Chapter 121: Drawing a Line

"Alright, everyone, stop crowding around Dr. Xie. Go back to whatever you were doing." Fortunately, Dong Weiyi stepped in to break the siege, pulling Xie Qingtang away from the group of excited young traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

Once they were clear, Xie Qingtang let out a breath and withdrew her hand. "Mr. Dong, thank you. I must admit, I am not quite used to such occasions."

"I saw how confident you were when you were competing with Dr. Xia just now," Dong Weiyi said with a half-smile. "I assumed Dr. Xie was afraid of nothing."

Xie Qingtang smiled awkwardly. Remembering the purpose of her visit—to find a potent antidote for her grandfather—she hurriedly returned to the counter.

The clerk had not yet put the medicinal herbs away. Now able to browse properly, Xie Qingtang’s eyes fell upon a Tianshan snow lotus inside a box. It was a superb herb for detoxification. Surprised to find such a specimen here, she leaned in to examine it closely. Its quality was excellent: the stamens were a vibrant yellow, and the snow-white petals were perfectly preserved.

"Does Dr. Xie want this Tianshan snow lotus? If so, please, take it as a gift." Standing nearby, Dong Weiyi understood the look in her eyes instantly. He signaled the clerk to wrap it up.

Xie Qingtang froze for a moment before waving her hands dismissively. "I couldn't possibly. How much is it? I will pay for it. Besides, I suspect this is wild-grown. I’m sure it took a great deal of effort for you to acquire it, Mr. Dong. I cannot simply take it for free."

"Dr. Xie, why be so formal with me?" Dong Weiyi insisted. "My daughter’s condition improved after just one dose of the medicine you prescribed. I owe you a debt of gratitude; how could I possibly charge you?"

Xie Qingtang’s expression turned cold. She took a step back and pulled out her bank card. "Mr. Dong, please don't do this. You paid for my consultation and for the medicine when I treated your daughter. We are square. Since I am here to purchase herbs, I must pay for them."

Seeing her unwavering professionalism and firm resolve, Dong Weiyi relented. He took the card and handed it to the clerk. "Since you insist, I will say no more. If you ever need high-end medicinal herbs in the future, just come to me. I will do my absolute best to procure them for you."

Only after seeing that he had accepted the payment did Xie Qingtang finally relax. She disliked owing anyone anything and preferred clear boundaries in all her dealings. Her master had taught her that every convenience and favor in life comes with a hidden price tag; she could not take these things for granted, for one day, she would surely pay the cost.

With the snow lotus in hand, she bid Dong Weiyi farewell, left the market, and returned to Cunshantang.

"That woman is quite interesting," Dong Weiyi murmured, a meaningful smile playing on his lips as he watched her leave.

Back at the clinic, Xie Qingtang prepared the snow lotus and brewed a medicinal decoction for her grandfather. She carried it into his room with great care.

"Grandfather, I was lucky today and managed to buy a wild Tianshan snow lotus. It’s perfect for clearing the toxins from your body." She smiled, handing him the bowl.

Her grandfather drank it without hesitation. After wiping his mouth, he said, "Tangtang, it is I who am a burden to you."

"Grandfather, what are you saying? You are my only family in this world. How could you ever be a burden? Don't worry, I will get you back to health." Her tone was resolute.

That evening, Li Zhao arrived at the clinic with a menu for Gu Xiujin’s dinner. "Miss Xie, this is the list of medicinal dishes our boss is planning to eat tonight. Could you check if there’s anything he should avoid?"

Xie Qingtang frowned. "What’s wrong with Gu Xiujin lately? Is he addicted to medicinal cuisine? Medicine is three parts poison; one shouldn't overdo it. The decoctions I’ve prescribed are enough." Despite her grumbling, she took the list and looked it over.

Finding nothing that conflicted with his treatment, she handed it back. "It’s fine. There's nothing here that clashes with the herbs. Let him eat it if he wants. And tell your boss: I am not his private physician. Stop coming to me for free advice. I expect to be paid."

She rubbed her thumb against her fingers, a clear gesture for money. Li Zhao’s expression twitched as he nodded. "Understood, Miss Xie. I will relay that to Mr. Gu."

"She said she wants money?" Gu Xiujin asked, his brow furrowing. Li Zhao repeated her words precisely: "Yes, sir. Miss Xie said that since she provided a prescription and you saved her grandfather, you are now square. Any further treatment is not free, and she will be charging consultation fees."

Li Zhao expected Gu Xiujin to be furious, but instead, a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Tit for tat, using interests to define the boundaries between us. Xie Qingtang, so that is your plan—to distance yourself from me completely."

"Sir, are you suggesting that Miss Xie does not want any relationship with you beyond professional interests?" Li Zhao asked in disbelief. Gu Xiujin simply nodded.