Chapter Seventy-Six: The Birth of the Infatuated Woman

Gu Xiujin's expression froze for a moment, then he cast a sidelong glance at Li Zhao, the meaning in his eyes unmistakable. Instinctively, Li Zhao took a step back, a chill running through him—he’d forgotten once again that he shouldn’t provoke his boss.

After changing the prescription, Xie Qingtang found herself a little troubled. Many of her medicinal drawers had been smashed by Shao Siming, leaving several herbs in short supply. She turned to Gu Xiujin and said, “Take the prescription and get the medicine from any traditional pharmacy. I’m missing a few ingredients here.”

“Did something happen? Do you need my help?” Gu Xiujin took the prescription, glancing up at Xie Qingtang as if he already knew what had befallen the Hall of Benevolence.

But Xie Qingtang, who had resolved not to let Gu Xiujin into her life outside of treating his illness, simply shook her head. “Nothing happened. I can handle it myself. Just take good care of your health. Don’t forget—you’re my pillar of support.”

“If I’m your pillar, I should play my part. If I can’t help you, what use am I as your support?” Gu Xiujin replied calmly.

Xie Qingtang laughed heartily but said no more, still unwilling to tell Gu Xiujin about Shao Siming coming to trouble her.

There was already an engagement between them. If Gu Xiujin became too involved in her affairs and helped her solve too many problems, Xie Qingtang feared she would grow dependent on his strength. And if, one day, Gu Xiujin were to leave suddenly, she was afraid she would be hurt all over again, just as she had been when she was young.

Back then, after her mother passed away, Xie Qingtang had clung to her father, Shao Siming, as her last hope for salvation, never expecting that the man she’d thought so strong would abandon her like refuse in that remote mountain village.

The pain of gaining and then losing—Xie Qingtang did not wish to feel it a second time.

“Oh, and one more thing. The prescription I gave you will work better if combined with acupuncture. Make time for an hour tonight; I’ll come do the treatment for you,” Xie Qingtang added, suddenly remembering.

Gu Xiujin nodded. “Alright, I’ll wait for you at the Gu residence tonight.” With that, he left with Li Zhao.

After they departed, Xie Qingtang scratched her head, muttering, “Why did Gu Xiujin’s words just now sound so awkward? Never mind, better not dwell on it—my head hurts.”

With that, she turned back to tidying her medicine cabinet.

At the Wang family villa, Wang Miao’er had been in low spirits ever since she was dismissed from the hospital. She stayed in her room all day, refusing to see anyone.

“Miao’er, it’s Dad. May I come in?” Wang Kaishan, unwilling to see his daughter sink further, knocked gently on her door.

Wang Miao’er opened the door, her hair unkempt, her face sallow and bare of makeup. She was a far cry from her once radiant self.

Seeing his daughter in such a state, Wang Kaishan’s heart ached. “Miao’er, has something so minor really struck you down like this?”

“Dad, please, I don’t want to hear anything right now.” Wang Miao’er frowned and retreated into her room, curling up under the covers like an ostrich hiding from the world.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Wang Kaishan sighed. “I heard it was Gu Xiujin who insisted on your dismissal. It seems you truly like him. President Gu is renowned as a business genius; if not for his poor health, countless heiresses would be lining up to marry him.”

Hidden beneath the quilt, Wang Miao’er made no response. Wang Kaishan continued, “But no matter how formidable a man is, there’s one kind of woman he cannot resist. When he meets her, he’ll be subdued, just as a mouse is by a cat.”

At last, the quilt shifted a little. Seeing this, Wang Kaishan smiled, knowing he had piqued his daughter’s interest. Yet, he said nothing further, rising to leave.

Sure enough, just as he reached the door, Wang Miao’er burst forth, biting her lip. “Dad, what kind of woman are you talking about?”

“If you want to know, first go take a shower and tidy yourself up. Looking like this, there’s no way Gu Xiujin would be interested in you,” Wang Kaishan replied with a chuckle. Wang Miao’er nodded obediently.

Half an hour later, Wang Miao’er came downstairs, refreshed and glowing, sitting at the dinner table. Her eyes were fixed on her father, clearly waiting.

After dinner, Wang Kaishan finally said, “Men are drawn to two types of women: beautiful women and powerful women.”

“Dad, are you saying I’m not pretty enough?” Wang Miao’er pouted, thinking her father was blaming her appearance for Gu Xiujin’s lack of interest.

Wang Kaishan shook his head, smiling. “No, Miao’er, you’re already very beautiful. But if you want Gu Xiujin to be unable to resist you, you must first let him know you like him. More importantly, you have to show your worth in front of him. Only then can you truly captivate an outstanding man.”

As his words fell, it was as if the fog before Wang Miao’er’s eyes had finally cleared. She realized that, though she had tried every way to get close to Gu Xiujin, she had never actually confessed her feelings.

Though it might seem unreserved for a woman to confess to a man, Wang Miao’er’s affection for Gu Xiujin was genuine.

Those cold eyes, that straight nose, those chiseled features—every part of him drew Wang Miao’er in. She truly was enchanted by Gu Xiujin’s looks.

To be precise, Gu Xiujin’s face was the very embodiment of her ideal of beauty; he was the man of her dreams.

“Dad, you’re right. First, I need to let Gu Xiujin know that I like him,” Wang Miao’er said, clenching her fists with newfound enthusiasm.

Though Wang Kaishan felt a pang of discomfort seeing his daughter so smitten with another man, he could not refuse her happiness. He nodded. “Don’t worry, Dad will help you.”