"Kong Xiaohe has struggled with a chronic illness since he was young. His father tirelessly sought every possible redy, traveling far and wide to consult specialists, yet all efforts proved futile over the years. My brother even arranged for him to et an esteed physician at one point."
"It's clear that his father treasures him imnsely."
"Of course. He spares no expense or effort."
Zhou Yi and Su Ning leaned casually against the railing of the corridor, drawing curious glances from passing students.
Su Ning hesitated before suggesting, "Shall we move sowhere else? It feels like everyone is watching us."
After a mont's thought, Zhou Yi realized he still needed to gather information about the Kong family, so he invited Su Ning to a nearby café. This ti, he didn't bother venturing too far; staying close by seed practical enough.
"I was tied up with company affairs the other day and couldn't make ti for you. I apologize."
"It's fine. I understand. My brother gets just as absorbed when he's busy."
Su Ning harbored growing affection for Zhou Yi, which made her unusually tolerant of his actions. Besides, she felt indebted to him, so how could she hold any grievances?
"Why the sudden interest in him?"
Zhou Yi chose not to conceal anything.
"When I went to Province A for a competition, Kong Xiaohe was on my team. Seeing his frail condition, I decided to treat him using so knowledge I'd picked up. To express his gratitude, he offered to introduce to his father, likely hoping to help expand my network."
Su Ning froze, her shock evident on her face.
"You cured Kong Xiaohe's ailnt?"
Her astonishnt was understandable. Countless people had tried—and failed—to improve his health. Whether it was the Kong family themselves or those eager to curry favor with them, none had succeeded. Yet here was Zhou Yi, a college student with no dical background, achieving what others deed impossible.
"Yes, I dabbled in traditional Chinese dicine back in the day."
Zhou Yi lowered his gaze and sipped his coffee, almost as if attempting to deflect attention.
Su Ning was utterly awestruck by Zhou Yi's abilities.
"How does your mind work? I've never t anyone as brilliant as you. One of my relatives is an expert in this field, and they say mastering traditional Chinese dicine is incredibly challenging."
"It is difficult," Zhou Yi admitted. "I rely gave it a shot. I didn't expect it to work."
"So you didn't know who Kong Xiaohe really was back then?"
"Not at all. I only began to suspect his family's prominence later, which is why I asked you."
Su Ning's eyes softened, touched by Zhou Yi's inherent kindness. Opportunities like this weren't handed to just anyone. Zhou Yi was destined for greatness.
However, she refrained from asking how he had acquired his knowledge of traditional Chinese dicine. It likely tied into his mysterious past—a fact she had always accepted without question.
"Is he the sole heir of the Kong family?"
"No, he has an older sister. My brother once pursued her, but she showed no interest."
"Even your brother couldn't win her over? She must have exacting tastes."
Though Zhou Yi had never t Su Ning's brother, judging by her refined appearance, her sibling surely wasn't unremarkable. Moreover, the Su family was a prominent na in Huaihai. Could it be that the Kong family considered them unworthy?
Zhou Yi found himself intrigued, his mind racing with speculation.
Unaware of his thoughts, Su Ning smiled softly.
"She does have discerning standards, but that's only fitting. After all, she's the designated successor of the Kong family."
The heir to a multibillion-dollar empire—it was only natural she would command respect and admiration. Suitors likely lined up from Huaihai to Province A.
Zhou Yi paused mid-stir, lifting his head abruptly. "Not Kong Xiaohe?"
Su Ning shook her head. "Kong Xiaohe's poor health ant his father never seriously considered him. But even after all these years of relentless attempts to heal him, his father still clung to hope. Now that Kong Xiaohe's health has improved... Well, the future remains uncertain."
At this, Su Ning felt compelled to caution him. "His sister will undoubtedly attend the dinner. We can't predict how she'll react to you, so it's best not to offend her. The Kong family's affairs are none of your concern—it's safer to stay uninvolved."
Having witnessed nurous power struggles within elite families, especially regarding inheritance, Su Ning knew the dangers firsthand. People had vanished under suspicious circumstances, and she feared Zhou Yi might beco collateral damage in the Kong family's internal conflicts.
Furthermore, by curing Kong Xiaohe, Zhou Yi had inadvertently positioned himself against the sister. What was once a foregone conclusion now faced uncertainty. Would she seek revenge? It was impossible to say.
While rumors claid she cherished her younger brother, this affection hinged on his posing no threat to her position.
Wealthy families were notoriously complex, and their won were far from delicate damsels.
"Is the Kong family's elder daughter particularly formidable?"
"My brother says she's far from ordinary."
Su Ning proceeded to share everything she knew about the Kong family.
By the ti they left the café, it was nearly five o'clock.
Conveniently, a flower shop stood nearby. Zhou Yi halted.
"What kind of flowers do you like? Let buy them for you."
Su Ning bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. Many had given her flowers in the past, leaving her indifferent. But hearing Zhou Yi offer sent her heart racing.
Crouching in front of a display of sunflowers, she cupped her face and said, "I love sunflowers."
Unlike roses, she favored these vibrant blooms, symbolizing vitality and optimism. She aspired to grow more positive and courageous, shedding her forr prideful solitude.
Zhou Yi purchased all the remaining sunflowers and presented them to Su Ning.
Making soone happy was surprisingly simple—flowers were the most straightforward way.
Clutching the enormous bouquet, Su Ning radiated joy.
She appeared to be blossoming into a brighter version of herself.
Zhou Yi bid farewell to Su Ning outside the flower shop.
Watching her retreating figure, he lowered his gaze, conflicted. His feelings for her were utilitarian at best—he questioned whether his actions were justified.
With a sigh, he glanced at the remaining flowers inside the shop and decided to buy so for Jing Wen.
He chose icy blue roses.
First, he retrieved his Rolls-Royce from the office, then drove to Jing Wen's residence.
Though Jing Wen now owned her own restaurant, she still lived above the old fast-food joint.
Parking his Rolls-Royce downstairs drew imdiate attention from neighbors. The area consisted of modest shops, with residents living in humble apartnts. The unexpected arrival of a luxury car sparked whispers.
Across the street, patrons at a barbecue joint eyed the vehicle suspiciously.
"That woman from the fast-food place must've snagged a wealthy benefactor. Look, there's a Rolls-Royce parked right outside."
"No wonder she rejected before. She looks down on regular folks like us."
"She claid she didn't care for rich n, but clearly, she's fallen for one."
"Maybe it's not a young heir. Perhaps he's much older."
"Or maybe he's just here to eat."
"Have you ever seen soone drive a Rolls-Royce to a dingy fast-food spot? Besides, haven't you heard? She's opened a fancy restaurant downtown now. She's moved up in the world."
Amidst the gossip, Zhou Yi stepped out of the car, cradling the flowers. Thoughtfully, he opened the door for Jing Wen.
"Sister Wen, these are for you. Shall we grab dinner?"
"Thank you—they're beautiful."
Ignoring the hostile glares tinged with jealousy, Jing Wen climbed into the Rolls-Royce, clutching the bouquet tightly.
In the past, her striking beauty had often drawn malicious comnts. n accused her of seduction; won blad her for their husbands' infidelity, labeling her a howrecker. So even stord into her shop, hurling insults.
She endured countless hardships in that neighborhood, but now Zhou Yi had helped elevate her standing.
The wind brushed her face as she gazed out the window, a serene smile spreading across her lips. Never had she imagined life could change so dramatically.
And it was all thanks to Zhou Yi.
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