“You could find someone to replace me, yes—but aren’t you afraid I’ll go around spreading the rumor that you abandoned your bride after marriage?”
Qiao Xi spoke softly, then continued:
“But don’t worry, Mr. Nan Gong. I usually keep my mouth very tight. I would never make such a low-level mistake.”
Nan Gong He fell into thoughtful silence.
Looking at the woman in front of him, he suddenly felt she was nothing like the rumors said. Instead, she was organized, measured—knowing when to advance and when to retreat.
Marrying such a woman would indeed be enough to give his grandfather an explanation.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and leaned forward.
“I can help you solve your problem. We’ll sign a contract—for one year.”
“During this period, I will ensure your brother receives the best treatment. Naturally, you will also fulfill your responsibilities.”
Qiao Xi let out a small breath of relief, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
In truth, she had been very tense just now. When she looked into Nan Gong He’s background, she had seen plenty of rumors about him.
He was said to be mysterious, unpredictable, and ruthless.
Her earlier threat had been a desperate gamble—she truly had no other option.
Yet he turned out to be far easier to deal with than the rumors suggested.
She froze for a couple of seconds before speaking again.
“Then it’s settled. Also…”
She thought of the jade pendant.
Besides her brother, there was still one more important thing: finding Xiao Ze’s biological father.
Nan Gong He stood up directly, cutting her off.
“Also what?”
“Forget it.”
Noticing his impatience, she swallowed the rest of her words.
Telling him wouldn’t help anyway—she would have to rely on herself for that.
“Then go out first. I still have work to handle. Someone will take care of your arrangements.”
With that, he left first, not giving her any more chance to speak.
Qiao Xi shrugged, not particularly bothered.
After all, this was only a cooperation. Expecting him to be considerate in every detail was unrealistic.
A year of freedom in exchange for her brother’s safety—she had actually gained the better end of the deal.
Moreover, with Nan Gong He’s protection, she no longer had to waste energy entangling with her family.
When she arrived at the hospital, her excitement had not yet faded. But the next second, she saw the corridor outside her brother’s ward filled with medical staff, and a bad feeling immediately rose in her heart.
“Did you hear? The eldest daughter of the Qiao family seems to have latched onto Nan Gong He. Now she’s enjoying the rise in status, and even her brother is being transferred to another hospital.”
“Exactly. They’re even sending him to the top private hospital. I heard a helicopter is coming soon.”
“She couldn’t even pay hospital fees before, and now everything has changed. It’s really enviable.”
“What’s there to envy? She probably just climbed into Nan Gong He’s bed for a bit of benefit. Who knows what she used?”
“In the end, it’s all for money. The Qiao family isn’t poor, and her sister is so outstanding—why is she the only one like this?”
“She grew up in the slums after all. Of course she’d cling to anyone rich she can find.”
The crowd continued gossiping.
Standing behind them, Qiao Xi let out a cold laugh.
“I thought doctors were supposed to care about patients’ conditions. Turns out your hospital is more interested in gossip.”
“If you don’t need your mouths, you can donate them—stop making up stories about people behind their backs.”
The moment she spoke, the chatting doctors and nurses immediately fell silent and turned to look at her.
Qiao Xi didn’t bother wasting time on them. She pushed through the crowd and entered the room.
Her younger brother was in a critical condition, covered with medical devices, his consciousness already unclear.
When she entered, he seemed to sense her presence. His hand moved slightly, and his lips trembled as if trying to say something.
She gently held his hand.
“Don’t be afraid. Sister is here. I’ll find the best doctors for you soon—you’ll get better very soon.”
“I’m sorry…” the boy struggled to speak, his lips pale and dry as he forced out those three words.
Her nose stung. For a moment, Qiao Xi almost cried.
She had faced breaking ties with her family and negotiating with Nan Gong He without breaking down.
But just one sentence from her brother was enough to shake her completely.
“You idiot, what are you talking about? There’s nothing for you to apologize for.”
At that moment, sudden commotion erupted outside the door.