Chapter Eighteen: Open Hostility

"Heh, taking care of me? Why have I never felt any care from anyone? Just now, Fan Xin made it clear that these matters are to be handled solely by me, so whatever I decide to do, none of you have any say in it!"

"It has always been my greatest aspiration as a doctor to ensure that everyone has access to medical treatment and a physician when needed. So I am determined to donate these things; you need not covet these gifts any longer!"

Having spoken, Yan Yuanqing no longer responded to anyone's words or insults. With a sweep of his sleeve, he left!

"Family head, just look at this boy, truly rebellious—he won’t even listen to you!"

"Our Shi family has really encountered a thankless wretch, so selfish and self-serving. Family head, this matter must be handled properly!"

"Yurou, Yan Yuanqing is your husband. Step forward and say something. Do you think he’s right?"

"That's right, Yurou. Go back and talk to him, persuade him to reconsider. If you speak to him yourself, he’ll surely think it over."

Shi Yurou hadn’t expected the matter would eventually fall into her lap, and her brow furrowed tightly at once.

In truth, Shi Yurou deeply disliked the greedy, grasping faces of these clan members and relatives. Out of consideration for the crowd, she had not openly contradicted them before. But now, with the fire at her own doorstep, she could no longer remain silent.

Beside her, Ji Chunyan saw her daughter refusing to speak, and her right eyelid began to twitch wildly, a foreboding sense arising within her. Just as she was about to say something, Shi Yurou finally spoke.

“These gifts belong to Yuanqing. Fan Xin has already confirmed this, so however Yuanqing chooses to handle them is not my concern.”

“Moreover, Yuanqing's willingness to donate this money to the charitable foundation is a wonderful thing—a great act of kindness and virtue. I support him!”

With that, those gathered in the hall were utterly dumbfounded, then began to criticize Shi Yurou in succession.

In the end, Shi Yurou could not bear to stay any longer and had no choice but to flee from this place of strife.

But after this, Shi Yurou knew all too well that her days in the family would become increasingly difficult. The way these people had targeted Yan Yuanqing before, they might do the same to her in the future.

Sure enough, that very evening, the dinner that had always been delivered by the family kitchen was abruptly cut off. Half the servants in the garden vanished as well, leaving only those personally hired by Shi Yurou.

Seeing the increasingly disorderly courtyard, Shi Yurou felt restless and agitated.

“Miss, Master Yuan requests an audience!”

“Yuan Hongyu? Let him in.”

“Yes!”

“Miss Shi, I’ve come especially today to see Master Yan. Is he at home?”

Shi Yurou nodded gently.

“He should be in the study at this hour. Just go straight to him, and if you need anything, call for me.”

“Thank you, Miss Shi!”

Inside the study.

“Master!”

Yan Yuanqing, who was engrossed in ancient medical texts, instantly recognized the familiar address and knew who had arrived without needing to look.

“What brings you to our home? You, renowned physician—are you so idle these days?”

Yan Yuanqing smiled slightly, teasing.

“Haha, Master, you jest. My abilities are but a pale imitation of yours; I dare not call myself a miracle doctor. In my view, only with your knowledge and skill does anyone truly deserve that title!”

“Enough, just tell me what you’re here for. What do you want with me today?”

“Master, you see right through me, so I’ll get straight to it. I’m currently consulting at Cangzhou Central Hospital, and I hope you could join us. With your talents, you could bring hope to countless patients. I believe you could save innumerable lives!”

“Moreover, I can secure the best treatment and benefits for you. You would never suffer any injustice at the hospital. If you agree, everything can be arranged immediately!”