As soon as Su Meilan's voice fell, the atmosphere in front of the shop shifted instantly. The air, once filled with the joy of return, was now laced with an invisible pressure.
Liu Yuexin could feel the aura of authority and possessiveness radiating from the beautiful woman in the crimson dress. She felt like a little rabbit facing a queen tigress, causing her to unconsciously step behind Wang Cheng for protection.
Wang Cheng kept the kind smile on his face. He chuckled softly, waving his hand dismissively.
"Oh, Manager Su, don't tease this old man. It's nothing like that... There was just a pitiful patient, so I went to check on them as any doctor would."
Su Meilan narrowed her eyes slightly. She scanned him from head to toe before her gaze lingered on the faint wrinkles in his robes. She caught the scent of intense Yang energy still lingering around him... the scent of a man who had just finished a vigorous "workout."
"A pitiful patient... pitiful enough to require the Li Family's most luxurious carriage to pick you up?" she said with a mocking smile. "Uncle truly has compassion for 'high-class' patients."
Her words, though phrased as praise, were hidden with sharp thorns.
Wang Cheng feigned ignorance of the hidden meaning. Instead, he pointed to the shop, which had been transformed until it was barely recognizable.
"I should be the one thanking you, Manager Su, for taking care of the shop and making it so grand. I truly feel I've imposed on you."
"It was a small matter," Su Meilan said, before turning her gaze to Liu Yuexin hiding behind him. Her eyes were clearly those of a superior assessing a subordinate. "And this must be the little assistant... I heard you performed well at the Black Wind Cliff... Uncle truly has a sharp eye for choosing 'assistants'."
Her words made Liu Yuexin flush crimson, feeling both ashamed and inferior.
Seeing the situation turn sour, Wang Cheng quickly interjected. "Yuexin is more than an assistant. She is my first disciple. She is both diligent and attentive," he said, patting Liu Yuexin's shoulder gently to encourage her. His action clearly elevated Liu Yuexin's status, causing the disdain in Su Meilan's eyes to diminish slightly.
"Alright, alright. It's dusty out here. Let's go talk inside," Wang Cheng cut the tension.
He led the two women into the shop, which was now as magnificent as a royal pharmacy. The ground floor was arranged as a grand storefront, while the upper floor had been converted into a modern private alchemy room and luxurious living quarters.
"I have already ordered the first batch of rare ingredients for you; they should arrive tomorrow morning," Su Meilan began to discuss business. "And... I took the liberty of organizing a 'Private Auction' in three weeks. The centerpiece will be a 'Mysterious High-Grade Pill' from a Nameless Alchemist," she said, casting a cunning look at him.
Wang Cheng praised her inwardly... This woman was not only beautiful but also intelligent and incredibly efficient. She was the perfect business partner!
After the business discussion concluded, Su Meilan turned to Liu Yuexin with the smile of a commander.
"Little Miss Yuexin, I ordered the craftsmen to install special herb cabinets downstairs. Could you please go down and check them for me? I have some 'financial matters' to discuss with your Master privately."
Her tone was polite but filled with an authority that brooked no refusal. Liu Yuexin looked at Wang Cheng. When she saw him nod, she bowed and walked away obediently.
The moment the room was left with just the two of them, the atmosphere changed instantly!
The mask of "Manager Su" fell away, leaving only the "woman" named Su Meilan.
She walked towards him slowly, the seductive fragrance from her body wafting to his nose. She adjusted his collar, which wasn't even crooked, before using her slender fingers to stroke his chest gently.
"This new shop... consider it a gift for the 'treatment' that worked better than expected," she said with a husky voice. "But it seems... my 'illness'... has started to act up a little after not seeing my 'personal doctor' for so long."
Wang Cheng chuckled low in his throat. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her in tight.
"Oh? In that case, we must schedule an urgent 'follow-up examination'... A good doctor must always look after his patient."
Their gazes locked heatedly. The atmosphere was leading straight into a new chapter of passion...
Knock... Knock...
A soft knocking on the door interrupted them!
"Uncle..." Liu Yuexin's voice came from outside the door, sounding hesitant. "I... I brewed some tea for you..."
Wang Cheng froze. He looked at the closed door, then looked down at the beautiful face resting in his arms...
On one side was a fiery, powerful Queen ready to start a love battle with him at any moment.
On the other was a loyal little rabbit waiting to serve him nearby.
A smile that was both troubled and amused appeared on the old uncle's face for the first time.
'It seems... managing a harem is going to be more complicated than I thought.'