Chapter 30: A Slap

"Xiao Chen, Ya Meng is truly an outstanding young woman; you might want to reconsider."

Cai Ya Meng lowered her head, not reacting with the sharp, fiery defiance of someone refusing a marriage. In fact, she had been raised since childhood with the belief that the Cai family owed a debt to the Zhou family. Moreover, over the recent period, Zhou Chen’s conduct had convinced her that he was indeed a man of substance. He might not possess the background of those pampered scions, but his character was beyond reproach. Furthermore, as a top-scoring student in the national exams, his future prospects were boundless. Especially now that he had demonstrated medical skills recognized by her grandfather, Ya Meng found herself thinking that marrying Zhou Chen might not be such a bad idea after all. Her naturally icy expression softened, and a faint blush crept across her lovely face.

However, Zhou Chen’s next words made her heart tremble violently.

He could not agree to this marriage. His tone was firm and uncompromising: "There is no need to consider it. Even if it were my grandfather’s personal request, I would not accept a marriage born of a strategic alliance. Cai Ya Meng is indeed excellent, which is exactly why I am not worthy of her, nor do I have any romantic feelings for her. In fact, there is already someone I like; although things haven't progressed yet, I believe that day is not far off."

Zhou Chen’s tone was absolute. Even in the face of the powerful Elder Cai, he showed no sign of compromise. This, ironically, made Cai Zhongying hold Zhou Chen in higher regard. Had Zhou Chen agreed to the marriage, he would have achieved a leap in social status, gaining both fame and fortune. Yet, faced with such immense temptation, he refused with such clarity—a testament to his character. He was truly the grandson of Zhou Guangxi, capable of remaining unmoved by such grand lures.

But Cai Ya Meng, rejected for the first time in her life, did not see it that way. She lifted her head, her beautiful eyes fixed on Zhou Chen. His gaze was steady, filled with powerful confidence. A rejection was a rejection. No matter how beautiful she was, how perfect her figure, or how wealthy her background, if he did not like her, he simply did not like her. Although Ya Meng knew Zhou Chen had been distancing himself from her, hearing it spoken aloud caused a pang of painful loss. She had never been short of suitors, yet the one time she had been willing to marry someone, she was rejected without a shred of mercy. She felt as though something were lodged in her chest. As for his claim of liking someone else, she dismissed it as a convenient excuse. After all, the only woman Zhou Chen was close to was Gu Zhaoyue, his homeroom teacher, and a relationship between them seemed impossible.

"Very well, since you have your own mind, we as elders cannot force you," Cai Zhongying sighed. "However, should you change your mind and Ya Meng is still unattached, I will certainly support the union."

Zhou Chen prepared to leave; he hadn't seen Sister Zhaoyue in two months and missed her dearly. "Elder Cai, one month from now, on National Day, I will perform acupuncture for you to expel the toxins accumulated in your liver."

"I have other matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave now. Please take care of your health!"

Cai Zhongying looked reluctant. "Do come by for a chat when you have time."

"I will."

"Ya Meng, see Xiao Chen out. After that, come see me."

"Yes," Ya Meng replied, her mind elsewhere.

As the two walked through the Cai estate, the atmosphere was awkward. Having just delivered such a decisive rejection, Zhou Chen casually brought up a new topic: "I heard your father has cancer. How is his condition?"

Ya Meng, lost in her own thoughts, suddenly grew sorrowful. "He has neurofibromatosis. His whole body is covered in nodules; it's unsightly."

Zhou Chen understood. No wonder he hadn't seen the head of the Cai family at Ya Meng's birthday banquet. It was unreasonable for a father not to appear at his daughter's eighteenth birthday. In some cases, neurofibromatosis could cause the entire body to be covered in revolting, tumorous lumps, making the skin resemble that of a toad. It was a condition that often led to social ostracization. While neurofibromatosis generally does not turn malignant, once it does, it becomes extremely dangerous; even with successful chemotherapy, the patient rarely has many years left.

Thinking of her father's suffering, the usually cold Cai Ya Meng could not help but shed tears. The condition was also potentially hereditary. The thought that she might one day become like her father made her feel as though she were on the verge of a breakdown.

Looking at the weeping, cold beauty, Zhou Chen regretted bringing up the topic. It wasn't out of guilt, but rather the annoyance of having to spend energy comforting her. After a moment of thought, he decided to use Ya Meng’s father as the first meal for his awakening disease-consuming insect.

"Take me to see your father. Perhaps I have a way."

Ya Meng’s first reaction was disbelief. But then she remembered that Zhou Chen’s grandfather was a legendary, reclusive physician; perhaps he really did have a method. Even if it only slowed the progression of the disease, it would be enough.

Her father's residence was incredibly luxurious, far surpassing the mansions seen in films. The number of bodyguards and servants was staggering, and the payroll alone must have been an astronomical figure. As the current head of the Cai family, he was nearly impossible for an ordinary person to see without an introduction. Because of his cancer, many scions of wealthy families had used his condition as an opportunity to gain Ya Meng’s favor, hiring world-renowned experts in neurofibromatosis or reclusive old doctors.

Every morning, top doctors from around the world would gather to discuss the patient's condition and treatment plans. This was the consultation. Cai Tianze’s room was vast and equipped with the world’s most advanced medical instruments. Whenever the specialists held a consultation, the Cai family members or the guests who had sponsored the specialists would wait in the grand hall.

"Ya Meng is here." As Cai Tianze’s only daughter, her status was unquestionable. The guests who had brought in specialists were all there with the intention of winning her hand, so they all rose eagerly to greet her.

"Ya Meng, who is this?" A noblewoman playing with her phone looked up as they approached, her tone unfriendly. Zhou Chen’s attire clearly marked him as coming from an ordinary family, and those with a snobbish eye looked down on him. This was not the aunt, Chen Yuxia, who had insulted him at the birthday party, but Ya Meng’s mother, Guo Yuan.

Ya Meng’s attitude toward her mother was cold; there was a deep rift between them. "It’s none of your business," she replied coldly.

The retort made Guo Yuan lose face. She pointed a finger at Ya Meng’s face: "You wretched girl, is that how you talk to your mother? I asked you, who is this man?"

Ya Meng repeated, "It’s none of your business."

Guo Yuan snapped, "Don't think that just because you found some wild man outside that you can be with him. I am your mother, and you will listen to me when it comes to your marriage!"

Before Ya Meng could respond, Zhou Chen spoke up: "So you are that woman. You had my father beaten back then; I will settle that debt for him." He made no effort to hide his hostility.

Guo Yuan frowned. She looked Zhou Chen over, a flash of realization crossing her face, followed by a sneer: "So you are the son of that loser man and that cheap woman—"

Before she could finish, a resounding slap landed on her face. At such close range, even with his mortal strength, Zhou Chen delivered a solid, stinging blow.

"Watch your mouth."

The sudden turn of events shocked everyone in the hall. This young punk had a death wish! Did he have no idea who he had just struck? No matter how venomous her tongue, Guo Yuan was the wife of the Cai family head!

Stunned, Guo Yuan regained her senses, her face twisted with rage: "I’ll kill you! Bodyguards! Where are the bodyguards?!"