Chapter 80:

Sitting on her own sofa, Han Lanyi looked at the frowning Wang Qijing across from her, her head buzzing with irritation. She propped her head up with her hand, utterly drained of the energy needed to educate this clueless friend of hers.

Wang Qijing wore a despondent expression, her face full of worry, yet her eyes shimmered with hopeful anticipation. She clutched Han Lanyi’s hand urgently, desperate for an answer. “What do you think of my idea?”

Han Lanyi winced as her hand was squeezed painfully, and with Wang Qijing’s incessant urging, her already throbbing head ached even more. She abruptly yanked her hand away, stood up sharply, and roared, “I think it’s terrible! Are your brains full of weeds? What kind of ridiculous idea is this? Surrogacy? How dare you even consider it? Don’t you know it’s illegal? Does the Wu family have a throne to inherit that they absolutely must have a child?”

Wang Qijing hadn’t expected her friend to explode like this and was momentarily flustered, her hands fluttering uncertainly. She wanted to reach out to Han Lanyi but feared provoking her further.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and her lips trembled, but she only dared to sneak a glance at the furious Han Lanyi.

Han Lanyi had never seen her friend look so timid and weak before, and her heart twisted painfully.

She took a deep breath, swallowing back the scolding words on the tip of her tongue, and sat back down, forcing herself to speak patiently. “Qijing, listen to me—surrogacy is absolutely not a good idea. You and Wu Zewei have only been married for four years. There’s still plenty of time. Besides, you just have ovulation issues—it’s not like you can’t get pregnant at all. Why are you in such a hurry?”

“But… but…” Wang Qijing stammered, trying to argue.

“No buts!” Han Lanyi cut her off, turning Wang Qijing to face her squarely. She spoke earnestly, “Just trust me on this. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”

Wang Qijing hesitated, looking lost, but eventually nodded reluctantly, agreeing to abandon the idea of surrogacy.

After seeing Wang Qijing off, Han Lanyi slumped back onto the sofa, covering her reddened eyes with her hands.

She and Qijing had been friends since childhood. Their personalities clicked, and their bond had always been strong.

The Qijing of the past had been naive and carefree, but also lively and outspoken—radiant and charming.

Though her straightforwardness had often rubbed people the wrong way, her family’s status ensured no one dared retaliate.

Han Lanyi had always adored that version of Wang Qijing, shielding her from any harm.

Even after they both got married and couldn’t spend as much time together, their friendship remained intact.

But at some point, that bright and confident Qijing had vanished, replaced by this timid, dull, and miserable woman. Sometimes, Han Lanyi wondered if the Qijing she remembered had ever existed at all.

And the reason for this transformation? Simply because Qijing couldn’t conceive.

In their second year of marriage, a medical checkup revealed that Wang Qijing had ovulation disorders, making pregnancy difficult—though medication could help over time.

At first, the Wu family hadn’t made a big deal of it, assuming that “difficult” didn’t mean “impossible,” especially with treatment. But after four years without a child, their attitude shifted.

Though they dared not cross the Wang family outright, cold shoulders and snide remarks became routine—especially from Wu Zewei’s mother and sisters-in-law, who had nothing better to do than torment Qijing. If anyone was responsible for Qijing’s decline, it was them.

Every time Han Lanyi saw their ugly, spiteful faces, she wanted to slap them.

Just thinking about her friend’s current state made Han Lanyi’s blood boil.

She and Wang Qijing were the same age, yet Han Lanyi still looked youthful and vibrant, easily passing for a woman in her twenties. Meanwhile, Qijing seemed lifeless, like an old woman on her deathbed.

Lin Shengping returned home and found his wife slumped on the sofa. Remembering the maid’s mention of Mrs. Wu’s earlier visit, he understood immediately.

He sat beside Han Lanyi and asked gently, “Worried about Mrs. Wu?”

Han Lanyi lowered her hand from her eyes and shot him an annoyed glare, unwilling to answer such an obvious question.

Lin Shengping rubbed his nose, realizing his question was redundant, and tried to console her. “Don’t overthink it. Getting worked up won’t help Mrs. Wu get pregnant.”

Han Lanyi sat up, frustration evident. “Is having a child really that important? Do men really value bloodline continuation above everything else?”

Even if she couldn’t conceive, so what? With her prestigious family, stunning looks, and wealth beyond most people’s dreams, she could live a fulfilling life without relying on a man.

The conversation was veering into dangerous territory. Lin Shengping’s survival instincts kicked in, and he quickly clarified, “Of course not! Not all men think that way. From what I know, Wu Zewei isn’t even that fixated on Qijing having a child. It’s his mother who’s making things difficult.”

“Besides, Qijing is putting too much pressure on herself. If she eased up, she’d feel better.”

Han Lanyi sighed. She knew all this. If Wu Zewei hadn’t genuinely treated Qijing well, she would’ve urged her to divorce long ago.

But remembering Qijing’s words from earlier made her head throb again. “Do you know what she told me today? She actually suggested finding a surrogate! Has she lost her mind?”

Lin Shengping was equally stunned. He hadn’t expected Mrs. Wu to be so self-sacrificing—willing to go to such lengths just to give her husband a child. He wasn’t sure whether to call it foolish or profound love.

Honestly, Lin Shengping wasn’t fond of his wife’s best friend. He hadn’t known her in her earlier days, but judging by her current behavior, she must’ve caused Han Lanyi plenty of headaches.

Still, his irritation couldn’t outweigh his concern for his wife. Seeing Han Lanyi’s distress, he suddenly remembered—what about that Dr. Qin who cured their nephew? Her medical skills were extraordinary. Maybe she could help?

“What if we ask Dr. Qin for help?” he suggested.

At first, the name didn’t register, but then Han Lanyi recalled—this was the doctor who had healed their nephew!

She smacked her husband’s leg excitedly. “You’re right! Why didn’t I think of that? Dr. Qin’s skills are incredible—she must have a way to treat Qijing!”

She jumped up, ready to call Wang Qijing immediately.

Lin Shengping laughed helplessly and pulled his impulsive wife back. “Hold on, it’s late. You can tell her tomorrow.”

Han Lanyi glanced outside—it was already pitch black. Checking her watch, she realized it was 9 p.m. No wonder it was dark.

“Have you eaten?” Lin Shengping had just returned from a business dinner. Knowing his wife might’ve skipped meals over Qijing’s troubles, he asked tentatively.

Only then did Han Lanyi realize she was starving, her stomach growling loudly in response.

It wasn’t the maid’s fault—every time Wang Qijing visited, Han Lanyi lost her appetite. Eventually, the staff learned not to prepare meals for her on those days.

Lin Shengping shot her a reproachful look but dutifully went to ask the maid to cook.

After dinner, Lin Shengping, unusually firm, refused to let Han Lanyi contact Wang Qijing that night.

Reluctantly, Han Lanyi agreed to wait until morning.

Truthfully, Lin Shengping just wanted Wang Qijing to stew a little longer.

Any husband would resent someone who repeatedly ruined his wife’s mood and appetite.

Since he couldn’t retaliate openly, this petty delay was his small revenge.

The next day, Han Lanyi invited Wang Qijing out. Instead of immediately sharing the news, she took her shopping and for a spa day.

Initially disinterested, Wang Qijing went along out of politeness—but soon lost herself in the joy of retail therapy, her reluctance completely forgotten.

Lying on the massage table, after the beauticians finished applying treatments and stepped out at Han Lanyi’s request, Wang Qijing opened her eyes curiously.

Han Lanyi explained, “What I’m about to say is important—and private.”

Wang Qijing nodded obediently.

“You’ve heard about my nephew’s recovery, right?” Han Lanyi asked. Seeing confirmation, she continued, “Many wondered which expert cured him when even renowned specialists failed. Yet this doctor fixed him in just six months. Now he’s as healthy as ever.”

“Wait, why are you telling me this?” Wang Qijing asked, confused. “I already know about your nephew.”

Han Lanyi rolled her eyes. “Because this doctor might be able to help you. If medication hasn’t worked, why not consult her? Her skills are exceptional—she could have a solution.”

Wang Qijing’s eyes widened in excitement. She sat up abruptly, disregarding her face mask, and grabbed Han Lanyi’s hands. “Really? You think she can cure me?”

Han Lanyi, dizzy from the shaking, swatted her away. “You’re going to shake me apart! Lie back down, and I’ll explain properly.”

Wang Qijing complied eagerly—more obedient than ever.

Han Lanyi sighed inwardly. If only Qijing had been this receptive earlier.

But it was too late for regrets now.

“That doctor is in Yuzhou and quite famous there for treating rare conditions. We only learned of her through word of mouth, but after verifying her successes, we took the chance with my nephew—and you know the result. So yes, you should definitely try seeing her.”