Chapter 28: Ji Xueyao Treats Illnesses
Zhao Dong was utterly surprised. He never expected to run into his former class president and goddess, Ji Xueyao, here. After all, Ji Xueyao had been the top beauty among the four school belles, the ultimate goddess of their school! With her stunning looks and illustrious family background, Ji Xueyao was always a dazzling presence wherever she went.
A hint of astonishment also touched Ji Xueyao's pretty face as she said, "Zhao Dong, I remember you joined the military back then. Why are you back?"
Zhao Dong smiled. "I've been discharged, Class President. I just got back a few days ago."
"I see," Ji Xueyao replied with a smile. "I almost didn't recognize you. You've changed."
"How so?"
Ji Xueyao simply smiled without elaborating. A moment later, she glanced at her watch and spoke with some urgency. "Zhao Dong, let's catch up another time. I have something to attend to, so I have to go now."
Zhao Dong quickly responded, "Of course, Class President. You should go if you're busy."
Just as Ji Xueyao was about to leave, Zhao Dong noticed the medicinal herbs in her hand and called out again. "Class President, those herbs look like they're for treating an illness. Is someone in your family sick?"
Hearing this, Ji Xueyao paused and looked at Zhao Dong with surprise. "You can tell? Yes, my dad is seriously ill. I came to get some medicine for him."
Zhao Dong pondered for a moment before saying, "Class President, you helped me out back in school. How about you let me come along? To be honest, I know a little about medicine myself."
Ji Xueyao, however, offered a bitter smile. "Zhao Dong, my dad's illness isn't an ordinary one. Many doctors have seen him, but none could cure him. A renowned doctor is on his way to see him, and he's our only hope right now. I appreciate the thought, thank you!"
Her implication is clear; she doesn't believe me. It's understandable. After all, I'm so young and just back from the military… Who would believe I could treat illnesses?
Zhao Dong smiled. "Class President, I know you're a bit skeptical, but I really can treat illnesses. Do you think I, Zhao Dong, am the type of person to lie?"
Ji Xueyao wavered. She knew Zhao Dong's character, but she truly couldn't bring herself to believe he knew medicine. She still politely declined, "There's no need, Zhao Dong. I appreciate the offer, and I thank you on my father's behalf. We can talk another day. I really must be going."
Zhao Dong gave a bitter smile and nodded. He had said all he could, yet she still didn't believe him. There was nothing more to be done.
Ji Xueyao got into her car. Just as she was about to drive away, she glanced at Zhao Dong not far off, and a strange feeling came over her.
Should I let Zhao Dong give it a try? After all, my father is critically ill. An extra person might be an extra bit of help. What if he's actually useful? I can't afford to discard any sliver of hope!
With that thought, Ji Xueyao rolled down the window, revealing her face, and beckoned to him. "Zhao Dong, get in!"
Zhao Dong smiled and slid into the passenger seat. "Back in school, everyone said your family was rich, Class President. This car must be worth over a million."
Ji Xueyao gave a wry smile as she drove. "I don't know. My dad bought it for me. I don't really have any concept of money."
Zhao Dong sighed. "You only feel that way because you're rich. For poor people like us, money is the most important thing. Countless people envy your life, Class President."
Ji Xueyao glanced at Zhao Dong, shook her head, and said softly, "No, it's quite the opposite. I don't like this kind of life. I think a simple life would be very nice."
Zhao Dong gave her another look, somewhat surprised.
Ji Xueyao smiled without saying more. They soon arrived at her home, and the sight of it astounded Zhao Dong. The Ji family lived in a detached villa on a large plot of land, with several parking spaces inside its gates.
After she parked, he followed Ji Xueyao into the villa.
An elegantly dignified and attractive woman was sitting on the sofa in the first-floor living room. This was Ji Xueyao's mother, Wu Qiuyue.
As Ji Xueyao entered, she said, "Mom, I bought the herbs Doctor Li Mingyi wanted. Aren't they here yet?"
Wu Qiuyue, who had been sitting on the sofa silently weeping, had red-rimmed eyes. Hearing Ji Xueyao's voice, she looked up and immediately noticed Zhao Dong. Bewildered, she asked, "Xueyao, who is this?"
Ji Xueyao bit her lip. "Mom, this is my classmate, Zhao Dong."
Wu Qiuyue's brows knitted slightly as she looked Zhao Dong up and down, taking in his shabby clothes. She said with displeasure, "Xueyao, how can you bring just anyone home? Don't you know what condition your father is in?"
Ji Xueyao glanced at Zhao Dong, who stepped forward. "Auntie, it's like this. I know a little about medicine. Class President Ji helped me back in school, so I wanted to see if I could be of any help."
"No need," Wu Qiuyue replied coldly. "You can't help with anything. Our family is busy right now. You should leave."
Zhao Dong felt a bit awkward. Ji Xueyao was beautiful and kind, so he hadn't expected her mother to be so haughty and cold. Moreover, he could clearly see the disdain and contempt in Wu Qiuyue's eyes as she looked at him.
Unhappy, Ji Xueyao said from the side, "Mom, Zhao Dong is my classmate! He's a guest, why are you telling him to leave? Besides, he knows medicine, too. He just wanted to help."
Wu Qiuyue's anger flared. "Xueyao! I think you've lost your mind! Does this kid look like he can treat illnesses? I think he's just trying to get close to you with ulterior motives! Tell him to leave! I don't want to see him!"
"Mom, Zhao Dong is my classmate! How can you say that?" Ji Xueyao protested, shocked at her mother's harsh attitude.
Witnessing this, much of Zhao Dong's eagerness to help was extinguished. He glanced at Wu Qiuyue, gave a cold laugh, and turned to leave. Just as he was about to go, a voice came from outside the villa.
"Xueyao, what's wrong? Why are you arguing with Auntie?"
As the voice faded, a dashing man in a well-tailored suit walked in, followed by an elderly man.
Upon seeing this man, a joyous smile of surprise bloomed on Wu Qiuyue's face. "Young Master Gao, you're finally here! We've been waiting so anxiously for you!"
The young man's name was Gao Wei. Both the Gao family and the Ji family were major real estate developers in East Sea, with fortunes in the billions. Gao Wei noticed Zhao Dong, a flicker of puzzlement in his eyes. He gave Zhao Dong only a passing glance before turning to Wu Qiuyue with a smile. "Auntie, I've brought the renowned Doctor Li Tianlai. Don't worry, with Doctor Li on the case, Uncle's illness will surely be cured!"
After speaking, Gao Wei turned to Ji Xueyao and said gently, "Xueyao, rest assured, I will make sure Doctor Li cures your father."
Ji Xueyao looked at Gao Wei, a grateful smile on her face. "Gao Wei, thank you so much!"
"Why the thanks between us?" Gao Wei's gaze on Ji Xueyao was fervent, making her feel slightly uncomfortable. She looked away, avoiding his eyes. She knew Gao Wei had always liked her and that her parents were very fond of him, but she just couldn't bring herself to feel the same way. Gao Wei was tall, handsome, and rich, and their parents were acquaintances. By all accounts, they should have been a match made in heaven. However, she felt not a shred of affection for him, though she didn't dislike him either.
Beside them, Wu Qiuyue was beaming. "Doctor Li! We're so sorry to trouble you. Please, rest assured, as long as you can cure my husband, you can name any consultation fee you wish."
Li Tianlai stroked his beard, exchanged a covert glance with Gao Wei, and said with a chuckle, "Madam Wu, don't worry, this old one will certainly do his utmost. Where is Mr. Ji now? Please, take me to see him."
"Of course, of course! Thank you so much, Doctor Li! My husband is upstairs. Please, follow me."
Ignoring Ji Xueyao and Zhao Dong, Wu Qiuyue led Li Tianlai and Gao Wei upstairs.
As they ascended, only Ji Xueyao and Zhao Dong remained on the first floor. Biting her lip, Ji Xueyao said apologetically, "Zhao Dong, please don't mind her. My mom's attitude can be a problem. I apologize on her behalf."
Zhao Dong waved his hand. "It's nothing, Class President. By the way, why don't you take me upstairs for a look, too?"
Zhao Dong had been ready to walk out after Wu Qiuyue's tirade. After all, he wasn't about to press his good intentions on an unwilling host. But no matter what, Ji Xueyao had helped him in the past. Besides, he had just noticed something off about the glance exchanged between Li Tianlai and Gao Wei. With his now-heightened perception, he felt something was strange about the two of them, so he wanted to stay and see what was going on.
Ji Xueyao hesitated.
Zhao Dong smiled. "Class President, you still don't quite trust me, do you?"
Ji Xueyao bit her lip and stamped her foot. "I trust you! But you have to promise you won't say anything rash when we go up, okay?"
"Okay. I'll just stand by and watch."
"Alright, then follow me."
The two went upstairs and entered a large room on the second floor. A middle-aged man with a darkened complexion lay on the bed, while Wu Qiuyue, Gao Wei, and Li Tianlai were gathered around it. As Ji Xueyao led Zhao Dong in, no one paid them much mind. Ji Xueyao walked to the bedside, and tears instantly streamed down her face.
Zhao Dong stood alone on the edge of the group, frowning at the scene. He sniffed the air lightly, and his expression subtly changed.
Something is definitely wrong! It's poison!