Chapter 2: It Doesn’t Matter Whether She’s Beautiful

“You little rascal, I’ve never even had a boyfriend—why would you give me such a thing?” Lin Wanyu’s protest was swiftly interrupted by the other party, “My dear sister, I was only joking—don’t be angry!”

“Even jokes have their limits. Now look what’s happened—my fiancé saw it.” Lin Wanyu huffed. “He thinks I’m some shameless woman and broke off the engagement himself. I can’t swallow this humiliation.”

Back in her room, the more Lin Wanyu thought about it, the angrier she became. Her chest rose and fell with indignation, like a wild beast straining against the confines of its cage.

“Fiancé? Sister Yu, what’s going on exactly?” The girl opposite her was clearly intrigued now.

Lin Wanyu sighed. She had never hidden much from her closest friend, so she recounted the incident in broad strokes.

“Lan Jin, you’re always full of clever ideas. Help me think of a way to vent this frustration?”

Lin Wanyu gently rubbed her chest, trying to persuade herself that taking a step back would bring peace. But the truth was, the more she tried to let it go, the more infuriated she became; the more she endured, the more it felt like a loss.

“Sister Yu, a scolding brings peace, a beating adds years to your life. We’re all living our lives for the first time—why should we put up with injustice and please others at our own expense?” Lan Jin declared, rallying to her cause.

Lin Wanyu’s spirits lifted at once. “That’s my best friend, thinking exactly what I am.”

Just as Lin Wanyu was about to discuss their next steps, Lan Jin abruptly changed the subject.

“By the way, Sister Yu, was that man handsome?”

“Get out!”

...

After leaving Grand Prosperity Manor, Qin Chuan looked at the remaining eight marriage contracts with a lingering sense of unease. More accurately, he felt fortunate—thank goodness he escaped that engagement quickly, or the consequences would have been disastrous.

A lush green prairie was not the life Qin Chuan desired.

“The second daughter from the village is still pure. Women in the city are simply too licentious!” Qin Chuan mused.

But, to be fair, that woman surnamed Lin did have a remarkable figure!

“Time to continue breaking off these engagements,” Qin Chuan resolved, his eyes glinting with determination.

As the saying goes, small clues reveal the bigger picture; from Lin Wanyu alone, he could infer just how chaotic the private lives of these wealthy ladies must be.

Qin Chuan prided himself on his exceptional driving skills, but he only liked to test new cars—second-hand vehicles held no appeal for him.

Ring ring ring!

Just then, a distinctly old-fashioned Nokia ringtone sounded.

“Who is this?” Qin Chuan’s tone was curt as he saw the unfamiliar number.

“Grandmaster, it’s Xiaomin!”

A hoarse, elderly voice came through the receiver.

“Xiaomin? Oh, it’s you. Your heart was in such bad shape back then—hard to believe you’ve lasted this long. Truly lucky!” Qin Chuan reflected. He had saved this man years ago, predicting he’d last no more than ten years. Now it had been nearly fifteen.

The old man gave an embarrassed laugh, as if he had something to say but hesitated.

“If you’ve got something to say, spit it out. I’m busy!” Qin Chuan urged impatiently.

The mighty head of the Binhai City’s leading family now sounded like a child being scolded, not daring to show the slightest irritation.

“I beg you, Grandmaster, to save my life—I’m willing to give you anything.” Lan Weimin pleaded, his voice trembling.

“What value could an old man like you possibly offer?” Qin Chuan muttered disdainfully.

“Grandmaster, I have a granddaughter of stunning beauty who’s not yet married. Perhaps you might consider...”

“Enough!” Qin Chuan interrupted at once.

Lan Weimin hurried to apologize, “I was being presumptuous...”

“It doesn’t matter how pretty your granddaughter is. Healing is a doctor’s duty,” Qin Chuan cut in again, sounding righteous and magnanimous.

Lan Weimin was struck speechless, his breathing audibly heavier through the receiver.

“Your heart can’t handle too much excitement. Otherwise, not even the gods could save you. You’re in luck—I happen to be in Binhai now, so send someone to fetch me.”

“Yes, Grandmaster! I’ll send someone immediately—please tell me your location.”

Qin Chuan gave his address and hung up.

“I wonder what that old man’s granddaughter looks like? I just need someone to serve as a shield now that I’ve broken off the engagement. Let’s hope the girl is up to the task—otherwise, she won’t be able to command the stage at all!”

Lin Wanyu’s graceful figure flashed through Qin Chuan’s mind, prompting him to tut softly.

“If only she weren’t so licentious, the Lin family girl’s standard would barely suffice. Such a pity.”

...

Elsewhere.

The Lan family’s old residence.

An emaciated old man reclined against his sickbed. At his side, a young girl knelt, her exquisite face etched with anxiety.

“Grandfather, please hold on a little longer. The divine doctor Li will be here soon.”

Lan Weimin gently patted his granddaughter’s hand, wanting to say something, but lacked the strength.

His clouded eyes were full of fatigue. Had it not been for the hope brought by that recent phone call, Lan Weimin would likely have already passed away.

“Miss, Young Master Guo is here,” the Lan family’s head bodyguard announced respectfully.

“I understand. Come with me to greet him,” Lan Jin said, the disgust on her face quickly replaced by reluctant resignation.

Guo Zikun, the eldest son of the Guo family—one of Binhai City’s four major families. Lan Jin’s most ardent pursuer, bar none. Also, her most detested pursuer.

Today, however, Lan Jin had no choice but to force a smile, for Guo Zikun was the one who had invited the divine doctor Li.

Though Guo Zikun clearly harbored ulterior motives, at this moment, doctor Li was her grandfather’s only hope. Lan Jin dared not show any disrespect.

She led several core members of the Lan family to the main entrance for a formal welcome.

Soon, a young man in an Armani suit strode in, his face full of pride—it was Guo Zikun. At his side was an elderly man, white-haired and bearded, carrying a vintage medical kit. Despite his advanced age, the old doctor’s complexion was excellent, clearly well cared for.

“Jin’er, look who I’ve brought for you!” Guo Zikun hurried to Lan Jin’s side, brimming with boastful pride.

“Thank you for your trouble in inviting doctor Li,” Lan Jin squeezed out an awkward but polite smile in response.

Guo Zikun took the cue and replied, “For you, I’d go through any trouble. You have no idea how hard it was to invite doctor Li...”

“Young Master Guo, let’s talk later. My grandfather’s life is hanging by a thread—please, divine doctor Li, save him.”

Doctor Li gave no direct reply, instead glancing at Guo Zikun. Only after Guo Zikun nodded did he proceed inside.

Lan Jin was about to follow, but Guo Zikun grabbed her arm.

“What are you doing?” Lan Jin’s delicate brows furrowed, her displeasure clear.

Guo Zikun shamelessly refused to let go, smiling slyly, “Jin’er, if doctor Li manages to extend your grandfather’s life, you must honor your promise!”

As he spoke, Guo Zikun brazenly appraised Lan Jin’s alluring figure, his gaze full of undisguised desire and greed.