Chapter 128: I Came to Apologize

Mu Qiao, standing behind Jiang Muyun, said, "Miss, you must be careful. If things don't go well, let me go in instead!"

Jiang Muyun had long stopped viewing Mu Qiao merely as a personal assistant; in her heart, she considered her a sister. The fact that Mu Qiao would offer to take her place in such a dangerous situation only made this bond feel all the more precious to Jiang.

"Sister Mu, don't you worry. If there's any danger, just hold Zhang Shen accountable."

As Jiang Muyun said this, she cast a glance at Zhang Shen, followed by a mischievous, toothy grin.

Zhang Shen, standing to the side, was practically stunned into silence. How did it happen that all these thankless, grueling tasks always fell on his shoulders? It was as if he were being set up. He wondered why he had been so eager to take on such exhausting work, like investigating the poisoning of Wang’s father and hunting down the culprit.

"Hey! You big oaf, what are you daydreaming about, dragging your feet like that?"

Interrupting his deep remorse, Jiang Muyun’s voice pulled Zhang Shen back to reality. He quickly replied, "Nothing, just deep in thought."

"If you keep thinking, the food will be cold by the time we get there."

Following the direction of Jiang’s finger, Zhang Shen realized that Huang Wanting was about to disappear from view.

Seeing this, Zhang Shen quickly pulled Jiang Muyun out of the car, not forgetting to turn back and warn the others: "Stay in the car and wait for news. Do not act rashly, especially you, Miss Mu."

In truth, while they were in the car, Zhang Shen had never had the chance to say this. Now that they were out, the roles of active and passive had suddenly shifted, and it was finally Zhang Shen’s turn to feel a sense of triumph.

Before Mu Qiao could respond, Zhang Shen rolled his eyes, a retort for earlier events, and then took Jiang Muyun’s hand, heading in the direction of Huang Wanting.

"Wanting, wait for me!"

It was the first time Zhang Shen had used such an overly affectionate term for a girl. In that instant, let alone Jiang Muyun, even he felt a bit embarrassed.

Beside him, upon hearing this, Jiang Muyun didn't hesitate; she pinched Zhang Shen’s arm hard, instantly leaving a bruise on his skin.

"Are you a pig? Watch your—"

Before Zhang Shen could finish, Huang Wanting turned around and looked at him.

"Why is it you? What are you doing here? I don't think we really know each other, do we?"

Facing this barrage of questions, Zhang Shen was momentarily caught off guard. However, he quickly figured out how to break through Huang Wanting’s defenses.

"Miss, I know you’re still angry, but that last incident really wasn't my fault. I only found out about it afterward. First, I have to admit, I have a foolish younger sister."

With that, Zhang Shen patted Jiang Muyun on the head.

Surprisingly, Jiang Muyun remained docile, showing no signs of resistance. Zhang Shen saw this clearly; he knew it was all to make their act more convincing. He didn't care if Jiang would try to tear him apart once the curtain fell; gaining Huang Wanting’s trust was the most critical objective.

"This is your sister?"

Huang Wanting was naturally skeptical. Despite their age difference, there wasn't a single physical resemblance between the two.

"Yes, we are half-siblings, which is why we don't look much alike."

Zhang Shen knew it was difficult to make a stranger believe such a tall tale, so he had to keep spinning lies to deceive her.

"Oh, but what does that have to do with me?"

Hearing this, Zhang Shen knew the young woman was still holding onto that grudge. But, in fairness, he couldn't blame her.

"Miss, please, let me explain. Last time, I picked up your black bag and left it in my dormitory. Who knew this brat here would sneak in that day? When I got back, she already had the bag on her back, showing it off everywhere. When I told her to take it off, she refused, and we ended up in a scuffle. In the commotion, the bag accidentally fell into the trash can, so..."

"What? What did you say?"

Clearly, Huang Wanting was incensed, her brows furrowing instantly.

"Miss, listen to me. To make up for the mistake, I had this little one wash it a dozen times. It’s completely clean now. If you don't believe me, smell it."

With that, Zhang Shen pulled out the black bag and handed it to Huang Wanting. In his eyes, since it had been washed by Meng Ran—and knowing Wang Ying was a clean girl—the bag was spotless.

As Huang Wanting hesitated, Jiang Muyun chimed in: "Sister Huang, it was my fault last time. Please, forgive my brother."

Jiang Muyun tilted her head and batted her eyes at Huang Wanting. This display of innocence made it impossible for anyone to truly hold a grudge against her. To Zhang Shen’s surprise, Huang Wanting finally accepted the bag after Jiang’s plea.

Seeing that she had taken the bag, Zhang Shen knew he could dig deeper.

"Wanting, I have one more question for you—"

Before he could finish, Huang Wanting’s expression turned icy again.

"Who are you calling 'Wanting'? We aren't that close! If you have something to say, just use my full name."

Zhang Shen thought to himself that these girls were far too pragmatic. Only days ago, she had been desperate for the dragon card, but the moment it was in her hand, she had become a different person.

*Sigh! Women’s minds are truly hard to fathom.*

"Sister Huang, don't mind my silly brother. He’s a total blockhead. My mother has introduced him to several girls, but they couldn't stand him, and things always fell through. My mother even warned him that if he ruined another one, he shouldn't bother coming home. But some people just can't change their nature."

Listening to Jiang Muyun’s assessment, Zhang Shen almost felt like strangling her. This wasn't just slandering him; it was destroying his reputation. If this got out, how would he ever establish himself in the medical community?

"Oh? I couldn't tell. Your brother is quite the character. But back at the girls' dormitory that day, I got the feeling that the female professor was deliberately letting you off the hook. It seems you aren't so simple yourself!"