Chapter 465: Networking

Chapter 465: Social Connections

After Ye Xiaoxiao said that, Huang Yuning had no reason to argue.

He really did feel much better, and he had chosen Rende Pharmacy not only for their medical expertise but also for their discretion.

Now that he was cured, it was indeed time to leave.

Huang Yuning accepted Ye Xiaoxiao's arrangement.

Having stayed on the island for quite some time, he had gone from initial discomfort to the point where he'd even grown a little reluctant to leave.

Huang Yuning had always been Qu Miao's patient, so Ye Xiaoxiao handled the discharge paperwork through her.

Though the facilities were basic, their processes were thorough.

She didn’t get home until afternoon.

And as soon as she walked in, she saw her third brother, Ye Changning, and Jiangnan.

"Third Brother!"

Before she could rush over for a hug, Ye Changning caught her to steady her.

"Why are you still so reckless? You’d have taken off running if I didn’t stop you."

Of course, Ye Xiaoxiao hadn’t forgotten her current condition. She knew her limits. "I wasn’t running—at worst, it was power-walking."

Ye Changning patted her head. "Power-walking? Just take it easy, okay?"

Ye Xiaoxiao wasn’t the least bit surprised by Ye Changning’s arrival.

"I figured you’d show up. Where’s the family spending New Year’s this year?"

Sitting in the living room, she chatted with Ye Changning in a relaxed tone.

Ye Changning looked her over carefully, noting how well she looked—even a little older than a few months ago.

"Most likely Baishi Village."

After all, Dad probably won’t go for it and spend New Year’s in the capital.

Without Xiao Xiao there this year, he can’t talk everyone into it alone.

Xiao Xiao would definitely be staying on the island for the New Year—her first New Year’s just with Lu Hanchuan.

To Ye Xiaoxiao, it meant something special, but to Ye Changning, it was something to worry about.

"You two staying here for New Year’s… I’ll send you care packages when the time comes."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "We’ve got plenty of food. Didn’t you see the chickens in my yard?"

Ye Changning: "I did, but you can’t have nothing but chicken for the holidays."

Ye Changning was worrying himself sick.

"We’ll cross that bridge when we get there." Ye Xiaoxiao wasn’t entirely sure what preparations were needed for the New Year.

Back home, she had never been responsible for such things.

Luckily, Aunt Zhao is here now. With an adult at home, she'll definitely have everything well organized.

"How many days are you staying here? You're not in a hurry to leave, right?" Xiao Xiao rested her chin in her hands, hoping her third brother could stay a few more days.

"This time I'll stay with you for real for a few days and won't head back until right before New Year's."

Ye Changning still had to attend a round of company meetings before the New Year, so he had to leave eventually. But for now, he could enjoy a few days of leisurely island life.

"That's great!"

Xiao Xiao patted her third brother's shoulder. "I'll arrange a seafood spread for you today."

Although winter means less seafood, it's still the main fare on the island and easy to obtain. Actually, Xiao Xiao doesn't have seafood daily—after all, too much isn't good for health.

Ye Changning: "Sure, let me see what you eat every day."

Dinner was, of course, prepared by Aunt Zhao, but Xiao Xiao also helped out, doing what she could. They had quite a spread, and Lu Hanchuan came home to join them.

Apart from getting queasy seeing the live chicken earlier, Xiao Xiao hasn't had much nausea and can eat a little seafood.

After dinner, Xiao Xiao and Lu Hanchuan walked Ye Changning and Jiang Nan to where they were staying. It wasn't far from Xiao Xiao's home—just a stone's throw away.

It was quite cold outside. Xiao Xiao wore a long puffy coat, a hat, and gloves. Lu Hanchuan blocked the wind for her the whole way back. Because of the strong wind, they didn't talk much outside.

Only after returning indoors did they talk about Ye Changning a little.

"I noticed third brother brought a lot of things."

There were lots of milk powder and snacks. Xiao Xiao went through them—all her favorites.

Lu Hanchuan smiled. It was good that more people came to visit Xiao Xiao; at least she seemed in good spirits.

Xiao Xiao put everything away before resting.

Over the next few days, aside from going to the sanatorium, she spent time at home playing cards with Ye Changning and Jiang Nan, living the easy life.

Until someone suddenly came to the island looking for Ye Changning.

It was his work assistant, Hu Yajun.

"President Ye, there's an urgent situation at the company, and you need to return to handle it."

Hu Yajun looked very anxious, and it must have been serious—otherwise, a call or telegram would've done.

Ye Changning asked him to explain what had happened first.

After sitting down, Hu Yajun heaved a long sigh. "Recently, someone has been maliciously targeting our company, forcing many factories to shut down for inspections."

Ye Changning: "Do we know who's responsible?"

Beijing has always been a massive den of fame and fortune, and targeting Ningyuan Company is nothing new. Ye Changning knew this all too well.

Moreover, Beijing is home to the highest concentration of privileged second-generation, where some matters can be resolved with just a word from the privileged class.

Ye Xiaoxiao had been listening attentively until Assistant Hu got more worked up, and she picked up on something fishy.

"Someone’s deliberately targeting you, Third Brother," she said softly, her tone gentle and seemingly harmless, as if casually gossiping.

Hu Yajun responded offhandedly, "Even if they inspect us, our factories are completely above board. But this kind of frequent scrutiny and nitpicking will affect production output. If orders aren’t fulfilled on time, we’ll have to pay breach penalties."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Third Brother, if the company has urgent matters, you should go back first. This comes under the commerce bureau's purview, right? I once had a patient who worked in the relevant department—they could probably help."

Ye Xiaoxiao rarely tapped into her connections, but that didn’t mean she lacked them.

Any of the medical big shots she had treated could easily resolve Ye Changning’s current crisis with a single call.

Hu Yajun glanced at Xiao Xiao. He had always assumed his boss came from nothing and that his family couldn’t offer much support.

At the moment, he didn’t put much stock in her words.

After all, his only task was to bring the boss back to handle the situation.

But Ye Changning knew Xiao Xiao’s capabilities. It seemed this time, he’d have to rely on her.

"Alright, I’ll contact the person you mentioned as soon as I return," he said.

Ye Changning and Jiang Nan hurriedly packed up and left.

Before departing, he specifically reminded Xiao Xiao to take care of her health and promised to send more supplies to the island.

If shipping was too slow, he’d arrange for someone to deliver them directly.

It had to be said—Ye Changning now radiated the aura of a true mover and shaker.

Many things were a cinch for him.

With Ye Changning gone, Lu Hanchuan soon learned the reason for his departure. He put in a word with his contacts in Beijing.

This was his brother-in-law after all—naturally he’d step in.