From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Wang Zhengdao patted Ye Changyuan’s shoulder to express his sympathy: "Fortunes and misfortunes come unexpectedly, it’s fortunate he escaped this one."

Ye Changyuan said, "It’s still unclear to what extent he can recover."

"Changyuan, with today’s advanced medicine, I estimate it won’t affect his normal life. I was so ill, yet didn’t I recover just fine?"

Ye Changyuan shook his head and said, "It’s different, he’s had a heart transplant; he’ll never be free from medication in this life. After all, that heart isn’t his own, how long will it last - ten years, twenty years? He’s still so young." In truth, what he thought was that his daughter was still so young. Was she supposed to be tethered to Qiao Rulong’s sinking ship all her life? In the past, there was hope that he would sail through perilous seas; now, they could only hope he’d at least sink a little later.

"I can refer some doctors to help with his rehabilitation."

Ye Changyuan said, "I have resources in that area as well, no need to trouble you."

Wang Zhengdao nodded, "Indeed it’s a pity, Rulong’s career path was just beginning. Among the younger generation, I saw the most potential in him."

Ye Changyuan contemplated silently; Wang Zhengdao didn’t visit just to catch up. He had other motives.

The Ye Family, Qiao Family, and Wang Family have always been close, with the three heads having supported each other through tough times. During their tenures, Elder Qiao was the most prominent.

The Ye and Qiao families later became in-laws, and the Wang and Qiao families had also arranged a childhood betrothal. Elder Wang intended to marry his grandson, Wang Jiancheng, to Mei Ru Xue, but since Mei Ru Xue had feelings for someone else, it fell through, making the relationship between the Ye and Qiao families closer.

Both families allied with the Qiao Family not just for revolutionary camaraderie but also for the political benefits Elder Qiao could bring.

But as times changed and the elders faded away, the importance of family legacy grew. When the Qiao Family’s political benefits vanished, everyone began reconsidering how their relationships should be shaped moving forward.

Wang Zhengdao exhaled a wisp of smoke and softly said, "If young people can’t resist temptation, a slight misstep can ruin their future."

Ye Changyuan was greatly shaken, realizing Wang Zhengdao came prepared, these words almost implying Rulong was ruining his own future.

Ye Changyuan nonchalantly said, "Who hasn’t been young, Brother Dao? I often think about when we were kids, Brother Yuanjiang leading us into endless mischief and making lots of funny mistakes."

Wang Zhengdao laughed, "Back then, the four of us, Qiao Yuanjiang was the oldest, always playing the commander during our games. Qiao Yuanshan was his close brother who always played the political commissar."

Ye Changyuan couldn’t help but laugh loudly, "You and I were just soldiers."

"You were the soldier. I remember clearly, every time, I was the traitor, and you three would take turns executing me."

The two laughed heartily for a while before finally stopping, and Ye Changyuan said, "Back then, I admired Yuanjiang the most."

"Admired his stature and strength; even together, we couldn’t beat him. I knew even then that strength was the hard truth, but later on, I never imagined Qiao Yuanjiang would turn out this way."

Ye Changyuan nodded in deep agreement. The myth of Qiao Yuanjiang faded rapidly as they grew, revealing his charisma and authority were purely due to age. But as Qiao Yuanjiang dwindled, Qiao Yuanshan rose like a comet.

Among the four, it was the Qiao Family who played the leading role. Even Qiao Yuanjiang had great respect for his brother, Qiao Yuanshan, and gradually distanced himself from their circle.

Ye Changyuan was the youngest among them, and he remembered Qiao Yuanshan had the best relationship with Wang Zhengdao.

Wang Zhengdao took off his glasses to wipe the lenses, "If Yuanshan hadn’t made mistakes back then, his achievements today would surpass yours."

Ye Changyuan fully agreed. The reason Wang Zhengdao didn’t compare himself to Qiao Yuanshan was that he left politics for business. Wang Zhengdao was keen on fame and fortune; it’s said Elder Wang forced him to leave because he considered that path too dangerous for him.

Ye Changyuan understood his old friend; Wang Zhengdao loved taking risks and would never give up until achieving his goals. If there’s anyone in this world Wang Zhengdao would concede to, it would be Qiao Yuanshan.

His father had said that as long as Qiao Yuanshan was around, the three of them would always be minor characters. Before Qiao Yuanshan encountered trouble, they lived under his shadow, which is why Ye Changyuan initially opposed his daughter’s union with Qiao Rulong.

Wang Zhengdao said meaningfully, "You can’t deny the power of genetics."

Ye Changyuan stubbed out a half-smoked cigarette, "Brother Dao, why don’t we take this conversation elsewhere?"

Wang Zhengdao shook his head, "I know you’re having a tough time. Your family matters are none of my business, but as your friend, I can’t ignore the potential risks your family may face."

Although Ye Changyuan was suspicious of Wang Zhengdao’s motive, he couldn’t resist hearing him out when he was already speaking so candidly.

"I’ve long heard about Qi Shuang. She was sent to Mingsheng for an internship by Qiao Yuanjiang."

Ye Changyuan had already investigated Qi Shuang; he was aware of this information. Wang Zhengdao’s words further confirmed that Rulong’s affair wasn’t a secret—only the Ye Family was kept in the dark.

Wang Zhengdao flicked the ash from his cigarette, "Things like this can be big or small, but Qi Shuang isn’t from an ordinary family; she’s the illegitimate daughter of Pan Tianhua, chairman of He Dong Group."

Ye Changyuan’s heart sank. He Dong Group didn’t have a good reputation, and Pinghai’s recently launched Spring Thunder operation targeted them.

"As far as I know, before the incident, Rulong sought connections to help He Dong Group out of its current predicament."

Ye Changyuan cursed in anger, "Scoundrel!"

Wang Zhengdao lit another cigarette, "The Qiao Family and our Wang Family nearly became in-laws. The elders cherished old times, but I thought it inappropriate and strongly opposed the union. Changyuan, if I may be frank, Rulong’s acumen is far below Qiao Yuanshan’s. Even Yuanshan could barely manage, let alone him? Also, Qiao Yuanjiang and Pan Tianhua have long been acquainted, so what role Qiao Yuanjiang played in this is worth probing."

Ye Changyuan squinted his eyes: "Are you saying Qiao Yuanjiang intentionally let that woman get close to Qiao Rulong?"

"I didn’t say anything, but we all know Qiao Yuanjiang has lived in Qiao Yuanshan’s shadow all his life, and his mentality has always been unbalanced. Back when Qiao Yuanshan’s scandal was exposed, it was also because he tipped off."

Ye Changyuan sighed and said, "Brother Dao, if it weren’t for the sake of Elder Qiao, I would have skinned that brat."

Wang Zhengdao handed a cigarette to Ye Changyuan and personally lit it for him: "Do you have time on Sunday to bring Uncle Ye over to my house? It’s been a long time since my dad last saw him."

Ye Changyuan said, "Let’s wait a bit, my dad has not been in a good mood lately."

Wang Zhengdao nodded: "I’m telling you this not to ruin the relationship between your two families but as a duty of a friend. The Qiao Family will still have troubles, and now is the best chance to cut the losses."

Ye Changyuan looked at Wang Zhengdao: "Brother Dao, do you have any other thoughts?"

Wang Zhengdao seemed a bit hesitant, and after a moment he said, "Do you know, Jiancheng has always liked Qingya."

Ye Changyuan was stunned, could he really say that?

Wang Zhengdao laughed: "I shouldn’t have exposed my son’s secret, but there’s nothing we can’t say between us. Promise me, help me keep this secret."

When Ye Changyuan got home, Xu Chunliang had just left. Elder Ye came out after a shower, looking a bit unhappy: "Why are you only back now? Chunliang has already left."

Ye Changyuan said, "He came to see you. I met with him in Dongzhou."

Elder Ye said, "What’s that attitude? He’s my grandson; you should treat him like your own child."

Ye Changyuan laughed bitterly: "I do treat Chunliang as my own child, but he and Mei Ru Xue are a pair, so his heart leans towards the Qiao Family."

Elder Ye said, "What’s all this Qiao Family, Ye Family division? We aren’t enemies, are we planning never to interact again?"

Ye Changyuan said, "Dad, Wang Zhengdao came to me today."

Elder Ye was taken aback: "Is he better now?"

Ye Changyuan nodded and said, "Recovered completely, feels even better than before he got sick."

Elder Ye said, "After all the hardships, some peace at last. It hasn’t been easy these years."

Ye Changyuan said, "He told me some things, about Rulong."

Elder Ye said, "I don’t want to hear it."

Ye Changyuan pursed his lips, understanding his father’s attitude.

Elder Ye said, "You can’t judge people just by appearances, nor just by names."

Ye Changyuan understood well that his father’s words were aimed at Wang Zhengdao. This was the first time the old man had evaluated his friends. Ye Changyuan said, "Dad, what did Uncle Qiao say?"

Elder Ye said, "He respects our decision and also said he would try his best to assist you."

Ye Changyuan didn’t speak. He thought Elder Qiao was compensating through this way.

Elder Ye said, "Ultimately, let Qingya and the others decide for themselves."

Ye Changyuan nodded: "Dad, Qiao Rulong will have no future."

Elder Ye said meaningfully: "That’s because their previous generation didn’t try hard enough."

Just after Xu Chunliang left the Ye Family, he received a call from Mei Ru Xue, who gave him an address and told him to go there immediately.

Elder Qiao looked at the slightly old courtyard in front of him, which hadn’t been inhabited for a long time and was due to be rebuilt on its original site next year. After leaving the Ye Family, he came here, remembering when the Qiao Family, Ye Family, and Wang Family came to Capital City one after another.

Here, it recorded their youth and growth. Elder Qiao walked along the moss-covered path toward his old home, which was locked on the door; through the gap in the courtyard door, he observed inside, finding the yard overgrown with weeds.

From behind came the voice of Xu Chunliang: "Sir, would you like to go in and take a look?"

Elder Qiao turned around and looked at Xu Chunliang: "Did Xiaowu call you?"

Xu Chunliang smiled: "Xiaoxue!"

Elder Qiao said: "It was still Xiaowu." Hadn’t Xiaowu told his granddaughter where he was going, how could Xu Chunliang have known?

Xu Chunliang came to the door, grabbed the rusty lock, used force with both hands, and the chain broke with a sound.

Elder Qiao said, "Such strength, it’s a pity not to go to the construction site to move bricks."