.


    Qiao Xi watched the mother and son arguing, her eyes sparkling, she walked up to him and said, ¡°My acupuncture technique is good enough to cripple you without anyone noticing anything unusual. Are you sure you want the treatment?¡±


    Xu Yunye looked at her, his expression relaxed and smile blossoming.


    ¡°Ah, my legs are numb!¡± He couldn¡¯t control his body and fell straight toward Qiao Xi, crashing into her embrace.


    Qiao Xi gritted her teeth and pushed him away, but unexpectedly, he was quite heavy.


    Xu Yunye collapsed into her arms and said, ¡°I¡¯ve always felt we should have met a long time ago. Doctor Qiao, how about I recognize you as my sister?¡±


    As the words left his mouth, he was even stunned himself.

 Chapter 174 - 174 174 Giving You Up Impossible

    ?Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Giving You Up, Impossible! Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Giving You Up, Impossible! Qiao Xi said coldly, ¡°Your sister is Xu Xingluo. Your Xu Family really stops at nothing to disgust me. Coming up with such a bad idea to make me and Xu Xingluo sisters?¡±


    Xu Yunye reined in his emotions and stood straight by the door. He spread his hands and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, that wasn¡¯t my intention, just now...¡±


    He couldn¡¯t clearly explain what he had felt, it was like a ghost had possessed him when he said those words.


    ¡°Wang Lang!¡±


    Qiao Xi shouted toward the hall, ¡°You come and take charge of his acupuncture, I will guide you from the side.¡±


    Wang Lang happily responded and hurriedly ran in.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, you really want me to do it?¡± Wang Lang was eager to try, it was like finding a treasure having guidance from a national doctor¡¯s apprentice.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Qiao Xi nodded.


    Xu Yunye felt a bit panicked, ¡°He is an apprentice, are you really using me as a test subject?¡±


    Qiao Xi said coldly, ¡°You won¡¯t die, just lie down.¡±


    Wang Lang said with a naive smile, ¡°Young Master Xu, I¡¯ve practiced on dummies for several years, I definitely won¡¯t mess you up.¡±


    Xu Yunye: 6


    He wasn¡¯t that nervous before, but hearing his reassurance made him even more anxious.


    Qiao Xi directed Wang Lang, and every needle was placed with great steadiness. Wang Lang was excited and serious, he was also very eager to learn, and remembered everything Qiao Xi said.


    Xu Yunye gradually relaxed his body and while lying down, he said to Qiao Xi, ¡°My mom has a sharp tongue but a soft heart, having grown up pampered by the Liu Family, getting whatever she wanted. Actually, she¡¯s not so vicious at heart, she was just threatening you verbally for the sake of Xu Xingluo.¡±


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, I apologize on her behalf. From now on, I won¡¯t let her come to your clinic anymore.¡±


    Qiao Xi took a deep breath and glanced at him saying, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t come either.¡±


    Xu Yunye chuckled and said, ¡°That won¡¯t do. Granny Qiao invited me to come to the clinic for a meal, saying she¡¯ll cook for me herself once her health improves.¡±


    Qiao Xi felt her chest get tight.


    It turns out that the one who had accompanied Granny for several hours early in the morning was Xu Yunye. She didn¡¯t know what trick he had used to make Granny agree to cook for him.


    She took out a silver needle and quickly inserted it into the Yamen Acupoint on the back of his neck, and added a dose of Huang Lian to his prescription to clear heat and dampness.


    Clamorous!


    Like an annoying husky.


    Xu Yunye opened his mouth and briefly couldn¡¯t make a sound.


    ...


    In the evening, at the Xu residence.


    The large conference room had just concluded a fierce meeting, with Xu Family and Tianyuan Group collaborating on a medical project.


    A man with cold and sharp features was the first to leave the conference room, with Chen Xun following at his side.


    Xu Guangyao followed closely, ¡°Xingzhou, for the planning department, I will have someone watch over it. You have reviewed the initial draft, the final version will be modified according to your requirements. All these tasks were completed by Xingluo, and she will also be the contact person for the upcoming projects. This child is smart and extremely capable.¡±


    Xu Guangyao made a sign towards Xu Xingluo, clearly trying to bring the two together.


    Dressed in professional attire, heels, and wearing exquisite makeup, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, I hope you will guide me in the future. How about coming to my office for a coffee before you leave?¡±


    The aloof man stopped, glanced at her, and said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Chen Xun standing by the side looked at him with surprise, never expecting him to accept Xu Xingluo¡¯s invitation.


    The intentions were written all over her face, she just wanted to be alone with him.


    Xu Xingluo smiled with open brows and eyes, hurrying to lead the way, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, this way.¡±


    She had a separate, bright, large office. Officially, she was the president¡¯s assistant, but everyone knew she held 20% of the Xu Family¡¯s shares and might inherit the company one day. Employees everywhere were careful to ingratiate themselves with her.


    The projects from the planning department also bore her name, directly taking credit from the employees below.


    The direct employees were angry but dared not speak.


    Xu Xingluo pushed open the office door, intentionally leaving Chen Xun outside, and said with a laugh, ¡°I bought a new coffee machine and prepared your favorite Rochee Summer specially. Brother Xingzhou, try my handiwork.¡±


    She flirtatiously ground the coffee, her gaze hooking Huo Xingzhou like silk threads.


    Her professional outfit was very sexy, accentuating her curves. She had removed implants earlier, and the surge at her chest was probably padded with sponge. A button on her white blouse was slightly strained open, allowing a glimpse of her fair, shallow cleavage.


    She held the coffee, bending over to place it in front of Huo Xingzhou, sweetly saying, ¡°Brother Xingzhou, please drink.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression was indifferent as he glanced at her and said, ¡°Did you write this planning proposal?¡±


    Xu Xingluo flicked her hair and sat next to him, very close, her chest accidentally brushing against the man.


    She said shyly and timidly, ¡°Yes, I stayed up several nights for it.¡±


    ¡°It must have been hard, especially since you were at the hospital for the implant removal a few days ago,¡± Huo Xingzhou spoke coolly, and Xu Xingluo¡¯s expression stiffened.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou...¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s emotionless gaze swept across her chest, ¡°Fake will never become real. Stop mimicking those TV dramas and using tricks to seduce men.¡±


    Xu Xingluo was extremely embarrassed. She bit her lip and said, ¡°You like Qiao Xi just because she has a good figure, right? Brother Xingzhou, only I am worthy to stand by your side. Ten years ago, we had intimacy.


    In that snow cave, I stripped myself to warm your body, I slit my wrist to feed you my blood, I did so much for you. Does it all not compare to a few months with Qiao Xi?¡±


    She was resentful.


    Huo Xingzhou crossed his arms and said formally, ¡°It doesn¡¯t compare. You even said I like her for her figure, how can you compete?¡±


    ¡°You... we were almost engaged,¡± Xu Xingluo cried pitifully, her eyes red.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was detached, his eyes serene as he said, ¡°The day of the accident, I repaid the debt I owed you for saving my life ten years ago. These past days, you¡¯ve acted like a clown with all your schemes. Out of old times¡¯ sake, I haven¡¯t dealt with you.


    But if you touch Qiao Xi again, I will not be polite. Enough said. You should properly be Haicheng¡¯s top socialite and heiress, and stop making such a fool of yourself.¡±


    In saying this, he also acknowledged the debt of having his life saved.


    ¡°Brother Xingzhou! If you had to choose between Tianyuan Group and Qiao Xi, what would you pick?¡± Xu Xingluo cried, hatred seething in her eyes.


    ¡°There won¡¯t be such a day,¡± he said indifferently.


    ¡°There will, there will! I want you to choose!¡± Xu Xingluo persisted relentlessly.


    The man didn¡¯t say a word, turned, and walked away.


    Xu Xingluo gritted her teeth as she watched his retreating figure, ¡°There will be such a day, and you will definitely choose Tianyuan! Giving you up is impossible!¡±


    She stomped her foot, angrily stormed out of the office, and took the elevator down to the underground garage to drive away from the company.


    Qiao Xi!


    She would not let go!


    But just as she reached her car, a robust figure covered her mouth and dragged her into that BMW.

 Chapter 175 - 175 175 Xu Xingluo is Threatened and

    ?Chapter 175: Chapter 175 Xu Xingluo is Threatened and Blackmailed Chapter 175: Chapter 175 Xu Xingluo is Threatened and Blackmailed ¡°Uh...¡±


    Xu Xingluo cried out in a panicked and fearful struggle.


    The middle-aged man with a stern face had a somewhat fierce look. His body odor was also unpleasant, almost suffocating her in waves. He pressed Xu Xingluo down on the back seat, groping her body up and down.


    She struggled desperately, her thick breast padding falling out.


    The middle-aged man tsked twice, insulting her with ill intent, ¡°Even you rich folks stuff yourselves with this trash? Vanity!¡±


    ¡°You...uh...¡± Xu Xingluo was extremely scared, her cries for help going unanswered.


    Finally, the man took a mobile phone out of her skirt pocket, forced her to unlock it with her fingerprint, and said fiercely, ¡°Call Xu Guangyao, I need to speak with him.¡±


    Xu Xingluo, teary with fear, followed his instruction and dialed Xu Guangyao¡¯s number.


    Xu Guangyao picked up quickly, his refined voice coming through the line, ¡°Xingluo, how¡¯s it going with Huo Xingzhou? Did he show any intention of divorcing?¡±


    They had contacted Huo Xingzhou to ascertain his stance.


    If it came to it, they¡¯d have to resort to extreme measures.


    ¡°Whimper...¡±


    ¡°Xingluo? What¡¯s that noise on your end?¡±


    The middle-aged man in the car laughed scornfully, ¡°President Xu, long time no see.¡±


    ¡°Who are you? Where¡¯s Xingluo?¡±


    ¡°The illegitimate daughter? She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s so timorous, hardly like your own flesh and blood.¡± His mouth opened and let slip a shocking secret.


    Xu Xingluo was stunned, followed by a tide of endless fear.


    Someone else knew about her identity!


    Her whole body trembled, sweat breaking out on her forehead, ruining her meticulous makeup.


    ¡°Li...¡± Xu Guangyao searched his memory for the man¡¯s name, ¡°Li Daming?¡±


    ¡°President Xu has a good memory, remembering a nobody like me.¡± Li Daming chuckled, revealing his yellowed teeth. They emitted a foul odor from years of tobacco, alcohol, and tea.


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s anxiety increased, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Underground parking lot, your daughter¡¯s in the car. Better think twice before you act, President Xu¡ªI have quite a few of your secrets in my hands,¡± threatened Li Daming.


    ¡°Wait there, I¡¯m coming right now.¡±


    Xu Guangyao hung up the phone, and Li Daming snickered, loosening his grip and warning, ¡°Delicate Miss, you better not scream. Remember, it was me who made sure you lived well, or you¡¯d still be with your homewrecker mom eating chaff.¡±


    Xu Xingluo sobbed.


    She watched Li Daming with fearful vigilance, not daring to move.


    Worried that provoking him would lead him to publicly unveil her origins. If Liu Huimin caught even a hint of this, a DNA test would reveal everything.


    Xu Guangyao quickly descended in the elevator, having asked the security guard to turn off the underground parking surveillance and delete the past week¡¯s archives.


    The Liu Family knew Li Daming too well; it was crucial to avoid him being accidentally discovered.


    Xu Guangyao opened the door of the BMW, sat in the driver¡¯s seat, and asked the man behind him, ¡°Why have you returned to the country?¡±


    Li Daming patted Xu Xingluo¡¯s cheek, taking a slight advantage as he spoke, ¡°I came back after running out of money. Southeast Asia is not as fun as here. I was a fool, accepting only 500,000 yuan from President Xu to do the job and flee the country¡ªwhat a loss!¡±


    He smacked his lips, an old scar on his forehead giving him a fierce appearance.


    The scar was a remnant from when he had once rammed Liu Zongyun with his truck.


    ¡°Daddy, who is he?¡± Xu Xingluo asked tremblingly, enduring the disgust of his rough hand touching her skin.


    She felt like vomiting!


    ¡°Miss, didn¡¯t your father tell you? I¡¯m the truck driver he bribed to hit Liu Zongyun to death? I also helped him deal with the real Xu Family heiress back then.¡±


    Xu Guangyao frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t bully a young girl.¡±


    Li Daming humiliated her, ¡°A young girl wouldn¡¯t dress like a slutty fox, and I even felt padding on her butt. She¡¯s nothing compared to the girls I play with at the night club.¡±


    He pushed Xu Xingluo away, and she curled up fearfully in the corner.


    Xu Guangyao knew he was a rascal with no family or connections, so he said, ¡°What are your demands? Speak up.¡±


    He had returned from abroad because he couldn¡¯t make it there anymore.


    The five hundred thousand from back then was no small sum.


    Li Daming raised a hand, ¡°Five million, I want five million.¡±


    Such insatiable greed!


    Disgust flashed in Xu Guangyao¡¯s eyes, ¡°Such a large amount of money, I need time to prepare. I¡¯ll give it to you in three days.¡±


    ¡°No, you have to give it to me today. Otherwise, I¡¯ll stand at the Xu¡¯s doorway and shout out the truth about what happened back then.¡± Li Daming couldn¡¯t wait, he had gambling debts.


    Xu Guangyao took a deep breath to suppress the fury in his heart, his money was tied in the company. The remaining large sum of savings was also known to Liu Huimin. The rest had been transferred to Shen Shiyun¡¯s name, indeed it was not easy to find an excuse to withdraw it.


    Moreover, he wanted to check what Li Daming had been up to these years and find his vulnerabilities.


    Mutual restraint!


    Otherwise, he would be led by the nose by Li Daming.


    But he hadn¡¯t expected his plans to be thwarted by his daughter.


    Xu Xingluo spoke up weakly, ¡°Dad, I have five million in my card, I can give it to him first.¡±


    ¡°Haha, the daughter of President Xu sure knows the ways of the world. A bastard child indeed has a sharp eye!¡± Li Daming praised sarcastically.


    Humiliation filled Xingluo¡¯s eyes.


    She had been touched by a lowlife for so long, and now he continued to humiliate her by calling her a ¡°bastard child¡±. The places he had touched on her body felt as uncomfortable as if ants were crawling over her.


    She wished she could kill Li Daming!


    ¡°Transfer it to my mobile banking.¡± Li Daming took out his phone and handed it to Xu Xingluo to operate.


    He stared at Xu Xingluo, like a viper locking onto its prey.


    This girl was vain, foolish, and wicked, and seemed very easy to deceive. It was simpler to get money from her than from Xu Guangyao.


    Xu Guangyao was an old fox, who hid his fox tail very well, and was both tolerant and hypocritical. Dealing with him was a hassle, like untangling hundreds of knots, round and round, getting nowhere clear.


    Li Daming, cornered and with no other options, dared to take risks and came to ask him for money.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s fingers trembled as she transferred the funds. Because of the transfer limits on the card, she had to use several cards to gather the full five million. She handed the phone to Li Daming with trepidation, ¡°It¡¯s transferred.¡±


    Li Daming took the phone, checked it thoroughly, and was satisfied.


    Five million in hand, easy peasy!


    Xu Xingluo said anxiously, ¡°You promise you won¡¯t reveal this secret, right? I¡¯ve already given you so much money, you have to keep your word.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t lose everything she had.


    ¡°Psh, don¡¯t worry. I, Li Daming, am aware of my limits, this five million... I¡¯ll talk about it after I use it up,¡± he said.


    Li Daming looked leisurely at Xu Guangyao, ¡°President Xu, I¡¯ll be staying in Haicheng for a while, I like the bustle here. I have no desire to go back to that dump in Southeast Asia.¡±


    He intended to stick around and not leave.


    Li Daming laughed twice, showing his yellow teeth, and simply opened the car door and left.


    Xu Guangyao repressed his rage, his sullen eyes fixed on Xu Xingluo, ¡°Why did you give him the money now!¡±

 Chapter 176 - 176 176 Qiao Xi Dont Provoke Me

    ?Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Qiao Xi, Don¡¯t Provoke Me Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Qiao Xi, Don¡¯t Provoke Me Xu Xingluo¡¯s hair was disheveled, and her eyes were swollen and piteous as she said, ¡°If I don¡¯t give it to him, he¡¯ll blurt it out!¡±


    How could she be the daughter of a mistress? She was Haicheng¡¯s number one socialite, an international prima ballerina!


    She was the high and mighty Xu Xingluo, surrounded by adoring stars!


    Xu Guangyao took a deep breath, defeated by her foolishness.


    ¡°I¡¯ve spoiled you into being too naive and innocent! What good would it do him to blab? Back then, it was premeditated murder, not a mere car accident! He even dealt with that baby girl, Li Daming is burdened with a life on his conscience!¡±


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s chest heaved with anger, and he lost his usual patience with Xu Xingluo, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve given him money, you¡¯ve set a precedent. Whenever he¡¯s short on cash, he¡¯ll come to you. What if someone sees you? Or how will you explain the large withdrawals from your account?


    Xingluo, your brother is very clever, and the Liu Family is no fool, either. I¡¯ve been plotting and living cautiously under their watch. Even when contacting Shiyun, I never use a cellphone.¡±


    Stammering, Xu Xingluo said, ¡°What should I do then?¡±


    Xu Guangyao closed his eyes, slowly calming his emotions, ¡°I originally wanted to find the mistakes he¡¯s made over these years and hold that leverage over him. That¡¯s no longer viable, so we must have someone watch him.¡±


    He took out his phone and dialed a strange number, ¡°Hello, Lao Mao. Keep an eye on someone for me, I¡¯ll send you his information later. Report back to me on who he sees and what he does every day.¡±


    After finishing his words, Xu Guangyao hung up the phone.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s tears fell in large drops, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dad, I didn¡¯t know your plan. I was so scared, he just showed up out of nowhere, threatening me.¡±


    She cared too much about glory and wealth, just like Xu Guangyao in her bones.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Clean yourself up, we¡¯re going home. Your mother said she has prepared a table full of dishes, waiting for us to return.¡±


    ¡°Is there a celebration at home?¡±


    ¡°Not sure, let¡¯s head back.¡±


    The father and daughter collected their emotions and took the car back to the Xu Family.


    The Xu Family¡¯s residence was situated in the bustling city center, different from the profound heritage of the Liu Family. The Xu home was pure European-style, an epitome of modern and fashionable luxury.


    The pure white dining table was already filled with a variety of dishes.


    Gold-rimmed porcelain plates were set out one by one, looking very beautiful.


    Liu Huimin called the cook to bring over the soup, ¡°These are all Xingluo¡¯s favorite dishes, she had barely left the hospital when she helped her father secure the Tianyuan Group project, truly worthy of being my daughter.¡±


    ¡°Madam, you¡¯re so fortunate.¡±


    Liu Huimin smiled.


    She and Xu Guangyao had been without any rift for more than twenty years, never even having argued. Their love was exemplary in high society. He never flirted with women outside, always keeping a distance even at social engagements.


    Even business partners would say that not a single leaf stuck to President Xu.


    She loved him very much.


    She was even willing to break with her family to marry him. In the end, the Liu Family caved in and gave their blessing.


    Liu Huimin¡¯s eyes curved, her choices over the years proving her good judgment.


    She had a loving husband and three handsome and beautiful children. Especially Xingluo, who was most like Guangyao.


    She also cherished this daughter the most, wishing she could lift her up to the heavens.


    ¡°Sir, Third Miss, you¡¯re back! Madam has prepared dinner, and we¡¯ve been waiting for you to come eat,¡± said the servant as he took Xu Guangyao¡¯s coat with a smile.


    ¡°Guangyao,¡± Liu Huimin came over upon hearing this, ¡°Xingluo, are you tired from work?¡±


    ¡°Not tired,¡± said Xu Xingluo, struggling to maintain her composure.


    ¡°You look tired to me, have something to eat then go wash up and rest in your room.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Mom.¡±


    Xu Guangyao bowed his head and kissed Liu Huimin¡¯s cheek, saying, ¡°You only care about our daughter, what about me?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re an old married couple,¡± she said sweetly, still very much charmed by his romantic gestures.


    Xu Guangyao took out a red velvet box and placed it in her hand, ¡°I brought a gift for you.¡±


    Liu Huimin looked at him in surprise, opened the box, and found a ruby necklace inside.


    ¡°Why a ruby?¡±


    ¡°I wanted you to try this vibrant color. I think it¡¯ll look stunning on you.¡±


    ¡°I like everything you give.¡±


    Xu Xingluo stood to the side, looking down with a mocking smile. She had seen the exact same ruby at Shen Shiyun¡¯s place, it was just a buy-one-get-one-free promotion at the mall.


    This one given to Liu Huimin was a freebie.


    Her father seemed to very much enjoy demeaning Liu Huimin with these types of unnoticed trifles, humiliating her.


    And yet the person in question felt sweetly happy.


    Liu Huimin immediately wore the necklace around her neck and asked Xu Xingluo, ¡°Does Mommy look pretty wearing the ruby?¡±


    ¡°Mmm, pretty.¡±


    Xu Xingluo replied noncommittally.


    Liu Huimin, holding both her husband and daughter by the hand, walked towards the dining room. ¡°I even made a few small dishes myself today, as a celebration.¡±


    ¡°Celebrating what?¡±


    ¡°Celebrating that my elder brother¡¯s fingers can move now,¡± she turned her head to ask Xu Xingluo, ¡°Xingluo, are you happy?¡±


    The father and daughter stiffened.


    His fingers could move now.


    Xu Guangyao¡¯s face turned green: ¡°To what extent have the fingers recovered? Can he write?¡±


    He panicked.


    ¡°Of course not, how could they be that flexible?¡± Liu Huimin said with a laugh, ¡°He can just lift his fingers a little now, there¡¯s still a long way to go before writing. The doctors are now working hard on his speech function, hoping he can start speaking soon.¡±


    The father and daughter suddenly lost all appetite.


    ¡°That¡¯s great,¡± Xu Guangyao pried her hand away, ¡°I just remembered there¡¯s something left unhandled at the company, I need to go back and check on it.¡±


    Xu Xingluo, who had been shocked twice in one day, said wearily, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m too tired, I¡¯ll head back to my room first.¡±


    ¡°Ah? Guangyao, Xingluo, aren¡¯t you eating?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore.¡±


    Celebrate my ass.


    Their wealth was about to vanish into thin air.


    It seemed like the time had come to target those experts; there¡¯s always someone who will cave for money.


    If a million isn¡¯t enough, then ten million!


    If ten million doesn¡¯t satisfy, just keep raising the price!


    As long as one expert is bribed to interfere, Liu Zongyun¡¯s recovery would be hopeless.


    Where there are many voices and chaos reigns, there¡¯s always an opportunity to fish in troubled waters.


    Sooner or later, they would get rid of him!


    ...


    Night fell.


    The Huo Family¡¯s small villa.


    After dinner, Qiao Xi and Huo Xingzhou headed to the swimming pool. The pool water was clear, with a few swimming rings floating on the surface, intended for Qiao Xi¡¯s use.


    She had become quite good at breaststroke, and had also gotten her driver¡¯s license.


    Wearing a black swimsuit, she swam back and forth in the pool, looking at the man supervising from the shore, she mischievously splashed water on him with a flick of her hands.


    ¡°Qiao Xi, don¡¯t provoke me.¡±


    He wore swimming trunks, his lean muscles covering his body, limbs outstretched.


    With a cool and fair complexion, he was exceptionally handsome, ascetic yet emanating a captivating charm.


    Qiao Xi was momentarily dazzled.


    He was clearly a male fairy tempting others.


    She looked up with a laugh, her eyes brimming with mirth, boldly challenging him, ¡°If I provoke you, what will you do?¡±

 Chapter 177 - 177 177 Riding Horses and Surfing Waves

    ?Chapter 177: Chapter 177: Riding Horses and Surfing Waves Chapter 177: Chapter 177: Riding Horses and Surfing Waves Thud!


    Splashes rose into the air.


    The man, like a nimble shark, dove into the pool, his movements crisp and graceful as he swam to her side, his broad palm grasping her waist.


    He wiped the droplets of water from his forehead with one hand and slowly lifted his eyelids to say, ¡°Are you curious, or is this reverse psychology?¡±


    Curious about what he would do.


    Or did she knowingly provoke him to do it, despite being aware of what he would do?


    Qiao Xi twisted her slender waist, the water was warm and cool, his body was hot.


    Caught between fire and ice, her body was even more sensitive. Especially when his fingers teased her like playing a piano, making Qiao Xi unable to hold back her laughter.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, don¡¯t use that trick!¡±


    She was terribly ticklish!


    ¡°If it¡¯s effective, why shouldn¡¯t I use it?¡± His long fingers tightly entwined her under the water, his breath somewhat unsteady.


    The man kissed down her nape, wet and slippery all the way to her neck, gently kissing. He turned the delicate, white skin of her neck red with his kisses.


    A challenging moisture seeped from the corners of Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes, ¡°Last time, we said no more here.¡±


    She ducked her head, trying to dodge his kisses.


    Huo Xingzhou spoke softly, ¡°I don¡¯t really want to do anything, just satisfying a craving.¡±


    His mouth and hands were restless. He hadn¡¯t really done anything, yet it felt like he had done everything.


    Teased beyond endurance, Qiao Xi said, ¡°I heard from Jiaojiao... the Xu Family and Tianyuan Group have a partnership, and Xu Xingluo is to be in charge of the project interface, and you and her...¡±


    Huo Sijiao told her everything, worried to death Huo Xingzhou would be snatched away by some vixen.


    ¡°What about her and me?¡± His nose brushed past her smooth shoulders.


    ¡°She got breast implants for you.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t a secret; Huo Sijiao had shared photos of Xu Xingluo being taken to the ambulance on her social media. Some people said Xu Xingluo was sentimental, a lofty dignified princess who demeaned herself for love.


    Huo Xingzhou looked indifferent, glancing down and saying lightly, ¡°Implants are bad for the body. You don¡¯t need to be jealous, even with them, she couldn¡¯t compare to you.¡±


    He suddenly thought of the recent papaya and sweet potato soup on the dining table, and the soy-stewed pork trotters.


    Even the carp soup.


    He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    Her little schemes were impossible to conceal.


    ¡°I¡¯m not jealous of her,¡± Qiao Xi said, her head lowered.


    Shu Xue said men liked them bigger, the more the better, and better if they couldn¡¯t fit in one hand. Her mind must have been waterlogged, as she went home and mentioned it to Aunt Qian.


    Aunt Qian was very considerate and promptly made arrangements for her.


    Qiao Xi obediently ate those things every day. She knew some prescriptions too, but since all medicine has side effects, she wouldn¡¯t just drink anything.


    Yet she hadn¡¯t expected the man would make that connection.


    ¡°So, are you jealous?¡± Huo Xingzhou deliberately teased, his hand circling her slender waist and slowly moving upward.


    ¡°No, just mentioning it casually.¡±


    Realizing the conversation was heading in a dangerous direction, Qiao Xi hastily said, ¡°I talked to Grandma about your thoughts, but she still doesn¡¯t want to move into the small villa. She said she¡¯s afraid of disturbing our life.¡±


    She knew all too well that Grandma was accustomed to living in the countryside and feared feeling constrained in a large villa.


    Her biggest fear was embarrassing herself and being looked down upon by the Huo Family.


    Qiao Xi felt very sad about it yet couldn¡¯t persuade her to change her mind.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll find her a place near the clinic, she could see you every day. Is that okay?¡± Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingertips caressed her smooth skin, seeking her opinion.


    ¡°The clinic is also quite spacious, and Jiang Yue and Wang Lang take care of her. Previously, you arranged for a female bodyguard for Grandma just in case the Su Family tried something against her, but now the Su Family has fallen. Grandma said having bodyguards follow her around feels like being in prison every day.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou gave a soft chuckle, ¡°Haven¡¯t I already recalled them? Let her do what she wishes.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Qiao Xi pursed her lips, and shifted her bottom uncomfortably.


    Huo Xingzhou wrapped his arms around her, leading her to the edge of the swimming pool, and said, ¡°There¡¯s an event at the equestrian club tomorrow. Let¡¯s go have some fun. I remember you have the day off.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to ride a horse?¡± As soon as Huo Xingzhou asked, he knew it was highly likely she didn¡¯t. It was just that the people he used to encounter mostly knew how to ride.


    Qiao Xi shook her head, her hair brushing against his chest, tickling him slightly.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll teach you.¡± He kept a horse at the club, which was well-fed and stunningly beautiful. Huo Xingzhou¡¯s riding skills were also superb, ranking him among the top amateur riders.


    The upbringing of nobility indeed differed from that of ordinary people.


    The more Qiao Xi interacted with him, the more mysterious, noble, and imposing she found Huo Xingzhou to be.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After agreeing, Qiao Xi reached for the handrails on either side of the pool and began to climb out. But the man intercepted her mid-way, pulling her back into the pool and causing water to splash everywhere.


    Qiao Xi looked at him, puzzled.


    The man said seriously, ¡°Let¡¯s preview.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Huo, can you even preview riding a horse? There¡¯s no horse here.¡±


    ¡°Who says?¡±


    As soon as he finished speaking, he pressed her against the wall of the swimming pool. His palms cushioned her back to prevent any scratches.


    ¡°Today I¡¯ll teach you one of the most fundamental points of horsemanship, the posting trot.¡±


    His hand glided over her thigh, holding her at the ankle.


    ¡°Mr. Huo?¡± Qiao Xi furrowed her brows, confused.


    His voice was husky as he slowly explained, ¡°During the trot, the rider performs a rise and sit action in sync with the horse¡¯s steps, which is called posting.¡±


    As he spoke,


    splashes flew and dipped in the swimming pool, reaching the edge.


    Qiao Xi repeatedly previewed the motion.


    ...


    A whole night of posting.


    The dawn light was faint.


    Qiao Xi lazily rolled around in the blankets and then back into the warm embrace. She opened her bleary eyes to meet those clear ones.


    Scenes from last night in the swimming pool flashed through her mind, the passionate splashes of water drowning their tide of emotions.


    It was... embarrassingly intense.


    Her cheeks were flushing with heat.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go to the equestrian club at two in the afternoon; I need to stop by the office first,¡± Huo Xingzhou said as he got out of bed, putting on his white shirt in front of her and buttoning it up one by one.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s gaze fell downward, and he, unfazed, slowly put on his suit pants.


    Noticing her gaze, he looked at her nonchalantly, ¡°Didn¡¯t get enough last night? We can continue tonight.¡±


    Her cheeks burned hotter, ¡°Mr. Huo, go to the office now and don¡¯t waste time.¡±


    She had seen enough.


    Over and over again, she had carefully seen enough.


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    As he dressed, he reminded her, ¡°I¡¯ve asked Aunt Qian to make a bowl of ginger soup for you. Drink it after you go downstairs. I couldn¡¯t help myself last night; we stayed in the water for too long.¡±


    Qiao Xi quickly cut him off, ¡°Just go, I¡¯ll drink it.¡±


    Continuing this conversation was too much for her to bear.


    Horse riding was more than just a fundamental point.


    A soft chuckle escaped the man¡¯s throat, and after a slow glance at her, he left the room.


    Qiao Xi patted her cheeks vigorously.


    How did she let herself be so easily seduced by a man¡¯s charm, doing whatever he said when entranced like she had drunk a love potion?

 Chapter 178 - 178 178 She Rides Me Whats Your Brilliant Idea

    ?Chapter 178: Chapter 178: She Rides Me, What¡¯s Your Brilliant Idea? Chapter 178: Chapter 178: She Rides Me, What¡¯s Your Brilliant Idea? Two o¡¯clock in the afternoon.


    The largest horse riding club in Haicheng.


    Besides equestrian performances, there were also horse auctions. The horse that belonged to Huo Xingzhou had been obtained at one such auction, and wealthy people enjoyed gathering in the suburbs for this kind of excitement.


    Horse racing was thrilling, and sometimes they themselves would participate in the races, placing bets.


    A flashy Maserati stopped at the entrance.


    Shu Xue stepped out of the car wearing casual clothes and yawned lazily as she got out. She didn¡¯t want to come, but Zhou Yu had repeatedly invited her. This stray dog he had picked up, was quite good at nagging.


    Zhou Yu closed the car door and walked up to her, wrapping his arm around her waist, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Huo Er and Qiao Xi won¡¯t come to a place like this. The company secretary told me that Huo Er even went to work today. Besides, we¡¯re just going to ride horses on the grass, not going where it¡¯s crowded.¡±


    Shu Xue said irritably, ¡°Let¡¯s keep our distance, just in case we run into someone familiar, we¡¯ll say we are just ordinary friends.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zhou Yu seemed easy to talk to, coaxing her.


    As they were speaking, Shu Xue suddenly pulled him against the car door and kissed him.


    A Rolls Royce whizzed past them. Zhou Yun was caught up in the woman¡¯s initiative but was kicked by Shu Xue¡¯s high heel.


    ¡°Ow...¡± he cried out in pain.


    Shu Xue was furious, ¡°Did you see what that was?¡±


    Zhou Yu followed her gaze and saw the familiar license plate of the Rolls Royce. In the distance, Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi were getting out of the car, one after another.


    ¡°Sorry baby, I didn¡¯t expect them to come,¡± he said.


    Zhou Yu pulled her aside stealthily, seemingly unnoticed by Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    Shu Xue snorted coldly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the horse field, they¡¯re probably heading to see the indoor equestrian performance. I¡¯ll show you an amazing place, Lovers¡¯ Slope.¡± Zhou Yu indeed had a hidden agenda.


    Bored at home, eager for an escape.


    Shu Xue, still annoyed, hesitated. She hoped Qiao Xi wouldn¡¯t find out, to avoid ruining her image in Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes.


    Another entry.


    Driver Old Chen closed the car door reverently and said, ¡°Young Master, Young Madam. I¡¯ll go park the car, let me know when you¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took Qiao Xi¡¯s hand and walked inside, while Qiao Xi curiously observed the layout of the horse field.


    The vast grassland featured some people galloping on horses, each beginner accompanied by an instructor.


    He felt as though he had just seen a familiar figure, but a careful look revealed nothing.


    They continued past the stables, which were clean and tidy, with healthy horses eating hay gracefully.


    A flash of admiration crossed Qiao Xi¡¯s eyes.


    Passing the stables, they reached a large indoor equestrian performance venue, filled with bursts of noise.


    Further inside were the club¡¯s lounge and changing rooms, and even a teatime restaurant prepared.


    This club operated on a membership basis, with annual fees starting at two hundred thousand, and up to one million per annum depending on the membership tier.


    ¡°Let¡¯s first check out the equestrian performance.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Qiao Xi looked up smilingly as she spoke.


    They entered the indoor equestrian performance venue through a special passageway and were seated in the front row VIP seats by the staff. The soft leather sofa sank under them, a small cart beside them stocked with tea and snacks.


    ¡°The pastries here are quite good, should suit your taste,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently. He knew that Qiao Xi liked sweets that weren¡¯t too rich, and she couldn¡¯t help squinting her eyes when she ate food she liked.


    Just like a cat.


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    Qiao Xi nodded.


    As Huo Xingzhou was about to explain the features and rules of horse racing to her, several voices sounded nearby.


    ¡°Huo Er!¡±


    ¡°Huo Er, you¡¯re here too?¡±


    Qiao Xi looked around and saw many familiar young faces. The last time at the Fuchun Garden party, they had urged her and Huo Xingzhou to drink cross-cupped wine.


    There were also two people sitting at the very edge, Xiang Huai and Xu Xingluo.


    Xiang Huai swept over her with a cold gaze, his disgust unmistakable. Xu Xingluo was as cold as ice, always maintaining her elegant socialite demeanor.


    ¡°Huo Er, what a coincidence, today we came with Brother Xiang Huai to watch the horse racing show.¡±


    ¡°Stop trying to gilt your face. Brother Xiang Huai clearly came to distract Sister Xingluo,


    what do you count for?¡±


    They all laughed and joked, smoothing things over. They could neither afford to offend Huo Xingzhou nor Xiang Huai. The Xiang family was very reputable in the Imperial Capital and could rival the Huo Family of Haicheng.


    Xiang Huai waved to a staff member, ¡°Get me another seat, I want to sit over there.¡±


    He pointed to a seat next to Huo Xingzhou and said.


    ¡°Alright, Young Master Xiang.¡±


    Onlookers assumed that Xiang Huai and Huo Xingzhou were on good terms, not realizing the complexities between them.


    The staff rearranged Xiang Huai¡¯s seat next to Huo Xingzhou, and Xu Xingluo also moved alongside. The group of young men behind them also requested to switch seats, clustering together as if forming a group.


    Qiao Xi shifted slightly, feeling a bit constrained.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s fingers, with joints lightly covered in calluses, brushed the back of Qiao Xi¡¯s hand as a sign of reassurance.


    Qiao Xi glanced at him, feeling somewhat more at ease.


    ¡°Huo Er, did you bring Sister-in-law to watch the horse racing show? I didn¡¯t think you would also be willing to indulge in some romance for a girl.¡±


    ¡°You two have such a good relationship.¡±


    They complimented them a few times.


    The corners of Huo Xingzhou¡¯s mouth dropped slightly, a trace of a smile flickered in his eyes, ¡°She likes horse riding.¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s ears reddened.


    She hadn¡¯t ridden any of the horses here before, only...Only last night she had been tricked into riding several times.


    But these people didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Likes horse riding? What kind of horses would a country girl ride? Wouldn¡¯t it just be the country mules? Some people just can¡¯t tell the difference between a mule and a horse, and just to highlight their own status, they insist they are riding horses.¡±


    Xiang Huai¡¯s cold, hard features were very aggressive, and his hair was meticulously combed up without a strand out of place.


    His words were harsh, and his tone was disdainful.


    Contempt for Qiao Xi was clearly written all over his face.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s lips curled slightly, sarcasm hiding in her eyes.


    A country girl wanting to blend into their aristocratic circle? Xiang Huai was the first to disagree.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, this is not your clinic. Come on, tell us what breed of horse did you ride? Was it a thoroughbred or an Orlov trotter? Or perhaps a coldblood horse or an Andalusian horse?¡±


    Xiang Huai pressed on, maintaining his haughty aristocratic demeanor, as he insultingly used his money-backed knowledge to humiliate Qiao Xi.


    Others didn¡¯t dare mediate, finding themselves in a difficult position.


    They all knew well that Xiang Huai was standing up for Xu Xingluo.


    Having recently returned from a trip to the Imperial Capital, Xiang Huai heard that Xu Xingluo had been humiliated quite a bit. He brought his beloved to the racetrack for a diversion, only to encounter Huo Xingzhou and his wife.


    ¡°Doctor Qiao, do you have nothing to say? Don¡¯t pretend in front of us. What kind of horse could you possibly ride!¡±


    Xiang Huai sneered coldly, his face carrying a biting sarcasm.


    Qiao Xi bit her lip, remaining silent.


    She hadn¡¯t expected that an offhand remark would trigger so many grievances from Xiang Huai. He had switched seats just to pick a quarrel.


    She truly didn¡¯t recognize those horses.


    Huo Xingzhou looked at him, his eyes glinting with a fine chill, though his expression was nonchalantly casual.


    He tapped on the armrest of his chair and his chillness slowly spread, ¡°She rides the same ¡®kind¡¯ of horse as I do. Do you have any high opinions on that?¡±

 Chapter 179 - 179 179 Delivering to the Doorstep

    ?Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Delivering to the Doorstep Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Delivering to the Doorstep As soon as the words fell.


    These well-informed children of prominent families immediately understood and looked at Huo Xingzhou in shock and ambiguity, never expecting him, always so serious and aloof, to make such a joke.


    Xiang Huai¡¯s face turned an ugly shade of iron blue, and Xu Xingluo¡¯s fingers fiddled with her dress, the jealousy in her eyes wishing to burn Qiao Xi to ashes.


    Qiao Xi¡¯s head dropped even lower, her cheeks flushed red.


    How could Mr. Huo speak of such a thing so seriously and openly?


    Yet, Huo Xingzhou refused to let Xiang Huai off easily, ¡°What breed of horse do you think I am? A thoroughbred or a coldblood horse?¡±


    ¡°You... are shameless.¡±


    Xiang Huai squeezed out a sentence through clenched teeth.


    He had never imagined the flawless Huo Xingzhou would utter such words to defend a village girl.


    He willingly degraded himself by comparing himself to a horse.


    Not far away, a clear-eyed, delicately featured young man spoke up, ¡°Huo Er is of course a rare horse of 185 cm! Others can¡¯t even touch him, yet Doctor Qiao can ride him whenever she pleases.¡±


    Qiao Xi truly wanted to find a hole to burrow into and bury herself.


    ¡°Liu Yi!¡±


    Xu Xingluo roared with uncontrollable anger, ¡°Is that something you should say? Spouting such indecency, yet you are just a child. When we get home, I will make sure Uncle disciplines you well.¡±


    Liu Yi smiled brightly, ¡°Cousin, I¡¯ve already passed my eighteenth birthday. Each time you run to the elders, it seems more childish than my behavior.¡±


    ¡°You...¡±


    ¡°What about me? I¡¯m not playing your game anymore.¡±


    Liu Yi stood up, walked to Qiao Xi, paused, and said, ¡°Doctor Qiao, she is from the Xu Family and I am from the Liu Family. We are not the same; I remember you saved my grandmother, my second uncle, and my younger brother.¡±


    With that, he left through the exit.


    Despite his young age, he could discern right from wrong better than the adults could.


    He remembered all of Qiao Xi¡¯s kindnesses.


    Xu Xingluo was so angry her face turned pale, and her eyes slowly reddened.


    It was always like this with her; if she was not in the right, she would turn on the waterworks and act delicate. Unfortunately, many men fell for that act, feeling that it wasn¡¯t right for a man to quarrel with a young woman.


    Xiang Huai whispered comfort to her, ¡°He is immature, favoring outsiders over his own. Don¡¯t worry, I will always stand by your side.¡±


    Qiao Xi was quite puzzled as to why Xiang Huai was so good to Xu Xingluo, seemingly willing to commit any heinous act for her.


    Huo Xingzhou poked a piece of watermelon with a small fork and held it to her mouth.


    Qiao Xi chewed a couple of times, sweet!


    ¡°Delicious, Mr. Huo, have some too.¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou and she huddled together, not taking the earlier incident to heart at all. The couple watched the indoor equestrian performance, occasionally discussing it.


    During a break in the equestrian performance, Huo Xingzhou also took Qiao Xi down to the field and had the staff bring over the horse he kept in the stable.


    The sleek black horse snorted loudly, extending its head affectionately toward Huo Xingzhou upon seeing him.


    ¡°Mr. Huo, what is this horse¡¯s name?¡± Qiao Xi asked enviously as she watched him.


    It really looks so majestic.


    ¡°It¡¯s called Tianyuan.¡±


    Previously, no one connected the name of the horse with Tianyuan Group until Huo Xingzhou¡¯s identity was revealed. Then everyone realized there had been clues all along.


    ¡°Tianyuan, that sounds very domineering.¡±


    Qiao Xi, with her eyes curved, tried touching its mane.


    So smooth, so comfortable.


    The horse had a good temperament and allowed her to pet it without flinching.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you give it a try? I¡¯ll help you,¡± Huo Xingzhou suggested.


    Qiao Xi was a bit nervous but eager to try, ¡°I don¡¯t know how.¡±


    Back in her hometown, she had only ever ridden an old ox, as horses were rare in such secluded areas.


    The man raised an eyebrow at her, ¡°Just ride like you did last night during the day.¡±


    His strong arms encircled her slim waist, helping her to mount the horse with ease.


    Qiao Xi blushed as she sat on the horse, her hands gripping the reins and her legs pressing into the stirrups. With Huo Xingzhou by her side, she actually felt a wild sense of freedom.


    ¡°Shall we try going to the meadow outside? It feels better to run there,¡± he suggested.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou led the horse outside while Qiao Xi sat on the horse¡¯s back, feeling uncomfortable as she clearly sensed several hostile gazes on her.


    Even without looking, she knew they had to be from Xiang Huai and Xu Xingluo and others.


    Xiang Huai, seeing this scene, felt a surge of anger within.


    During this period, he had been in Imperial Capital handling the Xiang Family and Zhong Family¡¯s orders. The Zhong Family had canceled next quarter¡¯s collaboration with his family after his investigation, he discovered that the Zhong Family had re-signed with Huo Xingzhou.


    Huo Xingzhou had snatched a chunk of lucrative business right from the Xiang Family¡¯s mouth.


    He was scolded by his family, everyone criticizing his carelessness in his choice of friends. Supposedly a close companion, Huo Xingzhou had stolen their Xiang Family¡¯s business.


    Xiang Huai understood Huo Xingzhou¡¯s ambition to expand his business territory.


    Yet, he hadn¡¯t expected that Tianyuan Group¡¯s first move in their attack on Imperial Capital would be to strike at their Xiang Family!


    Huo Xingzhou was too arrogant, truly taking these old, established families of Imperial Capital as weak!


    He stood up and quickly followed him outside!


    ¡°Brother Xiang Huai...¡±


    Xu Xingluo, concerned about what she wanted, also followed Xiang Huai out. The other young masters who were there for the excitement exchanged looks, and casually followed behind them.


    Xiang Huai ran out of the indoor riding arena and said to Huo Xingzhou standing by the horse.


    ¡°Huo Er, let¡¯s have a competition! If I lose, I¡¯ll give up the chance to bid against the Zhong Family next year!¡± Xiang Huai impulsively declared, with darkness and resentment in his eyes.


    He hated most when people said he was inferior to Huo Xingzhou.


    Especially since the woman he loved was intent on marrying Huo Xingzhou, he was willing to endure for Xu Xingluo.


    Huo Xingzhou turned his head and slowly asked, ¡°Compete in what?¡±


    ¡°A hurdle horse race!¡± Xiang Huai said coldly, ¡°It¡¯s about who reaches the finish line, regardless of the rules.¡±


    Horseracing was already a dangerous sport, and his specific emphasis on no rules.


    That would surely be more brutal.


    ¡°No competition,¡± Huo Xingzhou said indifferently.


    Xiang Huai, not willing to give up, said, ¡°Are you scared?¡±


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, I am giving you an opportunity. Do you think Imperial Capital¡¯s business is something you can just meddle with? Our families, no matter how fiercely we compete, unite against a common enemy.¡±


    Xiang Huai wasn¡¯t exaggerating.


    This time, Tianyuan Group had gone through great lengths to secure a quarter¡¯s worth of orders.


    The bet he was offering was very generous.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s brows widened slightly, taking in his agitation and impulsiveness, and slowly said, ¡°I worry you won¡¯t keep your word.¡±


    ¡°I, Xiang Huai, keep my promises,¡± he declared.


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s lips twitched slightly, ¡°I don¡¯t trust verbal bets. You are offering such a big bet, and I¡¯m sure the price I have to pay isn¡¯t small either.¡±


    Xiang Huai took a deep breath and said, ¡°Let¡¯s draft an agreement right now, and both parties will sign. If I lose, next year the Xiang Family will withdraw from bidding with the Zhong Family. If you lose, you will keep out of Imperial Capital¡¯s business forever.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou slightly raised an eyebrow, ¡°Okay.¡±


    If the fish insists on getting caught, what else can he do.

 Chapter 180 - 180 180 I Only Lied to You in Bed

    ?Chapter 180: Chapter 180 I Only Lied to You in Bed Chapter 180: Chapter 180 I Only Lied to You in Bed Seeing Huo Xingzhou so composed, Xiang Huai ground his molars again and emphasized, ¡°Whoever reaches the finish line wins, regardless of the rules, regardless of life and death. The consequences are your own responsibility. Fleeing the field will be seen as forfeiting.¡±


    His gaze coldly fixated on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s legs, hoping once again for him to become disabled so that Xingluo¡¯s attention would never fall on him again. How did Huo Xingzhou not die in the car accident back then?


    Now, he had caused him to lose business and also failed to obtain the woman he wanted.


    He had no choice but to stake everything on one throw of the dice!


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll take responsibility for the consequences.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou¡¯s expression was indifferent, calm and collected.


    Standing beside him, Qiao Xi couldn¡¯t help but grab his arm, her face full of worry.


    Huo Xingzhou patted the back of her hand and said softly, ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°But...¡±


    ¡°Qiao Xi, trust me.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± said Qiao Xi helplessly, knowing she couldn¡¯t change his decision.


    Xiang Huai immediately found a professional lawyer to draft a detailed agreement based on their verbal bet and had it notarized.


    This bet agreement was legally binding.


    Xiang Huai took the agreement, signed his name in the bottom left corner, and pressed his thumbprint.


    He handed the agreement to Huo Xingzhou and said, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t gone too far, we could still be friends.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou spoke calmly, ¡°It¡¯s a dog-eat-dog world in business. Without Tianyuan Group, another company would have snatched up the Zhong Family¡¯s lucrative deal. Did the Xiang Family really think they could secure the Zhong Family¡¯s orders just through personal connections? Isn¡¯t that too naive?


    Business should be compassionate, but it shouldn¡¯t rely solely on compassion.


    It was the Xiang Family¡¯s own fault that they lost the order.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou took the pen and signed his name.


    He looked up, a trace of coldness flickering in his eyes: ¡°Besides, haven¡¯t you stopped considering me a friend long ago?¡±


    Ever since he returned to Haicheng, from the moment he targeted Qiao Xi.


    Xiang Huai clenched his teeth and said coldly, ¡°Just make sure those legs of yours don¡¯t end up crippled again.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, once the agreement is signed. If I die, it¡¯s none of your concern,¡± Huo Xingzhou responded indifferently, as if he didn¡¯t regard life and death of any consequence.


    The lawyer spoke up, interrupting their conversation, ¡°Please both change into your clothes and protective gear. I will record the entire match as evidence.¡±


    After he finished speaking, Huo Xingzhou led Qiao Xi to the changing room.


    Xu Xingluo followed a few steps behind them and called out, ¡°Brother Xingzhou. Your legs have been injured and such vigorous activity is not suitable for you. I¡¯m very worried about you, please don¡¯t compete with Brother Xiang.¡±


    Qiao Xi tightened her grip on Huo Xingzhou¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Miss Xu, if you truly cared about Mr. Huo, you should have spoken out when Xiang Huai proposed the contest. He listens to you, he certainly would have agreed.


    Bringing this up now is like a weasel paying respects to a chicken. Are you out of your mind?¡±


    Qiao Xi¡¯s face was thinly veiled with frost as she forcibly pulled Huo Xingzhou into their private changing room.


    With a snap, she closed the door of the changing room.


    It was evident that she was really angry.


    Huo Xingzhou touched his nose and a slight smile played across his lips.


    Qiao Xi took all the clothes out of the locker and handed them to him: ¡°Change your clothes.¡±


    The situation had reached a point of no return.


    Huo Xingzhou took them and touched the soft top of her head, saying, ¡°Actually, my equestrian skills are not bad.¡±


    Qiao Xi frowned and looked at him angrily, ¡°Your body has suffered serious injuries, and your legs have just recovered. Horse riding isn¡¯t suitable for you, and he said he would play dirty.¡±


    There was too much uncertainty.


    Xiang Huai was full of tricks, and at Qing Lake, he arranged for her to fall into the water, yet he and Xu Xingluo both emerged unscathed.


    A twinkle of amusement passed through Huo Xingzhou¡¯s eyes: ¡°In your heart, am I a very upright person?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to disappoint you then, I¡¯m full of cunning and deceit. If he plans against me, I can strike back.¡±


    Qiao Xi pouted and said discontentedly, ¡°Who talks about themselves like that?¡±


    He clearly was as bright and noble as the luminous sky.


    Huo Xingzhou laughed softly, and in front of her, he slowly took off his clothes and changed into his riding gear. The tight-fitting outfit highlighted his physique completely.


    Very eye-catching.


    Broad shoulders and a narrow waist, truly a male dog¡¯s waist.


    ¡°This race has no rules, and I¡¯ve brought Old Chen with me. He can take on ten by himself.¡± he whispered.


    As long as Xiang Huai made a dishonest move, Old Chen would intervene.


    A sentence reached Qiao Xi¡¯s ears, stirring up ripples in her calm heart.


    She looked up at him intently, mouthing the words silently between her lips, no rules.


    Then she...


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    The couple walked out of the changing room hand in hand.


    Xiang Huai was already waiting in the field, holding a brown horse that looked quite impressive.


    The racetrack was crowded with people eager to watch the excitement. They had heard that the betting stakes here were incredibly high. The parties involved were Huo Xingzhou and Xiang Huai¡ªwho wouldn¡¯t want to watch such an event!


    Zhou Yu, even while romancing at the racecourse, couldn¡¯t help but curse when he heard.


    He held Shu Xue¡¯s hand, hiding in the crowd to watch.


    Seeing Huo Xingzhou appear, his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.


    ¡°Huo Er has gone mad! He¡¯s not long recovered from his legs¡¯ injuries, how could he race Xiang Huai!¡± Zhou Yu then shook his head and added, ¡°No, he never fights a battle unprepared.¡±


    He must be confident.


    If today Huo Xingzhou won, the Xiang Family would withdraw from next year¡¯s bidding. Then, the Zhong Family¡¯s orders would still end up with Tianyuan Group.


    This news getting out, Tianyuan Group¡¯s stocks would definitely soar tomorrow!


    The stock market is just like this, a bit of wind makes the rain, and a little rumor can create huge waves.


    Zhou Yu was mumbling, they were on site to witness this wager, catching the news firsthand.


    So he pulled out his phone, buying more shares!


    Shu Xue spoke softly, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault, you said they wouldn¡¯t come! Qiao Xi must be very worried about Huo Xingzhou. I don¡¯t even know how to go comfort her. Zhou Yu, what are you doing?¡±


    Zhou Yu, without looking up, continued buying more shares: ¡°Good thing today isn¡¯t the weekend, I can still operate the stocks. Listen to me, hurry and buy Tianyuan¡¯s stocks, we¡¯ll definitely make a fortune tomorrow!¡±


    This was no longer just a simple horse race!


    It related to the market value of Tianyuan Group.


    Shu Xue uncertainly asked, ¡°Really?¡±


    Zhou Yu casually said, ¡°I¡¯ve only ever lied to you in bed.¡±


    Shu Xue gave him a look, thought for a moment, and then opened the app on her phone, biting her lip as she followed suit and bought two hundred thousand yuan worth of penny stocks.


    This was all her savings.


    If she lost, she would kill Zhou Yu.


    After they finished their transactions, they sneaked away, leaving the racecourse to avoid being spotted by Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    Compared to Zhou Yu¡¯s roundabout way of getting rich, others on the scene started betting openly.


    It was extraordinarily lively.


    ¡°Come on, place your bets!¡±


    Wealthy young masters are all about exciting diversions to pass the time.


    Considering Huo Xingzhou¡¯s possibly compromised physical condition and Xiang Huai¡¯s confident initiation of the wager, they boldly set the betting odds.


    Xiang Huai¡¯s odds were 1.1, while Huo Xingzhou¡¯s were 2.8.


    ¡°Hurry up, it¡¯s about to start!¡± the prodigal son shouted aloud.


    ¡°I bet on Xiang Huai winning!¡±


    ¡°Xiang Huai! Two hundred thousand!¡±


    ¡°I also support Xiang Huai, one hundred thousand!¡±


    A young man in a pink shirt pushed through the crowd and slapped a check on a makeshift camping table, saying, ¡°Ten million, betting on Huo Xingzhou to win!¡±

 Chapter 181 - 181 181 Charge for Grandpa Kill Him

    ?Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Charge for Grandpa, Kill Him! Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Charge for Grandpa, Kill Him! Everyone was attracted by the boisterous voice and looked over.


    It turned out to be Sun Weimeng!


    ¡°Young Master Sun, isn¡¯t this... a bit too much?¡±


    Sun Weimeng laughed, ¡°Can¡¯t handle it? If you can¡¯t handle it, don¡¯t start a betting pool.¡±


    Sun Weimeng had heard the news about Huo Xingzhou and Xiang Huai racing while at home, and drove his sports car all the way here, finally catching up with the excitement.


    Seeing that everyone was betting on Xiang Huai to win, Young Master Sun scoffed.


    They didn¡¯t understand Huo Xingzhou¡¯s style at all, he was never an impulsive person. Xiang Huai was all show, no substance, just like a shiny, empty eggshell.


    Such a bunch of blind fools!


    Believe in Huo Xingzhou and you shall become rich!


    A bunch of playboys laughed and said, ¡°Young Master Sun, you can¡¯t back out of your ten million loss. Even if Mrs. Sun comes, we will not refund.¡±


    ¡°My family is loaded; ten million is nothing.¡±


    Sun Weimeng snorted coldly, dropped a check, took a receipt, and squeezed to the front of the crowd.


    He finally saw Huo Xingzhou and Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Huo Er, Fairy!¡±


    Qiao Xi turned around, surprised, ¡°Young Master Sun, how did you get here?¡±


    Sun Weimeng mumbled, ¡°The whole city¡¯s gone mad, saying you were racing here. How could you not tell me earlier? I just placed ten million on Huo Xingzhou.¡±


    ¡°Ten million?¡±


    Qiao Xi was shocked by the amount.


    ¡°Huo Er, go for it! If you win, I¡¯ll treat you to a big meal,¡± Sun Weimeng encouraged.


    Huo Xingzhou glanced at Qiao Xi and said, ¡°The finest table at Jinling Grand Hotel.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± Sun Weimeng patted his chest, ¡°I remember your wife loves the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish from there.¡±


    Of course, she loves it.


    Otherwise, why would Huo Xingzhou choose Jinling Grand Hotel?


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou!¡± Xiang Huai, mounted on his horse, shouted, ¡°Stop dawdling.¡±


    Huo Xingzhou let go of Qiao Xi¡¯s hand, agilely leapt onto his horse, completing the move in one smooth action.


    His tall figure was accentuated by his riding attire, making him look more handsome and aloof than usual by a hundredfold.


    The horse tapped its hooves and walked to the starting line.


    The racetrack¡¯s steeplechase was set up with fences, stone walls, and ditches. For the viewers¡¯ convenience, their race involved a round trip, crossing a 1200-meter marker at the far end and coming back.


    There were high-definition cameras all along, monitoring the contestants throughout the race.


    Even without the cameras, those involved in the betting were watching closely, afraid to compromise their interests.


    Xiang Huai, holding his riding crop, hooked the corner of his mouth and said, ¡°Xingzhou, I¡¯m giving you one last chance to back out.¡±


    He knew Huo Xingzhou¡¯s horse was formidable, but could it outrun a horse on stimulants?


    ¡°Not needed,¡± Huo Xingzhou was utterly aloof.


    ¡°It¡¯s you who insists on finding trouble.¡±


    This time, he was not only planning to take back the Xiang Family¡¯s business but also to teach Huo Xingzhou a lesson.


    ¡°Please be ready.¡±


    The referee raised the flag!


    Bang!


    The starting gun fired!


    The two fine horses dashed out, kicking up dust.


    The crowd was noisy, shouting out encouragements, their faces flushed as if they themselves were competing.


    ¡°Go Xiang Huai! Charge! I¡¯ve bet a million on you!¡±


    ¡°Xiang Huai, man up!¡±


    ¡°Xiang Huai...¡±


    Upon hearing this, Sun Weimeng realized that the cheers for Xiang Huai had drowned out the rest of the field.


    That won¡¯t do, his main man Huo Xingzhou had to show his mettle!


    Young Master Sun swiftly climbed onto a camping table and, snatching the megaphone from the referee, he shouted down from his high perch.


    ¡°Huo Xingzhou, for Young Master Sun, wipe out Xiang Huai!¡±


    ¡°Wipe him out!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the best!¡±


    Young Master Sun dominated the field all by himself.


    Not satisfied with merely shouting himself, he insisted on pulling Qiao Xi up high and thrust the microphone into her hands.


    ¡°Come on, cheer for your husband! When he hears your voice, he will definitely be filled with excitement and take the lead!¡±


    Qiao Xi was a bit embarrassed.


    Sun Weimeng encouraged her, ¡°What¡¯s there to be ashamed of? Wouldn¡¯t it be even more embarrassing if you lost? Shout it out now!¡±


    Qiao Xi thought about it and realized he was right, so she took the microphone and shouted loudly, ¡°Mr. Huo, you can do it!¡±


    Her clear and ringing voice burst forth, making Xu Xingluo grind her teeth in jealousy. Why could Qiao Xi stand by Huo Xingzhou¡¯s side so openly?


    Previously, the woman cheering for him had been her.


    Xu Xingluo deliberately bumped into the camping table, causing it to wobble and nearly knocking Sun Weimeng and Qiao Xi off.


    Sun Weimeng cursed angrily, ¡°Who the hell did that? Stay away from Young Master!¡±


    Puffing up his cheeks, he looked fiercely around and his gaze landed on Xu Xingluo, ¡°Hmph, was it you? Trying to make Young Master fall, you and Xiang Huai are the same, all show and no substance.¡±


    ¡°You...¡± Xu Xingluo, face ashen with anger, said, ¡°You¡¯re slandering me!¡±


    She still remembered that Sun Weimeng used to try to please her, one of his suitors. Now he had completely changed, surely instigated by Qiao Xi.


    ¡°Spouting nonsense at you, so what? Didn¡¯t you learn your lesson last time with the driving test?¡± Young Master Sun didn¡¯t care about decency as he gestured at Xu Xingluo¡¯s chest, ¡°Got rid of your implants and switched to padding? How thick did you pad to squeeze out a cleavage?¡±


    ¡°My brother Huo Xingzhou is not a shallow man. Even if you squeezed out the Grand Canyon or the Mariana Trench, he wouldn¡¯t spare you a glance!¡±


    With a smack of his lips, the insults flew.


    Xu Xingluo¡¯s face alternated between pale and flushed, and many eyes unconsciously glanced at her chest.


    She crossed her arms over her chest, tears brimming in her eyes.


    She remembered today¡¯s humiliation!


    ¡°Look! They¡¯re coming back!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a close match!¡±


    The crowd gasped in surprise as the two dim figures in the distance drew nearer.


    Xiang Huai and Huo Xingzhou were running neck and neck. Xiang Huai was riding on a horseback, the wind howling past his ears as his blood rushed to his head.


    He had fed the horse a stimulant, yet Huo Xingzhou was still keeping pace with him.


    Grinding his teeth, he whipped the horse fiercely again.


    Yet Huo Xingzhou stubbornly stuck with him, the distance between their horses also very close.


    300 meters to the finish line!


    200 meters!


    100 meters!


    Huo Xingzhou remained relentless by his side, infuriating Xiang Huai as uncontrollable jealousy surged forth.


    Why couldn¡¯t he outpace him!


    His eyes bloodshot, he raised his whip and violently lashed it across Huo Xingzhou¡¯s wrist, then another lash struck his leg in mid-air!


    Whish!


    The sound of the whip was like splitting bamboo, harshly striking Huo Xingzhou¡¯s flesh.


    Bloodstains appeared, and fresh blood turned bright red.


    Huo Xingzhou, in pain, loosened his grip, slowing down.


    Xiang Huai revealed a vicious smile, spurring his horse forward triumphantly.


    This should leave him behind.


    50 meters!


    20 meters!


    10 meters!


    5 meters!


    The young gentlemen betting on Xiang Huai were extremely excited, their cheers almost escaping their lips. Once Xiang Huai crossed the finish line, they would collect their money.


    Sun Weimeng beat his chest and stomped, his voice hoarse from yelling.


    The driver Old Chen, standing by the finish line, had a gleam in his eye and was poised to make his move.


    Suddenly.


    A slender, chilling beam of light shot through the air.