Peerless Medical Emperor

Shen Mingyue sat at home, her face pale and her thoughts in turmoil.

She recalled the day Fang Jiahao had suddenly confessed to her, leaving her stunned. He had always been persistent in his pursuit, yet he’d remained polite and never crossed any lines, so she had only ever thought of him as a regular friend.

Of course, she had no idea it was all just an act.

”How... How could we ever be together?” Shen Mingyue remembered asking him.

She continued to recall the situation, bit by bit.

”Why not?” A flash of resolve and determination glinted in Fang Jiahao’s eyes. ”I’ve always liked you, and I hope we can be together.”

Shen Mingyue didn’t answer. She knew perfectly well that even though Fang Jiahao was an excellent man, she didn’t like him and had never once considered being with him.

”I understand what you’re thinking.” Fang Jiahao took a deep breath. ”I will respect your decision, and I won’t bother you anymore. But you’ll always be in my thoughts.”

Shen Mingyue gave a slight nod, grateful for his understanding. From that day on, Fang Jiahao never appeared before her or contacted her again.

What Shen Mingyue didn’t know was that Fang Jiahao was even more despicable than Zhang Zixuan. His disappearance wasn’t by choice; it was because something had happened to him.

However, the investigator’s words today made her think of this person again. She wanted to know more about Fang Jiahao, but the investigator didn’t seem to know the specific details either.

”I want to see him,” Shen Mingyue resolved.

”I’m afraid that’s impossible.” The investigator shook his head. ”He’s already been locked up in the Little Black Prison. He won’t be getting out for three years.”

Shen Mingyue’s heart pounded. ”Why?”

”Because he messed with the wrong person.” The investigator’s expression grew grim. ”This is what he deserved.”

Shen Mingyue didn’t know what to say; her mind was a mess. Just then, her phone suddenly rang.

”It’s me, Chen Qingdi.” The voice on the other end of the line instantly cleared Shen Mingyue’s muddled thoughts.

”Where are you?” she asked.

”I’m at a coffee shop with your mother.” Chen Qingdi’s voice was calm. ”Can we talk?”

Shen Mingyue was taken aback for a moment, then agreed. After hanging up, she told the investigator that she had something to handle and would ask her questions the next time they met.

The investigator nodded and turned to leave.

Shen Mingyue took a deep breath, composed herself, and then headed to the coffee shop.

When she walked into the coffee shop, Chen Qingdi and her mother were already waiting. Seeing them together, she was filled with complicated emotions.

After she sat down, the three of them were silent, as if sizing each other up.

”I’m surprised you’re with him.” Shen Mingyue’s mother was the first to break the silence. ”The two of you have been getting very close lately.”

”We’re just ordinary friends. He’s my assistant,” Shen Mingyue replied.

”If this is the kind of guy you consider an ’ordinary friend,’ then the rest of your circle must be common indeed,” Shen Mingyue’s mother said with a faint smile.

Shen Mingyue said nothing. She knew her mother disliked her being with Chen Qingdi, but this was her choice.

”Did you need something from me?” she asked Chen Qingdi.

Chen Qingdi nodded. ”I have something to tell you, but it doesn’t look like this is the right time or place.”

But before Chen Qingdi could continue, Shen Mingyue’s mother lost her patience.

Sunlight streamed through the café window, falling upon Shen Mingyue’s mother, yet it failed to illuminate her heart.

Her face was livid, and the words spilling from her mouth were like daggers aimed at Chen Qingdi.

”You... you jinx! If you provoke the Fang Family’s young master and make him lose interest in my daughter, can you afford the consequences? Who the hell do you think you are? A lowly assistant, and you dare to aspire to our Mingyue?”

Shen Mingyue’s mother’s fury seemed about to ignite the entire café. Yet Chen Qingdi simply sat there, his expression placid, his gaze holding an indescribable resolve and calm.

”Mom, don’t be like this.” Shen Mingyue was embarrassed. She tugged at her mother’s sleeve, but it was no use. Her mother’s words made her flush then pale, but she knew her intervention wouldn’t stop her.

”Mingyue, why are you with him? He’s just an assistant! What kind of future could you possibly have with him?” Shen Mingyue’s mother grabbed her daughter’s hand, her tone anxious.

Shen Mingyue bit her lower lip, her gaze falling on Chen Qingdi as a pang of pain shot through her heart. But she said firmly, ”Mom, I like him. He’s not the kind of person you think he is.”

”You like him? How can you like him? Have you even thought about our family?” Shen Mingyue’s mother raised her voice, causing the people nearby to look over at them.

”I... I...” Shen Mingyue stammered, unable to form a sentence, her mind a chaotic mess.

Chen Qingdi watched the scene unfold, his heart aching as if pierced by needles. He knew he couldn’t leave Shen Mingyue at a time like this; he had to stay by her side.

So he stood up, walked over to Shen Mingyue’s mother, and looked her directly in the eye.

”Ma’am, I know you don’t approve of me, but please believe that I will treat Mingyue well.”

Shen Mingyue’s mother’s eyes widened. She looked Chen Qingdi up and down, as if trying to read him. But in the end, she just snorted. ”Hmph, in your dreams! Let me tell you, you want to marry my daughter? Fat chance!”

Shen Mingyue tugged Chen Qingdi’s hand, signaling for him to sit down. She faced her mother. ”Mom, why do you always use that as a yardstick to measure people? He is his own person.”

Shen Mingyue’s mother slammed her hand on the table. ”What’s that supposed to mean? Are you picking a fight with me over him?”

”That’s not what I meant.” Shen Mingyue shook her head. ”I just want to say that I like him, not because of his status, but because of the person he is.”

”You...” Shen Mingyue’s mother was so angry she was at a loss for words.

”Alright, that’s enough fighting,” Chen Qingdi suddenly spoke up. ”Ma’am, I know you only want what’s best for Mingyue. But please, trust that I will treat her well.”

Shen Mingyue’s mother glared at him. ”Who do you think you are? I’m telling you, you want to marry my daughter? Not a chance!”

When Shen Mingyue heard this, her heart ached. She knew her mother was against her being with Chen Qingdi, but she hadn’t expected her to object so vehemently.

She looked at Chen Qingdi, her heart filled with apology. But she knew she couldn’t give up on him. So she took a deep breath. ”Mom, I like him. And I trust that he’ll treat me well.”

”You...” Shen Mingyue’s mother was speechless with rage. She looked at her daughter’s determined gaze and Chen Qingdi’s composed expression, and knew there was no point in arguing further.

She snorted. ”Fine! Do whatever you want! I’m done meddling!” With that, she stormed out of the café, leaving Shen Mingyue and Chen Qingdi sitting across from each other.

An apologetic smile touched Shen Mingyue’s face. ”Darling, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry you had to endure that.”