On the way to the Xu family residence, Ye Qiu asked Xu Changjin, “What’s the situation with your grandfather?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” Xu Changjin replied. “Two days ago, I got a sudden call from my dad saying Grandpa was seriously ill, so I rushed back.”
“As for the cause, we still haven’t figured it out, so we don’t even know what illness he has.”
Ye Qiu asked, “Changjin, do you know how your grandfather fell ill?”
Xu Changjin shook her head. “My father said he suddenly collapsed, but I don’t know much beyond that.”
Ye Qiu thought to himself, Sudden onset, unknown cause, this sounds rather strange.
“Ye Qiu oppa, your medical skills are exceptional. Please, you have to save my grandfather,” Xu Changjin pleaded. “If you can save him, I’ll do anything you ask.”
Ye Qiu glanced at her. “Anything?”
“Yes,” Xu Changjin nodded.
“Then be my girlfriend,” Ye Qiu teased.
Instantly, Xu Changjin’s face turned bright red.
She already liked Ye Qiu, and hearing this, she was ready to agree without hesitation. Just as she was about to nod,
“Thump!”
Ye Qiu lightly tapped her forehead with his finger. “What are you thinking? I was joking.”
“I’m a doctor. Saving lives is my duty.”
“Don’t worry, if there’s even a sliver of hope, I’ll do everything I can to cure your grandfather.”
Xu Changjin pouted, wishing he hadn’t been joking.
But now, alas.
She felt a twinge of disappointment.
Half an hour later, they arrived at the Xu family estate.
Stepping out of the car, Ye Qiu saw a grand manor before him, elegant, majestic, and imposing.
He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. As expected of a residence fit for a global tycoon. Truly enviable.
“Ye Qiu oppa, this way,” Xu Changjin said, leading him into the estate.
Ye Qiu was awestruck again. It’s massive!
The manor spanned tens of thousands of acres, featuring an open-air pool, lawns, rockeries, a golf course, and vast stretches of greenery, blending luxury with serene beauty.
Along the way, they passed numerous patrolling security guards who bowed respectfully to Xu Changjin.
Soon, she led Ye Qiu to a European-style villa.
Ye Qiu immediately sensed dozens of powerful presences watching him from the shadows.
Hidden guards.
Pretending not to notice, he followed Xu Changjin into the villa with a confident stride.
Inside, he saw a middle-aged couple seated on a sofa in the living room.
The man, around forty-five to fifty, had slicked-back hair, wore an expensive suit, and gold-rimmed glasses, exuding a refined air.
The woman, about forty, was strikingly beautiful with a graceful figure. She wore a black gown, her hair elegantly pinned up, her face adorned with meticulous makeup, and a jade-green necklace that spoke of regal sophistication.
Ye Qiu noticed their features resembled Xu Changjin’s and guessed they were her parents.
As expected, Xu Changjin said to the couple, “Dad, Mum, I’ve brought Dr. Ye.”
The couple stood and quickly approached Ye Qiu.
Before he could greet them, the man smiled warmly. “Dr. Ye, hello.”
“I’m Changjin’s father, Xu Zhiming.”
“Thank you for coming all the way to Daehan to treat my father. I’m deeply grateful.”
Xu Zhiming bowed to Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu smiled. “Mr. Xu, no need for formalities. Changjin and I are good friends. When a friend asks for help, I’m duty-bound to step in.”
The elegant woman smiled. “Dr. Ye, welcome to Daehan.”
“I’m Changjin’s mother, Song Huixian.”
“Changjin always said you were young, but I didn’t expect you to be this young, and so handsome. Truly a hero among the youth.”
Ye Qiu was surprised.
Song Huixian’s Mandarin was impeccable, not just fluent but perfectly articulated, even surpassing Ye Qiu’s own.
“Auntie, your Mandarin is the best I’ve ever heard. With your poise and presence, you’d be perfect as a CCTV news anchor in Huaguo,” Ye Qiu praised sincerely.
Xu Zhiming chuckled. “Dr. Ye, you might not know, but before marrying me, Changjin’s mother worked in Huaguo at a television station.”
“Oh?” Ye Qiu was intrigued.
Xu Changjin explained, “My mum used to be a presenter at Jinling TV. She loves Jinling so much that I chose to study at Jinling University.”
Ye Qiu laughed. “No wonder your Mandarin is so flawless, Auntie.”
Xu Changjin added, “My grandfather has always loved Huaguo’s traditional culture.”
“He says it’s the world’s oldest, most civilized, and advanced culture.”
“So, when my dad was seventeen, Grandpa sent him to study in Huaguo. That’s when he met my mum.”
“Oh, and my maternal grandmother is from Huaguo, so my mum is half-Huaguoren.”
“Changjin, don’t just keep talking. Let Dr. Ye sit,” Xu Zhiming interrupted with a smile, gesturing to the sofa. “Dr. Ye, please.”
Ye Qiu sat without hesitation.
Song Huixian promptly brewed tea for him.
“Mr. Xu, since Changjin and I are friends, just call me by my name. If you don’t mind, may I call you Uncle?” Ye Qiu asked.
Xu Zhiming was delighted by Ye Qiu’s approachable demeanor. “Having Huaguo’s medical sage call me Uncle is my honour.”
Song Huixian handed Ye Qiu a cup of tea. “Xiaoye, please have some tea.”
“Thank you, Auntie,” Ye Qiu said, taking the cup with both hands and sipping before his expression turned serious. “Uncle Xu, Changjin said Old Mr. Xu is gravely ill. Can you tell me more about his condition?”
Xu Zhiming’s smile faded, replaced by a look of worry. He sighed, “My father’s illness is quite strange, alas.”
“To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin.”
“Xiaoye, how about this? Let me take you to see my father.”
“Alright,” Ye Qiu agreed immediately.
“This way,” Xu Zhiming said, leading Ye Qiu out of the villa to a traditional Huaguo-style building.
