TRWSB – Chapter 22 Zhuangjia Zhuangling

**Qi Family**

“Shaofu, are you out with Zhuang Hao again?” Qi Shaoan asked, his hands behind his back and a solemn expression on his face.

Qi Shaofu scratched his head. “Yeah!”

“Third brother, you’re really fortunate! Zhuang Hao treats you differently, bringing you along for everything. He’s even more responsible than I am, your own brother,” Qi Shaoan said with a hint of sarcasm.

The four major families—Zhuang, Qi, Yi, and Shen—were in fierce competition with each other, yet they also had complex familial ties.

Qi Shaofu gave a dry smile and didn’t respond.

Qi Shaoru hurriedly walked out. “Third brother, are you out with Zhuang Hao?”

“Yes!”

“I heard that that shameless little girl, Yi Chuxue, chased after Zhuang Hao,” Qi Shaoru asked.

Qi Shaofu raked his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know if she specifically chased him, but we did run into Yi Chuxue by chance.”

Qi Shaoru scoffed. “That woman really has no shame. She thinks that by pushing Fourth Brother out of the way, she’ll get her turn? How deluded! Does she think the Qi family has no one left? Zhuang Hao has plenty of options; it’s going to be a long time before it’s her turn.”

Qi Shaofu: “…”

Qi Shaofu rubbed his nose. Last time at Luohua Pavilion, Qi Shaokang mentioned Qi Shaoru to Zhuang Hao, but clearly, Zhuang Hao’s reaction was indifferent—he didn’t seem to have any feelings for Qi Shaoru. Still, he decided not to tell Shaoru this; he didn’t want to get beaten up. Whether it was Yi Chuxue or Qi Shaoru, they were like cats with Zhuang Hao, but like tigers when it came to him.

“Third brother, if you’re going out with Ah Hao, why didn’t you call me? You let that brat Yi Chuxue take advantage of you!” Qi Shaoru said, clearly upset.

Qi Shaofu: “…” In reality, Yi Chuxue didn’t take advantage of anything; the benefits all went to the Evil Doctor. However, it was said that the Evil Doctor was already seventy years old, but Zhuang Hao’s attitude toward him was indeed rather peculiar. Speaking of which, the Evil Doctor’s sharp and sarcastic demeanor was far from that of a seventy-year-old.

Qi Shaoru pulled on Qi Shaofu’s arm. “Third brother, do you think Zhuang Hao has any interest in Yi Chuxue?”

Qi Shaofu thought for a moment. “I don’t think he has much interest.”

Qi Shaoru laughed. “I thought so too! Who would be interested in a two-faced woman like her? If it weren’t for that useless Fourth Brother being born before me, I’d be the one engaged to Zhuang Hao. Fourth Brother is really something, taking a spot for no reason and wasting an opportunity. Zhuang family called off the engagement, and Zhuang Hao couldn’t even be bothered to go; he’s embarrassing himself and dragging our family down with him.”

Qi Shaofu rubbed his nose. “Fifth Sister, don’t speak so recklessly.”

“How am I speaking recklessly?” Qi Shaoru retorted. “Third brother, you’re often around Zhuang Hao. Do you think he has his heart set on anyone?”

Qi Shaofu helplessly replied, “I haven’t really paid attention.”

“How can you not notice this?” Qi Shaoru said, annoyed.

Qi Shaofu: “…”

………

Zhuang Hao arrived early in the morning at Qi Shaorong’s villa. Qi Shaorong could only yawn and follow Zhuang Hao to Zhuang Linyuan’s residence.

Leaning against the carriage, Qi Shaorong was still yawning.

Zhuang Hao looked at Qi Shaorong. “Evil Doctor, you look tired!”

Qi Shaorong looked back at Zhuang Hao. “Yes! Next time, don’t come so early. Disturbing someone’s sleep will bring the wrath of the heavens.”

Zhuang Hao gave an awkward smile. “Sorry, I didn’t know you loved your sleep so much.”

“Ah Hao is here! Come on in; your sister Ling’er has missed you for a long time,” Zhuang Linyuan said as he welcomed Zhuang Hao down from the carriage.

“This is the Evil Doctor,” Zhuang Hao introduced.

Zhuang Linyuan’s eyes brightened a bit, clearly excited, but he quickly suppressed it. “I’ve long admired your reputation.”

Qi Shaorong nodded at Zhuang Linyuan. “It’s an honor to meet you.”

Zhuang Hao said to Zhuang Linyuan, “Uncle, I brought the Evil Doctor to see Cousin.”

“Big brother, who’s here?” Zhuang Lingmu walked out.

“Uncle Linyu, you’re back!” Zhuang Hao said, surprised.

Zhuang Lingmu nodded. “It’s Ah Hao! I just returned recently; being outside isn’t as good as being at home. You’re remarkable, Ah Hao! Since I’ve come back, I’ve heard people talking about you a lot.”

“Your Uncle Lingmu brought back a lot of spiritual herbs, and your cousin has improved a lot,” Zhuang Linyuan said.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Oh, is that so? Coincidentally, I’m here to deliver some spiritual herbs too.”

“Ah Hao, you brought the Evil Doctor as well! How thoughtful. I’ve heard you saved Zhuang Renquan and that your medical skills are exceptional,” Zhuang Lingmu remarked.

Qi Shaorong smiled. “It was just luck.”

A woman in white walked out. Though her complexion was pale, she couldn’t hide her stunning beauty.

“Evil Doctor, thank you for making the trip,” Zhuang Ling’s voice was very pleasant, making Qi Shaorong’s ears tingle.

“Actually, I wasn’t too keen on coming, but if I had known Miss Zhuang was such a beauty, I wouldn’t have needed Zhuang Hao to urge me,” Qi Shaorong said, beaming a bright smile.

“Evil Doctor, you certainly know how to flatter,” Zhuang Ling laughed softly.

“Miss, would you mind if I took your pulse?” Qi Shaorong asked.

Zhuang Ling extended her hand. “Of course.”

Qi Shaorong placed his hand on Zhuang Ling’s wrist, furrowing his brows. After a moment, he lowered his hand.

“Did you notice anything from the pulse, Evil Doctor?” Zhuang Lingmu asked.

“From the pulse, it seems Miss Zhuang has been poisoned since birth and is physically weak. She needs to rest and recuperate. Besides using spiritual herbs to nourish her, I don’t have any better methods,” Qi Shaorong said.

Zhuang Ling had seen countless doctors since she was young, and most of their diagnoses were similar to Qi Shaorong’s.

Upon hearing Qi Shaorong’s words, Zhuang Linyuan didn’t speak but had a look of gloom on his face.

Zhuang Ling looked at her father’s downcast expression and comforted him with a smile. “Father, I’m much better now.”

“I’m sorry, but I might not be able to help much,” Qi Shaorong said apologetically.

Zhuang Ling smiled gently at Qi Shaorong. “Your kindness is enough.”

“Miss Zhuang is exceptionally talented and virtuous; you’ll be fine,” Qi Shaorong said.

Zhuang Ling smiled and replied, “Thank you.”