From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor

Xu Chunliang said, "Sister Qingya, you’re someone who doesn’t partake in the mundane affairs of the world, someone who’s above petty intrigues. You shouldn’t concern yourself with these deceitful matters."

Ye Qingya said, "Why do I feel like you’re mocking me?"

Xu Chunliang said, "I wouldn’t dare. You’re my sister. A sister is someone I hold in high regard."

Ye Qingya laughed, her eyes instinctively glancing at Xu Chunliang’s crotch. Fortunately, he was behaving today. She realized her thoughts had been led astray by this guy.

Qiao Rulong was urgently called home by his grandfather. He analyzed the reason on the way. It was very likely that his uncle had complained about him to his grandfather. That uncle appeared honest and gentle but was narrow-minded. In the matter involving Tang Tianyi, Qiao Rulong had not shown him face, and he expected this to be reported to his grandfather.

When Qiao Rulong arrived home, Elder Qiao was in the study reading. The rattan chair he sat on had been polished over time, repaired many times. Qiao Rulong had proposed many times to replace it, but Elder Qiao always disagreed. Later, he learned that the chair was given by his father in those days.

Qiao Rulong called out, "Grandfather."

Elder Qiao put down the book, took off his reading glasses, and asked Qiao Rulong to turn off the air conditioner. It was getting a bit cold in the room.

Elder Qiao didn’t seem angry. With a gentle tone, he asked, "Rulong, how’s your health recently?"

Qiao Rulong smiled, "Very good. I feel no different from before." His heart gave a few involuntary faster beats—premature beats, but it quickly calmed down. Ever since the heart transplant, such situations occurred frequently. The doctor said it was normal.

Elder Qiao was pleased to see his grandson recovering health, but this was only on the surface. After all, the heart beating inside Qiao Rulong was transplanted from someone else. How long this heart could last was unknown. Although Elder Qiao successfully retained Qiao Rulong’s position at Hua Tou, how far he could go and how high he could reach was not something Elder Qiao was optimistic about.

Qiao Rulong asked, "Is there any reason you urgently called me back?"

Elder Qiao said, "It’s nothing major. I heard one of your friends was beaten up."

Qiao Rulong smiled, "My uncle came to see you?" If not, why would grandfather care about such a minor thing?

Elder Qiao said, "When you talk to elders, you need to be respectful. Your uncle is always concerned about you."

Qiao Rulong said, "I was a bit harsh when speaking to Uncle, but I think he’s prone to confusion on important matters."

The smile disappeared from Elder Qiao’s face. Although his eldest son’s confusion was true, it shouldn’t be Qiao Rulong to say it. The hierarchy in the Qiao Family was strict. Elder Qiao even believed that if Qiao Rulong could speak of his uncle in such a way today, he might do the same to him in the future.

Qiao Rulong noticed something in his grandfather’s expression and respectfully said, "Grandfather, I didn’t mean to disrespect him. I just think Uncle shouldn’t defend the offender. Moreover, the offender is the son of Tang Jingwei, the president of Huayuan Group. Huayuan Group used to be one of Pinghai’s star enterprises, but due to poor management, they are now deeply in debt. Their prior debt restructuring was rejected by the province. In this situation, Uncle’s continued regard for past relationships is clearly unwise."

Qiao Rulong briefly explained the situation, and only then did Elder Qiao realize the complexities involved. According to Qiao Rulong, Qiao Yuanjiang pleading for Tang Tianyi was indeed unnecessary. If it was simply for friendship, it might be understandable; involving other reasons would complicate things.

Elder Qiao furrowed his brows and said softly, "Does your uncle have a good relationship with the Tang Family?"

Qiao Rulong knew what his grandfather was worried about. "Grandfather, you should know my uncle. There shouldn’t be any financial interests involved. That’s why I think he’s being foolish. In this situation, less is more. Others would avoid it if they could, but he insists on meddling with the Tang Family’s affairs, asking me to let Tang Tianyi off. This matter has nothing to do with me. It was Zhao Feiyang who was beaten. Whether to let Tang Tianyi go is not for me to decide."

Elder Qiao reiterated, "Less is more. You’re quite enthusiastic about Zhao Feiyang’s affair too."

Qiao Rulong said, "He’s my lifesaver. He was beaten in the Capital City and asked me for help. If I refuse to stand up, what would others think of me? Didn’t grandfather always teach us to be grateful and repay kindness?"

Elder Qiao looked at his grandson and felt he seemed different after the surgery, though he couldn’t pinpoint the change. He picked up the porcelain cup on the table and took a sip of tea. "Rulong, have you seen Xu Chunliang recently?"

Qiao Rulong thought to himself that he saw him just last night, but he didn’t tell his grandfather. He shook his head and said, "He broke up with Xiaoxue, so there’s no need for us to interact anymore."

Elder Qiao said, "A few days ago, his grandfather came to see me. I felt quite uneasy about it."

Qiao Rulong said, "The breakup was Xiaoxue’s decision. We didn’t interfere."

Elder Qiao said, "Xiaoxue is quite sensible."

Qiao Rulong’s heart sank. Was grandfather implying that he was not sensible?

Elder Qiao said, "Your uncle came by today."

Qiao Rulong said, "You don’t visit the temple for no reason." His uncle Wang Sixuan is the CEO of Hua Tou, but when he needed his support, he didn’t get the corresponding assistance. This angered Grandpa, and now Uncle’s days aren’t easy.

After overcoming the family crisis, the position of deputy general manager of Hua Tou is within reach for Qiao Rulong, and it’s only a matter of time before he replaces Wang Sixuan. However, he is also very aware that the CEO of Hua Tou might be the highest position he can attain.

Elder Qiao said, "Your cousin is really worrying, always causing trouble for him."

Qiao Rulong said, "I’ve long urged my uncle to send him abroad, but they just won’t listen. That kid, Zeqiang, will get into big trouble sooner or later."

Elder Qiao nodded in agreement and said, "Many people have stumbled because of their family. Whether it’s family or friendship, there’s a need for moderation. You must maintain a clear mind at all times. Helping others is okay, but it should not be at the expense of your own interests. You can’t guarantee the character of the person you’re helping."

"Grandpa, I understand."

Elder Qiao reached out and held Qiao Rulong’s hand. Understand? But this heart doesn’t belong to him, nor to the Qiao Family.

Elder Qiao said, "Rulong, relax a little, no need to force yourself. I’ve lived long enough to realize that nothing is more important than a whole and safe family."

Qiao Rulong pressed his lips together, feigning an emotional reaction, but instead of feeling touched, he felt a bit disappointed. Grandpa’s seemingly caring words actually meant giving up on him; he no longer had hope for his path.

Qiao Rulong said, "Grandpa, I won’t let you worry about me anymore."

Elder Qiao said, "Silly child, what kind of talk is this?" He released Qiao Rulong’s hand. "By the way, what about your personal matters?"

Qiao Rulong understood what Grandpa meant and smiled bitterly, "Grandpa, you know my situation. I don’t want to get married again."

Elder Qiao cast a deep look at Qiao Rulong. Qiao Rulong didn’t dare meet Grandpa’s gaze. His issue with Qi Shuang had led to a marital breakdown, and he was well aware that the Qiao Family would never allow Qi Shuang to enter, even though Qi Shuang had already given birth to a son for him.

Elder Qiao nodded, "Your personal matters, your decision." Although he cared about his great-grandson, it didn’t mean Qi Shuang could use him to elevate her status. He regarded family honor above all else, and because of Qi Shuang, the Qiao Family and the Ye Family were nearly estranged. If Qiao Rulong dared to marry Qi Shuang, it would be seen as a great disgrace by the Ye Family.

The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. Elder Qiao no longer had hope for his grandson; as long as he was safe, that was fine. Such is the fate of the Qiao Family.

Just then, the guard knocked on the door and reminded Elder Qiao it was time to set off.

Qiao Rulong didn’t ask, nor did Elder Qiao tell him where he was going.

Elder Qiao was going to visit his wife’s grave; today was her memorial day. If he didn’t mention it, none of the children would remember, let alone the grandchildren, who hadn’t even met their grandmother.

The weather wasn’t good today, as it started raining midway. Once at the cemetery, Elder Qiao didn’t allow the guard to accompany him, instead holding an umbrella himself, heading to his wife’s grave.

Upon reaching the grave, he unexpectedly found that someone had already been there, with a bouquet of wildflowers placed before the tombstone.

Elder Qiao was taken aback, wondering if it was Qiao Yuanhong and his spouse? Qiao Yuanjiang was in Nanjiang, and hadn’t even mentioned coming to the capital for the grave visit on the phone. As for Qiao Yuanlan, who was abroad, it was even less likely. The biggest possibility was Qiao Yuanhong and his spouse, but if it were them, they shouldn’t give such wildflowers.

Looking at the wildflowers, Elder Qiao recalled the past when he and his wife used to take their children on outings. Among them, Qiao Yuanshan was the most thoughtful. Though he was still young, while the elder siblings were having fun, he quietly picked a bunch of wildflowers and gave them to his mother.

A mother’s ten fingers may be of different lengths, and they cherished Qiao Yuanshan the most.

Inwardly, Elder Qiao pondered that if Yuanshan were still alive, he certainly wouldn’t forget his mother’s memorial day.

Could it be misplaced? Elder Qiao dismissed this possibility; the tombstone bore a name and photo, no one would be that careless.

He initially intended to move the wildflowers but then reconsidered and placed his own flowers beside them.

Elder Qiao straightened up, holding the umbrella in one hand and rubbing his waist with the other. He was old; even this simple action of stooping and standing was becoming difficult. He realized that the Qiao Family’s splendor would fade along with his aging.

He lifted his head and looked towards a higher point, seeing a blurred figure standing in the rain, seemingly watching him.

Squinting his eyes, Elder Qiao attempted to see more clearly, but the distance was far, and the rain made it futile. Perhaps it was a gravekeeper; oddly, the person held no umbrella, standing unmoving in the rain.

Elder Qiao found it peculiar and felt an indescribable sensation. He decided to walk over to see, but after just a few steps, the figure turned away, heading towards a higher place.