Divine Doctor and His CEO Wife - Chapter 189: Li Kani’s Feelings
The sudden 180-degree turn in the attitudes of his father, second uncle, and uncle-in-law made the smile on Lan Jianhong’s face instantly stiffen. What’s going on?
"Dad! Second Uncle! Uncle-in-law! What are you afraid of? With so many of us, are you still afraid of one brat?" Lan Jianhong shouted resentfully. "Get him! Kill him for me! Does our Lan family need to be afraid of him?!"
"Shut up!" Lan Tianquan seethed, on the verge of losing his mind. Can’t this boy see what’s happening? Can’t he see his own father’s legs trembling? Seeing Lan Jianhong about to dig his own grave by speaking again, the infuriated man rushed forward and landed two resounding slaps across his face, dazing him.
Lan Jianhong was stunned. His cheeks swelled up like a pig’s head, and he started to say something more but was cut off by Lan Tianquan’s ferocious glare. "If you dare say another reckless word, not even I will be able to save you!"
Only then did a shiver run down Lan Jianhong’s spine. Is this guy really that terrifying?
A playful smile appeared on Chen Xiao’s lips. "I have to say, I preferred the arrogant and haughty demeanor your Lan family showed at the beginning."
Lan Tianquan bowed and scraped. "We wouldn’t dare, sir! We wouldn’t dare! Our Lan family is just a little karami in Zhonghai, nothing compared to you, sir!"
He had finally understood. Chen Xiao had caused a huge stir in Zhonghai, even publicly killing a high-ranking official like Ling Chong, yet he remained completely unscathed. The higher-ups had all turned a blind eye, which showed just how powerful his background was. The Lan family wasn’t even considered top-tier in Zhonghai. How could they possibly compete with him?
Chen Xiao made no attempt to be modest. He took a sip of red wine and said casually, "He displeased me today. Your Lan family can handle it. Will you do it, or shall I?"
This statement made Lan Tianquan break out in a cold sweat.
"Hmm?!" Chen Xiao’s tone grew slightly sharper.
Lan Tianquan felt a wave of killing intent wash over him. Although Chen Xiao was smiling, he exerted an immense, oppressive pressure. In the end, he gritted his teeth and kicked Lan Jianhong’s knee.
Lan Jianhong dropped straight to his knees before Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao looked down at him, his gaze indifferent. "Go on."
Lan Tianquan picked up a chair and, in the next moment, smashed it against Lan Jianhong’s leg.
CRACK—
Instantly, Lan Jianhong’s leg bent backward at a sickening angle, and the pain caused him to faint on the spot.
Lan Tianquan’s lips trembled as he saw his son’s miserable state. He felt a stabbing pain in his heart, but he could only force himself to take a deep breath. Putting on a fawning expression, he bowed to Chen Xiao. "Sir, my son is ignorant. I’ve crippled one of his legs as an apology. Please be merciful and spare his life."
"Scram," Chen Xiao spat coldly.
"Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!" Lan Tianquan bowed repeatedly, then helped up the unconscious Lan Jianhong and fled. In the blink of an eye, everyone the Lan family had brought disappeared without a trace.
The hall remained deathly silent. The crowd now realized that this young man’s background was so terrifying it could make even the Lan family act so subserviently.
But then they reconsidered. Chen Xiao had destroyed the Ling family. He had killed Ling Chong, the head of the Jinyi Bureau, yet remained unscathed. How could such a ruthless person be anything but extraordinary?
Li Kani’s eyes widened in disbelief. How did this guy become so formidable in the blink of an eye? The Lan family is on par with my Li family! Yet in front of Chen Xiao, they’re no better than dogs.
Seeing Chen Xiao defend Qin Lan so fiercely, a complex mix of envy and desolation welled up in her heart. She turned and poured herself another drink.
Qin Lan stepped forward with a smile and addressed the crowd. "That was just a little sideshow. Please, everyone, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. I apologize if our hospitality was lacking."
Hearing this, everyone could only force awkward smiles and murmur in agreement. They were no fools; they knew Qin Lan’s actions were a show of power meant to intimidate them. Lan Jianhong was just unlucky enough to have provoked Chen Xiao. They inwardly sighed in relief, glad they hadn’t been the ones to stick their necks out.
With the Lan family’s lesson fresh in their minds, everyone present became much more subdued.
Just before the banquet ended, Qin Lan addressed the crowd, raising her glass. "I’m sure you’ve all heard about the fall of the Ling family. The Ling Corporation is now without an owner, and my Qin family happens to be interested in acquiring it. I hope you will all show me, Qin Lan, some deference so that we might avoid any unpleasant incidents in our business dealings. I raise this glass to you all."
The warning in her tone was unmistakable. Though many were unhappy, they all voiced their agreement, not daring to oppose her openly.
The dinner party had achieved its desired effect. Qin Lan had indeed established a firm foothold in Zhonghai.
After the banquet, Li Kani, who had been drinking sullenly all evening, suddenly stared at Chen Xiao and grabbed his hand. "I’m drunk. Take me home."
For the past few days, for some reason, the image of Chen Xiao keeps popping into my head. I recall the steamy circumstances of our first meeting, the way he heroically saved me on the plane, the way he resolved my family’s crisis... Scene after scene is now deeply etched in my mind. He’s so infuriating, but he still inexplicably tugs at my heartstrings! Am I... poaching her man and provoking Qin Lan in public right now?
Two crimson patches appeared on her pretty face, and her half-drunk state was surprisingly alluring.
Qin Lan sauntered over, a picture of feminine grace, and gave Chen Xiao a half-smile. "A beautiful lady has extended an invitation. Are you hesitating?"
Li Kani, not knowing where she found the courage, tightened her grip on Chen Xiao’s hand and said, "President Qin, I’m borrowing your boyfriend for a bit. You don’t mind, do you?"
Qin Lan looked at her, not angry but amused, and whispered in her ear, "Of course I don’t mind. If you can win him over and share some of my burden, I’d be even happier. But, little sister, do you have what it takes?"
Qin Lan’s voice was seductive and teasing, making Li Kani’s face flush even redder. She bit her lip, a feeling of inferiority welling up. I may be beautiful, but I’m still too young and inexperienced. Compared to a woman like Qin Lan, who is seasoned by life’s trials and tribulations, I lack a certain worldly charm.
However, Qin Lan’s teasing tone also ignited her competitive spirit. "Miss Qin, you said it yourself! You’d better not regret this later!"
Qin Lan just smiled faintly. I’m not some young girl with an intense need for possession. Chen Xiao is an exceptional man, surrounded by countless women; how could I possibly chase them all away? I’m already secure in his feelings for me, so I don’t expect to be the only woman by his side. In life, happiness is what matters most.
After a moment, she smiled at Chen Xiao. "You should take Miss Li home. A girl who’s had too much to drink isn’t safe on her own."
Chen Xiao raised an eyebrow. "So generous?"
"In any case," Qin Lan responded calmly, "I know I’ll always have a place in your heart. That’s enough for me."
"I’m not interested in little girls," Chen Xiao stated plainly.
This made Li Kani grit her teeth. Now he’s pretending to be a gentleman? Not interested in me? Ha! Do I, Li Kani, really lack that much charm? Chen Xiao’s remark was a huge blow to her pride, and it infuriated her. I’d like to see just how long he can keep this act up!
"Let’s go!" she declared, standing up woozily and pulling Chen Xiao toward the exit.
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