Chapter 67

For the past ten days, Li Yujun had been showing up at Qian Jianing’s house every morning at 5:30 sharp under the pretense of practicing martial arts. After sparring for about an hour, they would shower and change into clean clothes, then Li Yujun would take Qian Jianing on his bicycle around the city to enjoy all sorts of traditional snacks. Around ten o’clock, he’d drop her back home. Qian Jianing felt that if it weren’t for the fact that her home-style cuisine restaurant had to open for business, Li Yujun would probably spend the entire day out with her.

The bicycle stopped at the entrance of the restaurant. Qian Jianing nimbly hopped off the back seat and waved at Li Yujun. “I’m going in. You’d better get home.”

“Wait!” Li Yujun suddenly called out to her. Looking at her beaming face, his heart once again raced uncontrollably. “I heard there’s a new movie premiering today. Are you free after work? I want to take you to see it!”

Qian Jianing thought for a moment and replied, “I take two days off every month to rest. Tomorrow happens to be one of those days, so I won’t open the restaurant. How about we go tomorrow instead? That way it won’t be too late at night.”

Li Yujun was overjoyed. “Then do you have any plans during the day tomorrow? The weather’s just right for boating at the Summer Palace.”

Qian Jianing glanced up at the blazing sun and forced a smile. “Sure!”

Watching him ride away, Qian Jianing entered the courtyard. As soon as she closed the door, Treasure Bowl, who had been stifling laughter, sprang out. “Haha! That blockhead trying to woo a girl is hilarious. Boating in this heat? Why not just take you swimming instead?”

Qian Jianing stroked her chin, thinking seriously. “Maybe he’s afraid I’d take advantage of him?”

“Give me a break! I think he wishes you would!” Treasure Bowl ran into the kitchen, hopped onto the countertop, and stretched out a small hand. A peach flew out of a box, which he caught and bit into, speaking around the juicy mouthful, “I can tell you really like this Li Yujun guy. Every time he sees you, his heart nearly jumps out of his chest. Aren’t you into him too? When are you two going to break the ice?”

Qian Jianing put the vegetables she’d need for lunch into the sink. A minute later, the automatic washer had cleaned them thoroughly. She took them out and set them in a basket on the rack to drain.

“He has to confess first,” she said, taking a bite of a plum and leaning against the counter. “The more I get to know him, the more I really like him. He’s good-looking, well-mannered, and most importantly, he seems like the type who, once he falls in love, stays loyal for life.” She tossed the pit into the trash and went to wash her hands. “All in all, from looks to figure to character—he’s a rare gem of a man!”

Treasure Bowl’s big eyes sparkled with gossip. “So… do you like him?”

Qian Jianing pinched his soft cheeks with a smile. “A guy that handsome showing up in front of me every day—how could I not?”

Treasure Bowl giggled. “Qian Xiaomi, your love star is rising!”

Qian Jianing stuffed a piece of braised meat into his mouth. “Even food can’t shut you up, huh?”

That day was the scheduled appointment with Old Master Dong. After business hours, the Dong family’s driver arrived at the restaurant to pick her up. When Qian Jianing entered the Dong family courtyard, she heard opera singing from inside. She opened the door to find the old man holding a watermelon in one hand and a sword in the other, singing along to the TV.

She greeted him with a smile. “Grandpa Dong!”

Old Master Dong turned and, seeing her, immediately called out, “Jianing, come have some watermelon! It just came out of the well water, sweet, sandy, and ice-cold—perfect!”

Qian Jianing glanced at the four watermelon rinds on the coffee table and chuckled. “Grandpa Dong, you’ve got quite the appetite. Four slices and you’re still not full?”

Old Master Dong laughed. “It’s all thanks to you. Back when you first treated me, I was bedridden and couldn’t eat or drink. I was practically waiting to die. Look at me now—strong and full of energy. Just yesterday I arm-wrestled Old Zhang next door and beat him!”

His condition had improved rapidly, and the treatment cycle had shortened to ten days. Qian Jianing used her Heavenly Eye to examine his tumors. One of the smallest had already disappeared, and the remaining four had visibly shrunk. She estimated that in a few more months, he’d be completely cured.

She was genuinely happy for him. “That shows you’ve been fully cooperating with the treatment. That’s why you’re recovering so quickly. Alright, no more watermelon—it’ll upset your stomach. Let’s take your pulse and see if I need to adjust your prescription.”

Old Master Dong was known for arguing with everyone, but he always listened to Qian Jianing. He obediently sat down and placed his hand on the table.

As she was checking his pulse, Dong Bocheng rushed in from the study, holding a stack of medical reports. Qian Jianing nodded and smiled at him. “One tumor is gone. At this rate, he might be fully cured in six more months.”

“Jianing, you’re amazing. Machines can barely detect these changes, and you can tell just by touch!” Dong Bocheng excitedly showed her the scans. “He’s been feeling great lately and didn’t want to go for a follow-up, but I finally dragged him there yesterday. The doctors were shocked he was still alive—let alone so healthy. When the scans came back showing one tumor gone and the others smaller, all the oncology specialists gathered around asking what miracle drug he took. I told them it was just traditional medicine and herbal cuisine. They were stunned. Even other patients’ families came over asking which miracle doctor treated him.”

Qian Jianing smiled as he animatedly told the story. “Thanks for the compliment.”

“That’s not flattery—it’s just facts!” Dong Bocheng set the reports aside and fanned himself. “I didn’t reveal your name, but those with real means will figure it out. After all, our driver visits your place daily to pick up herbal meals—hard to keep that under wraps.”

Qian Jianing shook her head. “It’s fine. Half the people coming to my place now aren’t there to eat. Some want fortune readings, some seek lost people—you name it. So a few more patients wouldn’t be strange.”

Dong Bocheng gave her a thumbs-up. “At our social gatherings, your name comes up a lot. Some call you the God of Cooking, others call you a master. Of course, some say you have a strange temper. I even heard someone offered you a million yuan to set up a wealth-attracting formation, and you refused!”

Thinking of that visitor, Qian Jianing sneered. “That guy had bad intentions. Helping him would’ve ruined my own fortune.”

Dong Bocheng felt a chill and made a mental note to remind his three sons to always act with a clear conscience. From what Jianing said, evildoers would eventually face retribution.

After taking the pulse, Qian Jianing wrote a prescription and handed it to Dong Bocheng, who had it faxed to Lehetang. He poured her tea and asked about the old man’s condition. “I remember when you first started treating him, you estimated it would take 18 to 24 months to fully recover. Is his rapid progress due to your herbal meals and the fruits and vegetables you bring?”

Qian Jianing nodded. “My produce is indeed special and very rare—extremely valuable.”

Dong Bocheng smiled. “I was going to ask if you could supply some long-term for my family, but since it’s so precious, I won’t make things difficult for you.”

“I’ll be launching a wellness meal and herbal cuisine series soon,” Qian Jianing said. “If you come to eat, I’ll give you a discount.”

Dong Bocheng laughed. “No need. Just getting a seat is enough. I know not everyone will have access to it.”

Qian Jianing smiled. “You really do know me. I’ll need to assess each person first—can’t go around improving the health of bad people.”

After chatting a while longer, she needed to return to prepare afternoon tea. The Dong family driver brought her back to the restaurant. As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Master Physician Zhang Renze, Principal Li Chengming, and Homeroom Teacher Wang Dong all waiting outside her courtyard.

Looking at her student Wang Dong, Qian Jianing couldn’t help but feel frustrated. The student never showed up for class, and when he needed something from her, he would come to her home and wait around. The worst part was, even if he couldn’t find her, he would still wait. To Wang Dong, Qian Jianing was by far the most laid-back student he had ever seen.

Qian Jianing checked the time—about ten minutes until afternoon tea—so she invited the three of them out to the courtyard.

Although the weather was hot, the shade from the trees and grapevines in the siheyuan kept it cool. Guests still preferred sitting in the courtyard for tea, enjoying the flowers and conversation—it was far more pleasant than staying indoors.

In fact, it was thanks to the temperature control system from the Immortal Realm’s kitchen, but guests simply attributed the breeze and coolness to the dense trees and flowers, never suspecting anything else.

The tea guests hadn’t arrived yet. Qian Jianing added some chairs beside her tea spot, brought out refreshments and fruit, and brewed a pot of tea. The scent of the tea was so tempting that Li Chengming almost forgot why he’d come. He quickly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and praised her continuously, “This is the most fragrant tea I’ve ever had. The aftertaste is amazing. Jianing, this place of yours really feels like a paradise—so relaxing. If I could lounge in a rocking chair every day, drinking tea and enjoying flowers, I wouldn’t want to be a principal anymore.”

Qian Jianing couldn’t help but laugh. “Principal, wake up! You mustn’t forget your responsibilities just because of a cup of tea. Otherwise, I won’t dare to invite you again next time!”

Li Chengming burst out laughing. “Looks like I’d better continue doing my job properly if I want to earn another cup in the future.”

After a round of lighthearted laughter, Qian Jianing got to the point. “Mr. Zhang, Principal, what brings you here today?”

Li Chengming set down his teacup, his expression slightly excited. “Jianing, I heard you’re currently treating a cancer patient, and the results are remarkable?”

“So it’s already spread,” Qian Jianing said with a smile, taking a sip of tea. “To treat the old gentleman, I even used Suhua and Baiwei that my master gave me.”

Zhang Renze was shocked, spilling tea on his hand. “You mean the Suhua and Baiwei mentioned in ancient medical texts, said to be effective against tumors? Weren’t those long extinct?”

Qian Jianing nodded. “If Mr. Dong hadn’t paid 1.5 million for me to treat his father, I wouldn’t have been willing to part with them. I only have a limited amount left.”

For traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, discovering extinct herbs and lost medical texts was a dream come true. Zhang Renze eagerly asked, “Do you still have any Suhua and Baiwei? Could I take a look?”

Qian Jianing opened her handbag as she spoke. “I just got back from Mr. Dong’s place, and I have two pieces left.” She pulled out two exquisitely crafted boxes and handed them over. Zhang Renze and Li Chengming received them with trembling hands, eyes brimming with tears.

While Qian Jianing went to serve the arriving guests tea, Zhang Renze and Li Chengming examined the herbs. When she returned, they returned the boxes and brought up their main purpose for visiting. “Jianing, over the past year, we’ve been reviewing your notes with several veteran TCM doctors and professors from your school. We’ve analyzed and debated the contents in depth. It’s clear your master’s medical skills far surpass ours. And your treatment of Mr. Dong’s father has further confirmed the effectiveness of your notes.”

Qian Jianing nodded. Her master, the Daoist Master of Medicine, had been studying medicine for over a thousand years. Even the most casual notes he left were enough for people today to study for a lifetime.

Looking at her, Zhang Renze solemnly asked, “Your notes are extremely important for the advancement of Chinese medicine. We’ve reorganized them and would like to publish them under your name—would that be alright?”

Qian Jianing stood up. “Mr. Zhang, please wait a moment.”

Puzzled, Zhang Renze watched as she ran to the backyard. About five minutes later, she returned hurriedly and handed him a notebook and a medical text. “You can publish these two together.”

Zhang Renze took them and was stunned. The medical text was a long-lost classic known by name only in the history of Chinese medicine. The notebook was filled with ancient formulas and detailed explanations. He was so moved he didn’t know what to say.

Qian Jianing refilled his tea. “My notes are messy and complex, and the verification and sorting process has been hard on you. If you’re publishing them, please include the other researchers as co-authors.”

Zhang Renze had never cared much for fame. To him, promoting traditional medicine was far more important.

“These teachings came from your master. What name should we use for him?”

Although Qian Jianing knew who the Daoist Master of Medicine was, she couldn’t reveal his name—he was a man from a thousand years ago. After a moment’s thought, she said, “I can’t give his name, but he called himself the Daoist Master of Medicine. Use that.”

Though the title sounded informal, Zhang Renze respected their wishes. “Alright, I’ll list the Daoist Master of Medicine at the top.”

Having completed their business, Zhang Renze and Li Chengming were about to leave when Qian Jianing made a small request. “Principal, is there any way I can graduate early?” Seeing Wang Dong’s shocked expression, she added a bit sheepishly, “Honestly, I only chose this school so I could practice medicine openly in the future.”

Li Chengming thought for a moment. “Your case is special. Making you follow the full five-year curriculum does seem unfair. Final exams are in a month for fifth-year students. I’ll ask Elder Wang to give you all five years’ course materials. You can take the exams with them.”

This unexpected news delighted Qian Jianing, though she pretended to be reserved. “Is that allowed?”

Li Chengming chuckled. “I’ll submit a report. You’ve made significant contributions to Chinese medicine, and with Mr. Zhang vouching for you, I doubt there’ll be a problem.”

Qian Jianing quickly poured tea for all three. “Thank you, Mr. Zhang. Thank you, Principal. Thank you, Elder Wang.”

Wang Dong looked at her, reluctant to part. “I thought I’d have five years with you, but now you’re graduating in one. I doubt I’ll ever have another student as talented.”

Qian Jianing handed him a bunch of grapes, comforting him. “Students like me are trouble.”

Wang Dong accepted the grapes and sighed deeply.
—

Li Yujun sat at his desk reading when Chang Xiaoyuan knocked and entered, carrying a plate of fruit. “Yujun, what are you up to?”

“Nothing, just reading.” He picked up a bookmark, placed it in the book, and stood up. “Mom, what’s the matter?”

Looking at her handsome and elegant son, Chang Xiaoyuan beamed with pride. “Yujun, I’ve invited Chief of Staff Wang Minhan’s wife and daughter over tomorrow. What do you think?”

Li Yujun remained expressionless. “You don’t need to check with me to invite guests. I won’t be home anyway.”

Chang Xiaoyuan looked at him, speechless. “I invited them for your sake! Do you remember Wang Yanyan from Uncle Wang’s family? She used to follow you around all the time. She liked you so much, and you completely ignored her!”

Li Yujun looked at her blankly. “And what makes you think I’d be interested now?”

“Oh come on, you’re not getting any younger. I’m just trying to set you up with someone!” She poked his forehead. “If you’d bring home a girlfriend on your own, I wouldn’t need to worry!”

That made Li Yujun sit back down, flipping through his book awkwardly. “Soon.”

Chang Xiaoyuan didn’t catch on. “What do you mean, soon?”

“A girlfriend.” A rare softness appeared on his face, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I already like someone. You don’t need to worry anymore.”

Seeing that expression, Chang Xiaoyuan’s jaw nearly dropped. He was always cold and stoic—she never imagined she’d see this gentle side of him. “Who is this amazing girl who managed to win you over?”

Li Yujun recalled how he was either thrown over her shoulder or kicked across the room every morning and gave his mother a complicated look. “She’s definitely… something.”

Filled with curiosity, Chang Xiaoyuan leaned in. “Yujun, tell me about her. Is she pretty?”

Li Yujun cleared his throat awkwardly and put on a serious face again. “She’s very pretty, but don’t ask me anything else. She hasn’t agreed to be my girlfriend yet.”

Chang Xiaoyuan grew anxious at once. “Why haven’t you won her over yet? Does she not like you or what?”
Li Yujun flipped open his book and continued taking notes. Seeing that he clearly didn’t want to talk, Chang Xiaoyuan was at a loss. “Fine, I won’t ask. But you’d better hurry up.”

Li Yujun didn’t respond. Only after Chang Xiaoyuan left did he let out a breath. He opened a drawer and pulled out a photo from a book, gently stroking the girl’s face in the picture. “Jianing, will you ever like me?”
—

Early the next morning, Li Yujun got up and spent a long time grooming himself in front of the mirror. He finally chose an outfit and headed out, full of energy. Chang Xiaoyuan peeked her head out of the kitchen while Li Yufeng leaned over the stair railing. They both watched Li Yujun leave.

“Did you know your brother likes a girl?” Chang Xiaoyuan asked toward upstairs.

Li Yufeng thought of how he’d never managed more than three moves against Li Yujun since childhood and firmly shook his head. “No idea.”

Chang Xiaoyuan went back into the kitchen, muttering, “Whose daughter is it, anyway? How come I haven’t heard a thing?”

Li Yujun parked the car by the alley. Just as he opened the door, he saw Qian Jianing walk out in a sleeveless, cinched light blue dress. Her smooth black hair fell over her shoulders, held in place by a simple clip, making her look pure and sweet.

Li Yujun stared at Qian Jianing without blinking until she walked up to him, snapping him out of it. He quickly opened the passenger door for her.

Qian Jianing placed her handbag on her lap, buckled her seatbelt, and turned to him with a bright smile. “Let’s go.”

Hearing her voice, Li Yujun curved his lips into a smile. His heart felt like it was filled with honey—sweet and warm.

A gentle breeze blew as Li Yujun rowed the small boat onto the lake. It wasn’t the weekend nor summer vacation yet, so the Summer Palace was quiet, with only their little boat on the vast lake.

“It’s been a long time since I felt this relaxed.” He let go of the oars and let the boat drift. “I’ve been so happy lately.”

Qian Jianing, feeling his gaze fixed on her, blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment. “You’ve been happy even though I beat you up black and blue every day?”

Li Yujun’s lips lifted slightly. “Sweet as honey.”

The wind picked up again. The lake sparkled, and both of them sat quietly without speaking.

“I’ve never had any contact with girls before. My brother calls me ‘Stone Face’ because I always look stern and act cold to everyone,” Li Yujun said suddenly. “But after I met you, I just couldn’t stay cold anymore. Seeing you makes me happy. Thinking about you makes me feel blessed. Jianing, you’re such a special girl. I’m drawn to you without even realizing it.”

Qian Jianing’s eyes curved into a smile, revealing two cute dimples. Li Yujun gathered his courage, moved to sit beside her, and gently held her soft, fair hand.

“Jianing, I like you! I really like you!”

Finally hearing those words, Qian Jianing gave a gentle smile, intertwined her fingers with his, and said, “What a coincidence—I do too!”

“I never used to believe in love at first sight,” Qian Jianing said. “I always told myself that feelings should grow from deep mutual understanding—it’s safer that way. But I couldn’t help falling for you. Even though we’ve only really been together for ten days or so, it’s you, and that’s enough to make me want to take the risk.”

“I do believe in love at first sight,” Li Yujun looked into her eyes with intensity. “Because I’m proof of it.”

They looked at each other and smiled, their hands clasping even tighter.

Treasure Bowl had been squatting in Qian Jianing’s consciousness with a bag of sunflower seeds for quite a while. After their mutual confession, the two just sat there smiling at the lake like fools, and he got impatient. “Seriously? At a moment this romantic, you’re not going to kiss?!” Treasure Bowl’s eyes widened as he excitedly directed, “Li Yujun’s the reserved type—this is your cue, Xiaomi! Go for it! Right on the lips! Tongue kiss!”

Qian Jianing bowed her head slightly and ground her teeth in silence. “Treasure Bowl, can you just shut your eyes and your mouth?”

“Nope!” Treasure Bowl shook his head firmly. “Watching mortals fall in love is my favorite thing—it’s even better than playing cards.”

Qian Jianing took a deep breath and pulled out her trump card. “Five thousand virtual coins for ten hours with all five senses shut down.”

“Deal!” Treasure Bowl tossed aside the sunflower seeds, spun in place, and transformed into a plump, glowing golden treasure bowl.

Qian Jianing let out a relieved sigh. “What a money-grubber.”
—

Li Yujun only had a one-month vacation. After they officially became a couple, the two of them visited every tourist spot in the capital hand in hand. Finally, the day came for Li Yujun to return to duty.

He sat on the couch as Qian Jianing packed his bag, stuffing in one bottle after another. “This one’s for bleeding, this one’s for scars, this one’s for whitening…”

Li Yujun stood up helplessly and hugged her from behind. “Jianing, I’m not a girl. I don’t need all this.”

Qian Jianing stood straight, clearly worried. “But I’m scared you’ll get hurt again. Please be careful, okay?”

Li Yujun smiled. “I know. For you, I’ll do my best to stay safe.”

Qian Jianing turned and leaned against his firm chest, taking the opportunity to touch his abs. “When will you be back next time? What if I miss you?”

Li Yujun sighed and kissed her hair gently. “I’ll try to call you as often as I can.”

Qian Jianing nodded in his arms. After a long, quiet embrace, she finally pulled away, took a red amulet from her pocket, and placed it in his hand. “I made this lucky charm myself. Promise me you’ll keep it on you at all times.”

Li Yujun looked at the little red pouch embroidered with the word “peace” in golden thread, and his heart ached a little. He reached out and gently patted her head. “Don’t worry. I’ll stay safe for your sake. I’m even planning to come back early and marry you.”

Qian Jianing looked up at him with bright eyes. “A bit early to be a bride—but next time you come back, I want to visit your family.”

Li Yujun smiled and pulled her tightly into his arms. Slowly, he lowered his head and kissed her lips for the first time.