Chapter 135: Just Ask Him Directly

Lu Xun handed the contract to Yan Zhixu along with a pen. "Ah Xu, I had a professional lawyer look over the contract, and there’s no problem with it. Please take a final look, and if everything is fine, you can sign it."

His face was full of eagerness, hoping she would sign the contract.

This was a chance for her to make a comeback, a complete turnaround!

Yan Zhixu took the pen and opened the contract, signing her name decisively at the end of the last page. 

It was quick and clean, without hesitation, so straightforward it was almost refreshing.

After signing, she handed the contract and pen back to him. "It’s done."

Lu Xun gripped the pen tightly, his eyes filled with emotion. He sniffled, his fair face glowing with both joy and guilt.

Ah Xu trusted his work ability so much, and he was determined to work even harder. 

If he had been more competent before, Ah Xu wouldn’t have been so heavily criticized.

Lu Xun nodded firmly. "Ah Xu, don’t worry, I’ll do my best!"

Yan Zhixu smiled softly. "Mm."

After hearing Lu Xun’s words, Yan Jinxiu’s earlier displeasure faded a little.

His work ability might not be top-notch, but at least he wasn’t completely hopeless.

Although his uncle wouldn't cause trouble for his sister, hiring a professional lawyer to check the contract without knowing the relationship between the two was still something that could be salvaged.

Yan Zheng nodded and gave a soft compliment. "You did well."

This manager, though flamboyant, didn’t seem the type to spark rumors with Ah Xu. He was more like Ah Xu’s male confidant.

"Thank you."

Lu Xun felt a bit embarrassed but was mostly excited—he had just been praised by the big boss!

Yan Zhixu casually asked, "By the way, do you know who else is participating in the variety show?"

Lu Xun shook his head, indicating that he didn’t know.

His brows furrowed, and after pausing for a moment, he lifted his head.

"Ah Xu, if you really want to know, I can ask around?"

But Director Nan had done a good job with this, so there might not be any useful information to uncover.

....

This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

....

Yan Zhixu gently pressed her tongue against her teeth. "No need."

Seeing her interested for once, Nan Wenshu immediately patted the sofa she was sitting on.

"What’s there to ask around for? Don’t worry! If you want to know, I’ll just call him directly."

She said this with complete confidence, and somehow, it felt convincing, as though no task was beyond her reach.

Realizing Nan Wenshu’s identity, Lu Xun’s eyes widened in shock, as if a whole new world had opened up before him.

It was true—money could really make anything possible. What would be a difficult task for others was as easy as a single phone call for Mrs. Yan.

"No need." Yan Zhixu gently refused, then turned to Lu Xun. "Is there anything else, Brother Lu?"

"Ah Xu, you’re about to start working. You can’t be without an assistant to take care of you. Do you think we can start considering hiring an assistant?"

When he mentioned it, Yan Zhixu remembered that it had been quite a while since the last assistant was dismissed by the otherworldly woman.

"Mm."

"By the way, when we hire the assistant, I need to go to the studio to check it out."

There were some truly malicious and devious people that should not be hired.

Lu Xun had no objections and nodded repeatedly. "Of course, that’s a must."

The assistant was hired to take care of Ah Xu, so the choice of candidate had to meet her satisfaction.

---

After finalizing everything, Lu Xun hurriedly left the Yan family mansion with the briefcase.

He needed to send the contract to Director Nan soon. Only once the formalities were complete could he stop worrying about the resources being snatched away.

(End of chapter) 

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 134: Seeing Through But Not Speaking Out

The tension melted away, and Lu Xun stood up with excitement, a clear joy on his face. "Ah Xu, baby..."

Just as he turned his head, the sight of the Yan family—Mr. Yan, Mrs. Yan, and their son—walking in together met his eyes.

Mr. and Mrs. Yan were strikingly good-looking, exuding an understated aura that only comes with time and cannot be obtained in a day.

Especially Mr. Yan, who looked gentle and harmless, but there was something inexplicably intimidating about him.

Lu Xun felt that hidden behind his gaze was a beast, one that, when angered, could tear its enemies to shreds.

"Mr. Yan, Mrs. Yan, Young Master Yan... I sincerely apologize for not notifying you in advance and disturbing you like this."

Lu Xun’s body tensed up, standing and greeting each of them, resembling a student caught in the act by a strict teacher.

Yan Zhixu sat on the sofa, her hand resting on the side cushion. "Brother Lu, relax, no need to be nervous."

She then straightened her back.

Pouring a glass of water, she handed it to him. "Here, drink. It’ll quench your thirst."

Lu Xun took the cup from her and drank it all in one go, looking as if he were drinking poison, making anyone unaware think it was something lethal.

Lu Xun was touched. "Thank you, Ah Xu."

Ah Xu was truly a kind little angel, so considerate of him, sob sob sob.

"..."

Yan Jinxiu sat down, casting a glance at Lu Xun with an obvious look of disdain in his eyes.

No matter how he looked at him, he found the manager to be both foolish and overly flamboyant, the kind whose IQ could be contagious.

Seeing Yan Zhixu's concern for Lu Xun, he held back, barely stopping a sarcastic remark from escaping his mouth.

Yan Zheng sat down and raised his hand to his mouth. "Cough, cough, cough..."

Nan Wenshu, looking anxious, believed it and innocently asked, "Honey, do you have a cold? Should I ask the butler to prepare some medicine for you?"

How strange, how could he catch a cold on such a hot day? He was fine when they left home, but suddenly ill after coming out of the hospital? The air conditioning there wasn’t even that cold.

Lu Xun didn’t think much of it and asked out of concern, "Mr. Yan, are you feeling unwell?"

Yan Zhixu raised an eyebrow, poured another glass of water, and handed it to him.

....

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....

Her eyes were full of understanding. "Dad, drink this. It’ll soothe your throat, you’ll feel better."

Yan Zheng took the cup and sipped, feeling the plain water somehow tasted sweet.

His daughter was so thoughtful, even finding a way to help him out of an awkward situation. He didn’t have to feel embarrassed.

He put the cup down. "After soothing my throat, I do feel much better."

Nan Wenshu looked suspicious. Could plain water really be that effective?

Yan Jinxiu scoffed with a hint of meaning.

The old man’s jealousy was truly immense. First, he was jealous of his wife’s celebrity crush, and now he was even jealous of a flamboyant manager hanging around his daughter.

Hopeless.

Rolling his eyes, he hugged a cushion and took out his phone, starting a game.

He knew that his father had double standards, so this time, he was smart enough not to call him out.

After seeing Lu Xun relax a little, Yan Zhixu propped her head up with one hand. "Brother Lu, is there something you need?"

Her prompt made Lu Xun remember what he had come for.

He grabbed the briefcase sitting on the sofa, pulled out a contract from inside, and his face lit up with excitement. "Ah Xu, Ah Xu, Director Nan sent you an invitation! He wants you to join the variety show 'Starting from Zero' he’s planning to shoot!"

Director Nan's shows were highly sought after in the industry, with many celebrities eager to appear on them.

He never expected Director Nan would invite Ah Xu, let alone send the contract over directly.

(End of chapter) 

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 133: The Doctor and the Patient’s Family

After Fu Shimo finished his examination, he took off his stethoscope and pulled a pen from the pocket of his white coat. He wrote down a list of traditional Chinese medicine ingredients on a piece of paper.

Once done, he capped the pen and returned it to his pocket.

He took the prescription and handed it to Yan Zhixu. "Have these medicines prepared and make sure your grandfather takes them daily. Long-term use will help with his recovery."

She nodded, reached out, and took the prescription. "Alright."

The moment they exchanged the note, their fingertips lightly brushed against each other.

His fingers were cold, but in the scorching summer heat, they felt like the perfect antidote to the heat.

Yan Zhixu looked at the list of herbs, casually stuffed it into her pocket.

Yan Zheng: "..."

He was the head of the family, so why did Director Fu bypass him and give the prescription directly to Ah Xu?

His thoughts were unclear, and he looked at Fu Shimo, subtly and carefully observing him.

No matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t find any clues.

Fu Shimo’s expression was calm and natural, as if he had simply handed the prescription to whoever was nearby.

Yan Zheng's eyes showed a hint of concern. "Ah Xu, give me the prescription. You’re busy, and you can't keep track of things at the hospital."

Yan Zhixu ignored him and looked at Fu Shimo, her lips slightly parted. "Do you have any more notes?"

Seemingly knowing what she wanted, he didn’t ask and immediately pulled out a pen and a stack of sticky notes, handing them to her.

"Thanks."

Taking the items, Yan Zhixu took out the prescription from her pocket and copied the herbs onto several pieces of paper.

After finishing, she capped the pen and distributed the notes to everyone present.

Her expression was calm and composed. "Everyone has a copy now, it will be more convenient."

Her explanation was flawless, and Yan Zheng didn’t find anything wrong. He put the prescription back in his pocket.

He smiled with approval. "Not bad, not bad. Ah Xu is always thoughtful."

Having a daughter was truly great—she was practically a little padded jacket, always looking out for others.

....

This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

....

Yan Zhixu returned the remaining sticky notes and pen to Fu Shimo, who naturally took them and placed them back in his pocket.

The two maintained calm expressions, embodying the professional relationship between a doctor and the family of a patient, with no trace of ambiguity.

Yan Jinxiu looked at the sticky notes with the prescription handed to him and raised an eyebrow.

With a lazy tone, he said, "I’m busy with school, this prescription is of no use to me."

Nan Wenshu covered her face, feeling like her son might be in trouble with her husband again.

Her instincts proved correct.

Yan Zheng stuffed the sticky note into his trousers pocket. "Busy? Are you busier than your sister? Or your older brother? Or your mom and I?"

Yan Jinxiu: "Damn, I shouldn’t have said anything. Whatever I say, it’s always wrong."

"Well, you’re all very busy."

So, does that mean he’s the only one with free time? Didn’t they know he was a high school sophomore?

And his mom is busy? Busy with chasing stars? His dad said that without feeling guilty.

Fu Shimo’s gaze landed on the pocket of Yan Zhixu’s pants. A faint smile flickered in his deep eyes, so subtle it was almost imperceptible.

...

After spending the morning at the hospital, they finally returned to the Mansion.

As soon as they entered the house, they saw Lu Xun sitting in the living room, waiting.

Perhaps due to the absence of any real host, he looked somewhat stiff, sitting up straight and not daring to move casually.

Yan Zhixu walked toward the sofa. "Brother Lu."

The familiar voice sounded, and to Lu Xun’s ears, it was like a melody from the heavens.

(End of chapter) 

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 132: Perfectly Exemplified Double Standards

After Mr. Yan finished his breakfast, the young nurse cleared away the food box and exited the room.

Fu Shimo, holding a stethoscope in one hand, stepped toward the bedside.

As he passed by Yan Zhixu, his gaze subtly landed on her.

She was wearing a white short-sleeve shirt, exposing a portion of her fair arm.

Her white high-waisted sports pants made her legs look exceptionally long.

Although the pants were somewhat loose, hiding the true shape of her legs, he gave her a quick glance and roughly estimated her figure.

The little friend’s body had the golden ratio, and her legs were surely no exception.

He didn’t pause his steps and walked directly toward the bed, brushing past her.

This subtle assessment went unnoticed by everyone else in the room, but how could Yan Zhixu, the one being observed, not sense it?

She lowered her head, glanced at her legs, then raised her eyes to look at Fu Shimo’s back, a glimmer of amusement flashing in her eyes.

It seemed like she had discovered a little secret about Director Fu. The seemingly refined and aloof director was actually quite reserved and flirtatious at his core.

But this sense of restraint was truly attractive, and it drew her in...

Yan Jinxiu noticed her expression, "What are you daydreaming about? Are your thoughts about to run away?"

Yan Zhixu suppressed the amusement in her eyes and sat down on a chair.

"I’m thinking about things that you little kids wouldn't understand." She crossed her legs, idly swinging one leg, exuding a wild and unruly vibe.

Their conversation wasn’t in a hushed tone, and everyone in the room could hear it clearly.

Yan Shilin shot her a glare, his eyes full of frustration as if he was about to punch the air.

Director Fu was still here, and yet, here she was, sitting and acting so casual.

How could someone like Little Fu possibly take a liking to her with such a disrespectful attitude?!

This granddaughter really had no future, and all his efforts were wasted on her.

Seeing her father glare at his daughter, Yan Zheng’s previously calm and friendly demeanor vanished.

"Little brat, this is a hospital room, it needs to be quiet. What are you doing? If you want to talk, go outside. Don’t disturb your sister, and especially don’t disturb Director Fu while he’s treating your grandfather."

....

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....

The scolding words came quickly, without a pause.

Yan Jinxiu: "…"

It was so sudden.

He understood not disturbing Director Fu—it made sense that a medical consultation shouldn’t be interrupted, as it could affect the decision-making process.

But why couldn’t his sister be disturbed? Was she sitting there thinking about some national issue that couldn’t be interrupted?!

"Son, behave, and shut your mouth."

If she angered her husband, this troublesome son would truly regret it.

Nan Wenshu patted his shoulder with sympathy, and a hint of schadenfreude in her voice.

"Alright, I’ll keep quiet."

Yan Jinxiu rubbed his forehead and snorted, showing no interest in the caring words.

Don’t think he didn’t notice—the smile in his mother’s eyes couldn’t be concealed.

Her acting was really bad, and she hadn’t learned anything from her idol.

Yan Zhixu saw how frustrated Yan Jinxiu looked and praised, "Now that’s being obedient."

Her little brother had a very low status at home, barely above the dog, truly a "difficult sibling."

Yan Jinxiu: "…"

He was done. Everyone else had spoken, but his dad didn’t reprimand them at all. He didn’t even show any intention of interfering.

This truly exemplified double standards in action.

(End of chapter) 

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 131: Miss Yan is Right

Upon hearing the noise, everyone in the hospital room simultaneously turned their gaze toward the door.

A young nurse, dressed in a nurse's uniform, holding a food box, walked to the bedside after greeting everyone with a perfectly timed smile.

She opened the food box and placed it on the small cabinet beside the bed. "Mr. Yan, here is your breakfast for today."

Yan Shilin looked at the bowl of white chicken porridge with disdain and waved his hand, "Little girl, do you have any chili? Can you add some chili?"

The meals in the hospital are bland, and now, just hearing the word "bland" annoys him.

"Well..." The young nurse hesitated, her face showing a bit of embarrassment.

Mr. Yan's diet had been specially instructed by the hospital director, and she truly didn't dare to make any decisions on her own.

Moreover... after Mr. Yan asked, she clearly felt the intense, almost scorching gaze from the other family members directed at her, with faces slightly darkened.

She gave an official response, "This might require consulting the attending doctor..."

Mr. Yan's attending physician happened to be the hospital director.

"Consult about what?"

A deep, magnetic voice sounded, and Fu Shimo walked into the room, his cold gaze landing on the nurse, who was now smiling happily.

"Director, Mr. Yan wants to eat something with a stronger flavor."

Now that the director was here, she was finally relieved and no longer had to face the persistent, stubborn old man.

The joy came so suddenly that she almost wished she could disappear from the room at that moment.

Fu Shimo's expression remained unchanged as he repeated, "Stronger flavor."

Upon seeing him, Yan Shilin's face showed urgency, desperately wanting a positive answer.

"Little Fu, Ah Xu said I can't eat spicy food, but this bland soup is really hard to swallow every meal."

He was speaking as if to elicit sympathy, but his eager expression and slightly raised voice made his attempt at pity fall flat.

Fu Shimo's gaze subtly shifted toward the lazy, cat-like Yan Zhixu, his eyes darkening. "Miss Yan is right."

Upon hearing his magnetic voice, Yan Zhixu looked up, lazily lifted her eyelids, and smirked, "Thank you for the compliment, Director Fu."

....

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....

She said, her gaze falling on him, her eyes full of mockery.

Tsk, when no one else is around, he calls her "little friend," but when there are people, he calls her "Miss Yan."

Fu Shimo’s voice remained steady, "Given your current health condition, you cannot eat spicy or stimulating foods for the time being."

His cold words instantly crushed Yan Shilin’s eager hopes.

He slumped, lowering his head, a look of grievance clearly visible on his aging face.

However, no one in the room was moved by his seemingly pitiful expression; no one’s heart softened.

Although satisfying one’s cravings could bring temporary joy, it could trigger a series of reactions that might undo all the previous efforts.

Yan Zhixu moved her wrist slightly, "Grandfather, do you need me to feed you? If you don’t eat soon, the porridge will get cold."

Seeing her gesture, the others in the room: "..."

It was clearly a caring statement, but her stance, filled with confrontation, made it easy for others to misinterpret her intentions.

Yan Shilin snorted coldly, "Eat, why wouldn’t I eat?!"

Man is iron, rice is steel; if you skip a meal, you feel miserable. Although it doesn’t taste very good, he can’t let himself suffer from hunger.

Yan Zheng saw the old man’s quick movements and smiled with amusement, probably because he was really hungry. "Dad, slow down."

The old man ignored them completely, too lazy to even respond, silently drinking the porridge with rapid movements, as though he were venting his frustration.

(End of chapter)   

Next Chapter ►►

 Chapter 130: Bad Luck

Yan Zhixu followed his gaze and noticed the nurse's look of disdain.

She raised her hand and lightly patted his shoulder before stepping away.

His role as a women's friend had just cost him a small admirer.

Sheng Jinyun: ?????  

Completely bewildered, not understanding what just happened.

"During work hours, strolling in the hallway, you seem very free." Suddenly, a deep voice rang out behind him.

Sheng Jinyun’s body tensed, and his heart nearly bled. He turned and saw Fu Shimo standing behind him.

He was wearing a white coat, one hand tucked into his pocket, seemingly on his way to do rounds, with a stethoscope hanging around his neck.

The aura he exuded was both intimidating and alluring, but at the same time, an overwhelming pressure surrounded him.

Sheng Jinyun, feeling highly nervous, replied, "Free? That must be your illusion. Actually, I’m very busy."

He wasn’t lying; he really was busy.

He had many surgeries to perform, and a lot of babies waiting for him to deliver.

A big man like him working in obstetrics and gynecology every day had a lot of pressure.

Fu Shimo’s gaze was cold and indifferent. "I don’t see you as busy."

Perhaps he had too much free time, which is why he could run around to different departments.

Fu Shimo pushed his glasses up and said, "No bonus for this month."

With that, he turned and walked past Sheng Jinyun, heading straight for the ward where Yan Shilin was.

Sheng Jinyun stood there: "…"

He pressed his hand to his chest, looking devastated.

What kind of terrible luck was he having today? In just one day, he kept losing money.

There was already little money in his account, and now his bonus was deducted. His already tight life was made even harder.

After a few seconds of mourning, he took a deep breath, pulled himself together, and walked out of the inpatient department.

——

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....

In the ward.

Yan Zhixu pushed open the door, and the conversation between the people inside halted.

Nan Wenshu’s face showed urgency. "Ah Xu, what did Director Fu say?"

Her gaze turned to Grandpa Yan, her tone calm but with a hint of joy in her eyes.

"He’s almost done with the treatment, and there’s no major issue left. He’ll recover soon."

Nan Wenshu was both shocked and delighted. "Ah Xu, you didn’t misunderstand, right?"

Before Yan Zhixu could answer, Yan Shilin, lying on the hospital bed, immediately voiced his displeasure.

"How could Ah Xu have misunderstood?"

After shouting this out in a strong voice, he looked at Yan Zheng, standing by the bed. "Little Fu already said my condition is fine, so hurry up and buy me a spicy hot pot."

He had been eating hospital food for nearly two years.

The meals at Jiuwan were good, nutritious, and well-balanced, but he still felt uncomfortable without some chili.

Yan Zhixu leaned against the wall and crushed Yan Shilin's pleasant fantasies without mercy. "Grandpa, you can’t eat spicy food."

His body was still weak, and before fully recovering, spicy and stimulating foods were off-limits.

Hearing his daughter’s firm stance, Yan Zheng didn’t bother asking Yan Jinxiu for his opinion.

He directly made the decision. "Dad, Ah Xu said so. You can’t eat spicy food."

No one in the ward was on his side, and Yan Shilin felt a deep sense of both frustration and grievance.

He hadn’t had spicy food for a long time, and he was starting to forget what chili tasted like.

But he couldn’t lose face in front of everyone, so Yan Shilin glared back.

"You yourself said it, not from Little Fu’s mouth! Little Fu is the doctor, not Ah Xu!"

His voice was fierce, filled with anger and frustration.

"Click—"

Suddenly, the door to the ward was pushed open.  

(End of Chapter)  

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 129: A Model-like, Dogged Follower

After a few seconds of silence, Sheng Jinyun’s heart bled.

Had he known it would turn out like this, he would have bolted at the first opportunity.

Staying here meant having his wages deducted, while being followed by his aunt and asked to pay for services rendered.

No matter how you looked at it, this choice was grim. These two were both incredibly scheming at their core.

He pulled out his phone. "WeChat transfer."

"Mm."

Yan Zhixu took out her phone and handed him the QR code for payment.

Sheng Jinyun gritted his teeth, his resolve hardening. He hesitated for less than five seconds before raising his phone to scan the code.

He quickly entered the amount. With every extra zero he typed, a sharp pain tugged at his heart, and even though he didn’t have a heart condition, he nearly had a heart attack.

"WeChat transfer complete, 20,000 yuan!"

The notification sound from WeChat echoed in his ears.

Seeing the extra money in his wallet, Yan Zhixu slid her phone back into her pocket.

Sheng Jinyun: "..."

He glanced at the balance in his bank account and sighed deeply, realizing just how tough life was.

This bloody lesson had taught him one thing: never casually walk into someone’s office just because you have a good relationship with them.

Knocking first was truly important!!!

Yan Zhixu glanced at him, looking a little downcast. "Next time you need something, find me, and I’ll give you an 80% discount."

Upon hearing this, a flash of fear crossed Sheng Jinyun’s face.

He laughed awkwardly, "Heh… will do, will do."

Having gone through something like this once was enough. He definitely didn’t want to experience it a second time.

Yan Zhixu took out a red hundred-yuan note from her pocket.

With nimble fingers, she folded it a few times, creating a small, delicate charm.

....

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....

She handed it to Sheng Jinyun. "Here, a free gift."

When he saw the charm resting in her palm, his previously downcast mood evaporated, replaced by an overwhelming sense of joy.

He took the charm, carefully stuffed it into his pocket, and patted it, feeling reassured.

"Thank you, Auntie. From now on, you’re my real auntie, the kind that even the King of Heaven can’t replace."

Spending 20,000 yuan for a charm seemed like a bargain, especially considering he had witnessed the charm’s power firsthand. It could save his life in a critical moment!

This wasn’t just a charm—it was a literal life-saving armor, a universal golden body!

Yan Zhixu looked at him with disdain. "Forget it. I don’t want a nephew as big as you."

Sheng Jinyun wasn’t the least bit disheartened. He continued to smile broadly and called out, "Auntie."

As long as it kept him safe, he would call her anything—if she wanted him to call her "ancestor," he’d do that too.

"…"

At the nurse's station in the middle of the hallway.

The distance was a bit far, and the nurse on duty couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she clearly heard the sound of a WeChat transfer!

Dr. Sheng transferred 20,000 to this woman, and she gave him a folded hundred-yuan note in return.

In other words, within a short time, this woman made a net profit of 19,900 yuan!!

And Dr. Sheng didn’t even look the slightest bit reluctant. He smiled genuinely, his expression sincere, like he was truly happy.

The nurse eyed Dr. Sheng, scrutinizing him from head to toe, then scoffed and turned away.

Dr. Sheng was quite handsome, and he had many admirers at the hospital.

But who would have guessed that someone with such good looks and prospects was, in fact, a complete and utter doormat!?

If he weren’t, how could he possibly engage in such a thankless and foolish act?

The nurse's gaze was too intense, and when Sheng Jinyun looked over, he caught her turning her head in exasperation.

????? 

What was going on? Why did she suddenly look at him like that?

(End of Chapter)

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 127: The Child's Analysis is Correct

The veins on the back of the man's hand were clearly visible, and his cold white fingers had no warmth, just like him—cold and distant.

Yan Zhixu leaned forward, her hands clasped together, supporting her chin on them, looking very much like she was listening intently.

Fu Shimo pulled the medical records he had placed earlier and handed them to her.

Opening it, the thick stack of records all belonged to the old man.

Since his hospitalization and treatment, there had been detailed records for every day.

His handwriting was unlike many doctors' scribbled notes; it was elegant and graceful.

Yan Zhixu lowered her head, carefully flipping through the hospitalization files on the table. Her eyes were cold and clear, occasionally flashing with seriousness.

She scanned the records quickly, reading with great speed, getting a general understanding of the old man's condition.

Closing the files with a faint sound, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her fingers and resting them behind her head as if laying it on a pillow.

Her attitude was casual, almost lazy, but the solemn and cold gleam in her eyes made it clear that she wasn’t indifferent to the old man’s condition.

Yan Zhixu spoke with certainty, “Hepatocyte necrosis.”

Although Director Fu hadn’t written the diagnosis in the records, she had been through countless worlds and had worked as a doctor before. Her medical skills weren’t world-class, but they were far from mediocre.

She could understand the medical terms, the specialized words, and the description of the disease in the records.

“Correct.” Fu Shimo lightly tapped the desk.

He took a pen from the pen holder, without any unnecessary flourishes, unscrewed the cap, and with extreme precision, circled the key parts on the medical records.

“Old Master Yan was diagnosed with acute liver failure as soon as he entered Jiuan Hospital.”

“In the year or so since, his bilirubin levels have risen significantly, with too many necrotic cells, leaving the liver with very little function.”

“After prolonged treatment, Old Master Yan’s condition has improved from severe acute liver failure to moderate cellular necrosis.”

His gaze was focused, and with a pen in hand, he pointed at the highlighted sections of the records.

Under his glasses, his eyes were serious and intent, looking like a young professor lecturing his students. Beneath his clothes, there was an aura of restraint.

....

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....

Yan Zhixu took the records from his hand and propped her head up with one hand.

Tilting her head lazily, she spoke with casual ease, “Acute liver failure turning into moderate cellular necrosis. After more treatment, if bilirubin drops, transaminases disappear, and the moderate cellular necrosis turns into a common condition, bilirubin won’t rise again. At that point, liver protection and transaminase-lowering drugs will quickly lead to a full recovery.”

A star and a doctor, from two completely different fields, yet there was no communication barrier whatsoever.

“The child’s analysis is very correct.”

After hearing her words, there was no surprise in Fu Shimo’s eyes. It seemed as though her knowledge didn’t surprise him at all.

A few traces of admiration appeared in his deep, mysterious eyes, but they quickly disappeared, so fast that it was hard to catch.

“Tsk.”

Seeing his gaze still calm as usual, Yan Zhixu released her hand from her head and lazily stood up from her seat.

She placed both hands on the desk, slightly bending her waist and leaning forward, closing the distance between them instantly.

Yan Zhixu’s demeanor was brimming with a rebellious air, and she let out a light chuckle as she spoke, “Director Fu, since I analyzed it correctly, I wonder if there’s any reward?”

(End of Chapter)

 Chapter 128: Learn to Fight for Yourself

Although she was asking for something, there was no trace of coquettishness on her face, only a teasing glint in her eyes, as if she were deliberately toying with him.

One was seated, the other standing, and neither of them was in a position of submission.

The posture was inexplicably a bit ambiguous, yet the atmosphere between them remained clear and cold, not at all romantic.

Fu Shimo's hand, resting on the desk, barely clenched, with no excess flesh, and his fingers, thin and long, moved slightly.

"Oh? What reward does the little one want? Tell me, let's hear it."

After speaking, he leaned back, reclining in the black swivel chair behind the desk.

His posture was casual and scholarly, exuding immense attraction.

Especially with the white lab coat he was wearing, it was as if he was performing a seductive uniform act, making it feel as though one was unknowingly drawn into temptation.

Yan Zhixu's eyes greedily fixed on his flawless hands.

Her gaze was intense, like a burning fire.

Her tone was calm, "Nothing much, I just want to touch them."

Upon hearing her words, Fu Shimo let out a low, raspy laugh.

A flash of something sharp appeared in his eyes before it quickly vanished.

"Little one, if you want something, you need to learn to fight for it."

His voice carried an endless allure, like a sea siren drawing one into a trap.

Yan Zhixu nodded in agreement with his words, her lips curling into a smile, "You're right, well said."

No matter how many times she looked at his hands, they still held the same irresistible allure.

Tsk, they were so perfect that one couldn’t help but want to possess them.

She didn’t reach out immediately, and the two maintained their stance.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a gentle golden light on them.

Their eyes met, the atmosphere natural, yet it felt as if they were subtly at odds.

There was a sense of tension, as if they were on equal footing, locked in a quiet confrontation.

“Click—”

Suddenly, the office door swung open, and the carefully built atmosphere dissipated in an instant.

The person standing in the doorway looked at the two of them and froze, eyes wide with shock.

Sheng Jinyun felt a chill down his spine, his back cold with sweat, and his heart raced in panic.

"Sorry, you can just pretend I’m not here. Continue, continue..."

His thoughts were a mess. Did he just accidentally ruin something between his aunt and his boss, who also happened to be his brother?

He backed away, intending to leave the office and kindly close the door behind him.

Yan Zhixu gave a regretful glance at those hands before retracting her own and straightening up.

Turning around, she glanced toward the door, "What’s the hurry?"

Sheng Jinyun: "..."

Under her gaze, his smile became extremely awkward.

Was Auntie stopping him from leaving? Was she planning on getting back at him?

She took a few steps toward the door and then stopped, "Let’s go."

Sheng Jinyun, looking embarrassed, glanced at Fu Shimo, whose expression was as calm as water. He began to doubt if he had misinterpreted the situation.

It didn’t seem like Auntie was flirting with the boss after all.

Fearing that he would lose his wages if he stayed too long, he hesitated before finally leaving the office and hurriedly followed her.

In the hallway.

After walking a few steps, Yan Zhixu suddenly stopped, turned, and looked at the person behind her.

Her expression was neutral, showing no sign of anger or happiness, "By the way, I forgot to ask for the payment for helping you with the peach blossom curse earlier."

"Considering our acquaintance, I’ll give you a discount—20,000 is enough."

"Cash or bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay? Just transfer it to me."

She rattled off her demands without giving him a moment to respond or protest.

Sheng Jinyun: "..."

He was sure that his aunt was doing this on purpose.

But he couldn’t refute it. After all, she had indeed dealt with the peach blossom curse.

He had no words to argue, and paying for services rendered was just common sense.

(End of Chapter)  

Next Chapter ►►

  Chapter 126: The Death of a Matchmaker's Heart

After the two of them left, only a few people remained in the hospital room.

Nan Wenshu watched as Fu Shimo's figure disappeared, shaking her head with a sigh, feeling regretful in her heart.

She had seen Director Fu a few times, and every time she couldn’t help but admire his extraordinary appearance and demeanor—he was truly a gem among men.  

Her daughter was truly blind to not see that. Why would she choose that little pretty boy Gu Jiu? No matter how you compare them, Fu Shimo was far superior.  

Seeing her continue to stare in the direction Fu Shimo had left, Yan Zheng stepped forward and stood beside her.  

He put his arm around Nan Wenshu's waist, his eyes dark and cold, “What’s wrong? Is Director Fu really that attractive?”  

Before she could answer, the Old Master Yan, with his keen hearing, answered instead, glancing at them with a look of disdain.  

“Director Fu is indeed outstanding, and naturally very attractive to many young girls.”  

“But you two can stop your matchmaking plans. In my opinion, Director Fu, this high-ranking flower, would never look at something as vile as Zhixu.”  

Although the old man was ill, his body was not particularly weak, and his voice was strong, clearly heard throughout the room.  

Yan Zheng: “...”  

His hand that had been around Nan Wenshu’s waist paused and silently withdrew.  

He looked at the old man, unusually silent, his gaze drifting.  

They... weren’t on the same wavelength, making communication difficult.  

He was trying to stop his wife from paying attention to other men, but the old man thought they were plotting something regarding Director Fu.

“Pfft—”  

Yan Jinxiu couldn’t hold it in, turning his head and laughing without giving his father any face.  

His dad was clearly acting out of jealousy, but how could Grandpa think like that?  

This laugh, however, immediately stirred the pot.

Yan Zheng shot a cold look at him. “Is it funny? Or did you think of something that made you happy? Want to share it with me?”  

After glaring at Yan Jinxiu, he tried to adjust his expression, making an effort to seem kinder.  

“Dad, Zhixu isn’t that bad.”  

....

This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

....

His daughter could never be compared to something as vile as cow dung!  

Fu Shimo was a giant in the medical field, young with exceptional skills, but his daughter wasn’t any less impressive.  

The old man sighed, holding back his impatience, and waved his hand. “Don’t talk to me. When I hear you babbling, it’s like there’s a fly buzzing in my ear.”

Of course, his granddaughter wasn’t bad; he didn’t need this son to remind him of that.  

Zhixu was excellent and beautiful, but occasionally she’d do something foolish, and when she did, it could last for at least two years.  

Seeing the two of them, who originally had different thoughts, now talking around Zhixu, Nan Wenshu rubbed her forehead.  

It was a beginning with no connection but ending up with a shared conclusion—truly remarkable.  

——  

Outside the hospital room,  

Yan Zhixu saw that Fu Shimo had no intention of stopping to chat in the hallway, so she didn’t interrupt to ask anything.  

Together, they walked into his office.  

The office of the director was clean and refreshing, with an atmosphere as cold and unapproachable as Fu Shimo himself.  

She pulled out a chair and casually leaned back in it, sitting in a lazy posture as if she had no bones.  

“Director Fu, is it time to talk now?”  

Fu Shimo placed the medical records on the neatly organized desk, then sat in the black office chair behind it.  

He rolled up his sleeves, revealing a portion of his forearm. Though his skin was pale, his arm muscles were tight and exuded strength.  

“Mm, it’s time.”  

Fu Shimo placed his hand on the desk and lightly tapped it, producing a faint sound.  

(End of Chapter)  

Next Chapter ►►

  ## Chapter 500: Hatred (Part 1)

Seeing Xiao Xiongweng's sudden pale face, Xiao Ruiyuan's lips curved, his eyes filled with endless coldness.

The man in front of him, his so-called father, had an affair with that woman while his mother was pregnant with him and even got her pregnant. His mother, lying in the delivery room, "accidentally" overheard this, which caused her such distress that she had a difficult labor, her health deteriorated, and she eventually died in grief!

Before his mother's body was cold, this man couldn't wait to marry the woman who had caused his mother's death, taking advantage of his grandfather being stationed at the border and unable to return in time. He eagerly married that poisonous woman and brought back Xiao Ruiqing, who was only a few months younger than him.

He would not blame a child for his mother's death. If Xiao Ruiqing hadn't coveted his status and position, if he hadn't attempted to kill him to seize the title of heir, he would not have acted against him, not even hindering his future, out of respect for his grandfather and their shared Xiao family bloodline.

Xiao Ruiqing not only ruined his reputation within the clan but also secretly aligned himself with Prince Heng, the biggest threat to his cousin. For both public and private reasons, he could not let him go.

As long as it did not violate his grandfather's last wishes, sending Xiao Ruiqing back to their ancestral home to guard the family tomb was already the biggest concession he could make. As for whether this man agreed or not, he did not care at all!

"You ungrateful wretch! You heartless wretch!" Xiao Xiongweng pointed at Xiao Ruiyuan, shouting angrily. His face, red with rage, twisted with fury and unwillingness, yet he could do nothing about it!

Who the real master of the Marquis household was, outsiders did not know, but he could not deceive himself. If it weren't for this wretch's unwillingness to marry, his title would have been long gone!

This wretch had no filial piety towards his father or his younger brother, Qing'er. Even if this wretch, considering his father's last wishes, would not do anything to Qing'er, he would not let him off easily.

Not to mention, a noble young master being exiled to the ancestral home to guard the family tomb for life would not happen unless he made a big mistake. Just the rumors and slanders would ruin his Qing'er!

Facing the furious Xiao Xiongweng, Xiao Ruiyuan glanced at him coldly and looked away. He no longer wanted to waste words with this biased and foolish man.

"You... you... unfilial son!"

Xiao Xiongweng was furious, his index finger trembling as he pointed at Xiao Ruiyuan, nearly fainting with anger!

That cold gaze made it clear that there was no room for negotiation on punishing his youngest son!

Staring at Xiao Ruiyuan with fierce eyes, Xiao Xiongweng's chest heaved violently. Despite his unwillingness and resentment, he could only swallow it temporarily!

Hmph, as long as he still held the title of Marquis, as long as he was still the head of the household, those clan members wouldn't dare to neglect Qing'er. He wanted to see if this unfilial son would still be so arrogant without the Crown Prince's backing in a year!

At that moment, a flurry of footsteps sounded outside the door. Before the guard at the door could announce, the study door was flung open with a bang. A gorgeously dressed woman with stunning beauty and grace hurried in.

"Marquis, Qing'er is still young. He was misled into making mistakes. I only have Qing'er as a child. Please don't send him back to the ancestral home, please!" The gorgeously dressed woman rushed in and fell at Xiao Xiongweng's feet, holding his waist and legs, crying pitifully like a weeping willow.

This gorgeously dressed woman was none other than Wei Shi, who had committed adultery with Xiao Xiongweng, gotten pregnant before marriage, caused the death of his original wife, and eventually became the head mistress of the Wei Yuan Marquis household.

  Chapter 125: They All Have Ulterior Motives

After breakfast, the family headed to Ji’an Hospital.  

As they entered the inpatient department, they ran into Sheng Jinyun, who had just finished his rounds and was heading back to his office.  

The moment he saw her, his face broke into a smile as he walked toward her, greeting her with a familiar tone. "Little Aunt, you're here at the hospital?"  

Ever since the last incident, his attitude toward Yan Zhixu had become extremely warm and filled with admiration.  

"Mm." She nodded, too lazy to argue over his way of addressing her.  

Yan Zheng, standing off to the side, observed their conversation. He glanced at Sheng Jinyun with a faint look of displeasure in his eyes.  

With his refined face and aloof smile, Yan Zheng's presence exuded a commanding aura that made others hesitant to underestimate him.  

He interrupted their conversation, "Let's go. Don't keep your grandfather waiting too long."  

Upon hearing this, Sheng Jinyun didn’t continue chatting with Yan Zhixu. He nodded to them and stepped aside, passing by her.  

He felt a strange chill down his back. Why did it feel like Yan Zheng’s gaze was odd?  

Shaking his head, he dismissed the strange thoughts that started creeping in.  

With a soft "click," Yan Zheng opened the door to the old man’s hospital room.  

Yan Zheng furrowed his brows slightly as he looked at his daughter beside him, quietly asking, “Zhixu, you and that doctor earlier aren’t suited for each other.”  

The man from the entertainment industry, Gu Jiu, had an ulterior motive and was a pretty boy who probably planned on relying on her for his livelihood.  

The doctor earlier was decent, but he looked like a friend to women, which wasn’t good. Central air conditioning types like that could easily make his daughter feel wronged.  

Yan Jinxiu: “...”  

Furrowing his brows in confusion, he remained silent out of fear of his father’s imposing presence.  

No, that doctor earlier clearly looked at his sister with blind admiration. There was no hint of disrespect or infatuation. Why was his dad so off with his perception?  

It seemed Nan Wenshu noticed his confusion and shrugged.  

In her husband’s eyes, any man who came near Zhixu was obviously up to no good.  

The handsome ones were seen as gold-diggers, and the unattractive ones were considered as frogs dreaming of eating swan meat.  

....

This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

....

Yan Zhixu took off her mask, pressing her tongue against her teeth with a rebellious look in her eyes. “Dad, what made you feel that way?”  

The doctor, Sheng?  

Was her father too nervous, seeing any man around her as a threat of infidelity?  

"..."

Hearing their conversation, the man in the room briefly furrowed his brows before quickly smoothing them out.  

Holding a medical file in his hand, his eyes behind his glasses were bloodshot.  

He had just returned from a late-night shift and hadn’t rested properly before coming to work early this morning.  

He glanced at the elderly Yan patriarch in the bed, his fingers subtly twitching as he held the medical file.  

“The condition has not worsened, which is the best news so far. He should continue his hospitalization for treatment.”  

Yan Zhixu’s attention was drawn to the familiar voice.  

Her gaze was automatically drawn to the hands of Fu Shimo.  

Fu Shimo adjusted his glasses and spoke in a calm tone, "Family members, please step out for a moment. There are some details I need to explain."  

Yan Jinxiu opened his mouth, intending to suggest that he could leave since he was unnecessary in the room.  

Yan Zhixu interrupted him, “If Director Fu has something to explain, I’ll handle it.”  

Without giving them a chance to respond, she exuded a rebellious aura, raising her foot and lazily following Fu Shimo out of the room.  

(End of Chapter)

Next Chapter ►►

  **Chapter 499: Disdain (2)**

Xiao Ruiyuan had a temporary residence at Jingshan Villa, where he sometimes stayed when discussing important matters with Chu Heng and couldn't return to the city in time.

Now, as night had fallen, Xiao Ruiyuan returned directly to his residence after leaving the Ghost Doctor’s courtyard, not planning to visit Chu Heng in the backyard or inform him about tonight's events to prevent him from worrying.

At this moment, Xiao Ruiyuan sat silently at his desk, staring at the ginseng box with no intention of sleeping. In the flickering candlelight, his face bore an indescribable weariness.

Chu Heng had less than a year left to live. The ministers who originally supported the legitimate line, seeing no hope of his recovery, began to entertain other thoughts. The great benefits of assisting a new ruler were tempting to all.

What worried Xiao Ruiyuan the most was that Emperor Hui’an seemed to have other plans. Previously, when someone tried to assassinate him, nearly taking his life, Emperor Hui’an’s reaction and handling of the situation were very telling. Not only Xiao Ruiyuan noticed this, but many ministers also guessed the same.

As for the princes and nobles coveting Chu Heng's position as the crown prince, there was even less to be said. Otherwise, they wouldn't have joined forces to try to kill Xiao Ruiyuan on his way back to the capital. They did this out of fear that after Chu Heng's death, Xiao Ruiyuan would be recruited by competing brothers, which would be disadvantageous to them.

Xiao Ruiyuan knew well that the current situation was extremely unfavorable for both Chu Heng and himself. Only by finding the millennium ginseng and curing Chu Heng quickly could they resolve their predicament.

However, after searching for so many years and finally seeing a glimmer of hope, it was so easily shattered. This blow was undoubtedly severe for him!

The hidden guards, watching from the shadows, were deeply worried. They had protected their master for so long, and it was the first time they saw him show such emotions, leaving them unsure of what to do.

Xiao Jiu knew that his master’s "unusual behavior" was temporary, but he still didn’t want to see him like this. He took out a note from his waist, hesitated for a moment, then stepped into the light and appeared before Xiao Ruiyuan.

"Master, this is news just sent from the capital!"

Xiao Ruiyuan came back to his senses and took the note without a word, his face returning to its usual cold demeanor.

Upon reading the contents of the note, a cold smile appeared on Xiao Ruiyuan's lips: it seemed that the time had come to settle accounts with some people!

Seeing this, Xiao Jiu couldn’t help but shiver!

It looked like someone was about to have a bad day…

Remembering Mo Yan's instructions, Xiao Ruiyuan sent the ginseng to Mo Yan before dawn through the hidden guards. After dawn, he discussed some matters with Chu Heng and then, with his subordinates, rode out of the villa with great momentum, heading straight for the Marquis of Weiyuan’s residence.

The Marquis of Weiyuan's residence was located in the affluent East Market, close to the imperial palace. Its prime location was envied by many nobles, but the Xiao family’s ancestors had earned it through impressive military achievements and the deep trust of the founding emperor.

Even though the founding emperor and Xiao family ancestors had been gone for over two hundred years, this honor was maintained through the capable descendants of the Xiao family, a status rarely matched by other families in the capital.

The gatekeepers, who were chatting idly in the house, heard the sound of galloping horses approaching and hurried out to greet the visitors.

Daring to gallop recklessly near the Marquis of Weiyuan’s residence was reserved for either the royal princes or their own heir. The second son, favored by the marquis, lacked both the courage and the qualification for such behavior!

The four gatekeepers opened the gate and stood properly, waiting. As the hoofbeats grew louder, they finally saw who was coming and knelt down with a thud. When the group approached, they loudly and respectfully announced, "Welcome home, Young Master!"

Xiao Ruiyuan dismounted, tossing the reins to a subordinate, and strode into the residence with a stern demeanor under the respectful and fearful gazes of the gatekeepers. The others also dismounted and followed quickly.

Only after the footsteps had faded did the gatekeepers stand up slowly. One couldn't help but say, "The young master dismounted so nimbly, it seems his injury is much better!"

Hearing this, the other gatekeepers smiled with joy, "As long as the young master is well, our marquisate will flourish for decades more, and we will have good days ahead!"

They were all born and raised in the marquisate, having served for decades. They knew well where their loyalty lay.

The current head of the marquisate, Xiao Ruiyuan's biological father, Xiao Xiongweng, was neither capable of governing the nation nor securing the country through military prowess. If he weren’t the legitimate firstborn and the only son of the old marquis, the title wouldn't have fallen to him.

Even so, the old marquis was uneasy and left a will before his death, requesting an imperial decree that Xiao Xiongweng should abdicate in favor of Xiao Ruiyuan once he married, thus preventing outsiders from misjudging and thinking Xiao Ruiyuan was unfilial!

Few in the marquisate knew about this, but over time, some whispers emerged. Coupled with the attitudes of the marquisate’s other three masters towards the young master, the servants could see something was unusual!

In the marquisate’s study, Xiao Ruiyuan coldly stared at the middle-aged man sitting with a red face, his voice devoid of any warmth, "If it weren't for my promise to grandfather, do you think I would let your 'good' son off so easily? He dared to participate in that assassination attempt; he should be prepared to face retribution for his failure! Since you disagree, I’ll present the evidence to His Majesty tomorrow. I'm sure His Majesty would be delighted to see this matter!"

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man, Xiao Xiongweng, turned pale. He pointed at Xiao Ruiyuan and cursed, "You ungrateful wretch, that is your own brother! Do you really want to see him dead?"

If the involvement of his son in the assassination reached the emperor's ears, the emperor, to appease public outrage and restore the royal family's reputation, would certainly place all the blame on his son.

In that case, not only would he fail to protect his son, but he would also be blamed for poor parenting and might even lose his title, which would then be passed to this ungrateful child!

Fearing this possibility, Xiao Xiongweng was both angry and scared. He glared at Xiao Ruiyuan as if looking at a mortal enemy, forgetting that the person in front of him was also his son, his legitimate firstborn!

"Brother?" Xiao Ruiyuan sneered as if hearing the biggest joke, "He should be grateful he's a bloodline of the marquisate, grandfather's grandson, or do you think I'd spare him?"

  Chapter 124: Learn from Her

The three of them were enjoying a pleasant meal together.  

Meanwhile, Yan Jinxiu, sitting off to the side eating breakfast, was completely ignored. He was like an invisible person, utterly disregarded.  

His face was filled with displeasure. He licked his teeth with his tongue, his deep-set eyes full of defiance and arrogance.  

He let out a soft hum, picking up his breakfast and eating it.  

The noise he made successfully caught Yan Zheng's attention.  

Yan Zheng's face turned stern. Although there was no overwhelming hostility emanating from him, his presence was still imposing, making others feel a subtle sense of fear.  

He slammed his hand on the table. "What’s with the humming? Are you a pig? Can’t you keep your mouth shut while eating? Don’t you know that one should not speak while eating or lying down?"  

With a face that appeared extremely gentle and refined, Yan Zheng looked like a teacher to those who didn’t know him. But once he opened his mouth, there was no hesitation in his scolding, sharp and fluent. Clearly, he was no stranger to reprimanding people.  

Yan Jinxiu: “...”  

The breakfast in his mouth suddenly lost its taste.  

Didn’t they just talk a moment ago? Why this double standard?  

Looking at his son, Yan Zheng felt dissatisfied with everything about him. Naturally, he spoke without holding back, “You’re not mature or steady at all. How will you take care of your sister in the future?”  

This son had a terrible temper and was so stubborn; don’t even think about him taking care of Yan Zhixu. He might even need his sister to take care of him.  

Yan Jinxiu furrowed his brow. “So, I’m just a tool to inherit the family business?”  

Nan Wenshu’s lips twitched. “Silly son, do you still feel wronged?”  

If the eldest had his own career and Yan Zhixu wasn’t interested in taking over the company, this responsibility would never fall to the foolish son.  

In the Yan family, the son was like grass, and the daughter was like treasure.  

If Yan Zhixu had wanted to take over the company, there would be no such dramas of high-society daughters fighting desperately for power, leading to life-or-death struggles.  

Because her husband would directly make the decision, and all of the family business would go to her, and he would teach her step by step how to manage it.  

Yan Jinxiu lowered his head. “I’m not wronged. What’s there to feel wronged about?”  

....

This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

....

That’s true, since his sister was so foolish. If he didn’t work hard to make money, how would he support her in the future?  

His sister’s temper and her silly personality would not allow her to last long in the entertainment industry. She would eventually be unemployed.  

Well, fine. He’d reluctantly inherit the family fortune.  

Yan Zhixu looked up. “It’s okay. I can take care of him in the future.”  

With his little brother’s intelligence, it’s certain that he’ll run the company into the ground.  

Relying on him to take care of her? That was absolutely unreliable.  

A faint sense of unease flickered in Yan Jinxiu’s eyes, and he turned his head, his ears turning slightly red.  

At least he had a bit of conscience, remembering he was her real brother.  

Stubbornly, he said, “I’ll need you to take care of me? Don’t joke around. You can barely take care of yourself.”  

Seeing the two siblings bicker, Yan Zheng immediately took sides without hesitation.  

He glanced at his incompetent son. “How are you talking to your sister? If you don’t know how to speak, just shut up. You’re annoying her.”  

If he made his daughter angry enough to not come home, Yan Zheng would break his son’s legs.  

Seeing his little brother frustrated and angry but not daring to retort, Yan Zhixu lightly laughed and intervened, “Dad, let’s eat breakfast. You know, no talking while eating or lying down.”  

Being rebutted by his daughter with his own words, Yan Zheng didn’t get angry.  

“Zhixu’s right.”  

He nodded in acknowledgment, no longer looking at his troublesome son. “Learn from her.”  

Yan Jinxiu: “...”  

How could he possibly learn from her? He was sure that if he tried, he’d be thrown out of the house the moment he opened his mouth.  

Nan Wenshu, with her usual nonchalance, continued eating her breakfast, her expression unchanged.  

In their family, the son wasn’t valued; this was an absolute truth with no exceptions.

(End of Chapter)  

Next Chapter ►►

  **Chapter 498: Disdain (1)**

The Ghost Doctor cursed furiously for a good while, not even stopping to catch his breath. Xiao Ruiyuan's eye twitched almost imperceptibly. Seeing no sign of the doctor stopping, he finally couldn't bear it and handed over the box he was holding in an attempt to shut him up.

"What's this?"

The Ghost Doctor indeed stopped his cursing, reaching out to take the wooden box as he asked.

The two had known each other for many years and both served the Crown Prince. Despite the generational gap, they had developed an extraordinary level of tacit understanding.

The Ghost Doctor was passionate about medicine, with his greatest interests lying in finding medicinal herbs, refining good medicine, and treating diseases that other doctors couldn't handle.

Xiao Ruiyuan knew the Ghost Doctor's preferences well and often brought him rare herbs, each one extremely precious. Over time, the Ghost Doctor came to expect that anything Xiao Ruiyuan brought would be extraordinary.

"This… this is…"

Despite being prepared, the Ghost Doctor was still rendered incoherent with excitement upon seeingq the contents of the box. His eyes burned with intensity, and his trembling hands held the item as if it were a priceless treasure.

"So, how is it? Is it old enough?"

Seeing the Ghost Doctor's reaction, Xiao Ruiyuan felt slightly relieved, but without knowing the exact age of the ginseng, he couldn't be completely at ease. So, he asked directly.

The Ghost Doctor took a deep breath to calm himself and began examining the ginseng in the box. To avoid damaging the root and affecting its medicinal properties, he took out a pair of soft silk gloves, carefully picked up the ginseng, and examined it closely under a bright candlelight.

After a thorough inspection, still uncertain, he took out a small knife and cut off an inch-long piece of the ginseng root. Without bothering to wash it, he directly put it in his mouth and chewed to test its medicinal properties.

Throughout the Ghost Doctor's series of actions, Xiao Ruiyuan remained silent, though his right hand had already clenched into a fist.

The room was quiet, save for the faint sounds of the Ghost Doctor chewing. Once the inch-long piece of ginseng root had been thoroughly chewed into pulp, the Ghost Doctor opened his eyes, remaining silent for a long while. The wrinkles on his forehead deepened noticeably.

Under Xiao Ruiyuan's tense gaze, the Ghost Doctor finally shook his head and said regretfully, "This ginseng is the best I've ever seen in my life, but… if my estimation is correct, it's about 950 years old! What a pity, what a pity…"

He repeated "what a pity" several times, his face looking quite displeased. It was rare to find such an aged ginseng, and just when it seemed the Crown Prince's poison could be cured, it fell short by fifty years!

Even though fifty years might seem negligible for a 900-year-old ginseng, it wasn't a millennium ginseng without those extra years, and its medicinal properties were still insufficient to make the antidote pill.

Having lived to his age, the only time he had ever seen a millennium ginseng was in his master's possession. That ginseng root had ultimately been made into medicine to save someone's life.

Hearing this, Xiao Ruiyuan's heart sank. Although he had anticipated this possibility, he still found it hard to accept.

At this point, even if they continued searching, there was no guarantee they could find a millennium ginseng! Fifty years could take a person from infancy to old age. Even if they could somehow plant this ginseng back into the ground, he couldn't wait that long. His cousin, who had less than a year to live, certainly couldn't wait that long!

Looking at the thick ginseng lying in the box, Xiao Ruiyuan remained silent for a long time. Finally, he picked up the wooden box and left the Ghost Doctor's courtyard without saying goodbye.

The Ghost Doctor, preoccupied with his own thoughts, also forgot to call out to Xiao Ruiyuan, leaving the rare ginseng behind. He paced back and forth in his room, and as he looked at the deep night outside, a sudden thought flashed through his mind…

  Chapter 123: I'll Swipe the Card for You

The next morning.   

Yan Zhixu was dressed in simple sportswear, having just finished a run and taken a shower.  

When she walked downstairs, the others were already seated, and breakfast was just being laid out, still steaming slightly.  

“Good morning.”  

She nodded and greeted them, pulling out a chair to sit next to Yan Jinxiu.  

The man sitting at the table glanced at her, a faint smile appeared on his elegant face, his eyes carrying a hint of warmth.  

Yan Zheng withdrew his gaze, saying, “It’s good that you’re back.”  

No matter how good the conditions are outside, they could never compare to the comfort of being home.  

As he spoke, he took a card out of his trousers pocket and handed it to Yan Zhixu with a gentle tone, “You can use this card for now. If it’s not enough, let me know.”  

Looking at the card on the table, there was not the slightest hint of emotion in her eyes, as calm as a stagnant pool of water. “No need, I can earn my own money.”  

Yan Zheng’s brows furrowed. A rare trace of firmness appeared on his usually gentle face. “I’m not saying you can’t earn money.”  

“I’m willingly giving you this money, so take it. This is also a form of earning—you’re still using your own ability to get it.”  

“I don’t think there’s any conflict between these two things.”  

After speaking, he picked up the soup on the table and blew lightly on it.  

When the soup was no longer too hot, he skillfully and naturally scooped a spoonful and brought it to Nan Wenshu’s mouth. “Come on, drink this, it’s good for your health.”  

She rolled her eyes and glared at him, then rubbed her aching lower back, grinding her teeth as she drank the soup.  

Why hadn’t he been this attentive when she cried and begged him last night?  

Yan Zhixu’s gaze flickered with a hint of amusement as she watched Nan Wenshu rub her waist.  

She casually put the card into her pocket. “Thanks, Dad.”  

Nan Wenshu, unsure whether she was jealous or irritated because of how reckless the man had been yesterday, deliberately spoke with a bit of sharpness. “With a daughter, you forget about your wife.”  

Yan Zheng scooped another spoonful of soup and brought it to her lips, his body slightly leaning toward her.  

His lips were very close to Nan Wenshu’s ear, creating a subtle, almost intimate air.  

....

This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

....

He lowered his voice to a volume only the two of them could hear, saying, “Did you forget? Didn’t you experience it last night? Or do you want to relive it properly?”  

As he spoke, his breath brushed against her sensitive ear, sending a tingling sensation through her.  

Nan Wenshu drank the soup, glaring at him viciously. She didn’t know why he couldn’t be more restrained in front of the kids.  

Yan Zheng put down the soup bowl, his expression casual, as if nothing had just happened.  

He pushed a plate of steamed dumplings toward Yan Zhixu, his eyes filled with a touch of fondness.  

“Eat, your favorite flavor. Aunt Wang made these especially for you.”  

“Mm.”  

Looking at the translucent steamed dumplings, Yan Zhixu’s appetite increased.  

She picked one up and bit into it, the rich broth inside the dumpling flooding her mouth.  

The familiar taste made a slight sense of approval appear in her usually cold eyes.  

After finishing one of the soup dumplings, she commented, “Aunt Wang’s skills have really improved.”  

The meat in the dumplings was tender and fresh, clearly sourced from pork that had been slaughtered recently, not meat that had been kept for several days or overnight.  

The sauce placed in a small dish was also delicious.  

Nan Wenshu chuckled lightly. “If you like it, eat more. It’s not like you can eat us out of house and home.”  

Their family may not have much, but they certainly had enough money to raise a daughter comfortably.

(End of Chapter)   

Next Chapter ►►

  **Chapter 497: Jealousy (2)**

The most urgent matter now was to find out who that person really was and to determine if they had any ulterior motives. If they were sincere in their cooperation, that would be ideal, but if they had hidden intentions… Xiao Ruiyuan lowered his eyes, masking the intense coldness that was about to erupt from within.

Even though he had a guess, Xiao Ruiyuan still asked, "Yan'er, you don't want my help, but have you found the money to build the winery?"

"Yes, someone is partnering with me. They are willing to provide the money. I just need to build the winery and make good wine."

Working with Yan Junyu was not something to hide. Mo Yan hadn't thought about concealing it. Now that Xiao Ruiyuan asked, she told him about their cooperation.

Hearing the indifference in Mo Yan's tone, Xiao Ruiyuan knew she and that person were just in an ordinary partnership, but he still felt increasingly bitter. This girl, she'd rather give away most of the benefits than ask him for help. It seemed their relationship was even worse than with an outsider!

Suppressing the intense jealousy in his heart, Xiao Ruiyuan maintained a neutral expression, though his voice grew colder, "Who is that person? Can they be trusted?"

Mo Yan clearly felt the change in Xiao Ruiyuan's mood but didn't understand where it came from. She temporarily put it aside and answered, "Brother Xiao should know him. It's Yan Junyu, the young lord of the Wu'an Duke's mansion! Although he is free-spirited, he's not as dissolute and arrogant as rumors say."

Hearing the name "Yan Junyu," Xiao Ruiyuan abruptly raised his head. A slight crack appeared on his expressionless face, "Yan'er, how did you meet him?"

As soon as he asked, he remembered what the ghost doctor said last time when he was injured and washed his wound with the water delivered by Xiao Hua.

At that time, he had some suspicions but was too seriously injured, and later he was busy planning revenge and had no time to verify it. He buried the doubts deep in his heart, but now, they turned out to be true. Yan'er really knew Huaixi!

Thinking of Yan Junyu's character, Xiao Ruiyuan had just felt relieved when Mo Yan continued, "We met during that winter when I was escaping. Later, we had some dealings due to various matters and got in touch a few times. I found that although Yan Junyu is very calculating, he is also quite sentimental and not a selfish person. So, I approached him for this winery project."

Hearing his beloved woman praise another man repeatedly, even if Xiao Ruiyuan was more generous and confident, he still felt uncomfortable. His tone inadvertently revealed a hint of jealousy, "Is he really that good? You've never praised me like that!"

As soon as he said this, Xiao Ruiyuan regretted it: a dignified man actually said such words, what difference was there between him and those women confined to deep chambers?

"Brother Xiao, you… you wouldn't be…" Mo Yan detected the awkwardness in his words and widened her eyes, but seeing his increasingly dark face, she sensibly swallowed the rest of her sentence. Inside, however, her inner self was laughing uncontrollably.

She had never expected that Brother Xiao, who was usually reserved and seldom revealed his thoughts, would have such a childish side. Did this mean he cared for her even more than she imagined?

Thinking of this, she secretly felt joyful. Unable to hold back, she smiled widely, her eyes curved into crescents, her good mood obvious to anyone.

However, men and women's thinking paths differ. Seeing her laugh so happily, Xiao Ruiyuan thought she was mocking him and turned his head awkwardly, his whole face dark, though the tips of his ears burned red.

Seeing this, Mo Yan's smile widened even more. Watching his face darken to the verge of explosion, she finally restrained her laughter, gently holding his hand and saying seriously, "Brother Xiao, I met Yan Junyu through a transaction. This cooperation is because he is the most suitable person for the job. He is a very good partner."

She emphasized the words "partner." Many significant problems and conflicts between people often stem from small issues and misunderstandings. So, it's best to clarify any misunderstandings or conflicts face to face.

Xiao Ruiyuan tightly held her hand back, all previous jealousy disappearing without a trace, "Yan'er, I know…" It's just that you don't know how precious you are, so precious that I wish to hide you away from everyone's sight!

Clearing up this non-misunderstanding, they talked intimately for a long time. Before they knew it, it was the latter half of the night. Only when the rooster crowed for the second time did Xiao Ruiyuan reluctantly leave Mo Yan, picking up the ginseng box on the table and departing.

Watching his tall figure disappear as he agilely leaped over the wall, Mo Yan closed the door feeling a sense of loss and entered her space. Seeing the rice seeds planted yesterday had turned into golden rice, she put aside her sentimental thoughts and began harvesting with a sickle.

Over the past six months, the business at the rice shop had been getting better and better, attracting more regular customers. With Yan Junyu as a backer, the shop had remained peaceful, with no one daring to cause trouble, leading to even higher sales, more than doubling since the first month of opening.

Despite the previously stored grain in the space, the sales were so high that the supply was running low, and the grain in the terraced fields and lowlands had not yet matured. Mo Yan had to extend her working hours in the space, sometimes moving her bed into the space to rest enough when too tired.

…

At this time, before the city gates opened, Xiao Ruiyuan took his dark guards and circled half of the capital, arriving at the Jingshan villa. He broke into the courtyard where the ghost doctor resided and woke him up.

Since prince Kang was stripped of his title and imprisoned, Chu Heng had used the excuse of recuperating to stay at the heavily guarded Jingshan villa. As Chu Heng's personal doctor, the ghost doctor naturally stayed with him.

"Surnamed Xiao, if you don't give me a good reason, I won't let you sleep well…"

In the small hall, the ghost doctor, awakened from his dream, had bloodshot eyes. Ignoring his disheveled clothes, he roared at the cold-faced Xiao Ruiyuan!

The ghost doctor wasn't bad-tempered, but he had a severe case of morning grouchiness. Plus, he had spent the entire day before researching medicines and had just gone to bed at midnight. Being woken up at this time, it was impossible for him to speak kindly.