Return of the Antagonistic Lady Boss

These few sentences seem like a playful excuse for her earlier pot-burning behavior, but on reflection, isn’t this just comforting him from tonight’s sadness?

Qian’s wisdom is truly unparalleled among women; she’s a grown woman who knows when to be soft without hesitation. Xiaoqiang happily drinks down this wave of loving-wife-style spiritual comfort soup.

He picks her up horizontally, chuckling lightly against her forehead, "Did you deliberately burn the pot just to say this roundabout comforting sentence to me?"

"Um... please call me a virtuous woman." Qian guiltily glanced at the pot that had met its end.

Actually, it really wasn’t intentional.

She was seriously trying to make hangover soup for her man, but she didn’t know how things turned out this way, and Xiaoqiang clearly misunderstood something.

Seeing him look so touched, Qian decided to go with the flow, deciding not to point out the misunderstanding!

The next day, Qian had just left school, not yet reaching the parking lot, when she saw Balan standing at the entrance.

Qian stopped to greet him, "What a coincidence, meeting again."

Last night her Xiaoqiang almost turned poetic after drinking with this man, and Qian knew that Yu Minglang must hold this person in high esteem to have such a reaction, which made her extra enthusiastic towards Balan in a way she wasn’t with others.

"Not a coincidence, I specifically came to wait for you. Our boss lady wants to talk to you."

Balan gestured towards the extended Cadillac behind him, and Qian nodded, getting straight into the car.

Balan’s identity is the Li family’s bodyguard, with someone else driving. Sitting in this head-turningly luxurious car, Qian remained calm, her attitude unchanged.

Balan couldn’t help but think back to last night; one’s wife isn’t an ordinary woman.

Last night, after the car-smashing incident by thugs, and seeing one and himself beat the guys in person, the woman remained steadily seated in the car with the same attitude, indifferent to surprise, joy, anger, or worry. She was calm yet not numb. There are only a few Cadillacs like this nationwide, but she acted like she didn’t notice, calmly sitting in the back seat without even looking.

Moreover, after he had introduced himself and explained his purpose, she didn’t ask a single question, just nodded and got in the car. This composed manner made Balan understand a bit.

"I seem to understand why the boss chose you to treat the old man." There was another sentence he didn’t say aloud: It also made sense why one would choose this woman.

Indeed, she had the demeanor of a great doctor, remaining unflustered amid praises or challenges.

"Thank you for the compliment." Qian smiled slightly.

"How’s the old man’s condition? Are you confident?" Balan asked in an ordinary tone.

Qian still smiled, giving an ambiguous answer.

"Indescribable."

This clearly meant she didn’t want to say more. If Balan kept probing, it would be too inconsiderate, so he didn’t press further.

Qian closed her eyes for a small nap, though her mind was curious.

Balan, back in the day, had trained too; to have a mutual admiration with her husband indicated he must understand the rules well. He shouldn’t be the type to pry about the master’s secrets. While to civilians this might seem like gossip, Qian found this behavior somewhat unusual.

Everyone has their own personality, and most actions follow the trajectory of one’s character. If today Yu Minglang were in Balan’s shoes, he definitely wouldn’t ask an extra word, and Qian didn’t believe Balan wouldn’t understand the depths and make such a mistake.

Qian thought this whole situation was a bit odd, and gradually became mindful of Balan, though she said nothing more.

These people didn’t take Qian directly to the Li residence but instead to the Li family’s branch office in Lishi. Mrs. Li received her in her office.

Qian met Mrs. Li the day before, thinking she was just another typical wealthy woman, relying on her husband’s family business to live a steady life. Today she realized Mrs. Li was far from ordinary.

Calling it an office would be less accurate than a lab, as Mrs. Li, wearing a lab coat along with others in similar attire, was doing experiments around a microscope. Upon hearing that Qian had arrived, she took off her mask to meet her.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Chen, for making you come here to find me — it must have been a hassle."

Outside the lab was a small self-contained space which was Mrs. Li’s laboratory. Compared to her status, the office seemed somewhat modest.

A secretary brought over two cups of coffee and then left.

"Did you come to see me regarding the old man’s treatment?" Qian turned a blind eye to Mrs. Li’s attire, not even asking what position she held in the company. This natural attitude pleased Mrs. Li greatly.

No wonder this Mr Chen has such an influential reputation at a young age; aside from her strong capabilities, her professional discretion was remarkable. Families like theirs were most wary of curious chatterboxes.

"Yes, last night it was too late to talk more; I invited you over today to inquire a bit more about our old man’s specific condition."

Qian recounted the situation from yesterday’s consultation, with the general idea that the problem wasn’t serious, and the old man could be cured within about a month if he cooperated.

Upon hearing it could be cured, Mrs. Li’s face visibly brightened, though she frowned again upon learning it would take a month.

"A month seems too long."

"The old man has some outdated beliefs; you know, he isn’t very cooperative with the treatment. To achieve results, I have to go step by step."

Mrs. Li listened, first nodding then shaking her head, before pulling out a checkbook from the drawer and scribbling down a number, pushing the check onto the table before Qian.

"What does this mean?" Qian didn’t touch it, not even sparing a glance at its amount.

"Here’s fifty thousand, and if Mr Chen can shorten the treatment time to within two weeks, I’ll add another fifty thousand."

Qian calmly met her gaze, saying, "Give me a reason for shortening the time."

"We aren’t staying long in Lishi; you know we’re here for a holiday and can’t stay too long. The old man constantly fretting about ailments hampers our itinerary a lot. Families like ours struggle to purchase time, so the quicker the treatment, the better it is for us. I hope Mr Chen can help restore our old man to normal sooner."

This reasoning was cogent and sincerely worded.

Qian was somewhat doubtful but replied with some wiggle room.

"I can only say I’ll do my best, but psychological treatment requires many factors to cooperate; it’s not just about what I want to do. I’ll try my best but how long it actually takes still depends on the old man’s adaptability. I can’t accept this check for now."

Hearing this, Mrs. Li’s expression noticeably relaxed compared to before; if Qian was willing to say she’d try, it implied shortening the time might be possible, which was promising. She warmly pushed the check back to Qian.

"Mr. Chen, please don’t be polite with me; you must accept this money. Solve my worries for me, and I’ll surely show you my gratitude in the future."