Chapter 16: Scion of a Wealthy Family, Glasses Play
Huo Qing was worried about Nie Jia's condition. Sneaking into the operating room, he immediately spotted a young man resting, crouched against the wall. Bent knees supported his slumbering form on his lap, while nurses, exhausted, lay asleep on the floor.
"Su Su?" Huo Qing softly called as he approached Nie Jia, crouching before him.
Nie Jia, drenched in sweat, wearied and weak-eyed, startled as he saw Huo Qing come in. "You shouldn't be here!"
"The patient has been moved to the ward, it's fine," Huo Qing soothed, wiping the faint sweat from Nie Jia's brow and helping him up.
Huo Qing promptly escorted Nie Jia back. This time, he didn't collapse into sleep right after the surgery like last time. Although appearing fatigued, he seemed spirited enough to return and accompany Ye Xiao Jue in painting.
"Dr. Yan seems more cheerful than before," Huo Yun remarked, standing by Ye Xiao Jue's side, observing Nie Jia reclining on the couch, simultaneously resting and posing as a model for Ye Xiao Jue's art. "He's different, isn't he?" Huo Yun added thoughtfully. "Despite saying little and seldom smiling, there's a certain change." Not as gloomy and aloof as before, Huo Yun sighed, "Love really has its power."
Huo Qing paid no mind, rousing Nie Jia from his doze, feeding him half a bowl of congee, then guiding him upstairs to rest.
With a smug smile, Huo Yun examined Ye Xiao Jue's painting and ruffled her son's hair. "You've done well. Mom will just add a few touches."
"This is a New Year's gift for my new uncle; I want to do it myself," Ye Xiao Jue stopped painting, intending to retreat to her studio to evade her mom's interference, and carried her easel away, humming to herself.
Huo Yun huffed, ignored by everyone, and proceeded to bother Ye Shu Ming, who was busy writing in the study.
Three days later, Wang Zong reported that Meng Qian's grandfather had awakened, lucid and in good health, transferred to a high-level ward for recovery. This case caused quite a stir in the industry, elevating Yan Su's name to an even more untouchable status for the public.
This marked the pivotal moment that condemned the original Yan Su to hell, now resolved without a whisper.
When Wang Zong arrived, Nie Jia was feeding ducks by the lakeside with Huo Qing and Ye Xiao Jue. After Wang Zong's report, Nie Jia tore up the bread in his hand, sprinkling it on the water's surface, a satisfied smile touching his lips. "Perfect, it's time for me to go home too."
Lately, Jiang Yang had been under Qin Yi Ran's attack, struggling. With Qin Corporation supported by Huo Qing, Jiang Yang was at a loss on how to handle Qin Yi Ran, especially with Gu Xueying by Qin Yi Ran's side. Even without fearing Huo Qing, Jiang Yang had encountered numerous setbacks.
Returning home that afternoon, Jiang Yang saw Yan Su chatting casually with An Na in the living room, worsening his headache.
"Yan Su is back." Jiang Yang loosened his tie, politely inquiring, "What have you been busy with lately? Father's not at home; remember to spend more time with Aunt An."
Nie Jia, boneless, leaned back against the couch, ignoring his conversation. He just glanced sidelong at Jiang Yang and said, "Meng Qian's grandfather is safe now. Seems like you've forgotten something."
Jiang Yang paused, locked eyes with Nie Jia for a moment, then murmured softly, "Come to the study." With that, he briskly walked away.
Anna seemed unaware of her son Jiang Yang's relationship with Huo Qing, relieving any concerns she might have had. Seeing it was getting late, she stood up and asked, "Having dinner at home tonight? Mom will cook for you."
Nie Jia smiled and replied, "Sure, I'll eat at home."
Anna smiled contentedly and headed to the kitchen. Nie Jia entered Jiang Yang's study, finding him on the phone with Meng Qian, who had been busy taking care of his grandfather at the hospital. After reminding Meng Qian to eat properly, Jiang Yang hung up.
Nie Jia strolled over and casually pulled out a chair, asking, "Where are the documents?"
Expressionless, Jiang Yang glanced at him, tossed his phone aside, then retrieved a check from the drawer, sliding it across the table to Nie Jia. A meaningless smile adorned his face as he said, "Yan Su, considering your status, fifty million for the surgery should suffice, right?"
Nie Jia, lounging lazily with crossed legs, casually pinched the check between two fingers, examined it briefly, and disdainfully flicked it away. "If you're not willing to transfer 10% of shares to me outright, at least issue a check of equal market value. Are you trying to placate me with fifty million?"
"Don't be greedy," Jiang Yang pressed the check back toward Nie Jia. "There's no written agreement between us. If I choose, I don't owe you a single cent. Considering our brotherly relationship, offering you fifty million is already generous. Yan Su, take the hint and don't make a scene."
"Your generosity initially, was that because you were certain about Meng Qian's grandfather? Hence, you boasted confidently?" Nie Jia mocked, lips curling.
Jiang Yang looked slightly uneasy; his expression faltered as he frowned. "Yan Su, I won't hold your past actions against you. I'm grateful for your help with Meng Qian's grandfather. Fifty million is enough. I've done my part. Don't take advantage."
Nie Jia chuckled dismissively. It was Jiang Yang who didn't keep his word and refused to offer adequate compensation. Oddly, he was being seen as the unreasonable one.
His gaze remained cold and impassive. After a moment's scrutiny of Jiang Yang, he decisively slapped the table, reclaiming the check. "If you want to play, I'm game."
With that, he stood up and left. Jiang Yang sighed in relief, somewhat surprised by Yan Su's swift compromise this time. Normally, Yan Su relentlessly clung to any issue involving him. Despite Yan Su's extensive connections, Jiang's side, bolstered by Huo Qing's investments, remained unaffected. He hoped Yan Su would take the hint and stop. Jiang Yang didn't want to dwell on it, reclining in his chair and rubbing his tired nose bridge.
Meanwhile, Nie Jia went to the kitchen, where Anna was simmering pork rib soup.
"Mom, here's your allowance," Nie Jia teased, waving the check in front of Anna.
Glancing at Jiang Yang's signature, Anna frowned immediately. "Is this an additional gift or the entire amount? Jiang Yang isn't that generous to gift you fifty million, is he? What, he's reneging on the shares?"
"He can't afford it. If he gives it, Qin Yi Ran and Gu Xueying will devour him. He's well aware," Nie Jia remarked, leaning against the kitchen counter, nibbling on a carrot.
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