Shen Qingqing remained silent, looking at Kris. "What do you say?"
"Don't worry, I'll handle this for you," Kris said with a reassuring smile. Then, he turned to Chairman Feng, his smile vanishing, replaced by a cold demeanor. "What kind of talk is that? Your daughter did something wrong, and it's that hard to apologize?"
Chairman Feng hadn't expected Kris to go to such lengths for Shen Qingqing and said, "Kris, this matter is a bit complicated. You don't know the full story. To put it plainly, it's just a squabble between two young ladies..."
The implication was that if he didn't know the full story, he shouldn't interfere.
Kris became enraged. "As the director, I have the right to investigate all cases in the police station. Furthermore, the truth of this matter has already been ascertained. I will not allow someone who has done wrong to be so self-righteous."
Chairman Feng's expression soured.
Being publicly humiliated, how could he feel good?
Kris said coldly, "Some time ago, someone reported to the station that there seemed to be some safety flaws in Chairman Feng's group. I had intended to send someone to inspect it. Now, it seems that inspection cannot wait any longer."
Chairman Feng's expression was complex and obscure.
This was practically a threat. Kris held power, and if he really wanted to make things difficult, there were many ways. This was precisely why he had always wanted to be on good terms with Kris.
For just Shen Qingqing, he threatened him!
Feng Yilian didn't quite understand what was happening, but she could tell it was a threat. She didn't believe her father would fear this so-called director. Her father had so many connections, and she said disdainfully, "You can't bully me with your power! Be careful, I'll report you..."
Before she could finish, there was a loud "Slap!"
A slap landed, stunning her into silence. She stared blankly at her father.
Glancing at Kris, who was smirking as if watching a show, and Shen Qingqing, who seemed indifferent, she felt not only her face sting but also as if her pride had been stripped away and trampled on the ground.
The humiliation of that moment was enough for her to remember for a lifetime.
Yet, at that moment, Chairman Feng angrily said, "Apologize."
Feng Yilian's eyes widened in disbelief. "Daddy, you want me to apologize?"
"Hurry!"
Chairman Feng had never looked so ferocious. At this moment, delaying even a second in front of Kris was an embarrassment.
Feng Yilian was naturally unwilling, but the slap still hurt her face.
She didn't dare disobey.
"I'm sorry..."
She gritted out the words, each one clearly forced through her teeth. It was obvious that her apology was insincere, and she even dared to glare at Shen Qingqing with a venomous look.
As if to say, "You wait."
A fierce glint flashed in Shen Qingqing's eyes. "It seems you still haven't truly repented. Kris, then let's handle this officially."
"No problem."
Kris was over six feet tall. Although he was older, he was still handsome, and his smile was full of a sinister charm. He wouldn't have reached his position if he were a pushover.
Such a smile was enough to make Feng Yilian tremble, afraid to meet his gaze.
Seeing that she seemed to be "tamed" and finally knew to lower her head and act meek.
Whether it was genuine or not, Shen Qingqing decided not to pursue the matter further, as she still had something else to prove, and Feng Yilian would be useful once the truth was truly revealed.
"Forget it, I'm magnanimous. I won't pursue this with you."
The words were spoken as if bestowing a favor. Not only Feng Yilian but also Chairman Feng's expression soured. However, he quickly composed himself, maintaining only a polite smile, with a hint of gratitude in his eyes.
Feng Yilian was more direct; she burst into tears.
It wasn't just because of the humiliation she had endured but also because of her father's slap. All her grievances and anger converged into uncontrollable tears.
Unfortunately, no one present pitied her tears.
After dealing with the matter, Kris couldn't wait to take Shen Qingqing away. He hurried her out to the car by the roadside, where she tugged his arm back, stopping him.
"What's wrong?" he asked, turning around.
"I came out in a hurry and didn't bring anything." Even her personal silver needles had been left at Fan Hang's villa after she used them on A Lang.
"Whatever you need, I have it at home."
Kris unceremoniously put her in the car and drove towards his home.
On the way, Kris explained briefly.
His wife had suddenly fallen ill some days ago, for reasons unknown. Doctors couldn't diagnose it, and she was growing weaker by the day. Kris was at his wit's end.
Seeing Shen Qingqing today, he felt as if he had found a savior.
"You must help me!"
As he spoke, they got out of the car and pushed open the villa door. Kris called out loudly, "I'm back! How is my wife today?"
A servant who came to greet them replied, "Still the same, groggy and sleeping."
Kris sighed inwardly and, without another word, took Shen Qingqing upstairs into the second room on the left, their marital bedroom.
As soon as they entered, they were hit by the smell of medicine and the mustiness of a room that hadn't been ventilated for a long time.
Kris, accustomed to the smell, instinctively looked at Shen Qingqing. "My wife is very sensitive to the cold, so I don't open the windows much. The room might smell a bit strange..."
"It's fine."
As a doctor, Shen Qingqing had seen many patients and was used to all sorts of strange smells, so she wasn't bothered.
However...
"When there's a patient at home, it's important to ventilate frequently to purify the air, which is also good for the patient."
Kris quickly agreed and went to the window to open it. Halfway there, he remembered something and went to tuck the sleeping woman in bed before opening the window.
He walked back and smiled sheepishly at Shen Qingqing.
"I'm worried she'll catch a chill..."
Shen Qingqing smiled slightly. "It's fine. I'll take a look at your wife."
On the two-meter-wide bed, a white, soft sheet was spread. A woman lay on the sheet, covered by a white quilt, with only her fair, small face and a head of thick, long hair exposed.
Her eyes were closed, but her brows were slightly furrowed, indicating an uneasy sleep.
To her surprise, the woman was not of H Country. She had an elegant and gentle Oriental face, and her delicate demeanor resembled that of Lin Daiyu.
Kris gently patted the back of the woman's hand on the bed, trying to wake her, but he was reluctant to use too much force. As a result, after patting for a long time, the woman showed no sign of movement.
He looked at Shen Qingqing helplessly.
Shen Qingqing shook her head, signaling him to move aside. She leaned in slightly to examine the woman's complexion.
Just then, the woman's eyelashes trembled, like a butterfly's wings preparing for flight. Shen Qingqing instinctively held her breath, not wanting to disturb the woman.
She slowly opened her eyes and met Shen Qingqing's gaze at close range.
Shen Qingqing clearly saw a flicker of surprise in her clear eyes. She slowly stood up and looked at the woman with interest. Could it be...