Xia Yuhuan didn’t want to drag him into these matters.
But Qin Xiangrong was both clever and stubborn. Having grown up with the original host since childhood, their bond ran deep. If she didn’t tell him, he would investigate and stir up trouble on his own, which might lead to unexpected complications.
Thus, Xia Yuhuan briefly explained the situation.
Upon hearing this, Qin Xiangrong’s expression immediately darkened.
He grabbed Xia Yuhuan’s hand and pulled her along. “Let’s go. Since your father is no good, we shouldn’t stay here and suffer. I’ll take you home.”
Seeing how protective he was, Xia Yuhuan felt warmth in her heart.
She said, “Brother Qin, Xia Jianyong may be despicable, but he’s my biological father. As long as that relationship exists, he can make trouble for me and Grandpa.”
“If I just return to Grandpa like this, and that shameless man accuses Grandpa of child trafficking and has him arrested, what would I do then?”
“Brother Qin, Grandpa has always treated me as his own granddaughter since I was little. I can’t bring such great trouble to him.”
Qin Xiangrong grew anxious. “But you can’t marry a comatose invalid either! That’s your lifelong happiness at stake!”
“The Chi family comes from a military lineage with upright values. Given the circumstances of my marriage, they’ll treat me well and won’t make things difficult for me,” Xia Yuhuan reasoned.
“But what if he remains unconscious? What if he becomes a vegetative state?!”
The Xia family had always told Xia Yuhuan that Chi Yanzhou was seriously injured and unconscious but still had hope of waking up.
They didn’t dare reveal the truth, fearing Xia Yuhuan would completely refuse the marriage.
However, Xia Yuhuan knew that Chi Yanzhou had already been diagnosed as vegetative. He would remain in a coma for two years before dying from organ failure.
“But he’s also a patriotic soldier! He got injured defending our country. I’m willing to marry him!”
Sighing, Xia Yuhuan added, “Moreover, by agreeing to this marriage, I also intend to use his family’s influence to escape Xia Jianyong.”
“Given his special condition and my ulterior motives, we’re actually quite well-matched.”
“Alright, Brother Qin, I know what I’m doing here and can handle it. Please don’t worry about this.”
“Don’t tell Grandpa about this. I’ll explain everything to him myself after it’s resolved.”
Seeing her determination, Qin Xiangrong knew he couldn’t persuade her otherwise and could only reluctantly agree.
After he left, Xia Yuhuan turned to head back.
But she hadn’t taken more than a few steps when someone blocked her path.
“Who are you? What do you want by stopping me?” Xia Yuhuan asked warily.
Without answering, the leader simply waved his hand and commanded, “Boys, tie her up and find what we’re looking for.”
Xia Yuhuan suddenly raised her hand and threw a handful of powder at the men, then turned and sprinted away.
Fortunately, the original host had carried self-defense medicine powder, or she would have been in serious trouble today, given the attackers outnumbered her.
“Ah, my eyes…”
“Damn it, you bitch, don’t run…”
Though unable to open their stinging eyes, the men still shouted threats at her.
Xia Yuhuan ignored them, focusing solely on running forward.
Only when certain she had escaped did she stop, hands on her knees, gasping for breath.
She had just been brought back by the Xia family and hadn’t offended anyone. Why would someone target her?
They wanted to find something—but what were they looking for?
Xia Yuhuan suddenly remembered the jade pendant she had snatched from Xia Zhuyu.
So those people were sent by Xia Zhuyu?
Hah, the female lead who possessed extraordinary luck in the original novel turned out to be nothing but a vicious woman who would stop at nothing behind the scenes.
But since Xia Zhuyu was so impatient, she couldn’t just sit back and wait. She needed to cause some trouble for Xia Zhuyu.
The Chi family was now the best weapon in her hands.
With this thought, Xia Yuhuan immediately asked for directions.
“Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the Chi residence?”
After obtaining the desired answer, Xia Yuhuan arrived at the Chi family home.
The Chi family lived in a three-story villa with front and back yards. Though it initially appeared stylish and European, the vegetable garden in the yard created a somewhat incongruous sight.
However, in these times, growing vegetables was more practical than cultivating flowers—at least no one could criticize them for it.
Xia Yuhuan rang the doorbell, and the housekeeper answered: “Who are you looking for?”
“My name is Xia Yuhuan. I’m Chi Yanzhou’s fiancée. I’m here to see him.”
After revealing her identity, Xia Yuhuan was led inside.
“Miss Xia, please wait here. Madam will be back shortly.” The housekeeper served her tea.
“What are you doing here?” A cold voice sounded.
Xia Yuhuan turned to see a handsome young man staring at her.
His tone suggested he knew her, though she had no recollection of him.
After discreetly observing him, Xia Yuhuan repeated her purpose for visiting.
Upon hearing this, a flicker of mockery passed through Chi Zhenghao’s eyes.
“I’ll take you there. Follow me.” Chi Zhenghao said, leading the way.
He wanted to see what schemes this woman was plotting!
Xia Yuhuan had come specifically to assess Chi Yanzhou’s condition and determine if she could cure him, so she followed without hesitation.
She followed Chi Zhenghao to a room on the second floor.
Xia Yuhuan saw Chi Yanzhou lying in bed.
Chi Yanzhou was exceptionally handsome, with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. Even lying down, he exuded a keen, imposing aura.
Appearance-wise, he perfectly matched Xia Yuhuan’s preferences.
Xia Yuhuan stepped forward, sat by the bed, and took his hand to check his pulse.
If marrying Chi Yanzhou, using him to escape the Xia family, and leveraging his influence to suppress and deal with them was her first step,
Then curing Chi Yanzhou and divorcing him amicably would be her second step.
In a couple of years, when peace was restored, she planned to pursue medical research. Using her advanced modern knowledge to elevate Chinese medicine to new heights and surpass other nations as the leader was her lifelong ambition.
Seeing this, Chi Zhenghao couldn’t help but scoff: “What, you know how to treat illnesses?”
According to the Xia family, Xia Yuhuan had been adopted by country folk and raised in the countryside all these years—a complete rustic who knew nothing. He didn’t believe she could diagnose anyone.
“Yes, a little.” Xia Yuhuan replied indifferently.
Since she had decided to cure Chi Yanzhou as leverage against the Xia family, she saw no need to hide her medical skills.
Fortunately, the original host was quite capable herself, having learned medicine from her grandfather since childhood and possessing considerable skill—otherwise, it would have been hard to pretend.
Just as Chi Zhenghao was about to speak again, they heard Zhang Xianya’s voice.
“I heard Xia Yuhuan came to see Yanzhou. Where is she?”
As Zhang Xianya entered the room, Xia Yuhuan happened to turn and look at her.
“You must be Aunt Zhang? My future mother-in-law?” Xia Yuhuan smiled at her and said.
Zhang Xianya nodded subconsciously, while Xia Yuhuan released Chi Yanzhou’s hand and said to her, “Please forgive me for visiting unannounced.”
“I’ve heard of Yanzhou’s reputation from others and was truly curious about what my heroic future husband looks like. It was presumptuous of me to come without notice.”
Zhang Xianya was impressed by Xia Yuhuan’s eloquence.
She had heard that Xia Yuhuan was just a country girl who couldn’t even read, but contrary to the rumors, she appeared exceptionally well-mannered and educated.
“Not at all. It’s a good thing that you’re willing to visit Yanzhou. It’s just that, given his current condition, I’m afraid you might be disappointed.” Zhang Xianya’s eyes reddened slightly as she mentioned her son.
“I’m not disappointed. He is wonderful and exactly as I imagined a hero to be.” Xia Yuhuan shook her head with a gentle smile.
Chi Yanzhou had suffered severe injuries while carrying out a secret mission and now lay unconscious in bed.
For a soldier who sacrificed himself for the nation and its people, she felt nothing but admiration, so her words were entirely sincere.
Seeing her like this, Zhang Xianya felt both delighted and uneasy.
Although she held her son in high regard, she knew deep down that no ordinary person would want to be with someone lying in a vegetative state.
“Actually, I came today with another purpose related to the marriage.”
Hearing this, Zhang Xianya’s heart tightened.
Sure enough, no matter how nicely she spoke, her real intention was likely to call off the engagement.