Xie Tingwan Extends an Invitation, Qu Yin Presents a Siheyuan

Little Jia took out her phone and opened the WeChat interface. She initially wanted to send a message to Zhou Yi, but her pride got in the way—she couldn’t bring herself to swallow her dignity and reach out first.

"How petty can he be? It was just one wrong sentence..."

Little Jia was frustrated. Years of being high and mighty had made it impossible for her to apologize to Zhou Yi. In the end, she turned off her screen without sending him a message.

"What a jerk. Expecting me, of all people, to apologize? Not happening."

Muttering to herself, she stormed back to her room and slammed the door shut.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yi had gone to the hospital, where he and Qu Hongzhuo kept vigil over Qu Yin all night.

Keeping watch was tedious, and Zhou Yi figured since he’d arrived in City A, it was time to send Xie Tingwan a message—after all, she was still one of his targets to win over.

At this hour, Xie Tingwan was still studying, poring over her books. She never missed an opportunity to improve herself. This international competition was coming up, and she was determined to bring home a prize.

When her phone lit up, she only glanced at it with a slight frown—until she saw Zhou Yi’s name on the screen. Her eyes immediately brightened.

Xie Tingwan set down her book and picked up her phone.

They had occasionally exchanged messages on WeChat before, but both were busy people, so their conversations were infrequent. Compared to texting, Xie Tingwan much preferred talking to Zhou Yi face-to-face.

When she read that Zhou Yi had arrived in City A, a smile tugged at her lips.

Perfect. She’d get to see him again.

[Xie Tingwan: Does President Zhou have time to grab a meal with me? I still haven’t thanked you for last time.]

Zhou Yi had previously invested ten million in the Xie Family. While the amount wasn’t staggering for the Xies, the fact that she—still a student—had secured funding for her family had shifted her father’s opinion somewhat.

Her two useless brothers hadn’t managed to bring in a single cent.

[Zhou Yi: How could I refuse an invitation from Miss Xie? Name the time, and I’ll be there.]

[Xie Tingwan: How about tomorrow?]

[Zhou Yi: Sounds good.]

[Xie Tingwan: Where are you staying? I have a car—I can pick you up tomorrow evening.]

[Zhou Yi: Sure. I’m at XX Hospital.]

Seeing that Zhou Yi was at the hospital, Xie Tingwan couldn’t help but worry—until he clarified that he was visiting someone, not sick himself.

Relieved, they settled on dinner the next day.

Zhou Yi stayed up keeping watch until the early hours before finally getting some sleep. Qu Hongzhuo had urged him to rest, but Zhou Yi insisted on remaining by Qu Yin’s side.

The next morning, when Zhou Yi woke up, Qu Yin was already sitting up in bed, reading.

Noticing Zhou Yi stirring awake, Qu Yin smiled warmly. "You’re up, Xiao Zhou?"

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Zhou Yi asked with concern, "Grandpa Qu, how are you feeling? Any better?"

"Thanks to you, Xiao Zhou, I woke up feeling much more energetic today—no more of that weak, sluggish feeling. That medicine of yours really works!"

Qu Yin gave him a thumbs-up, his grin unstoppable. He could clearly feel his health improving.

Zhou Yi noted the healthy flush in Qu Yin’s complexion—proof that the medicine had taken effect.

Just then, Qu Hongzhuo returned with breakfast.

"Here, eat something. You worked hard last night, kid."

He set out steamed buns, fried dough sticks, and congee on the table.

Qu Yin was now well enough to get out of bed, so Qu Hongzhuo helped him to the table.

"Xiao Zhou, your Grandpa Qu woke up this morning and told me he felt so much better. I don’t even know how to thank you."

Qu Hongzhuo clasped Zhou Yi’s hand, his gratitude genuine. If things continued like this, Zhou Yi would be a true benefactor to the Qu family.

He considered what to give Zhou Yi in return, but after Zhou Yi had refused even an academic opportunity yesterday, he doubted the young man would accept anything else.

It left Qu Hongzhuo feeling deeply indebted.

"I studied medicine to heal people. Seeing Grandpa Qu recover is all the thanks I need."

"You’re a good kid."

Qu Hongzhuo began to entertain a different idea.

He had already looked into Zhou Yi’s background—an orphan who had only recently found his parents. If he could take Zhou Yi in as a foster son, he could offer support when Zhou Yi expanded his ventures in City A.

At the very least, with the Qu name behind him, Zhou Yi would command respect wherever he went.

Qu Yin was the first to voice it. "Xiao Zhou, I heard you grew up in an orphanage and only recently reunited with your parents?"

"Yes, Grandpa Qu."

"Then would you mind letting Hongzhuo here take you in as a foster son?"

Zhou Yi looked at Qu Hongzhuo in surprise, but the man was already nodding with a smile.

"Xiao Zhou, you know I never had children of my own. If my child had lived, they’d be about your age now."

"Your Aunt Ma and I both adore you. If you’re willing, I’d like to make you my foster son. No need to answer right away—take your time to think it over. Or discuss it with your parents first."

Qu Hongzhuo spoke gently. Most people would jump at such an opportunity, but Zhou Yi was principled—who knew if he’d even consider it?

The "principled" Zhou Yi was inwardly thrilled, though outwardly, he feigned humble hesitation.

"This... I couldn’t possibly... Let me think about it, Uncle Qu."

Qu Yin patted his head with a chuckle. "Xiao Zhou, let me be blunt. As part of our family, you’d have instant clout. You could move your business to City A—your connections would be beyond what most people could dream of."

"Put simply, you’d gain backing. Climbing higher only gets harder without status or influence. The road is tough without those things."

"I don’t know who your parents are, but having us as family wouldn’t change anything—except you’d have more people who care about you. What do you say?"

Qu Yin laid it out plainly. There was no downside for Zhou Yi.

Finally, Zhou Yi nodded, and Qu Hongzhuo beamed.

He promised that once Zhou Yi returned, he’d introduce him to his inner circle, ensuring everyone knew Zhou Yi was Qu Hongzhuo’s foster son.

"You’re heading to the U.S. for a competition in a few days, right?"

"Yes, Uncle—"

"Still calling me ‘Uncle’? How about ‘Dad’?"

"Dad... Then from now on, you can call me A-Yi."

"Good, good! When you get back, I’ll throw a small banquet to welcome you home!"

Qu Hongzhuo intended to use the occasion to announce Zhou Yi’s new status.

Truthfully, the Qu family stood to gain as well. With Zhou Yi as a foster son, they’d never have to beg for medical help again—a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Qu Yin was also delighted. Without hesitation, he waved his hand grandly and declared, "I'll gift that courtyard house under my name to Zhou Yi as a token of recognition for our family bond."