After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 55

“There’s no such big title,” Fan Qingyu said, lifting the cup lid and blowing away the rising steam before taking a large sip of tea. Immediately, warmth spread through her body. Her slender legs crossed, and she gave a self-deprecating smile. “After all, it’s all in the past.”

Jing Xiao wrapped her palms around the exposed skin of Fan Qingyu’s arm. “And in the future too.”

Fan Qingyu had already seen through everything. Calm and untroubled, she said, “Alright then, I’ll wait for you to make me glorious.”

The terrain was vast, the mountains broad. The car slowed to a stop. Around them, streams murmured and trees formed dense shades. Even without sunlight, the surroundings didn’t feel at all chilling.

In the air, the chirping of insects and birds came in waves, mixed with a faint sweet fragrance carried by the breeze.

“Is this a scenic area planned for development?” Fan Qingyu looked up at the rolling mountains. Layer upon layer, cliffs and jagged rocks stood tall. She had a feeling that if this area were developed, it would generate immense profits.

Jing Xiao explained, “It’s natural scenery. We’ve been notified that this area is off-limits for development.”

Fan Qingyu pondered for a moment.

A gust of wind brushed their cheeks, lifting Jing Xiao’s hair. The lingering scent of shampoo, warmed by the sun, became sweet and comforting. Fan Qingyu approached from behind and gently nudged her: “Let’s go up the mountain.”

Shadows from the phoenix trees stretched over the ground, with dappled sunlight shining through. The path at the foot of the mountain was smooth and even. The driver and personal assistant walked ahead discreetly, leaving the two of them more private space.

Unnoticed, their little fingers intertwined, sharing warmth. Their shoulders also unconsciously leaned closer.

“What kind of bird is that?” Fan Qingyu asked, watching agile movements flit through the bushes.

“Not sure. Watch your step.” Jing Xiao looped one arm around Fan Qingyu’s waist to guide her.

After walking along a gentle cement path, the terrain became slightly rugged with rocky stones. Jing Xiao skillfully climbed over a protruding rock, holding Fan Qingyu’s wrist to help her up.

Fan Qingyu, caught off guard, nearly slipped.

Jing Xiao’s hand scraped against the stone, drawing a few fine drops of blood. She instinctively shook her hand and turned back to warn, “This part is steeper. Keep climbing; it’ll get easier soon.”

The people behind had disappeared from sight. Jing Xiao paused, glancing around, while the assistant patrolled the flat ground.

“Xiao Xiao, what are you looking at?”

A voice came from above. Fan Qingyu had already reached the top with a few men and poked her head out curiously.

Jing Xiao climbed up swiftly and tapped her shoulder with a smile. “I underestimated you.”

The path ahead remained steep, though manageable without using hands extensively. Fan Qingyu panted heavily, taking a long sip of red jujube tea to soothe her dry throat.

She couldn’t understand why her body had weakened so much. Apparently, it had been a long time since her last visit to the gym.

Rubbing her abdomen, she noted the absence of the defined muscle lines she used to have and silently decided to resume training.

“Daydreaming again? Watch your step.”

At that moment, Fan Qingyu stumbled, hitting her nose hard against Jing Xiao’s back. She sneezed repeatedly, forcibly producing tears.

Fan Qingyu grabbed Jing Xiao’s hand in concern. “Your hand’s bleeding! Are you okay?”

Jing Xiao waved it off. To be honest, she had already forgotten the scrape if Fan Qingyu hadn’t mentioned it. “I accidentally scratched it. It’s nothing.”

Fan Qingyu parted her red lips, exhaling two refreshing gusts of wind, then rubbed her head. “Fluffy~”

Jing Xiao burst into laughter, unable to stop.

“What are you laughing at?” Fan Qingyu asked, seeing her so happy, her own lips curling into a smile.

Jing Xiao patted the back of her head, discreetly taking Fan Qingyu’s bag in one hand. “You’re childish.”

Fan Qingyu crossed her arms and pretended to be angry, quickening her pace. “You’re not exactly mature either.”

“Alright, alright, my mistake.” Jing Xiao stayed close.

The sun was high, scorching the day, climbing up to its zenith.

Fan Qingyu, seeming to adjust well to the cardio, felt more comfortable, sweating lightly. She removed her jacket and draped it over her forearm.

“President Jing, shall we rest here for a bit?” The assistant pointed to a nearby shallow cave, wiping sweat from his brow, glasses fogged from heat.

The cave was shallow, a small stream running through it. Fan Qingyu stepped inside to look around, confirming there was no sign of wild animals, and beckoned the others in.

The assistant had brought boxed lunches. Everyone ate silently.

“Xiao Yu, do you want some chicken pieces?” Jing Xiao honestly placed all the meat chunks into Fan Qingyu’s container. “Eat more.”

Fan Qingyu’s lunchbox piled up, unsure how to start. “Is that really necessary?”

Jing Xiao finished the vegetable dishes with relish, nudging her to eat more. “Eat more meat.”

Under the midday sun, Jing Xiao finished half a bottle of water in one gulp. “How much farther?”

The assistant brushed off dust from his clothes and stood. “About an hour, but we should hurry; we need to descend before dark.”

Along the way, they occasionally spotted wild rabbits.

After a few twists and turns, Fan Qingyu became completely disoriented. “We really need a guide here.”

“Exactly.”

Finally, they reached their destination: a wooden courtyard with a rustic main gate. A plaque read: “Jin An He Ancient Medical Hall.” Jing Xiao knocked, producing a dull sound.

Soon, the medicine hall assistant who had been waiting nearby opened the door.

Inside the courtyard was a large artificial hill surrounded by water, a small waterfall trickling out. Under a thick old elm tree, numerous herbs were laid out to dry. The gray stone tiles and wooden roofs clearly showed age.

The assistant nodded slightly. “Please come in. The old master is waiting inside.”

Jing Xiao led the way, shaking hands. “Mr. Jin, it’s an honor.”

Dressed in a black Tang suit, Mr. Jin smiled warmly. “You flatter me, President Jing.”

“Just call me Xiao Jing,” she replied.

Mr. Jin’s gaze shifted to Fan Qingyu. “And this is Miss?”

He pulled out a chair. “Please, sit.”

The pulse-taking and diagnosis went smoothly. Fan Qingyu explained everything in detail, making Jing Xiao’s heart ache with every word.

Mr. Jin wrote a prescription with a traditional brush and handed it to the assistant. “Take three times the usual dosage for these herbs. The last few, four times. Also prepare the medicinal dishes I wrote this morning for Miss Fan.”

The assistant acknowledged and quickly left.

Mr. Jin smiled, stroking his white beard. “I’ll prepare the herbs for the coming days. No need to pay extra.”

Jing Xiao thanked him.

Mr. Jin chuckled in his typical eight-tooth smile. “It’s really nothing. Xiao Jing, you truly cherish her.”

Fan Qingyu, realizing how much effort and resources Jing Xiao had invested, felt her face heat up at the comment.

Jing Xiao teased, “Hearing this from anyone else wouldn’t reassure me. Only from you can I feel at ease.”

“No need for flattery,” Mr. Jin laughed heartily. “Finish these herbs and come for a follow-up. By then, you’ll likely have recovered completely.”

The hall had more than one assistant. A young girl brought over a large pot of tea.

Fan Qingyu, parched, took a small sip and felt immediate relief. Her eyes brightened.

Mr. Jin made small talk. “My granddaughter seems about your age.”

Fan Qingyu responded politely. “It’s truly an honor.”

“She’s just a little girl, nothing special,” he said.

Fan Qingyu tried to stand to stretch but was met with a dizzy, colorful illusion, almost causing her to fall.

Jing Xiao steadied her, frowning. “Don’t stand up too fast. How many times have I told you?”

Fan Qingyu leaned back. “You’re here, so I’ll be careful next time.”

Jing Xiao huffed, then relaxed. “Let it not happen again.”

The assistant brought out pre-packaged herbs. “These are for daily medicinal dishes, these must be taken on schedule.”

Jing Xiao listened carefully, still wary of mistakes. She checked her pocket, realizing her phone was in the car, and asked the assistant at the gate to record the dosage and timing.

Fan Qingyu’s condition was common and treatable by ordinary traditional doctors. That Jing Xiao had personally requested Mr. Jin’s consultation showed just how much she cared. Mr. Jin remarked warmly, “You two really care for each other.”

Jing Xiao lowered her gaze and shared a smile with Fan Qingyu.

Mr. Jin suggested, “Why not rest here a bit before leaving?”

Jing Xiao declined. “No, resting too long might delay us. Don’t want to trouble you.”

Mr. Jin nodded, letting the assistants escort the guests out, then returned to his chair for a nap.

The assistant intended to help carry the herbs, but Jing Xiao insisted on carrying them herself.

Fan Qingyu pushed her gently. “Let me help. That’s a lot of herbs.”

“These are mine to manage personally,” Jing Xiao replied, dodging him. “After all, I am Jing Xiao, who cherishes beauty.”

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