Faced with Jin Zongquan's disregard, Qin Dongshan and Qin Xuejun forced a smile. It was only natural for a high-profile individual like him, with his sights set so high, not to pay them any mind. However, why would he come here?
As they stood there puzzled, Jin Zongquan smiled and said, "Miss Qin, may I see your grandfather's condition?"
"Of course, this way please," Qin Qiu said, flustered and honored, quickly stepping aside to clear a path.
It was this movement that allowed Jin Zongquan to see Chen Yang, whom they had inadvertently hidden behind them. His expression changed slightly. After taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and said, "Mr. Chen, you're here as well."
Before today, he had never met Chen Yang. He had only deduced his identity from conversations with Yang Hu and the Qin Family's relationships. He used to be known as Commander-in-chief Chen. Now, he was the Nine Gates Admiral, the Zhennan Prince. This was a legend, a living hero!
A sense of awe rose spontaneously from the depths of the old man's heart.
Yet, his greeting left everyone else in the room stunned. The patriarch of the Jin Family actually knew Chen Yang? And he even greeted him first?
Qin Dongshan was dumbfounded. How could the Sect Leader of Lingjin City's only ancient martial family possibly have anything to do with a good-for-nothing? It made no sense.
Qin Xuejun's eyes darted around as she cautiously stepped forward and said softly, "Elder Jin, I am Chen Yang's aunt. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come here." One couldn't help but admire the woman's sharp perception; sensing something was amiss, she had immediately changed her tune.
"Don't go around claiming relatives you don't have!" Chen Yang warned sternly.
Qin Xuejun's mouth twitched. Why is this guy so determined to hold a grudge? she inwardly scoffed.
"Elder Jin, you know Chen Yang?" Qin Qiu asked curiously.
At this question, everyone else pricked up their ears.
Jin Zongquan glanced at Chen Yang and saw him raise an eyebrow. He immediately understood and fabricated a story with a straight face, "Several years ago, when I went to the mountains to gather herbs, I had a brief encounter with Mr. Chen."
"So that's how it is," Qin Qiu nodded, laughing wryly to herself. A moment ago, I was actually wondering if Chen Yang was the one who had invited Jin Zongquan to treat my grandfather. I really was overthinking things. But it makes sense. How could there be any connection between a freeloader and the Family Head of the Jin Family? It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were from two different worlds.
"Chen Yang, aren't you going to pour Elder Jin a glass of water?" Luo Sulan urged from the side. In her view, although Chen Yang had only met Jin Zongquan by chance, the fact that the head of the esteemed Jin Family recognized him at a glance and took the initiative to greet him meant he had made a good impression. Since fate had brought them together again, it was an opportunity from the heavens that must be seized. Such chances were rare, and to miss one would be to defy fate itself.
Jin Zongquan hurriedly waved his hand to stop him. "No need!"
This man? Pouring water for me? Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Jin Zongquan quickly changed the subject and walked toward the hospital bed. "Let me see how the patient is doing."
"Thank you, Elder Jin," Qin Qiu said gratefully.
Luo Sulan glared fiercely at Chen Yang, her expression one of utter frustration. This was a golden opportunity to build a connection with Jin Zongquan, and he just let it slip away. A good-for-nothing is still a good-for-nothing. He can't even grasp an opportunity when it's handed to him!
After a thorough diagnosis, Jin Zongquan performed the ancestral Taixuan Thirteen Needles. He then wrote two prescriptions and handed them to Qin Qiu. "Take these for one month. After a month, I will return to perform the acupuncture again."
Qin Qiu was stunned for a moment, then asked excitedly, "You... you mean my grandfather can be saved?" The hospital's verdict had been that he could pass away at any moment.
"Surviving for another two or three years shouldn't be a problem."
Jin Zongquan didn't make an absolute promise, but to Qin Qiu, it was the best news she could have hoped for. Tears welled up in her eyes. She pressed her hands together and bowed deeply. "Thank you! Thank you, Elder Jin!"
"You're too kind." Jin Zongquan sidestepped slightly to avoid her bow. This is the Zhennan Prince's woman. I am merely the leader of a small clan—how could I possibly accept such respect?
After packing his things and saying goodbye to Chen Yang, Jin Zongquan left the hospital room. He could tell there were considerable conflicts within this family. Now that the Zhennan Prince is involved, those short-sighted fools are in for a bad time.
Exiting the hospital, Jin Zongquan pondered for a moment before making a phone call. "Mr. Liu, I want the most expensive treasure in your shop! I'm giving it to a distinguished friend. I'll send you the address in a bit."
「Inside the Hospital Room.」
"I thought you, you piece of trash, were going to climb the social ladder and soar into the sky. Turns out you can't even seize an opportunity right in front of your face! Trash will always be trash, HAHA!!" Qin Xuejun looked down on him, pointing imperiously at Chen Yang as she sneered, "You really are just a lost cause, aren't you?"
Chen Yang paid her mockery no mind, asking with a half-smile, "Did I just hear you say that Grandfather still has some stocks?"
"Of course he does! And those stocks have recently surged in value. They're worth quite a bit!" Qin Dongshan blurted out instinctively.
"So, where are the stocks?" Chen Yang spread his hands. "Did you two gobble them up for yourselves? That's not happening. My wife is getting a share."
Qin Dongshan was stunned. He was here to look for the stocks himself. What does he mean, 'gobbled them up'? Is this good-for-nothing trying to turn the tables on us?
"Let's do this. I'll give you one day. Bring my wife's share to our house within one day. Otherwise... heh heh…" Chen Yang grinned, his smile unusually sinister.
Qin Dongshan stared back.
Qin Xuejun stared back.
Are we being extorted? If we had actually taken the shares, we could argue about it, but the problem is, we haven't seen a single scrap!
Qin Dongshan was frozen for a long moment. Staring at Chen Yang as if he were an idiot, he sneered, "Are you insane? Or has being poor driven you mad, thinking you can extort money from us?"
"Don't waste your breath on him. Let's go!" Qin Xuejun had seen enough. This good-for-nothing was first-rate when it came to making a scene, and getting entangled with him would only lead to trouble. It's best to leave first. We can deal with this family after we take care of Qin Dongshan's injuries.
Chen Yang didn't stop them, only offering a friendly reminder, "Remember, you have one day."
After staying with her grandfather for a while longer, a mentally and physically exhausted Qin Qiu left the hospital. She drove off alone, initially planning to call a couple of good friends to go out for drinks. But as it turned out, they were at the horse-riding track. Without a second thought, Qin Qiu headed straight for the track.
Chen Yang hailed a taxi and followed her.
Not long after they had left, a brand-new Ferrari LaFerrari pulled up to the hospital entrance, drawing countless astonished stares. A middle-aged man got out of the car and rushed into the hospital. A moment later, he hurried back out, clutching a cell phone and asking, "Elder Jin, I don't see anyone. Have they already left?"
...