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Chapter 123: Can't Hide It Anymore
After hearing what Boss Yao said, Xiao Yi Xian was silent for a moment, then let out a soft breath and spoke gently, "If something really happened to Boss Yao this time, I will never forgive any of you. No matter the methods, I will make sure all of you pay the price!"
Her words were cold, like a sharp thorn deeply embedded into the hearts of the mercenaries. However, none of them could refute her.
Losing someone important forever was a pain that they couldn't even imagine.
Although Xiao Yi Xian's words sounded heartless, they were entirely justified.
As the mercenaries sank into deep gloom, Xiao Yi Xian spoke again. This time, her tone was much gentler.
"That said, my perspective is the same as Boss Yao's." Xiao Yi Xian said slowly. "If the roles were reversed, I would probably do the same thing as you, and even more decisively. So, in terms of reason, I really have no right to despise you all."
"We are all the same."
Yes, the same. The same weak people, the same ordinary people, the same who are influenced by external factors to act in ways they don't want to, the same who can't decide everything about themselves.
"Since Boss Yao is fine, and I am fine, let's not talk about it anymore."
Xiao Yi Xian spoke with a clear tone, causing all the mercenaries to look up in shock. Before they could speak, Xiao Yi Xian raised a finger and sternly added, "However! Don't think I've simply forgiven you all!"
"For the losses from the time the Wan Yao Zhai (Pharmacy) was closed, you all have to make up for it!"
"And because of you all surrounding Wan Yao Pharmacy these past few days, I had to eat so many medicinal herbs just to survive. My shop is almost empty! You all have to compensate for this!"
"Also, the damages to Wan Yao Pharmacy, the furniture and walls corroded by the poison I released, you all need to rebuild them!"
"Furthermore—"
Xiao Yi Xian continued to stand before the mercenaries, listing conditions one by one. The mercenaries didn't show any displeasure, nodding in agreement and promising to compensate for everything.
They weren't asking for anything else at this point, just hoping to be forgiven by Xiao Yi Xian!
Boss Yao and Xiao Yan exchanged glances, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.
Then, Xiao Yan helped Boss Yao back to the Wan Yao Pharmacy, allowing Xiao Yi Xian to continue negotiating with the mercenaries at the door.
"This child, Xiao Yi Xian..." Boss Yao sighed helplessly, looking at Xiao Yi Xian's back. Xiao Yan smiled lightly from the side.
"Anyway, it seems like the matter has been resolved."
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Boss Yao also nodded softly.
"Yes, resolved... cough cough cough!"
Boss Yao suddenly coughed violently, covering his mouth, and Xiao Yan was immediately alarmed.
"Boss Yao?!"
Xiao Yi Xian, who was outside, also heard the coughing sound. She immediately turned and rushed to Boss Yao's side, her expression filled with worry.
"Boss Yao! What's wrong?!"
This cough was no ordinary one—it was far more intense than simply choking or catching a cold!
After coughing for a while, Boss Yao finally forced the coughing to stop. His face turned pale and haggard, but he still smiled faintly, clenching his hand that was covering his mouth and slowly letting it go. He lightly chuckled, "It's nothing. It's just that the air in the prison was bad. Don't worry~"
Although Boss Yao tried to act as if nothing was wrong, both Xiao Yi Xian and Xiao Yan could see the blood that hadn't been wiped away from the corner of his mouth.
Xiao Yi Xian immediately went to the door and sternly said to the mercenaries, "We will talk about the compensation later! You all leave now!"
After shutting the door tightly, Xiao Yi Xian returned to Boss Yao's side and forcefully pried open his clenched fist. Both her and Xiao Yan's pupils contracted when they saw what was inside.
Boss Yao's hand was soaked in blood! There was even blackness mixed within it!
"...Looks like I can't hide it anymore..." Upon seeing the situation revealed, Boss Yao let out a bitter laugh. "I should've just died in the prison. It might've been better."
"Boss Yao! What are you saying?!" Xiao Yi Xian shouted angrily, her eyes full of distress.
The amount of blood he coughed up was definitely not something that could have been accumulated in a short time!
"I'm going to check your body right now! I'll get you some medicine!" Xiao Yi Xian turned and prepared to go to the pharmacy, but was stopped by Boss Yao, who grabbed her wrist. In the confused gaze of Xiao Yi Xian, Boss Yao shook his head gently.
"Xiao Yi Xian, there's no need to waste your energy. I taught you all the medical skills, and I know my body better than anyone."
"But you can't keep hiding this from me!"
Xiao Yi Xian cried out in distress, and Xiao Yan furrowed his brow. He stepped forward and softly said, "Boss Yao, let me take a look."
Without waiting for Boss Yao's reply, Xiao Yan placed a hand on his shoulder and silently called upon Yao Chen, asking her to check on Boss Yao's condition.
As soon as Yao Chen's spiritual power entered Boss Yao's body, she furrowed her brows tightly.
Poison.
"Poison?!"
Xiao Yan was stunned, which caused Xiao Yi Xian to freeze. Boss Yao looked surprised and then smiled faintly.
"Ah, it's poison. Xiao Yan, you're quite good."
Boss Yao praised him in a light tone. His attitude was so calm, it didn't even seem like a person poisoned.
Xiao Yi Xian's face turned pale, and she suddenly pulled her hand away from Boss Yao, instinctively stepping back. Her pupils trembled, and she muttered repeatedly, "It's... it's my fault."
"Huh?"
Xiao Yan frowned, looking at her in confusion. What did she mean?
Boss Yao, seeing Xiao Yi Xian's expression, felt a deep sadness in his heart. He had tried so hard to hide this from her, but in the end, he couldn't.
Perhaps, just like he had said earlier, he should have just died in the prison. At least then, Xiao Yi Xian would never have to know.
But in the end, his desire to confirm Xiao Yi Xian's safety kept him alive until Xiao Yan came to rescue him.
It didn't matter who else knew about this, but it was too cruel for Xiao Yi Xian to know.
Well, perhaps it's for the best.
Boss Yao thought to himself.
Since it's out in the open now, he would at least be able to entrust Xiao Yi Xian to someone trustworthy before he passed away.
"Xiao Yan."
Boss Yao called softly, looking at Xiao Yan.
"Can I tell you a story?"
Xiao Yan was silent for a long time before finally nodding.
"Okay."
(End of Chapter)
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