Dr. Fang was blunt: he didn't know what had caused the strange behavior, but the sudden whitening of Xu Changqing's hair and his abnormal strength suggested massive pressure on the brain.
Xiao Ran was anxious but pragmatic, wanting Xu Changqing released so he could care for him outside the hospital. Dr. Fang agreed to assist but warned of the hospital's reputation risk. He said he would help "clean up" behind them, but made it clear they would be even.
Chen Xi, the nurse, had an emotional outburst inside the ward and hurt Dr. Fang's feelings with her harsh words, prompting conflict and embarrassment. Xiao Ran told her to stop acting like a fool — this was a hospital, not a playground. The fight drew the attention of everyone nearby.
Xiao Ran, with fierce patience, finally managed to get Xu Changqing out. As they left, Xu Changqing, still unstable, clung to Xiao Ran and said, "Hua Hua, I have special abilities now. Are you listening?"
Xiao Ran felt the weight of responsibility; he'd do whatever it took to protect his friend. He didn't tell Yu Jingjing precisely what had happened — he didn't want her worried or to return in a panic.
Yu Jingjing, meanwhile, had gone to M-country to find Mr. Nian and Violet Orchid. The presence of Violet Orchid and Violet Rose made it clear that this wasn't just a medical issue — something bigger and stranger was underway.
Back in the small town, the family of Xu Hai celebrated little victories: wages collected, hope for promotion, and prospects for a match for Xu Changqing. They planned a trip to meet the girl Yu Jingjing's niece had arranged. Feasts and small domestic joys filled the scene.
Later, the narrative turned to a light, comedic domestic moment: Xu Hai put on a suit for the meeting and was praised by the young girl as handsome. The household prepared for the arrival of the potential bride, and life, for all its anxieties, went on.
"Aunt's husband, someone might even think you're here for a blind date!"
Qin Xinrui couldn't help but tease a little. It was clear from her expression that she was genuinely happy.
"I bet Sister Mengmeng will be really excited this time—with such a kind and amiable aunt and a dashing, impressive uncle!"
Today, Zhang Mengmeng was extremely excited because her brother Zhang Tian's classmate, Qin Xinrui, had finally agreed to let her meet her brother, Xu Changqing!
Zhang Mengmeng especially liked Qin Xinrui's gentleness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to share the burden with others.
And if it weren't for little follower Zhang Tian, Qin Xinrui would never have arranged for her brother Xu Changqing to meet Zhang Mengmeng so easily.
However, Qin Xinrui hadn't told Zhang Mengmeng that they wouldn't meet Xu Changqing right away—they would meet Xu Changqing's parents first.
It wasn't that the two of them weren't a good match; Qin Xinrui simply didn't want her brother Xu Changqing to encounter the kind of awkwardness he would feel around Sister Zhang Mengmeng!
But Qin Xinrui never expected that an even more embarrassing situation was waiting for her!
Zhang Mengmeng carefully selected a floral dress and spent time getting ready in front of the mirror.
"Sis, are we leaving or not? It's been an hour already, and lunch is almost here!"
Zhang Tian complained impatiently.
Zhang Mengmeng smiled at her brother and said,"Sis finally made the effort to dress up, and you can't even wait a little?"
As the saying goes, you should discipline your younger brother early—Zhang Mengmeng certainly hadn't spared Zhang Tian.
Like most siblings, Zhang Tian rolled his eyes at her.
Qin Xinrui hadn't expected Zhang Mengmeng and Zhang Tian to delay for so long.
"Aunt's husband, sorry for keeping you waiting."
Xu Haiping liked to take a nap, and at this moment, he was clearly a bit drowsy from meeting his future daughter-in-law.
"I'm telling you, don't sleep! When they arrive, you better be awake, don't embarrass yourself!"
Dai Lanlan was worried Xu Ha might doze off—his snoring was truly unbearable!
"Shall we start with the dishes? Sitting like this for too long isn't good either."
Xu Hai loosened his Zhongshan suit and said to Dai Lanlan and Qin Xinrui,"Alright! Let's order first. When they arrive, we'll have the waiter serve the food! There's just enough time."
Finally, Zhang Mengmeng and Zhang Tian arrived. According to Qin Xinrui's directions, they went to a Haidilao restaurant.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Zhang Mengmeng politely apologized to Dai Lanlan and Xu Hai.
Even Zhang Tian, who had never seen his sister like this, was stunned—his jaw almost dropped!
"No way! Xu Changqing can't just easily take my sister away like this!"
Zhang Mengmeng noticed Xu Hai and initially thought he was Xu Changqing.
Though a bit older, he wasn't too bad—she felt she'd make a perfect match for him!
"Aunt, let me introduce myself first. I'm Zhang Mengmeng, and this is my brother, Zhang Tian."
Zhang Tian smiled at Dai Lanlan, but his expression changed when he looked at Xu Hai.
"What are you looking at? Haven't you seen such an adorable little brother-in-law before?"
Zhang Tian completely ignored Zhang Mengmeng's awkwardness and started eating the appetizers.
Qin Xinrui hurriedly stopped him,"Zhang Tian, he's my aunt's husband, not my brother!"
Now Xu Hai was embarrassed—he hadn't realized Zhang Tian's meaning.
So the kid had mistaken him for Xu Changqing? No wonder his eyes were full of mischief!
Zhang Mengmeng patted her chest in relief—it wasn't her who embarrassed herself. She almost thought Xu Hai was Xu Changqing too!
"Little brother! How many times have I told you to watch your words when going out? See, now you've suffered the consequences."
Zhang Mengmeng pretended to scold him seriously.
"Got it, sis…"
Zhang Tian gave up—how could there be such a handsome uncle dressed like a young celebrity!
"Alright, alright, let's eat first and chat as we go."
Dai Lanlan started picking up her chopsticks, and Qin Xinrui quickly helped her serve more dishes.
"Miss, tell us, what are your requirements?"
As a man, Xu Hai naturally wanted to vet this on behalf of his son.
"Uncle, I haven't met your son yet. Can we not talk about that for now?"
Zhang Mengmeng's temper matched Xu Hai's nature, but he understood—this was about finding a bride for his son.
"I have a photo of Xu Changqing here. You can take a look."
Xu Hai pulled a photo from his jacket pocket.
"Qin Xinrui showed me before. I think it's okay, but I haven't seen him in person."
"I heard, Uncle and Aunt, that you're going to SZ this time? Could you take me along? I can show you the way!"
Zhang Mengmeng had gotten the insider info from Zhang Tian, who had picked it up from Qin Xinrui long ago.
Qin Xinrui had always wanted to introduce a girlfriend to Xu Changqing, and it just so happened that Zhang Tian had an older sister—who reportedly wasn't bad!
Between this and that, Zhang Tian was usually well-informed, but he never expected his own sister to "betray" him this time!
"Sis, you…"
Zhang Tian was furious. Qin Xinrui hadn't planned to agree to this at first; it was Zhang Mengmeng who had boldly requested it!
Qin Xinrui was pursuing a girl, and it just so happened that Sister Zhang Mengmeng was single!
If everything went well, it would be double happiness!
Zhang Tian had thought about one day teasing his brother-in-law, to get back at him for all the times his sister had bullied him!
A once-in-a-lifetime wedding prank—he had no idea who invented this custom!
The meal ran late, but after careful consideration, Xu Hai and Dai Lanlan finally agreed to take Zhang Mengmeng to SZ.
"Qin Xinrui, sorry! I didn't expect my sister to…"
Qin Xinrui glared at Zhang Tian and said,"Zhang Tian, don't talk to me about your own affairs. Starting tomorrow, we'll keep some distance!"
"If you can sit behind me during the final exams, I'll agree!"
Qin Xinrui liked Zhang Tian, but she knew he wouldn't always treat her so well.
She especially liked this saying: Many people rush into your life just to give you a lesson, then leave, never to return.
She felt both lost and full of hope for the future.
"That's what you said, Qin Xinrui! You better work hard—I'll catch up to you!"
Zhang Tian's mischievousness and Qin Xinrui's diligence made them, without a doubt, the most beautiful pair of their age—a rare bond of youth.
Li Chang'an eventually left SZ. Before departing, he promised Laifu to help the Ao family group through a crisis.
Laifu couldn't contain his excitement and immediately told Xiao Zheng!
"Master, Li Chang'an has agreed to help the Ao Group. What are you still worrying about?"
Seeing Xiao Zheng frown, Laifu was confused.
"Laifu, you've been with Ao Group for forty years, right?"
Laifu nodded,"More than that—fifty years already!"
He had followed Xiao Zheng since he was eleven, witnessing Ao Group's growth firsthand.
Laifu's presence symbolized the spirit of Ao Group.
"Time flies—fifty years gone in the blink of an eye."
"In these fifty years, Ao Group has undergone over ten major transformations."
"And now, fewer than ten old-timers remain!"
Xiao Zheng sighed and continued,"I'm planning to choose a successor for Ao Group. Do you think Xiao Ran is suitable?"
Xiao Zheng's sudden words shocked Laifu.
"Master, Ao Group is still young—why are you suddenly thinking about finding a successor?"
This was no small matter! If the board found out, they'd at least need to draft a formal record!
Since Ao Group's founding, every tax, dividend, and contribution should have official documentation.
"One day, everyone has to let go. You can't carry everything alone."
"Now that Li Chang'an is involved, it's time for me to hand the position to someone else!"
Xiao Zheng glanced at Laifu. Over time, Laifu's hair had also turned gray…
"Master, in my opinion, we should first clear obstacles for the young master."
"No, I'll act regardless. With Li Chang'an here, Xiao Shengwei is doomed!"
After saying this, Xiao Zheng felt relieved.
Laifu understood the chairman's intent and went straight to handle the matter.
Li Chang'an's personality was similar to Xiao Zheng's—the only difference was Li Chang'an had the Li family, while Ao Group had only Xiao Zheng, the one and only boss.
Once Xu Changqing's new place was settled, Xiao Ran no longer worried.
"Brother, this will be your home. When Uncle and Aunt arrive, I'll let you know!"
Had Xu Changqing gone mad? Actually, he hadn't—his mind had just short-circuited.
What Xiao Ran didn't know was that Xu Changqing became fully aware after leaving.
Ding! The matchmaking system successfully implanted! Strengthening in progress! Current level: -8!
Xu Changqing opened his eyes.
Sure enough, he guessed right—this "system" was custom-made for him!
"Those who once looked down on me, are you ready?"
Xu Changqing smirked strangely, then lay down and fell asleep.