The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Stepson of a Prestigious Family

Huo Qing fretted about Nie Jia's health and entered the operating room without permission, spotting a young man squatting against the wall, apparently dozing off with his knees bent, head resting on them. Exhausted nurses lay on the floor asleep.

"Su Su?" Huo Qing approached, kneeling before Nie Jia and calling softly.

Nie Jia, drenched in sweat, looked up in alarm as Huo Qing entered. "You shouldn't be here!"

"The patient has been moved to the ward, it's fine." Huo Qing gently wiped the sweat from his brow, helping him up.

Soon, Nie Jia was escorted back by Huo Qing. Unlike last time, he didn't collapse from fatigue immediately after the surgery. Despite appearing tired, he was in good spirits, returning to accompany Ye Xiao Jue in drawing.

"Dr. Yan seems more cheerful than before," Huo Yun stood beside Ye Xiao Jue, observing Nie Jia resting on the couch, playing the role of Ye Xiao Jue's model. "Isn't it?" Huo Qing approached with a bowl of porridge, smiling.

Huo Yun nodded earnestly. "Though not talkative or smiley, there's a different aura." Less gloomy and distant, Huo Yun mused, "Love's power, you know."

Ignoring her, Huo Qing woke Nie Jia from his nap, feeding him some porridge before sending him upstairs to rest.

Huo Yun grinned, looking at Ye Xiao Jue's painting, tousling her son's head. "Great artwork, let me touch it up for you."

"It's a New Year gift for my new uncle, I'll do it myself." Ye Xiao Jue paused, planning to retreat to his studio to avoid his mother's interference, and went off carrying his easel.

Huo Yun snorted, getting the cold shoulder from everyone, heading to bother Ye Shu Ming, who was working in the study.

Three days later, Wang Zong came to report that Meng Qian's grandfather had woken up, coherent and recovering well, moved to a higher ward for recuperation. This medical case had caused a stir; the name Yan Su had become even more prestigious.

It was a pivotal moment in completely damning the former owner, Yan Su, sending him into oblivion.

When Wang Zong arrived, Nie Jia was by the lake with Huo Qing and Ye Xiao Jue, and upon the report, Nie Jia shredded the bread in his hands, scattering it on the water's surface, a smirk on his lips. "Perfect timing, I should head home."

Jiang Yang had been targeted by Qin Yi Ran recently, and he wasn't faring well, swamped with tasks every day. With Huo Qing's support for the Qin family, Jiang Yang was unsure how to handle Qin Yi Ran, especially with Gu Xueying by Qin Yi Ran's side. Even without fearing Huo Qing, Jiang Yang had encountered several obstacles.

Returning home that afternoon, seeing Yan Su chatting with An Na in the living room, Jiang Yang's headache intensified.

"Yan Su's back," Jiang Yang loosened his tie, politely asking, "What have you been busy with lately? Since father isn't home, remember to spend time with Aunt An."

Nie Jia, boneless, leaned against the sofa back, not engaging with Jiang Yang's conversation, just casting a sidelong glance. "Meng Qian's grandfather is safe now. Seems like you've forgotten something."

Jiang Yang paused, meeting Nie Jia's gaze briefly, then murmured, "Come to the study." He briskly left.

Seeing Jiang Yang seemingly unaware of his son's relationship with Huo Qing, An Na's worries dissipated. Noticing the time, she stood, saying, "Having dinner at home tonight? Mom will cook for you."

Nie Jia smiled, "Sure, I'll eat at home."

Relieved, An Na smiled and headed to the kitchen.

Entering Jiang Yang's study, he was on the phone with Meng Qian, who had been busy caring for his grandfather in the hospital. Jiang Yang advised him to eat properly before ending the call.

Nie Jia walked over, pulling a chair and sitting down. "The documents?"

Jiang Yang, expressionless, glanced at him, tossing his phone aside. He retrieved a check from the drawer, sliding it across the table to Nie Jia, a meaningless smile on his face. "Yan Su, considering your status, fifty million for the surgery should suffice, right?"

Nie Jia, legs crossed lazily, picked up the check between two fingers, glanced at it, then disdainfully flicked it away. "If you're not willing to directly transfer 10% of the shares to me, at least issue a check of equal market value. Five million to fool me?"

"Don't be greedy." Jiang Yang pressed the check, pushing it back. "There's no written agreement between us. If I wish, I can withhold a penny, and you can't do a thing. Considering our brotherly bond, giving you fifty million for the surgery is more than enough, Yan Su. Take the hint gracefully."

"Your generosity previously was because you were certain Meng Qian's grandfather was a goner, so you boasted?" Nie Jia sneered.

Jiang Yang seemed uneasy, furrowing his brows. "Yan Su, I won't hold your past actions against you. I'm grateful for saving Meng Qian's grandfather. Fifty million is enough. I've done my part. Don't try to take advantage."

Nie Jia scoffed. Jiang Yang was the one not honoring agreements, not willing to pay the corresponding fee, yet now, he portrayed Nie Jia as the unreasonable one.

His gaze cold and indifferent, after a brief moment studying Jiang Yang, Nie Jia slapped the table, retrieving the check. "You want to play? I'll indulge you."

Saying so, he left.

Relieved, Jiang Yang was surprised that Yan Su had unexpectedly compromised this time. Previously, Yan Su always held onto matters relentlessly. Despite Yan Su's wide connections, Jiang's investments by Huo Qing kept Yan Su's connections from impacting him. Hopefully, Yan Su would gracefully exit. Jiang Yang didn't want to dwell on it, feeling exhausted, reclining on the chair and pinching his nose.

Nie Jia headed to the kitchen, where An Na was simmering pork ribs soup.

"Mom, your pocket money." Nie Jia held the check in front of An Na.

Seeing Jiang Yang's signature, An Na frowned. "Is this an addition or the whole sum? I doubt Jiang Yang would generously add fifty million. What, changed your mind about the shares?"

"He can't afford it. If he gives it, Qin Yi Ran and Gu Xueying will devour him. He knows it." Nie Jia leaned against the counter, nibbling on a carrot.

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