Chapter Sixteen: Commanding Presence on All Sides

A flash of golden light seemed to pass through the room, drawing the eyes of the two occupants sharply toward Yan Yuanqing.

"Master, you're awake!"

"Hmm? Lord Fan, what is this about?"

Yan Yuanqing, just awakened, was puzzled to see Lord Fan suddenly bowing deeply before him.

"My apologies, Master Yan. I must apologize to you once again! It was my lack of discernment before—please forgive me. The gifts of gratitude and the reward for this treatment..."

"Before nightfall today, I will have everything delivered to the Shi family estate, and ensure that all know of Lord Fan’s renown!"

"Enough, enough. I am not one to hold grudges. I only hope that, in the future, you won’t follow the crowd or judge others by their appearance."

As he stepped out the door, everyone outside congratulated Yan Yuanqing repeatedly—even those who had previously mocked or ridiculed him now wore entirely different expressions.

For a moment, Yan Yuanqing was the center of attention.

"It seems Yan Yuanqing really has cured the Fan family’s beloved daughter!"

"It’s simply incredible! I honestly believed he was just the useless son-in-law from the rumors. How could he possibly be a fool? How could he be a simpleton?"

"Has the Shi family lost their minds? With talent like his, why aren’t they groveling at his feet? Instead, they keep targeting him!"

"If I were Yan Yuanqing, I’d have left the damned Shi family long ago. With such ability, to endure unfair treatment every day—it’s infuriating just to think about!"

Ji Chunyan remained at the Fan family estate, not having left yet; she had originally come to witness Yan Yuanqing make a fool of himself.

But she hadn’t expected such a dramatic reversal; in the end, it was the Shi family who became the target of everyone’s ridicule.

So although Yan Yuanqing had accomplished a great feat, he showed no warmth whatsoever to Shi Yuru, who stood nearby.

"Tch, I bet it was just a lucky accident. When we get home, I’ll make sure to investigate how that fool managed to cure the Fan family’s daughter!"

"Yuru, let’s go!"

After taking a few steps, Ji Chunyan realized her daughter was gazing at Yan Yuanqing in the distance, her eyes gentle and shining with a peculiar light.

"Come on, why are you staring at that useless man? He just got lucky, that’s all. I warn you—don’t be fooled by appearances!"

"I’ve seen it all before!"

Yan Yuanqing was escorted out of the estate by Fan Yongfeng himself, who only left after Yan Yuanqing insisted he return.

By the time Yan Yuanqing arrived back at the Shi family home, dusk was approaching.

Shi Tianhe, who had been detained by the Fan family, had already returned with Shi Yuru.

Yet when Yan Yuanqing entered the main hall, he sensed the atmosphere was subtly strained.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on him.

Their gazes were complicated—some filled with astonishment, some with envy, others with doubt, and even a few tinged with jealousy or hostility.

Yan Yuanqing paid no mind to these looks.

"Report! Master, the Fan family’s gifts have arrived!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall rose to their feet at once, and even Shi Tianhe hurried outside to greet the Fan family’s messenger.

"Haha, congratulations, Master Shi! Your family has truly found a treasure this time! Lord Fan’s gifts to your family are richer than anything I’ve ever seen!"

"This shows the Shi family has made an excellent impression on Lord Fan—your future prospects are bright indeed!"

The messenger was none other than Fan Xin.

Shi Tianhe dared not be remiss; though his emotions were conflicted, he forced a smile, appearing enthusiastic.

"Haha, thank you for Lord Fan’s kindness. Please convey to him that the Shi family will always be friends of the Fan family!"

"Very well. Men, bring in the gifts!"

At Fan Xin’s command, a group of servants descended from the carriages, each pair carrying a large chest; all the carriages were packed with these boxes, which were hauled into the Shi family estate.

The spectacle was impressive—the boxes were adorned with gold and silver, exuding a grand and opulent aura.