Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 120 Neglect

Chapter 120 Neglect

Rao Chen had intended to stay in the sanatorium indefinitely, but unfortunately, Yuankang was also facing a crisis, and its survival was uncertain.

Recently, Yuankang’s investor, the Chen family, suddenly withdrew their funds and planned to remove the technical personnel originally stationed at the hospital. The reason? The Chen family happened to be rivals of the Rao family.

Before sending Rao Chen here, the Rao family hadn’t noticed that Yuankang’s previous investor was the Chen family.

Now that Rao Chen had been staying at the sanatorium for a few months, word had spread. Just as the hospital was struggling to make a profit, the Chen family used this as an excuse to withdraw their previous investments.

Had this issue not arisen, He Lang might not have noticed it at all. But now, it felt like one problem after another.

If Rao Chen were to take over his family’s business and represent the Rao family, replacing the Chen family as Yuankang’s supporter, the situation would easily be resolved, and He Lang’s mission could be completed accordingly.

It seemed this matter could serve as an excuse as well. He Lang stroked his chin thoughtfully.

It was said that the Chen family’s eldest daughter, Chen Lili, was intelligent and capable. Although a beta, her abilities were anything but mediocre. At a young age, she was already assisting with the family business and was well-behaved and sensible.

This time, He Lang personally visited her to negotiate regarding Yuankang’s investments, showing the utmost sincerity.

Chen Lili was usually busy with corporate affairs, so naturally, she lacked the pampered beauty of idle heiresses. However, she carried herself with grace and elegance, exuding a refined charm.

Her approachable demeanor and warm hospitality were apparent as she greeted He Lang. He breathed a sigh of relief—initially expecting to deal with an aloof and haughty noblewoman. Seeing Chen Lili as such a cultured and reasonable lady, his smile deepened further.

“I’m sorry to disturb you with my visit,” he began.

“Mr. Mo is a distinguished guest; how could it be considered a disturbance?” Chen Lili smiled faintly, pouring him a cup of tea herself.

From the moment they met, the man’s smile hadn’t faded. The aura he exuded blended naturally with hers, creating an atmosphere of calm and ease between them. Despite it being their first meeting, it was easy to feel a sense of goodwill.

“To get straight to the point, I’ve come to discuss the matter of Yuankang’s investment with you again,” He Lang said, taking a sip of tea and lowering his eyes slightly, appearing a bit uneasy.

Noticing his restraint, Chen Lili felt a pang of guilt. Their withdrawal of investment was indeed a disaster for Yuankang.

“We’re of similar age; no need for formalities. Just address me casually, won’t you?”

He Lang pursed his lips and smiled sheepishly. Chen Lili relaxed, taking the initiative to explain, “We are a profit-driven enterprise, so naturally, our top priority is profitability. Every year, we invest substantial manpower and resources into Yuankang, equipping it with advanced medical equipment. Unfortunately…”

She trailed off, tactfully expressing her difficulties. “Not to mention, the Chen family and the Rao family have always been competitors. When my father learned of the close relationship between Yuankang and the Rao family, he decided to withdraw our investments, and I had no choice but to comply.”

He Lang listened intently, nodding frequently to show his understanding of her challenges, yet still sighed. “Yuankang doesn’t seek profit and has always served the public. Naturally, the returns aren’t significant. However, I’ve heard that the Chen family has always been a philanthropic enterprise with a good reputation among consumers. Comparatively, the Rao family has always fallen short in this area—”

Chen Lili paused mid-sip, visibly swayed.

What he said was undeniably true. The Chen family’s vast wealth meant they didn’t lack these funds. If they withdrew their investment solely because of the Rao family, it might make them appear petty.

More importantly, his unassuming demeanor and eloquence somehow made it hard for her to reject him outright. His subtle display of disappointment stirred her sympathy, making her reluctant to stick to her decision.

“You’re right. Our Chen family isn’t solely profit-driven. Supporting Yuankang could enhance our corporate image—it’s a win-win. I’ll discuss this with my father again and strive to give you a satisfactory answer.”

After their discussion, Chen Lili finally gave He Lang a more favorable response. Given her influence in the family, He Lang was reassured.

More importantly, her attitude toward him seemed notably amicable, with deliberate gestures of kindness and warmth. This reaction, as expected, worked in his favor. He Lang lowered his gaze, hiding a complex and conflicted expression.

When their business discussion ended, Chen Lili hesitated to dismiss him, and He Lang, feigning ignorance, stayed to chat about trivial matters. Glancing around her spacious and luxurious office, he praised, “Managing such a large enterprise so efficiently is truly admirable, Miss Chen.”

Chen Lili smiled politely. “The Chen Corporation is the result of my father’s hard work in his youth. As a beta with average capabilities, I’ve simply benefited from his efforts.”

“That’s not quite accurate.” He Lang shook his head, leaning slightly closer. “Precisely because you’re a beta, your hard work and dedication stand out even more. Managing such a massive company is no small feat. I took on the role of director at Yuankang early in my career despite lacking experience. Though Yuankang is incomparable to the Chen Corporation, I can somewhat understand your struggles.”

He Lang sighed softly, as if truly empathizing with her.

Moved by his words, Chen Lili nodded slowly, picking up her tea. For some reason, a flood of unspoken thoughts surged within her, nearly spilling out.

As they continued chatting over tea, a sense of mutual admiration emerged.

He Lang’s gaze was earnest, and he didn’t hold back his praise. “Women like Miss Chen are truly rare.”

“You flatter me. Young gentlemen like Mr. Mo are equally hard to find,” Chen Lili replied with a reserved smile, clearly embarrassed by his continuous compliments.

Their first meeting, though brief, left a good impression. Checking his watch, He Lang realized that Rao Chen was probably awake from his nap by now. He made a move to leave.

“We’re of similar age and have much in common. If Miss Chen doesn’t mind, may I take the liberty of befriending you?”

“Of course not,” Chen Lili quickly replied, noting his formal tone. “Let’s arrange to meet again sometime.”

Under He Lang’s intentional approach, Chen Lili—immersed in work and unfamiliar with romantic affairs—experienced the feeling of heartache for the first time.

Yet juggling both sides was no easy feat. Rao Chen, having given up an easy opportunity, was entirely devoted to clinging to He Lang. Naturally, he noticed something was off.

On the fifth consecutive day of He Lang’s outings, Rao Chen couldn’t hold back any longer. Blocking him at the door, he crossed his arms to stop him from leaving and demanded, “What are you so busy with? Going out again?”

He Lang focused on straightening his tie, his expression calm. “You know I’m handling important matters.”

“The withdrawal issue? What’s so urgent about that? Couldn’t the Rao family just sponsor it?” Rao Chen said casually, though he wasn’t yet in a position to make such decisions.

He Lang chuckled lightly, unwilling to argue further. He feared saying too much might agitate Rao Chen, making it harder for him to leave.

“Don’t worry about it. After your last major injury, you should focus on recovering properly.”

Grinding his teeth, Rao Chen couldn’t find a reason to vent his frustration. He could only press He Lang against the door and kiss him thoroughly before letting him go.

Thanks to Chen Lili’s involvement, the withdrawal was postponed indefinitely, and Yuankang was saved. He Lang and Chen Lili’s relationship also seemed to progress rapidly.

The primary reason for approaching her was naturally to help Yuankang overcome its difficulties, but that wasn’t the most important reason.

A month later, Chen Lili brought good news.

With her intervention, the withdrawal issue was completely resolved. The so-called negotiations over the past few days were merely an excuse for the two to spend time together—an arrangement both seemed to enjoy.

Hearing that his request was successful, He Lang gave a relieved smile. Chen Lili smiled back, though her expression carried a trace of reluctance. Without a valid reason to meet daily, their interactions might decrease.

“Now that this matter is resolved, Mr. Mo will probably be busy with hospital affairs again.”

Her words carried a subtle undertone that He Lang didn’t miss. He briefly lowered his gaze before launching into a direct response. “How could that be? Yuankang is just work. If you’re willing, you could be my life.”

Chen Lili hadn’t expected him to be so forthright. Startled and delighted, she maintained a composed appearance, as if deeply considering his words. Finally, she mustered her courage. “Not only am I willing, but haven’t you realized it by now?”

He Lang initially revealed a hint of surprise, but then seemed to have some concerns. He sighed hesitantly and retreated deliberately, saying, “I’m afraid I’m not worthy of Miss Chen.”

“How could that be—Mr. Mo is an Alpha, the director of a hospital, a medical doctor, and a refined gentleman. How could you say you’re unworthy?” Chen Lili replied, clearing her throat after speaking. Her ears reddened slightly, as she felt her words sounded too eager… although that was indeed the case.

He Lang smiled faintly and asked in return, “So, it seems Miss Chen is very willing?”

Chen Lili pressed her lips together, revealing a mix of shyness and joy. The two clinked their glasses and exchanged smiles.

…

In the pitch-black hospital room, it was so dark that one couldn’t see their hand in front of them. Even though the moonlight outside was bright and gentle, not a sliver of it could enter. A blurry figure sat by the bedside, seemingly waiting for someone.

Rao Chen shifted his stiff body. The wound he had been nursing for so long was almost healed, yet Lang Lang still used it as an excuse not to touch him. What was even more infuriating was that it was already 10 p.m., and the man hadn’t returned. His phone was on, but he wasn’t responding to messages.

Although Lang Lang said it was because of his injury that he refrained from touching him, Rao Chen couldn’t help but feel neglected. His frustration had been suppressed for a long time. But since Lang Lang explained he was busy with important matters, even though his heart was burning with impatience, he restrained himself—simply because he didn’t want to repeat past mistakes.

The memory of their last cold war was still vivid. The coldness in Lang Lang’s eyes and his frosty demeanor were things Rao Chen never wanted to experience again.

This man had always kept his promises, and he had once vowed that he would belong to Rao Chen for the rest of his life.

Whenever anxiety consumed him, Rao Chen would recall that promise from the depths of his heart, using it as comfort and finding a reason to reassure himself. Because of this, he stubbornly and naively believed in it.

Yet the man who promised to belong to him for a lifetime had turned around and shattered that vow completely.

Author’s Note: The story will be completed by the 18th. Over the next seven days, I will randomly add extra chapters in addition to the daily updates.