Chapter 78: The Main Objective

Gu Xiujin walked into the hall with unwavering eyes, his face impassive, exuding an aura so powerful that the crowd instinctively parted to let him through, watching as this godlike man approached at a measured pace. The women present gasped in admiration at his flawless, perfect features, unable to contain their infatuation.

“My god, Gu Xiujin is simply too perfect. He comes from such a good family, looks so handsome, and I’ve heard he’s incredibly devoted—he’s never once been involved in any scandal with a woman.”

“But if he’s never been involved with any woman, how do you know he’s devoted?” a cute girl with a bow in her hair blinked her big eyes and asked her companion.

Her friend linked arms with her, lowering her voice mysteriously. “You just don’t understand. Men like him aren’t easily swayed by women. It means that if he ever falls in love, he’ll be loyal beyond compare, don’t you get it?”

“Alright, I think I understand now.” The adorable girl nodded, sipping her milk, her head bowed.

Gu Xiujin’s arrival was like a drop of water falling into hot oil, instantly igniting the atmosphere of the entire banquet. Debutantes from prominent families were all eager to approach him. In this moment, everyone seemed to forget the rumors of Gu Xiujin’s frail health, lost instead in his incomparable presence and flawless features.

“Dad.” Not far from the center of the hall, Wang Miao’er clenched her hands in excitement as she looked at the arriving Gu Xiujin and called out to her father, Wang Kaishan.

Wang Kaishan patted his daughter on the back encouragingly. “I’ve done everything a father should. Now it’s up to you. Don’t worry, my dear, your father will always be your strongest support. Go on.”

Emboldened by her father’s encouragement, Wang Miao’er summoned her courage and made her way toward Gu Xiujin, only to freeze the next moment—she was not alone in her intentions.

“Mr. Gu, it’s been a long time,” a girl in a silver mermaid gown mustered her courage and stepped in front of Gu Xiujin, her face flushing with shyness.

Gu Xiujin didn’t spare her so much as a glance, striding right past her as if she were invisible. The other hopeful girls around them paused in surprise, then began to snicker at the girl in the silver dress.

Yet this did not deter the other expectant girls; instead, like small fish vying for the attention of a great one, they surged toward Gu Xiujin’s side.

Seeing this, Wang Miao’er’s brows knitted together. She regretted asking her father to invite Gu Xiujin to the banquet—she should have arranged a private meeting with him, though the chance would have been slim.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Gu is currently occupied. Please step aside,” Li Zhao said, frowning at the girls crowding around Gu Xiujin, as bodyguards gently moved to separate them.

At that moment, Gu Xiujin suddenly began to cough violently. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, holding it to his mouth as the coughing grew louder and harsher, as if his lungs might tear themselves apart.

The next moment, when he pulled the handkerchief away, those nearby caught sight of the bright red blood staining the cloth, and gasped in shock.

His distinguished family and unmatched looks had made them forget that this perfect man was, in truth, mortally ill. What use was a handsome face if a man might die at any moment? The girls hesitated at the sight of the bloodstained handkerchief, then quickly dispersed.

A hint of mockery played at the corner of Gu Xiujin’s lips as he slipped the handkerchief back into his pocket and walked forward, stopping before an elderly gentleman with graying hair and a kindly face.

“Mr. Feng, it’s been a long time,” he greeted.

Feng Hanxuan turned at the sound of his voice, then laughed aloud. “Gu, it’s you! I’m truly surprised to see you at such an occasion.”

After all, Gu Xiujin’s health had been poor since childhood, and he had never attended gatherings like this. His presence tonight was indeed extraordinary.

“You look a little better,” Feng Hanxuan said with a kindly smile. “It seems you’ve found a good doctor.” The two of them sat down on a nearby sofa.

Gu Xiujin nodded, saying nothing more about his health, but instead turned to another matter. “To be honest, Mr. Feng, the only reason I attended this banquet was because I knew you would be here.”

“Oh? You came here just for me? That’s bound to break many young ladies’ hearts. But if you’ve come for an old man like me, you must have something important to discuss,” Feng Hanxuan said with a smile, though surprise flickered in his eyes.

Gu Xiujin took a sheet of paper from Li Zhao and handed it to Feng Hanxuan with respect. “You are the world’s greatest treasure hunter, Mr. Feng. I wish to find several medicinal ingredients listed on this prescription. I hope you can help me locate them as soon as possible.”

Feng Hanxuan’s expression shifted in mild surprise as he studied the list. With over thirty years’ experience as a treasure hunter, he was not unfamiliar with these herbs, but the peculiar requirements attached to each one were unlike anything he had ever seen or heard of.

“Finding the herbs themselves is not difficult, but finding ones that meet these strange conditions will be quite the challenge. It seems there is indeed a glimmer of hope for your illness,” Feng Hanxuan remarked, not refusing the request as he tucked the note away.

Gu Xiujin nodded, a trace of hope flickering in his eyes. “The hope is faint, but who doesn’t wish to live? You know my time is short, Mr. Feng. I hope you can help me find these herbs as soon as possible. Of course, if it proves impossible, I won’t hold it against you.”

“I understand,” Feng Hanxuan replied, patting Gu Xiujin’s shoulder with feeling. “I was close with your parents. Ever since their passing, I haven’t kept in touch with your family as much, but I have always regarded you as a nephew. You know that.”

Gu Xiujin nodded again. As the two spoke quietly, Wang Miao’er hesitated, uncertain whether she should approach them.