Xu Qingyan successfully prepared the conference materials before her departure. She sent the documents via email to the professors. Upon seeing the “sent” confirmation, a sigh of relief escaped her lips.

Apart from Xu Qingyan and the department head, two other professors joined them for the conference. The team comprised four members, with Xu Qingyan being the only woman among the three middle-aged men. In this setting, Xu Qingyan took on the role of secretary for the three professors, skillfully managing various tasks.

Typically, these conferences involved morning presentations and afternoon discussions. Xu Qingyan’s main responsibilities included observation, learning, and engaging in brief interactions with the professors and renowned medical experts.

The director would often introduce her proudly as his outstanding disciple, highlighting her exceptional aptitude. He had made considerable efforts to recruit her from the field of cardiothoracic surgery. If the director were to discover that her shift in career was primarily driven by her own desire, rather than solely due to his personal charm, he would likely feel quite frustrated for a long time.

With great effort, Xu Qingyan maintained a pleasant demeanor and skillfully navigated through the day, successfully concluding the conference.

After escorting the three esteemed professors back to the hotel, her facial muscles felt tight, and her body seemed on the verge of exhaustion.

Being the only female attendee from her hospital, the organizer had arranged for her to share a room with a female doctor from another hospital attending the conference. However, that doctor and her colleagues had gone out for a night excursion in D City, leaving Xu Qingyan alone in the room.

Xu Qingyan began packing her belongings in an organized manner, tidying up the conference materials, and allowing herself time for a refreshing shower. By the time everything was in order, it was only 9 o’clock. Xu Qingyan lay on the bed. She replied to Cao Jin’s message and watched some television. Soon, her hunger caught up with her.

During dinner, most of the conversation revolved around socializing, leaving Xu Qingyan with little opportunity to enjoy her meal.

Just then, Cao Jin replied on WeChat, mentioning the renowned D City night market, known for its diverse street food offerings. Checking her phone’s map, Xu Qingyan found it wasn’t far from the hotel.

She changed into casual attire, removed her contact lenses, put on a pair of framed glasses, grabbed a small bag, and headed out.

Having a map on her phone was a lifesaver for someone like her, who was directionally challenged. Xu Qingyan spent about fifteen minutes searching until she spotted a bustling crowd and was greeted by the enticing aromas wafting from street food vendors. She followed the flow of people deeper into the night market. Unlike Ling Qiao, who was a genuine food enthusiast, Xu Qingyan wasn’t particularly picky about what she ate. Nevertheless, she did have a soft spot for one particular dish: grilled squid.

As Xu Qingyan strolled through the market, she passed stalls offering a variety of tempting treats, from meatballs to noodles and soup-filled dumplings.

Approaching the tail end of the night market, she was beginning to feel somewhat disappointed. However, her spirits lifted when she noticed a small stall on her left with a banner that read “Zhang Ji BBQ.” Xu Qingyan deftly maneuvered through the bustling crowd and her eyes lit up.

“Delicious grilled squid! Just ten yuan per skewer!” The stall owner continued to announce enthusiastically while expertly grilling the squid skewers on a rack. The fresh and tender squid sizzled and emitted mouthwatering aromas as he sprinkled them with a secret seasoning blend.

Noticing a long line of customers waiting, Xu Qingyan patiently joined the queue. When her turn finally arrived, she confidently ordered, “Boss, I’ll have five skewers.”

“Boss, five skewers,” another voice chimed in simultaneously. Xu Qingyan was taken aback, turning her head in surprise. For a moment, she found herself at a loss for words.

It was then that she recalled her visit to the temple earlier in the year, offering incense. Could it be that, as the year drew to a close, her spiritual balance had fallen short?

Why did fate have to bring her across this man’s path once more? Amidst the bustling market, he stood unruffled, his black-and-white checkered shirt unbuttoned casually, his hand nonchalantly tucked into his pocket.

Unfazed by the crowd, he gazed intently at the squid skewers before him. The boss, however, seemed conflicted, speaking hesitantly, “I apologize, but we only have five skewers ready. The others will have to wait. Who would like to go first?”

Upon recognizing him, Xu Qingyan’s hunger vanished instantly. She instinctively lowered her head and adjusted her glasses, hoping that he hadn’t noticed her. She did her best to make herself unnoticeable, eager to leave as soon as possible. She didn’t even respond to the boss’s question.

As she turned to go, her wrist was suddenly caught in a gentle but burning grip.

“Dr. Xu,” came the voice of Lord Liang from behind.

Though his hold was gentle, Xu Qingyan felt a fiery sensation where his fingers touched her skin. She didn’t dare to pull away and took a moment to regain her composure before turning back.

Uncertain of how to address him in this public setting, she managed to utter a simple “Hello.”

He glanced at her, his gaze briefly lingering on her glasses, before naturally releasing her hand. Turning his attention back to the squid skewers, he said to the shop owner, “Let this young lady go first.”

“No need, I have something to attend to,” Xu Qingyan replied, her tone devoid of emotion.

Her appetite was completely gone. Standing beside this man, she felt like a squid on a sizzling plate, every moment growing more agonizing.

His gaze remained deep and inscrutable as he observed her.

The shop owner, who had already prepared the squid skewers for Xu Qingyan, maintained a friendly smile. “Alright, miss, that’ll be fifty yuan.”

Xu Qingyan paused for a moment, her reluctance visible, but she eventually took the bag and began to search her purse for money. As she rummaged, she realized her wallet was in her backpack. She checked her pants pocket in vain, then hesitated for a moment before reaching into the other pocket, only to find it empty.

Oh no. She had changed into a different pair of pants after her shower and had forgotten to transfer her purse. She didn’t have a single yuan on her.

Lord Liang stood calmly beside her, waiting, but the people in line behind her grew increasingly impatient.

“What’s going on? Are you done yet?”

“If you don’t have money, please leave and don’t hold up the line.”

Embarrassment reddened Xu Qingyan’s face as she furrowed her brow, frantically searching her belongings. After a moment, she awkwardly handed the bag back to the shop owner. “I’m so sorry, I forgot to bring money. Can I use Alipay to pay instead…?”

Liang Jiankong smoothly covered the bill, handing over fifty yuan and walking away, leaving Xu Qingyan momentarily stunned, clutching the steaming squid in her hand.

He led her to a quieter side street, and Xu Qingyan followed, keeping a respectful distance, her emotions a whirlwind of anxiety and frustration.

As they arrived at a side street, Liang Jiankong avoided the bustling crowd, opting to head to a small shop. There, he purchased two bottles of chilled beer and then made his way to a roadside railing, leaning against it. He appeared to know that Xu Qingyan was following him, and he signaled for her to join him.

Approaching cautiously, Xu Qingyan stopped at arm’s length from him, holding out the hot squid, eager to create some distance from this mysterious figure. However, he didn’t accept the squid. Instead, he adeptly opened a beer bottle by tapping it against the railing, offering it to her.

Xu Qingyan had a calm expression on her face, with a few strands of her short hair falling near her ears. She wore a simple white shirt, casual linen pants, and a pair of white canvas shoes. Her slim figure, delicate features, and the glasses perched on her small nose gave her an air of purity and neatness.

She murmured softly, “I don’t drink,” and handed him the squid.

He nodded, taking a sip of beer, and then helped himself to another skewer from the bag, savoring it leisurely.

Xu Qingyan felt an undeniable awkwardness, torn between leaving and staying.

He opened a fresh bottle of beer and extended it to her once more. Despite her inner reluctance, she accepted the bottle, though she had no intention of actually consuming the beer.

As they ate, he asked, “Dr. Xu, here for vacation?”

“For a conference.”

“What a coincidence, isn’t it?” he mused, and Xu Qingyan couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding, knowing that fate was unfolding before her.

He turned his face toward her and inquired, “What do you think?”

In truth, he wasn’t unattractive, nor was he classically handsome. The scar around his eye socket set him apart from traditional standards of beauty, yet he exuded an undeniable allure. Even in the bustling night market, beneath the shroud of darkness, he managed to draw attention.

Dangerous, yet irresistible; he was impossible to ignore.

Xu Qingyan made a conscious effort to focus on the nearby trash bin, as though she could peer through it and find an escape route. “Sir, it is indeed coincidental, and I had no intention of being here.”

What he truly meant was for her to never cross his path again, but it was his unexpected appearance that she couldn’t avoid.

“You certainly have a way with words,” he sneered.

His tone indicated that he had no intention of delving deeper into the matter. However, Xu Qingyan couldn’t resist a discreet glance at him and found his eyes fixed on her. Quickly, she averted her gaze.

He couldn’t help but notice her tendency to avoid eye contact with him. Every conversation they had consisted of curt questions and concise responses. In his silence, she often followed suit, displaying an air of resignation.

He touched his face. Am I really that intimidating?

Just as Ah Bao arrived, he witnessed Lord Liang leisurely enjoying his grilled skewers. Observing his unharmed condition, Ah Bao’s anxiety began to dissipate. He had been sent to investigate something and, out of the blue, received a report that his boss had gone missing.

Typically, Ah Bao wouldn’t be so anxious, but considering Lord Liang’s ongoing recovery from his injuries and the various external threats, there was a real risk that someone like Cheng Ran might disregard all else and launch another attack. This possibility had the potential to dramatically change the situation.

Then, he noticed Xu Qingyan beside Lord Liang and came to a halt, nearly colliding with the person behind him. He silently positioned himself a little distance away.

Lord Liang casually tossed the empty beer bottle toward a nearby trash bin, nailing the shot perfectly, before grabbing another bottle of beer. He saw Xu Qingyan still clutching the bag and asked, “Why aren’t you eating?”

Though taken aback, Xu Qingyan managed a response. “It’s fine; you bought it.”

He playfully teased her, “Aren’t your arms getting tired holding it like that?”

Eventually, he took the bag, his gaze scanning into the distance. From the side, his eyes, shaped like peach blossoms with long, slightly curled eyelashes, formed an elegant curve, while his deep black pupils emitted an air of detachment.

A sharp intake of breath suddenly escaped his lips.

“Sir, is something wrong?” Ah Bao immediately approached with concern.

At that moment, Xu Qingyan registered the presence of Ah Bao, who seemed to be a constant shadow beside Lord Liang.

As though acknowledging Ah Bao’s presence, Lord Liang explained, “It’s nothing. I’ve been having a bit of a stomachache lately. When we get back, get a doctor for me. My stomach’s been acting up.”

Ah Bao promptly responded, “Of course, boss.” However, he couldn’t help but feel something was off. Why was the boss, who rarely called for a doctor, not taking this opportunity with a doctor right here? Was he still wary of Xu Qingyan?

On the other side, Xu Qingyan remained silent, feigning indifference.

“Dr. Xu, any suggestions?” Ah Bao asked on his boss’s behalf.

But Lord Liang interrupted her, saying, “Liang Jiankong.”

Xu Qingyan was taken aback.

“Liang Jiankong,” he repeated.

“Liang Jiankong” sounded quite pleasant when pronounced. However, shouldn’t his surname be Li? This thought briefly crossed her mind.

Liang Jiankong clapped his hands together. “Dr. Xu happens to be an expert in this field. How could I forget?”

Ah Bao: “…”

Sir, you’re not fooling anyone with this performance.

Xu Qingyan nodded earnestly. “Could you provide a more detailed description of your symptoms?”

Liang Jiankong placed his right hand on his stomach and began to recount, “I’ve been feeling a burning sensation in my stomach at night, but during the day, it’s perfectly fine.”

“How long have you been experiencing these symptoms? Have you felt nauseous or noticed any changes in your appetite?” In her doctor mode, Xu Qingyan’s questions flowed more abundantly.

“This has only been happening recently.”

“Do you have any relevant medical history?”

“Nope.”

Xu Qingyan rummaged through her bag and took out a small notebook. She had a habit of carrying both a pen and notebook with her, using it not only for medical notes but also to jot down interesting tidbits from her daily life.

With her head slightly lowered, she diligently penned something on the paper. Her soft bangs swayed gently on her forehead, a few strands occasionally drifting close to her ears. She nonchalantly tucked them behind her ears, revealing her petite and delicate earlobes. The lobes were unpierced as she continued to write with a focused expression.

Liang Jiankong briefly stole a glance at her but quickly averted his gaze.

Xu Qingyan lifted her head and put down her pen. “Stick out your tongue, let me have a look.”

Liang Jiankong obediently complied, sticking out his tongue and even asking, “Can you see anything?”

Xu Qingyan carefully examined his tongue, her dark pupils appearing particularly bright due to her focus. During this process, their bodies inadvertently drew closer. Liang Jiankong couldn’t help but notice the beauty mark at the tip of her nose. Xu Qingyan was deeply engrossed in her examination, and after a moment, her eyebrows furrowed slightly.

“Have you had any previous issues with your stomach?”

Liang Jiankong retracted his tongue and replied, “I’ve always felt fine.”

Xu Qingyan tilted her head, displaying a puzzled expression. After a brief pause, she continued, “But from what I can observe, your stomach hasn’t been in the best condition for quite some time. It would be wise to pay more attention to your stomach’s health. If possible, I’d recommend getting a thorough check-up at the hospital…” Her voice trailed off.

However, considering Liang Jiankong’s undisclosed identity, visiting a hospital might not be a straightforward matter.

Xu Qingyan tore the page from her notebook and handed it to Liang Jiankong. “These are Western medicine prescriptions for symptomatic relief. If there are underlying issues, it would be best to undergo a gastroscopy or seek traditional Chinese medicine for treatment.”

Liang Jiankong took the paper. Xu Qingyan preferred using a fountain pen, and the handwriting on the paper was not as graceful as one might imagine. Instead, it appeared strong and precise, with sharp strokes. If one were to judge a person by their handwriting, then Xu Qingyan’s inner thoughts were not as plain and calm as her outward appearance.

The paper contained a detailed diagnosis and prescribed medications, complete with clear instructions regarding dosage and usage. Every word had been meticulously written.

As Liang Jiankong studied the paper for an extended moment, a sense of unease prickled over Xu Qingyan, causing the fine hairs on her neck to stand on end. She couldn’t help but wonder if she had made a mistake in her writing.

“Thank you for the advice, Dr. Xu.” Liang Jiankong folded the paper neatly and put it in his pocket.

Suddenly, Ah Bao leaned in and whispered a few words into Liang Jiankong’s ear. Liang Jiankong listened without any visible expression but immediately turned to Xu Qingyan and said, “You may leave now.”

Xu Qingyan was momentarily taken aback, and then, like a prisoner granted freedom, she swiftly turned and walked away. She didn’t say goodbye, secretly feeling that not saying farewell was equivalent to never encountering this person again.

Ah Bao waited for a while until Xu Qingyan’s figure was completely out of sight before speaking, “Lord Liang.”

“Is Cheng Ran nearby?”

“Yes, just as you suspected, they’ve formed an alliance. In Nepal, we’ve already captured the mercenary leader. Should we…”

“No need to rush. The big players haven’t made their move yet, and the small fries won’t be a nuisance,” Liang Jiankong interrupted confidently, always having a plan in mind.

Before Ah Bao could continue, a cheerful voice called out Liang Jiankong’s name from a distance, “Good old Liang!”

Instantly, Ah Bao shifted into a high alert mode, positioning himself protectively to Liang Jiankong’s left front while discreetly scanning their surroundings.

Liang Jiankong turned towards the source of the voice, his brow unwrinkled, and replied with an equally warm smile, “Well, well, if it isn’t Young Master Cheng.”