Mr. CEO, Spoil me 100 Percent! - Chapter 240

Chapter 240: A Scream

 

After all, Ruobing was Old Madam Xi’s adopted granddaughter.

They had years of memories together. The emotional ties were too deep. If Old Madam Xi was willing to forgive her, then Ruobing would escape unscathed.

Therefore, Xinghe had to set up the stage for Ruobing to fall…

She’d laid down the choices before Ruobing, either she admitted her mistake or shamelessly continued on with the knowledge of her mistake.

Obviously, Ruobing chose the latter…

Accidental mistakes were forgivable, but someone who pressed on despite knowing her own wrongdoings? Such people didn’t deserve forgiveness.

Xinghe knew with certainty that the faulty product would injure Old Madam Xi and she hoped the light injury would amplify her disappointment and anger towards her adopted daughter.

In any case, even if Old Madam Xi could somehow find her heart to forgive Ruobing, her ex-husband would not…

It would be the same for the entire Xi Family.

After losing the Xi’s support, it would be difficult for Ruobing to bounce back from her loss.

This was Xinghe’s plan, to one-shot her enemy so they couldn’t launch a comeback!

Of course, the extent of her plan went further than that.

With Ruobing as contrast, it would highlight how capable she was before the rest of them.

This would make them more inclined to hand Lin Lin over to her.

Even though there was a contract but it was ultimately verbal, lacking in assurance.

Xi Family might pull some strings behind her back to stop her from reaching her son.

However, if they started to accept her, then it would definitely be easier to her to leave with Lin Lin…

Xinghe’s intricate plan was unknown to all but one… her ex-husband.

Xinghe subconsciously stole a glance at him.

To be fair, Xinghe was appreciative of his understanding and kindness. The fact that he didn’t expose or impede her plan was the biggest help he could ever give her.

She thought of ways to repay him but it only made her feel guilty for taking his son away from him…

…

The surgery lasted for two hours.

When Old Madam Xi was wheeled out of door, everyone crowded around her.

Lu Qi announced happily, “The surgery was a great success. Old Madam Xi is in perfect physical condition, she just needs some rest for now. The operation was a great success!”

“This is wonderful news!” Elder Xi was the first one to cheer.

Happiness spread across the crowd like a wave.

Ruobing was naturally the happiest of all, even happier than winning the lottery in fact.

She turned to look at Xinghe immediately, the smugness and taunting in her eyes on full display.

She no longer feared Xinghe.

With the successful conclusion of the operation, there was nothing she needed to worry about anymore!

Even if Xia Xinghe produces the evidence now, it will be too late. Nothing is able to stop me from achieving my dreams now!

Ruobing could barely contain herself. However, instead of sending Old Madam Xi to the resting bay like everyone else, she strode confidently towards Xinghe.

She stopped before her and turned her nose up to say, “Xia Xinghe, the result is out, victory is mine and you lost! Where is your confidence now, the capability you speak of? Look at you, you’re just a loser, a good-for-nothing loser! You hear me? You’ve lost… to me, the person that you plotted so hard against! Serves you right, b*tch!”

Xinghe stood up stoically and replied with only one question, “Do you seriously think you’ve won?”

“Of course, the result is clear as day! If I’m not the winner, who you think is the winner? You? Don’t make laugh! The winner is me! Me-”

Right at that moment, a blood-curdling scream pierced the hospital air.

Chapter 241: Explosion!

 

The room started to panic and the panic was reflected in Ruobing’s heart.

“What’s happening?”

“Old Madam Xi, hang in there! Please tell us what’s wrong!”

“Doctor, quick, someone get the doctor!” Grandfather Xi roared.

Ruobing turned around stiffly and saw Old Madam Xi, who was just wheeled out of surgery, being rushed back in.

Doctors and nurses crowded around Old Madam Xi who was moaning painfully on the gurney while the rest of the family members hounded the doctors nervously with questions…

The scene seemed to have frozen over in front of Ruobing’s eyes while the cries for help repeated incessantly in her eyes. It was a nightmarish sensation.

She stared at the situation dumbly, her brain unable to process anything.

What the f*ck happened?

A bad feeling twisted at her heart…

“No idea what happened? It’s simple, you’ve failed!” Xinghe’s clear voice rang up beside her.

Ruobing whipped her head around and glared at her. “Fail, me? Impossible, I can’t fail, this is not right!”

Ruobing shook her head vehemently as if to clear her mind, then she dashed towards Old Madam Xi.

No, this can’t be. I am not a failure!

After shoving a few people out of her way, she came face-to-face with Old Madam Xi who was grimacing in pain and her artificial arm that had blown up!

The arm that she designed had exploded!

“Yun Ruobing, what is happening here? Explain yourself!” Elder Xi glared angrily at her.

Under the scrutiny of his fiery gaze, Ruobing stammered out an answer, “I, I have no idea why…”

“Isn’t this your design? How can you have no idea what happened‽” somebody else in the crowd questioned.

“That’s right! Your product is a death trap! It exploded minutes after installation, how will you take responsibility if something happens to Old Madam Xi?”

“If anything happens to Old Madam Xi, we will never forgive you!”

Ruobing’s face was drained of color and her fingers were shaking uncontrollably.

She obviously wasn’t expecting the retribution to come so swiftly and severely…

“Everyone, stop fighting,” Lu Qi interrupted them harshly, “The artificial arm has exploded and the explosion, although small, has harmed her nervous system. We need to conduct a surgery now to remove the arm. We need a signature of consent from her family member this instant!”

“I’ll give you the signature later, please save her!” Elder Xi declared with his eyes darting between his ex-wife’s arm wound and pasty face.

Lu Qi nodded and had his team of surgeons prepare for surgery.

The moment the door to the surgery hall closed, Elder Xi turned on Ruobing fiercely, “What happened with your product? Didn’t you have it tested already‽”

When they were happily pushing Old Madam Xi to the sick bay, the artificial arm suddenly exploded, sending them into a complete chaos.

Old Madam Xi started groaning in pain like she was dying…

Elder Xi was ready to tear Yun Ruobing apart after witnessing his ex-wife’s sufferings!

A cluster of angry eyes glared at Ruobing, waiting for her to give them an acceptable explanation.

Ruobing went cold from head to toe. With a shaking voice, she explained, “Grandfather Xi, I really have no clue what happened, I swear it has nothing to do with me… It was working just fine during internal testing, I have no idea what went wrong.”

“The thing is your design; how can you not know what went wrong‽” Mr. Xi grilled.

Chapter 242: Burning Shame

 

Even Mrs. Xi was giving her the cold shoulder. “Well, Yun Ruobing, we’re ready to hear your explanation. Why did this happen?”

“I, but I really don’t know, everything should go just fine…” Ruobing stammered on, her body spoke of one emotion, despair.

“But how can you not know?” Mrs. Xi pressed.

“Of course she doesn’t know what’s wrong with the product, the design is not hers to begin with,” Xinghe’s clear voice cut through the crowd.

They turned towards her immediately—

She was walking their way in an unhurried manner, her confidence silencing the crowd.

Ruobing also looked her way and her eyes widened with comprehension.

She finally understood what went wrong. Xinghe had told them since the very beginning: the design was a fake!

That meant the arm she was holding had to be the real one!

Ruobing broke out in cold sweat knowing the truth was going to be revealed soon.

If she was feeling panicky before, now… she felt the sky was falling.

The only option she had left was to pray that Xinghe did not expose her.

But was that possible?

Xinghe’s next sentence pierced her already weakened heart. “Didn’t I say she stole my fake design? So it’s only natural that her final product is faulty.”

At that moment, the Xi’s feelings were incredibly complicated.

Xinghe had warned them that the product was faulty but they chose to not believe her and accuse her of stealing the design that was originally hers.

With everything that had happened, almost all of them had seen the truth…

Their faces burned with shame.

After all, it was because of their decision to side with Ruobing that this tragedy happened!

“No, the design is mine, I didn’t steal it!” Ruobing’s defense tumbled out of her mouth. At this juncture, there was nothing else she could do but to stick to her original story, “Grandfather Xi, I swear the design is mine but I sincerely have no clue what went wrong. This is my careless mistake and I will improve on it; it will be better next time, I promise!”

“What a joke, you don’t even know where your product went wrong, and yet you still had the courage to claim the design as yours,” Xinghe laughed as she narrowed her eyes warningly at Ruobing.

“Even at a time like this, you still refuse to admit your mistake? If not for your greed and selfishness, Old Madame Xi could have avoided this tragedy completely. I’ll have you know, her nervous system has been ruined by the contained explosion and that might cause her to be unable to get fitted with another artificial limb from now on!”

What…

Ruobing’s eyes swam with fear, freezing her entire body to the spot.

How could the side-effect be so serious?

“Yun Ruobing, take my advice, and admit your wrongdoing before things get worse!” Xinghe stared at her and said emotionlessly.

Ruobing snapped into focus and shook her head continuously. “I did nothing wrong, the design is mine; I didn’t steal it. Xia Xinghe, I will not allow you to pin this on me!”

“If the design is as you said ‘yours’, then tell us, what exactly went wrong with it‽” Mubai suddenly added, “If you can’t then the design is definitely not yours!”

Ruobing was cornered. Others followed Mubai’s example.

“Mubai is right. If the design is yours, you have to know what went wrong with it.”

“Yun Ruobing, we don’t have all day to waste with you. Get on with it, tell us what exactly is the mistake. Or… have you lied to us and the design is really not yours?” Mrs. Xi questioned pointedly.

Chapter 243: A Will That Would Not Bend

 

Ruobing was defenseless against the unrelenting interrogations.

That should come as no surprise since she wasn’t the original creator to begin with…

She tried to pull an excuse out of thin air but she didn’t even know where to begin.

“It’s impossible for me to come up with a diagnosis now. You have to give me time to conduct more internal testing and analysis, but after I identify the problem, I assure it will not happen again, so please give me some more time…” Ruobing tried her best to explain.

Xinghe laughed out loud from behind her. “Give you a million years and you will not come up with the correct diagnosis.”

“Xia Xinghe, stop trying to put the blame on me for this accident! It could have happened to anyone!” Ruobing screamed with anger.

“That’s where you’re wrong because this wouldn’t have happened with my design because I know what went wrong and you don’t.”

Ruobing stared at her with utter disbelief and Xinghe’s earlier words rang in her mind.

My capability is the best proof there is!

Ruobing finally understood what Xinghe meant by that.

If Xinghe could solve the problem that stumped her, it was the perfect proof that Xinghe was better than her.

If that was the case, Xinghe couldn’t have stolen her design.

After all, it made no sense for her to steal from someone dumber than her.

My capability is the best proof there is!

The proclamation sounded once more in Ruobing’s head and the ironclad nature of the argument weighed down on her…

For that moment, all of Ruobing’s fear sniffed out of existence because it was overwhelmed by a burning jealousy! Jealous of Xinghe’s natural talent.

“You know wherein the issue lies?” Elder Xi asked Xinghe.

“That’s right,” Xinghe nodded and replied confidently.

Elder Xi elaborated, “Okay, I will give you a chance to convince us. If you can do it, then I will believe the design is yours!’

Ruobing’s eyelids twitched slightly…

She needed to stop Xinghe from speaking but… how?

Before she could come up with a solution, Xinghe blew her out of the water, “The problem lies with the arm’s neural center. When I first started the design, I knew the neural center is going to be a problem because the structure, while intricate, is not durable. The mass of nerve impulses will overload the center very quickly. Although I really didn’t expect it to explode, that is beyond my expectation. Of course, I also didn’t expect someone would steal my design and claim it as her own. The reason my product took longer than Ruobing’s to complete is because I needed more time to tweak the design of the neural center. The improved design is more durable and more compact…”

Even though Xinghe had kept her explanation as simple as possible, it still confused quite a number of people.

Regardless, it didn’t stop others from believing the reality that the design was hers.

With a little post-surgery analysis, they would know whether she was lying or not.

And since Xinghe wasn’t afraid to lay everything out in the open for them to double-check her words, it was more likely than not that the design really was hers.

This meant that Ruobing had stolen her design!

Compared to Ruobing’s confidence which was layered with arrogance, Xinghe’s natural confidence was more convincing.

She was doing a scientific explanation but, in that moment, she looked like a star on stage, dazzling everyone with her performance.

Some were even staring at her with gaping mouths.

Mubai’s gaze was glued onto her; Xinghe’s presence eclipsed every other one of his senses.

Others saw Xinghe’s confidence and formidability but he saw the unbendable will in her, burning forever like a phoenix’s fire.

Chapter 244: He Loves Her!

 

There was nothing that could evade the erosion of time.

From the celestials in space to human relationships, friendship, love, everything would disintegrate with the passage of time…

However, Mubai had found an anomaly, a will that would not bend.

As long as Xinghe had a breath in her, her will would keep on shining like a mesmerizing pearl.

And just like a pearl, it was to be treasured. For Mubai, this was the most precious thing he had ever encountered in his life, the one thing he had been looking for…

Even though he knew Xinghe’s inner will might not hold much regard for him, he was willing to spend the entirety of his life to protect it.

He had found his goal in life, which was to be her guardian.

He knew she didn’t need it but it won’t stop him from trying…

In Mubai’s eyes, Xinghe was positively glowing; the others only saw a fraction of what Mubai saw. They were impressed by Xinghe’s beauty that seemed to glow from within.

Even Mrs. Xi was impressed by Xinghe. A pang of regret cropped up in her heart. Maybe what she did back then was a mistake…

The brighter Xinghe shone, the deeper Tianxin’s jealousy went.

The way Mubai looked at Xinghe was forever imprinted in her mind.

She saw a deep well of love in his eyes. She was certain of the fact that he loved her!

Not a puppy-love crush but one between soul mates!

This realization clawed at what remained of her sanity. Xia Xinghe had the one thing she yearned deeply for in her life.

Jealousy grew like briars and vines, covering Tianxin’s already ugly heart.

Her inner demon was slowly reawakening…

A flash of psychopathic murderous intent flashed across her eyes as she glared fiendishly at Xinghe.

As if feeling the malicious gaze on her, Xinghe’s eyes fell temporarily on Tianxin. She also ended her explanation then, “In conclusion, the problem is with the neural center. If you don’t believe me, feel free to have someone check for the validity of my explanation. Of course, if you need further proof that the design is mine, I can go over the theoretical details of every single section of the design. Moreover, I have a more detailed design paper in my computer.”

“That won’t be necessary, I believe you!” Elder Xi announced firmly, “I believe the design is yours and I wish to apologize for not believing you earlier.”

“Grandfather Xi—” Ruobing screamed in shock and fear, “How can you believe the outsider just like that? I didn’t steal her design, I really didn’t…”

“Enough!” Elder Xi cut her off rudely, he looked at Ruobing with bitter disappointment, “I believed you before because I considered you family; I won’t let my judgement be clouded like that anymore! To be fair, I will give you a final chance to redeem yourself. If you can explain the theoretical basis behind each of the section of your design like Xinghe offered to do, then I will believe the design is yours!”

“…” Ruobing was silent because obviously she couldn’t.

Her speechlessness was the perfect proof that the design wasn’t hers.

Elder Xi lectured her vehemently, “So it is true. How could you lie to Old Madam Xi who practically raised you? Did you not consider the consequence before you threw her under the bus‽”

“This goes to show that we may know a person’s exterior but not her heart!” The crowd rallied against her for toying with their trust in her.

“Why did you lie to us and mother? Have you no heart‽” Mrs. Xi questioned angrily. She still was a long way away from accepting Xinghe, but at the end of the day, she was still a Xi.

She couldn’t forgive Ruobing for lying to them and causing Old Madam Xi to be injured.

Her husband was equally inflamed. “Yun Ruobing, mother has been nothing but nice to you and cared for you her whole life, so how can you practically use her as a test subject knowing fully well the design you stole was fake? You should have come clean when Xinghe warned us of its dangers! We truly sided with the wrong person!”

Chapter 245: No Longer a Xi

 

“She has no heart because profit is all she sees! She could even sell out Old Madam Xi, who raised her, for the sake of achieving her personal gain. Of course she has no heart!”

“Pity Old Madam Xi who loved her so, she must be heart-broken being betrayed by her own adopted granddaughter…”

“We’ve raised a wolf to bite us on the backside!”

As Xinghe had expected, the Xi’s were quick to turn on Ruobing.

Ruobing’s betrayal of their trust lit up their anger like a match thrown into a pool of oil.

The belief they had in Ruobing from earlier converted directly into anger.

Other than that, the Xi’s were a proud family so they would not suffer being played a fool.

Furthermore, Ruobing’s actions had injured the matriarch of the family. That was unforgivable.

Almost in an instant, everyone channeled their fury at Ruobing.

Elder Xi was seething. “Yun Ruobing, you no longer qualify to have the Xi name. From this moment onwards, you are no longer part of the Xi Family and banned from entering Xi grounds!”

“Grandfather Xi is right, you don’t deserve to bear the Xi name!”

“No…” Ruobing was mortified. She didn’t expect things would be so bad.

Grandfather Xi disowned her.

“Grandfather Xi, I know I did wrong, please just forgive me this time!” Ruobing crumbled to the floor with fear and crawled to Elder Xi’s side to beg him.

“Grandfather Xi, I really did not do this on purpose, I was too afraid that you’d chase me out if I didn’t finish the design. I feared I’d no longer be valued. This was my only chance to repay Old Madam for her kindness. I know I made a mistake, please just forgive me this once, I swear I will not repeat it…”

To save herself from the fate of being kicked out, Ruobing begged and begged but the Xi family could be mighty heartless when they wanted to be.

If Ruobing didn’t trick them from the beginning, they would have forgiven her.

It was incumbent upon her to admit her mistake when Xinghe confronted her about her plagiarism and warned that her product was faulty. The fact that she didn’t said a lot about her personality.

She was someone who would sacrifice anyone for her own profit, even if that someone was the person who practically raised her.

Some people were deserving of forgiveness but definitely not people like her.

Grandfather Xi had seen through her ploy, he understood keeping her around would only be a lurking peril.

Grandfather Xi kicked her grabbing hands away and said, “It is already kindness on my part for not sending you to the police! I will not allow you to stay in the family! Security, toss her out!”

Two security guards rushed over to pull Ruobing off the ground and drag her away…

Ruobing struggled with all her might. “I’m not leaving, Grandfather Xi, please forgive me, I don’t have anywhere else to go but here. Please, Grandfather Xi, don’t chase me away! I want to stay!”

Elder Xi’s face remained unmoved.

After the security guards dragged Ruobing for a distance, Ruobing finally gave up on her struggle.

She was pulled along limply, as if her body had gone offline. Her brain simply couldn’t process the reality of what happened.

Minutes ago, she was high on top, success within her grasp.

Everyone showered her with praises and love…

She was valued and needed, she finally found a place where she was not only needed but wanted.

She was on top of the world.

Chapter 246: Death Incoming

 

The scabs that had formed over the wound from her childhood abandonment were torn open violently. Feelings of insignificance dragged Ruobing into a deep chasm.

She projected the self-hatred outwards and it latched onto an easy target, Xia Xinghe!

After all, it was Xinghe who stood in her way when she was one step away from glory and fame.

I deserve all the money and influence, love and admiration, I deserve it all! But why… why is it all being taken away from me? I was so close… Why‽

Of course… it’s because of Xia Xinghe! That woman ruined everything the moment she appeared! This is all her fault! It was Xinghe who stood in the way of me getting what I deserve! Everything is her fault, it has to be!

With nothing else to lose, Ruobing lashed out at Xinghe, screaming like a wild woman, “Xia Xinghe, karma will eventually come for you for hurting me unjustly like this! Don’t ever let your guard down because you’ll die a horrible death soon enough! Hahaha, justice will be served sooner than you expect…”

“Shut her up!” an incensed Mubai firmly ordered.

For some reasons, he felt insulted even though Ruobing’s tirade was directed at Xinghe. He lost his composure.

After hearing his order, the security instantly clamped their hands over Ruobing’s mouth and dragged her away as she started to struggle again.

Xinghe was uncharacteristically shaken.

Ruobing’s curses, and the despair in her eyes when she did so, unsettled her…

It reminded her too much of her incident with Wushuang at the hospital.

“Don’t mind the words of people like her. I will make sure she disappears from City T and will never make an appearance in your life again,” Mubai sensed the change in Xinghe’s mood and consoled her kindly.

Xinghe turned to look at him and replied, “It’s fine, I didn’t really take it to heart.”

However, for some reason, she could feel death staring at her…

At that moment, the door to the surgery hall burst open.

“The surgery’s over!”

Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn to the voice.

Elder Xi was the first to accost Lu Qi who strode out of it. “How’s my wife’s situation?”

Lu Qi replied with a smile, “Don’t worry, Old Madam Xi is doing just fine now. The artificial arm has been successfully removed and she’ll be good as new after a few days of rest at the hospital.”

Elder Xi sighed in relief. “Thank God she is fine.”

“However, Old Madam Xi is still unconscious. I suggest we give her time to rest. Truth be told, the accident this time was incredibly dangerous, if the explosion was a bit larger, it would have burnt the nervous system in Old Madam Xi’s arms. Thankfully, the damage sustained was fairly minimal…” Lu Qi continued to explain.

The crowd’s anger towards Ruobing was reignited.

She not only plagiarized other people’s design but allowed them to use it with the knowledge that it might hurt her own adopted mother. There were no words to describe a person like her.

Thankfully, at the end of the day, the problem was identified and culprit dealt with.

Old Madam Xi was wheeled to the VIP sick bay and Xinghe’s artificial arm was left at the hospital.

Elder Xi wanted to have some experts to take a good look at it to prevent the previous incident from happening. After making sure there was no problem, they would use her design.

Lu Qi was also briefed on the fact that the real creator of the perfected artificial human limb was Xinghe.

He was very interested in Xinghe’s design and admired her capability.

“Who would have thought that Miss Xia was be so capable. Your design, I’m sure, will bring great happiness to many people. This is a great undertaking. Miss Xia, you are incredible,” Lu Qi praised sincerely.

Elder Xi nodded in agreement. “Doctor Lu is right, Xinghe, you are indeed incredible. I would like to again extend my sincerest apology for doubting the design is not yours and your capability. You’ve truly impressed me this time.”

Chapter 247: No One Will Stand in the Way of Your Marriage

 

Mr. Xi also heaped upon the praises.

Even Mrs. Xi’s attitude towards her had mellowed considerably.

However, she still found it difficult to humble herself and admit her previous prejudice. She added softly, “Xinghe, your design is indeed impressive. Well done.”

The entire Xi family completely changed the way they treated Xinghe. They were all nice to her now.

However, Xinghe’s expression remained unchanged, as collected as ever, further proof that she really wasn’t there to suck up to the Xi’s.

“Elder Xi, after you ensure there is no mistake with my design, I hope you will honor our verbal contract,” Xinghe told Elder Xi.

The crowd was stunned.

Then, they remembered the only reason Xinghe even went through all these troubles was to fight for Lin Lin’s custody.

Grandfather Xi promised her because he thought she wouldn’t be able to keep her end of the bargain.

And even if she did, he would have a way to maneuver out of it.

Elder Xi laughed suddenly and suggested brazenly, “Xinghe, just call me Grandfather Xi from now on. Actually, instead of taking Lin Lin away, have you considered getting back together with Mubai? I assure you no one will stand in the way of the remarriage! You have my word!”

Mrs. Xi was startled but she knew it was not her place to say anything.

Xinghe had accomplished Grandfather Xi’s lifelong wish. With such a great talent, there was no way any Xi could object to the remarriage.

In Xi Family, Grandfather Xi made all the decisions. Therefore, if one was able to endear him or herself to Grandfather Xi or his weakness, Old Madam Xi, then he or she could practically lord over the entire Xi Family.

Xinghe had done exactly that.

If Grandfather Xi allowed them to remarry, who would dare to object?

Furthermore, Xinghe had proven her worth. She was more than capable of bearing the Xi name.

But… what about Tianxin?

Mrs. Xi turned to look at Tianxin but the other woman had a blank expression, completely unreadable.

Mrs. Xi then turned to her son and realized he had been looking at Xinghe with utmost kindness and gentleness.

This son of hers had completely fallen this time.

Mrs. Xi couldn’t help but think, Maybe it is not a bad idea for them to remarry if that is what he wants…

Everyone thought the same, well almost everyone.

Xinghe rejected him softly, “My focus now is to raise Lin Lin for a few years, I have no interest to pursue anything beyond that.”

“But…” Elder Xi tried to convince her but was interrupted by Mubai.

“Grandfather, let’s respect her decision. I also agree to have her take care of Lin Lin for a few years. A little independence away from the Xi Family might be good for him. After all, Xinghe’s capability is now clear to all, I’m sure she’ll take exceptional care of Lin Lin. There is no downside to this.”

Mubai’s deep support for Xinghe surprised everyone, even Xinghe herself…

She didn’t expect him to respect her independence and ideals so much.

Her impression of Mubai became slightly better.

Since Mubai said so, Elder Xi didn’t pursue the remarriage.

This grandson of his seemed to have a plan of his own. Maybe he was trying to win Xinghe back without the pressure of the Xi family…

Regardless, Elder Xi knew Mubai would not give up Lin Lin just like that, but based on what he was witnessing, it seemed like Mubai wasn’t going to give up on Xinghe either.

Well, since the young’uns have plans of their own, an old bag of bones like myself better not meddle.

“Alright, after we make sure the arm is working soundly, you are free to take Lin Lin any time you wish,” Elder Xi promised with a nod but not before leveling Mubai a threatening gaze.

Sonny, if you don’t somehow fix this, I’m going to skin you alive!

Chapter 248: Leaving This Place (End of the Artificial Limb Arc)

 

The sun had set when Xinghe left the hospital.

Xia Zhi was beside her, reminiscing about everything that had happened that day.

His sister not only completed the artificial human limb, but also exposed Ruobing, face-slapped her to hell and back, and even gained the Xi family’s admiration and trust…

The Xi family that once looked down on her finally approved and accepted her.

So much so that they wanted Xinghe to remarry Xi Mubai!

Who could have known so many things would happen in a day?

Xia Zhi was still having trouble wrapping his head around it.

“Sis, I still can’t believe what happened today. You’re too impressive!” Xia Zhi commented as he drove them home, “You’ve even managed to bring the entire Xi Family to their knees with your capability.”

The more he thought about it, the happier he became.

“Now that they finally know what you’re capable of, let’s see who dares to look down on you now! Sis, you’d better not simply agree to take back that Xi Mubai. They have to show more sincerity before you can even consider that option.”

“I will not remarry,” Xinghe answered softly.

Xia Zhi was slightly startled before nodding in agreement. “It’s good that you don’t remarry. Go find someone better, better than that Xi Mubai!”

“I will not marry either.”

“What?” Xia Zhi turned to look at her in shock. “Sis, how can you not marry? Sis, you need love in your life, I couldn’t bear to see you ending up all alone.”

“Zhi, follow me overseas,” Xinghe said out of nowhere.

“Overseas, why?” Xia Zhi was caught by surprise.

“I wish to spend a few years overseas to see the world. Will you like to come with me? Of course, we’ll bring uncle along,” Xinghe explained while staring at him seriously.

“But why overseas?” Xia Zhi didn’t quite get it.

“To get away from here.”

Xia Zhi filled in the blanks himself.

His sister had suffered a lot in Hwa Xia. She’d survived murder attempts, multiple other grievances, and it was where her father had died. The only reason she stayed was to fight for Lin Lin. Now that she accomplished that, it was not so surprising to find out she wanted to start anew with a change of scenery.

The place probably reminded her too much of her sad past.

“Sis, you serious about this?” Xia Zhi asked to confirm.

Xinghe nodded, “Yes, after taking Lin Lin, I will fly overseas. I’ve made up my mind.”

“Okay, we’ll definitely follow you!” Xia Zhi accepted the offer without hesitation or any other questions.

Xinghe was touched. “Thank you.”

Xia Zhi frowned unhappily. “Sis, we’re family, what are you thanking me for? Makes me feel like a stranger all of a sudden.”

Xinghe finally smiled. “You’re right, we’re a family. In fact, I feel very fortunate to have you and uncle as my family.”

Alas, she was unable to accompany them for long.

If possible, she wanted to spend the rest of her life around her family, but… fate had decided otherwise.

With the decision made, Xinghe started preparing the moment she reached home.

The company would be left for Xiao Mo to manage.

Xinghe would not intervene no matter the direction he wanted the company to advance in.

She had more than enough cash on her hands that made leaving the country an easy feat. With a little packing and she would be ready to go.

Chengwu was excited to leave the country with her when he was asked.

Xinghe had them promise to keep this a secret and both of Chengwu and Xia Zhi agreed.

Now, she only needed to wait for Old Madam Xi to have the artificial arm reattached and she would be free to pick up Lin Lin. After that, it was time to leave.

The surgery was scheduled to be in three days’ time.

Xinghe was anxious to leave.

Other than her immediate family, no one was privy to this plan of hers.

Chapter 249: Hello, Miss Xia

 

Of course, Mubai didn’t know about this either. He didn’t know she was going to leave the country.

That night, he called her to invite her for lunch the day after.

After she rejected him outright, he quickly added, “Lin Lin will be coming as well. He said he misses you a lot.”

“Of course, I’ll be there,” Xinghe agreed the moment Lin Lin’s name was brought up.

Xinghe felt she shouldn’t deprive Lin Lin of the chance to have a real family meal. She was dying so she didn’t want Lin Lin to have this regret.

Mubai was rather ashamed that he had to use his son as leverage but that was quickly overshadowed by happiness when Xinghe said yes.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step; as long as he persevered, he believed that one day, he would be able to get Xinghe to remarry him.

Mubai extensively prepared for their lunch date.

Xinghe on the other hand, treated it like any other day.

In fact, she even had time to drop by the hospital early that morning.

Lu Qi said he had something to discuss with her. Xinghe assumed it was to do with the artificial limb technology.

Xinghe was led by a nurse to a meeting room. When she walked in, Lu Qi and a few doctors were already waiting.

They were happy to see her. They treated her with courtesy and respect.

Xinghe returned the same courtesy. She answered all of their questions truthfully and patiently.

When the meeting was over, the room of doctors realized she is as capable as they heard. She was especially gifted in the field of mathematics.

After all, perfection of the artificial limb technology required a whole host of intricate algorithms to complete.

Xinghe’s incredible talent coupled with her unlikely young age earned the doctors’ admiration.

Lu Qi even asked her out for lunch when the meeting was over.

Xinghe rejected his offer. “I already have a lunch planned, sorry but we’ll have to take a rain check.”

Lu Qi nodded understandingly. “Alright, I will hold you to your promise and invite you next time. You’re leaving, right? Come, I’ll walk you out.”

Hopefully, there will be a next time…

Lu Qi treated Xinghe like a true gentleman, considerate and gracious.

In actuality, Xinghe had a good impression of him too because he was truly a good doctor.

Xinghe heard many good things about him like how he devoted his life to the advancement of medicine.

He was affiliated with Doctors without Borders and was deeply involved in international aid.

Xinghe admired his selflessness and his drive to do go for human society in general…

If not for her impending doom, she perhaps would have stayed to help Lu Qi with his medical research.

“Doctor Lu…” A woman greeted Lu Qi when he and Xinghe were walking down the corridor towards the hospital entrance.

She was coming their way in a wheelchair.

The handicapped woman was young, perhaps in her early twenties. She had an interesting presence about her.

Lu Qi saw her and made some introductions. “This is one of my patients. Her surname is Xia as well. Perhaps you two are extended family?”

Xinghe took a look at the other woman and shook her head, “No, I don’t think I know her.”

The other Miss Xia replied with a smile, “But from now onwards, we do know each other. Nice to make your acquaintance, Miss Xia.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Xinghe responded politely but a feeling of apprehension rose in her heart.

For some reason, she didn’t like the way the other Miss Xia kept looking her up and down.

However, Xinghe didn’t fixate on it. Perhaps the other woman was socially awkward; regardless, Xinghe didn’t like to meddle in other people’s affairs. She turned to Lu Qi and said, “Since you have a patient waiting then I shall show myself out. See you next time.”

“Alright, goodbye.”

Xinghe turned to leave but she could feel the other Miss Xia’s gaze trailing her all the way until she turned the corner and left the hospital…