Chapter 116: Be Honest About the Current Situation

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasized that medicine and food came from the same source.

Most of the time, the treatment approach would be gentle, slowly nourishing the body and achieving the goal of removing the illness.

Because there were rarely intense prescriptions, the treatment process was relatively slow.

Many patients were skeptical about this and turned to Western medicine for treatment.

If Lei Qiming’s research hypothesis were really successful, it would greatly increase the efficacy of Traditional Chinese medicine. The treatment process would be significantly shortened if the prescription and the patient’s physical condition were the same! This would be a great research that could change the status of Traditional Chinese medicine.

When Qu Xiao thought of this, her gaze was uncontrollably filled with excitement.

Lei Qiming raised his brilliant smile and laughed at the sky twice.

“That’s right! I will announce the results of the scientific research at the Overseas Research and Development Conference next week.”

“We may face many problems and difficulties these few days, but as long as we conquer them, we will be able to become the pioneer!”

Hearing Lei Qiming’s words, Qu Xiao’s body froze, and she pointed at herself suspiciously. “We?”

Lei Qiming nodded and slowly extended his palm to her. “Are you willing to be my assistant and join the research team?”

Qu Xiao took a long time to digest the surprise in front of her, and then she shook Lei Qiming’s hand tightly. “Of course I’m willing!”

She and Lei Qiming were so busy in the laboratory that they didn’t notice time passing by quickly.

At the same time, in the old residence of the Shang family, Shang Yan entered the living room in a wheelchair. He found that Grandfather Shang, Shang Liqing, and Shang Xinchen were all present. Their gazes fell on him in unison, as if they were about to start a hearing about him.

Shang Liqing tilted her head and stared at the empty courtyard. She deliberately said provocatively, “What? Second Brother’s wife is putting on airs?”

“Is she going to be late even though Grandfather invited her?”

Shang Yan frowned slightly and explained to Grandfather Shang, “Professor Lei Qiming from A University is looking for her for some matters. She will rush over after settling it.”

Grandfather Shang had heard of Lei Qiming’s reputation. His displeased expression eased a little.

Shang Liqing rolled her eyes and spoke again.

“Second Brother, are you treating us as outsiders? Do you still want to hide such a huge matter from us? Are you sure you need to sit in a wheelchair?” Her personality was straightforward, and what she said made Shang Yan silent.

Shang Yan knew that the news could not be kept secret for long, so he quickened his pace to deal with the company’s affairs.

At this moment, he pressed against the wheelchair’s armrest and slowly stood up.

Grandfather Shang’s pupils dilated and his breathing became rapid and excited. He leaned forward and stood up with his cane. He ran to Shang Yan quickly, sizing up his legs which could rely on their own strength to walk. “Are you really alright?”

Shang Yan nodded and saw tears welling up in Grandfather Shang’s eyes. “I didn’t have the time to tell you about what happened this afternoon.”

The huge impact made the Shang family fall into silence. Shang Liqing opened her mouth and wanted to continue instigating, but Shang Yan spoke first, “The reason why I was able to stand up was all thanks to Qu Xiao. She started looking for renowned doctors half a year ago and self-learned Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture to diagnose and treat me.”

“Every night, she had to keep an eye on my condition and look around for renowned medicine that could help me recuperate.”

“It was also her and Professor Lei Qiming who concocted the prescription, and she even used her life as a stake to help me overcome my psychological trauma. Grandfather, without Qu Xiao, I wouldn’t have been able to stand up. I don’t expect you to immediately accept and thank her, but I hope you can try to get to know her again.”

Shang Yan’s every word was sincere and clear. Grandfather Shang’s was slightly moved.

Shang Liqing saw that the situation was not good and hurriedly retorted, “What does it have to do with her? Qu Xiao only knows how to put on a show.”

Shang Xinchen curled up on the sofa and could not help but speak up for Qu Xiao, “I can prove that she had entered A University because she wanted to treat Second Brother’s illness.”

“Qu Xiao even bought an ancient medical book from me. I heard that she was in danger for Second Brother several times. She is really loyal.”

𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢

Shang Liqing heard Shang Xinchen’s words and glared at him, “Who exactly are you speaking up for?”

“Am I trying to harm Second Brother? Qu Xiao has no upbringing. She doesn’t care about the big picture when she does things. Her identity is also…”

Shang Liqing ridiculed excitedly. She subconsciously shrunk her neck and pulled Shang Xinchen to block her when she felt Shang Yan’s gaze. Her voice gradually weakened as she retorted, “I just hope that Second Brother can find a better one, can’t I?”

As soon as she finished speaking, the butler outside the door brought Wen Wan in.

Shang Yan quickly pulled the wheelchair and then pretended to be unable to move. He stared fiercely at Shang Liqing.

Wen Wan was wearing a pure white floral dress, and her meticulous make-up made her look attractive. Her eyes were glued to Shang Yan. She smiled shyly and gently greeted the crowd, “Grandfather, Second Brother, I’m here to see Liqing.”

Shang Liqing suddenly jumped up from the sofa and held Wen Wan’s arm as she pushed her to Shang Yan’s side. At the same time, she used her eyes to hint at Grandfather Shang.

Wen Wan, the only daughter of the Wen family, the beloved daughter of a prestigious family.

Shang Liqing could not help but imagine what a happy and harmonious scene it would be if she could be Shang Yan’s wife!

Chapter 117: Confession Rejected

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the Shang family’s villa, the atmosphere was awkward and stagnant.

Shang Yan furrowed his brows. He knew Shang Liqing’s intentions and always kept his distance from Wen Wan.

Wen Wan recalled Shang Liqing’s instigation and mustered her courage to walk to Shang Yan’s side. She bit her tender lips and closed her eyes as if struggling and hesitating. She confessed softly, “I like you! From a very long time ago, Brother Shang Yan, I have liked to be by your side and fantasized about marrying you.”

“I know that you and Qu Xiao are married because of the family’s agreement and your career needs.”

“You have no feelings for her, and Qu Xiao is not worthy of you. Brother Shang Yan, as long as you are willing to divorce, I will definitely be able to convince my family to agree to us being together. The Wen family’s resources will all go to the Shang family when that time comes. The collaboration between the two families will definitely bring more glory than now.”

Wen Wan was smart. She knew that by saying these words, she would be able to win Grandfather Shang’s support.

After all, a marriage in the financial circle was not purely based on a relationship. Without material things, it would not be able to go on for long.

Shang Liqing secretly winked at Wen Wan. Her eyes were filled with anticipation as she agreed. “Compared to the Qu family, the Wen family’s…”

“Shut up!”

Shang Yan looked enraged as he reprimanded her. Shang Liqing hurriedly shut up. She lowered her gaze and stared at the floor, not daring to speak rashly again.

Wen Wan’s body trembled in fear. Like a frightened white rabbit, her eyes were so red that they could capture people’s empathy.

Shang Yan cleared his throat and stared indifferently at the girl in front of him. He tried his best to use a gentle tone to reject her, “You and Liqing are friends. I have cared for you like my younger sister. I definitely have no other thoughts. The expansion of the Shang Group in the country has been going smoothly, and there are no difficulties with the capital either. If the Wen family is willing to join hands with us to seize the market, I am delighted to have a powerful ally.”

“But if the premise of the alliance between the two families is to establish a marriage relationship, I think the Shang Group doesn’t need it.”

Wen Wan’s pupils instantly constricted. She had put down her ego to come to the Shang family to confess publicly, but all she had received was such humiliation!

Her pale face instantly turned red. Wen Wan bit her lips tightly and glared at Shang Liqing resentfully, hating her for putting her in such a situation.

Shang Yan was silent for a long time. It was as if he was saying to Wen Wan, but at the same time, it was also as if he was announcing to the members of the Shang family. “I love Qu Xiao.”

“Love increases with time. Right now, I can be sure that I will only cherish and love her for the rest of my life. Regardless of whether the Qu family is on the verge of restructuring and bankruptcy, I am willing to continue walking hand in hand with her. I don’t wish that anyone, including my family, blame and complain about her.”

Shang Yan’s gaze fell on Shang Liqing as he said in an aggravated tone, “I don’t want what happened today to happen again.”

Shang Liqing lost all her face in front of Wen Wan. She did not know where she got the courage, but she confronted Shang Yan with her hands on her hips.

“Second Brother, ask your conscience. How many wrong things did Qu Xiao do to you? Can you blame us for being biased against her?”

“She has a complicated relationship with Ling Chi. She cheated on you outside, stole business projects from the Shang family for the Qu family, and even used your name to attract investments and connections for the Qu family. Do you think you can choose to forget those?”

Shang Liqing recalled the stupid things Qu Xiao had done and was so angry that her eyes turned red.

“She doesn’t respect you at all. Do you think I want to destroy your marriage? I don’t want you to feel aggrieved!”

“So the whole family has forgotten about the past. Only I’m playing the villain, right?”

Shang Liqing screamed in grievance. Grandfather Shang and Shang Xinchen kept silent in embarrassment.

Qu Xiao’s change was too big. She had simply become a completely different person.

Shang Xinchen also thought that she was pretending at first. As they got closer, he realized that Qu Xiao was really different from the past. Her various actions could not be done by pretending to care, “Liqing, everyone makes mistakes. It’s fine as long as they can change.”

“You also said that you hope that Second Brother can be happy, right?”

Shang Xinchen grabbed Shang Liqing’s shoulder in an attempt to ease the atmosphere.

Shang Liqing suddenly turned her head and gritted her teeth as she glared at him. “You! A fence-sitter. What benefits did Qu Xiao promise you to help her?”

Grandfather Shang just listened to the young ones argue and did not speak.

𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢

He had seen Shang Yan’s hand gently resting on his knees, and his eyes filled with gentleness when he mentioned Qu Xiao. He sighed in compromise.

“Enough!”

Shang Liqing and Shang Xinchen shut their mouths simultaneously and looked at Grandfather Shang obediently.

Grandpa Shang looked at Wen Wan lovingly, “Wen family’s little girl, I have watched you grow up. Grandfather naturally knows that you’re a good child. No one will talk about what happened today. Just treat it as if it never happened. In the future, if Grandfather sees a decent boy, I will personally come and introduce him to you.”

“As for Shang Yan, there will be no happiness if things are attained forcibly in a relationship.”

Grandfather Shang’s words drew an end to this farce.

Wen Wan was so embarrassed and angry that she wanted to turn around and leave angrily. Shang Liqing hurriedly grabbed her elbow and apologized in a low voice, “I’m sorry.”

She also did not expect things to develop to such an extent.

There was a sound coming from the villa’s entrance. Qu Xiao changed into a pair of slippers and came to the living room. Seeing the subtle atmosphere in the crowd, she stared at Wen Wan and sized her up.

Chapter 118: Jealous

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

They all felt that Qu Xiao was worth it. They all recognized Qu Xiao’s status and identity in the Shang family, right?

When Shang Liqing saw Qu Xiao, she thought of Grandfather Shang and Shang Xinchen reprimanding her, and her desire for revenge grew stronger.

She deliberately pulled Wen Wan’s wrist and pushed Wen Wan to Shang Yan’s side.

Wen Wan lost her balance and fell onto Shang Yan’s lap. After all, she was an outsider, so Shang Yan could not stand up to distance himself from her. He could only say unhappily, “Shang Liqing! What are you trying to do?”

Shang Xinchen quickly helped Wen Wan out of the predicament and helped her up.

Qu Xiao’s expression did not change at all. Her lips curled up demurely, and her eyes smiled. “You are a friend of Liqing, right? I seem to have seen you at the charity banquet before. The tiles in the living room are slippery, be careful not to fall.”

“Since you’re here as a guest, why don’t you stay for dinner?”

“Liqing’s friend is also our younger sister, don’t stand on ceremony with us.”

Qu Xiao’s magnanimous way of handling things saved the Shang family’s face and gave Wen Wan a way out. Grandfather Shang nodded in satisfaction and looked at her with gratified eyes. It seemed that Shang Xinchen was right. The Qu family’s girl was indeed different from before.

“I passed by the supermarket and bought a lot of dishes that Shang Yan likes. There’s also boiled beef that Grandfather likes. What do you want to eat?”

“Something lighter, or something with a stronger taste?”

Qu Xiao looked down at the ingredients in the plastic bag and spoke somewhat nonchalantly, “Actually, everyone’s taste is different. They may not be able to eat what they like for a long time. If they are overly obsessed, they may hurt their bodies…”

“Miss Wen Wan seems to like spicy food, but being addicted to spicy food is not good for your skin. Why don’t you change your taste?”

How could Wen Wan not understand Qu Xiao’s hint of advice?

Wen Wan hurriedly found an excuse to leave. The butler and nanny also carried Qu Xiao’s shopping bags to the kitchen and busied themselves with preparing dinner.

Qu Xiao sat beside Shang Yan and answered Grandfather Shang’s questions with a calm expression.

But Shang Yan noticed the displeasure in her eyes and wanted to coax Qu Xiao.

He wanted to interlock his fingers with Qu Xiao’s. But the moment his fingers touched hers, Qu Xiao pulled her hand back abruptly.

She was angry! Was she jealous?

Shang Yan could not help but laugh and shake his head helplessly.

Grandfather Shang noticed the subtle movements of the couple and recalled the days when he was younger. His eyes were fixed on the family portrait placed on the dining cabinet. His gaze was filled with nostalgia, and he also became gentle and loving. “Shang Yan told me everything.”

“I thank you for helping him achieve this medical miracle, allowing him to completely walk out of his trauma and become more open.”

Grandfather Shang took the initiative to raise his glass, and Qu Xiao hurriedly clinked it with his. She respectfully turned her body to the side and took a sip of white wine.

“Shang Yan is busy with work. If you have time, come over more often. You can drink tea and play chess with me.”

“I’m getting old. I hope that it will be more lively around me. With you juniors accompanying me, I won’t be so lonely.”

Grandfather Shang raised the suggestions. Qu Xiao understood what he meant, but she was so stunned that she forgot to answer until Shang Yan gently pushed her leg under the table.

Qu Xiao nodded in a panic. “I will definitely come to see you often! As long as you don’t mind.”

Shang Xinchen curled the corners of his lips and teased, “Second Sister-in-law, Grandfather can’t wait to have you come every day so that you can massage his shoulders and legs. You have to be mentally prepared!” Grandfather Shang gave Shang Xinchen a fierce look and pretended to be angry as he said, “Am I like that?”

The atmosphere at the dining table was warm and cheerful. Only Shang Liqing buried her head as she ate, trying to block out all the sounds.

After dinner, Qu Xiao helped Grandfather Shang with acupuncture and massage for half an hour and followed Shang Yan out of the old residence.

Shang Yan wanted to chat with Qu Xiao while in the car heading to the villa, but Qu Xiao remained silent as she looked out of the car window and refused to answer.

“You’re still angry?”

Shang Yan’s question was like a fuse that lit a bomb. The anger in Qu Xiao’s eyes deepened.

𝑓r𝘦𝘦𝘄eb𝒏𝙤vel.c𝙤𝙢

In the villa’s bedroom, Qu Xiao slammed the door. Shang Yan who followed closely behind her, almost had the door slammed on his nose.

He hugged Qu Xiao tightly from behind and buried his head in her neck as he explained in a muffled voice, “I had no idea that Liqing would call Wen Wan over. I rejected her very directly. After all, the two families are family friends. There’s no way to make the relationship too stiff.”

“My wife, can you forgive me?”

Shang Yan imitated Qu Xiao’s usual demeanor and acted coquettishly towards her.

Qu Xiao’s body suddenly stopped. She clenched her teeth and turned around to stare at the man who was a head taller than her. “I won’t be jealous, but you must make up for it and pay the price!” After saying that, she pushed Shang Yan’s chest, causing him to step back until he fell back and sat on the bed.

Shang Yan sensed her intention. He raised his eyebrows and held Qu Xiao’s waist with anticipation.

“I’m happy to use my body to make up for it!”

Qu Xiao’s eyes glinted mischievously. She rubbed Shang Yan’s earlobe with her hand. “Is that so? I hope you don’t regret it!”

Her cold little hand covered Shang Yan’s eyes. He raised his head and waited for Qu Xiao’s kiss, but he didn’t expect to receive something else.

Chapter 119: Let’s Have a Child

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The night light emitted a dark purple light in the bedroom.

Qu Xiao strutted in front of Shang Yan seductively.

The sexy black leather underwear tightly wrapped around her graceful figure, making it stand out seductively.

The smooth, tender white round breasts moved as if they were about to jump out. Qu Xiao held the sex prop in her hand and raised her leg to step her toes on Shang Yan’s abdominal muscles while gently biting her red lips.

Shang Yan’s eyes darkened. He struggled to get up a few times but to no avail.

A few minutes ago, Qu Xiao covered Shang Yan’s eyes and tied him to the bed as she coaxed and threatened.

At this moment, Shang Yan’s hands and feet were tied to the bed’s four corners. He could only watch helplessly as Qu Xiao wreaked havoc on his body.