Chapter 16 Malice from Brother

Fu Wenli crossed his arms and looked at his full brother with eyes full of malice, scrutinizing him back and forth. Who would have thought that the shy, timid kid from their childhood would grow up to be like a completely different person? The army green pants wrapped around his strong legs, the white shirt buttoned neatly all the way to the collar—standing there like that, his aura was cold and pure like a winter pine. His indifferent black eyes showed not a hint of emotion.

In contrast, Fu Wenli himself, once possessing a refined temperament, had been worn down to nothing by endless labor in the production team. His back was slightly hunched, his hands covered in calluses. Though only thirty years old, his darkened face was full of deep wrinkles.

How could he not be jealous? How could he not hate? If it weren’t for that brat back then, why would he have ended up like this? Why should the main culprit live so well??

Fu Wenli’s twisted hatred grew even stronger at that moment.

“That one just now was from the Ming family, right? Hah, you two really are made for each other—both unwelcome in your families. In times like these, without a clan’s protection, it’s only a matter of time before you get torn apart. Are you sure that girl would want to be with you, a castoff abandoned by your family?”

“What’s it to you?” Fu Wencheng still spoke in his usual indifferent tone, but in a corner Fu Wenli couldn’t see, his heart cracked at those words. His original plan suddenly became a bit hesitant.

“My dear little brother, you’re so stubborn now. I’d like to see if you’ll still be like this in the future.”

With that, Fu Wenli sneered and turned to leave.

The brothers’ confrontation did not affect Ming Leyao, who was at home talking with Pang Jianyuan and Cui Ying.

“I’ve been pushing the bureau these past two days. Today, they finally confirmed Shi Tieniu’s crime, but he can only be sentenced to two years. That’s the maximum punishment I was able to get.”

“Uncle Cui, that’s already very good. Thank you for your hard work.”

“No hardship at all, it’s my duty. I should do it.”

Cui Ying said this with some guilt. Although he was the bureau chief, he had a superior at the Public Security Department. If it weren’t for that person giving the green light, Shi Tieniu’s charge wouldn’t have been confirmed so quickly. He still didn’t know exactly how that person knew about this matter…

“Uncle Cui, here’s the medicine I prepared before. I was too busy these days to give it to you.”

“…” Cui Ying didn’t take it immediately but first looked at Pang Jianyuan.

“Chief Cui, I already know about you and Leyao. Leyao has had a hard life, but her learning ability is indeed impressive. With someone guiding her, she’s learned a useful skill. Although she can’t make it public now, I believe one day Leyao will appear before everyone with dignity.”

“Well said. Shangjia Bridge team is lucky to have such an open-minded team leader. I believe your future achievements will be remarkable.”

Hearing the praise, Pang Jianyuan nearly smiled from ear to ear.

Ming Leyao smiled and carefully explained the medicine’s usage and dosage to Cui Ying, who nodded from time to time, listening intently.

“Leyao, uncle… uncle actually came for another favor today.”

“Uncle Cui, just say it.”

“After you treated me that day, your aunt took me to the hospital. Even the doctors were amazed. They said with my acute illness, if it weren’t for an experienced doctor being there, I might have died. Your aunt and I really trust your medical skills, so we were wondering… could you help take a look at my father?”

“Uncle Cui, I happen to have learned some treatment methods for your illness. As for your father… I haven’t seen him or made a diagnosis, so I can’t say if I can treat him.”

“I understand, I won’t make things difficult for you. Even if it can’t be cured, it’s okay. My father’s an old case, heart problems. He’s resigned to it himself, but us children, we want to try our best. Honestly, even a little hope, we want to try.”

Ming Leyao hesitated for a moment but finally agreed.

She had her own considerations. It is said that leaning against a big tree makes life easier. Though she didn’t have grand ambitions, she knew having such backing would make her life in the production team much better. Since it was a shortcut, why not take it? She neither stole nor robbed, so naturally, there was no reason to refuse.

The matter was settled in front of Pang Jianyuan, helping a bureau chief. Pang clearly understood the stakes and readily gave an introduction letter—actually for two days. Who knew where that bureau chief’s elderly father lived? If he couldn’t come back the same day, they’d have to extend it.

After a simple tidy-up, Ming Leyao followed Cui Ying out.

After they left, Pang Jianyuan started working hard on student recruitment. The school was ready, textbooks and teachers were ready—only the students had yet to be determined. Thinking about this, he was quite troubled. He didn’t know if the people in the production team had the awareness needed. If not… he’d have to find a way to make them. Ah, a long and heavy road ahead.

Ming Leyao followed Cui Ying through several twists and turns to a residential compound in Nanxing City. After thorough inspection at the gatehouse, they were allowed in.

Looking at the residents inside—all riding bicycles, carrying briefcases—Ming Leyao knew these people were not ordinary.

Sure enough, her guess was confirmed when they entered the house.

“Dad, Mom, are you home?”
“Oh? Third son is back? Have you eaten?”
“Not yet, Mom. I brought a distinguished guest today. Can we have something nice tonight?”
“Guest? Okay, okay, I’ll go buy the groceries.”

Cui Ying’s mother, Wen Jun, turned to go get money and the receipt but was stopped by Ming Leyao.

“Grandma Cui, I’m hardly a distinguished guest. Whatever is at home, I’ll just eat a bit. Don’t trouble yourself.”

“Oh my, whose young lady is this? So pretty. No worries, we live near the supply and marketing cooperative. I’ll be back soon.”

“No need. Grandma Cui, I’m not a guest. You just sit here comfortably. Whatever’s at home, I’ll eat.”

Seeing Ming Leyao insist, Cui Ying and Wen Jun didn’t argue further.

“Mom, this is the miracle doctor I told you about on the phone.”

“A miracle doctor and a young lady?” Wen Jun said instinctively, not doubting Ming Leyao’s skill but a little shocked.

In her impression, those with great medical skills were always elderly men in their seventies or older—never expecting someone so young.

“Mom, you can’t judge by appearances.”
“I’m old, I’m old, my mind’s getting foggy.”

“Grandma Cui isn’t old. I know I look young for my age. You didn’t kick me out, that’s already good.”

“You’re a sweet talker, girl.”