From Evil Sect Leader to Doctor-Chapter 407 - 381: Growing Old

Mei Ru Xue said, "Grandpa, I want to ask a favor."

"Silly girl, do you really need to ask me for a favor? Just say it!"

Mei Ru Xue said, "Have you heard from my brother that Wang Zeqiang was beaten up?"

Elder Qiao shook his head, "Did he get into trouble again?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "I’m not clear on the details, it’s just... just..."

Elder Qiao stopped walking, looked at Mei Ru Xue and asked, "Do you know who beat him up?"

Mei Ru Xue nodded; indeed, nothing could be kept from Grandpa.

Elder Qiao’s gaze shifted to the distant lake, squinting at the reflection of the morning sun on the water, "Xu Chunliang?"

Mei Ru Xue’s face turned red. She found out about the incident after Mo Han sent her a video. When she realized the protagonist of the video was Xu Chunliang, she immediately knew it was a big problem.

She couldn’t go to the Wang Family to plead; they might not give her any face. Her brother was unlikely to stand up for Xu Chunliang, so she could only turn to Grandpa.

After returning, although Grandpa never forced her to do anything, she knew very well that everything was silently approved by him. She was planning to arrange for Xu Chunliang to meet Grandpa, but she didn’t expect Xu Chunliang to cause such a big issue, and the person he beat up was a relative of the Qiao Family.

Elder Qiao asked, "Did he ask you to come to me?"

Mei Ru Xue said, "He didn’t tell me about this at all." The person who told her was actually Mo Han, which made her feel a subtle discomfort. Why did Xu Chunliang tell Mo Han and not her? Did he trust Mo Han more than her?

Elder Qiao asked, "Have you thought about staying in the Capital City for work?"

Mei Ru Xue pressed her lips. Although Grandpa had conditions, she didn’t hesitate, "If Grandpa wants me to stay, then I will stay with you."

Elder Qiao laughed, "Look at you, girl, with that aggrieved look. I didn’t force you." He then called his daughter-in-law, Wang Siqi, in front of Mei Ru Xue.

By all standards, Wang Siqi was a qualified daughter-in-law. Even when Qiao Yuanshan treated her poorly, she endured it and stayed with the Qiao Family. Even after the divorce, she didn’t return to her family. It wasn’t until Elder Qiao took in Mei Ru Xue that Wang Siqi resolutely left the Qiao Family.

Yet, she never remarried in over twenty years and continued to fulfill her duties as a daughter-in-law.

Upon receiving Elder Qiao’s call, Wang Siqi greeted respectfully, "Dad!" Despite the divorce, she never changed how she addressed Elder Qiao.

Elder Qiao said, "Siqi, come back for New Year’s Eve this year."

Wang Siqi was taken aback. Since Mei Ru Xue returned to the Qiao Family, she hadn’t spent any New Year there, a silent protest to show her dissatisfaction. Everyone has their pride. She could forgive Qiao Yuanshan, but she couldn’t tolerate his daughter, even though she knew the child was innocent. She just couldn’t get past it.

Wang Siqi said, "...Dad, recently my parents haven’t been in great health..."

"Then celebrate together. Yuanjiang won’t be back this year, so it’ll be more lively. Let Rulong arrange it."

Upon hearing that her son would arrange it, Wang Siqi immediately agreed, "Okay, I’ll let my parents know."

Elder Qiao said, "I haven’t seen your nephew in a while. Is he still as naughty as when he was little?"

Wang Siqi was startled. Elder Qiao rarely showed interest in a child.

Wang Siqi said, "He’s grown up and turned into a handsome young man!"

Elder Qiao laughed, "Great, I haven’t seen him for many years either. Have Sixuan bring the young lad along during the New Year, and tell him not to get into trouble outside. It’s sometimes good to experience setbacks."

"Dad, I’ll tell him when I see him."

After ending the call, Wang Siqi immediately called Qiao Rulong to figure out what was going on.

Qiao Rulong, who was on his way to the company, understood Grandpa’s intention immediately after listening to his mother. He told her about Wang Zeqiang getting beaten the previous night. Although they managed to keep it under wraps, it spread among their social circle. His cousin had a poor reputation, and Qiao Rulong knew he was always causing trouble, but he never expected him to run into Xu Chunliang and get publicly slapped ten times.

Regardless of the cause, those slaps not only hit Wang Zeqiang’s face but also the Wang Family’s.

Now, many are watching to see how the Wang Family will regain their dignity.

Qiao Rulong thought Elder Qiao rarely involved himself in their generation’s affairs unless Mei Ru Xue reached out to him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have said anything.

Understanding the situation, Wang Siqi sighed, "I’ll tell your uncle."

Qiao Rulong said, "I’m afraid Uncle won’t swallow this easily." He didn’t understand why Grandpa didn’t directly discuss it with Uncle but made his mother intervene. Sometimes, Qiao Rulong genuinely felt his mother’s position in the Qiao Family was undeserved, enduring such treatment. Although he was part of the Qiao Family, he believed his mother had been more than benevolent to them. His mother, himself, and Mei Ru Xue were all victims. He despised his irresponsible father, who had been missing for over twenty years.

Wang Siqi said, "Your uncle has a broader perspective than that."

Wang Siqi had just finished preparing breakfast. Ever since returning to her family home, she took over the logistics of the household, arranging everything in an orderly manner. Even her nephew, Wang Zeqiang, was raised under her care.

Her younger brother, Wang Sixuan, and his wife were very grateful to her, saying that her presence relieved them of many worries, allowing them to focus on their careers. Recently, their parents went south for a retreat, and Wang Sixuan’s wife went abroad for business, leaving just the brother and sister at home.

Every morning, Wang Sixuan had the habit of eating breakfast before leaving. His favorite was the pan-fried buns made by his sister.

Wang Siqi could tell that her brother was in a bad mood, as he took two phone calls during breakfast.

After Wang Sixuan hung up the phone, Wang Siqi said, "What’s so important that you can’t wait to talk about it at work?"

Wang Sixuan replied, "People these days lack responsibility. They strive for no achievements and only seek to get by. I really want to fire them all."

Wang Siqi said, "My father-in-law just called."

Wang Sixuan took a sip of his porridge. Although he said nothing, he did not agree with his sister calling Elder Qiao as such. His sister had long divorced Qiao Yuanshan, and that person might as well be dead. The tie between the Wang Family and the Qiao Family was purely nominal now.

Wang Siqi said, "He suggested that our two families celebrate the New Year together this year."

Wang Sixuan said, "I probably won’t have time this year. I’m going abroad for a visit and will be overseas during the Spring Festival. Sis, please explain it to Uncle Qiao."

Wang Siqi said, "About Rulong..."

Wang Sixuan said, "Once he’s done on his end, he’ll come straight to Hua Tou to work. He is highly capable. I consulted the leadership, and we’ve initially decided to let him take charge of the overseas division of Hua Tou."

Wang Sixuan clearly understood that his nephew’s purpose in coming to Hua Tou was likely to take over his position. His sister’s request was difficult to refuse, but he didn’t want Qiao Rulong in Hua Tou, as this issue brought him a lot of criticism and pressure, disrupting his original arrangements.

Placing Qiao Rulong in the overseas division was a well-thought-out decision. It seemed to put him in charge, allowing him to stretch his wings, but in reality, it kept him away from the power core of Hua Tou.

Wang Sixuan also understood that it must have been Elder Qiao who pushed for Qiao Rulong to come to Hua Tou, yet the old man never informed him. Was he afraid of being rejected? Wang Sixuan had considered that although Elder Qiao’s influence was not as great as before, he would definitely oblige if the old man asked, but ultimately, it was his sister who approached him.

Wang Sixuan was very displeased that his sister was repeatedly used by the Qiao Family. He didn’t even think the Wang Family owed the Qiao Family anything; if anything, it was the other way around.

Wang Siqi said, "I heard that Zeqiang ran into trouble last night?"

Wang Sixuan took a bite of the pan-fried bun and said, "Sis, this pan-fried bun is just perfect." He didn’t want to discuss his son’s matter as the boy was truly disappointing.

Wang Siqi said, "My father-in-law mentioned Zeqiang."

Wang Sixuan put down his bowl and looked at his sister. Elder Qiao bringing up his son? This was rather unusual. He sharply sensed it might be related to what happened last night.

Wang Siqi said, "He said it’s not a bad thing for the kid to learn from a little setback."

Wang Sixuan’s expression turned grim. Elder Qiao’s words, relayed through his sister, were clear enough—it was a suggestion to let it go. Why would Elder Qiao stand up for an outsider?

Wang Sixuan said, "If I’m not mistaken, Uncle Qiao is seventy-eight this year, right?"

Wang Siqi said, "You’re wrong. He’ll be eighty after the New Year."

Wang Sixuan nodded and said, "Getting old?"

A look of startled surprise flashed through Wang Siqi’s eyes. She wanted to say something but eventually held her tongue.

Mo Han was driving when heavy snow began to fall, forcing her to exit the highway early. Zheng Peian stretched, sitting up straight: "Miss Mo, can you turn down the seat heater a bit?"

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, "Too hot?"

Zheng Peian replied, "I just fell asleep and dreamed I was lying on a heated brick bed in northeast China. It was killing me with heat."

Xu Chunliang said, "Didn’t dream that you wet the bed, did you?"

Zheng Peian cursed with a laugh, "You cheeky brat, show some respect." He leaned against the car window to look outside. The swirling snow had blurred the world beyond.

Zheng Peian asked, "Where are we now?" He raised his wrist to check the time. They’d been on the road for over an hour, though the slow speed was due to the snow. The cars were mostly crawling along like turtles, and there were occasional traffic jams.

Mo Han said, "The snow is heavy today. We’ve only made it halfway."

Zheng Peian nodded and said, "No rush, no rush, safety first."

Xu Chunliang received a message from Mei Ru Xue, asking where he was.

Note: Taking leave due to the passing of my mother-in-law. I need to take care of the funeral arrangements these days. Updates will be limited to one per day. Thank you for understanding.