Chapter 53:

The head of the Xiong family didn’t speak, merely casting a faint glance at Xiong Zhimin.

That single look was enough to silence whatever words had been on the tip of Xiong Zhimin’s tongue.

Her expression turned awkward, and she turned away to stare at the table, saying nothing more.

She was deeply afraid of her eldest brother. No matter how arrogant or domineering she had been growing up, the moment he turned cold, she wouldn’t dare utter another word.

At that moment, Xiong Bochang arrived at the private room’s entrance with Qin Chaoyu in tow.

He pushed the door open. “Dad, Dr. Qin is here!”

With that, he stepped aside, revealing Qin Chaoyu behind him.

The head of the Xiong family still maintained some semblance of humility when seeking help. Upon hearing his son’s announcement, he immediately stood up and extended his right hand, greeting her warmly.

“Ah, hello, hello! I’m truly sorry to trouble you to make this trip, Dr. Qin.”

Qin Chaoyu stepped inside and observed the enthusiastic patriarch of the Xiong family, quickly deducing the reason for his exaggerated warmth.

The Xiong family had previously humiliated her—something that would deeply offend anyone with real ability. Though the primary instigator had been Xiong Zhimin, she was still a member of the Xiong family. If they didn’t act warmly now, expecting her help would be nothing more than a pipe dream.

Qin Chaoyu calmly shook his hand. “Hello.”

Her tone was neither overly cold nor overly warm, leaving the Xiong patriarch unable to gauge her thoughts.

As a seasoned businessman, the Xiong patriarch did care about face—but there were times when he could discard it entirely. Unfazed by Qin Chaoyu’s aloofness, he gestured politely.

“Dr. Qin, please, have a seat. Let’s talk comfortably.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded and took her seat.

Whether by design or coincidence, her seat happened to face Xiong Zhimin directly.

The moment she saw her, Qin Chaoyu recalled the woman’s spiteful, sneering expression from before. It was baffling—how could a family like the Xiongs raise someone with such poor manners?

Only three members of the Xiong family had come to this dinner: the patriarch, Xiong Zhimin, and Xiong Bochang.

Once everyone was seated, the patriarch didn’t immediately broach the subject of his wife’s illness. Business negotiations required patience, and this was no different. Instead, he signaled for the servers to bring out the dishes he had pre-ordered—all signature dishes from the restaurant.

Since they had been prepared in advance, the food arrived quickly.

“Dr. Qin, please try these dishes. They’re the restaurant’s specialties and very popular among guests,” the patriarch said warmly.

Xiong Zhimin’s lips twitched, as if she wanted to say, *Eat up while you can—who knows when you’ll get another chance like this?*

But she still had some shred of sense left. Remembering her brother’s warning before they left, she swallowed the words.

Even so, her expression betrayed her—a mix of disdain and condescension directed at Qin Chaoyu.

Seated directly across from her, Qin Chaoyu saw it all clearly.

Instantly, her appetite for the meal vanished.

*I knew it. I knew this dinner wouldn’t be easy.*

Truth be told, Qin Chaoyu had a proud streak herself. And why not? At such a young age, she had already mastered extraordinary medical skills—she had every right to be proud. But her gentle nature meant she would never belittle others to elevate herself.

Yet Xiong Zhimin’s repeated contempt and scorn would anger anyone, let alone Qin Chaoyu.

Her expression turned cold. “No need. This meal doesn’t seem worth the trouble. Let’s get straight to the point.”

Xiong Bochang’s heart sank. He was used to Qin Chaoyu’s gentleness—even when she had refused him before, she hadn’t looked like this. He immediately realized she was furious.

His own expression darkened as he instinctively turned to his aunt.

Xiong Zhimin’s face was an open book of disdain.

Xiong Bochang nearly laughed in exasperation. He had always known his aunt was foolish, but he hadn’t realized just *how* foolish. Despite their father’s warning, she had still deliberately provoked Qin Chaoyu.

Didn’t she understand how crucial Qin Chaoyu was to the Xiong family right now? She was the *last* person they could afford to offend!

Or—was she *intentionally* trying to prevent Qin Chaoyu from treating his mother?

The thought filled Xiong Bochang with resentment. From now on, no matter what, he decided he would keep his distance from this aunt.

Xiong Zhimin had no idea just how much she had just lost. Though her brother currently led the Xiong family, how much longer would that last? Eventually, the reins would pass to Xiong Bochang, the heir. And if the next patriarch held a grudge against her, how well would she fare—especially with a husband who only knew how to sweet-talk?

The Xiong patriarch also noticed Qin Chaoyu’s shift in demeanor. His smile froze for a split second—whether in response to her or his sister’s behavior was unclear.

“Very well. Since you’ve said so, Dr. Qin, let’s speak plainly.” Xiong Lunbing was direct. “You must already know why we’ve invited you—we hope you’ll examine my wife. Her condition has worsened recently, and I fear she might… Well, in any case, we’d like you to see her.”

At this moment, Xiong Lunbing wasn’t the formidable chairman of the Xiong Group—just a worried husband, desperate for his wife’s recovery.

His sincerity softened Qin Chaoyu’s expression slightly, but it wasn’t enough to erase the Xiong family’s past actions.

“I’m flattered that you think so highly of me, but I’m afraid I can’t help your wife. I’m just an ungraduated medical student. If even a skilled physician like Dr. Wang couldn’t cure her, how could I?”

“At least you know your place!” Xiong Zhimin sneered before turning to her brother with feigned concern. “See, Brother? We should find someone *actually* skilled to treat Sister-in-law.”

Xiong Zhimin was seething inside. For years, she had been treated with deference—even when her marriage had faced obstacles, she had never been humiliated like this. And now, she was expected to apologize to some *child*? As if she deserved it!

*Hmph. At least she knows her own limits.*

“Shut your mouth!” Xiong Lunbing snapped. “Who gave you the right to speak?”

Stunned by her brother’s harsh tone, Xiong Zhimin shot to her feet. “Brother, how could you scold me? Am I wrong? She’s just an ungraduated student—how could she possibly treat Sister-in-law? And who does she think she is, that you’d make *me* apologize to her?”

Only now did Qin Chaoyu realize why Xiong Zhimin was here.

*Is the Xiong patriarch actually trying to reconcile—or just picking a fight?*

Xiong Zhimin’s outburst finally pushed Xiong Lunbing past his limit.

He had always known his sister was arrogant, but he had assumed she at least had *some* sense. Now, it was clear her head was completely empty.

His gaze turned icy as he warned in a low voice, “Xiong Zhimin. *Sit down.*”

The venom in his tone startled her into silence. It was Xiong Bochang who finally pulled her back into her seat.

Once she was quiet, Xiong Lunbing took a deep breath and forced a smile at Qin Chaoyu.

“Dr. Qin, you’re too modest. You cured Old Master Gu’s illness and the paralysis of the Lian family’s heir. If *you* claim to lack skill, then no one else can call themselves a doctor.”

Qin Chaoyu knew the Xiongs would have investigated her past successes—she hadn’t tried to hide them. But so what? She was in no mood to help. Call her willful, call her lacking a healer’s compassion—she had mastered medicine to help others, not to endure insults.

“Those were just coincidences. I happened to know the treatments.”

Xiong Lunbing realized he wouldn’t persuade her today. And with his sister’s defiant expression, forcing an apology was out of the question.

With a silent sigh, he let the matter drop.

Having refused their request—and with Xiong Zhimin’s revolting attitude—Qin Chaoyu had no desire to stay. Despite Xiong Lunbing’s attempts to keep her, she insisted on leaving.

As she walked out, Xiong Bochang panicked. “Dad! How could you just let her leave? What about Mom?”

Xiong Lunbing exhaled. “Bochang, haven’t I taught you to stay calm? Only then can you think clearly.”

“…I understand.” Xiong Bochang schooled his expression. “So what now?”

“If one attempt fails, we try again. Talented people are naturally proud—and your aunt’s behavior has made this even harder.” Just thinking about the earlier humiliation made his blood boil.

He glared at Xiong Zhimin, torn between teaching her a lesson and the decades of affection he held for her. But if they wanted Qin Chaoyu’s help, an apology was likely necessary—and Xiong Zhimin’s current attitude would only make things worse.

Thinking of his wife—the mother of his children, the woman he loved—Xiong Lunbing hardened his heart.

“Zhimin, from now on, don’t come back to the Xiong family. Live with your husband, and never use the Xiong name again.”

Xiong Zhimin paled.

*What? Is he disowning me? Cutting me off?*

This couldn’t be happening! Without the Xiong family’s backing, how would her husband’s business thrive? How would they maintain their lavish lifestyle? And if her husband found out—would he blame *her*?

Trembling, she grabbed Xiong Lunbing’s sleeve as he stood to leave. “Brother! You can’t abandon me! Mom and Dad made you promise to take care of me!”

Xiong Lunbing shook her off. “I’ve cared for you all these years, done everything for you. But now, when my wife is ill and I ask for *one* favor, you refuse and ruin everything. Since you’re so capable, you don’t need me anymore. Take care of yourself from now on.”

With that, he strode out without a backward glance.

Xiong Bochang didn’t know why his father had suddenly turned so harsh, but inwardly, he relished the sight. He had no sympathy left for his aunt. Without another word, he followed his father out.

Leaving Xiong Zhimin alone in the private room, stunned.

*How could Brother be so cruel? Just because I wasn’t nice to that brat? Fine, I’ll change! I’ll change!*

*Just… don’t abandon me!*