Chapter 147: If I Can't Cure Her, I'm Going to Spank You - It’s the Cyber Age—Still Playing a Traditional Villain?

Chapter 147: If I Can't Cure Her, I'm Going to Spank You "Oh?" Hearing Xu Shi speak, Xie Qingyan quickly responded. "Xu Shi, are you talking about that patient named Xia Ke'an? The one who looks like a little girl but is actually almost forty?" She stared at Xu Shi with a peculiar expression. It was clear she had reviewed the medical records of the white-haired "loli" and had some understanding of the case. Of course, she wouldn't know that this was one of the key figures of the past "Refraction." "...Yes, that's her." Xu Shi nodded, thinking to himself how speaking in this way always felt slightly strange coming from her... However, enlisting "Prism" to treat Xia Ke'an is something that should be prioritized now. Although he gave her a piece of his mind before, telling her to stop being silly and to slowly recuperate, treatment shouldn't be delayed indefinitely. There's a difference between simple convalescence and complete healing, and it's best to have an SS-level character card ready as soon as possible. Previously, the timing wasn't right; she needed to recover to a certain state first, and the technology was lacking on one hand. But now, with purer "Rust Mist" minerals and technical references from the "Forgotten," the situation has improved significantly—surely Xie Qingyan has refined and developed more efficient medical products from this progress? After all, he himself had done similar work, and if he could, then surely she could too. "To be honest, I'm quite interested in this little patient. It's rare to see someone with so many illnesses." Xie Qingyan spoke leisurely, "But... why should I treat her?" "Hmm?" Xu Shi feigned surprise, "Do you need a reason to treat and save someone?" Xie, where's your conscience? You're a medical company! And you need a reason to treat and save lives? Even capitalists don't do that! Xu Shi expressed severe condemnation. The implication was clear: she wanted something in return. However, in Xu Shi's view, the Tenth District was already a big benefit, and she wasn't satisfied yet? Woman, thy name is greed! "I don't care; you must have a sufficient reason." Seizing the opportunity to gain the upper hand in negotiations, Xie Qingyan wasn't going to relent so easily, her tone mixed with playful petulance. Well, if the whole Tenth District were in her grasp, she'd readily agree, but now with only half, it wasn't enough for her. Although it seemed it wasn't Xu Shi's fault, still... no means no! Seeing her like this, Xu Shi couldn't help but feel amazed, noting internally that she was probably becoming hysterical... but since she insisted, he adjusted his posture. "Chairman Xie, you'd think a top medical graduate from a prestigious university wouldn't need me to spell this out?" Xu Shi spread his hands, "You're aware of Xia Ke'an's unique situation. If you cure her, your future reputation would include this achievement and not just... you understand, right?" And not merely scheming and maneuvering. "Besides, 'Prism' has developed new products and technologies recently, and there aren't many clinical practice samples available, right? Overcoming such a complex challenge would ensure safe application in the future, wouldn't it?" "And then there's that..." "And then what?" Seeing Xu Shi abruptly pause, Xie Qingyan couldn't help but ask. "That's something I'll only reveal after Miss Xia is fully cured." Xu Shi smiled. Speaking honestly, his reasons were quite persuasive; it's worth ten words: listening to a wise man's advice is better than a decade of study. The persuasive power of these reasons wasn't too strong, and of course, Xie Qingyan understood the logic. Even if there was substance, now wasn't the time to divulge it. Xu Shi understood that treating Xia Ke'an was no small matter, and the correct approach is to motivate one step at a time without overfeeding. He did have more leverage that would interest Xie Qingyan, but he certainly couldn't disclose everything at once. If the Tenth District was the down payment, then what remained was the balance. Giving everything away would only make him passive; he'd need to consider if she'd demand more, given that he had to rely on his dear fiancée in this matter. "....." Xie Qingyan knew very well that Xu Shi was dangling a carrot, but the situation called for deeper contemplation. Firstly, although Xu Shi could be full of tricks, he wasn't just an expert at bluffing; if he wanted to give you something substantial, he could do so instantly, like the Tenth District she had just acquired. And if memory serves, he seemed particularly invested in that Xia Ke'an, having even frequently visited her... How unprecedented! "...Alright, then I look forward to seeing what you're hiding up your sleeve, Xu Shi." She thought for a moment and agreed, "But let me make it clear upfront: 'Prism' doesn't dare to claim 100% certainty in curing her." "You haven't even begun treatment, how can you speak pessimistically?" Xu Shi wasn't worried, "Please do all you can, my dear Qingyan." This woman might not be 100% confident, but Xu Shi wasn't relying solely on this treatment. There’s also Shen Qin, who might possess “ability transplantation” technology… But that situation remains unclear, and even if true, he would still have to leverage "Prism's" strength. Strengthening relationships in advance can't hurt. "Alright, you're right." Xie Qingyan smiled, then turned to speak to Ye Shanshan. "Inform the medical department to form a cutting-edge treatment team based on existing resources, and devise a medical plan tailored for Director Xu's patient." "Yes." Ye Shanshan promptly agreed. Despite the little hiccup, the mutually beneficial conditions paved the way for an enjoyable candlelit dinner. However, after the dinner, Xie Qingyan declined Xu Shi's offer to escort her back, choosing instead to linger in the restaurant, pensively toying with the wine glass. "Chairman Xie, what’s the matter?" Ye Shanshan inquired out of curiosity, "Are you worried Xu Shi might not deliver on his promise? Should we then..." "Not exactly." Xie Qingyan shook her head with slight inebriation, "Shanshan, do you know what I was actually thinking when I asked him for a reason earlier?" "…I don't." Little Curly couldn't take the risk of presuming to know at such a moment. "I really wanted Xu Shi to compliment me, to say I was young and accomplished or something." Xie Qingyan sighed, "Although a little more tangible benefit wouldn't be bad either... purely transactional relations like this become quite uninteresting over time." It was the truth. Those prerequisites were enough for her to agree to Xu Shi's request; she wasn't the only one considering solidifying the relationship. "Oh." Ye Shanshan was momentarily taken aback, thinking this wasn't typical of her... since when did she care about others saying nice things to her? But realizing the subject was someone named Xu, it suddenly made sense. She could clearly see that her chairman's attitude toward Xu Shi was becoming increasingly non-transactional. If this continued, they might actually fulfill the marriage engagement, and not just as a facade... yikes. Images of them being happily engaged with each other surfaced in her mind, leaving poor Ye Shanshan at the mercy of Xu Shi, with Xie Qingyan likely not intervening... Oh please, that's too frightening! Unfortunately, she couldn't reject such a scenario unless she packed up and left, so she hastily brushed away the uneasy image. And when she thought about it, being bullied by Xu Shi didn't seem all that bad? She had already endured the worst; just thinking about it made her jaw ache... With Chairman Xie around, Xu Shi is bound to behave, right? "The thing is, I'm a bit annoyed." Little Curly's haphazard thoughts were quickly interrupted by Xie Qingyan, "Xu Shi, my nominal fiancé, asking me to go out of my way to treat... another woman?" She wasn't fooled by Xia Ke'an's childish appearance; who considers someone in their forties a child? But her annoyance stemmed from Xie Qingyan's aversion to Xia Ke'an's child-like appearance—a tiny "loli" look that unsettled Xie Qingyan. "This... should be considered a normal transaction, right? Don't you and Xu Shi regularly engage in such dealings?" Ye Shanshan could only reply what was safe, silently musing if Xie Qingyan was already jealous. Her insinuating tone said a lot. Goodness, the world must be losing its grip... "Heh, let's hope so." Xie Qingyan let out a cold chuckle, then suddenly changed topics, "Speaking of which, who approved Miss Xia to be admitted?" "Ah... Ye Shanshan nodded blankly, acknowledging it was indeed her... At the time, Xie Qingyan had instructed that anything related to Xu Shi should be handled by her, and she had the necessary authority. "Alright, then you'll forfeit a year’s salary." "" And thus, a world where only the little curly-haired one suffers was created. One can't deny that, in certain aspects, Xu Shi and Xie Qingyan always seemed uncannily aligned. However, taking one month versus a year... it seems the woman's heart is still the harshest. They're not even married yet! And she's already starting to bully me! ...... Naturally, the arrangements for Xia Ke'an's treatment had to be communicated to the concerned party. So, after solidifying the plans, Xu Shi made sure to inform Xia Wu You about it. "Really...?" Xia Wu You seemed surprised, truth be told, she had been so busy lately she barely had time to visit the hospital. And when they spoke over the phone, her aunt only mentioned the good news, never the bad, so she really wasn't aware of the situation. "Of course it's true." Xu Shi smiled, "Have you been very busy lately? How about taking a little break to visit her then?" He never intended to keep this from Xia Wu You, and since he informed her, her mind would likely not be on work anymore; not letting her accompany them wouldn’t work. "…Alright, sure." Xia Wu You naturally didn't refuse, feeling anxious yet eager as she went to District 16 with him. But more than anything, she felt happy. In truth, Xia Ke'an's gradual recovery provided her immense motivation. Especially considering how Xu Shi wasn't using her aunt as leverage but genuinely making an effort to treat her, something Xia Wu You could see firsthand. Her initially cautious impression of him as someone who "kept his word" had now evolved into a shining aspect of Xu Shi in her eyes. "You should rest more too, what's been happening to you lately? You've got dark circles under your eyes." Noticing Xia Wu You's tired state, Xu Shi took it upon himself to drive, offering her the luxury of having the chairman act as her chauffeur. "So many tasks from the field operations fell onto my shoulders... A lot of things Manager Du handled are now being managed by me." Xia Wu You's voice was soft, the kind of tone suited for speaking with someone intimate. Though she wasn't just busying herself aimlessly, as Du Wei's retirement was set in stone, grooming his successor was another priority. And she was the chosen candidate to step up as the new manager... It wasn't just Xu Shi’s intention; even Du Wei himself held this team leader of Group Three in high regard, never stingy with his praises. "You also told me to keep an eye on Nan, I mean, Shen Qin, so there's no way I wouldn't be busy." Xia Wu You murmured a bit of a complaint. "You’ve done well." Xu Shi patted her head, "Have you noticed anything unusual?" "Not really." Xia Wu You closed her eyes, feeling comfortable, "She’s been quite well-behaved, saying nothing she shouldn't, nor asking things she mustn’t, probably close to being voted employee of the month." "Is that so?" Xu Shi chuckled silently, "If that were truly the case, I'd be relieved of so many concerns." But obviously, that wasn't possible. Or rather, he’s been setting up a trap for Shen Qin continuously—under the guise of having Xia Wu You familiarizing her with the job as a senior, Shen Qin ended up having access to more than normal, naturally providing her more chances to "undermine" him. It was an effective strategy to see how many harbored disloyalty. Anyone Shen Qin managed to sway would simply be dealt with altogether. Wasn't it an equally effective use of resources? With such thoughts, they reached their destination. Xia Ke'an's hospital room was much busier than before, mainly due to specialists frequently monitoring her condition, and even Xie Qingyan herself was part of the team. "I must say, Chairman Xie does look good in a white coat." Xu Shi greeted Xie Qingyan, who had just come from a round of check-ups, with a polite remark. "Oh? Are you implying that my usual attire isn't attractive?" Initially calm, Xie Qingyan grew a bit cross upon seeing Xia Wu You by his side, opting instead to tease him. "I didn't say that." Xu Shi quickly countered, but inwardly thought, Isn’t playing with outfits fun? The feeling from a bossy OL look is quite different from a doctor’s outfit. "Hello, Chairman Xie." Xia Wu You was somewhat surprised, she hadn't expected that her aunt's treatment plan involved the chairman of "Prism" personally overseeing things. Yet she didn’t feel overawed—after all, she grew up as the daughter of "Refraction," having seen her fair share. She only felt grateful. Besides, wasn’t Xu Shi the one driving all this? He deserved more of the gratitude. Not much more was said as the group proceeded to the hospital room. "Hey? You’re all here?" Xia Ke'an sat on her hospital bed, idly reading a book, her eyes lighting up upon hearing the commotion. Her niece is here, along with the charming young man, which certainly pleased her. Still, she put on a façade of being wronged, pretending to sob softly, "What have you all been up to recently? No one’s visited me... boohoo." "Well, we’re here now, aren't we?" Xu Shi said comfortingly, inwardly noting how adept this woman was at pretending to be young… "The treatment plan for Miss Xia Ke'an is ready; hopefully, after a few more radiotherapy sessions, we can proceed with surgery." Xie Qingyan found herself at a loss for words at Xia Ke'an's antics, so she switched to business, "Based on estimations, the success rate should be above 95%." "Thanks to Chairman Xie and the medical team, of course." Xia Ke'an nodded, then turned to Xu Shi, "But it's not a hundred percent... what if something goes wrong? I’m a bit scared." "A 95% success rate and you still can’t pull through, then it would really be your own problem." Xu Shi teased, "So, if it doesn't succeed, I'll spank you." "Hey!" Xia Ke'an quickly broke character, "I'm the patient! How can you blame this on me?" "Oh, true." Xu Shi feigned a sudden realization, "Then perhaps the doctor should be spanked too." Xie Qingyan: "" Is that something one would really say? I'm personally overseeing surgery and you're here bantering joyfully? With Xie Qingyan glaring daggers at him, Xu Shi burst into laughter. (Chapter ends)