"Uncle." Ye Qiu approached with two large suitcases. Zhang Changfeng didn’t give him a single glance, clinging affectionately to his daughter’s shoulder as they walked toward the parking lot. Zhang Meng took the chance to look back and gave him a helpless smile.
Ye Qiu wasn’t angered, following respectfully behind. After all, this was a father whose daughter had been raised for over twenty years, only to be suddenly whisked away by this brat; any father would be irate.
Moreover, Ye Qiu truly felt guilty towards Zhang Changfeng. If he hadn’t been such a scoundrel in his previous life, Zhang Meng wouldn’t have suffered from depression and committed suicide, nor would Zhang Changfeng have had a stroke and died with regrets.
To make commuting easier for Zhang Changfeng, the Zhang Family lived in a community close to Changfeng Hospital. The community had a pleasant environment and was inhabited by many doctors working at Changfeng Hospital. Zhang Changfeng’s wife had passed away due to illness years ago, and he hadn’t remarried since then for the sake of his daughter. However, neither of the father and daughter was the type to do household chores, so they had employed a long-term housekeeper who Zhang Meng always referred to as Aunt Wang.
Aunt Wang didn’t live in the Zhang Family’s home. She would only come every day to clean and prepare dinner before leaving. Concerning the used dishes and utensils, they were generally washed by her when she came in the next morning.
On the surface, Zhang Changfeng seemed displeased with Ye Qiu, but he covertly ordered Aunt Wang to prepare dishes that Ye Qiu liked, showing the old man’s tough exterior but soft heart.
"Put the luggage down and come have dinner first." Zhang Changfeng’s expression softened, knowing from the baby fat on his daughter’s cheeks and her plump chin that she hadn’t suffered lately, which eased his mind.
In fact, in his previous life, Ye Qiu’s relationship with Zhang Changfeng had always been poor. Zhang Changfeng blamed Ye Qiu for stealing his daughter away, and Ye Qiu maintained a pointless pride before him, feeling that Zhang Changfeng looked down on him. This only made Zhang Changfeng’s criticisms of Ye Qiu even harsher, and their relationship remained tense, with even Zhang Meng unable to mediate.
This time around, Ye Qiu had humbled himself before Zhang Changfeng and had a sincere talk, letting Zhang Changfeng sense his genuine feelings. His daughter had also fallen completely for Ye Qiu, so in this life, Zhang Changfeng had actually accepted Ye Qiu in his heart, else he wouldn’t have allowed Ye Qiu to take his daughter back to Ye Qiu’s hometown for the New Year.
"Dad, you’re really great." While she was protected by Ye Qiu and Liu Sanying at Ye Qiu’s home, it was still a strange place with strangers, and now that she had truly returned home, she felt relaxed all over again. She affectionately picked a large shrimp for Zhang Changfeng, her favorite food, her eyes squinting with joy.
Ye Qiu watched, smiling knowingly, wishing he could graduate immediately and then marry this little woman.
He had planned it all out. His experiments could be done anywhere, and perhaps they could settle down in City F in the future. If Mom was willing to move to the city, they could buy another apartment in the same community. Regardless of how harmonious the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was, due to different life habits and circumstances, it was ultimately inappropriate for them to live together.
"You ungrateful little girl." Zhang Changfeng muttered, but happily ate all the food Zhang Meng picked for him.
After dinner, Zhang Meng cozily nestled on the couch, playing with her phone, while Zhang Changfeng called Ye Qiu into his study.
"Mengmeng told me you sold a prescription to Xinran Pharmaceutical?"
"Is it your independent research achievement or from your time at school...?"
Ye Qiu picked up on Zhang Changfeng’s implication; wealth can tempt the heart, and Zhang Changfeng was afraid Ye Qiu would take a wrong turn, and also worried that others might covet his possessions.
"This is an old prescription passed down from my ancestors, for treating dermatophytosis. I can assure you that this formula belongs to me alone."
"Mm." Zhang Changfeng acknowledged, then asked, "What about your future? Are you planning to focus solely on research and experimentation?"
"That’s the plan for now. My ancestors left behind a book of prescriptions, which I hope to validate and improve with my own hands. I’m also very confident about it." When Ye Qiu spoke of this, his eyes lit up. Even someone as experienced as Zhang Changfeng was moved because he knew that Ye Qiu had not only the confidence but also the capability.
The medicine that he sold to Xinran Pharmaceutical, which Changfeng Hospital also procured, is becoming increasingly important as the number of people with sensitivities is on the rise. Psoriasis may not be a serious disease, but there’s a high recurrence rate in many people. Most ointments on the market provide only symptomatic relief and do not cure the condition, whereas the improved version of his ancestral secret recipe has proven very effective and has received high praise.
Zhang Changfeng expressed his agreement with Ye Qiu’s decision and also shared an idea he had during this period: "I plan to set up a pharmaceutical division under Changfeng Group. What do you think about that?"
It was pretty much obvious this was an offer made for Ye Qiu. Ye Qiu was overwhelmed with emotions, knowing that Zhang Changfeng truly cherished his daughter Zhang Meng and, consequently, was starting to pave the way for his future son-in-law.
But Ye Qiu did not wish to accept. He smiled and said, "Uncle, I’m open to cooperation, but I won’t join your hospital."
"Why?" Zhang Changfeng didn’t understand and even felt a bit annoyed that his goodwill was being rejected, "Do you know how many people are seeking this opportunity but can’t get it?"
"Uncle, Changfeng Group is the enterprise you and Aunt built up together. Mengmeng is your only daughter, and all these matters should be dealt with by you. I do not want to interfere, nor do I have the eligibility to inherit it. Besides, I want to make Mengmeng happy and wealthy through my own efforts."
Although Ye Qiu refused him to his face, Zhang Changfeng felt somewhat relieved. He kept his satisfaction hidden, and his tone carried a hint of intimidation: "Missing this opportunity might mean it’s gone for good. Do you realize how hard it is for someone with no background like you to establish a pharmaceutical institution?"
"Mm, I know, so I’ll still need Uncle’s help in the future," Ye Qiu respectfully said.
Finally satisfied, Zhang Changfeng gave a gratified "Mm": "That’s good you know."
"Are you guys finally done talking?" Zhang Meng lay on the sofa with no regard for her image, a fruit plate beside her on the coffee table, looking utterly comfortable.
"What kind of behavior is this for a girl?" Zhang Changfeng glared at her.
Not the least bit intimidated, Zhang Meng huffed, "It’s always . Every time you finish talking to Ye Qiu, it’s as if I’m picked up from the streets."
"Nonsense!" Zhang Changfeng continued to glare at her.
"I’m not spouting nonsense." Zhang Meng puffed up her cheeks but was actually very happy inside. She had always been most afraid of her father disapproving of her relationship with Ye Qiu, and now she was delighted seeing them getting along!
"Hehe..." Seeing the father and daughter , Ye Qiu couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
However, this laugh attracted a joint attack from the father and daughter: "What are you laughing at!"
Alright, it was his fault.
Ye Qiu touched his nose, but the smile on his lips never faded. The lively and bouncing Mengmeng was indeed a joy to behold!