Chapter 8

Even the Chen couple, along with Liu Xuan and her father, were left completely dumbfounded! What! How could this be? How could this scruffy, penniless guy make the hospital director act so respectfully? Even he didn't qualify for such treatment! One had to realize that the director of the Fengcheng Central Hospital held a position of significant influence locally. Someone who could make him act with such deference... There were barely a handful of such people in the entire city of Fengcheng! Xiao Zining nodded. With a wave of his hand, he said indifferently, "No need for formalities." The director wiped away a cold sweat, feeling immense awe toward the young man before him. Just a moment ago, a call from Longdu had come through, stating that a major figure had been insulted by Liu Xuan in the hospital’s pediatric department. It had scared him half to death. After all, anyone who could warrant a personal phone call from Longdu... How terrifying must their status be? A person at that level could have him removed from his post with a single sentence! He knew full well what kind of people Liu Xuan and her father were, so he had immediately realized that this pair had caused a major disaster! "Director, you... you..." Liu Xuan looked at him in disbelief. "You must have made a mistake. This guy looks like a total pauper. How could he possibly be..." "Shut up!" The director slapped her twice across the face, the force sending her tumbling to the floor, bruised and battered. She looked utterly miserable. "Liu Xuan, you have been negligent in your duties and lack all medical ethics. I am officially announcing..." "You are fired!" "Furthermore, we are revoking your medical license. From this day forward, there will be no place for you in the entire medical profession!" This pronouncement struck Liu Xuan like a thunderbolt! "Director, please! I beg you, don't revoke my license..." Liu Xuan pleaded desperately. "I know I was wrong!" Liu Tao also chimed in, trying to persuade him, "Director, she’s still just a child..." "You are no different!" The director coldly cut him off. "Liu Tao, I am immediately stripping you of your position as department head!" At these words, Liu Tao trembled, as if doused with icy water. In that position, he could have skimmed so much off the top using his influence. Now, it was all gone! And they were being completely blacklisted... "It’s gone, it’s all gone..." Liu Tao and his daughter were shattered, their minds completely blank. The director’s iron-fisted approach had effectively destroyed their entire livelihood!

Chapter 28: Kneeling to Admit Fault!

It wasn't that the director was unaware of their previous behavior; he had merely turned a blind eye for the sake of appearances. But things were different now. They had been so blind as to offend Xiao Zining! They had to be dealt with! Otherwise, if Xiao Zining redirected his anger toward him, even he would suffer. Zhang Yong, witnessing this, felt his eyes flicker. He stepped forward and said, "Director, give me a face-saving favor. Liu Xuan and her father were implicated because of me. I don’t want them fired..." "Oh? And you are..." The director raised an eyebrow. He did not recognize this man. Zhang Yong stood tall, chest puffed out, and said arrogantly, "I am the Vice President of the Fengcheng Chamber of Commerce, Zhang Yong." "I don’t know you, so why should I give you any face?" the director said coldly. Did he even deserve it? A mere Vice President of a Chamber of Commerce—was that something to be proud of? He wasn't even fit to tie Xiao Zining’s shoelaces! And he dared to speak to him with such an attitude? Seeing the director dismiss him without the slightest mercy, Zhang Yong grew furious. "You..." This was too much! At the very least, he was a man of status in high society. "Director, I was polite to you earlier only because I gave you some respect." "I am a local socialite. You would humiliate me just to suck up to a penniless beggar?" "I think you’ve gone senile!" The lady beside him was also filled with rage. "Exactly! My husband is the Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce! He’s rich and powerful! With a net worth of over a hundred million, what do you think you are, you stinking old man? You dare to give us attitude?" "And another thing!" She glared viciously at Xiao Zining and his group. "You dare hit me? I’ll make you pay! I will definitely kill you!" Xiao Zining couldn't be bothered to respond to them. Xiao Feng said calmly, "Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce? Not for much longer." "And... I suspect you are both about to be finished." She had already sent people to investigate Zhang Yong, and he would soon pay the price for his stupidity today. "Heh!" The Zhang couple laughed with disdain. "What a joke!" "I, Zhang Yong, have assets worth over a hundred million. I have money, I have status!" "You commoners, what do you have to fight me with? Pfft..." He looked proud and filled with contempt. Just then, his phone rang. Seeing the name on the screen, he quickly answered, offering a fawning smile. "President, you..." "I am officially announcing that you, Zhang Yong, are kicked out of the Chamber of Commerce!" A cold voice came from the other end. The world spun for Zhang Yong; his head was buzzing. "President!" "You must be joking!" He was panic-stricken. "Hmph! You’ve caused a huge disaster. Good luck to yourself!" With that, the Chamber of Commerce President hung up coldly. Zhang Yong had offended someone he shouldn't have. If he stayed associated with him, he might even face misfortune himself. He didn't want any part of that. Zhang Yong trembled uncontrollably. The title of Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce had brought him massive profits over the years. Once kicked out, his business would surely plummet... While he stood dazed, another call came in... "Hello, Boss! It’s a disaster! Our company... we’re being raided!" "All the previous irregularities, tax evasion... it’s all been exposed!" "The authorities are looking for you everywhere. You need to run!" *Clatter!* Zhang Yong’s hand went limp, and his phone fell to the floor. Only one thought filled his mind... It’s over. Completely over. *Thump!* He immediately knelt before Xiao Zining, banging his head frantically. "Sir, I was wrong! I truly know I was wrong. Please, I beg you, spare me..." He wept bitterly, his face full of regret, his forehead bloodied from the impact.

Chapter 29: Taking Credit

Xiao Zining looked at him coldly. "You brought this upon yourself; there is no escape." If it weren't for the fact that the couple was so arrogant and overbearing, and if his own hands weren't dirty, he wouldn't have ended up in this position today! He looked at the director and said, "Please, Director, arrange a hospital room for my children immediately." "Yes, yes, of course!" The director said respectfully. "Mr. Xiao, please, this way!" He turned back to look at Liu Xuan and her father, and the Zhang couple, his voice turning icy. "Throw these degenerates out!" "Understood." Several large men received the order and dragged them away, tossing them out onto the street. Even their remorse came too late! The director immediately prepared the best room for Xiao Zining’s family and brought in the hospital’s top doctors to treat Haohao. Doudou also received the highest level of care. Soon, Haohao’s condition stabilized. The scars on Doudou’s body were also treated. Watching their sleeping faces, Xiao Zining covered them with a quilt, his eyes slightly damp with overwhelming shame. When they were learning to babble, he wasn't there! When they were taking their first steps, he wasn't there! When they needed a father’s love the most, he hadn't been able to accompany them... Now that he was back, he would make up for everything he owed them tenfold! Bai Xining was stunned by all of this. Why was Xiao Zining receiving such treatment? Even the big figures of Fengcheng might not have been treated with such deference. "Why was the director so respectful to you?" she asked, puzzled. "I’m not sure." Xiao Zining smiled. "Maybe he misunderstood something. I originally wanted to deny it, but then I thought, if I go along with it, Haohao and Doudou will get better faster, so I just bit the bullet and accepted it." "Really?" Bai Xining looked skeptical. "Yes. Why would a director of such a large hospital be so respectful to me otherwise?" Bai Xining didn't press further; what Xiao Zining said made sense. After all, the current Xiao Zining was no longer the young master of the Xiao family; it was impossible for the director to have that attitude toward him. There must have been some misunderstanding. "I am also very sorry about the passing of your parents, but the dead are gone, and the living must go on," Bai Xining comforted him. "In the future, if you have anything weighing on your heart, you can talk to me." "Okay." Xiao Zining felt a shred of comfort. The thought of his parents’ tragic deaths caused a sharp pain in his heart. The Four Major Clans must be destroyed! He would make them regret everything! In the coming days, his main task would be to take good care of Bai Xining and the children, and to take revenge on those major clans! A few minutes later, Bai Xining went out to answer a call from Lin Yuemei; she gave a brief account of what happened that day. At this time, Xiao Feng walked in and whispered, "Commander Xiao, the superiors have agreed to your request." "The ceremony for the conferment of the title has been canceled." "However..." "In recognition of your years of meritorious service, they have unanimously agreed to appoint you as the Governor of the three provinces: Jiangnan, Jiangbei, and Suhang, giving you control over the East." Xiao Zining frowned. Xiao Feng noticed his hesitation and said, "Don't worry. Though you hold the power as Governor, you don't need to personally handle the daily administration." "The existing systems of the three provinces will remain unchanged." Only then did Xiao Zining nod. "Tomorrow, Longdu will announce this to the world." "Tell them not to be too high-profile. Don't leak my name." Xiao Zining waved his hand. "Yes, sir." He knew well that this Governor title was more for show than substance. Even though he was the first person in a century to govern three provinces... Still, it wasn't wise to be too high-profile! Bai Xining soon returned, looking hurried. "I have something urgent to attend to at home. You stay here and look after them." "Alright, be careful on the way. Xiao Feng, see her off." Hearing the term "Madame," Bai Xining’s face flushed, though she didn't refute it.

...

The Bai family residence. Seeing Bai Xining return, the worry in the eyes of Lin Yuemei and the others slowly faded. "Oh, child, such a big thing happened, and you didn't even tell us." She scolded. "Mom, it’s already passed, it’s fine," Bai Xining comforted her. "This is all thanks to Zhou Shang," Lin Yuemei hurried to say. "It was Zhou Shang who saved you and the children!" "This..." Bai Xining was stunned. "Xining, long time no see." Shortly after, a young man walked out from inside. This young man was none other than Bai Xining’s high school classmate, Zhou Shang. Bai Xining nodded, bewildered. "Xining, I heard you were in trouble today, so I immediately told my brothers in the War Department. It was only because of me that they sent troops to flatten Tianlong Manor." "It’s so good to see you’re okay!" Bai Xining was stunned. So, the massive movement of the War Department was because of Zhou Shang? Lin Yuemei urged, "Oh, Xining, why are you just standing there? Hurry and thank Zhou Shang! He even used his standing with the Zhou family for your sake." "For Xining, any effort is worth it." Zhou Shang boasted, patting his chest. In reality, he had no idea such an event had even occurred. He had come for a visit, and Lin Yuemei had called Bai Xining back to see him, then used the confusion of the situation to have him take the credit with Bai Xining. Bai Xining felt a bit awkward. "Thank you, Zhou Shang." Although she had no feelings for him, he was, after all, the one who supposedly saved her and her children; she had to show some gratitude. Zhou Shang looked at her with feigned affection. "Xining, you’ve always known how I feel. I came here today because..."

Chapter 30: Forcing a Drink

"Zhou Shang, I am very grateful that you saved us, but I have told you many times, I will not agree to your request." Bai Xining refused decisively. A dark look flickered across Zhou Shang’s face. Lin Yuemei’s expression hardened. "What is wrong with Zhou Shang? A top student, his family is wealthy and powerful, and he is devoted only to you. If it weren't for his help this time, would you have been able to get out so quickly?" "Listen to me this time." "Auntie, don't pressure Xining. This is what I should do; I don't need any reward from her," Zhou Shang said with feigned generosity. "However... Xining, I helped you a great deal, surely it isn't too much to ask you to have a meal with me?" "This..." Bai Xining hesitated. He was her benefactor; if she refused, it would be truly unreasonable. "Fine... okay." "Let’s go, then." A glimmer of triumph crossed Zhou Shang’s eyes. "You two, have a good time," Lin Yuemei said happily. "Sis, Young Master Zhou is so devoted to you, give the guy a chance!" Bai Hao also advised. Zhou Shang had pursued her for years; he was devoted, wealthy, and a member of the Zhou family. Wasn't he much more reliable than that guy Xiao Zining? "Nonsense!" Bai Xining scolded him. "Uncle, Auntie, Bai Hao, please." Zhou Shang politely invited them into the car. Bai Xining was quite annoyed, but after a moment’s hesitation, she sent a message to Xiao Zining to tell him her whereabouts. Along the way, the Bai family kept whispering in her ear, praising Zhou Shang to the skies and trashing Xiao Zining, all in an attempt to set them up. Zhou Shang also laughed coldly. "Xining, that piece of trash Xiao Zining hurt you back then, and now he’s just a stray dog. How could he possibly be a match for you!" "If you are with me, I will treat you and your two children well!" "Besides, I am now running my own small company with a net worth of tens of millions. Isn't that better than that loser?" He trampled Xiao Zining under his feet, humiliated him mercilessly! "Plus, now that he’s back, the Four Major Clans won't let him go. If you stay near him, you might even be implicated." Bai Xining couldn't be bothered to respond. This attitude made a gloomy look flash in Zhou Shang’s eyes. Ungrateful bitch, not knowing what’s good for her!

—

In front of Wuhu Pavilion. Zhou Shang ushered the Bai couple inside with great courtesy. "Wuhu Pavilion!" "Zhou Shang, you really are generous!" Lin Yuemei grinned from ear to ear, exceptionally excited. Wuhu Pavilion was one of the few high-end restaurants in Fengcheng, where the minimum spend started in the tens of thousands! For the past few years, they had lived in such poverty; how long had it been since they had been to such a fancy place? Zhou Shang gave a pretentious smile. "As long as you’re happy, what’s a few thousand or a few hundred thousand? It’s nothing." "Such a good kid!" Bai Shan also praised. "Xining, look, someone like Zhou Shang is a good match! Don't let down his kind intentions!" Bai Xining remained silent. As soon as Zhou Shang entered the door, someone rushed up. "Young Master Zhou, the VIP suite you booked is ready. Please, this way." "A VIP suite?" They were shocked. "A VIP suite starts at twenty thousand minimum! Zhou Shang, you’re spending too much!" "It’s fine, it’s just small change!" Zhou Shang waved his hand. They arrived at the VIP suite, feeling uneasy. Bai Xining was impressed by the luxury inside. Having lived a life of poverty for years, she hadn't been to such a place in a long time; it felt like a different lifetime. "Bring a 98,000-yuan set meal." "And bring a bottle of the 60,000-yuan reserve white wine from the French Roman Estate." Zhou Shang handed the menu to the Bai couple and smiled. "Uncle, Auntie, see if there’s anything else you need. Don't be shy." Zhou Shang’s display of wealth made the couple very satisfied. They nodded and said, "No, what you’ve ordered is already very lavish." For this table of food alone, Zhou Shang had spent nearly 200,000 yuan! Such extravagance—how could that penniless Xiao Zining ever compare? There was no comparison; only harm! They found Zhou Shang more and more pleasing to the eye, while the children’s biological father, Xiao Zining, was an eyesore. Bai Xining remained silent. The couple was satisfied with Zhou Shang, but she felt nothing for this guy. His years of pestering only made her feel disgusted. If she hadn't been forced into it, she would never have agreed to eat with him. "Xining, don't take today’s events to heart. Since we’re here, let me toast you," Zhou Shang said, pouring her a glass. "I—" Bai Xining said, feeling awkward. "I’m not feeling well, I can't drink." "What? Are you not giving me face?" Having been rejected like this repeatedly, Zhou Shang’s fake good temper was starting to fray. "Xining, he saved you. How can you be so unreasonable?" Lin Yuemei scolded. Bai Shan also said in a deep voice, "Even if you’re not feeling well, you must give him this face today!" "Drink it. Don't be so ungrateful." Zhou Shang wore a smile that hid a dagger. Forced into a corner, Bai Xining could only raise her glass and drain it. The burning alcohol slid down her throat, leaving her coughing uncontrollably. Zhou Shang smiled. "If you really value the fact that I saved you and the children today, you should toast me three times. It would make all my hard work worth it." Without waiting for a response, he poured two more glasses and placed them in front of Bai Xining. His tone was firm.

Chapter 31: A Piece of Dog Shit!

"I really can't drink any more." Bai Xining felt her throat burning. She didn't have much of a tolerance for alcohol to begin with, and with one glass down, she felt completely miserable. Her pretty face was flushed bright red. Zhou Shang sneered inwardly. Today, he would get her drunk! Once she was drunk, she would be at his mercy, wouldn't she? The Bai family was eager to set them up, so they surely wouldn't stop him. "Fine. It seems that all the hard work I went through to have you and your children saved isn't even worth three glasses of wine." He let out a long sigh.