Xu Jing’s twenty-three years had been steeped in misfortune. As a child, she was diligent and eager to learn, but her hopes for the Gaokao were dashed when she only managed to enter a third-rate accounting college. She had intended to spend another year studying for a retake, but fate intervened when her father was laid off. To start earning money sooner, Xu Jing had to resign herself to attending that mediocre university.
Upon graduation, she expected her excellent grades and solid technical skills to secure her a good job. To her dismay, after finally landing a position at a sub-branch of the National Bank, she was relegated to temporary worker status. While the official employees earned over five thousand a month plus bonuses, she worked harder than them for just a little over a thousand, and because she consistently failed to meet the deposit-gathering quotas, she never saw a single cent of bonus pay.
To make matters worse, just recently, Xu Jing’s mother was suddenly diagnosed with advanced-stage liver cancer. After a period of treatment at Huashi General Hospital, the progression of the disease had been halted, but it would only, at best, extend her life by a few months.
Under these crushing circumstances, Xu Jing abruptly received a termination notice from the National Bank. Due to months of failing to meet her deposit targets, she was let go during the recent personnel adjustments. This was an enormous blow to the already financially struggling Xu family.
With finding a new job difficult and the need to care for her mother in the hospital, Xu Jing could only swallow her tears, quietly arrive at Huashi General Hospital, and relieve her father, who had been keeping vigil for several days and nights.
Her father was truly at the end of his rope. To cover his wife’s treatment costs, he had sold the ancestral home. Today, however, the hospital finance department notified them that their deposit was insufficient to sustain further treatment, and they needed to pay another ten thousand yuan before the evening, or, by regulation, the medication would be stopped that night.
Xu Jing’s father remained unaware of her dismissal from the bank; he didn't notice the change in his daughter’s demeanor. His sole focus was scrambling for a way to raise the money, determined to pull his wife back from the shadow of death.
He racked his brain but could find no quick way to get cash. An honest man certainly wouldn’t consider robbing a bank, and selling blood plasma was currently illegal—donating blood was a free process. In the end, his only recourse was to resort to begging on the street.
Her father had seen beggars before. As a former employee of a state-owned enterprise, he wouldn't have taken this step unless he were truly desperate. Concealing his plan from his daughter, he found a piece of cardboard, wrote his reason for begging, and knelt down on the road in front of Huashi General Hospital.
Mother Xu’s mental state was relatively good; apart from general weakness, everything else seemed fine for now. The only issue was that someone needed to stay with her while she was on the IV drip; if the patient happened to fall into a deep sleep, it would be problematic.
Xu Jing was studying for her postgraduate exams. The harder it was to find work, the more determined she was to improve herself. She didn’t truly resent society; she believed that quality eventually shines through, and if her abilities reached a certain level, securing a good job wouldn't be a fantasy.
Xu Jing read her book while keeping an eye on her mother's IV level. After talking with her daughter for a while, Mother Xu drifted off under the influence of the medication. It was then that the hushed conversation between the relatives of the two neighboring patients entering the room caught Xu Jing’s attention.
“Such a hardworking child, though her life is bitter. Old Xu is a good husband; to raise some money, he’s actually kneeling and begging on the road.”
“Shh, speak softer, it wouldn't be good if little Xu overheard.”
Xu Jing dropped her book and bolted from the room. She rushed out of the hospital, stood on the roadside, and after a quick survey, she indeed spotted her father’s thin, solitary figure. He was kneeling on the sidewalk, a sign resting in front of him. Whenever a passerby dropped money in, he would repeatedly kowtow in thanks.
A single, crystal-clear tear traced a path down her beautiful face, landing on Xu Jing’s palm. It paused briefly before dripping onto the frozen earth, instantly vanishing amidst the melting snow.
The world was too vast, and people too insignificant. No one noticed this unfortunate family, nor did anyone consider whether they might ever find happiness. Everyone rushed about with their own affairs. Xu Jing suddenly felt utterly alone and desolate. She desperately wished for a strong man to stand beside her at this moment, someone whose embrace she could lean into, listening to his gentle care, needing to think of nothing and worry about nothing, because this man would handle everything for her.
A gust of cold wind snapped Xu Jing back to reality. Her father was still kneeling in the icy snow. She rushed forward and pulled him up: “Dad, you’ll freeze your legs! I’m young, let me do this. You go take care of Mom.”
Her father shoved her away: “Silly girl, Dad is old and doesn't mind being seen looking foolish. You’re still young; you need to get married someday. You can’t do this kind of thing. Go back upstairs and watch your mother, go, quickly! Do I have to kneel to you for you to leave?”
Xu Jing turned away, allowing her tears to stream down her face, and walked toward the ward building with heavy steps. The words of two doctors behind her reached her ears.
“Old Dong, why are there so many reporters outside these days, and all sorts of strange people milling around our hospital?”
“You don't know about this? You must not browse the internet.”
“Right, I only watch TV, I don’t like the internet.”
“Hmph, don't believe what’s on TV. You know our country's policies. Let me tell you the truth: Our Chief Hua recently developed an incredibly potent injection. This serum is said to be omnipotent and universally curative. Even if you have terminal cancer or injuries deemed fatal, just one shot of this miraculous serum and you’ll be jumping up and down immediately. We doctors shouldn't believe such things, but this news has gone viral overseas. Didn't you see that most of the foreigners in the courtyard are here trying to get a dose to save lives? However, only Chief Hua knows about this, and since she hasn't appeared recently, they can only wait around here desperately.”
“Is it really that good? Should we try to get one just in case?”
“Pah, pah, pah! Who do you think you are? As far as I know, this serum has only been used twice. Once, a certain oil prince paid ten billion US dollars for it. The other time, the retail king of Star Country traded it for an annual sale of one hundred million dollars in Huashi pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. You want one for spare? Do you think you’re Meipan An, and Chief Hua is interested in you?”
...
Xu Jing had already followed them into the ward building, but upon hearing their conversation, a flame of hope ignited in her heart. She turned back to the courtyard. She looked around and indeed saw many foreigners gathered, discussing something unknown, as well as some reporters taking pictures everywhere. There were also some locals whose expectant eyes revealed their own thoughts.
Xu Jing didn't stand there waiting blindly like these people. If simply standing there could yield the legendary divine serum, they would have dispersed long ago. Xu Jing turned back toward the ward building, her own plan beginning to take shape in her mind.
If her father could humble himself to beg on the street for his wife, why couldn't she, with her beautiful appearance, do something for her mother? Let her reputation fall; as long as her conscience was clear, what did others say matter?
Outside the ward, Xu Jing made up her mind and pulled out her phone to make a call: “Director Xiao, this is Xu Jing. I need to borrow ten thousand yuan. Don’t rush to refuse; I know you’ve always wanted me to be your mistress, even if you never said it out loud. But I know what you’re thinking. Bring ten thousand yuan to Huashi General Hospital, Ward B, Room XXX, now. You will get your wish. I can tell you I’m still a virgin. Decide quickly if you’re coming or not; I don't have time to play games with you.”
The pressure of life forced Xu Jing to abandon her dignity. She would have rather died than utter such words or engage in such a transaction before, yet now, she spoke without hesitation to a man she deeply despised.
After getting the fat man’s affirmative reply, Xu Jing hung up and calmed herself before entering the ward. Her mother’s morning IV drip had finished, and she was still asleep. Xu Jing wanted to read a bit more, but she couldn't focus on a single word. Just then, her phone vibrated. Seeing the number, it was Director Xiao; he must have arrived.
Xu Jing didn't answer. She stood up and walked into the corridor. Sure enough, near the fire escape, a stout man was furtively talking on his phone. Xu Jing walked over calmly. She didn't know why she felt so composed; perhaps the sight of her father on the street had shocked her deeply.
“Did you bring the money?”
“I brought it, Xu Jing, you really…”
“Yes, my mother needs money for treatment. Of everyone I know, you are the only one with enough money, and I can trust you. Once I take your money, I will fulfill your wish.”
“Really!” Director Xiao from that sub-branch of the National Bank had thought Xu Jing was bluffing, but now his fantasy seemed about to come true. “Can I hold you first?”
Xu Jing stood still. Director Xiao tremblingly drew her into an embrace, his other hand restlessly groping toward her full chest. Xu Jing clearly felt the illicit excitement emanating a trembling chill.
She wanted to resist, but a voice deep in her heart screamed: If you don’t have the money, your mother will be taken off medication tonight. Even if you get the divine serum later, what use is it if your mother is gone! Accept him!
The stout Xiao patted her a few times through the thick winter coat, yet he felt immensely satisfied psychologically. Knowing someone could arrive at any moment, he quickly let go of Xu Jing and pulled a wad of renminbi—exactly ten thousand yuan—from his pocket.
“Mom needs care. I’m leaving now.” Xu Jing took the money and turned to go. Director Xiao was reluctant but helpless. What he didn't see was the trail of broken tears Xu Jing left behind on the floor as she walked away.
Xu Jing didn't let the money linger in her hands. After wiping her tears, she went straight to the hospital finance office to deposit it. Her mother’s treatment was temporarily secured. Next, she had to find Chief Hua, the one who held the key to the miraculous serum. Only by finding her was there a chance to completely save her mother. Although Xu Jing didn’t know what terms she could use to move Chief Hua to action, she wouldn't give up as long as there was a sliver of hope.
I was deeply disgusted by Zhu Da’s intention to just dab some antiseptic on a scrape before heading to Huashi General Hospital, but Zhu Da asserted with conviction, “You’re a senior research assistant in the Huashi Group laboratory, and you’re hitting it off with the beautiful and noble female general manager. Where else would I come but here?”
“Nonsense! You can talk trash, but don’t say things you can’t back up. Hua Qingqing and I have absolutely no improper connection. Be careful you don’t cut your tongue with your loose talk. Oh, right, I almost forgot since you brought it up. We need to buy flowers at the hospital gate later. Hua Qingqing did me a favor yesterday; I need to thank her.”
Zhu Da became overly pleased: “See? I was right! Haha, later I’ll specifically ask General Manager Hua to clean my scrape. I can smell her faint jasmine scent again—I’m really looking forward to it!”
Huashi General Hospital had a parking lot. After parking our car, we went to the flower stall by the road and bought a bouquet. Checking the time—3:30 PM—we hurried towards the hospital entrance.
“Look, what’s that crowd gathered over there?” Zhu Da pointed ahead. It looked like a person was kneeling on the ground.
When the two of us approached, we finally saw the sign around his neck. It turned out he was begging to raise money to save his wife. The text mentioned his detailed address and name, hoping readers wouldn't think he was a scammer and would help if they were able.
The middle-aged man in his forties kowtowed in thanks every time someone offered money, repeatedly crying out wishes for good karma and long life to the benefactor.
I searched my pockets and found five hundred yuan. Although I had my bank card, I had already withdrawn the maximum daily ATM limit of five thousand earlier that morning for my mother. Forget it, five hundred is better than nothing; maybe later.
After I gave the money to the middle-aged man, he was too moved to speak. It seemed my five hundred yuan was a huge sum. He threw himself onto the snowy ground and kowtowed three times, weeping and calling me a savior. Neither Zhu Da nor I could stop him.
Zhu Da rummaged through his pockets while saying, “Although I suspect he might be a swindler, given how sincerely he’s kowtowing, I’ll give what I have.”
Zhu Da had more money, over a thousand yuan. Despite his fondness for good food and drink, he wasn't stingy. He handed his money to the middle-aged man without hesitation. Then the two of us fled as if escaping; we really couldn't handle his extravagant gratitude.
Once inside Huashi General Hospital, Zhu Da complained, “Great, now I can’t even ask your old flame for help. We’re penniless; we don't even have enough for registration fees.”
I pulled out my phone and called Hua Qingqing: “Chief Hua, this is Zhao Qian. Are you at the main hospital? I need to see you for a medical check-up.”
On the phone, she replied, “Wait a moment… Hey Xiaorou, pick up the phone, who else would it be? Your beloved, of course.”
“Zhao Qian, is that you?”
I was momentarily stunned: “Xiaorou, you’re with Qingqing?”
Yi Xiaorou’s voice sounded slightly languid: “Yes, hurry up and come up. I was just about to call you.”
Standing bewildered in the vast lobby of the outpatient building, I said, “How am I supposed to know where Chief Hua’s office is? I only know the location of the lab.”
Hua Qingqing took the phone: “It’s fine. I’ve already seen you on the surveillance feed. You just wait there; I’ll send someone to meet you both right away.”
I was making faces at the camera when a thud sounded behind me, startling Zhu Da and me into turning and wanting to bolt, thinking the middle-aged man had chased us down to kowtow again—it’s impossible to do good deeds anonymously!
After running two steps, I looked back. It wasn’t the middle-aged man, but a young woman kneeling on the ground. I couldn't make out her face, but her small frame was definitely striking.
“Mr. Zhao, please help me. I beg you to take me to see General Manager Hua. My mother’s life depends on you.”
Zhu Da looked as if he’d seen a ghost: “You, you, how do you know his surname is Zhao?”
The girl lifted her head: “Don’t you recognize me, Mr. Zhao? I’m Xu Jing from the National Bank XXX sub-branch.”
I recognized her—she was that beautiful teller from that day; we had even waited for the bus together. “Miss Xu, what are you doing here? Why do you need to see General Manager Hua? What happened to your mother? Please stand up and tell us. If you keep kneeling, we might run away.”
Xu Jing stood up and recounted the entire story from beginning to end. Only then did I realize the 'Snake Pearl' had caused all this trouble. Zhu Da ran to the courtyard to check, came back, and confirmed there were indeed many foreigners outside.
I never imagined such agonizing family trouble was hidden beneath Xu Jing’s delicate beauty, nor that the man kneeling in the snow begging was her father. However, I actually could help with this matter. A serum with one percent concentration—it was no big deal.
But I didn't want this favor tied directly to me. Furthermore, if news got out that the Snake Pearl originated from me, I’d be hounded to death by those people daily. So, I decided to do as she wished and take her up to find Hua Qingqing.
The person Hua Qingqing arranged to meet us was already waiting. Seeing we had finished talking, he led the way into the elevator. Huashi’s outpatient building was tall, and security was tight. We changed elevators twice using encryption before reaching Hua Qingqing’s private office area.
Yi Xiaorou met me at the elevator: “What’s wrong, Zhao Qian? Are you feeling unwell?”
I gestured toward Zhu Da: “I’m fine; it’s him. He’s here to get Chief Hua to clean a scrape.”
The escort and Xu Jing were nearly stunned. To see the prestigious General Manager of Huashi just to clean a scrape!
The elevator went down, leaving the four of us in the hallway. I said softly to Yi Xiaorou, “This is Xu Jing. Did you hear what we were saying downstairs?”
Yi Xiaorou replied, “Qingqing’s surveillance equipment is very advanced; we heard everything. Let’s go; Qingqing is in her office.”
Zhu Da was very interested in Xu Jing and stuck close to her. Zhu Da and I walked ahead, and I murmured to Yi Xiaorou, “Your eyebrows look like you just had a vigorous session. Confess what you and Hua Qingqing were doing.”
Yi Xiaorou shot me a playful glare: “I knew you couldn’t be fooled. But you absolutely cannot mention this to Qingqing! She’s giving me breast augmentation massage; I want to get to an F-cup. Do you like that?”
Of course, I liked it. There are plenty of roadside ads everywhere; why? Simply because men and women both love full breasts!
The office door opened, and Hua Qingqing appeared before us, carrying a faint scent of jasmine. “Can Boss Zhao really get sick? Let me examine you quickly; don't scare my Sister Xiaorou.”
I pulled Zhu Da from behind me: “Chief Hua, please clean a scrape for him. And for Miss Xu Jing here, please give her one life-saving injection.”
Hua Qingqing fetched the antiseptic from the cabinet and began cleaning Zhu Da’s scrape while saying, “How dare I disobey Boss Zhao’s orders. Miss Xu Jing, you can go back first. I will arrange your discharge this afternoon, and then I will go to your home to inject your mother with the B Serum. This matter must be kept absolutely confidential; not a single whisper can get out, or you will have caused me great trouble.”
Xu Jing had expected this matter to be complicated and abstract, but it was resolved just like that. She stood frozen for a moment before finally managing to thank her: “General Manager Hua, I, I, I kneel to you.”
Hua Qingqing quickly pulled Xu Jing up: “No, if you do that, I won’t help you. Tell me your address. The hospital environment is too complicated; I cannot administer the injection here.”
“We, we don’t have a home anymore. We sold the house to cover the medical expenses.” Xu Jing’s emotions were complicated. She regretted not meeting this Mr. Zhao sooner; if she had, everything would have been much simpler. But deep down, Xu Jing was grateful for fate’s arrangement: if her father hadn't gone begging on the street, she wouldn't have gone out to check, meaning she wouldn't have encountered those two doctors, and without meeting the doctors, she wouldn’t have searched everywhere for Hua Qingqing. If she hadn't tried her luck near the outpatient building, she wouldn't have met this multimillionaire Mr. Zhao. Without this Mr. Zhao, perhaps even meeting General Manager Hua would have been futile.
“Come to our place! We have plenty of room there,” Zhu Da offered quickly, having just benefited from the beauty Hua’s service.
That was a good idea. I said to Xu Jing, “Yes, Zhu Da lives with several friends; his place has plenty of empty rooms. Go settle in there first, and we'll figure out the rest later.”
Xu Jing’s bright, hot tears fell onto her palm again, bringing a feeling of warmth. Spring was almost here; what reason was there not to be happy? This Mr. Zhao was truly the re-savior of the Xu family.