Chapter 32:

Qin Chaoyu could see the hesitation beneath Xiong Bochang’s expression. She realized she already knew his choice—there was no need to continue this treatment any further!

She stood up, smoothing the slight wrinkles in her skirt from sitting too long, and said coldly, “I don’t see any reason for me to stay any longer. Mr. Xiong, you can arrange for someone to take me back.”

Qin Chaoyu wasn’t the type to force her presence where she wasn’t welcome. She had her own dignity, her own pride—something no one was allowed to trample upon.

Xiong Bochang’s face flushed red instantly. Even his naturally tanned skin couldn’t hide his embarrassment.

He knew that Dr. Qin had seen right through his hesitation, had discerned the choice buried deep in his heart. With her pride, she would never agree to treat his mother now.

“I’m truly sorry, Dr. Qin,” Xiong Bochang muttered, lowering his head in shame. This was entirely his fault. He had been the one to eagerly invite her here, only to humiliate her in the end.

Qin Chaoyu remained silent, her expression indifferent. She neither accepted nor rejected his apology. The fact that Xiong Bochang hadn’t chosen her wasn’t something she couldn’t accept, but the humiliation she felt—she would remember it.

Xiong Zhimin shot Qin Chaoyu a disdainful glance, completely disregarding her presence as she said bluntly, “Bo’chang, you’re too soft-hearted. Why are you apologizing to her? If anything, she should be the one apologizing to you! What kind of status does your mother have? How could we let some little girl treat her? If something went wrong, her life wouldn’t be enough to make up for it!”

Qin Chaoyu stared at this woman, whose face was etched with malice, finding it hard to believe that someone so ill-mannered could come from such a distinguished family.

Under Qin Chaoyu’s sharp gaze, Xiong Zhimin felt a momentary tremor in her heart—those piercing eyes seemed to see right through her, exposing every hidden secret.

She faltered, shutting her mouth awkwardly, but not wanting to appear intimidated, she forced herself to continue, though she didn’t dare mock Qin Chaoyu anymore. “Bo’chang, you made the right choice. The Dr. Wang I invited will definitely cure your mother!”

Wang Zhenyong nodded with an air of self-importance, agreeing with Xiong Zhimin’s words, his expression smug.

*Hmph, this Xiong kid has some sense after all, knowing who to choose!*

Then he calmly took a seat, waiting to go upstairs later to treat Madam Xiong.

*This little girl is still too young. Today’s lesson will serve as valuable experience—she’ll learn to know her limits in the future.*

Xiong Bochang looked utterly defeated. He had truly offended Dr. Qin now. There would likely be no chance for them to meet again.

This was the first time in his life he had done something so dishonorable. The shame weighed heavily on him.

“Then… I’ll arrange for a driver to take Dr. Qin back?”

Qin Chaoyu didn’t even want to speak to him. She merely gave a slight nod.

She knew Xiong Bochang hadn’t meant any harm, but so what? The final choice had been his. Any further apologies would only come across as insincere.

Xiong Bochang immediately called for a servant, instructing them to summon the driver and have the car brought to the front door.

The servant nodded and hurried off to carry out the young master’s orders.

Seeing Qin Chaoyu still standing, Xiong Bochang asked awkwardly, “Dr. Qin, the driver will take a moment to arrive. Would you like to sit down in the meantime?”

“Oh? What’s going on here? Why are so many people gathered in the hall?” A deep voice rang out as Xiong Lunbing stepped through the door, taking in the scene before him.

“Dad!”

“Brother!”

Xiong Bochang, his sister, and Xiong Zhimin all spoke at once.

*So this is the head of the Xiong family,* Qin Chaoyu thought to herself, nodding slightly. *He’s certainly an impressive figure.*

The resemblance between him and Xiong Bochang was unmistakable—the same piercing eyes, high nose bridge, full lips, tanned skin, and robust build. Despite being in his forties or fifties, he still looked remarkably youthful. Standing next to Xiong Bochang, they could easily be mistaken for brothers.

Xiong Zhimin’s eyes darted around before she quickly spoke up. “Brother! Well, you see, for sister-in-law’s illness, as soon as I heard Dr. Wang had returned to the country, I rushed to the capital to invite him. Hard work pays off—I managed to bring him here without delay to treat sister-in-law!”

Xiong Lunbing knew his sister well. As the only daughter in the family and with him being the eldest brother, much older than her, he had inadvertently spoiled her. Over time, she had grown narrow-minded, sharp-tongued, and selfish. He had once considered correcting her behavior, but between his busy schedule and her stubbornness, he had given up. After all, the Xiong family’s influence was enough to protect her for life.

But when had his self-centered sister ever cared about her sister-in-law’s well-being? This was truly a surprise.

Still, Xiong Lunbing knew better than to voice such thoughts. He forced a smile and said, “Thank you, Zhimin, for going to such trouble.”

“It seems today isn’t the best time for our discussion, Chairman Xiong. We’ll have to postpone our chat.” A magnetic voice suddenly came from behind Xiong Lunbing—so captivating it was like a feast for the ears. Everyone turned to look at the speaker.

For a moment, they were all stunned.

The man was young, definitely under thirty, with sharp eyebrows and piercing eyes. But what was most striking was his overwhelming presence—like a tiger ruling over the mountains, commanding respect even in simple black casual wear. He was clearly a man of extraordinary stature.

Xiong Lunbing slapped his forehead and laughed, turning to the man behind him. “Chairman Bai, my apologies. I had hoped we could have a proper conversation, but it seems you’ve come all this way for nothing.”

Xiong Bochang was stunned. He couldn’t fathom why his father would show such respect to a man young enough to be his son. *Who is this? The surname Bai… could it be… that family?*

The mere possibility made his heart race, his eyes burning with excitement. He quickly lowered his head, afraid his emotions would betray him.

Fortunately, everyone’s attention was fixed on the man who had instantly become the center of attention. No one noticed Xiong Bochang’s reaction.

Only Xiong Yunhan, standing close to him, sensed his agitation, but she was too distracted to dwell on it, assuming he was still feeling guilty over Dr. Qin.

Xiong Yunhan’s gaze was fixated on the newcomer, her heart pounding, cheeks flushed. It was clear she had fallen for him at first sight.

She had never imagined a man so perfect could exist—he embodied every fantasy she had ever had about her future partner. It was as if he had been tailor-made for her!

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that this was fate. Her eyes hardened with determination, as if she had made a life-altering decision.

Bai Jixi was growing impatient. He had little tolerance for social niceties and usually avoided them whenever possible. Today, on a whim after finalizing a business deal, he had decided to discuss other matters with Xiong Lunbing. Since the Xiong residence was nearby, he had come—only to find it a wasted trip.

But since Xiong Lunbing was one of the few people in the business world he respected, he suppressed his irritation, merely frowning slightly before letting it go.

Still, there was no point in staying any longer.

Just as he was about to take his leave, Xiong Zhimin let out a sudden shriek, startling everyone and cutting Bai Jixi off mid-thought. Annoyed, he turned his sharp gaze toward her.

Unaware of his displeasure, Xiong Zhimin blurted out, “Brother! The surname Bai—could this be the head of the Bai family?”

Xiong Lunbing had seen his sister’s lack of tact many times before, often cleaning up the messes she left behind. But this time, he was genuinely angry. With so many outsiders present, he couldn’t scold her outright, so he settled for a warning. “Zhimin!”

Realizing her blunder, Xiong Zhimin clamped her mouth shut, stepping back nervously. The man before her wasn’t just anyone—he was the head of the Bai family, a figure even more powerful than the Xiongs. Someone she couldn’t afford to offend.

But her outburst had already confirmed the man’s identity—he was Bai Jixi, the head of the Bai family!

Xiong Yunhan’s eyes sparkled even brighter, her ambition practically spilling out.

Being part of high society, she knew exactly what the Bai name represented—what *Bai Jixi* represented. Power and influence far beyond the Xiong family’s reach.

Wealthy, powerful, and devastatingly handsome—this man was the dream of countless women.

Under Xiong Zhimin’s frantic gaze, Xiong Bochang had no choice but to speak up. “Dad, this is Dr. Wang, and this is Dr. Qin. Both were invited to treat Mother.”

As he spoke, he gestured to each, ensuring his father knew who was who.

Wang Zhenyong couldn’t believe his luck. Not only had he met the head of the Xiong family, but now the legendary Bai Jixi stood before him. He had studied the elite families of the country—the Bai family was undoubtedly at the top!

If he could somehow befriend Bai Jixi, his future would be set!

Suppressing his excitement, Wang Zhenyong forced a calm tone. “Chairman Xiong, rest assured, your wife’s condition is in capable hands with me!”

Xiong Lunbing was aware of Wang Zhenyong’s reputation and didn’t mind his confident demeanor. He responded warmly, “Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“But this Dr. Qin…?” Xiong Lunbing asked curiously. He had noticed the young woman the moment he entered—not just for her beauty, but because she gave him an inexplicable sense of familiarity. He was certain he had never met her before, yet the feeling was unmistakable. At first, he had assumed she was a friend of his children’s, but it turned out she was a doctor—a rare sight at such a young age.

Still, Xiong Lunbing’s years in the business world had taught him never to underestimate anyone. And something told him this young woman was anything but ordinary.

He frowned, racking his brain. Why did she feel so familiar?

Then, as he glanced at Bai Jixi beside him, it suddenly clicked.

The same extraordinary presence, the same air of distinction—this girl gave off the same aura as Bai Jixi.

A true phoenix among mortals.