Chapter One Hundred Sixteen: Ignoring Advice

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When Xie Qingtang asked that question, Zhou Jinfan’s expression changed, a chill running down his spine. He nervously stammered, “What’s wrong, boss? Shouldn’t I keep the two million consultation fee? Or should I return it to him?”

“You keep the money, then return it,” Xie Qingtang said, her tone rising as she continued to look at Zhou Jinfan.

At this moment, Zhou Jinfan found himself caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to decide. With a grim face, he said, “Boss, just tell me what to do. Whether you want me to keep the money or return it, I won’t complain. Please don’t scare me like this!”

During this time, Zhou Jinfan had felt the competitive pressure within the Canshan Hall. After all, the newly recruited apprentice, Song Qing, was far quicker at learning than he was—and she was about to graduate from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This immense pressure had made Zhou Jinfan work diligently. Seeing his expression, Xie Qingtang stopped teasing him and let out a soft chuckle, patting his shoulder. “It seems I need to take you along more often so you can truly see the world. Two million for a consultation isn’t expensive, because I am worth that price.”

With that, Xie Qingtang headed to the backyard to feed the little bird hanging on a branch with some herbal medicine.

Ever since that little bird consumed the root of the blood ginseng brought by Gu Xiujin, a thin line of blood appeared between its eyes. It was subtle, but upon closer inspection, it looked remarkably mystical.

In recent days, Xie Qingtang had been observing the bird more and more closely and was surprised to find that after eating other herbal medicines, the bird showed no other changes.

Fortunately, after finishing the blood ginseng, the bird did not become more picky. It still ate the other dried herbs Xie Qingtang fed it, or else she would have struggled to keep feeding it.

“Are you saying Dong Weiyi took medicine from Canshan Hall?” Gu Xiujin frowned slightly, and Li Zhao standing beside him nodded. “Should we remind Miss Xie again?”

“No need. Mr. Xie asked me to take care of her, and I’ve already reminded her once. I’m not obligated to do it again. She’s an adult and can bear the consequences of her decisions,” Gu Xiujin refused directly, his prideful expression leaving Li Zhao helpless.

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The next evening, after Canshan Hall closed, Xie Qingtang casually donned a teal garment and stepped out. She was momentarily stunned upon seeing Dong Weiyi, who was dressed splendidly.

That evening, Dong Weiyi wore a gray suit and held a bouquet of flowers, smiling gently beside a sports car, his gaze softening as he looked at Xie Qingtang.

Seeing this, Xie Qingtang felt something was off but still approached with a puzzled expression. Dong Weiyi handed her the flowers, saying, “These are to thank Doctor Xie for treating my daughter’s illness. Please don’t refuse them.”

“Oh, really? Thank you.” Xie Qingtang hadn’t expected her first bouquet to come from a patient’s family member and felt somewhat awkward but got into the car.

Zhou Jinfan, standing at the door, gawked at the scene and said to Song Qing, “Did you see that? He’s already making his move, and only our hall master is clueless about what he means.”

“Is the hall master too naive? Could that man be tricking her? Should we follow and protect her?” Song Qing’s sudden display of chivalry surfaced as she asked Zhou Jinfan.

Zhou Jinfan slapped her on the back and said, “What, do you want the hall master to never marry? That man’s a wealthy man—if she marries him, she’ll have no worries about food or clothing. Stop meddling and go tidy up the medicine cabinet. It has to be done before the boss returns.”

After speaking, the two entered Canshan Hall, discussing the earlier event as they walked.

Dong Weiyi took Xie Qingtang to a restaurant steeped in traditional charm. Upon entering, Xie Qingtang smelled the scent of medicinal herbs, a strange glimmer flashing in her eyes.

“This is a restaurant specializing in medicinal cuisine. I don’t know your taste, Doctor Xie, but I assume you won’t dislike medicinal dishes,” Dong Weiyi said thoughtfully, showing himself to be quite considerate, making it easy for Xie Qingtang to get along with him.

Xie Qingtang was indeed very interested in medicinal cuisine, so she nodded. The two sat in a reserved private room, and one by one, dishes rich in color, aroma, and flavor were served.

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At the table, Dong Weiyi seemed very interested in medicinal cuisine, asking many questions about Chinese herbs. Xie Qingtang patiently and carefully answered, and their conversation turned surprisingly pleasant.

After the meal, Dong Weiyi suggested a walk in the park. “I heard from Madam Yang that my daughter’s illness is serious and requires ongoing care. I have some knowledge about her care and would like to ask Doctor Xie about it. Would that be alright?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Xie Qingtang agreed.

As they left the medicinal cuisine restaurant, they unexpectedly ran into someone.

“Gu Xiujin, what are you doing here?” Xie Qingtang said with slight surprise upon seeing him also exit the door.

Dong Weiyi’s eyes revealed a trace of scrutiny, as if seeing through something.

“I’m here for medicinal cuisine as well. Is that a problem?” Gu Xiujin said flatly. Xie Qingtang was momentarily at a loss and replied somewhat unhappily, “I was just asking casually. The Chinese medicine you’re taking might conflict with the medicinal dishes you eat. Don’t eat medicinal cuisine casually in the future, and if you do, just let me know.”

After she spoke, Dong Weiyi interrupted, “I heard Mr. Gu’s health has never been good since childhood, just like my daughter’s. So Doctor Xie is also Mr. Gu’s physician?”

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiujin’s expression grew strange, but he only nodded faintly, then turned to Xie Qingtang and said, “I’ve been eating medicinal dishes these past few days. I don’t know if what I’m eating conflicts with the medicine you prescribed. Why don’t you come with me and take a look?”

Hearing this, Xie Qingtang became more serious, as Gu Xiujin’s health was her responsibility.