Yao Lingxuan, however, possessed no medical knowledge. Watching Su Yan’s actions, she sneered repeatedly in her heart.
He had only spent three years in Longteng Prison; it seemed it had only served to make him bolder. Did he think he could cure Liu Congrong just by mimicking Chen Jinglun’s methods? If she were truly that easy to cure, how could Chen Jinglun have failed? Even now, she refused to believe that Su Yan’s medical skills surpassed those of Chen Jinglun.
Chen Jinglun, meanwhile, found his alarm growing with every passing moment. He realized, to his shock, that Su Yan’s medical proficiency was extraordinary. He thought of the wager between them—was he actually going to lose? They had agreed beforehand that whoever lost would have to kneel and never practice medicine again. As the grandson of the Divine Doctor Chen, he relied on his medical practice to make a living. If he were forbidden from practicing, what else could he do? He could not stay here any longer; he had to leave at once.
Finding an excuse to go wash his face, Chen Jinglun took advantage of the fact that everyone’s attention was fixed on Su Yan and Old Madam Shen, and he slipped away unnoticed.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
The very moment Chen Jinglun stepped out of the Shen residence, Liu Congrong let out a light cough and slowly opened her eyes.
Shen Jianian hurried forward and asked anxiously, "Mr. Su, my grandmother’s condition...?"
"She is out of danger and will be fine," Su Yan replied.
Shen Jianian moved closer, excitedly asking after Liu Congrong’s well-being.
Liu Congrong, a woman who had seen much of the world, remained composed. "I am already fine. There is no need for all of you to pull such long faces! Pull yourselves together; the future of the Shen family still depends on you!"
"Grandmother, I’m just glad you’re alright." Hearing those familiar words, Shen Jianian felt as if his backbone had returned. He looked at Su Yan with gratitude and said solemnly, "Mr. Su, thank you for your help. Our Shen family will certainly remember this kindness, and we will surely repay you if the opportunity arises."
Su Yan scanned his surroundings, but Chen Jinglun was nowhere to be seen. It seemed he had realized the situation was turning against him and had fled. Su Yan smiled and said, "It was merely a small effort, not worth mentioning!"
Yao Lingxuan stood frozen in place, her eyes fixed intently on him, her expression full of shock. She had been waiting for the moment Su Yan would fail, ready to enjoy the show. Who would have thought that not only would he succeed, but he would also cure Old Madam Shen, whom even Chen Jinglun could not heal?
She felt this version of Su Yan was incredibly foreign. Could it be that he had actually learned medicine during his three years in Longteng Prison?
Liu Congrong looked at Su Yan and said with a serious expression, "You saved my life. As I promised, I will take you on as my grandson-in-law. From now on, you will be a member of the Shen family!"
Upon hearing this, Yao Lingxuan clenched her fists tightly. This was the very result she had hoped for tonight, yet it had been snatched away by Su Yan! How detestable!
Su Yan, however, laughed and declined, saying, "Thank you for the sentiment, Old Madam, but I must respectfully refuse."
Old Madam Shen had no qualifications to be his elder!
"To be part of the Shen family means to be a person of status and influence in Yunhai. You’re actually turning down such a golden opportunity?" Liu Congrong frowned in dissatisfaction.
Su Yan explained, "I only intervened because I saw how much your grandson cares for you. If you want to thank someone, thank your family."
Liu Congrong’s face darkened, and she narrowed her eyes. "You turn down such a prestigious status—what exactly is it that you want?"
"Grandmother..." Shen Jianian had not expected his grandmother to be so aggressive toward his benefactor. "Mr. Su only acted because he saw you were in critical condition. Grandmother, please don't overthink it."
"What do you know!" Liu Congrong scoffed. "Never underestimate anyone, and never assume others are purely selfless."
Su Yan raised an eyebrow. Was his good deed being viewed as calculated in Liu Congrong’s eyes? Had rejecting her offer turned into a plot?
"I’ve always disliked that self-righteous attitude of yours."
Old Madam Jiang, Fan Hong, spoke up at this moment, crossing her arms with a look of disdain. "Mr. Su’s medical skills are superb, and his character is peerless. If it weren't for you having such good descendants, you would have been dead already."
"With Mr. Su’s talent, he is destined to be the best in the world. Does the Shen family think they can trap a true dragon in such a small pond?"
Liu Congrong replied rationally with a cold snort: "A person without background or status dreaming of dominating the world—do you really think that’s possible?"
Fan Hong answered with conviction, "If that person is Mr. Su, I believe it is highly possible!"
"It seems the Jiang family is prepared to bet their future on him." Liu Congrong studied Su Yan, unable to understand what he possessed besides medical skill that made him worth so much praise from the Jiang family.
Jiang Yunhe bowed respectfully to Su Yan. "Mr. Su, thank you for your help tonight. I have already arranged dinner, please come this way."
Su Yan had no desire to continue entanglement with the Shen family, so he turned and left the Shen garden, heading into the Jiang villa.
Yao Lingxuan watched his retreating figure, unable to collect her thoughts for a long time. The Su Yan of tonight was a stranger to her. Not only had he healed Old Madam Jiang, but he had also healed Old Madam Shen. At the same time, he had secured the full support of the Jiang family, who were clearly full of confidence in his future. Was it all just because of his unusual medical skills?
Yao Lingxuan scoffed internally, feeling that Liu Congrong was perfectly right. Su Yan was a man without status or background; did he really think he could make a name for himself relying solely on medicine? It was nothing more than a delusion! He could have accepted Old Madam Shen’s offer; with the backing of both the Shen and Jiang families, his path in Yunhai would have been much broader. Instead, he had chosen to be prideful and refuse, narrowing his own path. It was truly laughable in its immaturity.
Wu Li touched Yao Lingxuan’s arm gently and whispered, "Director Yao, you and Su Yan have only signed the divorce agreement; the paperwork hasn't been processed yet. You aren't officially divorced yet."
"Hm?" Yao Lingxuan’s mind was elsewhere, and she didn't immediately grasp the implication of Wu Li’s words.
Wu Li prompted, "Didn't Su Yan refuse Old Madam Shen’s proposal? As his legal wife, couldn't you accept on his behalf?"
Yao Lingxuan was slightly startled, and she immediately understood. Wasn't she looking for the Shen family to be her backer? Had she not done all this tonight with the intention of becoming a part of the Shen family? A great opportunity had been placed before Su Yan, and he had rejected it. Why shouldn't she take it?
"Wu Li, you really are my best strategist," Yao Lingxuan remarked.
Wu Li’s thinking was simple: if Yao Lingxuan did well, she would do well. If Yao Lingxuan gained status, it was equivalent to her having an opportunity as well. They were in the same boat; if one prospered, they both prospered; if one suffered, they both suffered.
Yao Lingxuan walked up to Liu Congrong and Shen Jianian and spoke with a smile.
"Old Madam Shen, Su Yan has just returned from prison and is unfamiliar with the current situation in the city. He failed to appreciate your kind intention."
"As his wife, I feel a sense of responsibility. I am willing to take his place and become a member of the Shen family."
"In this way, the Shen family will no longer owe him any favors. I wonder what you think of this, Old Madam?"