Chapter 6728
So you want to use me?
Suddenly, Ling Xiao's thoughts drifted back to when he first arrived here, when these people were still surrounding him.
They pointed at the pills in his tin box, their faces full of mockery and disdain, saying, "They're dirtier than rat poison on the street." The contempt in their eyes was like sharp blades, piercing his heart.
At this moment, Liu Jianming watched Xiao Chen's casual movements as he put away the keys, a cunning glint flashing in his cloudy eyes.
He had his own agenda, thinking he could use the villa and the key to win over Xiao Chen, and perhaps get more benefits from him in the future.
"I don't need this." Xiao Chen casually tossed the keys aside, his movement relaxed and nonchalant, as if he were throwing away something insignificant.
He said calmly, his eyes revealing an undeniable firmness, "If you are really interested, add another antique to the existing two. Of course, I will choose it myself."
Liu Jianming was stunned for a moment, and his expression instantly became somewhat awkward.
He then realized that he had underestimated Xiao Chen. He thought he could get rid of him with the villa and the key, but he didn't expect the other party to have such a big appetite.
But then he thought, what do those antiques matter as long as I can save my life?
So he hurriedly said to his daughter Liu Yulian, who was standing to the side, "Yulian, take Mr. Xiao to our family's antique storeroom. Mr. Xiao can pick whatever he wants. If he dies, there's no use for my antiques anyway."
His voice carried a hint of urgency and helplessness, as if he were surrendering to fate.
Xiao Chen had a faint smile on his lips and a look of composure and certainty in his eyes as he followed Liu Yulian slowly toward the Liu family's antique storeroom.
The antique warehouse was filled with an old and mysterious atmosphere. Each antique piece shone with a faint luster under the light, as if telling the story of the past.
Xiao Chen scanned his surroundings with keen eyes and, relying on his sharp perception of spiritual energy, carefully selected three antiques that contained spiritual energy.
He gently picked up one of the pieces, his fingertips tracing the delicate patterns on the antique's surface, feeling the subtle spiritual energy flowing through his fingertips.
He nodded in satisfaction, then turned and walked away at a leisurely pace.
Dusk, like a soft veil, slowly seeped into the ward.
The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the blinds, casting golden shadows on the ground, like a golden carpet being laid out in the ward.
Liu Jianming's only daughter, Liu Yulian, was standing in front of a gilded full-length mirror, carefully adjusting her pearl hair clip.
She wore a custom-made cheongsam, the cut of which perfectly outlined her graceful figure, like a delicate orchid blooming in the dark night.
However, even so, it couldn't hide the fact that her knuckles were white from gripping her handbag so tightly.
Her fingernails dug deeply into the leather handbag, leaving crescent-shaped marks on the surface, as if they were a testament to her inner tension and unease.
"Dad, are you trying to set me up with Doctor Xiao? But I..." Liu Yulian frowned, her face full of reluctance.
She was about to continue her protest when Liu Jianming raised his hand to interrupt her.
Liu Jianming had just straightened his back again, as if he had regained his former domineering presence in the business world.
He stroked his newly replaced gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze shifting back and forth between his daughter and Xiao Chen's receding figures, his eyes filled with calculation.
He knew in his heart that Xiao Chen was no ordinary person, and if he could arrange a marriage between his daughter and Xiao Chen, it would undoubtedly be a powerful boost to the Liu family.
“These next few days, you should spend some quality time with Doctor Xiao…” Liu Jianming’s words were cut off by the sound of a door being pushed open. Xiao Chen had returned, casually slinging his canvas bag over his shoulder, the faded fabric brushing against the carved table laden with cordyceps and bird’s nest.
It emitted a harsh, grinding sound, as if it were a silent mockery of the table full of precious medicinal herbs.
The precious medicinal herbs on the table swayed slightly, as if they were trembling.
Xiao Chen stood at the door, calmly saying, "By the way, you'll need to prepare the herbs yourselves for the next batch. I've left the prescription on the table. Of course, you can also find someone else to concoct the medicine, but don't come looking for me if anything goes wrong. Goodbye!"
His voice was neither hurried nor slow, yet it carried an undeniable resolve.
Immediately, he turned and left, leaving behind only a dashing silhouette as he disappeared into the gradually darkening twilight.
Liu Yulian gazed in the direction he had left, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, while Liu Jianming sat thoughtfully on the hospital bed, seemingly calculating something.
The carved door slammed shut behind me with a dull thud, like a warning bell tolling by fate.
Liu Yulian stared blankly at the empty threshold, the place that had once been filled with Xiao Chen's figure was now just an endless void.
Suddenly, her eyes welled up uncontrollably, and warm tears swirled in them. She stubbornly tilted her head back, trying to suppress the stinging sensation.
The pearl hair clip on her head was digging painfully into her scalp, feeling like countless tiny needles were pricking her.
In a fit of pique, she reached out and ripped off the hair clip, the pearls clattering together with a crisp yet somewhat melancholic sound.
Just as she glanced down at the hair clip, her gaze inadvertently fell on her father.
The father was staring at Xiao Chen's departing figure, his eyes filled with an almost fawning expression, as if Xiao Chen were a savior who could rescue the Liu family from their predicament.
Liu Yulian felt her blood freeze instantly, and a chill ran from her feet straight up to her heart.
Liu Yulian's hand, gripping the hair clip, trembled slightly, her knuckles turning white from the force.
She bit her lip tightly until it turned slightly red before turning to look at her father.
At this moment, Liu Jianming was adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. His movements were elegant and composed, with a faint smile on his lips.
His eyes gleamed with greed and ambition, as if he could already see the Liu family's future glory thanks to Xiao Chen.
"Dad, what exactly are you planning?" Liu Yulian finally couldn't help but ask, her voice carrying a hint of unease, like ripples on the sea before a storm.
Her eyes were full of doubt and wariness, as if the father standing in front of her was a stranger.
Liu Jianming stopped what he was doing, slowly turned around, and looked at his daughter. His eyes held an undeniable authority, mixed with a hint of cunning.
He said meaningfully, "Yulian, you are still young and don't understand some things. A person like Mr. Xiao is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Liu family. He has superb medical skills and extensive connections. If we can befriend him, the future of the Liu family will be much easier."
As he spoke, he walked to his daughter's side and gently patted her shoulder. The gesture seemed affectionate, but it made Liu Yulian feel nauseous.
"So you just wanted to use me?" Liu Yulian took a step back abruptly, her eyes filled with disappointment, like stars suddenly extinguished in the night sky. (End of Chapter)