The construction project for the ryokan was already making significant headway, proceeding smoothly under the expert guidance and detailed instructions provided by Old Man Feng. The contractor he had commissioned for the task proved to be remarkably efficient, wasting no time in getting the gears in motion. Yu Qi accompanied the contractor to the construction site, joined by Old Man Feng, Feng Yue, and even Grandpa Tang, who decided to tag along to witness the progress firsthand.
The initial phase of the project involved clearing the designated plot of land. At first, the area was heavily overgrown, choked with stubborn weeds and clusters of small trees that had reclaimed the space. However, the workers were tireless; in just three short days, the land was entirely cleared of all vegetation and debris. With the site prepared, they transitioned into the second phase of development. According to the lead worker, Old Man Feng had consulted earlier, the priority was now the foundation. They needed to establish a rock-solid base to ensure that the future ryokan would be both structurally sound and enduringly stable.
Yu Qi stood at the edge of the site, a soft smile playing on her lips as she observed the labourers working diligently to bring her vision to life. In her previous life, everything she possessed had been handed to her by her grandfather. Nothing had truly belonged to her or been a product of her own making. This time, things were different. She was laying the groundwork for her own future. This was the beginning of her empire, an empire built by her own hands and fueled by her own determination.
...
The atmosphere at the library was thick with tension as students threw themselves into preparation for their final examinations. With only two months remaining before the big day, the pressure was palpable. Feng Yue, feeling the weight of the upcoming tests, invited Yu Qi to study together at her house, and Yu Qi readily agreed.
During these sessions, Yu Qi held nothing back, pouring every ounce of her focus into her revision. She was determined to achieve the highest possible marks. Of course, she also possessed a secret advantage, her "cheating chip," the portable space.
Every night, she retreated into the stillness of her space to study for hours on end. To ensure she was fully prepared, she temporarily suspended all her usual hobbies and routines, dedicating every waking moment to her academics.
Finally, the examination period arrived. Yu Qi walked into the hall with a quiet confidence in her own capabilities. She had already set her sights on Starlight University, a goal she had previously shared with Old Man Feng. In this new life, her heart was set on becoming a doctor, a conviction that had only strengthened since she became the disciple of the renowned Tang Jiang Man.
After a gruelling week of academic struggle, the exams were finally over. The moment they stepped out of the final hall, Feng Yue lunged at Yu Qi, wrapping her in a celebratory, bone-crushing hug.
"Yu Qi, that horrible ordeal is finally over! The time has come to actually enjoy life again. Tell me, what are your big plans?" Feng Yue asked, her eyes bright with relief.
"I actually need to make up for the lessons I have missed over these last two months while I was focusing on the exams." Yu Qi replied calmly.
"Huh? What kind of lessons could you possibly have now?" Feng Yue asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
To her, the end of exams meant the end of all responsibilities.
"My medical lessons with Grandpa Tang." Yu Qi explained. "As you know, I am studying under him, and I took a bit of a hiatus to study for school. I want to catch up on everything I missed as soon as possible."
"But I wanted to ask you to go on a holiday with me!" Feng Yue whined, pouting slightly.
"I am sorry, Yue. Next time, I promise. Let's have a proper celebration once we get our results back, okay?" Yu Qi said, successfully pacifying her friend.
"You have to promise! Cross your heart?" Feng Yue held up her hand, extending her pinky finger.
"I promise," Yu Qi laughed, hooking her pinky with Feng Yue's.
.....
Upon returning home, she was immediately greeted by her grandfather.
"Yu Qi, you're back just in time. Go and pack a bag quickly. We are heading to FINN City this evening." Grandpa Tang announced.
"Wait, why so suddenly? What's happening?" Yu Qi asked, surprised by the haste.
"Something has come up." Grandpa Tang replied cryptically, offering no further explanation.
"Understood." Yu Qi hurried upstairs to her room to prepare.
Aoi, who had been lounging lazily on the floor, hopped to his feet the moment she entered.
'Master, you're finally back!' Aoi shouted.
"Aoi!" Yu Qi scooped the little creature up and gave him a quick kiss before setting him back down to begin packing her essentials.
'Master, where are we going?' Aoi asked, watching her toss clothes into a suitcase.
"We are heading to another city for a bit." Yu Qi explained.
'Can I tag along?' Aoi looked up at her with pleading eyes.
"I will bring you with me. It just depends on whether you will be travelling openly or hiding in the space." Yu Qi said with a wink.
'What do you mean by that, Master?' Aoi asked, confused by the statement.
"I will ask Grandfather first. If he gives the green light, you can stay in the car with us. If not, I will have to tuck you away in the space for the journey." Yu Qi said while grinning.
'I see. That sounds like a solid plan, Master.' Aoi wagged his tail, hoping the old man would be in a generous mood.
Once packed, Yu Qi headed back downstairs with her luggage in tow and Aoi following closely at her heels. She found her grandfather waiting by the door.
"Grandfather, would it be all right if I brought Aoi along?" Yu Qi asked tentatively.
Grandpa Tang looked down at the small puppy. He had noticed before that the animal was unusually clever and, more importantly, incredibly well-behaved.
"You may bring him if you wish." Grandpa Tang conceded.
"Woof!" Aoi barked happily, almost as if he were expressing his gratitude directly to the old man.
Yu Qi picked Aoi up and settled him into the car as they began the three-hour journey toward FINN City. Throughout the drive, Aoi was a model passenger, lying quietly and contentedly on Yu Qi's lap. Grandpa Tang watched the puppy out of the corner of his eye, smiling to himself. He was increasingly convinced that the dog possessed a human-like level of understanding.
When they finally arrived in FINN City, the car pulled up directly in front of the imposing Tang Hospital.
"Yu Qi, you will come with me. The puppy must stay here in the car. Bo Han will look after him." Grandpa Tang instructed as he stepped out.
"Aoi, you stay here and be a good boy, okay? Don't be naughty for Uncle Bo Han. I'll be back as soon as I can." Yu Qi whispered, stroking his fur.
"Woof," Aoi replied obediently.
"Don't you worry, Miss Yu Qi. I will keep a close eye on him." Bo Han, the driver, assured her with a smile.
Yu Qi hurried to catch up with her grandfather.
"Grandfather, where exactly are we going in such a rush?" Yu Qi asked.
"We are heading straight to the operating theatre. I have a surgery to perform, and I want you by my side to observe and learn the procedure." Grandpa Tang said, his voice taking on a professional, serious edge.
Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Yu Qi adjusted her own demeanour. "Is it truly permissible for me to accompany you into the OR, Master?"
"You are my disciple," he stated firmly. The underlying message was clear. His word was law, and no one would dare challenge his right to train his successor.
They moved through the scrub-in process and prepared to enter the theatre. Inside, a team of doctors and nurses was already waiting. One of the assisting doctors looked ready to question Yu Qi's presence, but Grandpa Tang cut him off before he could speak.
"She is my disciple. She stays." Grandpa Tang declared.
The authority in his voice effectively silenced any objections. No one was foolish enough to risk their career by arguing with Doctor Tang, especially given his reputation for being fiercely protective of those under his wing.
The surgery began. It was a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. While it was a standard procedure, Yu Qi found it curious that a surgeon of her grandfather's stature was performing it personally. It occurred to her that the patient must be someone of immense importance or high social standing.
Two hours later, the surgery was concluded successfully. Grandpa Tang handed the post-operative care over to the resident doctors and led Yu Qi out of the room.
"Well? Did you learn anything useful today?" Grandpa Tang asked as they walked down the sterilised corridor.
"Yes, it was an incredibly precious experience. Thank you for the opportunity, Master." Yu Qi replied, her face lit with a genuine smile.
"Good. Now, let's make our exit before that person shows up." Grandpa Tang said, his tone shifting back from 'Master' to 'Grandfather.'
Yu Qi blinked in confusion. "Huh? Before who shows up?"
***This novel is a contracted work with w e b n o v e l. c o m. Thank you, from, your shameless author, ZerahNeko**
This chapter is edited by Tzin99... Thank you for your help...