Chapter Forty-Eight: Settling Accounts After the Harvest

A thin sheen of sweat appeared on Gu Fang’s forehead as he looked at Gu Xiu Jin sitting across from him, expressionless. Forcing himself to remain calm, he said, “Xiu Jin, you seem much better lately. Your complexion looks improved, and you’re recovering well, aren’t you?”

This nephew, so prodigiously talented, had, at a young age, taken over the family’s business and swept away the parasites in the group with the force of a thunderstorm. If Gu Fang hadn’t been part of the Gu family, he might have already been thrown out of the Gu Corporation. The thought made Second Uncle Gu wary, not daring to show any dissatisfaction—even if he secretly hated Gu Xiu Jin.

Gu Xiu Jin glanced at him indifferently and nodded. “Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle. My health is not too bad—I can still live a few more years, much to your disappointment.”

“Xiu Jin, what do you mean? Your recovery makes me very happy! You’ve only just begun to get better—why not rest at home? What brings you to me today? Is there something you want to discuss?” Second Uncle Gu said with a jovial smile, sending a servant to prepare tea.

Gu Xiu Jin lowered his gaze. “The reason I came today is to tell you that I have no interest in Wang Miao’er. There’s no need for you to play your little games behind my back.”

“My health is poor, and my time is limited. In the days I have left, I intend to live as I please. If anyone upsets me, I won’t be merciful.”

As his words fell, Gu Fang’s hand trembled as he poured the tea, spilling it outside the cup. He looked up at Gu Xiu Jin, his eyes flickering uncertainly, unable to speak for a moment.

“Xiu Jin, what are you saying? Are you threatening your second uncle? I haven’t done anything—you know that. I’ve managed Gu Hospital for years, working diligently and never daring to slack. As the largest shareholder of Gu Hospital, I don’t object to you firing Wang Miao’er, but you must know her status.”

“She’s the heiress of Wang Pharmaceuticals. Firing her without reason might upset the Wang family’s patriarch,” Gu Fang said, adjusting his emotions and narrowing his eyes, setting the teapot aside as he addressed Gu Xiu Jin.

“You said it yourself—I’m the largest shareholder and the president of Gu Hospital. There’s no issue in dismissing an intern,” Gu Xiu Jin replied fearlessly, showing no concern at Gu Fang’s mention of Wang Miao’er’s identity.

After delivering his warning, Gu Xiu Jin wheeled himself toward the door. Before leaving, he turned his head and said, “By the way, Second Uncle, thank you for remembering my allergies. I’m very touched. In return, I’ll send you a generous gift.”

The words sent a chill through Gu Fang’s heart. He stood up, wanting to say something, but Li Zhao had already wheeled Gu Xiu Jin out.

“Damn it. I was so busy dealing with Gu Xiu Jin that I forgot how ruthless and cunning he is. Now he’s traced that bouquet of sunflowers to me—who knows how he’ll retaliate?” Gu Fang muttered nervously, sitting back on the sofa.

He remembered how, believing Gu Xiu Jin was dead, he’d taken his sister and child to seize the family estate, thus sowing enmity between them. Recently, upon learning Wang Miao’er was interested in Gu Xiu Jin, Gu Fang had bribed a florist to place a bouquet of sunflowers—something Gu Xiu Jin was allergic to—in the company to target him.

He’d thought the frail Gu Xiu Jin, suffering a severe allergic reaction, would finally succumb. But to his surprise, Gu Xiu Jin’s luck had saved him yet again.

“Damn it, I’d better plan ahead,” Gu Fang said, frowning as he picked up his phone and made a call. “Find out who brought Gu Xiu Jin back from the brink of death.”

Meanwhile, in the Benevolence Hall, Xie Qing Tang was unaware of the trouble she’d gotten herself into because of Gu Xiu Jin.

“Nine grams each of chicken blood vine, sea breeze vine, and cinnamon twig—boil in water and drink,” she said, writing the prescription and handing it to Zhou Jin Fan for the medicine.

It was the last patient of the day. Xie Qing Tang stood up from the consultation desk, ready to stretch, when the landline suddenly rang.

Since Zhou Jin Fan was busy preparing medicine for the patient, Xie Qing Tang walked over to answer the phone. A familiar voice came from the other end.

“Doctor Xie, do you remember me? I’m Ah Ben.”

Hearing that, Xie Qing Tang’s lips curled into a gentle smile. She nodded, saying, “Ah Ben, I remember you. How’s the effect of the medicine for your wife’s pregnancy? When will you bring her to Benevolence Hall?”

Ah Ben, the man who’d been possessed before, laughed heartily, then suddenly became serious. “Doctor Xie, do you recall the painting you showed me last time? I said the herb looked familiar. I finally remembered where I’d seen it.”

Hearing this, Xie Qing Tang froze for a moment, then hurriedly asked, “What did you say? You really saw Four-leaf Devil’s Needle?”

“That’s right. When I went to the forbidden area, I picked up that ginseng at the perimeter. Just before I fainted, I vaguely saw a Devil’s Needle—but unlike the three-leaf ones I usually see, this one had four leaves,” Ah Ben said gravely.

This was a matter of great importance. If there really was a Four-leaf Devil’s Needle in the forbidden area, the seven main ingredients for the Seven Treasures Vitality Soup would be complete.

She’d planned to visit the forbidden area once Grandpa Xie’s health stabilized. Now, having heard from Ah Ben that the Four-leaf Devil’s Needle might be there, she couldn’t wait to go.

“Ah Ben, thank you—you’ve helped me enormously,” Xie Qing Tang said sincerely.

Ah Ben scratched his head and chuckled on the other end. “Doctor Xie, it’s really you who helped me. You treated me for twenty yuan, and when I got the medicine for my wife, you didn’t charge much. I’m glad I can help you.”

“When you have time, bring your wife to Benevolence Hall. I’ll check her pulse personally and prepare the medicine,” Xie Qing Tang said, then hung up the phone.