Chen Tian froze in his tracks, as if struck by lightning. A moment later, he asked, puzzled:
"Everything was fine, why are you...? Oh right, do you know about the hospital incident? That Ms. Su and I have nothing to do with each other; please don't misunderstand."
"Heh, enough, Chen Tian. Of course you have nothing to do with her. Why don't you look in a mirror and see if you're even capable of having anything to do with someone like her?" Zhang Qian suddenly shouted.
"Then... then is that because...?" Chen Tian stood stunned, not knowing what he had done wrong.
Zhang Qian turned around, her tone incomparably cold:
"My parents are pushing for marriage. I've already told you, but you keep saying 'wait.' No car, no house—do you expect me to squeeze into this eight-hundred-yuan rental unit with you after we get married?"
"Zhang Qian, give me a little more time. Soon, I'll be earning money, and we'll have luxury cars and villas," Chen Tian said urgently.
Without turning her head back, Zhang Qian let out a cold laugh:
"Do you even have a chance? I heard about the hospital. You leveraged the Su Family’s power to get the director fired, but do you really think you’ve turned into a phoenix?"
"It’s true that the Su Family owes you a favor, but you've already used it. The most infuriating thing is that instead of choosing the five million, you chose to vent your anger for your sister. It’s absolutely ridiculous."
"Do you think the Su Family will pay any more attention to you later? Meanwhile, Guo Dafu can take your life. Do you think Guo Dafu is just a hospital director? He has the Guo Family behind him. His nephews are either police department heads or high-level executives at major corporations. Do you think they’ll let you go?"
"I, I..." Chen Tian was speechless.
"If you want to blame someone, blame yourself. You had the chance to get five million, get ahead in the hospital, and marry me in style, but you threw it away."
"Don't come looking for me again. Let’s just make a clean break."
With that, Zhang Qian quickly walked away from the narrow alley. Chen Tian rushed after her, trying to stop her:
"Zhang Qian, listen to my explanation! Just listen to me!"
However, as soon as he caught up to her, a man suddenly jumped out and blocked his path. Zhang Qian stopped and frowned:
"Didn't I tell you not to come out?"
"Heh, what’s the big deal? Qianqian, I am your fiancé. So what if he knows?"
The man pouted toward a BMW parked nearby and continued:
"Does he have a BMW like mine? Or does he have my small villa in Yunshui City? No, all he has is this pathetic, penniless look."
The man reached out to wrap an arm around Zhang Qian’s waist with a look of disdain and sneered:
"Kid, Zhang Qian has broken up with you. If you touch her again, watch out—I’ll break your legs."
"Li Hao, stop it. Let’s go," Zhang Qian called out.
Chen Tian felt like he had been struck by a thunderbolt. He stared at the man named Li Hao in confusion and asked in shock:
"Zhang Qian, when did you get a new boyfriend? It’s only been a few days since we last saw each other!"
Li Hao arrogantly cut in:
"I’ve known Zhang Qian for a very, very long time. Are you just finding out now?"
"Also, you didn't even qualify as a backup—you were just a punching bag for Qianqian whenever she was in a bad mood!"
"You don't really think you were ever going to marry Zhang Qian, do you?"
"Haha, hahahaha, you were serious. You actually took it seriously..."
Hearing this, Chen Tian’s eyes turned red, and he clenched his fists tightly.
"Zhang Qian, what is going on? Answer me!" Chen Tian roared.
"It has nothing to do with you. We’ve already broken up." Zhang Qian got into the car and rolled up the window.
Li Hao spat on the ground, grinned, and said:
"Kid, seeing as you were honest and haven't touched Zhang Qian all this time, I’ll let you off."
"Want to hear something exciting?"
"Hahaha, I’ll tell you: Zhang Qian is already carrying my child!"
"..."
Boom!
Chen Tian took a step back, staring at Zhang Qian in the car in disbelief. At this moment, he was the most ridiculous clown in the entire world!
Heh, he didn't even count as a tool?
"Li Hao, stop talking. From this moment on, he has absolutely nothing to do with me. Let’s go!"
Zhang Qian called out from the car again. Li Hao jumped into the driver's seat, spat out of the car once more, and gave Chen Tian a mocking look, as if telling him that he was the real man, while Chen Tian was nothing but a pathetic, groveling dog!
Chen Tian glared at Li Hao with disgust, his fury burning. He desperately wanted to beat the life out of this pair of scoundrels, but he held back. Perhaps this was the last bit of dignity he could afford for Zhang Qian.
However, just then, a massive motorcade sped over, blocking Li Hao’s BMW at the entrance of the alley. Sitting in the driver's seat, Li Hao said in shock:
"Damn, what kind of big shot is coming here? The entire convoy is made of S-class Maybachs?"
As the convoy arrived, everyone nearby gathered around to watch.
"Damn, rich folks! Even the cheapest car in that fleet is probably five million. And it’s an entire convoy?"
"You could count the big shots in Jiangzhou with this kind of lineup on your fingers."
"Who on earth is it? Why would they come to such a remote little alley?"
"You guys don't know? I have a relative who works at the Su Group. I heard the Su Group has a ceremonial motorcade like this. It’s never brought out unless there’s something major happening."
"So it’s the Su Group! But what could possibly be so important that they’d come to a place this remote? They aren't planning to develop our land, are they?"
Just as the crowd was buzzing, a woman dressed in a long, form-fitting dress stepped out of the leading ten-million-dollar Maybach. The dress, styled like a qipao, perfectly accentuated her figure. Its S-curve silhouette was on full display. With a black, feather-light shawl draped over her shoulders, she looked like a princess from a royal palace—haughty and intimidating.
"Damn, it’s Ms. Su!"
"Wow, Ms. Su is beautiful—even more beautiful than she is on TV!"
"If one could possess a woman like this, what more could one ask for?"
The motorcade was quickly surrounded by onlookers. Li Hao, blocked in, didn't dare ask such a formidable motorcade to move; he could only sit and wait. His gaze was naturally scanning Su Wanyue—a woman who was the object of desire for countless men. Unfortunately, given his meager background, Su Wanyue wouldn't even give him a second glance. He secretly clenched his fists, a surge of resentment rising in his heart. Any woman like this, whoever managed to win her, would only make him jealous.
He looked at Zhang Qian next to him; she was pretty enough, but there was no comparison. He was deeply curious about what the prestigious Ms. Su would be doing in such a remote, impoverished place!
However, right before everyone’s eyes, something unexpected happened. Su Wanyue walked straight past everyone and stopped in front of Chen Tian, who had been completely ignored until now. She furrowed her delicate brows and said, tone flat:
"The banquet is about to start and everyone is waiting for you, yet you’re late. Grandpa sent me to pick you up."
"He also said, 'If you make him come himself, the etiquette won't be enough.' Is this level of formality to your satisfaction now?"
*Hiss...*
**Chapter 8: Coming to the Su Family for the Engagement**
The onlookers exploded. It would have been one thing if Su Wanyue hadn't spoken, but once she opened her mouth, her sweet voice was nothing short of divine. Many were confused—who exactly was this disheveled, unkempt guy in front of them? How could he possibly command the Su Family to deploy such a massive force just to pick him up?
"Damn, this kid looks familiar. I see him around here often."
"He’s the one who rents a room here!"
"Let’s go, let’s go check where he lives! If we miss this chance, we won't have another opportunity to cozy up to him!"
Looking at Li Hao’s expression, it was as if a lump of stool was stuck in his throat. He had heard a few things from Zhang Qian about what happened at Renai Hospital, but wasn't it just blind luck that Chen Tian cured Elder Su? Why would this young lady go to such trouble to fetch him? What man had ever received this kind of treatment?
In that instant, the woman in the passenger seat lost all her appeal, as if she were something Chen Tian had used and discarded, then forcibly tossed onto him. He was so jealous his fists turned white.
Zhang Qian, for her part, had long since covered her mouth, shocked to the core. Everything she had just said was slapped right back in her face! She had been wrong about everything! Could it be that Elder Su was really cured by Chen Tian? Her best friend had told her it was just luck! But why would the Su Family make such a grand display? A wave of bitterness flooded her heart, and she was completely stunned.
Chen Tian wasn't good at anything; he had to go and study Traditional Chinese Medicine. The pay wasn't high, and it was hard to find a job. He spent all day trailing behind old TCM doctors, serving them like they were his own fathers, while those with real prestige wouldn't even deign to acknowledge him. Compared to surgeons, his pay was pitiful, which was why he rented in such a remote area. Yet now, the one coming to pick him up was such a beautiful, wealthy, and famous celebrity?
Images of every little thing Chen Tian had done for her began to surface in her mind. For a moment, she felt a piercing, sour ache in her heart, realizing she had let something go.
At this moment, Su Wanyue saw Chen Tian still standing there like a fool and said impatiently:
"Are you coming or not? No, you have to come."
She grabbed Chen Tian’s arm and dragged him into her luxury business car.
"Look, Ms. Su actually took his hand!"
"My God, this is unbelievable!"
"This kid is so lucky!"
The motorcade started up and pulled away in a grand, sweeping turn. The remote streets remained buzzing long after they were gone. Inside the car, Chen Tian wore a sullen face and didn't even look at Su Wanyue. Su Wanyue had originally planned to reiterate that he shouldn't get any ideas about her because they were from different worlds, but seeing his expression, she stayed silent. After all, this guy hadn't even glanced at her—he was a completely different person compared to yesterday. If it weren't for her grandfather holding Chen Tian in such high regard, she wouldn't have been so worried. The infuriating part was that her grandfather had told her if she didn't personally fetch Chen Tian, she wouldn't be allowed to eat today! Was he even her real grandfather?
The entire journey was spent in silence. They arrived at the Su Family’s super-villa in the wealthy district. Su Wanyue jumped out and, seeing her grandfather at the door, quickly walked up:
"Grandpa, I’ve brought him for you. I’m done here, I’m heading back to the office."
"Eh, Wanyue, I’ve been hospitalized for so long; it’s a rare happy day, how can you leave?" Elder Su sighed.
Su Wanyue glanced at Chen Tian, who had just climbed out of the car, and fell silent. She naturally wanted to avoid him to prevent gossip. Since Elder Su was hosting the banquet, no one in the Su Family dared to be absent, and they had all arrived early. Chen Tian’s late arrival made everyone look at him with pure disgust.
Su Yunping stood in a corner and said to Su Qingguo:
"Dad, Grandpa’s body has recovered quite a bit, but his brain seems to be failing him, doesn't it?"
"Hmph, I think so too," Su Qingguo said, his anger having nowhere to go.
"Heh, look at this green kid. If he had even a shred of anything special about him, I might tolerate it. But he’s wearing a t-shirt where the print has washed off. Such a pathetic, poverty-stricken look. Who knows what kind of medicine Grandpa is brewing? It’s completely baffling!" Su Qingguo whispered.
With Elder Su’s authority suppressing them, no one dared to openly criticize Chen Tian, but their gazes were already pinning him to the ground.
"Haha, little friend Chen Tian, the fact that I can return from the hospital and sit here holding court is entirely due to you."
"Come, let me toast you. It’s been so long since I’ve breathed fresh air—this feeling is wonderful."
"People, when they are young, they don't fear death; they charge into battle without fear. But in old age, as death draws near, they become a bit afraid. Being able to take a few more breaths of fresh air is such a comfortable thing."
Chen Tian quickly raised his glass, casting his heartbreak aside, and said politely:
"Elder Su, you’re too kind; I’m flattered."
"Haha, no need to be formal, my friend. Come, let’s have a drink!"
Elder Su was very enthusiastic, repeatedly inviting Chen Tian to drink. Chen Tian didn't dare to neglect him, repeatedly raising his glass. Just as Elder Su was enjoying himself, a burst of laughter came from the door:
"Hahaha, congratulations on Elder Su’s recovery and discharge from the hospital! Our Wu Family has specifically come to offer our congratulations and bring some humble gifts for the occasion."
As they spoke, more than twenty people walked in quickly. A man who appeared to be a butler announced loudly:
"The Wu Family comes to offer congratulations! We present these humble gifts as a token of our sincerity! The gifts are as follows:"
"A pair of jade bracelets, symbolizing a double portion of good fortune, valued at five million."
"A luxury car, wishing for a bright future, valued at twenty million."
"A villa, wishing for peace and prosperity, valued at fifty million."
"Ten hundred-year-old ginseng roots and eighteen varieties of precious medicinal herbs, wishing Elder Su a life as vast as the Eastern Sea and as long as the Southern Mountains!"
At these words, everyone in the Su Family was shocked. They had to admit that this was a heavy gift indeed—one that even the Su Family would find difficult to match. At this moment, Su Qingguo walked up with great excitement, shook the hand of the middle-aged man in the lead, and laughed:
"President Wu, Young Master Wu, your arrival is a great honor; please forgive us for not greeting you sooner."
The Wu Family and the Su Family were evenly matched. Initially, the Wu Family focused on real estate and the Su Family on land development, and the two families had a good relationship. Later, as the companies grew, they realized the Jiangzhou market was too small, so they parted ways and began competing in both real estate and land development, leaving no room for each other. In recent years, Elder Su’s health had declined, and the Su Family lacked a successor; in just a few short years, the Su Family was clearly no longer as strong as the Wu Family. As former friends and current deadly rivals, their relationship had long been delicate.
"President Wu, Young Master Wu, the banquet has just begun. Please, take your seats," Su Qingguo said politely.
However, Su Wanyue, standing behind him, felt anger rise in her narrowed brows. It was clear she detested these people. Having been the president of the Su Group for a long time, she had dealt with this father-son duo more than enough. The President was Wu Zhengxiong, and the Young Master was Wu Shaojie.
Wu Zhengxiong walked straight up to Elder Su, cupped his hands, and offered his concern:
"Elder Su, how are you feeling now? You’ve just recovered; you should be resting more."
Elder Su’s wrinkled eyes were filled with smiles as he stroked his beard:
"President Wu, you’ve brought such valuable gifts today—our Su Family can hardly accept them. You’re likely not here just for the sake of the drinks, are you?"
Wu Zhengxiong paused, then let out a hearty laugh:
"Indeed, my preparations were a bit lacking, and I ask for Elder Su’s forgiveness. We hoped to take advantage of your recovery and this auspicious day to ask for your blessing, so that Shaojie and Wanyue could be wed soon."
"If the Wu and Su families become in-laws, we can dominate Jiangzhou together—no one will be able to touch us."
Hearing this, Su Wanyue could no longer hold back. She stepped forward, full of rage:
"I said, I do not agree!"
"..."
**Chapter 9: Picked Up a Wife for Free?**
After making her stance clear, Su Wanyue added impatiently:
"Are you ever going to stop pestering me? I, myself, do not agree. What can you possibly do about it?"
Wu Zhengxiong wasn't surprised at all; instead, his face was full of smiles:
"The entirety of Jiangzhou thinks that my Shaojie and Wanyue are a match made in heaven—a talented man and a beautiful woman."
"Furthermore, for our two family businesses, we have a deficit in land and you have a deficiency in real estate. If we join forces, our future will be bright. Wanyue, as president, don't you need to consider the future of the Su Group?"
Su Qingguo immediately began to lecture her sternly:
"Wanyue, you’re not a child anymore. You’re at the age for marriage. Is there anyone in Jiangzhou more suitable for you than Shaojie?"
"I’ve spent half a year trying to play matchmaker, all for the sake of the Su Family. As president, shouldn't you be considering the future of the Su Group?"
Elder Su, hearing this, was instantly displeased:
"Audacious, Qingguo! How can you sabotage your own daughter like this? Wanyue has already suffered enough for the Su Group. Every member of the Su Family holds shares in its destiny; it shouldn't be for Wanyue alone to bear."
"Dad, that’s easy for you to say. But she is the president. If she’s unwilling, she can step down and let someone who *is* willing to take the burden do it. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?" Su Qingguo stated righteously.
Everyone understood what he meant: if Su Wanyue couldn't carry the load, she shouldn't be president.
Elder Su frowned, "Qingguo, aren't you afraid Wanyue will hate you?"
Su Qingguo laughed:
"Shaojie and Wanyue are a match made in heaven. Parents do everything with their children in mind. I believe that in the future, Wanyue won't hate me—she’ll thank me."
"Besides, look at our family’s situation—there’s no need for me to spell it out. Becoming in-laws with the Wu Family is the perfect solution. Everything I, Su Qingguo, have done is for the sake of the Su Family. What have I done wrong?"
"Su Wanyue is my daughter; do I not even have the right to find her a husband?"
"If the world heard this, I, Su Qingguo, would be the laughingstock."
Hearing this, Wu Zhengxiong quickly stood up and waved his hands:
"President Su, calm down. If nothing else, my Shaojie has a deep affection for Wanyue—he’s even told the media that he won't marry anyone else. Parents acting as matchmakers isn't done with any malicious intent, right?"
"Besides, if our two companies can cooperate deeply, we will surely both go public and conquer the national market."
"Looking at the big picture, it’s all benefits and no harm. Why wouldn't we do it?"
Wu Shaojie looked at Su Wanyue and said:
"Wanyue, if you don't like me now, I’m willing to wait—wait until the day you do."
Elder Su sighed lightly and smiled:
"The cooperation between the Su and Wu families is indeed beneficial to both sides. I also believe in your sincerity, as you’ve brought such gifts right to my doorstep."
Wu Zhengxiong and Wu Shaojie’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. Su Qingguo’s position in the Su Family was insecure; he hadn't managed to become president himself, but his daughter had snatched the position away. To the outside world, he was a joke.