Chapter 173: 173
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Shangguan Yue collected her thoughts and took out a business card from her pocket, handing it to Ling Fan along with her signature.
Ling Fan never chased celebrities. His earlier words were just an excuse to strike up a conversation. Glancing at the signature, he noted it was graceful and recognizable, unlike some celebrities' signatures that resembled a doctor's prescription, undecipherable hieroglyphs.
"Hello, my name is Ling Fan!" Ling Fan politely introduced himself.
"Excuse me for asking, but are you really a martial artist?" Shangguan Yue couldn't help but ask in a low voice.
A hint of curiosity flashed in Ling Fan's eyes. "You know about martial artists? Well, yes, you could say that!"
Upon receiving Ling Fan's response, Shangguan Yue felt a sense of relief in her heart, and with a glimmer of hope in her beautiful eyes, she inquired, "May I know if you're skilled in medicine?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Fan's curiosity grew. With a thought, he released his Divine Sense, sensing the changes in Shangguan Yue's bodily functions, thinking that she wanted him to help diagnose an illness.
Seeing Ling Fan remaining silent, Shangguan Yue became uneasy, not knowing what he was thinking.
"Did my question just now offend him and upset him?" Shangguan Yue started to feel anxious.
After a short moment, Ling Fan's brows slightly relaxed and, under Shangguan Yue's uneasy gaze, he spoke softly, "Miss Shangguan, there's nothing seriously wrong with your body, but have you been experiencing stomach pains, insomnia, irritability, and a general lack of energy recently?"
Shangguan Yue was startled and nodded in surprise, "How could you tell? Is it serious?"
At that moment, she held Ling Fan in even higher regard. Traditional Chinese medicine included diagnosis through observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking, but such physicians were mainly found in ancient times, and it was almost impossible to find someone with such skills nowadays.
He had just sat beside her and glanced at her a few times, yet he was able to identify the symptoms she had been suffering from recently— irritability, stomach pains, and insomnia!
Looking at Shangguan Yue's tense expression, Ling Fan shook his head slightly and whispered, "It's not serious. The irritability is due to a disturbance in your vital energy and blood, causing menstrual irregularities because of stress!
As for the insomnia and fatigue, it's due to an unhappy marital life, with your nerves remaining overexcited without effective release!
If this continues for too long, it can lead to a number of gynecological diseases. You should really talk to your husband when you get home. That aspect of life is also very important. You shouldn't overlook it!"
Shangguan Yue's beautiful eyes widened, "...."
For a celebrity like her, the entertainment company had strict controls over personal life. Her contract clearly stated, in black and white, that she was not allowed to date during the contract period to prevent any negative publicity that could affect the company's interests.
She had been single since her debut. The 'Pure Lady Shangguan' persona had captured countless fans and secured her position as the top actress in the industry.
Now, Ling Fan was talking to her about marital issues. Who was she supposed to have those issues with? A toy?
Shangguan Yue pursed her lips, blushing all the way to her ears, like a delicate blooming peony.
This scene was once again inadvertently witnessed by Leng Chuan, whose jealousy ignited fiercely, nearly causing him to grind his steel teeth to bits.
"Young Master Ling is joking. I'm still single. But recently, my mother has developed a strange illness, so I've been very worried. I wonder if you might be able to treat it? The price is negotiable. Just name it, and I'll do my best to meet it!" Shangguan Yue said earnestly.
She had been in the entertainment industry for many years and was quite adept at diffusing awkward situations, quickly putting her earlier embarrassment behind her.
Upon hearing this, Ling Fan suddenly coughed and realized there had been a misunderstanding. It turned out she wanted to seek medical help for her mother.
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However, upon hearing Miss Shangguan's words, he felt an opportunity had arisen, as he had just been worrying about not having a good reason to poach her!
He nodded immediately and said, "I can't claim to bring back the dead or mend broken bones, but common ailments are no trouble for me. However, my consultation fee is quite special!"
Miss Shangguan felt a slight sinking feeling in her heart upon hearing this. When Ling Fan spoke of something 'quite special', her instincts were alerted, assuming that his so-called special fee was none other than coveting her beauty!
She thought to herself, "Either way, it's impossible to avoid this predicament. Even if I have to compromise my chastity with this young man before me, it's much better than falling into Tang Tiancheng's hands!"
"As long as you can cure my mother, I can agree to any condition!" Miss Shangguan made up her mind and gritted her teeth.
Seeing this, Ling Fan didn't beat around the bush and struck while the iron was hot, "Rest assured, if I can't cure her, I won't take a penny from you. However, if I do manage to cure her, you'll have to sign a contract with Tianyun and become one of Tianyun's artists. No problems with that, right?"
Miss Shangguan was somewhat unable to follow his train of thought and stared at Ling Fan in astonishment. Was this what he meant by a 'quite special' request?
Furthermore, was this young man in front of her associated with the recently famous Tianyun?
"Is there a problem?" Ling Fan asked tentatively.
"Um... Are you with Tianyun..." Miss Shangguan was at a loss for words.
"Heh, I'm the Deputy Head of the Tianyun Security Department, but don't look down on my position; I still hold some sway in the company. You can count on that!" Ling Fan asserted confidently.
Miss Shangguan looked at him with wide eyes, "...."
She had a nagging feeling that something was off, wondering if this guy in front of her was really reliable. Deputy Head of the Security Department?!
"As for myself, it's not a big issue. My contract with Hua Yi still has half a year left, but by then the boss probably won't let me go. If I insist on doing so, I'm afraid it'll cause trouble for both Tianyun and myself.
Can Tianyun withstand Hua Yi's wrath and ensure that I won't have any concerns afterward? Hua Yi is not to be trifled with, and as far as I know, the relationship between Tianyun and Huayi is quite tense right now!" Miss Shangguan warned him.
In her view, fulfilling this condition was too difficult, almost impossible to achieve.
"If it's too hard, you can change your request!" Miss Shangguan said thoughtfully.
She wasn't optimistic about Ling Fan's proposal in her heart; Hua Yi was like the leading company in the industry, a status not easily compared to the newer and less experienced Tianyun.
Ling Fan stroked his chin, pondering, "So, you're with Hua Yi. As long as you agree, that's enough. Don't worry about the rest; I just need to know your personal stance!"
Recalling the last time Hua Yi came to Tianyun to force a palace coup and poach people, he was immensely irritated. When he first thought of poaching Miss Shangguan, he felt somewhat guilty. But since she belonged to Hua Yi, when else would be a better time to bring her over if not now?
Miss Shangguan was taken aback, not expecting him to be so decisive. She hurriedly replied with some embarrassment, "I personally have no objections. Can you really handle the other troubles?"
"Heh, I always keep my word. Don't forget your promise just now. I can not only cure your mother but also restore her health. So you'd better not have other ideas," Ling Fan warned lightly.
Looking at Ling Fan's serious expression, Miss Shangguan pondered, "If you can do as you say, then naturally, so can I!"
"Good, then let's talk about your mother's condition," Ling Fan nodded and moved on to the main topic, beginning to inquire about the situation.
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