The Wild Doctor and the Fair Beauty

"Hahaha, it’s so lively today."

Xue Zhong, Lin Qingyuan, and Meng Lihua, who was holding Nini, also arrived.

’It’s a shame Liping and Lulu are in the Provincial City,’ Lin Qingyuan thought. ’Otherwise, tonight would be even livelier.’

Soon, Su Yanyun arrived as well.

Following right behind them were Shen Zhengye and his wife, Qiao Huimin.

The women now vastly outnumbered the men.

There were fewer than ten male guests.

Meanwhile, there were nearly twenty female guests.

Every woman understood her purpose for being here, and each one carried herself in a way that showcased her own unique qualities.

"Old Shen, I’ve never seen these young women before. Where did they all pop up from?"

From a corner, Qiao Huimin couldn’t help but ask.

Shen Zhengye beamed. "Isn’t it obvious? These women are the unmarried younger generation from those other families. They’re usually either studying out of town or living in seclusion. Tonight is Jiang’s farewell party—it’s an opportunity they can’t afford to miss."

"Ah? You mean they all want to win Jiang’s favor?" Qiao Huimin understood instantly.

"It’s no wonder. For a man as exceptional as Jiang, if I were a woman, I’d also be trying to win his favor. Fortunately, our Lingxue has already... Hahaha..." Shen Zhengye burst into a hearty laugh.

Qiao Huimin suppressed a smile. "But Jiang is so outstanding. When he goes to the Central State, I’m afraid he’ll attract a lot of female attention."

"That’s something we can’t avoid."

Shen Zhengye’s expression turned serious. "Besides, we have no right to try and stop it. After all, for a man of Jiang’s stature, it’s only natural for him to have multiple partners, like the lords and emperors of old."

"Then what about our Lingxue..." Although Qiao Huimin completely agreed with Shen Zhengye, her brow furrowed with worry at the thought of her daughter, Shen Lingxue.

"Our Lingxue is his primary partner." Shen Zhengye’s single sentence affirmed Shen Lingxue’s position.

Qiao Huimin nodded emphatically. "That’s right. And it’s very likely our Lingxue is already pregnant. Her position is unshakable!"

At that, the couple couldn’t help but laugh.

"Old Shen, what are you two so happy about?"

"Yes, Patriarch Shen, what did you and your wife think of that’s made you so happy?"

"They’re here! Mr. Jiang and Miss Shen have arrived."

Just then, someone in the crowd shouted.

All eyes instantly turned toward the entrance.

Jiang Xinghai was in a black suit and Shen Lingxue was in a black evening gown. The two walked in side-by-side, smiling.

’Wow! They look so good together.’

’Yes, a perfect match of talent and beauty.’

’So that’s Jiang Xinghai. He really does have an extraordinary air about him.’

’Is that Eldest Miss Shen? She’s gorgeous!’

’She’s so lucky. To think Eldest Miss Shen gets to appear with Mr. Jiang...’

Such were the inner thoughts of some of the young women who had never seen Jiang Xinghai and Shen Lingxue before.

Shen Lingxue’s beauty was unique.

And even with only light makeup, her beauty already surpassed that of the many other lovely women present.

"Good evening, everyone. If we’re all here, let’s take our seats."

Jiang Xinghai glanced around at the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the dozen or so unfamiliar women one by one.

As people made their introductions, Jiang Xinghai became acquainted with everyone.

Afterward, he raised his glass. "I just have three things to say. First, I’m only leaving temporarily. Second, I hope you will all work together in close cooperation after I’m gone. Third, if the need arises, even if I can’t return myself, someone will come to help you solve your problems."

Having said his piece, he raised his glass and drank.

Those three sentences covered everything. It was enough.

"Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together.

For the rest of the evening, the young women from the various families all rose, glass in hand, and approached Jiang Xinghai one after another to offer him a toast.

Even though they knew they couldn’t compare to Shen Lingxue, they still had to come over and try their luck.

However, they were soon disappointed.

Jiang Xinghai merely maintained a courteous and reserved air, showing no deeper interest.

Even if he were a man who couldn’t be without female companionship, he still behaved with the utmost propriety.

’What a joke.’

’With so many people present, even if all these beauties offered themselves to him, he couldn’t possibly accept them all, could he?’

"What’s the special occasion?"

Suddenly, a strange, mocking sneer echoed from nearby:

"Has the Star Tavern’s standard dropped this low? What a chaotic mess. Just a bunch of cheap women carrying on romantically. How improper! If I had known, I wouldn’t have chosen to stay here. It’s ruined my mood!"

This came from a young man in a white suit. His every move was punctuated by an extended pinky, and he was even wearing light smoky eye makeup.

For a man, the look was rather incongruous, giving him the distinct image of a sissy.

Beside him stood an old man with a scar on his face and a grim look in his eyes. "Young Master Lv, how about I drive them out so we can check in?"

"Let’s just return to the Central State tonight. This Jizhou is just a small backwater town, after all." Young Master Lv flicked his sleeve, turned, and walked away with a series of mincing steps.

"Young Master Lv, is it? Hold it right there!"

Jiang Xinghai’s voice rang out. "You call my friends cheap women? You little sissy, are you looking to die?"