She kept a straight face and said coldly, "Lu Chengwen, Grandpa Chen likes you the best. You've only been here for five minutes and you're already itching to leave. Isn't that a bit heartless?"
Lu Chengwen saw Xu Xuejiao.
He also saw Chen Mohuan walk in, accompanied by Long Aotian.
As soon as Long Aotian spotted Lu Chengwen, he narrowed his eyes, his hatred bone-deep.
*Well, that's it,* Lu Chengwen thought to himself. *A villain, a real villain, has to be the kind of person who makes people grit their teeth the moment they lay eyes on him.*
Lu Chengwen cast a glance at Xu Xuejiao.
Oh...
What a perfect little girl!
Though her frame was petite, her proportions were exquisite; her clever, adorable features were refined to the absolute limit. The key, however, was that in spite of such a dainty build, her chest was impressively, ferociously well-endowed...At this moment, wearing a JK uniform, she looked youthful and charming, especially with the pure white cotton tube socks on her slender calves, exuding a unique and captivating allure!
Xu Xuejiao gently greeted Grandpa Chen and began to examine the cause of his illness.
*(This little girl doesn't grow taller, she just develops in the chest; she's definitely going to be a troublemaker in the future!)*"Tsk tsk tsk, this is going to be good! Absolutely worth watching! And she's a little loli who likes wearing a uniform!"
Xu Xuejiao turned her head, glaring fiercely.
"What did you say?"
"Huh? I didn't say anything!"
"You did! You big pervert!"Chen Mohuan hurriedly said, "Xuejiao, what are you doing? Young Master Lu didn't say anything."
Xu Xuejiao froze for a moment. *Could I be hallucinating?*
She cast a glare at Lu Chengwen, then turned back around to continue examining Grandpa Chen's condition.
*(Oh my, she's sticking her butt out! Such a charming, dainty curve!)*
*(A fiery little loli with an amazing figure, and she even wears a uniform! If a guy were to take her from behind, wouldn't that feel absolute heaven! Tsk tsk tsk, Long Aotian really is blessed as hell!)*
Xu Xuejiao spun around again and glared furiously at Lu Chengwen.
Lu Chengwen was taken aback.
Xu Xuejiao slowly looked around at the others. *What is going on? Everyone's expression looks as if they didn't hear him spouting nonsense at all!*
And furthermore... the voice didn't sound like it was spoken out loud. Could it be his inner thoughts?
Just as Lu Chengwen was fantasizing lewdly about Xu Xuejiao, he felt a chill at the back of his neck. He turned his head and saw Long Aotian staring right at him.
Xu Xuejiao felt something was deeply fishy, but even if she told people about this, no one would believe it, right?
Having finished her examination, Xu Xuejiao smiled and said, "Grandpa Chen, it's just a few blocked blood vessels. I'll clear them up with some silver needles, so just relax!"Long Aotian said, "Little sister, I'm afraid things aren't quite that simple, are they?"
Xu Xuejiao stood up and looked at Long Aotian. "Who are you?"
Chen Mohuan immediately introduced him, "Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is my good friend, Long Aotian! He is highly skilled in medicine, and I brought him here specifically to treat Grandpa."
Xu Xuejiao kept a straight face. "I know all the famous doctors in the Northern Country, and I have never heard of a young miracle doctor named Long Aotian. Grandpa’s health is of the utmost importance; Brother Mohuan, you shouldn't trust just anyone."
"Hahaha!" Long Aotian laughed. "Little sister, as the saying goes, true masters don't reveal themselves, and those who reveal themselves aren't true masters. Don't underestimate people."
Just as Xu Xuejiao was about to speak, she heard Lu Chengwen’s inner thoughts:
*That's it, this is the rhythm—keep going!*
*You’ll take Grandpa Chen, who is already half-dead, and make him completely dead and beyond saving. Then, the great hero Long Aotian will step in to save the day!*
*This early confrontation is nothing but a prelude to flirting. Afterward, you’ll fall for him, happily accept your place in his harem, and become good sisters with Leng Qingqiu!*
Xu Xuejiao turned to look at Lu Chengwen, her face pale with rage.
What is this nonsense!?
My medical skills would go wrong!? I’d turn Grandpa Chen into someone who is completely dead and beyond saving?
And I’d become a part of this loudmouthed guy’s harem? And do it along with Leng Qingqiu!?
What is Leng Qingqiu even supposed to be? That cold, condescending look of hers is irritating enough as it is—why would I ever join a harem with her?
"Shut your mouth!"
Lu Chengwen was stunned. Everyone else was stunned, too.
Lu Chengwen pointed at Long Aotian. "He’s the one over there."
"I’m talking to you!"
Lu Chengwen was on the verge of tears. "I didn't make a sound! Ask everyone else!"
Long Aotian laughed heartily. "Little sister, I’m afraid that in the entire Northern Country—no, in the entire Huaxia—besides me, Long Aotian, no one can cure the old man’s illness."
Xu Xuejiao was nearly driven to madness by these two men.
One was mumbling endlessly in his mind, and the other was standing there, being smug and incessant.
They were both absolutely insufferable!
"When I am performing acupuncture, both of you keep quiet!"
Xu Xuejiao glared at each of them before focusing her full attention on performing acupuncture on Chen Qiushou.
At the very back of the room, Lu Chengwen shook his head."What a shame! King Wen's Nine Needles is a top-tier acupuncture technique, but the little girl was far too conservative in her execution, bypassing two major acupoints. That single oversight just caused Grandpa Chen to wave hello to the Grim Reaper."
"Waiting for Long Aotian to step in and save the day at the critical moment, so Xu Xuejiao can fall utterly head over heels for him."
"Sigh, what a waste of a generation's loli—no, I mean, a generation's master physician. Achieving fame at such a young age, only to end up joining Long Aotian's harem."
Xu Xuejiao's heart skipped a beat!
This scoundrel actually knew medicine too?
Just now, she really had used a rather gentle acupuncture method, and she had indeed bypassed two quite dangerous acupoints.
He could even tell just from that?
Since when... did he know so much about medicine?
Sure enough, Chen Qiushou suddenly began to cough violently, his body shaking uncontrollably. Finally, blood spilled from the corners of his mouth as his eyes rolled back.
Chen Mohuan screamed instantly: "Grandpa! Grandpa! Sister Xuejiao, what have you done? This is a disaster!"
Xu Xuejiao's face turned ashen, but by now she had already identified the crux of the problem.
Long Aotian made a grand sweeping gesture and pulled out his own needle pouch: "Step aside, little sister, I'll bring the old master back from the dead!"
"Grandpa is still alive."
Uttering just those firm words, Xu Xuejiao snatched up a silver needle and drove it directly into a vital acupoint.
Sure enough, the moment that needle went in, Chen Qiushou immediately eased up a bit, though he remained unconscious.
Long Aotian was utterly shocked!
The technique this young beauty had just used with that needle was completely different from her previous approach. She had suddenly grown bold, and she had located the acupoint with absolute precision!
Right on the heels of that, she prepared to drive in another needle. With his hand concealed inside his sleeve, Long Aotian flicked his fingers...
Lu Chengwen had been keeping his eyes on this punk all along. The moment he saw the look in Long Aotian's eyes and watched his hand pull back slightly as he began channeling his internal energy—
Lu Chengwen's heart plummeted:
"Crap! This punk is up to no good!"
Unable to worry about anything else, Lu Chengwen rushed straight over and grabbed Long Aotian by the arm: "Brother Aotian!"
Long Aotian jumped in fright.
"Ah? Oh... wh-what is it?"
"Nothing, just thinking about how handsome you are!"
"Oh, thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Xu Xuejiao had already heard Lu Chengwen's inner monologue and had been startled by it just a moment ago. Yet right at this crucial juncture of administering acupuncture, she could not let her focus waver. Turning her head slightly, she glanced out of the corner of her eye and caught sight of the hand gesture Long Aotian had been about to use for mischief.
Immediately following that, Lu Chengwen blocked her line of sight—and naturally, he blocked Long Aotian's hands as well.
With Xu Xuejiao's two needles completed, Old Master Chen's complexion gradually returned to a healthy ruddy glow, and within half a minute, his eyes fluttered open.
"Xuejiao, my child."
"Grandpa Chen."
"It's so wonderful to have you here. Don't leave this time; just stay in Snow City."
"Grandpa, just focus on resting and recovering!"
Having just barely regained his senses, Chen Qiushou asked, "Where is Chengwen? Where is my eldest grandson?"
Lu Chengwen hurried over: "Grandpa, I'm here."
"Chengwen, my boy, why does my hand hurt so much?"
Lu Chengwen took a look and realized that his earlier frantic flurry of patting and slapping had left the old man's hand completely red.
"It's nothing, just promoting blood circulation and relaxing the muscles."
Long Aotian was furious enough to drop dead.
Every single time he was halfway through acting cool, it always got cut short halfway through!
Damned Lu Chengwen, how come you're everywhere?
Lu Chengwen turned around to see both Long Aotian and Chen Mohuan glaring at him.
The old man is far too partial to that Lu boy! I am your biological grandson, Chen Mohuan!
Lu Chengwen thought to himself:
"Good heavens, I'd better get out of here right now. Apart from a half-dead old man Chen who dotes on me, everyone else here looks like they want to throttle me."
"Long Aotian wants to murder me because I keep getting in the way of him picking up girls; Chen Mohuan wants to kick me to death because his grandpa spoils me; and Xu Xuejiao has looked down on me since we were kids, but today she's lost her mind or something—she looks like she wants to wring my neck."
"I'd better slip away fast."
Hearing that thought, Xu Xuejiao couldn't help a small internal smile.
Yet remembering how he had just rushed forward to help her, a strange warmth bloomed in her chest.
This guy isn't entirely heartless after all.
At that moment, Zhao Gang walked up to Lu Chengwen, leaned in close to his ear, and said nervously, "Young Master Lu, we have a major emergency. You need to get to the pharmaceutical plant immediately."
Lu Chengwen was deeply shocked.
"The pharmaceutical plant?! Something happened?!"
Chapter 5: The Dark Loli
Eager to make his escape, Lu Chengwen seized the opportunity to say his goodbyes and fled the Chen family estate.
Walking along the pathway outside the Chen family estate, Lu Chengwen asked nervously, "What happened?"
With an ashen face, Zhao Gang anxiously checked his surroundings: "Get in the car and I'll tell you!"
Lu Chengwen understood—this was the real deal.Xu Xuejiao received the news as well. Furious, she chased after them, catching up to Lu Chengwen and Zhao Gang.
Zhao Gang immediately shut his mouth, watching Xu Xuejiao with a nervous look.
Lu Chengwen, still oblivious to the situation, asked, "Oh, sister Xuejiao, what's the rush? Is something the matter?"
Xu Xuejiao pulled a long face. Watching Lu Chengwen’s expression, she thought to herself: *This guy is such a good actor! He embezzled the funds for the raw materials, causing the entire batch of herbs to mismatch the component list, and now he acts like he knows nothing.*
Xu Xuejiao smiled, a smile as sharp as a concealed blade: "Brother Chengwen, everything is fine at the pharmaceutical factory lately, right?"
"Uh..."
Seeing Zhao Gang frantically winking at him, Lu Chengwen quickly added, "Nothing to worry about. If there’s an issue, I’ll handle it."
*Why is this girl out here? Where is Long Aotian? Weren’t they supposed to go out for tea and discuss medical techniques?*
*Why is the leading lady following me around? Why does Long Aotian’s harem insist on pestering me?*
*The factory situation must be urgent! I have to resolve it!*
Xu Xuejiao paused. Seeing his reaction, it seemed he really was unaware of the factory's specific situation. Could it be that he wasn't the one who embezzled the money?
She thought for a moment and smiled. "Brother Chengwen, we haven't seen each other in over a year, have we?"
"Oh? Have we? Haha, how time flies, like a passing carriage... as the wheels of history grind over our fleeting youth..."
Xu Xuejiao felt like throwing up; this man was becoming increasingly nauseating.
She forced a smile, opened her arms, and said, "Give me a hug!"
Lu Chengwen felt like his head was about to explode. He was covered in trouble like a man covered in lice, and he didn't know which one to pick off first.
He had already ruined Long Aotian’s plans twice in one day; he was likely already on his blacklist.
That stubborn girl Leng Qingqiu insisted on being engaged to him for some inexplicable reason—he had to settle that quickly and stop entangling himself with a beast like Long Aotian.
And now, this leading lady Xu Xuejiao wasn't following the original script, acting all weird and clingy.
But the most pressing issue was the factory. That was medicine! If something went wrong there, it would be a disaster!
And now this little enchantress wants a hug?!
What is this "hug" nonsense? What is she hugging for? Is she playing games with me?
Just then, Lu Chengwen saw Chen Mohuan and Long Aotian walking out. Their eyes instantly locked onto each other.
Lu Chengwen’s mouth twitched: *Isn't this just perfect? Another disaster.*
Long Aotian squinted: *This guy is ruining my plans again!*
Lu Chengwen tried to feign composure. "What hug?"
He raised his voice, "Oh! Brother Long! You’ve arrived just in time. You see, sister Xuejiao was just a bit hot-headed, but in reality, she truly admires your medical skills. Why don't you two find a café and have a good chat? Since you are both masters obsessed with medicine, you’re bound to have plenty to talk about. I have things to do, goodbye!"
Lu Chengwen turned to bolt, thinking:
*I can only help you guys this much. May you have a happy life together, just leave me out of it.*
*You two are a perfect match; I’m just a piece of trash, okay?*
*Must leave immediately, otherwise Long Aotian will start looking for trouble.*
Xu Xuejiao glanced back at Long Aotian, gave a scornful huff, and grabbed the hem of Lu Chengwen’s jacket.
"Brother Lu, don't leave yet! Whenever we parted ways since we were kids, didn't you always ask for a hug?"
Lu Chengwen widened his eyes, staring in shock at the little girl.
Xu Xuejiao had the face of a beautiful fairy, with large, bright, clear eyes like black jewels.
But within that beautiful face and clear gaze, Lu Chengwen saw a hint of smugness, craftiness, cruelty, and even a touch of malice.
She was doing it on purpose!
Of course, Xu Xuejiao was doing it on purpose.
Lu Chengwen had completely ticked her off. She had overheard enough of his inner thoughts to know he was dead-set on the idea that she would throw herself at Long Aotian. What gave him the right to assume that?
Xu Xuejiao was fired up. *Oh, so you’re afraid of Long Aotian? Hmph, I’ll deliberately stir up trouble for you just because you’re afraid!*
Lu Chengwen’s eyes were filled with hostility and shock.
He slowly pushed her hand away, thinking viciously:
*This brat is trying to set me up!*
*She seems to know I’m terrified of Long Aotian, so she’s doing this on purpose! Absolutely on purpose!*
Xu Xuejiao almost laughed out loud. She continued to act cute and pitiful, though her eyes seemed to say: *I am doing it on purpose. Who would have thought that you, Lu Chengwen, would have someone you’re afraid of? Interesting, very interesting. Today, I’m going to scare the life out of you! Oh? Are you sweating?*
Long Aotian and Chen Mohuan arrived. Long Aotian sneered, "Whenever you part ways, you have to hug? Young Master Lu is certainly a free spirit!"
Lu Chengwen’s mouth twitched. Before he could explain, the reckless Zhao Gang stepped forward and boomed, "We hugged, so what? You, a mere..."
Lu Chengwen yanked Zhao Gang back, thinking to himself that if they were tied together, they still wouldn't be a match for Long Aotian.
Lu Chengwen said awkwardly, "Sister Xuejiao is just joking. It’s not like that!"
"What do you mean not like that? It’s been happening since I was eight! That family banquet, the first time you tricked me into the corner to kiss and hug me—have you forgotten? You even insisted on having me take off my clothes so you could 'examine' me, claiming you wanted to be a doctor one day... I was so worried that day, I almost believed you..."
Long Aotian’s fists slowly tightened, his gaze piercing at Lu Chengwen.
Lu Chengwen narrowed his eyes at this little devil. He finally understood—this brat knew his weakness!
The worst part was her innocent, invincible-looking face. No one would believe that behind those naive eyes, she was so dark-hearted and skilled at acting.
*I finally got another chance to rewrite my destiny—I’m not going to fall into the hands of this little girl, am I?*
*Is Long Aotian and his girlfriends a hurdle I can never overcome in this life?*
Xu Xuejiao was calculating, too: *He seems to know Long Aotian very well, and there’s clearly bad blood between them.*
*Heh, good. Evil people are best handled by other evil people; neither of you is any good. One is a bully who takes what he wants, and the other is someone who strikes at bedridden elders to stop me from saving them.*
*Whoever ends up dead, the outcome will be perfect. I love watching bad guys kill each other.*
Lu Chengwen wiped the sweat from his forehead and forced a smile. "I don't remember things from when I was a kid."
"Then you have to give me a hug today, right?"
Xu Xuejiao leaned in close and whispered, "If you don't hug me, don't think about leaving."
Lu Chengwen narrowed his eyes, his heart filled with bitter resentment. He whispered, "You've got guts."
Mustering all his strength, he forced an ugly, fake smile and gave her a light hug.
But Xu Xuejiao bear-hugged him, shouting, "Oh, Brother Chengwen, you’re so annoying, taking advantage of me again!"
Lu Chengwen pushed her away, on the verge of exploding.
Long Aotian caught the stumbling Xu Xuejiao and glared at Lu Chengwen: "Young Master Lu, what is the meaning of this?"
Lu Chengwen’s head buzzed.
*Damn it!*
He quickly smiled and said, "Nothing, I just had a cramp. You two chat. My factory is having issues, I have to go deal with it..."
Lu Chengwen turned and practically ran. Zhao Gang stood stunned for two seconds, then pointed at Long Aotian: "You wait and see, you bastard!"
He then turned to chase after Lu Chengwen.
Long Aotian didn't bother chasing Lu Chengwen; with a beauty by his side, he had no time for him.
"Xuejiao, are you okay? Are you hurt? Don't worry, I won't let Lu Chengwen get away with this."
"Oh? Is that so?" Xu Xuejiao’s face instantly turned cold as she stepped away from him. "He is the Young Master Lu of Snow City; ordinary people cannot afford to provoke him. You think you’re enough?"
Long Aotian laughed, "What Four Major Families? In my eyes, they are all ants."
A cold glint flashed in Xu Xuejiao’s eyes: "All of them are ants?"
Long Aotian realized he had spoken out of turn and hurried to explain: "No, what I meant was..."
"Goodbye."
Xu Xuejiao strode to her car. As she reached it, she tore off her uniform, and her assistant team swarmed forward, draping a black trench coat over her shoulders.
In an instant, she transformed from an innocent little girl into a cold-faced, haughty queen—a spitting image of a younger Leng Qingqiu.
...
Once inside the car, Lu Chengwen was still trembling, slamming his hands against the armrest in anger.
"Damn it, I almost died back there!"
Zhao Gang quickly raised the partition between the driver's cabin and the rear.
"Don't worry, Young Master Lu! I’ll find someone to finish off that Long Aotian and vent your frustration!"
"Shut the hell up!" Lu Chengwen gritted his teeth. "The real problem is that girl Xu Xuejiao. That brat..."