Chapter 32: Chapter 32: It’s So Hard to Pamper a Man

    Qiao Xi was stunned by his barrage of questions.

    She had never considered using the power of Huo Xingzhou, and the Huo family’s main branch was putting constant pressure on them, making the situation for the second branch very difficult already.

    “Qiao Xi, am I really such a disgrace?”

    “Not at all, Mr. Huo.”

    Qiao Xi tried to explain, but she was not good with words and lacked experience in flattering men.

    The elevator stopped on the 21st floor, and Huo Xingzhou unhesitatingly wheeled himself out. Qiao Xi had to jog to keep up and followed him into the ward.

    ...

    “Mr. Huo!”

    Her face flushed as she said, “You’re outstanding, how could you be a disgrace! I just didn’t want to trouble you!”

    The man turned to her, his inquisitive gaze resting on her sincere apricot eyes.

    “Mr. Huo, I am a very ordinary person, and you are a son of heaven. To be involved with me is your loss.”

    She had grown up in the countryside and had never seen such a bright and clear man.

    To her, he was a lifesaver, a kind person who allowed her to leave the mountain village and experience the prosperity of a big city.

    Someone she held dear and cherished.

    “I don’t want those people to gossip about you marrying a country girl. If the marriage is to end from the start, how could it become your stain?”

    Her voice was especially firm.

    Huo Xingzhou gripped the sides of his wheelchair tightly, his blood surging.

    In that instant, everything went silent, nothing could be heard except the thunderous sound of his own heartbeat, drumming in his ears.

    Every cell in his body was in uproar.

    His voice was hoarse as he said, “You say you’re a country girl, then I am an infertile cripple. As they say, a village girl is a perfect match for a disabled man. Who’s to say who is more noble?”

    “Mr. Huo...”

    Qiao Xi looked at him in surprise.

    “Qiao Xi, we are equals.”

    Huo Xingzhou’s usually sharp gaze rippled with layers of tenderness. He felt a twinge of pity for the deeply rooted inferiority she harbored.

    “I’m sorry.”

    Qiao Xi said, her voice muffled.

    “Help me get the ointment from the drawer.”

    “Okay.”

    Qiao Xi hurriedly handed him the tube of red ointment from the drawer. Huo Xingzhou opened it, squeezed out some white cream, and looked up at her.

    “Stretch out your hands.”

    Qiao Xi obediently spread her hands.

    There were bright red scratch marks on the back of her hands, left by that middle-aged woman.

    It was only when she relaxed that she felt the stinging sensation.

    Nobody expected Qiao Xi to be married to Huo Xingzhou.

    The photos that were circulated were just the daily life of a rich young lady, switching luxury cars every day. She had no need to seduce some old man.

    Her intimate photos with her husband, how could those count as a mistress?

    At most, they were private bedroom enjoyments, but being secretly taken and published ruined her reputation.

    The person who harmed her is disgusting!

    “Who spread the rumors! Hiding anonymously, are we? Must be out of jealousy towards Qiao Xi.”

    “I didn’t say anything. Those who cursed the most viciously in the posts will surely be held accountable by the Huo Family.”

    Ye Manman hid in her dorm, frantically scrolling on her phone with bloodshot eyes, sweating nervously all over.

    No, the forum is anonymous.

    They won’t know she’s the mastermind behind this.

    Suddenly, a notice from the school was posted, saying the forum was undergoing a technical upgrade to full real-name system. All anonymous posts now displayed real names.

    The name Ye Manman was very conspicuous.

    Her comments were vulgar and foul.

    “Qiao Xi is a bitch, targets every man.”

    “A worn-out shoe that’s been slept around.”

    Completely unlike a university student of any quality.

    “Ah!”

    Ye Manman smashed her phone and let out a cry of despair.

    Her roommates looked at her with wariness and disdain.

    “Ye Manman you’ve gone too far, what did Qiao Xi ever do to offend you. We’ve been classmates for years, and you’ve harmed her like this.”

    “You even directed your payday loan collection calls to me when they blew up your contacts. You’re not a real white, rich, and beautiful girl at all, the money for your brand names was all borrowed.”

    “Fraud!”

    That day, the school decided to expel Ye Manman.

    She was like a rat crossing the street, everyone clamoring to strike her.

    ...

    In the dean’s office at Haicheng Municipal People’s Hospital,

    Huo Xingzhou leaned back in his wheelchair, looking at the tea in front of him and said, “I’m a patient, why would I drink tea. Don’t you have any common sense?”

    “If you don’t want to drink, you can leave.”

    Xu Xiuyuan sat in his office chair with a stern face and said.

    “Xu Xiuyuan, you’re in charge of hospital administration. My person was bullied, and you as the dean have nothing to say?” Huo Xingzhou’s smile faded as he spoke.

    “Wu Yachun is to be marked for disciplinary action, and Wu Ming is demoted,” Xu Xiuyuan said, putting down his pen.

    “That’s not enough. They need to spend a month doing menial work, learning how to properly care for patients,” Huo Xingzhou said, wanting to take revenge for Qiao Xi.

    “That does not comply with hospital regulations.”

    “Regulations are dead; they can be adapted.”

    “Huo Xingzhou, you’re really targeting them. Is it for Qiao Xi, or can’t you forget past affections?” Xu Xiuyuan asked, his gaze piercing as he stared at him.