Chapter 59: Guaranteed to Stay After Treatment

Angel Research Division was housed in a separate building within Angel Hospital. The interior differed from the hospital; everywhere were sealed, independent laboratories, accessible only by fingerprint scan.

After escorting them over, Cui Hao waited in the lobby on the first floor. Nangong Ao and Xianyu Jing, meanwhile, were led by Dr. Yuan’s assistant straight up to her office via a private elevator.

Dr. Yuan’s full name was Yuan Man—an accomplished medical doctor whom Nangong Ao had recruited from abroad. Unlike the other researchers in the division, she shunned the somber white lab coats, preferring bold, avant-garde outfits. Her hair was a cascade of wine-red curls, her makeup dazzling and seductive, and she favored sleek, figure-hugging dresses that exuded confidence.

Xianyu Jing’s first thought upon seeing her was: Had they walked into the wrong place? With the backdrop swapped for a nightclub, this striking young woman before her would undoubtedly be the queen of the night, the center of every gaze. Those pale green eyes, seeming to ensnare souls, narrowed slightly and sent a shiver through anyone who met them.

“Well, what wind brings Young Master Ao here? It’s been a while—what made you suddenly remember to visit my office?” Her tone was tinged with a worldly irreverence.

Was she really a medical doctor?

Yuan Man, busy teasing Nangong Ao, hadn’t noticed the person trailing behind him. When she finally caught sight of Xianyu Jing, her gaze turned mischievous. “Young Master Ao’s taste has changed!”

Nangong Ao ignored her banter, his manner earnest. “Please conduct an examination for her.”

Yuan Man arched an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

Then, turning to Xianyu Jing, she remained playful. “I take private cases, and my fees are steep. But, for Young Master Ao, I’ll give you my best service.”

Nangong Ao was accustomed to her antics, but for Xianyu Jing’s sake, he reminded her, “This is work time. Let’s handle business first.”

“Tsk. Don’t you trust my skills? Once you’re treated, you won’t want to leave!”

Xianyu Jing: …

Why did that sound so unreliable?

“Little sister, what do you want examined?” Yuan Man’s alluring green eyes darted over Xianyu Jing. “Are you here for lovesickness? Or a broken heart? Or perhaps—did Young Master Ao hurt your feelings and you need to recuperate?”

Sensing the chill emanating from Nangong Ao, Yuan Man shivered and pouted. “Alright, no more jokes!”

This Young Master Ao, though younger than she, always seemed more mature. Even as the Nangong family’s head, he didn’t need to keep such a stern face all day, did he? Ever since she’d met him three years ago, he had never smiled, his tone perpetually cold. Truly a distant, unfeeling man.

The aloof Young Master Ao spoke gently to Xianyu Jing, soothingly: “In a moment, just be honest with Dr. Yuan about your condition and cooperate with the examination. There’s no need to be nervous.”

“Alright.” Xianyu Jing nodded.

Yuan Man’s lips twitched, her gaze at Xianyu Jing subtly shifting.

Oh? Who was this girl, really? To have Young Master Ao personally bring her, and treat her with such patience—it was intriguing indeed.

Despite her curiosity, Yuan Man was well aware of Nangong Ao’s principles—what shouldn’t be asked, must not be asked. She suppressed her urge to probe, and led Xianyu Jing into the treatment room.

Yuan Man’s treatment room stood apart from the cold furnishings of the laboratories outside, instead featuring warm tones and a cozy, home-like atmosphere.

At her gesture, Xianyu Jing sat facing her on a comfortable circular sofa. An assistant brought in two cups of black tea and a plate of biscuits, setting them on the glass coffee table before departing.

With only the two of them remaining, Yuan Man shed her earlier playful demeanor, smiling gently at Xianyu Jing. “Do you like black tea?”

Xianyu Jing preferred green tea, but she nodded regardless.

“No need to force yourself if you don’t like it.”

Yuan Man plucked the tea bag from her cup and set it aside, sipping the tea and wrinkling her brows.

“Just like me—I don’t like black tea. No matter how many times I try, I still don’t enjoy it.”

Xianyu Jing gazed at her cup, not touching it.

Yuan Man put down her cup and asked, “Do you like biscuits?”

“I don’t dislike them,” Xianyu Jing replied.

“Then try one.” Yuan Man nudged the plate closer.

Still, Xianyu Jing did not reach for them.

Yuan Man leaned back on the sofa, resting her cheek on her hand, her expression lazy and casual. “Are you afraid of me?”

It wasn’t Yuan Man she feared, but rather an instinctive aversion to all doctors.

“Heh.” Yuan Man chuckled. “Don’t worry—not all doctors are out to eat you.”

Xianyu Jing: …

What kind of statement was that?

Yuan Man sat upright, leaning toward Xianyu Jing and fixing her with an intent gaze, her voice laced with a hypnotic undertone. “You don’t like black tea, but you nod so as not to offend. You dislike biscuits, yet can’t bring yourself to say ‘hate.’ You’re wary of doctors, want to flee at the sight of a white coat, but tell yourself ‘don’t let them see I’m scared.’ You work hard to appear normal—you hide it well! But every time you push yourself to the brink, you lose yourself in fear, unable to escape…”

With each sentence, Yuan Man drew closer. Xianyu Jing’s hands clenched tight at her sides, her gaze growing increasingly unfocused.

---

After Xianyu Jing entered the treatment room, Cui Hao came up with the phone, reporting that senior management needed to update Nangong Ao on the company’s status.

Nangong Ao gave brief instructions on key matters, delegating the rest.

Once business was handled, Cui Hao added, “Boss, Secretary Cai from NK Group messaged—Mr. Zhai wants to schedule a meeting with you.”

Nangong Ao declined. “Not for now.”

“Yes, sir.”

“The custom gown for Yun’er last week—was it delivered?”

“It was.”

“Book a restaurant for later.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cui Hao listened and responded, quickly noting everything down.

Soon, Yuan Man and Xianyu Jing emerged from the treatment room.

Nangong Ao approached, noticing the weariness on Xianyu Jing’s face. “After lunch, go home and rest.”

“I’d like to attend class.”

Xianyu Jing had often missed classes before, so she disliked taking leave.

But Young Master Ao insisted, “Be good!”

…Was he coaxing a child?

“Go down and wait with Cui Hao. I need to speak with Dr. Yuan.”

Silently, Xianyu Jing followed Cui Hao downstairs.

Nangong Ao glanced at the door, and Yuan Man, understanding, pressed the switch to close the office tight.

“What’s the result?” Nangong Ao asked directly.

Yuan Man’s expression was complicated.

It was the first time he’d seen her like this, and his face darkened. “Is it not good?”

“No…” Yuan Man shook her head, hesitant. “I… I couldn’t find anything.”

Nangong Ao could hardly believe it.

Yuan Man had once been a leading authority in the International Association of Psychiatry and Psychology. How could even she find nothing?

“I was planning to hypnotize her,” Yuan Man admitted awkwardly, “but… it seems I was the one hypnotized instead.”