"Xiao Ling, it's been years. You've grown into quite the young lady," Boss Qian said warmly as he walked up to He Ling.
He Ling's eyes lit up with a gentle smile. She met his gaze with grace and poise."Grandpa Qian, it's been a long time. How's your health these days?"
"This old bag of bones is still hanging in there," Boss Qian chuckled, nodding slightly. Then he sighed. "If only my useless grandson had even half your ability, I wouldn't have to be running around at my age."
He shook his head with genuine envy. "Old He is a lucky man, having a granddaughter like you. I bet he can sit back and enjoy his golden years in peace."
The Qian and He families had always been close—so close that they had once considered a childhood betrothal. Qian Dafeng had long hoped his grandson could marry He Ling to tie the two families even closer. But He Tianchi refused to shackle his granddaughter, insisting she should be free to choose her own path. Qian Dafeng had no choice but to let his grandson pursue her naturally.
Unfortunately, He Ling grew more outstanding by the year, while his grandson turned more and more into a disgrace. The old man didn't even dare bring the marriage idea up anymore.
"Grandpa Qian, you flatter me. Young Master Qian is remarkable in his own way—he just has a unique way of doing things," He Ling replied with a light smile, smoothly changing the subject. She gestured toward Lin Chen."Allow me to introduce—this is Lin Chen, President of the Lin Group. He's the lead on this cooperation. I'm merely assisting him."
"Ah, so that's how it is." Boss Qian's expression shifted into understanding. He'd already heard whispers—how the Long family's former cooperation with the Liang family had suddenly been handed over to the Lin Group.
If he could secure a deal with Lin Chen, it would be a win-win. The He family was already a trusted partner; many deals had been settled long ago. Today was supposed to be a simple contract signing. He also knew He Tianchi was a shrewd old fox—handing the Lin Group over to Lin Chen was a masterstroke.
He studied Lin Chen, then glanced back at He Ling, sighing under his breath. "Looks like I came too late—Old He moves fast."
He Ling didn't quite catch his meaning and smiled politely. "You're not late at all, Grandpa Qian. We just got here ourselves."
Boss Qian didn't explain. He chuckled and turned to Lin Chen, extending a hand."Let me introduce myself. I'm Qian Dafeng, Chairman and CEO of Shunfeng Group. People outside call me Boss Qian. Since you're Old He's friend, that makes us friends as well. If you don't mind, you can call me Old Brother Qian."
Lin Chen's smile was calm and steady. "Since you're Old He's friend, I won't stand on ceremony. Old Brother Qian, this cooperation will go exactly as we discussed before."
Their hands clasped.
But the instant their palms met, Lin Chen's expression shifted. His fingers slid forward, briefly gripping Qian Dafeng's wrist, then releasing it just as quickly.
Boss Qian's brows furrowed, faint irritation in his eyes—until Lin Chen spoke.
"Old Brother Qian, I'm afraid… you don't have many days left to live."
The words landed like a thunderclap.
The men Boss Qian had brought with him instantly glared daggers."You brat—what nonsense are you spouting?!""Boss Qian was giving you face because of He Tianchi, and this is how you talk to him? Know your place!""Cursing my boss—are you looking to die?!"
Several bodyguards moved as if to attack, but Master Wu raised a hand, halting them.
Boss Qian's face had gone dark. He'd liked Lin Chen, even thought of forging a good relationship for mutual benefit. But to say something like this, in public no less—did this kid think Qian Dafeng had no temper?
"Young man, what do you mean by that?" he asked coldly.
From the side, Liu Ruyan—already feeling like a clown after earlier events—saw her chance. Hatred glinted in her eyes as she pounced."Lin Chen! Boss Qian is perfectly fine—how dare you curse him? Apologize immediately, or I promise you'll regret it!"
The surrounding crowd was baffled. Anyone could see Boss Qian valued Lin Chen. If Lin Chen seized the opportunity, the Lin Group could win his support. That alone could accelerate the company's recovery within a few years.
So why in the world would he say something so outrageous?
He Ling tugged Lin Chen's sleeve, lowering her voice anxiously."President Lin, why would you say that? What's going on? You can't just throw out words like this—better smooth things over first. I'll explain to Grandpa Qian."
But Lin Chen's gaze was unwavering."He's sick. Very sick. If he doesn't get treated, he won't survive three days."
Even Master Wu frowned. He looked over Boss Qian carefully but saw nothing wrong."Young man, you can't talk nonsense. Boss Qian's qi and blood are strong, his spirit is fine—he doesn't look sick at all."
"I'm not talking nonsense," Lin Chen said firmly. "If he isn't treated immediately, he will absolutely die within three days."
Boss Qian's brows drew together. He had weathered a lifetime in the southern territories and considered himself a man of composure. "Perhaps you don't know—my strength isn't extraordinary, but I'm still a fourth-rank martial artist."
Martial artists were ranked from ninth rank up to first rank; beyond that lay the realm of Grandmasters. First-rank martial artists could break through to Grandmaster.
"Even at my age, I can hold my own against another fourth-rank without losing. And you're telling me I have a terminal illness? Isn't that a bit far-fetched?"
Lin Chen glanced at his legs."Old Brother Qian, let me ask you—around midnight and noon, do your legs go numb, as if thousands of ants are biting them? So painful you can barely stand it?"
Boss Qian froze. His face shifted. "You… you're right. But I had doctors check me—nothing's wrong. They said it's not a disease, just something I can endure. Pain in the feet can't possibly kill me, right?"
"You're half right," Lin Chen said with a faint smile. "When you were younger, your body could endure. But now? Your strength is waning. Your qi is still abundant, but your constitution is weaker. And since you're a martial artist, you've likely taken all kinds of tonics over the years."
Boss Qian's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You've overdosed," Lin Chen continued. "Your old injury is in your heart and lungs. The tonics overload your blood supply—too much for your body to handle. It will kill you. If you want to live longer, stop taking the tonics immediately, and I'll see if you can still be saved."
Boss Qian's face grew serious. He hadn't expected Lin Chen to pinpoint his condition so precisely.
It was true—years ago, he had been ambushed. A blade pierced his lung and damaged his heart. He had nearly died, saved only by Master Wu's desperate protection. This was a closely guarded secret in the Qian family.
For Lin Chen to see it at a glance… was he some kind of miracle doctor?
Even so, how could he be so certain about the "three days" part?