Chapter 19: Walking Hormones

"It was I who saved him, but it was just a small effort, really nothing worth mentioning. I never expected Young Master Shi to be so thoughtful. Well then, I shall graciously accept."

Shi Shaoxun nodded. "It's only right. In a few days, the Shi family will host a banquet, inviting all the elites of the capital. Miss Shen, I hope you won't refuse the invitation."

Who could possibly refuse?

Though the Shen family was considered prominent in the capital, compared to the Shi family, they were insignificant. The Shi family mingled with the true nobility and power, people they normally could never reach.

Shen Tingting feigned modesty, nodding, "Very well, I will certainly attend."

As soon as Shi Shaoxun left, Liu Shuhua eagerly cradled the luminous pearl. "My goodness, Tingting, this is a real treasure! Who would have thought that saving someone could bring so many benefits!"

Shen Tingting quickly picked up one of the pearls to examine it, greed flickering in her eyes. "It wasn't me, it was that wretched Shen Chutang who saved him. But whatever that woman can do, I can easily manage if I go."

"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right!" Liu Shuhua would never give such a precious thing to Shen Chutang, that little brat. This was clearly valuable, and once they had connections with the Shi family, who knew how many more benefits they might gain!

...

The next day, Shen Chutang returned to the hospital.

As soon as Shi Hanhang saw her, she called out, "Sister Shen!"

Shen Chutang took out her acupuncture kit from her waist. "Let's make it quick."

Shi Hanhang's bulging eyes had always seemed odd, but now they shone with hope. "Sister Shen, can I become normal like other people?"

For years, she had never dared to look in the mirror, nor did she have friends. She desperately wanted to walk outside like ordinary people.

"Don't worry."

Shen Chutang poured the prepared medicinal powder onto her face. "Your skin will sting a bit from the ulceration. Bear with it."

Shi Hanhang nodded obediently. For the sake of her future, what was a little pain?

When the powder touched her face, the pain was so sharp that tears sprang to her eyes. Still, she gritted her teeth and endured. For someone so young, her resilience impressed Shen Chutang.

Once the medicine was applied, Shen Chutang wrapped her face in gauze, then unbuttoned her shirt and swiftly inserted a needle into her chest. Madam He watched anxiously, but trusted Miss Shen and quietly guarded the door.

The acupuncture began at the chest, moving to the shoulder, down the arm, forearm, and all the way to the fingertips. Shen Chutang drew blood again, and no one noticed the tiny wriggling worm in the blood.

She took out a glass vial and carefully collected the worm. "For the next week, avoid sunlight. I’ll leave you medicine—take one pill daily. It will accelerate skin regeneration. In seven days, you'll see a new you.

But, don’t tell anyone how I cured you, understood?"

She disliked trouble, and had no desire to be hounded in the hospital by people demanding to know her methods.

For the first time in years, Shi Hanhang felt her long-standing palpitations disappear completely. She nodded vigorously, unable to wait for the upcoming week.

Leaving the hospital, Shen Chutang headed to a restaurant.

Today was the day Lu Beiqin said she would meet his grandfather. Last night, she had been busy experimenting with medicine and hadn’t spoken much with Lu Beiqin. She only saw the message about the reservation, and that everyone would have lunch together.

Inside the private room.

Grandfather Lu straightened his collar. "How does this outfit look? I don't seem too stern, do I?"

Lu Beiqin glanced at his grandfather. "You've asked that eight hundred times now."

Grandfather Lu retorted, "I just want to leave a good impression on my granddaughter-in-law. Honestly, you could have chosen a seven-star hotel, but insisted on this place. What if she thinks I’m slighting her?"

Lu Beiqin was unconcerned. "She thinks I’m just a taxi driver, the penniless type."

Grandfather Lu was shocked. "Looking like you do and still penniless? And she’s willing to be with you? You must treat her well for the rest of your life, you understand?"

Lu Beiqin’s temple twitched. At last, his phone rang—a message from Shen Chutang: [I'm at the entrance.]

He stood up. "She’s here. I’ll go meet her."

Shen Chutang stood at the door, and soon, Lu Beiqin appeared.

He wore a black shirt with sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms. Paired with tailored trousers, he looked tall and commanding—an embodiment of masculinity, turning many heads.

Lu Beiqin extended his hand toward her. "Grandfather is already waiting for us inside."

Shen Chutang hesitated, then placed her hand in his palm.

His hand was broad and warm, and he naturally intertwined his fingers with hers.

Together, they walked to the private room and entered. Inside, only Grandfather Lu awaited, which eased Shen Chutang’s nerves.

"Hello, Grandfather."

"Oh my, which family’s daughter is so lovely? Come, sit!" Grandfather Lu smiled. "This is what I prepared for you..."

Seeing his grandfather about to present a set of jewelry worth millions as a meeting gift, Lu Beiqin discreetly stopped him. "Grandfather brought you some tea leaves."