Xiong Lunbing didn’t intend to voice his discovery, choosing instead to keep it quietly buried in his heart. He knew better than to speak it aloud—given his understanding of Bo Jixi, if the latter learned of such thoughts, he would undoubtedly be furious. Offending others was not something Xiong Lunbing would ever do.
Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but feel a slight fondness for Qin Chaoyu. Recalling his son’s earlier mention that this young woman had come to treat Wenqing, yet noticing the presence of another doctor, Wang, Xiong Lunbing quickly grasped the situation. It seemed there had been some conflict before his arrival.
Just then, the servant Xiong Bochang had sent out earlier returned.
This servant, named Ma Kebin, had served the Xiong family for nearly eight years and was highly regarded by the household. Though only thirty-five, he was already being groomed as the next steward, largely due to his sharp intuition and discretion.
Upon entering and spotting the dignified young man beside the family head, Ma Kebin immediately recognized him as no ordinary guest. Aware of the presence of such an esteemed visitor, he refrained from entering uninvited. Instead, he stood at the doorway, head slightly bowed, eyes fixed on the ground, awaiting further instructions.
It was Xiong Zhimin who noticed him first. Spotting the servant her nephew had sent to fetch the driver, she called out, “Xiao Ma, come in, come in!”
Perfect. She had been itching to get rid of that little upstart. Now that the driver was arranged, there’d be no excuse for her to linger. Honestly, in her opinion, they shouldn’t even bother sending her off—she could just leave on her own! But knowing her nephew’s temperament, that was unlikely. Oh well, she supposed they could chalk it up to the Xiong family doing a good deed. Still, she resolved to avoid further contact with such lowly folk—it would only drag them down.
Xiong Zhimin’s elitist mindset stemmed largely from her marriage. At eighteen, she had fallen head over heels for her husband, Fan Chengchen, a penniless but handsome young man. Despite Xiong Lunbing’s vehement opposition—he saw right through the man’s greed—Xiong Zhimin’s infatuation blinded her. She even went so far as to sleep with him, becoming pregnant and forcing the family’s hand. The Xiongs, unwilling to endure the scandal, had no choice but to consent to a shotgun wedding.
The fallout was brutal. Though the family concealed the rushed marriage’s true cause, high society wasn’t fooled. At gatherings, Xiong Zhimin endured relentless mockery from those she’d once offended—taunts about her shameless pursuit of a penniless man, among other cruel jabs. The stress eventually caused her to miscarry her first child.
This humiliation marked a turning point in Xiong Zhimin’s personality. Once merely domineering, she became outright spiteful and foolishly self-assured, obsessing over status and pedigree to compensate for her husband’s lack thereof. Over the years, Xiong Lunbing and his wife often privately expressed relief that Fan Chengchen held no real power—his sole business venture relied entirely on the Xiong family’s patronage. Had she married into a truly influential family, it would’ve been a disaster.
Bo Jixi, observing all this, was astounded. In his experience, aristocratic women—indeed, most high-society individuals—prized their dignity above all else. Even those from fallen families clung desperately to their airs of nobility. Yet here was Xiong Zhimin, loud, crass, and utterly lacking in self-awareness—more akin to a market-town gossip than a lady of standing.
He exhaled softly, casting a sympathetic glance at Xiong Lunbing. Having such a sister must be exhausting. Suddenly, the pretentiousness of other aristocratic families didn’t seem so unbearable. At least he wouldn’t have to interact with this woman often—otherwise, he might’ve been tempted to strangle her.
Xiong Bochang blinked, wondering if his eyes deceived him. The Bo Jixi he knew—ruthless, decisive, a titan of commerce who’d bankrupted rivals without hesitation—was now radiating sympathy? He shook his head. When he looked again, Bo Jixi’s usual detached coolness had returned. Must’ve imagined it.
Refocusing, Xiong Bochang nodded at the waiting servant, signaling him to enter. Since his aunt had already called the man in, they might as well proceed. He doubted Dr. Qin wished to stay a moment longer.
Ma Kebin, well aware of Xiong Zhimin’s unreliability, only stepped forward after receiving the young master’s confirmation. Approaching Xiong Bochang, he murmured, “Young Master, the car is ready.”
Xiong Bochang acknowledged with a nod and dismissed him.
Noticing his son’s uneasy expression, Xiong Lunbing asked, “What’s the matter?”
Avoiding his father’s gaze, Xiong Bochang admitted, “I… arranged for a driver to take Dr. Qin back.”
Xiong Lunbing understood immediately—they must’ve chosen Dr. Wang over her. Still, his son’s handling of the situation left much to be desired.
“Is Dr. Qin’s full name Qin Chaoyu?” Bo Jixi interjected, having pieced together the earlier events. The description matched what his sister had once shared about her close roommate—a skilled, beautiful TCM practitioner.
Xiong Bochang startled. “How did you know, Family Head Bo?”
Qin Chaoyu, equally curious, studied the man. She’d never met him, but his surname sparked a vague realization—this must be Pengpeng’s brother. So, her roommate came from a prominent family after all.
Not that it mattered. Others’ wealth was their own affair; she simply needed to focus on herself.
“Lucky guess,” Bo Jixi replied.
Xiong Bochang wisely dropped the subject. Bo Jixi’s tone made it clear he wouldn’t elaborate.
Having confirmed his suspicion, Bo Jixi abruptly suggested, “Why don’t I escort Dr. Qin back?” He addressed Qin Chaoyu directly, indifferent to the others’ reactions—typical of his unapologetic demeanor.
Anticipating potential misunderstanding, he added unprompted, “My younger sister is Bo Pengpeng. She’s mentioned you. If she learned I encountered you today without offering assistance, she’d never let me hear the end of it.”
To anyone listening, it sounded like the words of a doting elder brother. Xiong Yunhan, who’d initially bristled at Bo Jixi’s offer, relaxed somewhat. Of course someone of his stature wouldn’t develop feelings so easily.
Had Bo Pengpeng been present, she’d have vehemently denied it—she wouldn’t dare throw tantrums at her brother, not in ten lifetimes.
After a brief pause, Qin Chaoyu nodded. She hadn’t wanted to accept the Xiong family’s transportation, but the school was too far to walk. Compared to enduring further humiliation, riding with Bo Pengpeng’s brother seemed the lesser evil.
“Let’s go then. Chairman Xiong, I’ll take my leave first.” Without checking if Qin Chaoyu followed, Bo Jixi strode out.
Qin Chaoyu bid the room a polite farewell and hurried after him.
“What’s with her attitude?!” Xiong Zhimin exploded once the door closed. “We kindly arranged a car, and she couldn’t even say thanks? Who does she think she is?”
“Aunt!” Xiong Bochang massaged his temples. He was at his wit’s end with her. “Enough. This was our family’s fault to begin with.”
Watching Qin Chaoyu leave, he felt an inexplicable pang of regret—as if he’d missed something significant. He scoffed inwardly. Probably just fatigue. His mother’s treatment took priority.
Xiong Zhimin huffed but fell silent at her nephew’s impatience.
Dismissing her, Xiong Bochang turned to his father. “Dad, shall we have Dr. Wang examine Mother now?”
“Mm.” Xiong Lunbing, equally concerned for his wife, rose and courteously invited Dr. Wang Zhengyong upstairs.
Meanwhile, Qin Chaoyu settled into Bo Jixi’s car and stated her destination without preamble. “Yuzhou University, thank you.”
Though it was still early enough to visit Tongrentang Pharmacy, exhaustion weighed on her. She longed only for her dorm room.
Today’s events had dredged up memories of past humiliations—her stepsister’s relentless barbs, the slow, deliberate twisting of the knife. Not the quick slash of outright cruelty, but the lingering agony of prolonged torment.
Noticing her furrowed brow and troubled expression, Bo Jixi guessed the Xiong family’s treatment still rankled. Youthful pride might’ve masked it earlier, but the sting remained. As the engine purred to life, his cool voice cut through the silence. “Don’t dwell on it. Such matters aren’t worth your energy.”
Qin Chaoyu blinked. Was he… comforting her?
Surprisingly, it helped. She inclined her head. “I know. Thank you.” Her distress hadn’t been about the Xiongs, but his kindness was appreciated nonetheless.
Bo Jixi said no more, steering the car toward Yuzhou University.
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