87: Prescription of Chinese medicine

Inside the pharmacy.

Lin Chao was completely unaware of the pair of resentful eyes watching him from outside.

Familiar with the routine, he pulled two folded slips of paper from his pocket and handed them to the elderly pharmacist dozing behind the counter.

"Hello, I'd like to fill these two prescriptions."

The elderly pharmacist pushed up his reading glasses, took the prescriptions, and after a quick glance, looked up at Lin Chao with a hint of surprise.

Of these two prescriptions, one was mild and nourishing, primarily meant to nurture the stomach Qi.

The other, however, used extremely dangerous dosages and bold combinations; several ingredients possessed a fierce, potent nature, clearly intended for emergency life-saving measures.

The person who wrote this prescription was definitely a master.

Lin Chao didn't explain, only nodding with a smile.

The elderly pharmacist didn't ask further, turning around to skillfully gather and weigh the herbs.

Soon, two bundles of medicinal ingredients wrapped in kraft paper were handed to Lin Chao.

One was for regulating Yan Qiaoqiao's stomach issues.

The other, naturally, was for Shen Zhixia.

Lin Chao paid and walked out of the Baicao Hall carrying the medicine bundles.

Back in the car, he didn't start the engine immediately but first pulled out his phone to call Shen Zhixia.

"Beep... beep..."

The phone rang twice and was quickly picked up.

Shen Zhixia's somewhat languid and weak voice came through the receiver.

"Hello?"

As soon as Lin Chao heard her voice, he knew she definitely hadn't gone to work.

"It's me, Lin Chao."

His voice softened slightly unconsciously. "You... didn't go to the company today?"

On the other end of the line, Shen Zhixia gave a soft "mm."

"Yesterday... I was a bit shaken. I wanted to take a day off at home today."

As expected.

Lin Chao understood.

"Then it's perfect; I just came out of the pharmacy. I'll bring the medicine over to you now."

He remembered something else and asked casually, "By the way, did you buy an earthenware pot for brewing the medicine?"

"Ah?" Shen Zhixia seemed to pause for a moment before answering somewhat sheepishly, "...I haven't had time to buy one yet."

"Alright, got it."

Lin Chao's reply was crisp and decisive.

"I'll pick one up for you. I'll be there soon."

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

After two seconds, Shen Zhixia's voice, as faint as a mosquito's hum but incredibly sincere, drifted over softly.

"...Thank you."

That thank you caused Lin Chao's heart to skip a beat for no reason.

He cleared his throat to hide the slight anomaly.

"It's nothing, it's only right."

With that, he hurriedly hung up the phone.

Lin Chao then turned the car around, bought a brand-new earthenware pot at a nearby market, and sped off toward Qinglan Garden.

In the distance.

Seeing Lin Chao's car start again, Lin Guodong immediately sharpened his focus and followed closely.

When he saw Lin Chao's car finally drive into the grand and extraordinary gates of 'Qinglan Garden,' Lin Guodong's heart sank heavily.

Qinglan Garden!

This was a high-end residential area famous throughout the city!

Those who lived here were either rich or noble!

Everything clicked in Lin Guodong's mind instantly.

"Damn it, I knew it!"

He slammed his fist against the steering wheel, his eyes flashing with the fire of jealousy.

"So this kid's 'god-tier client' is hidden in here!"

He didn't believe for a second that Lin Chao had the ability to live in a place like this.

After all, Lin Chao had only been with the company for a few months and had just become a supervisor a few days ago. Where would he get the money for a house here?

The only explanation was that he had latched onto some big client inside!

One thought after another surged frantically in Lin Guodong's mind.

He had to find a way to poach Lin Chao's client resources!

As long as he could establish this connection, never mind a supervisor, he would even dare to dream of the Director position!

He watched from a distance as Lin Chao parked the car under Building Three.

Lin Guodong didn't dare follow too closely, quickly parking his own car in a spot under the adjacent Building Four.

He turned off the engine and, like a lurking hunter, crouched low, his eyes locked onto the entrance of Building Three, closely monitoring Lin Chao's every move.

Lin Chao stepped out of the flying fox SUV carrying the newly bought earthenware pot and the two bundles of medicine.

Carrying the items in one hand, he pulled out his phone with the other and dialed Shen Zhixia's number again.

The call was picked up almost instantly.

"I'm downstairs."

Lin Chao's tone was light as his gaze swept over the grand entrance of Building Three.

"I've brought the medicine and the pot up for you. Remember to brew it while it's fresh and drink it at noon."

As he spoke, he took long strides toward the brightly lit lobby.

Just as he was about to step into the elevator area, a figure followed him in.

Lin Chao subconsciously glanced to the side.

With just one look, his footsteps faltered.

The newcomer was dressed in a sharp suit, carrying a paper bag from a luxury brand, exuding an elite aura from head to toe.

Guo Fandong!

The name flashed instantly in Lin Chao's mind.

Recognizing the man, he gave a slight nod to Guo Fandong out of politeness as a greeting.

However, Guo Fandong only gave him a cold glance from the corner of his eye, then raised his chin haughtily as if he didn't see him at all.

The contempt and disregard in that look were completely undisguised.

Lin Chao's brow twitched slightly, but he didn't take it to heart.

He spoke into the phone in his usual tone, "Alright, let's leave it at that for now, I'm going up..."

"Kid."

A cold and rude voice abruptly interrupted him.

Guo Fandong stopped, turned half-way, and looked Lin Chao up and down with a scrutinizing gaze.

"I don't care who you are, but since you work under Zhi Xia, behave yourself and don't make her angry!"

These words carried a high-and-mighty, commanding tone, as if he were reprimanding a mindless servant.

Lin Chao was stunned for a moment, but then he realized.

Guo Fandong likely knew about Shen Zhixia's illness, so saying a few words to him was somewhat normal.

He didn't want to cause trouble and was prepared to hang up and act as if he hadn't heard.

But unexpectedly, seeing his silence, Guo Fandong became even more overbearing.

"Also, her matters are none of your business as an outsider."

Guo Fandong raised his chin even higher, the warning in his tone thick and unmistakable.

"In the future, stay away from her."

Lin Chao's thumb, which was about to press the end-call button, froze in mid-air.

His gaze cooled down bit by bit.

In the next second, his expression remained unchanged as he seemingly casually slipped the phone into his pants pocket.

But the moment the phone slid into his pocket, his fingertip silently pressed the speakerphone button.

"Sir."

Lin Chao looked up, staring directly into Guo Fandong's arrogant eyes, and asked in a calm tone.

"What do you mean by that?"

He deliberately took half a step forward and admitted frankly.

"It's true, I upset Director Shen yesterday; that's my fault."

"But Director Shen and I are colleagues; we see each other all the time. How do you expect me to 'stay away' from her?"