From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

After dropping off Su Qing, Xu Chunliang headed back to Qinghuai Residence and was surprised to find that Qiao Rulong hadn’t left.

Seeing Xu Chunliang return, Qiao Rulong got out of the car and smiled, "Chunliang, back so soon?"

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, good thing I came back quickly, otherwise who knows what you might think. He invited, "Brother Long, why don’t you come inside for a bit?"

Qiao Rulong nodded and followed Xu Chunliang to his room.

Xu Chunliang offered him a seat and went to boil water to make tea.

Qiao Rulong told him not to bother, that he would just sit for a while before leaving.

Xu Chunliang said, "Since you’re already here, you should have a cup of tea before you go, otherwise, Xiaoxue would say I have no manners."

Actually, Qiao Rulong wasn’t in a hurry to leave and took a look around at Xu Chunliang’s living environment, praising, "Your standards aren’t low now."

Xu Chunliang sat down across from him, "You already know my level. The hotel owner is a friend of mine, so this room is provided for free."

Qiao Rulong nodded and said, "Living alone has its convenience."

Xu Chunliang caught the implied meaning and laughed, "Brother Long, what a coincidence today, running into you unexpectedly."

Qiao Rulong said, "I had dinner plans, and Qi Shuang recommended this hotel, so I came to try it out. I didn’t expect you to be here. I hope I didn’t disturb you."

Xu Chunliang said, "Not at all, we’re all friends." As the water boiled, he got up to pour the tea.

Qiao Rulong picked up the remote from the coffee table and turned on the TV, which was broadcasting a special about Dongzhou Culture and Tourism.

Hearing Su Qing’s voice, Xu Chunliang couldn’t help but glance at the screen, thinking how coincidental it was that this program was airing now, just at the moment when Qiao Rulong could see it.

Xu Chunliang couldn’t be bothered to explain and placed the brewed tea in front of Qiao Rulong, saying, "Have some tea."

Qiao Rulong said, with a double meaning, "Looks great on camera."

Xu Chunliang responded, "First time on TV, sort of pushed into it for the sake of Dongzhou Culture and Tourism. I had to grit my teeth and do it."

Qiao Rulong said, "I heard from Xiaoxue that the hype around Dongzhou Barbecue was your doing?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I wouldn’t say that. Dongzhou already had a foundation, and it was thanks to the city’s support too."

Qiao Rulong took a sip of tea, gently placing the cup back on the table, and smiled, "I see you’re making progress, good at giving face-saving words and knowing when to keep things under wraps."

Xu Chunliang said, "Thanks to your guidance, Brother Long."

Qiao Rulong gave him a look and suddenly burst out laughing, "I’m not capable of teaching you."

Xu Chunliang also chuckled a bit, recognizing that Qiao Rulong wasn’t speaking kindly, but he wouldn’t back down. Just because he’s his future brother-in-law doesn’t mean he can speak condescendingly to him.

Qiao Rulong realized Xu Chunliang was starting to push back and changed the topic, "I’ve heard about your situation."

Xu Chunliang asked, "Which situation?"

Qiao Rulong said, "The He Dong situation, Chunliang, dealing with a large company like He Dong with wide-reaching influence is not wise."

Xu Chunliang said, "It has little to do with me; I was just passing by."

Qiao Rulong gave him another look, "Seeing injustice and stepping in to help?"

Xu Chunliang smiled and said nothing, wondering if Qiao Rulong was here as a mediator at Qi Shuang’s request.

Qiao Rulong said, "Let Old Xing and He Dong sort out their disputes themselves; you don’t have to get involved. In these situations, it usually ends with someone taking responsibility, and if you get too involved, that someone might just be you."

Xu Chunliang thought that Qiao Rulong probably wasn’t here to mediate, but wanted to stay out of it himself, likely because of his relationship with Mei Ru Xue, which might make people overthink.

Turns out He Dong’s background is even stronger than he imagined. Since Qiao Rulong took the trouble to advise him, perhaps the Xing Family would too. As Qiao Rulong said, in the end, someone will be put forward to take responsibility, and the Pan Family from He Dong wouldn’t be greatly affected.

Xu Chunliang said, "I had no intention of getting involved in the first place."

Qiao Rulong said, "That’s for the best. By the way, Secretary Zhou invited me to tour Dongzhou. Should I go or not?"

Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly at Qiao Rulong’s roundabout way of talking. What does Secretary Zhou inviting you have to do with me? Would you not go if I said so? Can I really influence your decision?

"Brother Long, Dongzhou is currently in a high-growth phase; if Hua Tou gets involved early, the returns should be substantial."

Qiao Rulong shook his head with a smile, "It’s not just about investing in new projects. Never mind, I won’t keep you from resting."

He stood up to leave, and Xu Chunliang saw him out.

Qiao Rulong said, "No need to come out; it’s windy outside and you might catch a cold."

Xu Chunliang cheerfully said, "I’m strong, I can handle it."

Qiao Rulong said, "When people are young, they all think like this, but illness doesn’t care whether you’re young or old, male or female. Chunliang, it’s always better to be cautious in life."

Xu Chunliang stood at the doorway, watching Qiao Rulong’s figure fade into the night. The words Qiao Rulong left behind carried a hint of threat. If he was standing up for his sister, it would be understandable, but if there were other reasons, it needed careful thought.

Xu Chunliang didn’t think there was a deep interest involved between Qiao Rulong and He Dong. Given Qiao Rulong’s background, it was impossible for him to respect someone like Pan Tianhua from the Jianghu. He hoped that Qiao Rulong spoke for He Dong today solely because of his friendship with Qi Shuang.

Qiao Rulong got into the car. Qi Shuang had been waiting inside for him and softly said, "Took you long enough?"

Qiao Rulong retorted, "Since when is it your turn to ask about my affairs?"

Qi Shuang pressed her lips together. Qiao Rulong extended his right hand, and Qi Shuang handed him a cigarette.

After lighting the cigarette for him, Qiao Rulong took a puff, looked out at the nighttime scenery, and said indifferently, "Stay out of the Pan Family’s matters in the future."

Qi Shuang said, "But he..."

Qiao Rulong’s sharp gaze stopped her from continuing. He took another puff and said, "Xiaowu, pull over by the river ahead."

Qiao Rulong got out of the car, and Qi Shuang quickly followed him, signaling Xiaowu to drive away.

Qiao Rulong walked alone along the riverside. Qi Shuang didn’t dare to catch up, silently following about five meters behind him.

After finishing the cigarette, Qiao Rulong finally stopped and, looking across at the bustling pier’s lights, softly said, "They will eventually cause you trouble."

Qi Shuang replied, "They’re not the ones looking for me. I want to help him."

Qiao Rulong said, "He doesn’t need your help. Pan Tianhua has plenty of cards to play; any one of them could resolve the current crisis."

Qi Shuang said, "This time it really has nothing to do with him. It started because of a..."

Qiao Rulong impatiently waved his hand, "Leave He Dong. I’ll arrange for you to work at another company. If Old Pan keeps playing like this, one day he’ll end up ruining himself."

Qi Shuang said, "He’s actually thinking of transforming, and I want to help him."

"What can you use to help him? Do you really not know what kind of person he is? He thinks he has some dirt on others, using threats and inducements to make people work for him. What era are we in now? He’s outdated. Succeeding once doesn’t mean he’ll always succeed. If he unfortunately provokes someone he shouldn’t, well..."

Qiao Rulong didn’t finish his sentence, but Qi Shuang fully understood his meaning.

Suddenly, Qi Shuang rushed forward and tightly hugged Qiao Rulong, "Rulong, they are my family!"

Qiao Rulong showed no reaction. "You have a choice."

Qi Shuang’s hands slowly released him.

Qiao Rulong turned to face Qi Shuang, his face expressionless, "While there’s still time."

Qi Shuang shook her head, "Why do you treat me like this? Haven’t I been good enough to you? Haven’t I been humble enough?"

Qiao Rulong reached out and touched her face. His large hand slid down to her snow-white neck, suddenly squeezing her throat tightly. Qi Shuang’s eyes widened, yet not a trace of fear appeared in her eyes. Instead, they revealed unprecedented excitement and joy.

Just as she felt she was about to suffocate, Qiao Rulong let go of her, pulled her into his arms, and whispered in her ear, "I’m afraid they’ll hurt you."

Qi Shuang hugged him tightly, "Rulong..." Just a word of concern moved her. She wasn’t foolish; she understood that what he truly worried about was his family’s honor, but even a little concern for her was enough.

While holding her, Qiao Rulong’s gaze was fixed on the bright moon in the sky, "He Dong will be fine. Old Pan has found someone to handle this, and it will be smoothed over. You don’t need to worry about him; he won’t be lucky forever."

Qi Shuang softly said, "I’ll try to persuade him."

Qiao Rulong said, "It’s in his nature; he can’t change." He grabbed Qi Shuang’s hair, making her raise her head in pain, while at the same time parting her cherry lips.

Qi Shuang looked at the man in front of her, realizing she could never leave him in this lifetime.

Just as their lips were about to meet, Qiao Rulong suddenly released her, clutching his chest in pain, feeling a stabbing sensation in his heart area.

Qi Shuang asked with concern, "What’s wrong? Are you okay?"

Qiao Rulong waved his hand to indicate he was fine.

Qi Shuang said, "Rulong, when was your last checkup?"

"Two months ago. I’m fine; I’ve always been healthy." Qiao Rulong tried taking a deep breath, feeling the stabbing pain in his chest had subsided. He went for a checkup two months ago because of Ye Qingya’s request. They’ve been married for years but had no children, and both families had started to urge them.

Qiao Rulong believed he had no issues. Qi Shuang could prove it, and after the hospital examination, it confirmed his assumption. Ye Qingya had polycystic ovarian syndrome, which was the reason for their infertility.

Qiao Rulong didn’t blame Ye Qingya for this matter. He even considered her, suggesting they temporarily keep it from both families.

Qi Shuang said, "Rulong, better go for another checkup. Don’t take it lightly."

Qiao Rulong replied, "Okay, I promise you. I’ll go for a checkup as soon as I get back from Dongzhou."