Chapter 67: Leveraging External Forces
The two of them spent the entire afternoon in conversation, discussing matters related to the family and moving on to the current situation of Yan Yuanqing. In the end, Shi Chengren even patted his chest and assured Yan Yuanqing, "If you ever encounter any trouble within the family, come to me. I’ll definitely help you resolve it. Talents like you shouldn’t be subjected to such unreasonable and unfair treatment!"
Yan Yuanqing was so moved by these words that he nearly broke into tears—though, of course, it was merely an act. The two resembled actors in a scene, neither truly knowing whether the other’s expressions were genuine or feigned, which words were honest and which were not. Nonetheless, the conversation did allow Yan Yuanqing to gain a better understanding of Shi Chengren’s current circumstances. Though he wouldn’t blindly trust him for a few favors, at the very least, he wouldn’t completely reject him anymore.
“Yuanqing, you’d best keep your distance from my uncle,” Shi Yurou earnestly warned during dinner, upon hearing about Yan Yuanqing’s conversation with her uncle. “He’s nice to you because he wants something from you. He has a principle: whatever he invests in someone, he expects to get back in return. He always demands equivalent repayment, so the more you accept, the more he’ll want from you in the end. You must be careful! He’s the classic wolf in sheep’s clothing—smiling with you at the tea table one moment, and the next, he could flip the table and pull a knife from beneath it to cut your throat.”
She was worried that Yan Yuanqing might be blinded by her uncle’s honeyed words, and if he were hurt, it would be too late for regrets.
“Haha, don’t worry. I’m not so naive. Although I’ve never had much presence in the family all these years, my understanding of each member might well surpass your imagination,” Yan Yuanqing replied. “Shi Chengren is definitely approaching me with some ulterior motive, but if I were to refuse all these benefits, what would our life be like? We’d probably be facing water and power cuts before long. So, we must remain vigilant and cautious while making use of these advantages.”
Shi Yurou pondered this and nodded slightly. What Yan Yuanqing said made sense.
“By the way, I’m going to attend a medical seminar tomorrow. Would you like to come?” Yan Yuanqing suddenly remembered that Master Yuan had mentioned the seminar to him while he was returning from the traditional medicine clinic. It was said that renowned doctors from across the country and influential figures from major hospitals would attend. The event was large-scale—not a world-class forum, but one of the most prestigious in the entire nation, with considerable merit.
Shi Yurou considered for a moment but ultimately declined the invitation. “You’ll be going with Master Yuan, right? I won’t join the crowd. Besides, the people there are far beyond what I can imagine; wouldn’t I just be discouraging myself?”
Yan Yuanqing chuckled. “Haha, then forget it. I didn’t consider how you might feel there. If anything happens at home, just call me and I’ll come back to you right away.”
Before bed, Yan Yuanqing gazed seriously into Shi Yurou’s eyes and spoke with utmost sincerity.
The next morning, Yan Yuanqing went to the traditional medicine hall to find Master Yuan. Together, they drove straight to a newly built international conference center in the northern district of Cangzhou. The conference center’s building was magnificent, resembling the headquarters of some international organization. A row of colorful flags fluttered in the morning breeze, adding an air of grandeur and prestige to the entire structure.