That afternoon, an Elfa entered Tenglong Hospital, which was affiliated with the Dragon Country's mission in Japan.
The Elfa stopped in the parking lot. The rear door opened, and the driver immediately alighted, placing a hand over the top of the door, bowing slightly in greeting as the occupant exited the vehicle.
First to step out was a middle-aged, portly man named Luo Guan, the head of the Huangfu Group's operations in Japan.
After exiting, Luo Guan stood by the car door with the driver.
Immediately after, Huangfu Qing, dressed in a suit and tie, emerged from the car.
Lastly, a young man exited the vehicle.
The young man wore a white shirt, paired with trousers and leather shoes. Despite the common attire, he carried himself with an uncommon elegance.
This was all due to his exceptional aura, possessing a composure and restraint rare for his age.
"Mr. Huangfu, Young Master Wei."
Luo Guan spoke with a smile, his tone laced with respect.
As a key figure of the Huangfu Group, he was well aware that Huangfu Qing was almost certain to take over as the head of the Huangfu family.
The "Young Master Wei" he referred to was a rising star in the officialdom of Donghai, and even the southern half of the country. In his early thirties, he was already in charge of a district in Donghai, with a boundless future ahead.
"Luo Guan, wait for us in the car. Qian Yuan and I will go up to pick up Weixia."
After alighting, Huangfu Qing instructed Luo Guan and then, with Wei Qian Yuan, headed towards Huangfu Weixia's ward.
Today was Huangfu Weixia's discharge day. Huangfu Qing had specifically brought Wei Qian Yuan to escort her home, and then to return to Dragon Country on the Huangfu Group's private jet.
Inside the ward, Li Xiaoman and the hospital doctors had completed all the pre-discharge checks for Huangfu Weixia, ensuring she was in perfect health.
Just as Huangfu Weixia was preparing to pack her belongings and leave, Huangfu Qing entered the ward with Wei Qian Yuan.
"Dad, why are you here?"
Huangfu Weixia was somewhat surprised, as she hadn't expected Huangfu Qing to come.
As she spoke, her gaze fell upon Wei Qian Yuan, and she vaguely guessed the reason, her brow immediately furrowing.
"Qian Yuan and I are here to take you home," Huangfu Qing said with a smile.
"Weixia, are you fully recovered now?"
As Huangfu Qing finished speaking, Wei Qian Yuan also spoke, asking with concern.
"I'm fine, thank you."
Huangfu Weixia first expressed her gratitude to Wei Qian Yuan, then turned to Huangfu Qing and said, "Dad, I'm being discharged today, and I'll be returning with my teachers and classmates tomorrow. You didn't need to rush over."
"Originally, after your accident, I put aside all my affairs to rush over. However, I soon learned that your life was not in danger, so I didn't come.
I had intended not to come at all, but Qian Yuan suggested picking you up. He said that you had a brush with death and suffered severe physical and mental trauma."
"I'm fine."
Huangfu Weixia shook her head, her brow furrowing even deeper.
If her initial sight of Wei Qian Yuan had only made her suspect that a certain matter was settled, then at this moment, she was almost certain!
"Weixia, let's go. We'll go to the hotel together to thank your teachers and classmates, and then say our goodbyes."
Huangfu Qing noticed Huangfu Weixia's shift in mood but paid it no mind, instead smiling and gently patting her head.
An hour later.
Huangfu Qing, Huangfu Weixia, and Wei Qian Yuan arrived at the Ninja Hotel.
Huangfu Qing took Huangfu Weixia to Xia Xueqin's room, while Wei Qian Yuan went alone to find Jiang Wu Ming.
He had already learned which villa Jiang Wu Ming was staying in before his arrival.
"Hello, Teacher Wu Ming."
Upon seeing Jiang Wu Ming, Wei Qian Yuan greeted him proactively, a friendly smile gracing his face.
This was his social skill, used whenever he inspected grassroots units and met or interacted with their staff.
"Hello."
Jiang Wu Ming responded, a hint of confusion in his heart.
He had met Wei Qian Yuan once before at Huangfu Weixia's birthday banquet. They hadn't really gotten to know each other, nor had they had any subsequent interactions or established any connections.
Under such circumstances, Wei Qian Yuan suddenly summoning him to Kyoto left him utterly bewildered.
"Teacher Wu Ming, may I come in for a chat?" Wei Qian Yuan asked with a smile.
"Please, come in."
One does not refuse a smiling gesture. Although Jiang Wu Ming was unaware of Wei Qian Yuan's intentions, he courteously invited him into his room.
Upon entering, Wei Qian Yuan did not look around. After taking a seat, he politely declined the bottle of mineral water Jiang Wu Ming offered and stated his purpose: "Teacher Wu Ming, Uncle Huangfu Qing and I arrived in Kyoto by plane at noon. We just went to the hospital to pick up Weixia. I've come to see you to thank you for saving Weixia."
"Weixia is my student, and she was injured defending the honor of the Dragon Country martial arts community. It is only right that I save her; there is no need for thanks," Jiang Wu Ming replied, shaking his head.
"Teacher Wu Ming, while that may be true, as Weixia's fiancé, I still wish to express my gratitude."
Wei Qian Yuan's smile remained undimmed, appearing full of sincerity. "Before coming to Japan, I considered bringing you a gift, but I thought that someone of your stature might not care for worldly trinkets.
You saved Weixia's life, and I owe you a favor.
In the future, if you ever need any help, as long as it is within my capability and does not violate Dragon Country's laws and regulations, I will do my utmost to assist you!"
"There's no need."
Jiang Wu Ming waved his hand in refusal, a flicker of surprise crossing his mind.
This was the first time he had heard that Wei Qian Yuan was Huangfu Weixia's fiancé!
Before this, neither Huangfu Weixia herself nor anyone else had mentioned this matter.
"Since that is the case, then I shall not be overly persistent."
Seeing Jiang Wu Ming's firm refusal, Wei Qian Yuan did not press further. After a moment's thought, he said, "Teacher Wu Ming, I have a good understanding of your situation and circumstances. Since you do not value my favor, I will offer you four words."
"What are they?"
"Bide your time."
Wei Qian Yuan raised his head and spoke with the air of one dictating imperial decrees. "This was a birthday gift from my grandfather when I turned eighteen, and it is also a rule for survival in officialdom. The sharp edge is easily blunted. Your current situation is precarious, with enemies everywhere. I believe these four words will be very useful to you."
"Heh, thank you."
Jiang Wu Ming smiled.
He could sense the pride, even arrogance, hidden beneath Wei Qian Yuan's smile, and clearly saw his pontificating demeanor, but he chose not to dwell on it.
Seeing this, Wei Qian Yuan said no more and took his leave.
As Jiang Wu Ming had perceived, Wei Qian Yuan's visit to him today, ostensibly to express thanks, was in reality to assert his status and to remind Jiang Wu Ming of his own position and predicament – that even survival was a question!
Not long after Wei Qian Yuan's departure, Huangfu Qing also arrived at Jiang Wu Ming's room.
He seized the opportunity while Huangfu Weixia was saying goodbye to Chu Feng, Xiao Han, and others, to speak with Jiang Wu Ming alone.
"Jiang Wu Ming, thank you for saving my daughter."
Much like Wei Qian Yuan, Huangfu Qing first expressed his gratitude upon meeting Jiang Wu Ming. Before Jiang Wu Ming could reply, he spoke with an air of condescension: "I wish to repay this kindness, but I am unsure how. Can you tell me?"
"No need!"
As before, Jiang Wu Ming promptly refused Huangfu Qing's offer of repayment.
"Alright."
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Qing did not prolong the topic. He shifted his tone and said, "Qian Yuan just visited you. You should know by now that he is Weixia's fiancé.
Well, just a day ago, after discussions between the elders of the Huangfu and Wei families, an engagement was arranged for them. Once we return, the two families will find a time to formally announce the engagement between Weixia and Qian Yuan."
"Yes, Wei Qian Yuan has already made his status known to me."
Jiang Wu Ming nodded first, then inquired, "However, I am curious, why are you telling me this?"
"You know, Weixia has a good impression of you."
Huangfu Qing explained, "Weixia is young and naive, impulsive and willful in her actions. But you are different. You are mature beyond your years, understand propriety, and grasp the larger picture. I believe that upon learning of Weixia's engagement, you will certainly not jeopardize her happiness!"
"Earlier, Wei Qian Yuan also advised me to 'bide my time.' It seems our views of me differ."
Jiang Wu Ming chuckled wryly and asked, "You want me to stay away from your daughter in the future, don't you?"
"After you saved Weixia, my doing so might appear ungrateful. However, for Weixia's reputation and happiness, please understand!"
Huangfu Qing indirectly confirmed his intentions with a resolute attitude.
"Actually, you didn't need to go to such lengths!"
Jiang Wu Ming shook his head. Just as he was about to speak again, the image of Huangfu Weixia surfaced in his mind.
"Tomorrow, I will defend the honor of the Dragon Country martial arts world with you!"
"I believe in you, and I ask you to believe in me just once, alright?"
"Teacher Wu Ming, I did it!"
The girl, covered in blood, her smile as bright as summer flowers.
...