Chapter 23 Are you feeling sorry for me?
Hearing Shen Ruowan's words, Su Rong felt as if an electric current had surged through her heart, causing her whole body to tremble slightly, and her voice to tremble as she asked, "Xiao Wan, is what you're saying true? Is there really a success rate of over 50%? Does Guan'er really have a chance to stand up?"
Seeing Su Rong's expectant eyes, Shen Ruowan nodded without hesitation and said, "Mrs. Qin, you may not believe in my medical skills, but you can't not believe in Old Huang, can you? His reputation and achievements are obvious to all."
Upon hearing this, Su Rong blinked repeatedly, seemingly deep in thought.
Shen Ruowan pressed on, continuing, "Mrs. Qin, I heard that Master will be returning to China to visit his daughter during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but he will only be staying for two or three days. If we don't seize this opportunity, I'm afraid we'll delay Brother Qin's treatment again."
It must be said that Shen Ruowan is indeed a master of language negotiation. She never explicitly mentioned the ancient medical book, yet every sentence subtly referenced it. Seeing Shen Ruowan's reasoned argument, Qin Rongyun felt a surge of emotion. He thought to himself that if she didn't deeply love him, why would she be so concerned about whether Qin Guanlan's legs could be healed? He immediately chimed in, "Aunt, think about it carefully. Xiaowan actually has nothing to do with this matter. Her selfless dedication is simply because of her kind nature and the compassion of a healer."
“If it were anyone else, Xiao Wan wouldn’t have insisted so much. She just finished filming a variety show and came to the Qin Mansion without even having a chance to rest. Isn’t it a good deal to exchange an ancient medical book for the chance to cure Big Brother’s legs?”
This question struck Su Rong's wavering balance like a hammer blow. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked at Qin Guanlan, advising, "Guan'er, it's just an ancient medical book, and isn't this what Shen Qingtang should be doing?"
If it weren't for Shen Qingtang, how could her Guan'er have been stuck in a wheelchair all this time?
Even Qi Yi and Qi Er whispered their advice from behind.
"Brother Qin, just give away the ancient medical book. As long as we explain it properly, Sister Chen won't be angry."
"Brother Qin, although Sister Shen's medical skills are impressive, they are still somewhat inferior to those of Elder Huang."
A sense of irritation rose between Qin Guanlan's brows. Although he was in a wheelchair, his tall stature allowed him to see everyone's expressions clearly, so he understood that everyone present thought it was only natural to exchange an ancient medical book for the opportunity to treat his legs.
But a heavy weight seemed to be pressing on his heart, making it hard to breathe, and a deep sense of guilt and heartache welled up within him for Shen Qingtang. However, knowing that Su Rong's actions were all for his sake, he could only suppress his anger and say, "Qingtang's room has many ancient books; I don't know where she put that copy of 'The Complete Collection of Ancient Prescriptions from Huangpu.'" He paused, then added, "Let's wait for Qingtang to return."
Qin Guanlan's words were clearly an excuse. He had already made up his mind that if Shen Qingtang showed even the slightest reluctance, he would refuse decisively, even if it meant enduring Su Rong's misunderstanding and complaints.
Xiaoqian appeared behind Bai Rou at some point, her eyes sparkling as she answered, "I know where it is. It's the third book on the second row of the second bookcase in Sister Shen's bookcase." Xiaowen also chimed in, "I saw it when I was cleaning Sister Shen's room today."
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiaoqian and Xiaowen felt a cold, sharp gaze rushing towards them like a hurricane. They nervously swallowed, but seeing Bai Rou's encouraging look, they said in unison, "Madam, if you don't believe me, you can go and see for yourself."
"Then I'll get the medical book right away..." When Su Rong met Qin Guanlan's deep and unfathomable gaze, she immediately swallowed the rest of her words.
A sudden silence fell over the scene. No one dared to speak, and the air became increasingly suffocating, with many people feeling a difficulty breathing.
Just as they were at a stalemate, a clear female voice came from the doorway, breaking the silence.
Is the success rate really that high?
Under everyone's gaze, Shen Qingtang, carrying the book, quickly walked behind Qin Guanlan and gently patted his shoulder.
However, with just this small gesture, Qin Guanlan's originally terrifying aura began to disappear, his cold and hard expression softened, and the air in the hall began to circulate again.
Then, Shen Qingtang looked at Shen Ruowan calmly and asked, "Are you really confident that you can use that ancient medical book to persuade Huang Linli and help Brother Qin's legs recover so he can stand up again?"
When Shen Qingtang returned, she overheard the conversation that followed. For some reason, she didn't go in immediately but instead eavesdropped for a while by the door. Hearing Brother Qin's protectiveness towards her and his insistence on not allowing anyone to touch her medical books, the corners of her mouth involuntarily curled up slightly, as if she were basking in warm, gentle sunlight, feeling warm both physically and emotionally.
She rarely experienced such a strange emotion. She listened for a while before going inside.
In fact, her thoughts were completely opposite to Qin Guanlan's. Qin Guanlan, seeing Shen Qingtang studying it every day, believed that since she regarded the "Complete Collection of Ancient Prescriptions of Huangpu" as her lifeblood, she would definitely not be willing to lend it to others.
In fact, Shen Qingtang's goal from beginning to end was to cure Qin Guanlan's legs. Studying the "Complete Collection of Ancient Prescriptions of Huangpu" and practicing the Thirteen Ghost Needles were just some of the methods.
Moreover, her treatment method was far too slow. She hoped that Qin Guanlan's legs could recover as soon as possible, regardless of whether it was her doing or not.
In short, for her, exchanging a medical book for the opportunity for Qin Guanlan to stand up again was a worthwhile thing.
Hearing Shen Qingtang's words, Shen Ruowan breathed a sigh of relief, knowing in her heart that she was almost certain to take the medical book today.
She smiled and said, "Of course." Seeing a glimmer of hope in his eyes, she exaggerated without hesitation, "Sister Qingtang, Elder Huang values me highly now. After you read that ancient medical book, you will surely understand its value. Elder Huang will definitely be moved, and he might be able to give Brother Qin a preliminary diagnosis and treatment during the Mid-Autumn Festival."
Shen Ruowan spoke with great confidence and conviction, as if it had already come true. Her beautiful face and sincere tone made it hard not to believe her.
Shen Qingtang pondered for a moment, then quickly nodded and said, "Alright, I agree to lend it." Hearing this, Qin Guanlan's face darkened. He frowned, his throat bobbing, and said, "Shen Qingtang, you don't need to..."
He had witnessed firsthand how much the other party cherished that ancient medical book, yet now, because of him, they had lent it out without hesitation. A bittersweet feeling lingered in his chest, leaving him feeling quite uncomfortable.
Su Rong knew that what she had done was not very ethical, so she gave Shen Qingtang an apologetic look and said, "Qingtang, I'm sorry to trouble you this time. Xiao Wan will only borrow it for a month at most. I will personally make her return it when the time comes."
Shen Qingtang nodded, but didn't take the words to heart. Shen Ruowan was the female lead, possessing the protagonist's halo; if it was something she wanted, fate would do everything in its power to give it to her. However, she had already studied that medical book almost thoroughly, and the knowledge had been completely memorized.
Eager to curry favor, Xiaowen and Xiaoqian volunteered to go to Shen Qingtang's room and retrieve the "Complete Collection of Ancient Prescriptions from Huangpu," handing it to Shen Ruowan with both hands. They weren't unaware of Qin Guanlan's unfriendly gaze, but from the moment they made their choice, it was already destined that they couldn't stay by Qin Guanlan's side any longer.
After receiving the ancient medical book, Shen Qingtang flipped through it and checked it. Seeing that it was indeed the original manuscript, she smiled and said, "Sister Qingtang, don't worry, I will definitely return the medical book to you on time." In her heart, however, she thought to herself, "A month's matter can be dealt with a month later."
Qin Rongyun scoffed and said, "Why didn't you just take it out earlier? Why waste so much time?" Then she eagerly offered to drive Shen Ruowan away.
Bai Rou acted as if she had only come to visit. She drank more than half of the bird's nest soup, chatted for a few minutes, and then left.
Watching the group leave, Qin Guanlan felt a surge of displeasure and said coldly, "Mom, you should go home early today."
Su Rong could tell at a glance that the other person was angry, and angry at her. She touched her nose guiltily and looked at Shen Qingtang, saying, "Qingtang, you're a good girl, you'll definitely be able to forgive my good intentions."
Shen Qingtang nodded and said, "Aunt Su, I want Brother Qin's legs to recover more than anyone else. I understand you."
Hearing this, Su Rong's guilt deepened. She nodded repeatedly and said, "Alright, alright, you should persuade Guan'er to try to stay calm."
Staring at Shen Qingtang's bare neck, she said, "Next time I'll take you to buy some jewelry." She knew she had done something wrong, but she genuinely wanted to heal the other person's legs.
As Bai Rou was leaving, she noticed that Xiao Wen and Xiao Qian had followed her. Somewhat confused, she asked, "Why are you following me?"
Xiao Wen immediately took credit, saying, "Second Madam, we've finished everything you asked us to do. Now, please let us go and serve you."
Xiaoqian nodded in agreement, saying, "Second Madam, there are many more things we can do for you."
Bai Rou frowned, looking puzzled, and said, "What are you talking about? I don't understand." She clicked her tongue and said, "The maids under my sister-in-law are really something. They not only lack manners but also loyalty. They should be fired."
Xiaoqian was still in a daze, but Xiaowen had already reacted, her face turning pale as she said, "Second Madam, you can't do this. Last time you didn't..." She suddenly realized that every time the other party asked her to do something, it was always given verbally, without leaving the slightest trace.
She and Xiaoqian had long since become each other's expendable pawns! When they returned to the villa, all they found were two bags of packed luggage.
Qi Yi said coldly, "You two have done so many things, and Brother Qin and Sister Shen have always been tolerant and forgiving! Yet you betrayed them and fawned over the Second Madam."
"Both of you are fired."
Xiaowen and Xiaoqian quickly begged for mercy. They didn't have high levels of education, so how could they find such an easy and high-paying job if they went out?
Seeing the two crying and making a scene, Qi Er remained unmoved and immediately called the security guards. After settling their wages for the month, he kicked them out of the Qin Mansion.
Because Xiaoqian was brought from Su Rong's family, Su Rong's opinion was specifically asked when dealing with the matter. Su Rong carefully recalled what had just happened and said coldly, "The people brought from my family are not so disloyal."
Xiaoqian turned pale after hearing this. When her family learned that Xiaoqian had lost her job, they immediately took her home and betrothed her to an illiterate butcher in the village.
Xiaowen's troubles didn't end there either. She had hoped to return to her old profession, only to find she'd been blacklisted by all the domestic helper companies in Kyoto, making it impossible to find work. She was forced to work as a grueling delivery girl at a supermarket. Just when things were starting to look up, she discovered her family had secretly taken out high-interest loans using her ID. Her life was plunged into darkness. During her rare moments of rest, she reflected on her time at the Qin mansion, tears of regret streaming down her face. If only she hadn't targeted Shen Qingtang in the first place, she wouldn't have ended up in this predicament.
Although Qin Guanlan finished his meal as usual, everyone knew he was angry. Qi Yi and Qi Er were shivering from the cold beside him, while Shen Qingtang pushed open the door and entered amidst their admiring gazes.
Previously, whenever Shen Qingtang came in, Qin Guanlan would always secretly glance over out of the corner of his eye, but this time, he stared at the book in his hand and didn't move his gaze over at all.
Shen Qingtang brought over a plate of fruit and said, "Brother Qin, this is some premium longan that just arrived from the main kitchen. Try it, it's very sweet."
The longan was crystal clear, making Shen Qingtang's fingers appear even whiter. Qin Guanlan, who had a sweet tooth, naturally liked this fruit as well. Even though he had eaten almost half a bowl last night, he now said without looking at her, "I'm not eating anymore. I don't think it's sweet enough."
Shen Qingtang chuckled and held the longan to Qin Guanlan's lips, saying, "Brother Qin, you're lying. You didn't even taste it."
She forcefully shoved the longan into Qin Guanlan's mouth, looking at him with bright eyes and saying, "Brother Qin, don't be angry. How about I talk to you about it next time?"
Qin Guanlan was furious. He pursed his lips and said, "I'm not angry." He was telling the truth. He was angry that he couldn't even protect the other party's medical book, not that the other party acted on his own initiative.
He understood that Shen Qingtang was simply making a choice that was more advantageous to him from her own perspective.
Shen Qingtang suddenly said solemnly, "I understand. Brother Qin is not angry. You are just worried about me."
These words were like a spark that suddenly landed on Qin Guanlan's lips. The usually composed man stammered, "You...don't talk nonsense."
For a moment, apart from the cicadas chirping outside the window, all he could hear was the loud pounding of his heart. His previously calm face suddenly flushed red, and his palms became slightly sweaty. He took the longan that Shen Qingtang had peeled and ate it one by one, but deliberately looked away, not daring to meet Shen Qingtang's gaze.
Qi Yi and Qi Er exchanged a knowing glance behind them and couldn't help but sigh, "Sister Shen really knows how to handle things."
Even the coldest iceberg melted into a pool of spring water because of her.
It took her a long time to calm down after feeling shy and nervous. When Shen Qingtang returned to her room and tidied up, she realized that although Xiaowen and Xiaoqian had taken the original manuscript of "The Complete Collection of Huangpu Ancient Prescriptions" from her, they had not taken her annotated version.
The "Complete Collection of Ancient Prescriptions of Huangpu" has been passed down from generation to generation. The original manuscript is written in classical Chinese, which looks profound and difficult to understand. However, when she thought of Shen Ruowan's very confident medical skills, she just silently put away the annotated version.
Upon receiving the ancient medical book, Shen Ruowan was overjoyed, feeling as if she had retrieved something important. Sitting in the car, her smile became more genuine.
She excitedly flipped through the ancient medical book, but after reading the first few chapters, she couldn't help but frown.
The ancient book's language and sentence structure were far too obscure and difficult to understand. She forced herself to read a few pages, but felt as if her brain had turned into a bucket of mush. She secretly gave up her intention to study it diligently and decided to hand the ancient medical book over to Huang Linli as a favor.
Sitting in the driver's seat, Qin Rongyun was overjoyed to see Shen Qingtang's face framed in the rearview mirror. She felt that she was getting closer and closer to her. She deliberately followed up the conversation, saying, "Xiao Wan, my mother and I have already gotten this ancient medical book for you. You must ask Old Huang about it. Maybe my cousin can stand up again."
Shen Ruowan nodded and said, "Rong Yun, don't worry." But she paused for a moment and said, "But you need to give me some time."
Although Shen Ruowan boasted a lot in front of everyone, she actually had little confidence in herself.
Huang Linli is indeed very famous, but she also has more than 20 disciples. Online marketing accounts say that she is a closed-door disciple, but it is unknown when she will become a closed-door disciple.
Moreover, since she is in the entertainment industry, her focus is naturally on that area, and some of Huang Linli's legitimate disciples do not actually acknowledge her status.
After much deliberation, she could only turn to Huang Minmi, since Huang Minmi was Huang Linli's only daughter in his old age. Their status was definitely different. If Huang Minmi refused to help, she could only turn to her arrogant senior sister, Ge Youan.
Without hesitation, she looked at Qin Rongyun and said softly, "Brother Yun, I'm not going back to the Shen family. Could you please take me somewhere?"
*
Su Rong has been visiting Qin Guanlan more frequently these past few days, almost daily at the villa. However, Qin Guanlan is more aloof than usual because he's angry. He's also unresponsive when spoken to. Su Rong knows he's doing this to vent his anger on Shen Qingtang's behalf, so she has no choice but to put up with it.
After all, they are mother and son, and there's no grudge that lasts overnight. Upon hearing the news that his younger sister, Qin Sumiao, had finally passed her graduation thesis and was going back to China, Qin Guanlan couldn't help but ask, "When is Sumiao coming back? Will she be able to make it in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival?"
Su Rong shook her head and said, "Although her holiday was during the Mid-Autumn Festival, there were no flights after 6 p.m. that night, so she could only catch the early morning flight the next day." She sighed softly and said, "Miao's personality is really too stubborn. I suggested that we charter a private plane to pick her up, but she refused."
She complained a little, "You said she's taking a private jet, just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival reunion dinner tonight. That's great, but then your aunt will have something to say about it." Old Mrs. Qin is nostalgic, and it's a long-standing tradition of wealthy families that all descendants must come back for the reunion dinner on Mid-Autumn Festival, hoping for a good omen of family reunion.
Qin Guanlan remained unmoved, saying, "Grandma will understand; it's just a few idle words." Grandma Qin valued her studies most and certainly wouldn't fuss over such a trivial matter with the younger generation. As for gossip, people can say whatever they want; even if they tried to control it to the face, it wouldn't stop the other person from talking behind their back.
Su Rong pursed her lips and suddenly asked, "Guan'er, can you pick me up at the airport that day?" As she said this, Su Rong was uneasy and filled with uncertainty.
Although the other party no longer shuts himself off like before, staying in his room and never going out, his activities are still limited to his small villa; he has never even left the Qin Mansion.
Qin Guanlan pursed his lips, hesitating for a moment, but when he saw Shen Qingtang staring at him with bright eyes full of expectation, his heart softened and he inexplicably agreed, "Okay."
After saying that, he immediately felt a pang of regret, but seeing the smile on Shen Qingtang's face, he could only sigh inwardly.
I accept my fate.
Su Rong had only mentioned it casually and didn't have much hope, but she never expected that Qin Guanlan would actually agree. She was overjoyed, but she also knew in her heart that this had a great deal to do with Shen Qingtang.
Then she thought about how the "Goddess" book she had always dreamed of was now hanging in her bedroom, and her gaze softened as she looked at Shen Qingtang. She said softly, "Qingtang, you must be bored from studying all day, right? Let me take you shopping for some holiday goods, and I'll buy you some clothes while I'm at it."
Shen Qingtang shook her head and politely declined, saying, "Aunt Su, no need. I have enough clothes."
Su Rong then quoted her famous saying: "No, no, no, every woman's wardrobe will always be missing a new dress."
Qin Guanlan's lips curled into a slight smile as he looked at Shen Qingtang and said, "Just think of it as going out for fun." The primary TCM practitioner's license exam is on the afternoon of the day after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Everyone has seen how hard Shen Qingtang has worked these past few days, so it's better to take this opportunity to have some fun.
“Exactly,” Qi Yi said from the side, “It’s a good time to clear your head.”
Su Rong earnestly invited, "The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important day to express our longing for our family. Qing Tang, could you give me some ideas on what gifts I should prepare?"
The Mid-Autumn Festival is an important day to express longing for family members...
Upon hearing this, a thoughtful look flashed across Shen Qingtang's eyes, and she immediately changed her words, saying, "Okay, Aunt Su."
Su Rong has always been extravagant when it comes to shopping. She says she wants Shen Qingtang to give her some advice, but in reality, her personal assistant Mary has already prepared a list of what she needs to buy.
And the most indispensable thing for the Mid-Autumn Festival is mooncakes. Su Rong led Shen Qingtang to a century-old brand and introduced it: "This Yu Fang Zhai specializes in pastries. The mooncakes they make are not only diverse in variety, but also taste very good. They have a great reputation in the capital."
Su Rong is right, business here is indeed good, with a long line stretching out from the door. Fortunately, they had pre-ordered by phone, so they just gave her their phone number and took away more than twenty boxes. Besides eating them themselves, they could also give them away as gifts to add to the festive atmosphere.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man with a round belly and a beaming smile greeted them, "Xiao Tang, Mrs. Qin, it really is you." Behind him stood a thin, bespectacled man with a scholarly air and a somewhat arrogant demeanor.
Shen Qingtang carefully searched through the original owner's memories before she remembered.
"Oh, it's you, Director Chen." Chen Maquan, the director of Renxin Pharmacy, was also the owner of her pharmacy. Remembering what Grandma Chen had said last time, a glint of light flashed in her eyes.
Logically, Chen Maquan should have been closer to Shen Qingtang, but he spent the whole time chatting with Su Rong and constantly boasting about his son's excellence.
"Mrs. Qin, my son has excellent grades at school and is currently preparing for the junior TCM doctor's license exam. He is very capable."
Upon hearing this keyword, Su Rong finally showed a hint of interest and couldn't help but ask, "Is this exam difficult? Qing Tang also signed up for this exam."
Upon hearing this, Chen Maquan immediately became wary: "Xiao Tang, have you done any mock exams? How did you do?"
"So-so." Shen Qingtang frowned slightly. Several times in mock exams, she only got 99 points instead of the full 100.
Upon hearing this, Chen Maquan immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, "If you find it too difficult, then don't take the exam. Anyway, with your Uncle Chen here, your Renxin Medical Clinic won't collapse."
"It's a pity that my son is too playful. He didn't study properly the first two times and just treated it as an opportunity to experience the exam environment."
Chen Li crossed his arms, seemingly unable to bear his father's denial, and hurriedly said, "Father, I'm sure I'll pass the exam this time. Senior Sister Ge, Master Huang's apprentice, has highlighted the key points for me."
Then, he looked at Shen Qingtang with disdain and said, "As for you, you should start preparing for the second exam as soon as possible. This exam is not so easy to pass." Shen Qingtang nodded and said, "I understand."
She thought to herself: I didn't expect the exam to be so difficult. She needs to hurry up and go over the questions she got wrong again.
After finishing her shopping, Su Rong felt a bit tired and looked at Shen Qingtang, saying, "Let's go."
Shen Qingtang shook her head and said, "Aunt Su, please wait for me for a few minutes."
She ran to the Yu Fang Zhai restaurant and asked, "Excuse me, can you deliver to this address?"
The shop assistant glanced at it, a hint of shock in his eyes, and said, "We can deliver, but the shipping fee..." Shen Qingtang nodded knowingly and said, "I'll pay for it."
The shop assistant smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, then I'll add you on WeChat."
Su Rong mistakenly thought that Shen Qingtang wanted to give Qin Guanlan a Mid-Autumn Festival gift box separately, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in her eyes.
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the villa was bustling with activity.
Shen Ruowan came with Madam Qin's family again. Su Rong, who had something to ask of her, naturally showed some obsequiousness and flattery. Everyone ate, drank, and chatted, and the atmosphere was peaceful.
After sitting for a short while, the Qin brothers left, citing company business, and said they would return for dinner.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang at the villa. Su Rong thought it was her wife and her group of girlfriends, but to her surprise, it was Zhang Xining.
Zhang Xining, carrying a Mid-Autumn Festival gift box, handed it over with a graceful demeanor and said, "Hello, Mrs. Qin, I'm here to see Shen Qingtang. Someone asked me to deliver something." As soon as she finished speaking, a burly bodyguard in a black suit appeared behind her.
He was carrying a banner in one hand that read "Miraculous Healing Hands, Hua Tuo Reborn," and chicken, duck, fish, and vegetables in the other, looking both trendy and rustic.
"This...this is for me?" Su Rong's face seemed to crack.
Zhang Xining shook his head and smiled, saying, "Mrs. Qin, this isn't for you. It was sent over by the family of a patient Qingtang cured."
"Their level of education is not very high. I chose the eight characters on the banner. The chickens, ducks and fish are raised by them in the countryside. And these vegetables have not been sprayed with pesticides and are very fresh."
After saying that, she carefully took out a piece of drawing paper from her pocket and handed it to Shen Qingtang, saying, "This is what the little girl asked me to give you."
The child's brushstrokes in the picture are very immature, but you can tell that it depicts the moment when Shen Qingtang was using mugwort to treat her ailments.
"Qingtang, you're really amazing, but what exactly happened?" Hearing Su Rong's praise, Shen Ruowan, who was sitting on the sofa, lost half of her smile.
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Author's note: If you have money, please support me financially; if you have connections, please support me with your presence; and if you have any nutrient solutions, please give me a drink! [crying emoji]
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