From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

When the two of them returned from shopping, they saw Gao Xinhua and Ji Jiajia chatting animatedly. Ji Jiajia wasn’t crying, and Su Qing wasn’t crying either.

While Zheng Peian was preparing in the kitchen, Xu Chunliang called Su Qing aside: "What’s going on?"

Su Qing whispered: "Secretary Gao is amazing; he’s practically Ji Jiajia’s spiritual mentor. You’re still Jiajia’s teacher yet clueless about what she really wants in her heart."

Actually, even if Su Qing didn’t say it, Xu Chunliang could see it too. Gao Xinhua and Ji Jiajia unexpectedly hit it off. One had a daughter studying far away and lots of fatherly love to give, the other lacked fatherly love—somewhat like two peas in a pod finding each other.

During dinner, Ji Jiajia took the initiative to pour wine for Gao Xinhua, and Xu Chunliang was completely dumbfounded. Since he had known Ji Jiajia, he had never seen her show such respect to anyone.

The real reason for this is that Xu Chunliang had never been a father, especially not to a daughter. He didn’t understand the psychology of girls, and neither did Hua Zhuyue. Despite caring for Ji Jiajia, she couldn’t find the right way. Bringing Ji Jiajia to Dongzhou was a desperate move for Xu Chunliang.

Gao Xinhua was different, with quite a wealth of experience in educating daughters. He had raised Gao Xiaobai so well, and he was also a devoted daughter-loving father. After the heart-to-heart with Ji Jiajia, he was full of affection for her. How could such a lovely girl have ALS? Fate was indeed unfair.

Gao Xinhua had a few more drinks today and, under the influence, said: "Jiajia, I really like you. I want to recognize you as my goddaughter."

Ji Jiajia was stunned for a moment. Before she could say anything, Xu Chunliang interrupted: "Uncle Gao, you’ve had too much; this won’t do. Ji Jiajia is my disciple, and there’s a generational gap between you two." According to the proper seniority, Ji Jiajia should call Gao Xinhua grandpa.

Gao Xinhua said: "What’s the big deal? She learns from you and calls you teacher, recognizing me as godfather doesn’t conflict with that. There’s no rule against it, right? Plus, you haven’t taught Jiajia much, just pushing her away when things happen. A good girl was labeled a mental case by you; on that point alone, as a teacher, you’re failing."

Ji Jiajia said: "But if I recognize you as godfather, then I’d have to call him brother."

Gao Xinhua replied: "You can call whatever you like; it’s not his business. It’s between us."

Zheng Peian chimed in to disrupt: "Secretary Gao is really drunk."

Gao Xinhua said: "I’m not drunk. The more I look at Jiajia, the more I like her. Jiajia, make your own decision. If you don’t want to recognize me, that’s okay. I’ll still cherish you just the same."

Ji Jiajia’s eyes rolled around, and then she suddenly knelt down before Gao Xinhua with a thud: "Godfather!" With just that one word, she started crying.

Seeing her cry, Gao Xinhua quickly helped her up: "Sweetheart, don’t cry. From now on, you’re my real daughter."

Xu Chunliang, Su Qing, and Zheng Peian were all dumbfounded. Tonight, they thoroughly became the background players. They initially thought Gao Xinhua came over to demand an explanation, but unexpectedly, it concluded with a big family recognition scene.

Xu Chunliang originally suspected Gao Xinhua was angry with him, thus coming to break up their group. But it seemed Gao Xinhua was serious. His eyes were even reddened when he talked to Ji Jiajia, and he immediately transferred her ten thousand yuan as a meeting gift.

This amount wasn’t much for Ji Jiajia. She didn’t really want to accept it, but Gao Xinhua insisted she did. Not only that, Gao Xinhua called his wife, Xiao Chuhong, right away to tell her about recognizing his goddaughter. Xiao Chuhong was truly a virtuous wife and devoted mother, trusting Gao Xinhua’s judgment and supporting whatever decision he made.

Gao Xinhua also video-called his father, Gao Hong Hall, to share the news of recognizing a goddaughter. Gao Hong Hall was extremely happy. Ji Jiajia also showed her unprecedented sweetness, calling him grandpa, which brought endless joy to the elder gentleman opposite them.

Xu Chunliang even wondered if he was dreaming because he had never seen this child be so polite before.

Zheng Peian whispered to Xu Chunliang: "They really clicked."

The dinner was extraordinarily harmonious, and just as it was about to end, Xiao Chuhong arrived. She guessed Gao Xinhua had drunk a lot and came specifically to pick him up, taking the opportunity to meet her goddaughter.

Ji Jiajia, also having had some to drink, graciously called her godmother.

Xiao Chuhong grasped Ji Jiajia’s hand, looking her over with a smile: "This girl is truly beautiful." She took off her gold bracelet and placed it on Ji Jiajia’s wrist.

"Godmother, I can’t take it."

Xiao Chuhong said: "You must accept it, without question."

Xu Chunliang and the others watched from one side. They could never have imagined that Gao Xinhua and Ji Jiajia would become such a pair. But thinking deeply, it was a good thing. Ji Jiajia lacked family love, which the Gao family had in abundance. One lacked love, the other two were overflowing with love without release; they had finally found their matches.

That night, Gao Xinhua and his wife took Ji Jiajia back to their home. They had plenty of space, and having recognized her as goddaughter, they treated her as family. They chatted long and deeply, forming a strong bond. Not only did Gao Xinhua connect with Ji Jiajia, Xiao Chuhong genuinely liked the child, holding her hand lovingly. The usually rebellious Ji Jiajia didn’t resist this affection at all; she truly enjoyed it.

Zheng Peian realized he was a bit superfluous and left without even washing the dishes. It wasn’t that he wanted to shirk duties but that he didn’t want to be a third wheel.

Su Qing had originally planned to leave after tidying up, and as she cleaned, Xu Chunliang leaned against the kitchen door watching her.

Su Qing blushed slightly: "What are you staring at? Haven’t you seen this before?"

Xu Chunliang said: "Do you think I haven’t cared enough for Ji Jiajia?"

Su Qing nodded: "Secretary Gao was right. You indeed haven’t cared enough for Ji Jiajia; you have no idea what’s on her mind."

Xu Chunliang replied: "I’ve never been a father, so I’m indeed lacking in that regard, neglecting the children’s feelings." He paused and then added, "Do you think I’ve also cared a bit less for you?"

Su Qing said: "Don’t talk nonsense, I’m not a child. What time is it? I have to go."

Xu Chunliang said: "Didn’t you say you were staying over tonight?"

Su Qing’s face warmed again. She would have stayed if Ji Jiajia were there, but since Ji Jiajia went to meet her godparents, staying alone with Xu Chunliang felt awkward.

Su Qing said, "I just remembered something, I need to go home to get something."

Xu Chunliang said, "Can your place still be lived in?"

Su Qing replied, "Why not? Just tidy it up a bit. I stayed there last time I came back."

Xu Chunliang said, "I thought you sold the place?"

Su Qing shook her head and said, "I wanted to sell it initially, but I decided to keep it. There’s no telling when my dad might come back; I don’t want him to find no home when he does."

Xu Chunliang sighed inwardly, seeing how Su Qing and Ji Jiajia were in a similar situation with their fathers missing. No wonder they got along so well. Both their fathers disappeared without a word, though Ji Buyao went even further by faking a shark attack.

Su Qing said, "I feel Jiajia is quite innocent. Secretary Gao wasn’t wrong; she’s been craving affection, that’s why she does all those unreliable things, trying to get attention. As for you, her master, you’re kind of negligent."

Xu Chunliang said, "Well, it’s not like I’ve been a father before."

Su Qing said, "You will be eventually."

Xu Chunliang looked at Su Qing and said, "With whom would I have a child?"

Su Qing felt embarrassed by his gaze, tidied up the tableware, and said softly, "I’m leaving then."

She said she was leaving, but showed no intention of moving her feet.

Xu Chunliang said, "Let me see you off."

"No need, you’ve been drinking. How will you get back if you take me?"

Xu Chunliang said, "How about you drive my Audi, I’ll accompany you home, and you can bring it back to me."

"If I come back, will you still take me?"

"Of course!"

Su Qing couldn’t help but laugh, "Aren’t you bothered by all this back and forth?"

"I just don’t feel at ease with you going back alone. Why not stay and sleep in the guest room instead?"

"I... I didn’t bring any change of clothes." Su Qing clearly compromised.

"That’s fine, you can find a set in Zhen Chun’s room. She has plenty she’s never worn."

Su Qing hesitated for a moment but then nodded; she actually didn’t want to leave.

After showering, Su Qing received a message from Xu Chunliang. He sent a picture showing the terrace with fruits and red wine ready.

Su Qing couldn’t help but smile, quickly tidied herself up, chose a set of clothes and changed, checking herself repeatedly in the mirror before heading out to the terrace to find Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang laughed, "I must say, Zhen Chun’s clothes actually fit you quite well," he said, eyeing her chest, which seemed a bit snug due to the slightly smaller size, contrasting with Su Qing’s typically less daring style.

Su Qing noticed his gaze and laughed a bit awkwardly, "These are new. Zhen Chun left quite a few things; I’ll buy a set for her tomorrow to put back."

Xu Chunliang said, "No need, she’s not that petty."

Su Qing whispered, "I’m just worried she might notice."

Xu Chunliang burst out laughing; Su Qing, feeling a bit shy, playfully punched his shoulder before sitting across from him.

Xu Chunliang said, "Clear breeze, bright moon, fine wine, a fair lady—there’s nothing more joyful in life than this."

Su Qing, cupping her beautiful face, gazed softly, even dimming the moonlight’s brightness.

Xu Chunliang poured two glasses of red wine, "When you rushed out to confront those people today, you honestly surprised me; for a moment, I couldn’t believe it was you."

Su Qing said, "I don’t know why, but when I saw that woman cursing at you, I just couldn’t hold back; I just... just really wanted to protect you."

Xu Chunliang smiled and looked at her, "Protect me, huh?"

Su Qing blushed, "Does it sound like I’m overestimating myself?"

Xu Chunliang shook his head, "Not at all; I actually like being protected by you."

Su Qing gently said, "If you like it, I’ll protect you for a lifetime." After speaking, she shyly lowered her head, gazing at the moonlight’s reflection on the glass table surface.