Chapter 29:

In the study room of Yuzhou University, it was eerily quiet—not because everyone inside was engrossed in their studies, but because, apart from Qin Chaoyu and her group, there was hardly anyone else present. In other words, the room was nearly empty.

This was typical of universities. Generally, study rooms only became packed as finals approached.

Qin Chaoyu and Miao Zhaodi from her dorm were both diligent students, while Bai Pengpeng had vowed to follow Qin Chaoyu’s lead no matter what. As for Qian Fangyuan, she had no choice but to tag along, which was why their group was so complete.

But sitting in the study room, Qian Fangyuan truly couldn’t focus. She was the type who crammed at the last minute—usually inattentive in class, never reviewed after lectures, and then panicked during finals.

With nothing to do, she propped her chin on her hand and zoned out.

When she snapped back to reality, she noticed Bai Pengpeng wearing a silly grin and found it odd.

Lately, she had seen Bai Pengpeng like this quite often, which was a stark contrast to the young lady’s usual demeanor. Previously, Bai Pengpeng had either been ruthlessly sarcastic, unbearably tsundere, or icy toward outsiders, earning her the nickname “Cold Beauty.” The only person she showed gentleness to was Qin Chaoyu. For her to act like this now? Definitely suspicious.

Could she be… lovesick?

The more Qian Fangyuan thought about it, the more convinced she became. Excited by her own speculation, she couldn’t wait to share it with someone.

“Hey, hey!” She nudged Qin Chaoyu’s arm.

Qin Chaoyu was deeply immersed in a medical book, marveling at its brilliance. She wondered which predecessor had written it, filled with so many ingenious ideas that left her in awe.

Suddenly interrupted by Qian Fangyuan, she snapped out of her trance. Returning to that level of focus wouldn’t be easy now.

Resigned, she set the book aside, ready to hear what Qian Fangyuan had to say. But this also made her decide that studying alone in the future would be better.

Worried Bai Pengpeng might overhear, Qian Fangyuan lowered her voice and whispered, “Chaoyu, haven’t you noticed how off Bai Pengpeng has been acting lately?”

Qin Chaoyu thought back but shook her head. She hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

Qian Fangyuan shot her a look of exasperation. “You haven’t noticed how she keeps zoning out and grinning like an idiot? Look, look—she’s doing it again! I’m telling you, something’s definitely up!”

Her tone was so certain it was as if she’d stamped her verdict on it.

Now that Qian Fangyuan mentioned it, Qin Chaoyu did think Bai Pengpeng seemed a little odd. But she wasn’t the overly curious type, and right now, all her focus was on improving her medical skills. Besides, whatever was going on with Bai Pengpeng was her private business. As friends, the most they could do was respect her—pretend not to notice if she didn’t want to talk, and lend an ear and support when she did.

With that in mind, Qin Chaoyu ignored Qian Fangyuan’s gossipy expression and patted her head. “Who knows what goes on in that head of yours all day. Don’t you get tired filling it with nonsense?”

Then she picked up her medical book again, embodying the image of a complete bookworm.

Qian Fangyuan pouted cutely and stuck out her tongue. What could she do? Gossiping was in her nature—no gossip, no life!

But Qin Chaoyu’s response made her stance clear. With no one to share her excitement with, Qian Fangyuan lost interest and pulled out her phone to browse celebrity gossip and pass the time.

Ah, life—so frustrating sometimes!

Bai Pengpeng had no idea her recent behavior was being mistaken for lovesickness. She was just… really happy.

Ever since that conversation with her brother, she’d realized he wasn’t as scary as she’d thought. And the most thrilling part? He actually cared about her. That realization had left her so elated she kept breaking into silly grins.

~

Tongrentang

“Old Li, what’s the matter?” Qin Chaoyu had rushed over from campus as soon as she received Li Zhongming’s call that morning. He’d said there was something important to discuss, and fearing an emergency, she’d come straight after class.

Li Zhongming hadn’t expected her to arrive so quickly. He’d assumed she’d come at the earliest the next day, but she’d shown up shortly after he hung up.

A little embarrassed, he gestured for her to sit and poured her a cup of tea to settle down.

“My apologies for not being clearer. I didn’t expect you to rush over like this,” he said regretfully.

After finishing her tea and setting the cup on the octagonal table, Qin Chaoyu realized the matter was important but not urgent.

Still, she couldn’t possibly accept his apology. “I was the one who overreacted.”

After a pause, she got straight to the point. “Since I’m already here, Old Li, just tell me what’s going on.”

“Very well.” Li Zhongming straightened his expression. “After you cured Old Master Gu’s illness, many people wanted to consult you and came to me. But since you were about to start military training, I turned them all away to avoid disturbing you. Later, you didn’t reappear in high society, and those aristocratic families—always forgetful—stopped looking for you.

“Not long ago, the eldest son of the Xiong family somehow got wind of you from the Gus and approached me, asking me to facilitate a meeting so you could treat his mother. After much deliberation, I decided to inform you. Whether you accept is entirely your choice.”

“Oh?” Qin Chaoyu guessed the Xiong family must be significant for Li Zhongming to call her personally. “Old Li, could you tell me more about the Xiong matriarch’s condition?”

At this, Li Zhongming sighed and stroked his beard. “I’ve treated her before, but my skills fell short. Her illness has persisted for years—she nearly died from severe bleeding during the birth of her youngest child. Though her life was saved, her health never recovered. She’s been bedridden ever since, reliant on medicine and strict rest.

“But in a way, she’s fortunate. Her three children are exceptionally filial and have never given up seeking treatment for her.”

Severe bleeding?

Qin Chaoyu understood immediately. For women, childbirth was a brush with death. Though modern medicine had reduced the risks compared to the past, dangers still lurked at every turn.

“The Xiong matriarch used to be a lively, spirited woman. But since falling ill, she’s lost that vitality. No one would believe how radiant she once was.”

After sharing what he knew, Li Zhongming asked, “Young friend, will you take this case?”

Without hesitation, Qin Chaoyu replied, “Of course I will!”

Not only would she take it—she’d use it to shock that circle once again.

With her agreement, Li Zhongming arranged for her to meet the Xiong family’s eldest son to discuss details.

Not wanting to complicate things, Qin Chaoyu suggested meeting at Tongrentang.

The Xiong heir, clearly anxious, set the date as soon as she agreed.

Xiong Bochang, the eldest son of the Xiong family, bore a scholarly name but had a strikingly martial appearance—sharp eyebrows, piercing eyes, and sun-kissed skin. He wasn’t the type of handsome that caught the eye instantly, but his presence grew more compelling the longer one looked. His muscular build hinted at regular exercise.

Beneath that rugged exterior, however, lay a keen mind.

Though the meeting was hastily arranged, his sincerity and respect were evident, which Qin Chaoyu appreciated.

This also revealed Xiong Bochang’s social finesse—he knew exactly how to win people over, a skill befitting the Xiong family’s next heir.

But no matter how adept he was, right now, he was simply a son worried about his mother. The moment they sat down, he asked urgently, “When can you come to treat my mother, Miss Qin?”

Qin Chaoyu understood his impatience. Anyone with a sick loved one would feel the same. “This Sunday,” she said straightforwardly. “I’ll have time then to see her.”

Sunday was just two days away. However anxious Xiong Bochang was, he could wait that long. He nodded in agreement.