Chapter 58: Zhao Dong’s Hard Work

As the saying goes, “Showing off feels great, but paying the price is tough.”

Right now, Zhao Dong was paying for his lavish spending last night.

Originally, his stepmother instructed him to thoroughly inspect various bars’ environments, customer flow, and profitability before deciding on acquisitions.

But last night, Zhao Dong, in a moment of vanity, bought a failing bar without a second thought and even splurged with a “free drinks for everyone” gesture.

When his stepmother found out, she scolded him and prohibited him from going anywhere for a while. He had to stick with the company employees and learn from them.

Zhao Dong didn’t see the big deal; it was just some small change, right?

But his stepmother was stern and resolute, giving valid reasons, “You have no management experience and are now indulging in debauchery. How can you take over Ruilong’s position in the future? From today, put away your young master status and start learning from the basics!”

Even Uncle Lai, upon hearing this, nodded and began persuading him.

Unable to argue, Zhao Dong had to comply.

However, he didn’t regret it. If given another chance, he would make the same choice.

“Sigh, whatever. I’ll reluctantly learn for now!”

“After all, I’m destined to lead the affluent Zhao family!”

Zhao Dong reluctantly put away his waiter uniform, locked his electric scooter, and got into Uncle Lai’s car to go to the Zhao family company.

But Zhao Dong never imagined that this time at the company wouldn’t be a respected young master’s experience but rather the grueling 007 work schedule arranged by his stepmother…

***

At S City Central Hospital.

“Ugh…”

Lin Qingzhi had just woken up from surgery, her consciousness hazy, when she suddenly heard a familiar voice beside her.

“Qingzhi, you’re awake?!”

Lin Qingzhi turned her head to see Wang Haoran sitting on a chair by her bed, looking at her with surprise.

Staring blankly at his familiar face for a moment, Lin Qingzhi’s mind slowly cleared.

That face was still as handsome as ever, making it hard for Lin Qingzhi to look away.

But after a few more glances, Lin Qingzhi noticed that Wang Haoran’s always healthy and radiant face now showed signs of fatigue and weariness, with faint dark circles under his eyes.

After seeing Lin Qingzhi awake, Wang Haoran hurriedly stood up, pressed the call button for the nurse, and looked at Lin Qingzhi with concern.

“Qingzhi, how are you feeling?”

“I… I’m good. My legs feel clearer than before…”

Embarrassed by her earlier dreamy state, Lin Qingzhi’s pale face turned slightly red.

But Wang Haoran didn’t notice. Hearing Lin Qingzhi’s words, he smiled genuinely, “That’s great!”

Seeing Wang Haoran’s smile, Lin Qingzhi’s heart skipped a beat, and she couldn’t help but speak.

“Wang… Haoran, did you stay here… watching over me… all night?”

“Huh?!” Hearing Lin Qingzhi’s words, Wang Haoran’s face turned red, and he stammered, “H-how is that possible! I-I wouldn’t… secretly watch you sleep all night!”

“I-I just happened to pass by the hospital… and then heard the doctor say you were waking up, so I came to check on you!”

Watching Wang Haoran’s face redden and his eyes dart around, Lin Qingzhi suddenly laughed.

She didn’t explain that she meant to ask if Wang Haoran had stayed by her side all night.

Because now, Wang Haoran’s tired face and flustered reaction said it all.

Teasingly, she said, “It’s okay if you watched; I’m not mad!”

“I… I… I didn’t mean to offend you…” Wang Haoran’s voice grew softer.

“Alright, alright, I get it! I haven’t washed my face yet; I must look terrible. You probably don’t want to look at me!”

Perhaps because she was in a good mood, Lin Qingzhi seemed playful now.

“No… no way! You look so beautiful; I want to keep looking at you…” Wang Haoran didn’t finish his sentence, realizing he exposed himself. He quickly stood up, leaving behind a hurried, “I-I’ll go get you some hot water!” before rushing out.

Although Lin Qingzhi felt weak, seeing Wang Haoran’s adorable reactions and sensing the strength in her legs made her smile happily for the first time in two years.

Soon after, Wang Haoran returned with hot water.

He adjusted the bed to help Lin Qingzhi sit up slightly, then handed her a warm towel.

When the doctor arrived, Wang Haoran stayed with her to answer questions and asked the doctor about care instructions.

Unintentionally, Wang Haoran assumed the role of “patient’s family.”

After the doctor left, he stayed and chatted with Lin Qingzhi for a long time until she “noticed” him yawning secretly and urged him to rest.

“Wang Haoran, you should go home. There are caregivers here to take care of me! If I get bored, I can look at my phone!”

“Uh… I didn’t mean the phone is more interesting than you. I just want you to rest…”

“…Haha, I get it. I’ll head home now.” Wang Haoran smiled at Lin Qingzhi’s anxious explanation.

“I’ll come see you tomorrow!”

It’s worth mentioning that this genuine “taking advantage of the situation” was effective. Lin Qingzhi’s favorability toward him quickly reached 60.

Thanks to blocking Zhao Dong, if Zhao Dong had come to care for her, Wang Haoran’s “affection” wouldn’t have seemed so precious, and Lin Qingzhi’s gratitude would have been diluted.

Unfortunately for Zhao Dong, he was busy somewhere else. Even if he wanted to visit, he faced numerous obstacles, including several people, like his ex-girlfriend, ready to interfere with various excuses.

With Zhao Dong out of the way, Wang Haoran prepared to leave.

Allowing Lin Qingzhi to be alone for a while would make her think of him, miss him, and look forward to his visit tomorrow, boosting her favorability even more.

tln : if u guys wanted to read advanced server, do u guys willing to pay for our site coins? or via donation? i mean im just asking. i’m willing to translate 10-20 more chapters perday if u guys insist. i’m so sorry for being a cheapskate…