Chapter 29: I Don't Believe a Word You Say!

"Ah!"
A moment later, Lan Jin let out a soprano shriek so piercing that Qin Chuan’s eardrums ached.
"Stop screaming already, you’re making it sound as if I’ve done something unspeakable to you," Qin Chuan said helplessly.
Lan Jin only screamed louder in response.
"If you yell again, I’ll punish you on the spot!" Qin Chuan threatened.
Her voice ceased abruptly. Tears welled in her large, sparkling eyes, threatening to burst forth like a flood at any second.
"I wasn’t trying to take advantage of you. The situation was urgent—if I hadn’t stepped in, you would’ve been seriously hurt."
"If you could move your hand, maybe I’d believe you."
Qin Chuan froze for a moment, then realized his left hand felt something soft and smooth. Instinctively, he squeezed—and immediately understood where his hand had landed.
"It’s a misunderstanding, truly. My hand acted on its own; it had nothing to do with me, Qin Chuan."
"As if I’d believe that!"
Seeing Lan Jin’s tears on the verge of spilling, Qin Chuan hurriedly pushed himself up and fled the bathroom.
"Get up quickly, don’t catch a cold," he called before closing the door.
The tears finally spilled over. Lan Jin quickly got to her feet, yet for reasons she couldn’t explain, she wasn’t as angry at Qin Chuan’s ‘offense’ as she’d imagined she would be.
"What’s wrong with me?"
"Could it be that I’ve fallen for him?"
"Impossible. Absolutely impossible."
"It must be because Qin Chuan helped treat my body odor. Yes, that’s the reason."
"I’ll just consider it his consultation fee, or think of myself as having been bitten by a puppy."
After some serious mental self-persuasion, she felt a little better. She washed up briefly and found her whole body felt refreshed and relaxed—though her legs were weak and she longed for a deep sleep.
Lan Jin changed clothes and left the bathroom, only to find Qin Chuan sprawled on the bed, snoring loudly.
"Should I take advantage and get revenge now?"
Her eyes darted mischievously, but she finally gave up the idea. She was worried Qin Chuan was only pretending to sleep; if her retaliation backfired and he took advantage instead, it would hardly be worth it.

"I’ll let you off for now," she muttered, shaking a tiny fist and tiptoeing out of the room. Yet as soon as the door closed, Qin Chuan’s eyes snapped open. He reached out, flexing his hand in the air.
"What an incredible feeling," he sighed to himself.
No sooner had he finished than two more graceful figures flashed through his mind, his thoughts lingering on Liu Qingcheng and Lin Wanyu’s chests.
"I wonder which feels better?"
"No, no, what am I thinking? How could I let my mind wander so wildly?"
"Even my thoughts act on their own now?"
"That must be it!"
Qin Chuan felt more and more parts of himself slipping beyond his control. If this kept up, what would become of him?

Meanwhile.
Lan Jin left Qin Chuan’s room and saw Captain Awei waiting outside. Whether it was her imagination or not, Awei’s gaze seemed a bit odd. Unbeknownst to her, his mind was running wild.
"Judging by Miss Lan’s unsteady steps, the battle in that room must’ve been fierce!"
"Mr. Qin looks gentle enough, but who would’ve thought he’d have such stamina and… unconventional tastes?"
"Since he’s a miracle doctor, he must know bedroom secrets and have pills to keep a man’s vigor like a dragon. I must ask him for a couple of those someday."
With these thoughts, Awei’s gaze toward Qin Chuan’s room grew ever more fervent.
Lan Jin had no idea what he was thinking. As she reached the second floor, she found her grandfather smiling warmly at her.
"Grandpa, why are you looking at me like that?"
She couldn’t help asking.
Lan Weimin didn’t answer directly. Instead, he smiled, "You must be exhausted. Go get some rest—after a good sleep, you’ll be fine."
"Yes, I’m really worn out. I won’t keep you, I’ll go sleep now."
Her legs felt heavier, her eyelids drooped, and she wondered what Qin Chuan had done with his acupuncture—after removing all those strange black toxins, she felt utterly drained.
"I’ll ask him when I wake up," she thought, yawning as she staggered back to her room.
Lan Weimin watched her awkward steps, stroked his goatee, and his face shone with satisfaction.
"Ah, youth is such a blessing," he sighed.

Just as Lan Weimin was reminiscing, Qin Chuan’s voice came from downstairs, "Uncle Fu, please prepare some ingredients for me. I’ll make a tonic soup for Lan Jin."
"Just tell me what you need, sir," Uncle Fu replied respectfully.
Qin Chuan smiled, "Red dates, goji berries, and tremella. The best ingredients you can find. Spring water is ideal for the soup—if there’s none, use mineral water."
"Don’t worry, I’ll arrange everything right away." Uncle Fu turned and left.
Qin Chuan sensed something and looked up toward the second floor, meeting Lan Weimin’s gentle, benevolent gaze. His face was filled with pride.
Damn it!
Was that the look a father gives his son-in-law?
It’s just a nourishing, kidney-tonic soup for his granddaughter—was that look really necessary?
Qin Chuan felt his seniority slipping away and, annoyed, asked, "What are you up to, old man?"
"Nothing, nothing. Qin Chuan, you’ve also expended your energy—you should have something to replenish yourself," Lan Weimin said in a fatherly tone.
"Now that sounds reasonable," Qin Chuan replied.
His irritation faded; though he hadn’t used any inner energy while treating Lan Jin, it had indeed drained him physically and mentally. He needed rest to recover fully.
Seeing Qin Chuan didn’t argue, Lan Weimin’s mood soared. It seemed his granddaughter and Qin Chuan had indeed reached that milestone.
He’d have to find a time to discuss their marriage—after all, it wouldn’t do to have a child before the wedding.
The thought that he might soon hold a grandchild made Lan Weimin’s smile nearly overflow his cheeks; he even felt ten years younger.
Qin Chuan, unaware of all the drama among the Lan family, sat cross-legged in his room to restore his energy. After several cycles, he felt as good as new.
He glanced at his ancient Nokia 8250—already fit for a museum—and saw two hours had passed.
When he left his room, Uncle Fu had already prepared the materials.
"Sir, the spring water and herbs are ready in the kitchen. If you’re tired, just have the housekeeper make the soup," Uncle Fu said with a smile.
Qin Chuan waved him off, "I’m fully recovered, no need to trouble anyone else. Besides, making medicinal cuisine takes some skill."
"The young master truly cares for Miss Lan," Uncle Fu thought, his heart warmed. He’d already heard from Lan Weimin that Miss Lan and Qin Chuan had crossed that threshold, and was genuinely happy for her.
Now, seeing Qin Chuan personally make a tonic soup for her, Uncle Fu felt gratified—this was how a loving couple ought to behave.