Chapter 30 A Gentle Smile

Cloudtop Mountain Villa District.

The Guo Residence.

Guo Zikun’s head was so heavily wrapped in gauze that he looked like a mummy, and at this moment he was sprawled on the sofa, grumbling loudly.

“Dad, what’s wrong with Old Zhu lately? He’s always been reliable, but he still hasn’t brought Qin Chuan to us. We haven’t heard a word! And now he even dares to turn off his phone? Those men of his are nothing more than the Guo family’s dogs, and now they’re baring their teeth at their master? The world’s turned upside down!”

He grew so agitated that the wound on his ear throbbed painfully, making him grimace and grit his teeth.

Guo Yunxiong hurried to soothe him. “Don’t worry, son. I’ve already sent someone to the Zhu house to see what’s going on. We’ll have news soon enough. Besides, Old Zhu’s strength isn’t something a fraud like Lightning Nine-Whip could compare to. Dealing with Qin Chuan should be a simple matter for him.”

Guo Zikun’s fury ebbed a little at that, but as soon as he thought of how Lan Jin had slipped through his fingers, the embers flared again, burning even hotter than before.

“Dad, I have to get my hands on that wretched Lan Jin. I’ll swallow up the Lan family’s businesses too. Otherwise, I’ll never get this resentment out of my chest.” Guo Zikun’s words were venomous.

Guo Yunxiong’s own heart seethed with unwillingness. He knew perfectly well how much Lan Jin meant to Lan Weimin. If his son could win her, the Lan family would be destabilized. The two families’ marriage would allow the Guos to infiltrate the Lan family without anyone the wiser, and soon enough, they’d have both wealth and power in their grasp. The family’s standing would soar.

But all these beautiful plans had been ruined by Qin Chuan. How could Guo Yunxiong not be furious?

“Don’t worry, son. Our friends in Yanjing called yesterday. The eldest Miss Long will be coming to Binhai for a banquet in half a month. In reality, she’s coming to choose a partner for the Long family’s Binhai branch. If we perform well and secure a connection with the Longs, the Guo family will ascend beyond all others. All the families in Binhai will be beneath our feet. By then, both Lan Jin and the Lan family will be yours for the taking!”

Guo Yunxiong’s words brimmed with grand ambition.

Guo Zikun felt a surge of excitement, but his worry returned as he said, “But Dad, now that Lan Weimin’s life has been saved, the Lan family is still the most powerful in Binhai. Would Miss Long really choose us over them?”

“Ah Kun, you don’t know. Five years ago, I sent your third uncle to work for a Long family company in Yanjing. Now, thanks to his abilities, he’s become a senior executive. With your third uncle building the bridge, the partnership spot is as good as ours. When the time comes, you’ll come with me to the Long family’s banquet and broaden your horizons.” Guo Yunxiong’s confidence was unshakable.

Guo Zikun’s spirits soared at the thought of having Lan Jin at his mercy, and he could barely contain his excitement.

Just then, Guo Yunxiong’s phone rang.

“What’s the situation with Old Zhu?”

Guo Yunxiong answered quickly.

A trusted subordinate’s voice soon came from the receiver. “Master, Old Zhu and his men were in a car accident. He and his five prized disciples all suffered various injuries. Things don’t look good. They won’t be able to act for the time being.”

“I see,” replied Guo Yunxiong, hanging up and relaying the news to Guo Zikun.

“Damn it! Of all the times for a car accident, it had to be now, just when we’re about to deal with Qin Chuan. Is Old Zhu cursed to bring us bad luck or what?” Guo Zikun fumed.

Guo Yunxiong quickly consoled him, “Enough now. We’ll wait until they recover. That brat can live a few days longer. With Old Zhu’s abilities, there’s no way he’d lose to Qin Chuan under normal circumstances.”

“You’re right, Dad. Let the little bastard live a couple more days,” Guo Zikun growled, grinding his teeth.

Guo Yunxiong nodded, then changed the subject. “I’ve already arranged for the best surgeons and cosmetic specialists. You’ll have your operation tomorrow. Our top priority now is connecting with the Long family. There’s no need to waste energy on small fry like Qin Chuan.”

Meanwhile—

Achoo! Achoo!

Qin Chuan, busy simmering a pot of red date, goji berry, and tremella soup, sneezed twice in a row.

“What are you sneaking around in the kitchen for, Brother Chuan?”

A silvery, bell-like voice rang out. It was Lan Jin, freshly awake and brimming with energy. She wrinkled her adorable little nose, immediately drawn by the sweet fragrance wafting through the air.

“You got the address wrong,” Qin Chuan ‘kindly’ reminded her.

Lan Jin pretended not to hear, keeping her eyes glued to the simmering pot, from which the delicious aroma arose. She swallowed unconsciously.

“What exactly are you making here?” she asked, curiosity bubbling in her voice.

Qin Chuan replied, “A tonic soup, just for you.”

“But I’m full of energy right now. I feel like I could take on the world. Why would I need a tonic?” Lan Jin paused, as if struck by a sudden realization. “Wait, you’re not making tonic soup because you’re feeling weak, are you?”

“How could I possibly be weak? If you don’t believe me, we can put it to the test. I guarantee I’ll be as fierce as a dragon, and you’ll be begging for mercy.”

As he spoke, Qin Chuan struck a pose, as if inviting her to a contest in the bedroom. A man must never admit defeat in such matters! Especially one with the Nine Suns Body, the pinnacle of vital energy—weakness simply did not exist in his vocabulary.

“That’s really not necessary!” Lan Jin quickly backed down, then, in a tone utterly lacking in sincerity, declared, “I’m absolutely certain you’re not weak. You’re the mightiest man in the land.”

Qin Chuan’s mouth twitched. This girl was getting bolder by the day—her flattery was almost comically over the top.

“By the way, after the acupuncture, why did so many impurities come out of my body? Were those the cause of my body odor?” Lan Jin finally voiced her confusion.

Qin Chuan considered for a moment before replying, “That was part of it, but most of it was toxins and impurities stored in your body. The acupuncture helped expel them. You won’t fall ill for the next ten years. But this also weakens your vitality for a while, making you a bit yin-deficient. That’s why I made this tonic soup for you. Drink it for three days, and you’ll be fully restored. During these three days, avoid greasy and spicy foods entirely.”

Lan Jin’s eyes brightened in understanding. No wonder she felt so light and relaxed after the acupuncture, yet also strangely tired.

“Also,” Qin Chuan added, “after expelling those toxins, your skin will be smoother and more supple than ever. You shouldn’t use any more skincare products. If you do, I won’t give you acupuncture again.”

Lan Jin had already noticed the change in her skin—it was far more delicate and bouncy than any cream could achieve. She hadn’t understood why, but now she realized it was all thanks to Qin Chuan’s treatment.

“Brother Chuan, you’ve done so many good things for me, how can I ever repay you?” she said, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Qin Chuan pondered for a moment. “It’s simple, really. Just let me see you smile. How about that?”

“That’s all?” Lan Jin had expected him to ask for her hand in marriage, yet his request was so modest. Without hesitation, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and flashed him a sweet, radiant smile.

“That’s it?” Qin Chuan looked at her with mock disdain.

Lan Jin was stunned. Wasn’t this the smile he’d just requested?

Sensing her confusion, Qin Chuan stroked his chin and explained, “Try breaking down the words ‘gentle smile’ and think about what I really meant. I’ve never met a girl as dense as you.”