Chapter 18: Such a Massive "Green Tea Spirit"

Jiang Zao struggled for a while, but ultimately decided not to let Du Bin handle her appointment as the CEO's assistant. After all, compared to clocking in at work every day, she preferred to devote herself wholeheartedly to painting. Zhou Lichuan supported all her decisions, transferring a substantial sum into her account and handing her his supplementary card.

It was another sunny weekend, and as usual, Jiang Zao accompanied Zhou Lichuan for a stroll in the small garden downstairs. They had just finished discussing Zhou Lichuan's illness when Shen Mushi appeared, walking toward them.

"Lichuan, I came to see you."

Zhou Lichuan, in rare good spirits, joked, "So you’re here? Haven’t seen you in days—last time we talked about my condition, you disappeared. Were you afraid I’d make you responsible?"

Shen Mushi laughed in return, "Exactly. If the diagnosis is wrong, your whole family would chase after me with pitchforks."

Jiang Zao, observing their brotherly camaraderie, felt an indescribable envy. "Dr. Shen, are you here at this time because Lichuan’s surgery date has been set?"

Shen Mushi nodded, gave Zhou Lichuan’s arm a pat, and said, "Come on, let’s talk upstairs."

The three returned to the apartment, and Aunt Hui was asked to brew coffee. As Zhou Lichuan invited Shen Mushi to sit, he introduced the coffee, "Try this—Zao’s favorite lately, domestic beans from Yunnan. When my eyes are better, I plan to buy some land in Yunnan to grow coffee myself."

Jiang Zao blushed as she helped Aunt Hui serve the coffee. Shen Mushi thanked her, "It smells wonderful. Miss Jiang clearly has good taste. We often work late, surviving on instant coffee as if it were water. If we had coffee this fragrant every day, work would be a joy."

Jiang Zao paused; somehow Shen Mushi suddenly seemed... a bit like a sly fox.

Zhou Lichuan rubbed his nose. "Don’t tease her; she’s too innocent—easily startled."

Jiang Zao had always admired Zhou Lichuan’s ability to lie with a straight face, so she didn’t expose him. She quietly listened as the two discussed his condition.

Recently, Jiang Zao had researched Zhou Lichuan’s illness online and gained a basic understanding. She was already mentally prepared for whatever answer Shen Mushi might give.

As expected, Shen Mushi recommended surgery as soon as possible, with every effort to protect the optic nerve. Zhou Lichuan fully trusted his professional judgment and managed to find time to comfort the anxious Jiang Zao.

At noon, Shen Mushi stayed for lunch. While waiting for the meal, he learned about the existence of Jiang Zao’s studio and asked to visit.

With Jiang Zao’s consent, the three entered her studio together.

"Is this... a reindeer?" Shen Mushi recognized the animal in the painting.

Jiang Zao nodded lightly, "I started it a few days ago. I’ve been working on it for a while—it’s the first piece I’ve painted here."

Though she spent most days busy at Zhou Lichuan’s side, whenever she had time, Jiang Zao would hide away in her studio, doing what she loved. Zhou Lichuan delighted in seeing her so energized by art, often keeping her company, sometimes chatting or flirting, adding a splash of color to his otherwise shadowed life.

Shen Mushi stroked his chin, "A reindeer in the forest, with mountains and sky behind. The sky is so dark—is it night?"

Jiang Zao shook her head. "It’s dawn. The colorful streaks in the sky are the aurora."

Shen Mushi nodded thoughtfully, "Aurora, snowy landscape, dawn, reindeer. It seems Miss Jiang is fond of the scenery of the northeastern mountains."

During their time together, Zhou Lichuan had discussed the painting’s content with Jiang Zao. Now, facing Shen Mushi, he could finally display the artistic insights he had worked hard to cultivate.

"Dawn, reindeer, distant mountains, forest—each element symbolizes something, representing Zao’s hopes for her future life."

Jiang Zao teased him, "You’re quite adept at showing off what you’ve just learned."

Shen Mushi interjected absentmindedly, "He’s always been good at this—knows how to please the elders. I never managed it; this is Lichuan’s domain. All I can say is Miss Jiang paints beautifully. I may not understand art, but I find it deeply moving. You should be called ‘Teacher Jiang.'"

Jiang Zao stood there, smiling. His ability to play the sly fox was truly unmatched.

After the meal, Shen Mushi and Zhou Lichuan talked about stocks, and Zhou Lichuan, unusually interested, delved deeper into the conversation. Jiang Zao found their attachment to each other a little dull, so she went to help Aunt Hui, who had accidentally sprained her wrist, with the dishes. Before long, Shen Mushi squeezed in, insisting that since he’d eaten, he ought to share in the chores.

Jiang Zao was momentarily stunned, wiped her hands, and ushered Aunt Hui out, leaving the entire task of cleaning up to Shen Mushi without hesitation.

Before bed that night, Zhou Lichuan held Jiang Zao on the balcony, asking her opinion of Shen Mushi’s behavior. Jiang Zao thought for a long time and summed it up in three words.

"A sly fox."

Zhou Lichuan burst out laughing, calling her assessment brilliant, and counted on his fingers all the times he had suffered losses to Shen Mushi since childhood.

Shen Mushi scheduled the surgery and, without warning, drove to the Zhou family’s corporate building, pulling Zhou Lichuan straight from work and whisking him off to the hospital. No matter how much Zhou Lichuan insisted the upcoming work was important, Shen Mushi acted as if he were deaf, ignoring everything.

Zhou Lichuan was left with no way out, grudgingly obeying Shen Mushi’s orders.

Jiang Zao arrived at the hospital with Du Bin, just as Shen Xiaonan and Zhou Huai, who had heard the news, arrived at the entrance. After exchanging greetings, they headed inside, only to spot Meng Qiaoyuan waiting near the elevator.

Zhou Huai, visibly pleased, spoke first, "Dr. Meng? Did you hear the news and come to visit Lichuan as well?"

Meng Qiaoyuan adjusted her glasses and replied solemnly, "Dr. Shen asked me to wait here for you all, to take you to the ward."

Shen Xiaonan exchanged a worried glance with Jiang Zao, then followed Meng Qiaoyuan to the VIP ward.

Along the way, Meng Qiaoyuan found a chance to tug Jiang Zao’s sleeve, murmuring in her ear, "There’s a new person named Lin Rui around Zhou Kuan. He seems to have a grudge against you. Try to keep Lichuan calm—he can’t afford agitation right now."

Jiang Zao halted, eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Meng Qiaoyuan. After getting confirmation, she followed, pale-faced, as they continued forward.

Zhou Huai kept watching Meng Qiaoyuan, noticing the change in Jiang Zao’s expression after their brief exchange, and wondered when the two had become close enough for whispered conversations.