Chapter 133: Nothing More Than a Transaction

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Whenever Qing Tang thought about how hard she had worked all this time, yet in her grandfather’s eyes she was still just a little girl who needed protection, a wave of melancholy washed over her. After finally coaxing her grandfather to take his medicine and seeing him off to rest, Qing Tang wearily made her way to the courtyard. At this moment, she no longer bothered to hide her injured foot, limping as she settled into a chair.

“Why haven’t you left yet? What are you hanging around my Benevolence Hall for?” And for some inexplicable reason, Qing Tang felt a distinct irritation toward Gu Xiujin, who seemed more favored by her grandfather than she was.

Gu Xiujin glanced at her and said coolly, “I’m just here to remind you that Dong Weiyi is not someone who gives up easily. Since he has set his sights on you, he won’t let go without a fight.”

“Then you’ve seriously underestimated me. I’m not someone who compromises easily either. Do you think I’m really that weak in your eyes?” Qing Tang lifted her head defiantly, her voice firm.

Gu Xiujin shook his head and continued, “I know you won’t give up easily, but I also think you won’t stop treating Dong Weiyi’s daughter. After all, I remember you once said you would never abandon a patient.”

His words caused Qing Tang to pause, her brow furrowing slightly. Gu Xiujin was right—no matter what, she never gave up on any patient. Dong Weiyi’s daughter suffered from a congenital heart defect requiring long-term treatment and care, which meant Qing Tang couldn’t avoid seeing Dong Weiyi.

“Mr. Gu, there’s no need for you to worry about that. Public and private matters are distinct, and I can separate them. Besides, no one can force me to do something I don’t want to do,” Qing Tang said proudly, unwilling to concede before Gu Xiujin.

Gu Xiujin nodded without further comment. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Qing Tang bit her lip and called out, “Gu Xiujin, although my grandfather asked you to help me, our relationship is purely transactional—nothing more. Don’t forget that.”

“Don’t worry. I’m clearer about that than you are,” Gu Xiujin replied coldly, turning his back and leaving the Benevolence Hall.

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Hearing the man’s resolute words, Qing Tang felt a strange mix of bitterness and relief. Unable to sort out her feelings, she shook her head and murmured, “What does Gu Xiujin’s opinion have to do with me? It’s absurd. I won’t think about it anymore; it’s giving me a headache.”

Looking up at the dazzling starry sky, a satisfied smile played at the corners of her lips as she exhaled deeply. The little bird had once again perched on her shoulder.

“Xiao Yu, don’t you think the night sky is especially beautiful? I’ve heard that when people die, they become stars in the sky, watching over those they still want to protect. Do you think my mother is the brightest star up there?” Qing Tang asked, gently stroking Xiao Yu’s feathers while staring unblinkingly at the brightest star.

The little bird was named Xiao Yu by Qing Tang, and it seemed quite fond of the name. Whenever Qing Tang called it, Xiao Yu would nuzzle her finger with its tiny head.

So the two of them enjoyed an unspoken companionship in the backyard. Zhou Jinfan, watching this scene, sighed and shook his head. “It seems the boss has been under too much pressure lately. She’s acting a bit strange, chatting so happily with a bird. I must work harder so I can independently handle patients and ease the boss’s burden.”

Early the next morning, Dong Weiyi arrived at the Benevolence Hall. After the argument the night before, Qing Tang noticed his sour expression and turned away, heading straight into the backyard.

“I’d like Dr. Xie to examine my daughter. Her condition improved after taking the medicine for a while, but she suddenly relapsed this morning and is feeling very unwell,” Dong Weiyi said calmly, as if he hadn’t noticed Qing Tang retreating to the backyard.

Unaware of the spat between Qing Tang and Dong Weiyi the previous night, Zhou Jinfan smiled and nodded. “Mr. Dong, please wait here. I’ll go ask the hall master.”

He went to the backyard where Qing Tang was organizing dried herbs and said, “Boss, Mr. Dong is here. He says his daughter relapsed this morning and wants you to take a look.”

Qing Tang paused, furrowing her brows, recalling Gu Xiujin’s words from last night.

Her heart was conflicted—on one hand, she couldn’t forget that Dong Weiyi had deceived her; on the other, she couldn’t abandon the child suffering from illness.

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After waiting a long while with no response from Qing Tang, Zhou Jinfan asked with concern, “Boss, are you alright? Mr. Dong is a wealthy man. The consultation fee alone is substantial. Don’t you want to see the patient?”

“No. Help me pack the medicine box,” Qing Tang replied calmly, but in the end, she couldn’t let go of the sick child. She wiped her hands clean and made her way to the front hall.

Seeing her, Dong Weiyi’s lips curved into the familiar gentle smile. He stepped forward and said, “Miss Xie, sorry to trouble you again. My daughter felt unwell this morning. After taking your medicine, she fell into a deep sleep. But I’m still worried and want you to check on her.”

“Alright, I understand,” Qing Tang said with a faint nod. She treated her dealings with Dong Weiyi as purely transactional, which made it easier to accept and prevented intrusive thoughts.

Dong Weiyi paid the consultation fee, and Qing Tang treated his daughter. It was a fair exchange. So Qing Tang returned once more to the Dong family villa.

“Dr. Xie, you’re here!” Mrs. Yang warmly welcomed Qing Tang and immediately led her upstairs. This time, she didn’t knock but gently opened Dong Shien’s room door.

Upon entering, Qing Tang saw that Dong Shien was indeed asleep. She quietly approached without waking her, took her wrist, and checked her pulse.

The pulse was calm and steady, showing no abnormalities. Qing Tang’s brow furrowed slightly, but she said nothing. After finishing the examination, she left the room, where Dong Weiyi was waiting to greet her.