TRWSB – Chapter 37 The Visitor

At the Evil Doctor’s Manor:

“You’re back, young master? And where’s Young Master Zhuang Hao?”

“He went back into the palace after dropping me off. Said he’d try to get a blood sample, so who knows if he’s been eaten by a tiger by now.”

Qi Heng looked puzzled, “Eaten by a tiger?”

Qi Shaorong nodded, “I mentioned that getting some blood from the young tiger would help with the research, and he just turned right back to go get it.”

“Young master, it seems like Young Master Zhuang really listens to you. You asked him to risk his life, and he actually went,” Qi Heng remarked, eyes wide.

Qi Shaorong waved it off, “You’re exaggerating. Whether he actually went to get blood is one thing. Besides, even if he did, he probably won’t die. As they say, only troublemakers live forever, and Zhuang Hao’s luck seems to be holding strong.”

Qi Heng: “…”

After waiting a few hours for Zhuang Hao without any sign of him, Qi Shaorong instead received a visit from Yi Chuxue and Qi Shaoru.

“What brings the two of you here?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“Evil Doctor, what does Zhuang Hao want with you?”

There was an edge to Yi Chuxue’s voice, like a jealous fiancée confronting the third party.

“Oh, he asked me to treat a sick young tiger,” Qi Shaorong replied, glancing between Yi Chuxue and Qi Shaoru.

“You and Zhuang Hao seem close. Evil Doctor, he’s only sixteen, and you’re quite a bit older. You really ought to be mindful of propriety,” Yi Chuxue snapped.

Qi Shaorong: “…” From her tone, it seemed he had truly been promoted to ‘romantic rival.’

Yi Chuxue eyed Qi Shaorong, her gaze sharp. After hearing a rumor from the Zhuang household servants that Zhuang Hao admired the Evil Doctor, Yi Chuxue had her doubts but still felt it necessary to deliver a warning to Qi Shaorong, just in case.

Qi Shaorong gave her a smile and replied, “Miss Yi, are you worried I might actually steal Zhuang Hao from you? Looking at your triangle-shaped eyes, red nose, and square mouth, I can see why you’d be concerned. Anyone who even gets close to Young Master Zhuang must make you nervous.”

“Miss Yi, I’d suggest improving yourself rather than worrying about others. Honestly, even if you somehow managed to marry Zhuang Hao, you’d probably get divorced sooner or later.”

Yi Chuxue shot to her feet, enraged, “How dare you, you quack doctor! Who do you think you are to say such things?”

Leaning back in his chair, Qi Shaorong replied, “If I’m a nobody, then there’s really no need for you to come all this way just to visit me, is there?”

“You’ll regret this…” Yi Chuxue spat, casting Qi Shaorong a dark look before storming off.

Qi Shaoru looked at Qi Shaorong and chuckled, “Evil Doctor, you’re amazing! Just a few words, and you sent her packing.”

Qi Shaorong waved a hand nonchalantly, “Ah, it’s nothing.”

“Evil Doctor, I heard that you’re friends with my fourth brother?” Qi Shaoru asked.

Qi Shaorong nodded, “Yes, we’re close.”

“Having someone like you as a friend is a blessing for him. I never would’ve guessed that my fourth brother, of all people, would have a friend like you,” Qi Shaoru said with a mocking smile.

Hearing her tone, Qi Shaorong felt a twinge of displeasure, “Your brother has his own strengths.”

Qi Shaoru: “…”

After seeing off Yi Chuxue and Qi Shaoru, Zhuang Hao finally returned.

“Did you get it?” Qi Shaorong asked.

Zhuang Hao nodded.

Qi Shaorong eyed him, “Are you hurt?”

“Halfway through drawing the blood, the Tiger King seemed to get annoyed. Just a minor injury,” Zhuang Hao replied.

“I appreciate your effort.”

Handing over a jade vial, Zhuang Hao said, “The young tiger’s blood is here. I hope it’s enough.”

“It’s plenty,” Qi Shaorong replied, taking the vial. “I’ll take it for testing. The results should be ready by tomorrow.”

“Good.” Zhuang Hao hesitated, then said, “I heard that Yi Chuxue and Qi Shaoru came to see you?”

Qi Shaorong nodded, “Yes, they couldn’t find you, so they came to me.”

With his head bowed, Zhuang Hao softly murmured, “I’m sorry.”

Qi Shaorong waved it off, “No problem.”

“I’ll stay here tonight,” Zhuang Hao suddenly announced.

Qi Shaorong frowned, “What did you just say, Young Master Zhuang?”

Looking straight at him, Zhuang Hao explained, “Don’t misunderstand. I’m just worried that the Yi family brothers might cause you trouble, so I’m staying here to keep watch.”

Tilting his head, Qi Shaorong replied, “No need, Young Master Zhuang. I’m more than capable of handling a bit of trouble myself.”

Zhuang Hao laughed, “True enough.”

“If the blood test yields anything, I’ll let you know right away,” Qi Shaorong said.

Zhuang Hao nodded, looking slightly disappointed, “Alright.”

Watching Zhuang Hao’s departing figure, Qi Shaorong mused aloud, “He doesn’t seem too happy.”

“Perhaps it’s because you didn’t let him stay, young master,” Qi Heng remarked.

Qi Shaorong turned to him, “Do you think he’s got feelings for me?”

Qi Heng nodded, “It’s possible.”

Qi Shaorong shook his head, “So young and already interested in romance? Definitely not a good sign.”

Qi Heng: “…”