Fairies Shouldn’t Speak

Early the Next Morning.

At the Huo family villa, the driver was already waiting at the door. When he saw Qiao Xi approaching, he respectfully opened the car door. Just as she was about to get in, she noticed a man lounging casually inside. He exuded a calm, detached aura, with a single red mole on his neck adding an oddly captivating touch.

Qiao Xi was surprised. She had mentioned to Huo Xingzhou earlier that she planned to visit the herbal pharmacy, but she hadn't expected he'd be in the car waiting.

"I'll go with you," he said simply.

Qiao Xi gave a reserved nod.

As the car made its way through the streets, he scrolled through his phone while she watched the passing scenery, a bit uneasy.

"Young Master, Young Madam, we've arrived. It's tough to park right outside Wan Ren Tang," the driver said, parking a little ways down the street.

Glancing at Huo Xingzhou's legs, Qiao Xi suggested, "You can wait in the car if you'd like."

"Alright." He was only here to make sure she was safe.

While Huo Xingzhou waited, Qiao Xi headed down the bustling street toward Wan Ren Tang, the largest traditional pharmacy in Haicheng. Even from afar, she could see a crowd gathered, blocking the entrance. As she drew closer, she overheard heated exchanges—it seemed that Wan Ren Tang was accused of selling low-quality herbs, and customers were demanding answers.

"Our herbs are the finest quality!" the pharmacist shouted, red-faced. "If you can't prove otherwise, don't slander us! Who knows if you're just trying to cause trouble?"

"Outrageous! I have the prescription right here!"

"You better compensate us! You're playing with people's health!"

The pharmacist tried to push them out, sneering, "Get out of here! Cause trouble here, and you'll regret it!"

Suddenly, the crowd grew restless, people pushing and shoving, until a piercing scream broke out: "Someone's fainted!"

"Call an ambulance! Is there a doctor?"

A young man lay pale and unconscious on the ground, his breathing weak. The bystanders hesitated, fearing that any wrong move could be dangerous.

Seeing this, Qiao Xi hurried forward, calling out, "Please, everyone, give us some space and let the air circulate!"

She knelt beside him, noting his cold limbs and open mouth. Recognizing it as a case of simple fainting due to qi deficiency, she pulled a needle from her sleeve and skillfully inserted it into specific acupuncture points to revive him.

She was calm, her fingers steady, revealing her expertise to those in the know.

A middle-aged man watching nearby muttered skeptically, "Young lady, are you sure? This is serious! Lives are at stake; this isn't the time to play hero—"

But before he could finish, the young man began to stir and slowly opened his eyes.

"He's awake!"

"Who knew a young girl could be so capable!"

The young man, now conscious, looked up to see a delicate, serene face gazing down at him—like a fairy. His eyes glimmered with awe as he prepared to express his thanks.

But the "fairy" only said, "You have soreness in your lower back and knees due to a kidney deficiency. You should go to the hospital for a full check-up. I only used acupuncture for immediate relief."

He nearly fainted again right on the spot.

Assured that he was stable, Qiao Xi removed the needle and left. Since Wan Ren Tang's herbs were unreliable, she decided to buy hers from Fu An Tang across the street.

"Young man, she said you have kidney issues. Take it easy with that," a bystander called out loudly.

Miserably, he thought he might as well die right then.

Just then, a well-dressed woman, dripping in jewelry, came rushing over, crying, "Wei Meng, my dear son!" She sobbed, "I told you these herbs aren't safe! But you didn't listen, always going to Wan Ren Tang!"

"Mom, stop using my full name!" he whispered, mortified as he lay there. The world was a cruel place indeed.

Bystanders eagerly described the scene, praising the young doctor who had saved him.

"Where is she now?" the woman demanded. "Our family will reward her handsomely!"

"She's right over there, across the street!"

Mrs. Sun looked over and froze, her eyes widening in shock.

It couldn't be her!

Oblivious to being recognized, Qiao Xi boarded the car with her bag of herbs.

"Took you long enough," Huo Xingzhou commented, putting down his phone.

"There was a little incident."

He gave her a measured look, but didn't press further. "We got a call from home. My sister and father have returned."

"Should I prepare a gift for them?"

"No need; they're the ones who owe you a greeting."

When they arrived back at the house, they heard voices and a TV playing in the living room. As soon as they entered, a lively young woman rushed up to Qiao Xi with a bright smile. "Sister-in-law! I'm Jiao Jiao."

"Nice to meet you."

Qiao Xi found herself liking the girl's open, straightforward demeanor.

"Qiao Xi, nice to finally meet you," said Huo Xingzhou's father, Huo Jiancheng, as he handed her a thick red envelope. "Not sure what you like, so here's something simple."

Qiao Xi glanced at Huo Xingzhou, who gave her a nod to accept it. She took the heavy envelope with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

"Sister-in-law, no need to be polite. My dad has plenty of stashed cash," Jiao Jiao said cheerfully.

Mrs. Huo gave her a look. "Mind your manners. That's no way to talk."

Jiao Jiao huffed, "I'm just happy to meet my sister-in-law. She's a big improvement over… that heartless woman, who ran off right after the accident. And to think she was a—"

"Jiao Jiao!" Mrs. Huo cut her off sternly, making her shrink back, realizing it wasn't appropriate to bring up that person in front of Qiao Xi.

A "star" … perhaps of a foundation? Qiao Xi thought, curious.

Then Aunt Qian entered, announcing, "The old house called. Family dinner tonight."

Mrs. Huo frowned. "Why now? This reeks of a trap."

Mr. Huo consoled her, "If you're really against it, I can call and decline for us."

But as he took out his phone, his expression shifted, growing more solemn as he listened to the response on the other end.

"Is this information confirmed?" he asked, voice trembling. Hanging up, he looked shaken.

"What's happened?" Mrs. Huo pressed urgently.

His voice was low as he shared the news, leaving her visibly stunned. "Is this for real?"

"It's been confirmed. Father has already verified it," he replied.

"We have to go, then. Even if it's a trap, I can't miss such an opportunity." Mrs. Huo decided firmly.

"It's just a family dinner," Jiao Jiao protested. "They're just going to humiliate us, and I don't want to see Huo Beiting's smug face."

"We have no choice. They claim to have found one of Master Cheng Han's disciples, someone who could treat this kind of condition."

Jiao Jiao gasped, her eyes lighting up with hope.

"Then there's a chance to heal my brother's legs!"

Hearing this, Qiao Xi glanced at Huo Xingzhou. Compared to her own unassuming background, it was clear he would have far more confidence in a disciple of Master Cheng Han.

The light from the floor-to-ceiling window cast a soft glow over his face, but his expression was unreadable. Then he reached for her hand and said quietly, "When we get to the old house, no matter what happens, stay behind me and don't say a word."

Qiao Xi was taken aback.

Was he expecting trouble?