Qian Dafeng sat in the study, his gaze like steel as he reviewed everything Qian Siyu had just told him.The pieces fit too perfectly—slow poisoning, a trusted man, an old wound suddenly triggered.
"Yao Yao," he said at last, "repeat Lin Chen's exact words again."
Siyu met his eyes, her tone steady."He said you've been poisoned for a long time, in small doses, so you didn't notice. The reason your old injury flared up is because the one poisoning you got impatient and suddenly increased the dose.And only someone close to you could've done it."
Qian Dafeng fell silent for a moment, then his eyes sharpened.He didn't need a smoking gun—years of surviving in both legitimate business and the shadows had taught him to trust his instincts over paperwork.
He rose, stepped out of the study, and called to Wu Chenglong."Wu, that doctor of mine—something's wrong with him. Get him here. Now."
Wu blinked. "Dr. Hua? You think—?"
"Yes." The word was final.
Wu turned to leave, but Dafeng's voice stopped him."No. Don't bring him here yet. Shadow him. And unless it's life-or-death, don't let him know we're watching."
Understanding flashed in Wu's eyes. "I get it."
Siyu followed her grandfather out, frowning."You mean Dr. Hua is the one poisoning you?"
"Possibly," Dafeng said flatly. "No one else could do it without me noticing—except someone I trusted completely."
Siyu's lips pressed together. For someone to fool her grandfather… it had to be someone he let into his inner circle.
"Go to the company," Dafeng continued. "If they're rushing to kill me, they've already planned to take control the moment I die.Find the problem there, and you'll find the rat—and the hand holding its tail."
Siyu nodded sharply. "I'm on it."
"Don't be late," Dafeng warned. "Or the evidence will be gone."
At the company, the air in the second branch's office was tense.
"Second Brother," Qian Dayong of the third branch said, "Big Brother's awake. And his injuries—gone."
Qian Dajun's expression soured."If that's true, he'll keep control of the Qian family. And our cut? We'll be waiting till hell freezes over."
Dayong's voice dripped with malice."Whoever helped him… they've chosen their own funeral date."
Dajun's gaze went razor-sharp."We move soon, or Big Brother will hand everything to that useless girl. I can't take the head seat anymore—but my grandson Hao will. The second branch must hold the reins."
A knock at the door.
They looked up as Qian Siyu entered, smiling sweetly."Second Grandpa, Third Grandpa—Grandfather's awake. But why do you both look… not too happy?"
Dajun's face rearranged into a strained smile."Not happy? Impossible. He's my big brother—how could I not be happy?"
Dayong chuckled."I'd give my life for his in a heartbeat."
Then he leaned forward slightly."Yao Yao… that Mr. Lin, the divine doctor—who is he?"
Dajun added, "Could you introduce us? I'd like to thank him in person."
Still smiling, Siyu replied, "Mr. Lin is very busy. When he has time, I'll arrange it."
Inside, she had no doubts now—they were involved. But she didn't yet know who had pulled the strings, or how they'd connected with Hua Ning.
She left without another word.
In his car, Dajun made a call."What happened? You told me he wouldn't survive."
Confusion from the other end."The medicine was perfect—he should be dead."
"Dead, my ass! Not only is he alive, his old injury's gone, and he's broken through to Grandmaster!" Dajun snapped."Useless trash!"
The man stammered. "That's impossible—"
"I don't care. You failed. Clean up everything and get ready to leave the country. You know what happens if you're exposed."
Hanging up, Dajun's expression was black as coal."Who the hell is that kid? I've been waiting, plotting, choking down my rage for years. And now, just when I'm about to win, some punk jumps in and wrecks it all."
He dialed again."Do it. Whatever it takes—finish him. And yeah… you can unleash the trolls."
In a black van shadowing Lin Chen, a scar-faced man ended a call, his face grim."Second Master's orders—end that brat."
A heavyset man beside him shifted uneasily."But… he beat a Grandmaster. Can we even—"
Scarface smirked, opening his laptop."Idiot. We're not doing it ourselves. We track him, lock his location."
Fingers flew over the keys. A few taps later, Lin Chen's profile lit up on a dark web page.