Halfway through the meal, Song Yuqing finally got to the point.
She put down her utensils, her expression carrying a hint of hope and pleading. "Young Master Lin, I asked you out today because I need your help with something important."
Lin Beifan set down his chopsticks and listened attentively. "What is it? If it's within my ability, I'll help."
Song Yuqing explained the difficulties her hospital was facing.
"Our hospital is currently struggling financially, but we need to purchase a batch of medical equipment worth 120 million. If we pay in full upfront, it will severely impact our hospital's operations. So, we're hoping to buy the equipment on credit.
We promise to repay the amount within six months, along with interest at the current bank loan rate. Young Master Lin, I hope you can help us make this happen!"
She looked at him sincerely.
Lin Beifan nodded. "Alright, I'll see what I can do."
As he spoke, he picked up his phone and quickly typed out a message.
A short while later, he put his phone away. "I just contacted the director of the marketing department. They said it's not a problem. Tomorrow, just bring your documents to our group and follow the procedures."
"...That's it?" Song Yuqing was stunned.
"Of course. It's not that difficult."
"You didn't set... any other conditions?" she asked in disbelief.
Lin Beifan chuckled. "What kind of conditions do you think I would set? Everyone goes through tough times financially. Today I help you, and in the future, when your hospital thrives, you can take care of our business. Isn't that how cooperation works?"
Song Yuqing was overjoyed. She raised her wine glass. "Young Master Lin, a toast to you!"
Lin Beifan clinked glasses with her. "Cheers!"
Now that the serious discussion was over, Song Yuqing felt more relaxed. She swirled her wine gently, studying Lin Beifan with a curious smile.
"Young Master Lin, you're not like the rumors say."
"Oh? What do they say about me?" Lin Beifan asked with interest.
"They say you're an ignorant and spoiled rich second-generation heir, someone who does nothing but waste money and rely on his parents. But now that I've met you, you seem completely different!
You have the demeanor of a refined gentleman, the wisdom of a scholar, and even the air of a seasoned elder who has seen through the ways of the world…"
She shook her head. "It's strange. Which one is the real you?"
Lin Beifan smiled. "They're all me."
"...All of them?"
"Yes. I can be the foolish rich second-generation heir, the refined gentleman, the learned scholar, or the old man who has seen it all.
I can be whoever I want, whenever I want, as long as it makes me happy. As for what others think? I don't care. I don't live for them."
Hearing this, Song Yuqing felt a stir in her heart.
Here was a man who truly lived by his own rules.
For some reason, she felt an inexplicable attraction toward him.
With a slight blush, she smiled and said, "Young Master Lin, calling me 'Miss Song' feels too formal. Just call me Yuqing, or Sister Song if you prefer—after all, I am older than you!" She chuckled playfully.
"Then you shouldn't call me 'Young Master Lin' either," Lin Beifan replied. "Just call me by my name, or Xiaofan."
"Alright! Let's add each other on WeChat. It'll be easier to keep in touch."
"I'll scan your QR code."
Just like that, their relationship shifted from strangers to friends.
They continued their meal, chatting and laughing.
However, Lin Beifan kept glancing at the restaurant entrance.
"Why hasn't the male protagonist, Xiao Chen, arrived yet?"
Meanwhile, in a hidden corner, a man wearing sunglasses and a hat was watching them with burning jealousy.
"You two are getting cozy again!" he thought bitterly. "Especially you, Song Yuqing! You're supposed to be my fiancée, yet you're flirting with another man! You shameless woman!"
This man was Xiao Chen, the male protagonist—the legendary descendant of the Ghost Doctor.
And just like Lin Beifan, he had been reborn.
In his previous life, he had just descended from the mountain, armed with divine medical skills, seeking refuge with his fiancée, Song Yuqing.
Though they had barely met since childhood, from the moment he laid eyes on her, he had already considered her his woman.
So, when he saw her going out with another man, he had followed them in secret—only to witness her smiling and chatting intimately with Lin Beifan.
Jealousy consumed him, and he had impulsively confronted Lin Beifan.
As the legendary heir of Ghost Valley, he had assumed he could easily overpower a pampered rich kid.
But he was wrong.
In every confrontation, he had been crushed. Humiliated. Defeated.
Worse, Song Yuqing, his supposed fiancée, had gradually distanced herself from him, drawn more and more toward Lin Beifan.
He couldn't understand—how could an ignorant, wasteful second-generation heir be so powerful?!
But fate had given him a second chance.
Rebirth—the privilege of a true protagonist!
Now that he knew everything that would happen, there was no way he would lose again!
Xiao Chen clenched his fists.
"I swear—this time, Lin Beifan, I will make you pay!"
"I will destroy your family!"
"I will ruin you, make you beg on the streets, and take back everything you stole from me!"
"And Song Yuqing... she belongs to me!"
Determined, he shifted his gaze back to the two at the table.
This dinner was a pivotal moment in the story.
If their cooperation succeeded, their relationship would only grow stronger.
He had to stop it.
And he had a plan.
If Lin Beifan suddenly fell ill—gravely ill—the Lin family would naturally blame Song Yuqing.
Their deal would fall apart.
And when the Song family was in crisis, he, Xiao Chen, would swoop in to save them with his divine medical skills.
Not only would he win Song Yuqing's heart, but he'd also gain the Song family's trust and support.
The perfect plan.
A sinister smile crept onto his lips as he produced a silver needle from his sleeve.
Doctors could save lives.
Doctors could also kill.
All he needed was a single touch.
Feigning drunkenness, he staggered toward Lin Beifan.
At that moment, Lin Beifan turned his head, surprised to see him.
"Hmm? The protagonist Xiao Chen is here? And looking like this?"
"Oh well, never mind. Since you're here, let's see if my wish really works!"
A gleam of excitement flashed in his eyes.
"System, I make a wish..."
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[End of Chapter 2]