Chapter 52:

After that day, Xiong Bochang never contacted Qin Chaoyu again.

Qin Chaoyu didn’t care either. His absence likely meant he had given up on asking her to treat his mother. Of course, it was also possible that other family members had objected to her involvement.

It didn’t matter!

After the incident with the Xiong family, Qin Chaoyu realized that offering her services too readily made her seem cheap—just like before, when she had been humiliated without even getting the chance to treat the patient.

Human psychology was strange—things that came too easily were often undervalued. So, to ensure smoother medical practice in the future, it was necessary to maintain a certain level of aloofness.

Besides, though her reputation wasn’t yet widespread, her successful treatment of Old Master Gu and Lian Huijie had earned her some recognition in Yuzhou’s upper-class circles.

With that, she now had the capital to command respect!

~

That Saturday, during their day off, Bai Pengpeng mysteriously announced that she was taking their dormmates to an amazing place.

She claimed the food there was both delicious and nourishing, and securing a reservation was incredibly difficult. It was highly sought after among people in their social circle.

While Qin Chaoyu knew Bai Pengpeng’s background well, Qian Fangyuan and Miao Zhaodi had only a vague idea. Still, they could tell Bai Pengpeng came from a prominent family.

Given her status, she mostly associated with people of similar standing—individuals who had seen and tasted the finest things. If even they raved about this place, it had to be extraordinary!

This immediately piqued Qian Fangyuan’s curiosity, and she couldn’t wait to go.

Eventually, Bai Pengpeng led Qin Chaoyu and the others to Benyuan Zhai.

As they approached, Qin Chaoyu had a faint suspicion it might be Benyuan Zhai. Upon arrival, her guess was confirmed.

Though Qin Chaoyu never interfered with Benyuan Zhai’s operations, she was well aware of its success.

Since its opening the previous year, Benyuan Zhai’s business had flourished. Now, a year later, it was a favorite among the elite, with many considering it an honor to dine there. It dominated Yuzhou’s medicinal cuisine industry and had even carved out a niche in the broader culinary scene.

Not long ago, Lu Yaoqing had even discussed expansion plans with her, mentioning that several locations for new branches had been shortlisted, pending final inspections.

As a silent partner, Qin Chaoyu was delighted by Benyuan Zhai’s growth.

However, she had never actually visited since its opening. So, this trip with Bai Pengpeng marked her first time stepping inside.

At the entrance, a young and elegant hostess greeted them with a polite bow and a standard smile.

“Welcome! You’ve arrived at a good time—it’s not peak hours, so we still have tables available. May I see your membership card, please?”

Qian Fangyuan’s family was well-off enough that she had been to similar high-end establishments before, though never Benyuan Zhai. She knew places like this required membership cards—without one, entry might be impossible.

Since Bai Pengpeng had brought them here, she must have a card, so Qian Fangyuan relaxed and admired the décor.

But Miao Zhaodi had never been to such a place. She shrank behind Qin Chaoyu, intimidated by the hostess and feeling out of place, like an ugly duckling who had wandered in by mistake.

Sensing Miao Zhaodi’s nervousness, Qin Chaoyu took her hand to reassure her.

Bai Pengpeng handed over a black membership card from her wallet—a gift from Lu Yaoqing during a previous visit.

The hostess’s eyes widened slightly at the sight of the black card. Benyuan Zhai had issued very few of these, and they were reserved for the most distinguished guests. In all her time working there, this was her first encounter with a black cardholder.

Trying to contain her excitement, she bowed even deeper and said respectfully, “Of course, miss. Please follow me!”

Bai Pengpeng grinned. “Let’s go! Time for some amazing food! Trust me, their medicinal cuisine is top-notch, especially their signature dishes. I just hope they’re still available.”

Her enthusiasm only heightened Miao Zhaodi and Qian Fangyuan’s curiosity. Qin Chaoyu, however, felt a mix of emotions—after all, she was the one who had provided the recipes.

The meal did not disappoint. Miao Zhaodi and Qian Fangyuan were thoroughly satisfied, and even Qin Chaoyu, the recipe contributor, was pleased.

After eating their fill, the group prepared to leave.

*Knock, knock!*

“Someone’s at the door!” Qian Fangyuan said.

Bai Pengpeng dabbed her already clean lips with a napkin. “Probably a server.” She called out, “Come in!”

The door opened to reveal a strikingly handsome man with refined features.

His eyes crinkled warmly as he greeted Bai Pengpeng first. “Miss Bai, I had to come personally to welcome you. I hope I’m not intruding.”

Recognizing Lu Yaoqing, Bai Pengpeng relaxed. She had a favorable impression of the Lu family heir. “Not at all.”

Lu Yaoqing exhaled as if relieved. “Good.”

“Did you enjoy the meal?” He then shook his head, as if remembering something. “Ah, forgive me. Benyuan Zhai recently introduced some medicinal wines and teas, including a few varieties specifically for beauty and skincare. If any of you are interested, I’d be happy to arrange for you to take some home.”

What woman didn’t love beauty products? Qian Fangyuan’s eyes lit up, and she nudged Bai Pengpeng eagerly.

Even Miao Zhaodi was tempted, though she knew such luxuries were beyond her budget and quickly dismissed the thought.

Bai Pengpeng was equally intrigued. Even without Qian Fangyuan’s prompting, she would have wanted some. “Absolutely! Thank you, Manager Lu.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Only then did Qian Fangyuan realize this stunning man was Benyuan Zhai’s owner. Her heart fluttered—a handsome, sophisticated, and wealthy man like him was practically a prince charming!

Her pulse quickened at the thought.

While the server fetched the items, Lu Yaoqing turned to Qin Chaoyu, who had been quietly observing. His smile softened genuinely. “Chaoyu, it’s been a while.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded. “Indeed. How is Old Li these days?”

“He’s well. Keeps himself busy treating patients. Complains about being tired, but I can tell he enjoys it. In fact, all that activity has made him more energetic.”

“That’s good. I’ll visit him when I have time.”

With others present, Lu Yaoqing kept the conversation brief.

Qian Fangyuan and Miao Zhaodi were surprised Qin Chaoyu knew the owner. Bai Pengpeng, however, remained unfazed—she knew their acquaintance stemmed from Qin Chaoyu’s involvement.

The server soon returned with the requested items.

With their purchases in hand, Bai Pengpeng saw no reason to linger. Today’s outing had been about treating her roommates to a memorable meal, and now that mission was accomplished.

As she stood, Lu Yaoqing understood they were leaving. “Let me escort you out.”

He accompanied them to the entrance before bidding farewell. His main purpose had been to greet Qin Chaoyu—despite being the second-largest shareholder, she had never visited since the opening, and it had been a while since they last met.

On the way back, Qian Fangyuan chattered excitedly from the back seat, her words revolving around Lu Yaoqing.

Her dreamy eyes and flushed cheeks made her infatuation obvious.

Unfortunately, Miao Zhaodi knew little about Lu Yaoqing and wasn’t much of a talker, leaving her unsure how to respond. Qin Chaoyu had no interest in such topics, and Bai Pengpeng was focused on driving. Besides, she knew Qian Fangyuan’s crushes were usually fleeting.

With no one engaging, Qian Fangyuan eventually dropped the subject.

~

Two months into the semester, Yuzhou University’s notorious tradition struck again—first-year students faced midterm exams in both semesters. Though only two subjects (English and advanced mathematics) were tested, the results contributed to final grades, so no one dared take them lightly.

Thus began a frantic review period.

Emerging from the exam hall, the world suddenly seemed brighter—the sky bluer, the grass greener, the air fresher.

Just then, Xiong Bochang called.

Qin Chaoyu declined his first invitation, but he persisted, even showing up at the university in person. Under such circumstances, she reluctantly agreed.

This time, the venue was far more formal than a café—a private room in a high-end restaurant.

Declining Xiong Bochang’s offer to escort her, Qin Chaoyu took a taxi. The grandeur of the place told her everything she needed to know.

The real host of this invitation wasn’t Xiong Bochang. She had a good guess who it was.

It seemed Madam Xiong was at her limit.

A faint smirk curled Qin Chaoyu’s lips.

At the entrance, Xiong Bochang greeted her.

His stern demeanor remained unchanged, but the fatigue in his eyes betrayed his recent struggles. “Dr. Qin, please.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded slightly, signaling him to lead the way.

Inside the private room, Xiong Zhimin sat impatiently, grumbling to the family patriarch at the head of the table.

“Brother, this so-called Dr. Qin has some nerve making us wait on her!”