He kept emphasizing the fact that he saved her life just to make her feel compelled to repay the favor.
"I’ve never seen someone like you who forces others to repay a kindness," Annie said teasingly.
Tao Hua raised his eyebrows slightly, not caring at all, "I’m not just a doctor but also a businessman. Saving you is a doctor’s duty, but asking for repayment is a businessman’s duty, and I don’t feel I’m doing anything wrong."
"Yes, you’re absolutely right. Fine, to thank you, I’m willing to be your assistant for three months," Annie had no choice but to compromise—after all, she owed him her life.
"Not just an assistant, a personal assistant," Tao Hua stressed the word ’personal.’
Annie looked down, a peculiar light flashing in her eyes.
"Okay, a personal assistant it is," she was a master thief, and there was nothing in this world she couldn’t steal.
Even hearts, she could steal.
Qiao Yiyang became busier and busier. He knew that this time, either the phoenix would be struck down, unable to rise again, or the Mafia would be the ones to falter.
Neither would stand down; even if he was willing to compromise, Rong Shaoze wouldn’t.
This battle could only be fought head-on to the end.
Besides, he was no coward and would never compromise.
Lin Xinlan had rested for several days and her condition had improved greatly.
Qiao Yiyang rarely came back home recently; not having to face him all the time made her feel more relaxed.
Sitting in the living room watching TV, though she could not understand it, at least there were images to see, which was better than doing nothing at all.
As long as she didn’t leave the house, the servants didn’t bother her.
Soon, there was no one left in the living room; it was empty except for the slight sound coming from the television.
Lin Xinlan leaned against the couch, her gaze inadvertently falling on the telephone, and an idea flashed through her mind that she couldn’t suppress any longer.
She hesitated, then, seeing no one around, she quietly picked up the phone and dialed a number.
She was very nervous, unsure if the call could be made internationally.
Lin Xinlan gripped the receiver tightly, her heart beating fast.
"Hello, may I ask who’s speaking?" Mrs. Rong’s voice came through the phone.
"Madam, it’s me!" Lin Xinlan couldn’t contain the joy inside her.
"Xinlan?!" Mrs. Rong was greatly shocked, "Where are you? Shaoze said you’ve been kidnapped; tell me where you are, and I’ll immediately notify Shaoze to rescue you."
"Madam, is Xiaocong at home?" She didn’t have any time to spare; she just wanted to speak with her child.
"Madam, I’m fine, don’t worry about me. Right now, I just want to speak with Xiaocong; is he home?" Lin Xinlan said hurriedly in a low voice, fearful of being overheard.
"Alright, just wait," Mrs. Rong held the phone and hurried to find Xiaocong.
In the training room, Xiaocong was diligently wearing boxing gloves, practicing his punches on a small punching bag.
He was soaked through and through, his short hair dripping with water.
Don’t be fooled by his age; his expression was serious and there was a harshness in his eyes. Anyone who saw him would be surprised; this was not an expression one would expect from a four-year-old boy.
Even a ten-year-old might not possess his level of seriousness and tenacity.
"Xiaocong, hurry, your mother’s on the phone!" Mrs. Rong’s voice preceded her.
Before she even entered the room, a small figure dashed out, leaping to snatch the phone from her hands.