Chapter Twenty-Three: Wounded Because of Me

Grandfather Xie clasped Xie Qingtang’s hand with a trace of emotion before voicing his confusion. “I remember being imprisoned by that ambitious Shao Siming for many years. Tangtang, how did you learn of my whereabouts?”

“Grandfather, for this, we really must thank Aunt Lan.” Without hesitation, Xie Qingtang recounted everything about Zhao Xianglan to her grandfather.

Upon hearing this, gratitude welled up in Grandfather Xie’s heart. He thought of all the torment he had suffered in that sanatorium over the years—his mind sometimes muddled, sometimes clear. It must have been during those lucid moments that Zhao Xianglan had switched his medication for vitamins.

“That vicious Shao Siming, if he learns who betrayed my location, he’ll never let Aunt Lan go.” Grandfather Xie, always thoughtful, voiced his worry for Zhao Xianglan’s safety.

At this, Xie Qingtang’s expression faltered. She slapped her hand in frustration. “How could I forget this? I made such a scene rescuing you with Gu Xiujin; Shao Siming will never let it go. Once he hears the news, he’ll surely deduce someone leaked your whereabouts. He might even track down Aunt Lan.”

“If that wretch discovers it was Aunt Lan, he’ll no doubt torment her. Grandfather, I must protect her.”

Back then, Zhao Xianglan had risked her life to infiltrate the sanatorium and, for so many years, had used her own strength to shield Grandfather Xie.

Such loyalty and righteousness could never be left in peril. Xie Qingtang was determined to keep her safe.

“Tangtang, you’re right. We always repay kindness. Why not bring Aunt Lan here, since we don’t know how safe this place really is?” Grandfather Xie suggested.

This was exactly what Xie Qingtang had just considered. However, though she’d met Aunt Lan once through Gu Xiujin’s help, she didn’t know where Aunt Lan currently lived.

Seeing Xie Qingtang lost in thought, Grandfather Xie asked, “Tangtang, you said you rescued me with Gu Xiujin. If I’m not mistaken, isn’t he Old Gu’s grandson? How did you end up involved with him?”

“Grandfather, that’s a long story. Let me call Gu Xiujin to get Aunt Lan’s address, and then I’ll explain everything,” Xie Qingtang replied, growing anxious. Given Shao Siming’s influence at the sanatorium, he might already know Aunt Lan’s identity.

Grandfather Xie nodded in agreement. Xie Qingtang went to the main hall to use the landline—she’d only just come down from the mountain and didn’t even have a cellphone.

Gu Xiujin was surprised to receive her call, but when he heard her ask for Zhao Xianglan’s address, he seemed to realize something. “You’re worried about her safety, aren’t you? Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged for her protection. I’ll give you the address.”

“Really? Thank you so much, President Gu.” Xie Qingtang hadn’t expected that just as she thought of it, Gu Xiujin had already anticipated the danger and safeguarded Zhao Xianglan.

With the address in hand, Xie Qingtang hurried over. The apartment complex was elegant and peaceful. When she knocked, Zhao Xianglan opened the door, her face bruised.

“Miss, what brings you here?” Upon seeing Xie Qingtang, Zhao Xianglan instinctively turned her injured face aside and forced a smile.

But the smile pulled at her wounds, making her wince in pain. It was a heartbreaking sight.

“Aunt Lan, what happened to your face?” Xie Qingtang stepped inside, her eyes flashing coldly. She already knew who was responsible.

Zhao Xianglan covered her face, embarrassed. “I must have frightened you, Miss. I’m fine now—it’s all over.”

“Aunt Lan, was it Shao Siming?” Xie Qingtang asked bluntly.

Zhao Xianglan hesitated, then sighed deeply. “After you and President Gu took the old master away, Shao Siming’s bodyguards at the sanatorium found me.”

“All these years, I’d been waiting for you to return. Once I saw you take the old master away, my wish was fulfilled. Even when they beat me, I never revealed where you’d taken him. Luckily, President Gu sent bodyguards to rescue me as well. It’s all in the past.”

Listening to Zhao Xianglan’s selfless words, Xie Qingtang’s guilt and fury surged uncontrollably. Her fists clenched tight.

“Shao Siming, I will never forgive him. Aunt Lan, please sit down. I have something to discuss with you.” Xie Qingtang took a deep breath. She knew she still lacked the power to confront Shao Siming, so she needed to protect her loved ones first.

When Zhao Xianglan learned that Xie Qingtang wanted to rehire her to care for Grandfather Xie, she agreed without hesitation. All these years of hardship had never given rise to a single complaint.

Xie Qingtang helped Zhao Xianglan pack her things, and together they headed to Chunshan Hall. When Zhou Jinfan saw Zhao Xianglan, he asked curiously, “Boss, is this the person you found to care for your grandfather?”

“Aunt Lan, this is Zhou Jinfan, one of our staff. This is the senior nurse who used to care for my grandfather. From now on, just call her Aunt Lan,” Xie Qingtang introduced them, then led Zhao Xianglan to the back courtyard.

Seeing Grandfather Xie awake and lucid again, Zhao Xianglan was overcome with emotion. After a brief conversation, Xie Qingtang arranged for her to stay in the back courtyard.

“Shao Siming, I’ve returned. I won’t let anyone else be hurt because of me,” Xie Qingtang vowed silently.

And so Zhao Xianglan took up residence in Chunshan Hall. With her caring for Grandfather Xie, Xie Qingtang could devote more energy to running the hall.

Although the local residents’ opinion of Chunshan Hall had improved slightly, Zhou Jinfan’s previous involvement in selling fake medicine had left a deep impression. Even with a new owner, the public remained skeptical of traditional medicine. For now, business at Chunshan Hall showed little sign of recovery.