In early autumn, the lingering heat of summer still clung to the capital, smothering the city in oppressive waves of warmth.
Tang Qianmiao, utterly bored, watched two birds outside her window, fluttering and fighting with their wings.
It wasn't until one bird pinned the other down by the windowsill and began pecking at it that her crimson lips curved into a faint smile, her delicate, pale face radiating a lazy yet irresistible charm.
"Miaomiao."
She turned her head. A man in his forties or fifties, a doctor, entered the room with an apologetic smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's fine."
With a nonchalant reply, she walked over and sat down.
The doctor held her test results, scanning them repeatedly, his expression complex, words lingering on the tip of his tongue.
"Uncle Qian, just tell me the results. I can handle it."
Qian Ru asked, "Have you been feeling unwell recently?"
"My heart sometimes flutters and aches."
Qian Ru nodded gravely before saying, "Based on the results, your health indicators are far from optimistic. If left unchecked, you probably have no more than five years. I fear you'll... end up like your mother."
He didn't finish the sentence, but Tang Qianmiao understood. Like her mother—dead.
Her mother had passed away two weeks ago, the cause: an incurable illness.
Unfortunately, she had inherited the same "disease." Though everything seemed fine now, once she turned 25, her body would begin to deteriorate rapidly. She would soon be dependent on medication, eventually bedridden, surviving only with the help of a ventilator—a fate worse than death.
At first, her mother had thought it was some incurable disease, but a few years ago, she learned the truth from her good friend, Feng Wei.
Many years ago, they had jointly developed a new drug, but due to unknown side effects, it was never released.
However, out of petty spite, this so-called friend secretly gave her mother the drug, unaware that her mother was already pregnant with her.
It wasn't until Feng Wei was on her deathbed that she confessed the truth to her mother.
Upon learning the reason, her mother immediately formed a medical research team to develop an antidote. Ironically, Feng Wei's expertise was essential to the process.
Though morally flawed, Feng Wei had been a brilliant doctor and a core member of the team that developed the original drug. Her involvement would have undoubtedly accelerated the creation of the antidote.
But she was dead.
With no choice, her mother had combed through Feng Wei's old experiment records for clues, but no success.
Her mother had carried this burden alone, revealing everything to her only on her deathbed, advising her that the experimental records were most likely in Feng's home. She had been urged to find them—discreetly.
The matter was of great significance, and her mother had warned her to keep it secret, trusting only a few close allies. Otherwise, unforeseen disasters might occur.
Before she could ask more, her mother had slipped away.
Following her mother's instructions, she went to the Feng family to seek out the old man.
The old man owed her mother a favor, so he agreed to take care of her.
"You've been at the Feng family home for five days now, right? Any progress?" Doctor Qian asked with concern.
He was her mother's friend and former colleague, one of the few who knew the truth.
Tang Qianmiao lifted her eyelids slightly, "Not yet."
"I heard you were kicked out of the Feng family last night. Are you alright?"
Tang Qianmiao gave a carefree smile, tinged with defiance. "Do I look like something's wrong?"
"I mean, emotionally. You weren't... hurt, were you?"
Tang Qianmiao showed little concern, picking up a glass of water and taking a sip. Her tone was as cool as spring water: "You think I'm worried about being bullied there?"
Doctor Qian replied, "According to what I've heard, that's precisely what happened."
Tang Qianmiao shrugged, her lips holding a faint smile, "Whether they like me or not doesn't matter. I just need to stay. You can't be too greedy, right?"
Doctor Qian's brow smoothed out, and he exhaled. "As long as you understand. After all, they don't know the whole story. Having an outsider suddenly living with them, some resistance is natural."
"By the way, I saw a young man at the entrance earlier, waiting for you. Who is he?"
Tang Qianmiao casually twirled a pen in her hand, "Feng Xian's assistant."
"Feng Xian? Why would he send someone for you? He's the coldest to you at Feng's, never even deigning to look your way. Why would he send someone to fetch you?"
Tang Qianmiao's tone was chilly, "Old Master Feng forced him to pick me up, so he sent his assistant."
Doctor Qian relaxed slightly. "Feng Xian is young and capable, the old man's most beloved grandson. The fact that he was ordered to fetch you shows that the old man genuinely intends for you to return."
Tang Qianmiao didn't respond to this. Instead, she said, "Speaking of Feng Xian, something very odd has happened."
Doctor Qian raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"
Tang Qianmiao grew serious, "Every time I get close to him, the discomfort in my heart disappears instantly."
Doctor Qian raised his brow, "That's quite unusual. Does he wear a particularly unique cologne?"
Tang Qianmiao shook her head, "No cologne."
Doctor Qian thought for a moment, "Then it must be his natural scent. Everyone's scent is unique, after all. Perhaps his fragrance has some sort of magical effect on you—like a human air freshener."
Tang Qianmiao stopped twirling her pen and smiled faintly, "Uncle Qian, I'm not joking with you."
"I'm not joking either. But, are you sure it's not just a coincidence?"
Tang Qianmiao lowered her gaze in thought for a few seconds, "I need to verify that."
"If it happens more than three times, then we'll know he's truly effective."
Tang Qianmiao pondered for a second before standing up. "I'm heading out."
The moment she opened the door, the man waiting outside immediately stepped forward, looking tense and serious, clearly overthinking his task.
"Miss Tang, Young Master Xian asked me to take you back. He's handling some matters right now, but he'll personally escort you home soon."
"Please don't be angry. I heard Miss Chu made a mistake last night. The old master already scolded her. Don't be upset. Please, just get in the car with me."
Tang Qianmiao's steps suddenly paused—not because of what the assistant said, but because her heart began to ache again.
Once the tightness in her chest subsided, she continued walking, her expression indifferent. "Where is he?"
The assistant hurriedly replied, "At the Victoria Hotel, first-floor restaurant, on a blind date."
"Take me there."
"Right away!" The assistant let out a long sigh of relief, finally succeeding in his task.
Not long after, Tang Qianmiao entered the restaurant.
Her gaze swept over numerous tables before settling on a man of striking appearance and noble demeanor.
She walked toward him, unhurriedly, her gaze like that of a predator closing in on its prey.