Chapter 13 Girlfriend

Zhou Lichuan acknowledged, “Lin Rui is rather proud and difficult to sway with mere interests. I suppose he’s not yet resigned, waiting for Zhou Kuan to deal with me.”

Shen Mushiz, having just finished instructing the house staff to settle the master and madam’s belongings, descended the stairs in time to overhear this conversation.

He and Du Bin had taken Zhou Lichuan’s car back first, and during the journey, he’d learned the gist of what had happened to Zhou Lichuan. Unlike the others, as a neurosurgeon, he had a different perspective on Zhou Lichuan’s eyes.

Sitting beside his aunt, Shen Mushiz wrapped an arm around her shoulders and said, “Aunt, Uncle, it’s no solution for Chuan’s eyesight to remain poor. I have a suspicion in my mind—why don’t we go to the hospital for a thorough checkup and take a few more scans?”

Only then did Shen Xiaonan recover from her sorrow. “What do you suspect? It’s all right, just tell me honestly.”

Shen Mushiz smiled reassuringly. “Without any tests, it’s not wise to make judgments based only on symptoms. Don’t worry, Aunt; a severe blow can indeed cause temporary blindness, but with proper rest, it should resolve. Another examination is just for peace of mind. With me here, there’s nothing to fear. Don’t forget, I’m the best neurosurgeon around.”

Only then did Jiang Zao take a proper look at Shen Mushiz.

He bore a certain resemblance to Zhou Lichuan, after all, they shared much the same blood. His features were softer, and he looked cultured and gentle. When he smiled, his eyes curved, giving him an affable charm.

The Shen family’s genes were truly enviable—these cousins were each more handsome than the other.

Comforted, Shen Xiaonan looked up and caught sight of Jiang Zao standing quietly by. She hurriedly reached out and took Jiang Zao’s hand. “My dear child, you must be Jiang Zao. Thank goodness you were by Xiao Chuan’s side. Auntie thanks you.”

Jiang Zao replied quickly, “It’s nothing, Auntie. There’s no need for such formality. Assisting President Zhou is helping myself as well. Now that President Zhou is safe and the company is running smoothly, whatever I do is worth it.”

Shen Xiaonan pulled Jiang Zao down to sit. “Auntie has heard all about what you’ve been through—it sounded so dangerous. If not for your clear judgment, who knows how they would have mistreated Xiao Chuan today. You’ve cared for him so well, and that sets my mind at ease.”

Jiang Zao soothed her softly, “Auntie, you’re being too kind. President Zhou is blessed. I’ve only done what I could.”

Zhou Lichuan reached over and took Jiang Zao’s other hand. “Mom, Zaozao has endured quite a bit by my side. You must take good care of her, or if she ever gets angry and leaves me, what will I do?”

With a single sentence, Zhou Lichuan cast Jiang Zao into the sunlight, making it clear to everyone just how much she meant to him.

This is the person I’ve chosen—no one is to harm her.

Jiang Zao, flustered, shook off Zhou Lichuan’s grip and said with a smile, “President Zhou, don’t joke. I’m your assistant; if I ever resign, I’ll give notice.”

“Oh?” Shen Xiaonan looked surprised. “Xiao Chuan hired you as his assistant?”

Jiang Zao nodded. “Yes. President Zhou is generous and offers an excellent salary. I’ll do my best.”

Zhou Huai, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “Then do your job well. Handling work matters diligently will benefit your own future. Young people should consider their prospects.”

Zhou Lichuan was about to retort but was tugged by Jiang Zao, who signaled him to hold his tongue.

Shen Xiaonan, however, was displeased and snapped at her husband. “Zaozao is so young—what’s she doing as an assistant? If you’re ever short on money, you can come to Auntie. There’s no need to serve him, and don’t listen to your uncle about ‘future prospects.’ Zaozao studied oil painting at the Academy of Fine Arts—her future’s bright! Why should she be serving your son? Do it if you want, but if you ever change your mind, you can quit any time. Auntie supports you.”

Hearing this, Jiang Zao felt a warm glow inside and lowered her head shyly.

From the side, Shen Mushiz watched the family’s warmth, his gaze gradually lingering on Jiang Zao’s long lashes.

Her eyes were large and lively, sparkling like a fawn’s. Her lashes were so long that they seemed to flutter with her every glance, stirring a protective urge in others. If Chuan could see, he’d probably be even more taken with her.

The whole family gathered for a reunion meal. Jiang Zao sat between Zhou Lichuan and Shen Xiaonan, tending to Zhou Lichuan’s meal while chatting with Shen Xiaonan, busy yet content.

Opposite, Zhou Huai surveyed the harmonious scene with some dissatisfaction. Jiang Zao was indeed lovely, but her background was far too humble. She could offer neither advantage to the Zhou family’s business nor benefit Zhou Lichuan’s future. She simply wasn’t the kind of match their class ought to consider.

It seemed he would have to hasten his search for a suitable bride for Zhou Lichuan, or the two might become inseparable over time.

…

After Shen Mushiz suggested a thorough examination for Zhou Lichuan, the family immediately arranged a battery of tests at the hospital.

Never had Shen Mushiz imagined that the first patient upon his return home would not be some baffling clinical case, but his own cousin.

He spotted the problem right in the MRI suite. To avoid alarm, he held back the results, ordered further tests, and coordinated with the lab for expedited processing.

It would be another day before the results were out. Meanwhile, Jiang Zao continued to reassure Shen Xiaonan that Zhou Lichuan’s health had always been good and there was nothing major to worry about.

But Zhou Lichuan, knowing his cousin well, suspected something was wrong. Secretly, he patted Shen Mushiz on the back and received two answering taps, confirming his suspicion.

To distract everyone, Zhou Lichuan suggested they check on Zhou Huai, who was undergoing a cardiology exam.

Jiang Zao rose to thank Shen Mushiz, then pushed Zhou Lichuan along with Shen Xiaonan toward the cardiology department.

They had just arrived at Zhou Huai’s temporary ward when they saw a female doctor in a white coat and rimless glasses standing by the bed, speaking with Zhou Huai.

Seeing the three approach, Zhou Huai beckoned to Zhou Lichuan. “Xiao Chuan, come meet Dr. Meng. She’s the youngest daughter of your Uncle Meng. Do you remember? You used to play together as children.”

The female doctor turned and, without any sign of surprise, reached out to shake Zhou Lichuan’s hand. “President Zhou, I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Meng Qiaoyuan, a cardiologist at the affiliated hospital.”

Zhou Lichuan nodded politely. “Dr. Meng, is this the youngest daughter of Chairman Meng of the Meng Group? I see your second brother quite often.”

Meng Qiaoyuan replied graciously, “Yes. Thanks to my brother managing the family business, I was able to pursue medicine. He’s never been especially sharp, and in the business world, he relies much on your help.”

Zhou Lichuan responded courteously, “Your brother’s decisiveness is well known in our circles. There’s no need to be overly modest, Dr. Meng.”

Meng Qiaoyuan looked to the side and greeted Shen Xiaonan, then turned to Jiang Zao.

“Aunt Shen, it’s been years—do you still remember me? And this is…?”

“My girlfriend, Jiang Zao. Zaozao, this is Dr. Meng. Her brother is a business partner of mine.”