Chapter 65.2

When He Ziqi returned to his hotel, he overheard his driver making a long-distance call. As soon as he heard footsteps, the driver hung up, explaining it was just to assure his family that he was safe and hoped he would return soon.

“Mr. He, are you feeling unwell lately?” the driver asked.

“Not at all. I feel quite well. It seems that Dr. Chang’s traditional Chinese medicine is quite effective.”

After closing the door, He Ziqi sat down, massaging his shoulders. In truth, he felt terrible, like he was struggling through a severe cold, but he was trying hard not to show it.

…

It was almost the weekend when Jiang Ruan received a call from He Ziqi at the farm. He told her that he had made up his mind—he would withdraw his investment from Chang Linyan and wanted Jiang Ruan to treat him instead.

Jiang Ruan agreed and contacted Qin Yan, saying she would treat He Ziqi once at Rheumatism Hall.

Qin Yan said, “Sure, I’ll go with you. We don’t want people gossiping.”

With Qin Yan around, there would be no rumors. Jiang Ruan readily agreed, “Alright. I’ll return to the city in the morning. Let’s meet at the shop.”

Early the next morning, Jiang Ruan went back to the courtyard. The seeds she had collected were safely hidden away, thanks to Granma Huang.

Granma Huang’s home had a dry cellar—not just any cellar, but a kind of underground shelter dug during wartime, complete with tables, chairs, and a ventilation system. The seeds were stored there.

Jiang Ruan took a small portion of the seeds, then sat at the entrance eating breakfast. Granma Huang’s porridge was especially delicious.

Liu Jinyun, who was juggling work at both the shop and home, looked more exhausted than ever this time.

It was the weekend, and Dabao and Xiaobao came over openly to visit their little sister.

Because Dabao and Xiaobao genuinely helped with the baby, even though Jiang Jianchun was reluctant, Liu Jinyun allowed them to visit.

A year ago, people thought Granma Huang wouldn’t survive the winter, but not only did she make it through, she seemed to grow younger by five years, looking healthier and sharper than ever.

It must be because Jiang Ruan’s herbal treatments had been helping her.

Liu Jinyun approached, sighing, “Ruan Ruan, your life is good now, everything’s falling into place, and your partner is wonderful. Isn’t it time to let go of past grudges?”

Jiang Ruan glanced at her weary, dull face. When she had just returned to the city, she knew she had to rely on Liu Jinyun for her meals, so she was cautious. But not anymore.

She replied, “Aunt Liu, what are you trying to say now, playing the victim card?”

Liu Jinyun said, “I’ve noticed Granny Huang’s health is improving. Did you give her herbs from your plants?”

Jiang Ruan said, “No, I just bought her some supplements. They’re on the table. If you think they’re good, you can ask Han Qingqing to buy some for you.”

Liu Jinyun and her eldest daughter’s fish restaurant earned over a hundred a month, and Han Qingqing made about five hundred from the fried chicken business. She kept two hundred for herself and gave three hundred to the family. So, Liu Jinyun had some money, and if Jiang Ruan’s herbal products were for sale, she could afford them. But Jiang Ruan was lying—she had no intention of selling.

Liu Jinyun said, “I heard from Chang Linyan that your ‘magic herb’ seeds have health benefits. Why don’t you sell me some?”

Jiang Ruan quickly finished her bowl of porridge, “She’s lying to you, trying to trick you into getting seeds for her research. Don’t fall for it.”

The powder Granny Huang had been taking was made by crushing the seeds. Granny Huang had been reluctant, saying she didn’t want to waste it, but Jiang Ruan insisted that if it could keep her healthy, it was worth it.

Now, Granny Huang treated Jiang Ruan like her own granddaughter.

She protected Jiang Ruan, saying, “Liu Jinyun, your life is finally getting better. Don’t go looking for trouble. Just live peacefully.”

At home, Liu Jinyun grew annoyed seeing Dabao and Xiaobao. She asked them, “Did your father write to you? Where do you get your living expenses from?”

Dabao, busy playing with the baby, casually replied, “With our sister around, Dad wouldn’t dare harm you. What are you worried about?”

Xiaobao, who was washing the baby’s diapers, just scoffed and didn’t bother responding.

Liu Jinyun was so angry she almost choked, secretly wishing that Zhuzhu was indeed Liao Chunxing’s child.

…

Jiang Ruan arrived at the clinic to find Qin Yan already waiting at the entrance.

She took out a jar of a mysterious powder from her bag and said to Qin Yan, “Grandma Huang has been drinking this powder made from the seeds, and it’s been working wonders for her. I made this jar for you.”

Qin Yan returned the jar to her bag, “Give it to my parents instead. I don’t need it right now.”

“I’ve already given some to your parents and older brother,” she replied. Now that they had harvested quite a lot of seeds, apart from the portion reserved for breeding, there was plenty to go around.

She put the jar back in her bag, intending to give it to him later. “This is specifically for you. We have an excess of seeds, so using a bit won’t hurt.”

When He Ziqi arrived, the clinic across the street, Rejuvenation Hall, had just opened. Cheng Wanxia saw He Ziqi entering Jiang Ruan’s clinic and turned to Mu Xuehui, asking, “He Ziqi went to see Jiang Ruan. When did they get so close? Didn’t you inform Master about this?”

Mu Xuehui gave a cryptic smile, suggesting that the master was already aware and there was no need for concern, but inside, she felt uneasy.

In her past life, He Ziqi had fought against other heirs in his family to the point of collapsing from illness, yet no one managed to take advantage of him. Could he really lose this time?

Her master had already connected with He Ziqi’s rival, and with her master’s capabilities, plus her own reborn insight, it seemed unlikely they would lose this time.

She sighed inwardly. In the past, He Ziqi hadn’t lost. This time, it was his mistake for choosing Jiang Ruan over her master.

…

He Ziqi’s illness couldn’t be cured with just the seed powder, Jiang Ruan needed to take action herself.

“Do I need to take off my clothes?” He Ziqi asked, uncharacteristically shy since Qin Yan was present.

“You can get a massage over your clothes, as long as you don’t mind them getting wrinkled.”

Jiang Ruan seemed a bit annoyed. “Why do you keep looking at my boyfriend? I’m the one treating you.”

“Well, that’s because the doctor’s boyfriend has a murderous glare.”

Reluctantly, He Ziqi kept his clothes on and lay down on the massage table. “Shouldn’t the door be closed?”

“Do you need the door closed?” she asked.

“Yes, a confined space gives a sense of safety during treatment,” He Ziqi responded.

Jiang Ruan shut the door. “Is this better?”

Feeling a bit apprehensive, He Ziqi lay down and asked, “Aren’t you going to explain the treatment?”

There was no way she could. When treating Qin Yan, she used her special ability to smooth out his meridians, and she planned to do the same for He Ziqi. But unlike with Qin Yan, she didn’t intend to be particularly patient or gentle with him.

She placed her hand on the back of He Ziqi’s neck, starting from there.

Before beginning, Jiang Ruan kindly warned him, “I’m going to start pressing on your acupoints. It’s going to hurt, so brace yourself.”

He Ziqi shivered. “How much will it hurt?”

Since Jiang Ruan’s life had improved lately, her special ability was much stronger than when she treated Qin Yan. Without responding, she let her energy flow directly into He Ziqi’s meridians.

At first, He Ziqi felt a warm, soothing sensation, as if his skin was being gently heated. But soon it felt like countless leeches were burrowing into his body, causing him to cry out in pain. It was as if Jiang Ruan was trying to kill him!

He instinctively wanted to struggle and get off the table, but under Jiang Ruan’s firm hands, he couldn’t move an inch and had no choice but to lie still.

…

Qin Yan had a good idea of how Jiang Ruan was treating He Ziqi. The same way she had cured his own legs was how she would treat He Ziqi’s condition.

Hearing He Ziqi’s pained shouts, Qin Yan couldn’t help but smile.

When Jiang Ruan treated him, she was always gentle, so much so that he would fall asleep without realizing it and have pleasant dreams.

He Ziqi, however, was likely having a nightmare this time.

Xun Li arrived, and upon hearing the painful cries from the treatment room, he chuckled. “Who’s the lucky person getting treated by Jiang Ruan herself?”

“It’s He Ziqi,” Qin Yan replied.

That explained it. In order to pull this investor away from Chang Linyan, some sacrifices had to be made.

“Did you need something?” Qin Yan asked, offering Xun Li a seat.

Xun Li handed Qin Yan a small glass vial containing ten milliliters of a clear liquid. “This is something Cheng Xinwang managed to get from Chang Linyan’s lab. They’re using this as a substitute for the medicinal effects of the Shencao Grass Flower. Have it tested to see what’s in it.”

“Understood.” Qin Yan put the vial into his pocket.

The treatment room had gone silent, and Xun Li grew concerned. “He hasn’t fainted, has he? Maybe you should go check?”

Qin Yan laughed. “You all underestimate Jiang Ruan’s abilities. He’s probably just fallen asleep.”

Jiang Ruan emerged from the room, noticing Xun Li, and realized she had something to give him as well.