Elder He muttered to himself for a while. Seeing that Mother He did not answer, he turned his head to look at her and asked, "Why are you staring at these herbs? I feel like your condition today is a bit different from yesterday. You wouldn't have eaten this stuff already, would you?"
"You also think my condition today is different from yesterday? That's right. When Zhang Wan'er brought these herbs over, she kept urging me to try them. I really couldn't refuse and needed to gain Zhang Wan'er's trust, so I ate a couple of mouthfuls.
But honestly, after taking this medicine, I feel much better. I haven't coughed at all today. So, when you take this medicine for examination later, remember to ask about its ingredients. If it's harmless to the body, I'd like to try taking it for a while!"
Elder He's mouth widened in surprise upon hearing Mother He's words. He then walked over and sat down in front of her. "If you say so, I can indeed see that your complexion is much better than before. Alright, I'll go find those people now to see if there are any problems with these herbs. If they are harmful, we must go to the hospital immediately!"
At this moment, Elder He's mood was very complex. He hoped the medicine would be effective for Mother He, yet he also worried that Zhang Wan'er might have malicious intentions. These two emotions intertwined, making his steps towards his friend sluggish.
----
Chen Lishu participating in the competition three weeks later was quickly decided. Alice was relieved upon hearing this news and eagerly replied to the Empress.
Looking at Zhang Wan'er beside her, Alice's eyes welled up with tears. She held Zhang Wan'er's hand tightly, her lips trembling and her voice shaking as she said, "Thank you, Lishu. If it weren't for your help, I don't think this matter could have been handled so easily.
I owe you a favor, so feel free to ask for my help anytime. As long as it's something I, Alice, can do, I will do my best to satisfy you! You might not understand how important this matter is to me. I really need to win this competition!"
Zhang Wan'er watched Alice's tearful gratitude, her lips uncontrollably curling upwards, a triumphant expression appearing on her face, though she quickly concealed it.
She then feigned an innocent and magnanimous demeanor, saying, "What are you talking about? Aren't we very close friends? I'm happy to help you.
However, Chen Lishu is not someone to be easily dealt with. I'm afraid that after she participates in this competition, your position as chief designer might be taken away by her. I've heard about your situation. If you don't have this title, in your..."
Hearing the implication in Alice's words that the chief designer position was unshakeable, Zhang Wan'er thought that if it were threatened, she wouldn't mind using some special means to resolve the issue. Realizing Alice's determination, Zhang Wan'er’s unsettled heart gradually relaxed. She patted Alice's shoulder and said,
"The position of chief designer is even more significant to you. I believe Chen Lishu is not someone who will be overly aggressive and make your life too difficult. Don't worry, we are friends! If such a day ever comes, I will do everything I can to ensure you keep the chief designer position, as it means so much more to you!"
Upon hearing Zhang Wan'er's words, Alice looked at her with gratitude and nodded. "Okay, having you as a good friend in this lifetime is enough!"
Zhang Wan'er smiled faintly at Alice, mentally calling her a fool, then propped her head with one hand, a look of annoyance on her face.
Seeing Zhang Wan'er like this, Alice tilted her head in confusion and asked, "What's wrong? Did something else happen that's making things difficult for you? Tell me about it, maybe I can help you?"
Zhang Wan'er hesitated before opening her mouth. Then, her eyes suddenly turned firm, as if she had thought of something. She said, "No, it's just that I feel something isn't quite right. The matter of Chen Lishu participating in the competition hasn't been leaked. It seems the people behind it intend for her to take the chief designer position. This is very unfair to you. Shouldn't competitions be fair and square? What are they afraid of?"
Alice's brows furrowed tightly at Zhang Wan'er's words. It did seem that way. Her master had specifically told her not to reveal this matter. Was it because she was worried Chen Lishu wouldn't be able to establish herself in China if she lost the competition?
She didn't know what kind of relationship her master had with Chen Lishu, or why she was unintentionally helping her when she herself was the master's disciple and closest person!
Zhang Wan'er licked her lips. "No matter what they're scheming, I'll leak this information first, also for the sake of fairness! This is a competition between two countries. We need to leave a good impression. Chen Lishu must conduct herself honorably. If she has nothing to hide, I believe even if the news gets out, it won't be a bad thing for her, right?"
Alice nodded upon hearing Zhang Wan'er's words. "Yes, thank you, Zhang Wan'er. I truly admire that China has someone as upright as you!"