Chapter 140: An Unexpected Helper

Shao Siming had come with the intention of tricking Xie Qingtang back to the Xie family, only to use her in a marriage alliance for his own gain. He had not expected that before he could even state his purpose, she would see right through him.

Although a flicker of embarrassment crossed his face, Shao Siming suppressed his inner disgust and anger, continuing in a gentle tone: "Qingtang, I know you have prejudices against me, but surely you don't need to be this afraid of me? I am your biological father; what could I possibly do to you? Besides, even a beast does not devour its own young."

Seeing him acting so hard before her, Xie Qingtang burst into laughter, mocking him without reservation: "You are right, even beasts do not devour their own young, yet you are worse than a beast. Otherwise, you wouldn't have abandoned me in a remote mountain village for over a decade without a single word of concern."

"Look at the life your son, Shao Bin, has lived from childhood to adulthood, compared to the life I have led. And my grandfather—you imprisoned and poisoned him. What right do you think you have to play the role of a loving father in front of me now?"

The barrage of questions made Shao Siming’s expression grow increasingly ugly. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, he dropped his mask, slammed his hand onto the table, stood up, and pointed at Xie Qingtang, cursing, "Xie Qingtang, you truly don't know what's good for you. It was a compliment to let you make a contribution to the Xie family! If it weren't for the fact that you have that same vixen-like face as your mother, which can bewitch men and earn benefits for the Xie family, do you think I would have lowered myself to beg you to return time and time again?"

Seeing that the man before her had finally dropped his facade, Xie Qingtang felt a sudden, profound sorrow. This was the same father who had just been prattling on about blood ties and family affection.

Her expression grew even colder. "So that’s it. You saw that I had a beautiful face and wanted to take me back to use me for a marriage alliance. Shao Siming, you really do have a calculating mind. My grandfather once said you were the type of person who would exhaust every resource around you for your own benefit, and now, I finally understand."

"Even though our relationship is as broken as it is, you still dare to target me with your schemes? Shao Siming, just how shameless are you? Is there any limit to your depravity?"

With things having reached this point, Shao Siming no longer hoped to bring Xie Qingtang back to the Xie family. He stopped hiding his predatory nature. With a faint, mocking sneer, he warned her: "Shameless? Ha! If I weren't shameless, I would never have climbed to this position. Xie Qingtang, I’m warning you: you’d better get out of Su City immediately and never come back. I might spare you for the sake of our blood connection, but if you don't, I will make you regret it."

It was hard to imagine a father speaking this way to his own daughter, but Xie Qingtang had long since steeled herself. Even hearing these cutting words, her expression remained unchanged.

Feeling a cold, hardening sensation in her chest, she stared at Shao Siming and said, "Shao Siming, you underestimate me. Do you think a few empty threats will make me leave Su City? You are delusional. I will stay here, and I will be like a needle in your heart, pricking you until you cannot eat or sleep in peace."

"Heh, whether you stay in Su City is not up to you. A little girl like you doesn't have that kind of power." Shao Siming wore a cold, sinister smile as he gestured to the thugs behind him.

It was clear he intended to use force. Xie Qingtang instinctively took a step back, but she was still some distance from the counter, making it difficult to reach the medicinal powders.

However, Zhou Jinfan was standing near the counter. She caught his eye, and he nodded in understanding, quietly edging toward it.

Just then, a cold, clear voice rang out. Gu Xiujin, seated in his wheelchair, appeared with a stern expression. He spoke to Shao Siming without a hint of politeness: "She may be a little girl who cannot stir up much trouble, but what if it were me?"

Shao Siming froze on the spot. He stammered, "Mr... Mr. Gu, why are you here?"

"I was feeling unwell, so I came to see Dr. Xie for treatment. I had intended to sit quietly in the back courtyard, but the front was simply too noisy. Furthermore, I heard someone bullying the doctor who is treating me. I naturally cannot stand idly by," Gu Xiujin said calmly, not even glancing at Shao Siming.

Even so, Shao Siming was terrified to his core. He hadn't expected Xie Qingtang to have the protection of Gu Xiujin, and he began to retreat in his heart.

But the next moment, Gu Xiujin touched his ear and asked his assistant, Li Zhao, "I recall Dr. Xie saying how long I needed to soak in the medicinal tub before I could come out?"

"Dr. Xie said you must soak for an hour. If you come out midway, the previous effort will be wasted," Li Zhao replied, standing by in perfect coordination.

Gu Xiujin nodded, finally looking up at Shao Siming. A cold light flashed in his eyes as he sneered, "Because of trash like you making a ruckus in the front hall, I was interrupted and didn't finish my hour in the tub. You will pay the price for that."

Following his words, Li Zhao and the bodyguards charged forward without hesitation, ruthlessly beating the thugs Shao Siming had brought along.

Shao Siming himself was included. Watching him cry out for mercy as he was kicked and punched, Xie Qingtang felt a surge of satisfaction. She even had the urge to step forward and kick him herself, but she held back with Gu Xiujin present.

"Remember this: Cunshan Hall is where I receive my treatment. If you ever interrupt me again, it won't just be a beating and being kicked out," Gu Xiujin said coldly from his wheelchair, looking at the bruised and battered Shao Siming and his men as they were driven from the hall.