Xia Ruoxi took out the Hundred-Venom Blossom Herb from the Xia Family Treasure Pavilion and handed it to Lin Fan.
“Mr. Lin Fan, I’ve heard that just 1 gram of this can poison an elephant to death. What are you planning to use it for?”
Lin Fan treated it like a priceless treasure, carefully storing it away. “To refine medicine.”
Seeing the joy on his face, Xia Ruoxi gradually let go of her lingering wariness. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she said, “Mr. Lin Fan, you saved my grandfather, and just now you saved my life as well. I truly don’t know how to thank you.”
Lin Fan smiled lightly. “You’re too polite.”
Xia Ruoxi blushed faintly and tested the waters. “You also know that my grandfather was nearly killed by Gu poison. Now Li Hongyi has sent assassins to take my life. Li Hongyi’s backing is the Snow Eagle Hall. I have no idea what they’ll do next… could you protect me?”
Lin Fan’s expression turned serious. “If someone causes trouble at your grandfather’s birthday banquet, I can step in.”
“But we are neither relatives nor close acquaintances. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to involve myself in your family’s conflicts long-term.”
He had spent three years fulfilling his master’s order to marry Qiao Wanyan in repayment of a favor. Now that the mission was complete, he still had to return to report back. Moreover, there were eight more poisonous herbs he had yet to find—he simply had no time for other entanglements.
And he knew clearly that if he got involved in the Xia Family’s internal struggles, his own plans would inevitably be delayed. Naturally, he could not agree to Xia Ruoxi’s request.
Xia Ruoxi puffed out her cheeks, her eyes darting playfully.
With a mischievous smile, she hooked her arm around his. The soft sensation made Lin Fan unconsciously straighten his back.
He had never been this close to a woman before—especially not someone like Xia Ruoxi, whose very being radiated an irresistible allure. For a moment, he felt completely at a loss.
Her voice turned sweet and teasing. “I know we’re not related, so you have no reason to protect me.”
“How about… I become your girlfriend? Then I wouldn’t be just anyone.”
Lin Fan fell silent for a moment.
He took relationships very seriously. Even if Xia Ruoxi’s affection was obvious, he would not pretend or play along with ambiguity.
After a brief pause, he smiled bitterly. “I just got divorced. I’m not planning to start anything new for now.”
Xia Ruoxi looked at him in shock. “You? Just divorced? Who could be so blind as to let you go?”
In her eyes, Lin Fan’s medical skills were so extraordinary that even Zhou Yun and Dr. Li—renowned figures in the southern medical world—would have to bow before him.
Not to mention his unmatched combat ability. With that soft sword in hand, even the top ten experts in Binhai City attacking together would probably be wiped out within ten seconds.
A man like this—both master of medicine and martial arts, young, handsome, and composed…
Divorced? This chapter is updated first at g.com.
And from the way he said it, it sounded like he was the one being cast aside.
Seeing the faint gloom in his expression, Xia Ruoxi grew indignant on his behalf. “Don’t worry. When I meet your ex-wife, I’ll help you get revenge!”
Lin Fan took a deep breath. “I… won’t see her again.”
…
The next evening.
The outer garden of the Xia Family estate.
Red lanterns hung high. Artificial mountains, emerald lakes, crystal fountains, bonsai pines, jade pathways, red-tiled pavilions, and blooming terraces filled the space. Everywhere spoke of the Xia Family’s wealth and prestige.
The birthday banquet of the Head of the Xia Family had drawn all the wealthy elites of Binhai City.
According to the flow of the event, guests of all kinds would first register their gifts in the outer garden before mingling and socializing.
Dressed in an ice-blue strapless evening gown, her hair elegantly styled, her features adorned with a refined brilliance, Qiao Wanyan had only just appeared when she became the center of attention.
“So beautiful.”
“She outshines even supermodels and film queens. Qiao Wanyan truly deserves her title as the number one beauty CEO in Binhai City.”
He Junhui approached her with a radiant smile. Taking advantage of the crowd, he shamelessly placed a hand lightly on her waist.
The subtle gesture made her shiver.
A trace of disgust crossed her face as she instinctively pushed him away with her arm.
Her personality was cold and distant. She disliked being touched—she was even wary when people spoke too close to her. Though He Junhui had feelings for her, he was far from someone she would willingly allow to hold her arm.
He Junhui deftly shifted her attention, deliberately wanting everyone to see who had the fortune of gaining this stunning beauty’s favor.
Lowering his voice with feigned seriousness, he said, “Qiao Wanyan, I’ve got good news for you.”
“Recently, a mysterious financial group has established the Hundred Merchants Venture Capital Fund in Binhai City. Its strength is no less than the Dingyuan Chamber of Commerce.”
“My father is quite familiar with the project director there. He’s already recommended your Phoenix City Project.”
“According to that director, the big boss is very optimistic about it. If we secure their investment, there’ll be no need to rely on the Dingyuan Chamber of Commerce or the Xia Family. Your Qiao Group can still achieve major growth.”
Qiao Wanyan’s eyes lit up with delight. “That’s wonderful. As it happens, my best friend also has connections with the Hundred Merchants Venture Capital Fund. I’ll ask her to follow up on this.” Enjoying the story? Read on at NovelPing.
She immediately sent a message to her friend Yang Qianyu, asking her to verify the situation.
At that moment, the guests who had been focused on Qiao Wanyan suddenly shifted their attention to someone else. Some stepped forward to greet her enthusiastically, while others admired her in hushed tones.
“Miss Xia Ruoxi, hello.”
“Xia Ruoxi truly is a phoenix among women. I doubt there’s anyone in Binhai City more beautiful than her.”
“Not just beauty—she’s a legendary business queen. With that kind of aura, any woman standing beside her would pale in comparison.”
…
Qiao Wanyan paused, instinctively turning her gaze toward the commotion.
Her brows furrowed sharply, her eyes trembling.
Walking beside Xia Ruoxi was none other than Lin Fan!
She hadn’t expected Xia Ruoxi to invite Lin Fan for treatment—and now, at such an important occasion, even bring him along as the host to receive guests.
It made her immediately realize that the relationship between Xia Ruoxi and Lin Fan was far from simple.
She cursed inwardly, “Shameless. He just divorced me and is already entangled with Xia Ruoxi. Acting like a perfect gentleman before—Lin Fan is nothing but a hypocrite!”
What irritated her even more was that He Junhui, who used to keep his eyes fixed only on her, was now staring at Xia Ruoxi with clear infatuation.
Xia Ruoxi wore a beige-gold backless vintage gown that perfectly accentuated her alluring curves and full hips. Her long, slender legs and smooth, fair skin resembled that of a newborn. Her features were exquisitely delicate—cherry lips, a finely sculpted nose, and eyes that seemed to speak.
Her beauty was overwhelming.
Even Qiao Wanyan, naturally gifted and always confident in her looks, felt a heavy pressure. She even had the sudden urge to take out a mirror and touch up her makeup.
Amid cheerful conversation with the guests, Xia Ruoxi and Lin Fan walked up to Qiao Wanyan.
“Hello, welcome.”
Qiao Wanyan responded with a composed smile. “Miss Xia, hello.”
Lin Fan’s expression turned unpleasant. “Xia Ruoxi, you two chat. I’m going to get some air.”
The moment he said this, Xia Ruoxi immediately sensed the shift in atmosphere.
Still holding onto his arm, she looked Qiao Wanyan up and down before asking, “This person… could she be the one you just divorced?”