The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 199. That person didn’t die?

Chapter 199: 199. That person didn’t die?

Eden produced another photo, and upon glancing at it, Shen Qinglan’s expression changed immediately. In the photo was a woman with her back to her, wearing a camisole dress. On the woman’s right shoulder was a dark red tattoo.

The few people present were no strangers to this tattoo; once, a mark exactly like it had adorned their own right shoulders. This tattoo was the emblem of Devil Base. On the day of their graduation, someone would specially brand this sign on their right shoulders.

"Who exactly is this woman?" Shen Qinglan, who initially wasn’t very concerned about this woman, completely shifted her attitude upon seeing the tattoo.

Devil Base had already been destroyed by them. Why would this sign reappear, especially on such a woman?

"Could this woman possibly be one of our predecessors?" Jin Enxi guessed with a grave look on her face.

"No." Shen Qinglan shook her head. She had never seen this woman at the base. Of course, there were many people at the base and she couldn’t possibly recognize every single one of them, but there were absolutely not many people at the base with this tattoo. What she destroyed that time wasn’t just the base itself but also the people inside.

"Could it be?" A possibility suddenly occurred to Jin Enxi, her complexion turned ashen as she exchanged a fearful glance with Shen Qinglan. "An, could that person have survived?"

Speaking of that person, everyone present grew pale. In their hearts, that individual was more terrifying and dreadful than a demon, a cruel, bloodthirsty, and merciless entity; those words didn’t even begin to encapsulate the fear he instilled in them.

"But I saw him fall off the cliff with my own eyes." Jin Enxi’s voice quivered ever so slightly. That cliff was so high that even when they were unhurt, they couldn’t guarantee absolute safety without any protective measures, let alone the fact that the person in question had already been critically injured, practically half-dead, when he fell.

Shen Qinglan’s face remained expressionless, yet her eyes held a frosty glint. She looked at the others, whose complexions were equally unwell, and spoke in a calm voice, "Regardless of whether he is alive or dead, since I was able to kill him once, I can do it again. When he held our fates in his hands, we managed to destroy the empire he had built over many years. Even if he truly survived, I doubt he is as formidable as before. What do we have to fear?"

Suddenly, it was as if everyone had been enlightened, their minds snapped into clarity. Yes, if that person were truly alive and well, he probably would have come looking for them by now. No one else might know their true appearances, but as the one who trained them, he would undoubtedly know them inside out.

Moreover... everyone simultaneously turned to look at Shen Qinglan, and Andre spoke in a serious tone, "An, we don’t yet know the relationship between this woman and that man. If it really is him, he will definitely come looking for you. You must inform us immediately if anything happens."

Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow, "Is this why you all collectively came to Beijing?"

Cissily nodded, "Yes, we are all very worried about you. That person... no matter what, you have to be careful. An, it was you who dragged us out of that hell. Now, we won’t stand by and watch without doing anything." She looked earnest.

The others nodded in agreement.

Shen Qinglan smiled; her smile was light yet warm, "Back then, it was you all who pulled yourselves out of that hell. Even if it cost me my life, I probably wouldn’t have been able to destroy that place by myself."

"No," Eden shook his head, "An, to use your own words here, don’t belittle yourself. If it weren’t for you, even if we detested that man enough to tear him limb from limb, we still wouldn’t have had the courage to oppose him, let alone kill him. You saved us."

Shen Qinglan didn’t argue with them over this. Whether or not it mattered, as far as they were concerned, it simply wasn’t important.

Jin Enxi pointed to the woman in the photo, "An, what do we do now? Do we investigate this woman?"

"No. If she truly was trained by him, then she would definitely understand our modus operandi very well. Even if we went to investigate, we wouldn’t find out anything. It would be better to wait for the hare by the tree stump, wait for her to come to us on her own."

"This woman is tough," Jin Enxi said. "When I captured her, I tried to interrogate her, but I didn’t get anything valuable out of her."

Shen Qinglan wasn’t surprised at all. If this woman was indeed trained by that man, it would be very difficult for them to get any information from her mouth.

Of course she had tried every means to impersonate her and had deliberately approached her, so certainly it wouldn’t end there; the real drama was probably yet to come.

But...

Shen Qinglan’s brow furrowed lightly. When that woman had impersonated Leng Qingqiu, it seemed she did not know that she was Leng Qingqiu, but she knew everything about Leng Qingqiu, which was baffling.

Shen Qinglan had never doubted Daniel. She knew him well, and this was definitely not something he would do. So why did this woman know so much? Shen Qinglan couldn’t figure it out.

"An, have you thought of something?" Eden asked.

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "Nothing. Actually, you all didn’t need to come here. If that person really did want to find me, they wouldn’t be in such a hurry." Over all these years, they had been safe, indicating that even if that person was alive, they were greatly injured and could not pose a threat to them. Without absolute certainty, that person never acted rashly.

"You all go back. If there’s anything, I will definitely tell you."

Cissily lay back down on the couch, "I’m not going back, An. Do you know, since I started modeling, I’ve never really taken a proper vacation. I’ll treat this as a vacation. I haven’t been to Z country before, it’s a good opportunity to see your homeland."

Eden, on the other hand, had a gentle smile, "I’m here for a medical conference; I’ll be staying here for a while."

"Don’t look at me." Andre grinned, showing his teeth, "You know, I’m here to shoot a movie."

So these people were set on staying, Shen Qinglan was helpless, but her heart felt warm, "Then pay attention to your safety while you’re here. If you notice anything unusual, tell the others."

The group nodded, chatted about other things for a while, and then Andre and the others left, leaving Shen Qinglan and Jin Enxi behind as Shen Qinglan needed to wait for Ya Xi.

"An, are you scared?" Jin Enxi spoke up.

Looking at the ground with hair covering her face, Shen Qinglan’s expression was obscured, "Are you scared?"

Jin Enxi laughed at herself sarcastically, "What is there for me to be scared of? We’ve been struggling to survive from the depths of Hell since we were children. The Grim Reaper’s scythe has been at our necks countless times, but here we are, still alive, and living more comfortably than most people. Every extra day we live is a bonus. An, do you know? I never imagined I would have the chance to live like a normal person without going through life-or-death ordeals again and again, without worrying about comrades suddenly stabbing a knife into my body, without fearing a bullet will pierce my heart one day. I can run freely under the sun; I can laugh heartily in the campus with those innocent kids. An, all of this life you brought us."

Thinking of the past, Jin Enxi’s eyes moistened. And in fact, it was more than just that. If it weren’t for An, she might have died long ago in that endless ordeal, or even if she had survived, she would have turned into a cold-blooded killing machine, her soul forever sinking into Hell.

"An, are you scared?" Jin Enxi’s voice was hoarse.

Shen Qinglan nodded slightly, "I am scared."

Jin Enxi was surprised and her eyes widened in disbelief that the word ’fear’ had come from An’s mouth.

"I’m scared my husband will leave me if he finds out my identity, scared about what he will do if I were to die, whether there will be someone else who will love him like I do, accompanying him through this long life. Enxi, I’m afraid of death."

An, who almost lost her life in destroying that organization, actually said she was afraid of death.

Jin Enxi’s heart was shocked at that moment. Could love really change a person so much?

"An, don’t worry, even if that person really is still alive, we can still make them die a second time," Jin Enxi said with a smile.

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly.

"An, I’ve always wanted to ask you a question. You’ve lived in the same kind of environment as us, so how have you managed to keep your original intentions?" Unlike them, if it weren’t for her, they would surely have become uncaring, cold-blooded monsters.

Qinglan’s eyes twinkled ever so slightly, "Because no matter how desperate the situation I found myself in, I always had some people by my side warming my heart." The little boy from the past did so, so did Qin Mu later on, and even later, Andre and the others did the same.

They always told her through their actions that the world, indeed, still held a bit of kindness for her. For people like them, a hint of warmth was a gift from God.

Jin Enxi noticed the light in her eyes and smiled.

"Big sister, you’re here?" The door opened, and Ya Xi appeared at the entrance. Upon seeing Qinglan, her face lit up with surprise.

"Where have you been?" Qinglan asked gently.

"I went to a classmate’s house for tutoring. I left a note for Sister Enxi; I didn’t leave without saying anything," Ya Xi explained, somewhat anxiously.

"There’s no need to be nervous; I just wanted to ask why you didn’t answer your phone." She had tried to call Ya Xi, but no one had picked up.

Ya Xi hurriedly took out her cell phone from her bag, her face showing remorse, "Big sister, I’m sorry, my phone was on silent; I didn’t see the call."

Qinglan didn’t dwell on it. She beckoned Ya Xi over with a wave of her hand. Ya Xi walked over and sat beside Qinglan, looking at her somewhat nervously.

"Big sister, if you want to scold me, just scold me."

Qinglan chuckled. Was she such an unreasonable person?

"Have you been in contact with your family?" She changed the subject. Ya Xi was an independent individual; where she chose to go was her prerogative, and Qinglan wouldn’t interfere too much as long as it didn’t endanger her safety.

Ya Xi’s expression fell. She had just received a call from Yan Shengyu yesterday; she knew her parents had divorced, and her mother had left the Yan Family. Yan Shengyu hadn’t told her the reason for the divorce, but she could guess some of it since she had overheard her parents’ arguments on the phone.

"Big sister, my parents have divorced," Ya Xi said softly.

It was just Ya Xi and Qinglan in the living room; seeing that Qinglan wanted to talk to Ya Xi, Jin Enxi went inside.

"My dad believes that it was my mom who lost my illegitimate sister, so he divorced her." Ya Xi’s tears fell, splashing on the back of her hand.

"But I believe in my mom; she would never do such a thing. My mom is a very kind person; she would never do anything so malicious."

As for Zhao Jiaqing, Qinglan made no comment. After all, she herself had suspicions about Zhao Jiaqing’s involvement in Qin Mu’s disappearance but had no evidence yet.

"I am an outsider when it comes to your parents’ matters, so it’s not my place to comment. Do you have any plans for the future?"

Ya Xi looked completely lost. Her whole being was clouded with confusion. Once she had a happy family, later on, she learned that this happiness was false, and now, even a fake happy family had fallen apart.

"I don’t know; right now, I just want to get into Beijing University first. I haven’t thought about anything else."

Shen Qinglan thought about how Yan Shengyu tried to get rid of her via a phone call and spoke indifferently, "Have you ever thought about studying abroad? Changing the environment might make you feel happier."

Ya Xi shook her head, "I don’t want to study abroad. I just want to stay here. My relatives and friends are here. I don’t know anyone abroad, and I would be scared."

Shen Qinglan understood her feelings. During the time when she had just been abducted by human traffickers, facing unfamiliar environments and crowds of strangers, she had been frightened too, living in fear every day. However, that fear had gradually been worn away by other things, giving rise to something new.

"Family and friends can’t be with you for your whole life. The road ahead is destined to be walked alone. No matter what you face, you have to be a little braver," Shen Qinglan spoke slowly.

"Big sister, I know. I’ll be strong. I just can’t seem to figure it out for the moment," Ya Xi smiled at Shen Qinglan, "Big sister, do you think my father’s other daughter will ever come back?"

"Do you hope she comes back?" Shen Qinglan asked her back.

Ya Xi shook her head, "I don’t know. Her mother caused my parents to divorce, and I hate her for that. But when I think about how she left her parents and wandered alone from a young age, unable to be with her own family, I can’t bring myself to hate her."

Shen Qinglan’s gaze was deep as she looked at Ya Xi with an emotion in her eyes that was incomprehensible to the latter. Qin Mu, if you are still alive and knew you have a sister like this, would you like her the same way I do?

No, perhaps I just see a warmth in her like I did in you, which is why I like her. Ya Xi, may you always remain as pure and kind as you are now.

"Ya Xi, no matter what the future holds, don’t harbor hatred for this world or your father. He may have wronged your mother, but he hasn’t wronged you. Adults should resolve their own matters. You are your parents’ child, and their love for you won’t lessen even if they are no longer together. Do you understand?" These words were requested by Yan Shengyu for Shen Qinglan to say, or more precisely, by Zhao Jiaqing. Regardless of what kind of person Zhao Jiaqing was, out of respect for her feelings for Ya Xi, Shen Qinglan wouldn’t refuse the request. This was also the reason she was waiting here for Ya Xi to return.

Ya Xi stared blankly at Shen Qinglan, seeing in her eyes a tender and warm look, and her eyes grew wet again. She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with emotion, "I understand, big sister."

By the time Shen Qinglan left Shangya Garden, it was already very late. She took out her phone to check the time and decided to call Fu Hengyi. Fu Hengyi hadn’t slept yet, and he picked up the phone as soon as he saw it was from Shen Qinglan.

"Qinglan." His deep, magnetic voice, as always, warmed her heart, especially on such a night.

Shen Qinglan’s lips curved slightly, "Are you very busy with work?"

"Just finished," Fu Hengyi said, listening closely, "Are you still out?" He heard the sound of car horns in the background.

"You have very sharp ears," Shen Qinglan remarked, "I just met with a few friends, and now I’m on my way home."

Fu Hengyi assumed she had been with Yu Xiaoxuan and the others, and didn’t pry further, merely asking, "Did you drink?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head, "No, I had juice."

"Was it iced?"

"No, room temperature."

Fu Hengyi was satisfied, "The traditional Chinese medicine doctor I told you about before is back. I’ll come back in a few days to have her take a look at you." Shen Qinglan suffered from coldness in her body and would be in severe pain during her menstrual period. Although she could bear it, Fu Hengyi felt pity for her. He had heard that traditional Chinese medicine could treat this issue.

"I could go by myself, actually," Shen Qinglan didn’t mind seeing the doctor.

"I’ll accompany you. Just wait for me two days," Fu Hengyi insisted, and naturally, Shen Qinglan wouldn’t say no.

"Hengyi, are you asleep?" Suddenly, a female voice came through the phone, and Shen Qinglan’s expression froze for a moment, but then quickly returned to normal.

Fu Hengyi, listening to the voice outside the door, looked somewhat displeased. He glanced at the phone he was on a call with and explained softly, "It’s the military doctor. I’ve had a bit of a headache today, and she came to bring me some painkillers. Don’t overthink it." Fu Hengyi had suffered from headaches today, which he had initially not planned to tell Shen Qinglan about, but now he felt the need to clarify, fearing that she might worry unnecessarily. Although he knew that Shen Qinglan was not a petty person, Fu Hengyi absolutely wouldn’t allow any unnecessary misunderstandings to linger.

Shen Qinglan hadn’t thought much about it initially, but upon hearing that Fu Hengyi had a headache, she immediately became concerned. If it were not severe, there would be no need for medication. "Why would you suddenly have a headache out of nowhere?"

Fu Hengyi smiled faintly, "It’s an old problem. I’ll be fine after some sleep. The military doctor is making too much fuss over it, don’t worry."

Shen Qinglan was still somewhat worried, "Let’s stop here, you’d better go answer the door. If the military doctor prescribed medication, it must be necessary. You should take the pills and rest properly."

"I really am fine," Fu Hengyi emphasized.

"Don’t make me worry," Shen Qinglan said simply, prompting Fu Hengyi to immediately give in.

After hanging up the phone and getting up to open the door, there stood Jiang Wenjing, waiting outside. Seeing Fu Hengyi, she gave a graceful smile and handed him a box of painkillers, "I heard from the political commissar that your headache flared up, so I prescribed some painkillers for you. Take them if you really can’t bear the pain."

Her hands were beautiful, naturally those of a surgeon: slender and fair. Fu Hengyi’s gaze landed on the medicine box in her hand. He didn’t reach out to take it, his expression slightly cold, "I don’t need painkillers. Take them back, it’s getting late, and I’m going to sleep."

The smile on Jiang Wenjing’s face stiffened, "I just wanted to show some concern for you. After all, we’ve known each other for so many years. Even if we can’t be lovers, can’t we still be friends?"

Fu Hengyi slightly furrowed his brow, "I’m already married, and I don’t want to give others any unnecessary misunderstandings."

The smile faded from Jiang Wenjing’s face as she stared blankly at the captivating face before her, "Hengyi, I know you’re married, and I’m not implying anything else. I just want to interact with you as a friend. Is that not possible?"

"No," Fu Hengyi gave her only two words, then he closed the door, leaving Jiang Wenjing standing there with her hand still awkwardly raised.

"Sister Wenjing, what are you doing at my brother’s dormitory door?" Gu Yang’s nonchalant voice came from behind. Jiang Wenjing stiffened, withdrew her hand, and turned around only to see Gu Yang leaning against the wall, wearing a set of training clothes, swinging his cap in his hand, looking utterly casual.

Jiang Wenjing smiled gently, "Nothing much. You’re up late, what brings you here?"

"I’m here to see my brother," Gu Yang gave Jiang Wenjing a "are you silly, can’t you tell" look.

Jiang Wenjing, feeling awkward, changed the subject, "It seems like your brother is asleep."

"Oh," Gu Yang answered noncommittally, looking at Jiang Wenjing, "Sister Wenjing, what are you hiding behind your back? Are you holding something?"

"There’s nothing, it’s getting late. I’m going back to sleep," Jiang Wenjing said, and then hurried away.

Gu Yang snickered as he watched Jiang Wenjing’s retreating figure, shaking his head. Jiang Wenjing was an old classmate of Fu Hengyi’s, perhaps from middle school. Later, when Fu Hengyi went abroad and then directly joined the military upon his return, it wasn’t until he was back as an instructor that he ran into Jiang Wenjing, now a military doctor.

Jiang Wenjing often appeared by Fu Hengyi’s side, and while it might have been unclear at first, now it seemed obvious to everyone: Doctor Jiang had set her sights on Captain Fu.

If Shen Qinglan hadn’t appeared, Gu Yang did have a favorable impression of Jiang Wenjing after all. A woman who was both good-looking and had a pleasant personality was something most men would like. But after having seen Shen Qinglan, Gu Yang suddenly felt that a girl should be like his sister-in-law, able both in pen and sword.

Gu Yang knocked on the door, "Big brother, open up."

There was no response from inside, so Gu Yang continued to knock, "Big brother, if you don’t open the door, I’m going to call little sister-in-law and tell her you’re dating a little lover in the military."

The door opened quickly, but Fu Hengyi’s expression was very cold. Gu Yang uncontrollably shivered and a pleasing smile appeared on his face, "Big brother, I was just joking, don’t take it seriously."

Fu Hengyi looked at him coldly, "In the middle of the night, instead of sleeping, you have the time to wander around. It seems Captain Fang has been very lax with you guys recently. I’ll need to talk to him about it tomorrow."

Captain Fang was the company commander of Gu Yang’s unit, responsible for their training.

Gu Yang made a bitter face, "Big brother, I know I was wrong, I seriously do. It was just a joke. Who’s my big brother? The unemotional God of War, who wouldn’t spare any other woman a single glance except for little sister-in-law."

"Stop blabbering and get to the point," said Fu Hengyi, with a headache, not wanting to waste time with Gu Yang.

"That, big brother..." Gu Yang hesitated, "could you talk to Grandpa and let me be discharged early? Military life really doesn’t suit me. I spend all day around a bunch of guys, always covered in sweat. My clothes are never dry from morning to night." Gu Yang complained about military life.

He had been in the unit for less than a month and was already unbearable. Although he had been sent to the military by Old Sir Fu for training during summer and winter vacations since he was young, that training was nothing compared to the formal training now.

"Complaining about the hardships?" Fu Hengyi gave him a cold glance, especially lingering on the crooked cap on his head. Gu Yang belatedly realized and hurriedly straightened his cap.

"It’s not that I’m complaining about the hardship, but military life really doesn’t suit me. Look at my careless disposition, I’m nothing like a soldier. Isn’t that an insult to the word ’soldier’?". To leave the military early, Gu Yang was desperate, even willing to belittle himself.

"You’re quite self-aware," Fu Hengyi spoke lightly.

Gu Yang’s face brightened, "Does that mean I can leave the military?"

"Don’t even think about it." Fu Hengyi snorted coldly, his thin lips parting slightly to utter two words, Gu Yang’s face fell, "Big brother..."

"Even if you called our ancestors it wouldn’t work. Want to leave the military? Fine, call Grandpa yourself. If you can convince him, I’ll let you leave."

Gu Yang hung his head. That was easier said than done. If he could persuade Old Sir Fu, he would have done so long ago. Why would he have waited until now? "Big brother, please help me."

Fu Hengyi wasn’t in a rush to send him away anymore, and pulled over a chair to sit down, "Gu Yang, let’s settle an account."

Gu Yang instinctively straightened up, looking defensively at Fu Hengyi, "Big brother, what account could we possibly have between us? I haven’t borrowed money from you."

"Jile Gambling House." Fu Hengyi said four words. Gu Yang’s face fell again, "Big brother, why bring up this matter again? Haven’t I obediently come to the military?"

He whispered his complaint. Originally, it was because of this matter that he had compromised and entered the military. But now, Fu Hengyi was bringing it up again.

"Gu Yang, what is the Fu Family’s family rule?" Fu Hengyi asked in a deep voice.

Gu Yang’s face stiffened, "No involvement with pornography, gambling, and drugs, or be expelled from the Fu Family." Although the Fu Family was a noble household, there were not many rules, and the requirements for descendants were not that strict, but this was one they had to adhere to strictly.

"Big brother, I was wrong," Gu Yang admitted his fault. Although he didn’t believe in the Fu Family, he was still a member of it, and he had to abide by the family’s rules.

"Gu Yang, you’re already twenty-four years old, not a child. You don’t need me, the eldest brother, to teach you the principles of being a person. I know that at the gambling house, someone deliberately set you up, but you also need to use your brain and think: if you hadn’t harbored those intentions, could anyone have set you up?"

Gu Yang’s face turned bright red from Fu Hengyi’s words. The gambling house incident had indeed been a folly on his part, giving others the opportunity to take advantage of him. He also knew the flaws in his character, acting too impulsively and without thought to the consequences, easily provoked by others, just like the last time he raced cars. If he hadn’t let Lin Hao provoke him, there wouldn’t have been any trouble.

Seeing that Gu Yang had become silent, Fu Hengyi continued to speak, "You’re a man, and in the future, you’ll have to carry the responsibility of a family on your shoulders. When you have your other half, will you still act so impulsively and thoughtlessly?"

"Sending you to the military, Grandfather and your uncle had no expectations for you to make a career out of it; they only hoped the military would temper your character, to make you more mature and steady. You understand this principle. And as for the future, what are your plans? What do you want to do? Do you intend to just loiter aimlessly every day? That’s all I’m going to say for today. You go back and think it over carefully. When you’ve figured it out, come back and talk to me."

Gu Yang left with a heavy face. Just as he stepped out the door, he saw Gu Kai standing there with an expressionless face.

Gu Yang gestured with his hand, "Let’s go."

Gu Kai followed in Gu Yang’s footsteps.

"Gu Kai, do you think I really don’t understand things?" Gu Yang asked.

"Yes." Not just Gu Yang, but he himself was the same. He was a year older than Gu Yang, and though he appeared mature and steady, his temperament was much like Gu Yang’s.

Hearing this, Gu Yang’s face darkened, and he raised his foot to kick Gu Kai, but Gu Kai dodged out of the way.

"Will it kill you to comfort me?"

"You’re not a young lady, what’s there to comfort?"

Gu Yang continued to look sullen, but he didn’t raise his foot again. Instead, he and Gu Kai walked arm in arm back to their dormitory.

Fu Hengyi rubbed his temples, his head truly aching. He quickly took a combat shower and went straight to sleep.

Two days later, Shen Qinglan went through the foreign language translations and graduation thesis that Fang Tong and Yu Xiaoxuan had sent her. Having revised the unsatisfactory parts, she printed a copy to take to her advisors.

Because it was Monday, there weren’t as many people on campus as last time, and Shen Qinglan breathed a sigh of relief. She really wasn’t good at handling such scenes. However, just as she stepped out of the administration building, she saw a shadow pounce towards her.

Shen Qinglan’s eyes turned cold, and she took a step back. The shadow missed its mark, and that’s when Shen Qinglan saw that the person was actually Wu Qian.

It had been a long time since she’d seen Wu Qian, since the encounter at the shopping mall last year, after which she hadn’t seen her again. The last time she saw Wu Qian, she was dressed in designer clothes, accompanying an older man. But today, Wu Qian looked haggard, with heavy dark circles under her eyes, looking as if she hadn’t slept well in days.

"What are you doing?" Shen Qinglan asked indifferently. She didn’t stand on ceremony with Wu Qian and saw no need for pleasantries.

Wu Qian didn’t speak, but instead knelt down in front of Shen Qinglan with a thud. "Shen Qinglan, please help me, I beg you."

The desperation was clear on Wu Qian’s face. She really had no other options, or else she wouldn’t have come begging to Shen Qinglan, especially since she disliked her so much.

"Get up," Shen Qinglan frowned, truly disliking it when people knelt at the drop of a hat.

Wu Qian refused to get up, "Shen Qinglan, help me, and I’ll get up as soon as you agree to help me."

"You have to tell me what’s going on before I can know whether I can help you."

Wu Qian still didn’t get up, but simply said, "Can you lend me some money? Not a lot, just two hundred thousand will do."

Shen Qinglan’s eyes turned slightly cold as she looked at Wu Qian, "What do you need the money for?" If someone in her family was sick and needed money urgently, she wasn’t against lending it, but Wu Qian had to give her a reasonable explanation.

"I..." Wu Qian paused, "Daddy is critically ill and needs surgery. The doctor said it will cost at least two hundred thousand. You know my family’s situation; we don’t have that kind of money. None of my friends can lend me so much at once either, so I have no choice but to ask you."

Wu Qian spoke with sincere emotion, and as she spoke, tears began to stream down her face.

Shen Qinglan’s gaze was deep as she looked at Wu Qian, "What disease does your father have?"

"Stomach cancer, it’s already advanced. The doctor says if he has surgery now, it could at least prolong Daddy’s life by several years." Wu Qian said, her fingers twining nervously. Shen Qinglan’s scrutiny made her uncomfortable, but since she was asking for help, she naturally had to swallow her pride.

Shen Qinglan observed her fidgeting, contemplative, "Did you just find out about your father’s illness?"

Wu Qian nodded, "We only found out during the New Year, it was just diagnosed. We’ve borrowed from every relative we have, and since I don’t know any wealthy people, I’m really out of options. Please, lend me two hundred thousand, I will definitely pay you back. You can make me sign a promissory note if you want."

"What’s your home phone number?"

"What?" Wu Qian didn’t catch on immediately, wasn’t this about lending money? Why did she want her home phone number?

"Your parents’ contact information, the hospital where your father is currently staying. Although I can lend you two hundred thousand, I still need to understand the specifics, right? I would like to talk to the doctor and see if I can be of any help with your father’s illness."

"My parents don’t have cell phones, and with my father in the hospital, our home phone isn’t reachable right now. Just transfer the money to me, and I’ll rush back to my hometown tomorrow to pay the hospital and surgery fees." Wu Qian said, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes.

Shen Qinglan’s gaze on Wu Qian turned completely cold, "Wu Qian, your parents must regret having a daughter like you."

Wu Qian’s face changed, "Shen Qinglan, what do you mean by that?"

"To borrow money, are you willing to exploit even your own parents?"

"Shen Qinglan, if you’re unwilling to lend the money, just say so. There’s no need to make accusations." Wu Qian stood up, no longer kneeling.

"You know very well whether I’m speaking nonsense or not." Shen Qinglan didn’t want to argue with her and started to walk away, bypassing her.

"Shen Qinglan," Wu Qian growled lowly, "so you intend to just stand by and do nothing, is that it? That’s a human life at stake."

Shen Qinglan glanced at her, "If your father were really critically ill, I’d definitely lend you the money, but is that the fact? Wu Qian, there should be a basic moral line in life."

Wu Qian’s face turned ashen, "What’s so great about you, Shen Qinglan? You just had a better start in life, that’s all. If you were in my shoes, you might even be worse off than me right now."