Chapter 40: Friends are the Family We Choose Part 3

Needless to say, it was another late night.

Late nights and early mornings were becoming a habit for Ming Li’s biological clock. When she woke up feeling groggy, she brewed herself an iced Americano that tasted more bitter than traditional Chinese medicine.

Gu Qingshuang, however, was radiant. After the previous night, the way she looked at Ming Li had shifted. It wasn’t as cold as before. If Ming Li had to describe it, it was like children forming a clique; Gu Qingshuang shared a secret with her, and now Ming Li had been officially drafted into her camp. Even so, Ming Li liked the feeling.

At the breakfast table, Gu Xueqiang actually apologized to Mingyue. She had even learned a few signs to convey her apology and offered to give her a gift. Mingyue declined the gift, politely thanking her and signing that she would bring a gift for the Elder Madam when she returned from her sister’s workplace.

Gu Qingshuang wasn’t at the table, yet the atmosphere remained harmonious. Ming Li finally enjoyed a peaceful breakfast.

Since Gu Qingshuang was working today, there was no one to watch Mingyue. Just as Ming Li was about to tell Mingyue to be good at home, Gu Qingshuang came downstairs, dressed for work. “I’m taking Mingyue to the hospital with me today,” she announced.

Ming Li was startled. “To the hospital? She’ll interfere with your work.”

“We already agreed on it yesterday,” Gu Qingshuang said. “Besides, I’m not on duty in the ER today. I’m just doing rounds. She can sit in my office and read.”

Ming Li hesitated. “Is that really okay?”

“I see the other doctors doing it all the time,” Gu Qingshuang replied. “Once in a while is fine.”

She didn’t mention that when the other doctors brought their kids, the interns would help entertain them, and the nurses would step in if a kid started trying to dismantle the hospital. No one ever had any issues. After spending time with Mingyue yesterday, Gu Qingshuang had grown fond of the girl. She was quiet, well-behaved, and adorable. Gu Qingshuang felt a connection with her—perhaps that was why she had let Ming Li bring her home without question in the first place.

Knowing Ming Li was busy, Gu Qingshuang decided to share the burden of looking after the girl. Doing something she enjoyed that also helped Ming Li made her happy.

Ming Li looked at Mingyue, who promised, “I’ll be very good.”

Seeing that they had worked it out and that it was for Mingyue’s benefit, Ming Li didn’t object further. With Gu Qingshuang’s connections, they could get a better consultation, and maybe even find a specialist who could actually treat her. Ming Li felt a surge of hope but said nothing, simply thanking Gu Qingshuang and promising that she’d have Zhu Hanxing prepare a generous gift for her when she returned. She trusted Hanxing’s taste.

Ming Li and Gu Qingshuang left for work one after the other.

Even though the negotiations with President Hu of “Xingwan” had stalled, Ming Li continued her work. She had moved her operations from the Xingwan offices to another company under the Gu umbrella. It was always good to have a backup plan.

Another day passed without a word from President Hu. Ming Li’s confidence began to waver. She was betting on the fact that while President Hu’s debts were pressing, they weren’t yet catastrophic, and the price she offered was tempting enough. Twenty-eight million wasn’t the highest bid on the market, but Ming Li offered other perks, like shares in the new company.

Ming Li had Assistant Lin do some digging. Currently, only two or three other companies were interested in Xingwan. The rest saw it as a money-losing mess with a mediocre reputation and stayed away. The interested parties were still hesitating, which made Ming Li’s offer the most sincere one on the table.

After lunch, Ming Li instructed Assistant Lin to nudge the debt collectors. What was going on? Did President Hu not have to pay her debts? Since when were loan sharks so patient?

That evening, Ming Li’s phone rang. Thinking it was President Hu, she checked the screen only to see Zhu Hanxing’s name.

“What is it, superstar?” Ming Li answered, her voice tinged with annoyance.

“Ooh, who rattled your cage? It couldn’t be me from a thousand miles away, could it?” Zhu Hanxing chirped. “Aren’t you happy to hear from me?”

“Ecstatic,” Ming Li said. “What’s up?”

“I can’t call just to say hi?” Hanxing teased. “Why so pragmatic?”

“Because you never call unless something is up,” Ming Li retorted. “Spit it out, I’m busy.”

Zhu Hanxing huffed. “I finished my final scene tonight! Where are my flowers?”

“I’m ordering them right now,” Ming Li said, not missing a beat. “And? Are you coming back tomorrow?”

“Not yet. The wrap party is tomorrow, and I have an event here the day after. I’ll be back the day after that at the latest.”

“Then why are you calling? I thought you were taking me to dinner tomorrow.”

“I’ll treat you when I get back. Especially since you’re watching Mingyue for me.”

“Actually, I’m not the one watching her,” Ming Li said. She gave a brief rundown of how Mingyue had become a ‘face-con’ and was currently following Gu Qingshuang to the hospital.

Zhu Hanxing was silent for a few seconds. “Just like her sister.”

Ming Li: “…”

“It’s a ‘face-con’ curse, nothing we can do,” Hanxing said. “I’ll treat Gu Qingshuang to dinner when I’m back too.”

“She probably won’t go to dinner, but I promised her a massive gift from you. Get something ready.”

Zhu Hanxing was confused. Normally, she was very thoughtful with gifts, so preparing one wasn’t an issue. But the way Ming Li naturally asked for a gift on Gu Qingshuang’s behalf felt… different.

“Li-jie, are you and Gu Qingshuang suddenly best friends?” Hanxing asked.

Ming Li paused, her voice stiff. “No. Just normal.”