Chapter 75:

After finishing the acupuncture class that day, Qin Chaoyu quickly bid farewell to Bai Pengpeng and the others, asking them to wait for her before rushing out to catch up with Wei Bolan, who had just left.

“Professor!” Wei Bolan hadn’t gone far yet, and Qin Chaoyu immediately called out, “Could I take up a little of your time?”

Hearing this, Wei Bolan turned around and looked at the promising student he had recently noticed. With a smile, he replied, “Of course. What would you like to discuss, Qin Chaoyu?”

“Professor, I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to attend your private lessons. The truth is, I already have a master who has been teaching me since I was three. So, I don’t lack theoretical knowledge—what I lack is practical experience.”

Wei Bolan hadn’t expected this from Qin Chaoyu. Though he was disappointed that she already had a master and he couldn’t take her as his disciple, he wasn’t entirely surprised. Over the past few days, he had noticed that her theoretical foundation was solid, clearly the result of excellent early training.

Still, he had a soft spot for talented individuals and always wanted to help promising students. So he said, “Very well. Since you lack experience, would you be interested in an internship at Yuzhou Hospital? It might be a bit early, but I believe you’re capable.”

Yuzhou Hospital was a top-tier municipal hospital where Wei Bolan worked. Nationally, such hospitals were rare, and interning there was a dream for many fourth-year students nearing graduation.

After all, prestigious hospitals offered better benefits, and despite the competitive pressure, the pay was higher than at smaller hospitals.

To be honest, Qin Chaoyu was tempted.

It wasn’t about the salary—she wasn’t short on money. Benyuan Zhai was thriving, and as a shareholder, she had already earned a considerable amount.

But at the hospital, she would have a legitimate opportunity to interact with patients and gain exposure to a wider range of cases—exactly what she needed!

Qin Chaoyu quickly nodded. “Professor, I’d love to!”

Wei Bolan chuckled, unsurprised by her answer. “Good. Tomorrow is Sunday—come with me to Yuzhou Hospital, and I’ll arrange your internship. As an intern, your salary and benefits won’t be as high as those of full-fledged doctors or nurses, but I hope you won’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Qin Chaoyu waved her hand. “I don’t care about the pay. As long as I can interact with patients, I’ll be satisfied.”

Such a humble, eager-to-learn student who didn’t fuss over benefits was every teacher’s favorite—Wei Bolan was no exception.

Qin Chaoyu hadn’t expected that rejecting the professor’s private lessons would lead to such a pleasant surprise. This was even better than being a resident doctor at Tongrentang—at least now, she had the proper credentials to treat patients.

—

December 1st—the opening day of Yu Meiren.

Bai Pengpeng had chosen Huaxin Road for the first store, right next to one of Yuzhou’s busiest squares, 925 Plaza.

With such a prime location, attracting customers wouldn’t be a problem.

Since money wasn’t an issue, Bai Pengpeng had spared no expense in decorating the store, aiming for a high-end, luxurious aesthetic.

Yu Meiren specialized in traditional Chinese medicine skincare and natural products, emphasizing purity and authenticity. To match the brand, the décor leaned toward natural greens, with plenty of plants, making customers feel as if they’d stepped into a florist’s shop rather than a cosmetics store.

The sales staff Bai Pengpeng hired were all exceptionally beautiful, but the most important requirement was flawless skin.

After all, if the salespeople’s skin wasn’t good, how could customers trust the products?

Time had been tight, and the factory Bai Pengpeng acquired hadn’t produced much stock yet, but that wasn’t a pressing concern. Even with her confidence, she didn’t expect Yu Meiren to become an overnight sensation, breaking into high society and joining the ranks of top-tier luxury brands on the first day.

So, a mad rush for products was unlikely, and there was no need to worry about running out. By the time customers realized how effective the products were, at least a week would have passed—enough time for the factory to produce another batch.

When sending out invitations, Bai Pengpeng hadn’t deliberately leveraged the Bai family’s name, but given their status, many recipients still arrived on time.

Stepping out of the car, Lu Yaoqing glanced at the person beside him, a trace of barely concealed disgust flashing across his face. Without acknowledging his companion, he strode toward the store entrance.

Left ungreeted, the other man didn’t mind. He leisurely surveyed the shop—reportedly opened by the Bai family’s eldest daughter—stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Rumor had it that the Bai family’s young miss was a rare beauty. Just how stunning was she?

A flicker of lust passed through his eyes before he smoothed his clothes and confidently followed Lu Yaoqing inside.

Staring at Lu Yaoqing’s retreating back, his expression turned disdainful. *Just wait a little longer. Once I find a weakness, Benyuan Zhai will be mine to control!*

Lu Yaoqing reached the entrance and handed his invitation to the greeter.

After verifying it, the greeter returned the invitation with a slight bow, gesturing for him to enter.

Inside, the store was already bustling with guests—mostly women, which made sense for a cosmetics brand.

If not for his father’s strict orders to bring his so-called “good brother” to social events and help him “make connections,” Lu Yaoqing would never have come.

But since he’d brought the man in, making friends was up to him.

With that thought, Lu Yaoqing decided to find a quiet corner to linger for a while before leaving.

From his secluded spot, he observed the surroundings.

The store was spacious, with products displayed on walls adorned with greenery. In the center stood a curved counter, where two sales assistants answered customers’ questions.

Yet the hostess, Miss Bai, was nowhere to be seen. But she would likely appear soon—it was already 11:50, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was set to begin in ten minutes.

At noon sharp, Bai Pengpeng appeared for the ceremony. Alongside another young woman, she cut the ribbon, officially declaring Yu Meiren open for business.

The other young woman was someone Lu Yaoqing recognized—a member of the Han family.

Two wealthy, idle young ladies opening a shop for fun—an unconventional hobby. Most likely, they’d lose interest and abandon it soon.

Many shared Lu Yaoqing’s skepticism. Few believed Bai Pengpeng and Han Shuying were serious about entrepreneurship. Yet, even if they dismissed Yu Meiren as a passing whim, no one was foolish enough to openly scorn it.

After all, the Bai and Han families weren’t names anyone could afford to slight.

Seeing everything proceed smoothly, Bai Pengpeng finally relaxed.

She hadn’t rested properly in days, especially since she wanted to establish Yu Meiren without relying entirely on her family. Many tasks required her personal attention.

Now, she could finally breathe.

Han Shuying nudged her shoulder, whispering excitedly, “Pengpeng, we’re open!”

If not for the crowd and the need to maintain decorum, she might have jumped for joy.

Bai Pengpeng gave a quiet “Mm” in response. She didn’t tease Han Shuying—she was just as thrilled.

Regardless of what came next, Yu Meiren had taken its first step.

“Miss Bai?” A voice interrupted their moment of excitement.

Bai Pengpeng frowned. Though she wanted to ignore the man outright, as the hostess, she had to maintain some semblance of courtesy.

She turned to the speaker and asked coolly, “Yes? Can I help you?”

Clearly, Bai Pengpeng’s idea of “courtesy” was sparing a glance and deigning to respond.

Warm hospitality? Making guests feel welcome?

For the Bai family’s young miss, was that even possible?

Lu Weijin didn’t mind her attitude. The Bai family’s main branch had every right to be proud. He flashed a charming smile and said warmly, “Miss Bai, hello. I’m Lu Weijin, from the Lu family.”

He had expected that, if not for his family name, then at least his looks would earn him a few more words from Bai Pengpeng. Instead, she replied, “Oh. And?”

Lu Weijin’s smile nearly faltered.

His confidence wasn’t unfounded—his face was the type many women adored. Unlike Lu Yaoqing’s refined, aristocratic elegance, Lu Weijin was the handsome, sunny boy-next-door.

Yet when he smiled, a hint of roguish charm flickered in his eyes, enough to make hearts flutter. If he were facing an inexperienced girl, she’d surely blush.

This was his signature move, one he’d used countless times to woo girls in school.

Silence stretched between them.

Bai Pengpeng waited, but when no further words came, she grew impatient. Shooting him a disdainful look, she turned to leave.

Seeing her go, Lu Weijin hurriedly said, “Miss Bai, would you like to have dinner with me?”

Bai Pengpeng paused, giving him a strange once-over, as if baffled by his audacity.

Finally, she offered sincere advice: “If you’re sick, see a doctor early.” With that, she walked away.

Throughout the exchange, Han Shuying had stood by, arms crossed, watching the spectacle without interfering. But after Bai Pengpeng’s remark, she couldn’t hold back a snort of laughter. Glancing at the stunned man, she added, “Pfft. As if the Bai family’s young miss needs your invitation to dinner?”

Then she followed Bai Pengpeng, leaving behind a fuming Lu Weijin.

“Who do you think you are? The Lu family? What does that mean to the Bais? You think the Lu name is impressive? Hah.” Lu Yaoqing had approached unnoticed. In a low, icy voice, he mocked his “brother,” who had just played the fool. “Do you know what you looked like just now? A toad lusting after swan meat. Pathetic.”

With that, he walked away, his demeanor as composed and elegant as ever. No one would guess that this refined gentleman had just delivered such a cutting remark.

Lu Weijin lowered his head, eyes burning with resentment.

Clearly, he had developed a deep hatred for someone—or some people.

Meanwhile, Lu Yaoqing left in high spirits. Even knowing Lu Weijin now despised him, he wasn’t surprised.

A petty, narrow-minded man like him would never forgive someone who not only had a grudge against him but also mocked him afterward.

*Truly worthy of being the Bai family’s famously temperamental young miss. That attitude is rather charming.*