Chapter 55 (Extra Chapters)
Side Story: Episode 1
Renhe Hospital, VIP ward on the 20th floor.
"Sister Shen, are you feeling better now?" Cui Mingyue had been on tenterhooks ever since she learned about Shen Qingtang's kidnapping online, and she was relieved to see that she had escaped successfully.
The next day, after finding out Shen Qingtang's location, they hurriedly brought the people from Renxin Medical Clinic to visit her.
Xu Xiaosheng and Xu Xiaoxun stared at her with worried eyes, their eyes red, clearly having already cried.
"Sister Chen, would you like some water?"
"Sister Chen, would you like an apple?"
The way the two of them greeted each other so sweetly was like that of little angels.
Feeling the worried looks from everyone, Shen Qingtang sighed helplessly and said, "I'm really not injured, so don't worry." Apart from a few minor scratches and choking on some black smoke, she was fine. She just couldn't refuse Brother Qin, so she agreed to stay in the hospital for two days for a full physical examination. She would be able to be discharged soon.
Upon hearing this, Sun Wukong and the others breathed a sigh of relief and began to chatter amongst themselves.
"I knew it. Sister Shen is a lucky person and she'll definitely be alright."
"Thank God for protecting us, that fire was quite large."
"By the way, Sister Chen, how exactly did you escape? There are all sorts of rumors circulating online."
Shen Qingtang explained, "We found a relatively weak wall, broke through it, and crawled out."
Despite Shen Qingtang's nonchalant manner, everyone present knew that the situation must have been extremely urgent.
Cui Min raised her eyebrows and said with some surprise, "I didn't expect those three people to be so strong. No wonder they are so tired now, their limbs are weak and their muscles are sore, and they can't even lift their little fingers."
Cui Min had a connection with the doctors on this floor, and when she inquired about Shen Qingtang's condition, she also asked about the others.
Shen Qingtang gave a faint "Oh" and said, "Perhaps I was too rough with the acupuncture, which is why they are exhausted now."
Hearing this, Cui Mingyue couldn't help but laugh and said, "No wonder, she smashed a wall so easily." Stimulating the acupoints with acupuncture to unleash potential and enhance strength was indeed something Sister Shen could do.
Liu Haoren frowned and said, "Sister Chen, what deep-seated grudge do you have against your cousin that she would try to kidnap and murder you for the sake of company shares?"
Hearing this, Sun Wukong twitched his lips speechlessly and said, "Do you know how much the shares of the Shen Group are worth? Enough to buy four or five hundred of our Renxin Pharmacies." After saying that, he shook his head and said, "This is what you call being swayed by profit."
He was not old, but he spoke with an air of maturity, as if he had experienced a lot.
Liu Haoren frowned and said, "I still can't understand. After all, they're relatives."
Cui Mingyue waved her hand and said, "No matter what, she has paid the price. With Brother Qin's intervention and the evidence from the live broadcast across the entire internet, she will probably spend the rest of her life in prison."
Fang Ze, who was usually silent, suddenly spoke up: "I heard that the Shen family has publicly announced in the newspaper that they have severed ties with Shen Ruowan, and said that what she did has nothing to do with the Shen family."
Upon hearing this news, Shen Qingtang nodded slightly. He was not surprised at all. After all, that was how they treated the original body.
She blinked and asked, "By the way, how's the clinic lately? Are you managing to keep up?"
Cui Mingyue replied, "Sister Chen, don't worry, we can handle everything. Just relax and rest in the hospital for a couple of days."
Suddenly, there was a knocking sound at the door.
"Qingtang, may I have a word with you?" The ward door opened from the outside, revealing an elderly man with white hair. He was leaning on a cane, and standing beside him was a man in a black suit and tie, carrying a briefcase.
Shen Qingtang raised her eyes in surprise at the arrival of the person, not expecting that the head of the Shen Group, Old Master Shen, would make a special trip.
Is he here to apologize and plead for Shen Ruowan's life?
In the original owner's memories, the old man doted on Shen Ruowan and had long harbored the idea of grooming her as his successor. However, before that, he could indulge his granddaughter's little whims, such as letting her try her luck in the entertainment industry.
Seeing the two people's striking resemblance, Cui Mingyue and the others instantly understood the relationship between them and tactfully suggested leaving.
Shen Qingtang greeted the old man calmly as he entered, saying, "Grandpa."
Looking at his granddaughter, whom he didn't particularly like, Shen Guoqiang suddenly realized how much she had changed. The petty and awkward air about her had vanished, replaced by a resolute gaze. She bore a resemblance to his rigid and meticulous eldest son, yet possessed a tolerance and composure beyond her years.
He gave a curt reply, exchanging polite but distant pleasantries: "I heard that Renxin Medical Clinic has been doing quite well lately."
Shen Qingtang nodded and said, "It's alright." In fact, as Shen Qingtang's medical skills and reputation continued to rise, in some people's minds, the reputation of Renxin Medical Hall had far surpassed that of Yonghetang.
Old Master Shen pursed his lips. Someone of his high position would obviously not take the initiative to start a conversation. In the end, it was Shen Qingtang who took the initiative to speak: "Did you come to me to plead for Shen Ruowan?"
Before the other person could answer, she shook her head and said, "I probably can't help with this."
"But you weren't injured in the end." Old Master Shen looked at the glucose dripping onto the back of her hand and said dryly.
"Yes, but Brother Qin almost went into the burning warehouse and got injured because of me."
They were all intelligent people; how could Old Master Shen not understand the meaning behind Shen Qingtang's words?
In fact, Shen Qingtang herself didn't care much about this matter. What she cared about from beginning to end was Qin Guanlan. She had thought more than once about what would have happened if she had come out a step later.
Indeed, she was a highly skilled doctor who could help Qin Guanlan, who was paralyzed in both legs and confined to a wheelchair, stand up.
But what if she were facing a corpse? Would she still have such confidence and assurance? Shen Qingtang dared not gamble and did not want to gamble, because a hint of hatred flashed in her usually calm eyes.
This hatred was fresh and unfamiliar, yet it represented that Shen Qingtang had truly integrated into this world and understood the meaning of "love".
Old Master Shen's lips moved, but in the end, he swallowed the words he had originally intended to use to plead for mercy, his clear black and white eyes meeting his. He sighed softly and said, "It's all fate, and I can't control it anymore."
"I'm here today mainly to transfer all my shares in the Shen Group to you." He glanced at the young man beside him, who immediately handed Shen Qingtang a draft contract.
Shen Qingtang asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why?" You see, Old Master Shen has always held onto power tightly, and he doesn't even trust his two sons.
She thought the other party wanted to use this as a condition to get a chance to plead for Shen Ruowan, and if she refused, she would also be refusing the huge amount of shares in the Shen family.
Old Master Shen was a seasoned shrewd old fox who saw through Shen Qingtang's thoughts at a glance.
He said, "You really think I want to be this local tyrant? It's just because I have no one to rely on."
He knew his two sons well; one was too conservative and the other too adventurous. If the Shen Group wanted to go far, neither of their ideas was acceptable; on the contrary, it would only hasten the group's decline.
He had initially favored Shen Ruowan, finding her beautiful and cunning, but after meeting Shen Qingtang, he realized he had been blind to her true nature.
“Our Shen Group originally built its fortune on its core business, so you might be the most suitable candidate.”
*
"Qingtang, what's wrong?" As soon as Qin Guanlan got off work, he brought out the hot chicken soup to cool down, and then took out the bowls, chopsticks and soup spoons.
Noticing that the other person seemed a little dazed, he frowned and asked, "Did Old Master Shen say something unpleasant to you?" He had originally wanted the two of them to meet, but Old Master Shen insisted.
Although Qin Guanlan was a powerful figure in the business world, he still had to "respect the elderly and care for the young" outside of business. Moreover, the two were related by blood. He could stop them this time, but he couldn't stop them forever.
Shen Qingtang shook her head and said, "No, Grandpa came today to transfer the shares under his name to me."
"He didn't mention any conditions, he just hoped I would manage the Shen Group well. I just don't know if I'm suitable for it..."
Qin Guanlan immediately understood her concerns, reached out and patted her head to comfort her, saying, "How do you know if it's suitable or not if you haven't even tried it?"
“My secretaries are all very experienced. They can help you with some things. If you don’t understand something, you can learn it slowly. You can ask me questions whenever you want.” He held Shen Qingtang’s right hand and said, “That way, we’ll have something in common to talk about.”
“If you really can’t adapt, I can take over the Shen Group, and you won’t have to work so hard.” He paused for a moment and said, “Of course, it all depends on your own wishes.”
"Whether you're a doctor or a CEO for the rest of your life, as long as you're by my side, that's enough."
Sensing the anxiety and unease in his tone, Shen Qingtang was both amused and exasperated. She gripped Qin Guanlan's hand tightly and asked with bright eyes, "Brother Qin, so can I understand that you're proposing to me right now?"
Qin Guanlan's eyes lit up at first, but quickly dimmed again as he said, "You won't agree. This is too fast."
"And Mom said that it's better if two people date for a longer period of time."
Seeing his earnest expression, Shen Qingtang was surprised that such a mature and considerate man could be so inexperienced. A mischievous thought suddenly arose in her mind, and she leaned closer, feigning worry, and said, "Really? But what should I do if I suddenly really want to get married?"
She smiled knowingly, watching with satisfaction as the man in front of her blushed at her words.
Side Story 2: Marriage
Upon learning that Shen Qingtang and Qin Rongyun were getting married, the staff at Renxin Medical Clinic were not surprised at all; on the contrary, they felt that it was only natural.
Standing in front of the pharmacy counter, Cui Mingyue clicked her tongue and sighed, "Sister Chen and Brother Qin are a match made in heaven. They should have gotten married long ago after dating for so long."
"It hasn't been that long, has it?" Cui Min said, scrutinizing the words. "Some of them have been doing it for seven or eight years."
Sun Hou rolled his eyes from behind and said, "Dr. Cui, from my observation, the longer the fling goes on, the harder it is to get married. People like Sister Shen at least have a lot of passion before they get married." After saying that, he nudged Liu Haoren's shoulder with his elbow and winked, "Haoren, do you think I'm right?"
Liu Haoren said in a serious tone, "Sister Shen is now working at the group, so we should call her President Shen."
Fang Ze chimed in, "I heard that Doctor Liao hasn't been in a good mood lately. He even asked me if there are any love potions in Miao territory."
Upon hearing this, Cui Mingyue immediately became alert and earnestly instructed, "Then you must reply whether you have replied or not."
Fang Ze smiled and said, "I didn't have any on hand to begin with. Besides, if two people are truly in love, even if one of them is given a love potion, it will be ineffective."
Side Story 3: The Finale
Shen Qingtang and Qin Guanlan truly lived up to their wedding vows, staying together until old age, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, and achieving the pinnacle of their careers.
One day, the two of them sat in the small garden, basking in the sun and enjoying the gentle breeze.
Shen Qingtang, whose hair was already gray, was leisurely drinking tea when Qin Guanlan, who was drowsy, suddenly opened his eyes and called out anxiously, "Qingtang, Qingtang."
Shen Qingtang immediately stood up and grasped the other person's right hand, saying, "Brother Qin, I'm here."
Seeing the other person suddenly become radiant and full of energy, she felt a sudden pang in her heart, a premonition of impending death. The next moment, Qin Guanlan reached out and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, saying, "Qingtang, don't cry. I am already very content to have you by my side in this life."
After saying that, he smiled and said, "One life, one love, one partner—I'm truly content with this life." He looked directly at Shen Qingtang and said, "In the next life, and the life after that, let's be together forever, okay?"
Hearing Qin Guanlan's words, Shen Qingtang suddenly realized that she was crying. She nodded repeatedly and promised, "Okay, Brother Qin." She looked at him and breathed a sigh of relief, then closed her eyes with a peaceful smile on her lips.
After that, Shen Qingtang lived alone for three more years. Before she died, she held Qin Guanlan's photo in her hand and said with a smile, "Brother Qin, I've come to find you."
Whether it was her imagination or not, Qin Guanlan appeared beside her, his voice and smile just like when he was young.
At this moment, a vague feeling arose in her heart that she seemed to have seen the other person a long, long time ago.
Suddenly, a Sanskrit chant resounded in her head, followed by an ethereal voice that seemed to come from the heavens above.
"Do you...remember now?"
This problem is like the keyhole of a lock, suddenly opening a memory box.
It turns out she was a cultivator.
It turns out she has already experienced a hundred lifetimes.
As a medical cultivator, she cultivated the path of compassion for all living beings from a young age. She was a prodigy in the cultivation world, but due to her heartless nature, she was stuck at the Tribulation Transcending stage for a thousand years without advancing. Until she was hit on the head by a book from outer space and transmigrated into the body of the cannon fodder eldest sister in the control group of a wealthy family.
Now she has finally come to understand the meaning of love, her trials are over, and she has finally ascended to immortality.
Amidst the complex and varied memories, she searched for the figures of Qin Guanlan in every incarnation.
It turns out... the other person had always been by her side.
Suddenly, a familiar yet anxious voice reached her ears: "Qingtang? Is that you?"
Shen Qingtang slowly raised her eyes, a bright smile blooming on her face, and blurted out three words: "Brother Qin, I've seen you again."
This time, they will be together forever, regardless of life or death, or the separation of heaven and earth.
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Author's Note: It's finished! Hooray! [doge emoji with rose in hand] I hope some lovely readers will support my new novel, "Game Fusion: The Apocalyptic Female Lord".
Veteran gamer Meng Peining was invited by the developer to try out the large-scale holographic Western fantasy game "First Lord". She readily agreed because of the high reward.
This game boasts appeal to all ages and offers a high degree of freedom, with a Western fantasy theme featuring leisurely infrastructure building, farming, and food.
When she opened her eyes, she was staring at a zombie with bluish-purple skin, a red face, and fangs—supposedly her subjects.
The wicked cherries that explode at the slightest touch, the red peppers that burst at the drop of a hat, and the carnivorous flowers that she chews on constantly—these are said to be the most abundant crops in her territory.
Meng Peining stared at the character's attribute panel, which alternated between transforming into a witch and a dragon. She lowered her head and licked her sharp wolf claws, her lips twitching: ...Just how many games did this game development team incorporate?
*
In the interstellar year 2030, the apocalypse suddenly erupted.
Whether you are a distinguished interstellar general, an outstanding scientific researcher, or a renowned agronomist... once infected with the zombie virus, there is only death.
Worse still, the endless evolution of mutated plants and animals and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events have plunged everyone into fear and anxiety.
So, do you want to join the Divine Phoenix Territory and become a citizen?
*
As the territory continues to expand, manpower becomes increasingly scarce. Meng Peining firmly believes that without a team, you can only work yourself to death.
Therefore, he called upon all people in the last days to lead them, regardless of age or gender, as long as they were alive.
What? You're just an ordinary person? No, no, I'm not going.
Become a citizen and receive a special ability awakening potion! Mix and match any of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, earth, ice, lightning, and poison.
What? The zombies there are also citizens? No way, no way.
Survival rate of 100% when going on missions with zombies, amazing, incredibly amazing.
What? You're going to Ruitian Base and Xiguang Base?
Don't you know that all these base owners have gone to Shenfeng Territory to become its citizens?
Shenfeng Territory is undoubtedly a sacred place in the hearts of people in the post-apocalyptic world, because it has abundant crops and fertile soil, city walls that the enemy has been unable to conquer for a long time, and powerful superhumans.
One phrase became widely circulated during the apocalypse.
"Sister, marry any of the people from the Divine Phoenix Territory you meet!"
*
Meng Peining always thought this was just a sham game, so she ambitiously became the number one female lord in the apocalypse.
Even after successfully completing the level, he still resolutely chose to quit the game.
But she didn't know that the game and reality had quietly merged, and the people of the Divine Phoenix Territory, having lost their lord, were also plunged into despair.
On the night of the full moon, the cold and handsome man, known for his fierce reputation as the Judge, appeared with his red eyes, transformed into a wolf, and carefully stroked the smiling face of the woman in the photo with his huge wolf paws, his eyes full of tenderness and longing.
The little wolf cub in his arms cried even louder, "Mommy, don't you want Little Cabbage anymore?"
"How could you abandon your husband and children? Waaaaah!"
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