Tang Ran's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected him to drain his glass in one gulp, and it was too late to stop him.
She had no choice but to lift her own glass, tilt her head back, hold her breath, and drink it all down.
After finishing, she couldn't help but cough lightly, only catching her breath after a while.
"Tang Ran, quickly eat some food to clear your throat." Jin Zhanting was filled with worry and looked at his son with a stern face, complaining, "Jingchen, this is no way to thank someone. Tang Ran is a girl, you can't make her drink like that."
"I..." Jin Jingchen stopped speaking, his gaze towards Tang Ran filled with a hint of apology. He had only wanted to express his gratitude with a drink, not to make her drink it too.
Tang Ran, however, thought that only by drinking her own glass dry would it be a proper reciprocation.
"Uncle, I'm fine." After Tang Ran took a bite of food, her coughing subsided.
Jin Zhanting's tense heart finally relaxed. He smiled at her and asked, "Tang Ran, how old are you this year?"
"Twenty-three." Tang Ran didn't know why he was asking, her heart pausing slightly.
"Oh. You're quite young." Jin Zhanting glanced at his son and continued, "Are your parents both doing well?"
"Yes, they are in good health. They are both retired."
"Are you your parents' only child?"
"No, I have an older brother. He's mainly in the gaming industry."
"The gaming industry? What's your brother's name?"
"Tang Feng."
"Tang Feng?" Jin Zhanting's eyebrows shot up upon hearing this. "A few days ago, I heard someone mention your brother. He's quite capable. They say a new game he developed is collaborating with Zhuo Sheng, and its sales are booming."
Jin Jingchen, hearing this, looked up at Tang Ran in surprise. Those who could be associated with Zhuo Sheng were no ordinary people. Did his brother know Qin Si Ye?
"I've heard from my family about the sales, and they are indeed good. As for who my brother's company is collaborating with, I'm not too sure about that." Tang Ran was solely focused on her own passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine and didn't pay much attention to her brother's company matters.
They chatted for a few more moments, mostly revolving around Tang Ran's family background and her studies. Jin Zhanting listened with satisfaction, nodding frequently. Jin Jingchen ate his meal silently, as if these matters had nothing to do with him.
"Tang Ran, when you were taking care of Jingchen at the hospital, did your family know? Would they have any objections?" Jin Zhanting, seeing his son's indifferent demeanor, immediately shifted the topic to him.
"They know. No, they don't." Tang Ran replied without looking away. "They just think I'm taking on a special job for President Yin."
Tang Ran's answer was casual, but Jin Jingchen couldn't help but glance at her. She hadn't said that in the hospital.
"Good. That's good." Jin Zhanting, his eyes full of smiles, looked up at Butler Zheng and said, "I have something to announce today. You will inform all the household staff about it later. Miss Tang has been hired by me as a family doctor, specifically to care for the second young master. She will be staying with us for some time, so you must treat her well."
"Yes, Master." Butler Zheng replied respectfully with a smile.
At this announcement, Jin Jingchen's expression darkened. He slowly put down his chopsticks, turned his wheelchair, and said, "Dad, I'm finished eating. Can I speak with you alone?"
"Alright." Jin Zhanting gave him a deep look, stood up, and walked towards the study. Butler Zheng quickly stepped forward, intending to push Jin Jingchen, but he waved him away. "No need. I can manage myself."
Watching their retreating figures, Tang Ran felt a mix of emotions. She stood up, walked to the sofa, and sat down, lost in thought.
Inside the study, as soon as the door was closed, Jin Zhanting turned to his son and asked, feigning ignorance, "Tell me, what do you want to talk to me about alone?"