Chapter Fifty-Two: A Provocation at the Door

Xie Qingtang and Gu Xiujin already had a vague and ambiguous marriage contract between them, and earlier, Gu Xiujin had helped Xie Qingtang rescue her grandfather from the sanatorium. Although Xie Qingtang had saved Gu Xiujin several times afterward, and their debts to each other could be considered settled, she still refused to become too entangled with this man to avoid unnecessary trouble.

So, when she realized the medicinal herbs needed for her grandfather's treatment were insufficient, Xie Qingtang's first instinct was to rely on her own strength to earn money and buy rare herbs for his care, never once considering seeking help from Gu Xiujin.

"No need. I know what I'm doing," Xie Qingtang said, strong and independent. Gu Xiujin was stunned for a moment before replying, "Have you forgotten that your grandfather was a close friend of mine? For so many years, my negligence has led to his suffering, and I bear responsibility. If you need any herbs, make a list, and I'll have Li Zhao find them for you."

Seeing him so earnest, Xie Qingtang frowned at him, stubbornly shaking her head. "I said it's unnecessary. I'll handle my grandfather's affairs myself."

Her stubborn demeanor somehow etched itself into Gu Xiujin's heart like a brand, and even after returning to the Gu family villa, he sat there lost in thought.

"Mr. Gu, you should take your medicine," Li Zhao said, placing the herbal remedy before him.

Gu Xiujin finally snapped out of his reverie, picked up the bowl and drank it in one gulp, his brows knitting tightly as he sharply noticed today's medicine was even more bitter than usual.

The next moment, the perceptive Li Zhao quickly offered candied fruit, but Gu Xiujin waved his hand and said, "Xie Qingtang doesn't want my help. I wanted to establish a traditional medicine department at Gu Hospital, but even that failed."

He seemed regretful about it, but there was nothing he could do. Over sixty percent of the hospital's shareholders opposed the proposal, leaving him powerless.

"Mr. Gu, I know you want to help Miss Xie in secret, but her temperament is very stubborn. If she discovers your assistance, she'll surely refuse it righteously. Why not just help her quietly?" Li Zhao stood with his head lowered, speaking to Gu Xiujin.

Gu Xiujin glanced at him and nodded. "You're right. That stubborn woman would never accept my help. Let her manage things on her own; I want to see just how many abilities she has that I don't know about."

Early the next morning, Aben arrived at the Benevolence Hall with his pregnant wife, travel-worn, even with dew clinging to their hair.

"Why are you here so early?" Xie Qingtang asked in surprise. Aben first helped his wife to a seat before answering, "We live in the mountains, far from the city. I thought we'd come early so we could return early; otherwise, it might be late when we get home, and mountain roads are dangerous at night."

Hearing this, Xie Qingtang nodded and turned her gaze to the gentle woman sitting quietly. Her smile was soft, her skin tanned—most likely from years of hard work in the mountains. Large eyes, filled with curiosity, surveyed the hall, just as pure as Aben's own. Xie Qingtang nodded to herself; since there were few patients now, she might as well check Aben’s wife's pulse first.

"Her pulse is steady, nothing to worry about. Just avoid overexertion during pregnancy, and the medicine to stabilize the fetus need not be taken daily—once every two weeks is enough." Perhaps mountain folk have stronger constitutions; Xie Qingtang felt Aben's wife's pulse was much better than most pregnant women.

Aben's face lit up with joy at her words, his eyes fixed only on his wife, the affection between them so thick that Zhou Jinfan, standing nearby, smacked his lips and said, "It's early morning, and you two are already so sweet—like honey mixed with oil—it's almost too much for me."

"Honey mixed with oil? What does that mean?" Aben's wife asked, puzzled.

Zhou Jinfan was taken aback, his mouth twitching for a while before he said, "Boss, they're mountain folk like you, aren't they?"

"We are, indeed," Aben and his wife replied in unison, exchanging a smile.

Life in the mountains was isolated, with no signal or access to information. Xie Qingtang understood they were unfamiliar with internet slang, just as she herself had been when she first left the mountains.

"Here's the prescription—go fetch the medicine," Xie Qingtang said after writing it out, handing it directly to the loquacious Zhou Jinfan to fetch the stabilizing herbs.

As the three chatted, suddenly a group of burly men burst through the door, steel rods in hand, shouting, "Where's that brat Zhou Jinfan? Get out here!"

Zhou Jinfan, gathering the medicine at the cabinet, ducked like an ostrich beneath the counter.

Xie Qingtang frowned, stood up, and walked to the head of the group. "I'm the proprietor here. If you have business, speak to me."

The leader raised an eyebrow at her, then thrust his fan-sized hand forward, pushing Xie Qingtang aside. "Zhou Jinfan, get out here! You said the pills you sold us would work in a month. I've bought a month's supply, and my elder brother's condition hasn't improved at all. You quack, get out!"

It was another debt left by Zhou Jinfan. Xie Qingtang massaged her brow, feeling a headache. But now that she was in charge of Benevolence Hall, she couldn't ignore the matter. She addressed the leader again, "What illness does your brother have?"

"Listen, little girl, don't try to play hero for Zhou Jinfan. My rod doesn't care if you're male or female—anyone gets hit," the man threatened fiercely.

Xie Qingtang remained calm, completely unafraid. "Oh? Is that so?"