Chapter Fifty: Bullied? Impossible

Watching Zhou Jinfan, whose combativeness was off the charts, Xie Qingtang found herself momentarily unable to interject. But Gu Fang, who was facing Zhou Jinfan’s barrage directly, was so furious his face turned crimson, nearly contorted with rage.

“A mere assistant dares to speak to me like this? Do you know who I am?” Gu Fang’s voice dropped, then he shouted angrily.

Zhou Jinfan looked him up and down, then curled his lip and replied, “Sorry, I don’t know who you are, but I do know you’re inhuman.”

“Ignorant brat, I’m a shareholder of Gu’s Hospital. Your Cishantang is nothing but an ant to me—if I want to crush you, I can do it anytime,” Gu Fang threatened, flaunting his power.

At that moment, the previously silent Xie Qingtang finally stepped forward, taking Zhou Jinfan’s arm. With a faint, mocking smile, she addressed Gu Fang, “Indeed, compared to Gu’s Hospital, Cishantang is just a tiny ant. Yet, despite its size, an ant can carry objects dozens of times heavier than its own body. Crushing one isn’t as simple as you think.”

Seeing this woman standing before him in opposition, Gu Fang’s expression grew serious. After all, she had repeatedly ruined his plans. The thought that this woman had managed to pull Gu Xiujin back from the brink of death, and could treat his allergies as well, made Gu Fang cough lightly, straighten his clothes, and extend an olive branch.

“Xie Qingtang, you have some skill, but a wise person understands the times. If a talented person doesn’t find someone powerful to depend on, no matter how capable they are, their own abilities will be wasted by the incompetence of those they rely on.”

As his words faded, Xie Qingtang’s eyes narrowed, quickly grasping the meaning behind them. Calmly, she replied, “I, Xie Qingtang, trust neither heaven above nor earth below—I trust only myself. From start to finish, the only person I rely on is me. So, Mr. Gu, you’ve chosen the wrong person to advise.”

“No, I haven’t. If you cooperate with me, I can ensure Cishantang opens branches nationwide. Your name would become revered among traditional medicine practitioners everywhere.” Gu Fang finally lost his composure, laying out his offer. After these recent events, he knew Xie Qingtang truly had ability—Gu Xiujin had been saved by her twice. If he could make use of her, he’d control Gu Xiujin’s fate.

At that point, whether or not Gu Xiujin received treatment would depend solely on his word. The thought stirred a surge of excitement within Gu Fang. Yet he forgot one crucial thing: Xie Qingtang was no puppet for him to manipulate, but a steamroller that crushed everyone’s greed and desire to dust.

“How about I guess the terms of your deal? You want me to treat Gu Xiujin, but now and then follow your instructions, prescribe ineffective medicine so his health worsens, and when his mind is clouded, have him sign over his assets to you. Isn’t that right?” Xie Qingtang spoke leisurely.

With each word, Gu Fang’s expression grew more eager, until he could do nothing but nod rapidly.

“What a flawless plan,” came a cool voice from behind, startling everyone. Gu Xiujin entered, applauding from the entrance of Cishantang.

He was still seated in his wheelchair, with Li Zhao following behind, expressionless. At the sight of them, Gu Fang involuntarily shuddered—fear rising within him. Just now, as Xie Qingtang described the plan, Gu Fang had been nodding, so Gu Xiujin must have witnessed the whole scene.

Gu Fang reacted swiftly, shifting all blame onto Xie Qingtang. “Xiujin, don’t get the wrong idea. I said nothing—this wicked traditional doctor made it all up. Now you see why we distrust traditional medicine? Not only is it deceitful, but its practitioners use drugs to harm others.”

Once he finished, Gu Xiujin said nothing, his gaze settling calmly on Xie Qingtang. He raised his eyebrow and asked, “Is everything my second uncle just said true?”

“Yes, it’s all true. Even the part where I planned to slip a little slow-acting poison into your medicine while treating you—it’s all true,” Xie Qingtang admitted directly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Gu Fang secretly exhaled in relief, cursing Xie Qingtang’s stupidity—how could she confess such outrageous things right in front of Gu Xiujin?

But unexpectedly, Gu Xiujin, seated in his wheelchair, didn’t rebuke her. Instead, he nodded in agreement, “Well said. I was going to come and support you, but I forgot—being bullied is impossible for you.”

At those words, Gu Fang’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Xie Qingtang, still composed, remarked to Gu Xiujin, “I never imagined so many people want you dead. Your popularity is truly lacking. Who knows, with your connections, I might receive quite a few bribes in the future.”

“If anyone comes to buy my life from you, just take the money. Once the job’s done, remember to split it with me fifty-fifty,” Gu Xiujin replied blandly. Watching the two discuss money as if no one else were present, Gu Fang’s mouth twitched until it was nearly frozen.

The next moment, Gu Fang wasted no time. Without so much as a farewell, he turned and fled Cishantang.

“If you arrive late next time, I might negotiate a good price with your second uncle,” Xie Qingtang said coolly. Gu Xiujin nodded, as if that were only natural.

Standing nearby, Zhou Jinfan murmured, “Truly two ruthless people.”

For reasons unknown, Gu Xiujin felt certain Xie Qingtang would never collude with others to harm him. This trust, though he couldn’t say where it came from, seemed rooted in his heart since childhood.

“So, what brings you here? Could it be that you really knew your second uncle was coming to make trouble, and came to help me?” Xie Qingtang asked, seated behind the consultation desk.