Chapter 77: Not Too Bad

Wang Miao'er threw herself into Wang Kaishan's arms like a spoiled child, then said contentedly, "Dad, I knew you were always the best to me."

Meanwhile, Xie Qingtang prepared her medical kit and, after finishing dinner, made her way to the Gu family villa, where Li Zhao welcomed her inside.

Unexpectedly, Gu Xiuqin had not yet finished his meal. He was slowly slicing his steak, eyes fixed on international news broadcasts.

"You’re here," Gu Xiuqin looked up at Xie Qingtang and gestured to the seat beside him, the meaning clear.

Without ceremony, Xie Qingtang sat down. As soon as she settled, the butler brought her a plate, but she hurriedly declined, "No need, I’ve already eaten dinner."

"Bring her some dessert," Gu Xiuqin waved his hand, and the butler nodded respectfully, removing the steak and replacing it with a dessert for Xie Qingtang.

She eyed the thing before her, which looked just like an egg, and pursed her lips—was Gu Xiuqin’s so-called dessert really just an egg?

Though she complained inwardly, Xie Qingtang picked up her fork and popped the egg into her mouth in one bite. In the next moment, her pupils widened in shock—the flavor was so striking, she couldn’t help but exclaim.

"My goodness, it’s delicious! And it’s not an egg at all!" Indeed, only when she tasted it did she realize that what sat before her was not the egg she’d imagined. The complex yet subtle flavors blended perfectly, creating a feast for her palate.

The butler approached and said with deference, "If you’d like more, I can bring you another."

"It’s too delicious! Please bring me another egg," Xie Qingtang nodded eagerly.

The butler smiled and returned with another of what she called "egg." She swallowed it whole again, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.

After the second, Xie Qingtang was still craving more. She cautiously raised a finger, and the butler, understanding her intent, brought yet another egg.

One after another, Xie Qingtang ended up eating six of these so-called eggs before stopping, patting her little stomach and letting out a contented burp.

The quiet, spacious dining room was otherwise silent—even Gu Xiuqin ate with barely a sound—so Xie Qingtang’s burp echoed like thunder through the hall.

The next moment, Xie Qingtang smiled awkwardly, while Li Zhao and the butler exchanged amused glances. Gu Xiuqin paused with his knife and fork, setting them down.

"That egg was just too good—what’s the name of that dish? I didn’t even realize I’d eaten six," Xie Qingtang quickly covered her mouth, then asked the butler cautiously.

The butler glanced at Gu Xiuqin, then replied, "The dish is simply called Egg."

"Oh, I wonder how it’s made. Your chef is amazing!" Xie Qingtang gave a thumbs-up. She was skilled in medicinal cuisine, but had never made anything so exquisite and novel.

Gu Xiuqin elegantly wiped his mouth, and Li Zhao, perceptive as ever, wheeled him out. Looking at Xie Qingtang, he asked, "Shall we begin acupuncture?"

"You’ve just finished eating; let’s wait half an hour," Xie Qingtang returned to her professional demeanor.

Gu Xiuqin nodded, then told Li Zhao to fetch company documents and resumed working, causing Xie Qingtang to frown slightly and mutter, "He really is a workaholic."

Unexpectedly, Gu Xiuqin heard her clearly, his body gave a slight tremor, and he looked up at her silently.

Half an hour later, Xie Qingtang smoothly performed acupuncture on Gu Xiuqin, then wiped the sweat from her brow and said, "I’ll come every two days to give you acupuncture. Combined with the prescription I’ve given you, your health will gradually improve."

Gu Xiuqin nodded coolly. Xie Qingtang said nothing more, picked up her medical kit, and left the Gu family villa. Just as she reached the door, the butler hurried after her.

"Miss Xie, the young master asked me to give this to you," the butler said with a smile. Xie Qingtang took what he handed her and found it was the detailed recipe for the Egg dish she had just enjoyed.

A flash of delight lit up Xie Qingtang’s face, and she laughed, waving the recipe and saying to the butler, "Alright, please thank your young master for me."

With that, she left the Gu villa, unaware that Gu Xiuqin stood on the second floor, his gaze deep as he watched her departing figure, a smile curling on his lips.

Two days later, Wang Miao'er stood nervously in the makeup studio, telling the makeup artist behind her, "I want the most beautiful look. Tonight, I want to stun everyone and be the prettiest woman in the room."

"Miss Wang, don’t worry. Leave everything to me. My greatest skill is making people dazzle the crowd," the makeup artist replied with a cheerful smile.

Under the dazzling neon lights of the night, amidst the revelry and indulgence, restless souls sought solace.

Gu Xiuqin stood before the mirror, dressed in a suit—standing, not sitting. Li Zhao frowned, "President Gu, are you sure this is good for your health? If anything happens—"

"No need to say more. I must attend tonight’s banquet," Gu Xiuqin raised his hand to halt Li Zhao’s protests, a look of resolve in his eyes.

Everyone got into the car. Li Zhao brought four bodyguards, following behind Gu Xiuqin’s vehicle to ensure his safety.

They arrived before a castle, now adorned with brilliant lights. The ancient, stately structure had been revived by modern technology, its doors wide open to welcome guests from all directions.

As Gu Xiuqin stepped out of the car, it seemed the very air froze. The surroundings fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop. With a frosty expression, eyes fixed ahead, Gu Xiuqin entered the castle, accompanied by Li Zhao and the bodyguards in an imposing procession.

"My goodness, if I’m not mistaken, that’s Gu Xiuqin. I heard he was bedridden not long ago, almost died—how is he now as if nothing ever happened?" The guests whispered among themselves.