[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film-":3,"chapter-from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-42":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","From the God of Medicine: A Journey Through Film and TV Worlds",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2333968,4564,"Chapter 42: Struggle","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>Liang Zhengxian lay listlessly on the bed in Wang Manni’s rented apartment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, he was somewhat relieved he hadn’t had time to let Zhao Jingyu come over and kick Wang Manni out—otherwise, he’d have been sleeping on the streets. Though he had many friends, he knew exactly what kind of people they were; they only stuck together for resource-sharing and mutual benefit, and to them, a friend in trouble wasn’t a friend at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He silently wished blessings upon Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, in his heart, Wang Yan had been crushed, ground to dust, and reborn three thousand times over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you insane? I just complained about someone being uncultured, and you go off like a rabid dog?” He felt utterly wronged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After being thrown out, he had only a few ten thousand yuan in cash left. Compared to his previous lifestyle, this pittance could barely buy him anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even this much was only because his father had shown a shred of paternal mercy—if not, he’d be drowning in debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been in debt before, but that was normal, just standard practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhao Jingyu had stolen most of his fortune, leaving him insolvent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man helped him settle it, though he himself was barely holding on—this was the absolute limit of what he could do. Of course, it was also because there wasn’t much money involved; compared to the current state of the Liang family, it was negligible. Otherwise, they might as well have let Liang Zhengxian die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Liang Zhengxian had planned to go beg Wang Yan for forgiveness, but yesterday he heard that their family’s attempts to plead on his behalf had backfired—instead, they’d gone even harder. Since their resolve was firm, why should he go and humiliate himself unnecessarily?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man had simply told him to “take care of himself” and dismissed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang Zhengxian understood the implication: he was completely cut off, with no way back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the Liang family, he was nothing. His past wealth came from connections and relationships—but now that the Liang family was collapsing, who would even recognize him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people rise from adversity like a phoenix; others just collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s not absolute, but Liang Zhengxian, who had enjoyed smooth sailing for so many years without ever facing setbacks, was almost certainly the latter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, he might not be able to accept it, but he had to acknowledge it—there was nowhere left to appeal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course he still harbored thoughts of revenge—but the gap in power was too vast. He couldn’t even match the family, let alone Wang Yan. What could he do? If he provoked Wang Yan further, he might get outright destroyed. For now, this was fine—at least he was still alive. Fortune turns; maybe there’ll be another chance someday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Manni had been restless and anxious lately, her work performance terrible and her sales dismal. She couldn’t stand Daisy, so she constantly found opportunities to criticize her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since she’d proposed transferring to Hong Kong, Liang Zhengxian hadn’t contacted her in days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had her suspicions, but she still refused to face reality. For the first time in years, she truly wanted to become Mrs. Liang and spend the rest of her life with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the door, she saw a pair of men’s shoes at the threshold and froze. Only she and Liang Zhengxian had keys—what other possibility could there be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly shut the door and rushed to the bedroom, where she found the man she’d longed for day and night, smiling at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tossed her bag aside and flung herself onto Liang Zhengxian, bursting into tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sobbing, she pounded on his chest: “Where have you been? I thought you’d never come back!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang Zhengxian held her hands gently and said, “There, there, you’ve cried your makeup off—I’m back now, aren’t I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing at his face so close, Wang Manni leaned in and kissed him passionately, seeking affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No words were needed—the atmosphere, the emotion, the depth of feeling—it all led naturally to what came next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Liang Zhengxian took off his shirt, his body was covered in bruises—black and blue marks terrified Wang Manni.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gently stroking them, she asked, “Zhengxian, what happened to you? How did you get beaten up like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang Zhengxian spun a tale: drunk on the street, randomly attacked by thugs who extorted him, then vanished afterward, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Manni believed him without question—it sounded plausible enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There, don’t worry—it’s almost healed, really.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved her hand away from his wounds and resumed kissing her. He hadn’t had the energy for this in a while—he’d been holding back too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Liang Zhengxian held Wang Manni against the headboard, one hand caressing her smooth back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why didn’t you come see me for so long?” The initial passion faded, and Wang Manni asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Manni, I’m sorry. My family’s business ran into trouble, so I didn’t have time to tell you. Then I got buried in work—I just couldn’t find a moment to reach out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew exactly how Wang Manni was—tell her the truth, and she’d kick him out immediately. So he might as well keep lying for as long as he could; meanwhile, he could figure out his next move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Manni wisely didn’t press further—after all, he’d come back, hadn’t he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, I see. How’s your family’s business now? You rushed back so suddenly and have been swamped ever since—did anything else go wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing serious—just some competitors pulling dirty tricks, caught us off guard, but we’ve handled it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Manni didn’t understand these things, so she didn’t press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation quickly turned to her Hong Kong transfer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhengxian, I mentioned transferring to Hong Kong before, but you left without clarifying—what’s your real opinion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to go to Hong Kong just to be closer to me. I know your feelings—I know them all. I’ve thought about this too. Why not let me develop my career here in mainland China? What do you think, Manni?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Wang Manni beamed with joy and surprise. Why had she done all this? Wasn’t it to become part of Liang Zhengxian’s life, to make him accustomed to her presence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But remembering Liang Zhengxian’s stance on marriage, she felt a pang of regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, she couldn’t let go. With cautious hope, she ventured: “Zhengxian, if that’s the case, isn’t it almost the same as getting married?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She trailed off, watching his reaction closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang Zhengxian fell silent, wrestling internally—he was tempted. After all, beyond his polished exterior, he had nothing left. Staying with her might be an option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew exactly what Wang Manni was—she was only after his money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he played with women, used them, and moved on, he’d never forced anyone. In the end, it was always mutual—after all, you need two to tango.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew how to manipulate human nature, but he didn’t believe he had the right to destroy someone’s life—he still had some self-respect left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they married, he’d truly ruin Wang Manni’s life—this wouldn’t be mere heartbreak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that if she discovered he was broke, bankrupt, and cast out of his family, she’d divorce him immediately. That would hurt them both—he might not care, but for Wang Manni, the damage would be devastating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he was a terrible person and now reduced to this, he still had some pride. He sighed and said, “Manni, I’m not ready to talk about this yet. Give me some time, okay?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though she expected this answer, Wang Manni still felt a deep disappointment, her spirits sinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liang Zhengxian, unchanged as ever, sweet-talked her until she smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You haven’t eaten yet, have you? Let me cook something for you—what do you want?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anything you make, I love.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Manni teased him playfully a few more times, then happily went to cook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since bringing Gu Jinghong over, Wang Yan had become idle again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia had been even busier lately, working long hours at the company and paying less attention to the three of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tea harvest had come in, and now all that remained was for Gu Jia to open the market—she’d already been preparing since returning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the ladies’ circle had bought a batch, it was barely a drop compared to the tea from several hillsides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately, it all depended on ordinary consumers—and back to the product itself. Gu Jia was confident; she’d personally overseen every step, all handcrafted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Henglu Village, everyone—from elders to children—was working tirelessly. Gu Jia couldn’t let down her fellow villagers; she was pushing herself to the limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached out to online influencers and influencer agencies to promote sales.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She needed reliable ones—her product was mid-range; she couldn’t let influencers turn it into street-market junk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus, many companies demanded excessive kickbacks, which she refused. Her goal was to return more profits to Henglu Village—to repair roads, schools, and help villagers prosper—she wouldn’t let it all be siphoned off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every day was spent negotiating, finding trustworthy companies and agencies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offline, she didn’t have to worry—Wang Yan, seeing how exhausted she was, introduced her to channels and even leveraged his connections among the ladies’ circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d placed products in malls, supermarkets, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only so much tea—once sold out, they’d have to wait for the next harvest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This launch was a smashing success—everyone was delighted. Consumer feedback, aside from a few outliers, was overwhelmingly positive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the first big success behind them, future sales would be easier—as long as the tea remained the same, there’d be no problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During this period, Wang Yan had fulfilled every duty of a husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the roles had reversed—he was practically becoming a stay-at-home husband.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t cook breakfast, but bought it on his way back from running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Gu Jinghong lived in Junyue Mansion, not far away, they all had dinner together every night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one cooked, and though they could afford restaurants, they couldn’t eat out every day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Wang Yan decided to practice cooking—but his skills were terrible. Though nimble, he kept flipping through recipes, clumsy and slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Wang Yan fumble and clatter around, Gu Jinghong grew exasperated and stepped in to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As someone with rich life experience, his cooking wasn’t as good as Gu Jia’s, but it was leagues better than Wang Yan’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they cooked together, the awkwardness faded, and Wang Yan and his father-in-law grew remarkably harmonious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daily life became reading, calligraphy, and coding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, he’d join Gu Jinghong for tea, easing Gu Jia’s worries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ziyang, on vacation, would take him out to explore and stroll around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia watched it all, her heart full—what could be happier than a harmonious family and a thriving career?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One evening, after dinner and putting Xu Ziyang to sleep,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the two of them embraced on the rooftop terrace, gazing at the surging Huangpu River and the bustling city below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve worked so hard lately,” Gu Jia murmured, nestled in Wang Yan’s arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You keep saying such formal thanks—I’m sick of hearing it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exaggeratedly rubbed his ear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gesture wasn’t particularly funny, but as the saying goes—in the eyes of someone who sees only you, even the smallest thing becomes charming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia burst into giggles at his antics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not understanding her humor, Wang Yan playfully tickled her, making her laugh harder—she’d been worn out lately; laughter was good for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the merriment, they finally fell quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go back to Henglu Village soon,” Gu Jia suddenly said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan had no objections: “Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled gently and fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they had been together for some time; everything that needed to be said had been said, and sweet nothings couldn’t be repeated forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So neither spoke again, simply gazing quietly at the distance, savoring this rare peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere at this moment was warm and beautiful; Wang Yan couldn’t help but be lost in it, unwilling to wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding. Ding. Ding.” The annoying phone ring startled the two out of their reverie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan got up, picked up the phone beside him, glanced at it, and answered: “Hello, yeah, it’s me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, have them bring her up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia asked from beside him: “What’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s the property management downstairs—Zhong Xiaoqin got drunk, so I told them to bring her up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia had told him about this before; after all, when conflicts arose, it was natural for her to explain for her friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhong Xiaoqin knowing this address, Gu Jia had told them back then. Besides, when Wang Yan went to Hong Kong to meet Zhao Jingyu, Gu Jia had brought them here too—they’d left a strong impression, so it wasn’t surprising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zhong Xiaoqin was drunk and coming over, Gu Jia grew anxious and immediately pulled Wang Yan downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening the door and walking to the elevator, not long after, the property staff and Zhong Xiaoyang dragged Zhong Xiaoqin out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elevator doors opened; Gu Jia asked about the situation, Zhong Xiaoyang explained everything and urged Gu Jia to keep an eye on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his instructions, Zhong Xiaoyang and the property staff left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout it all, Wang Yan didn’t even glance at him—he looked down on this man, too full of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhong Xiaoqin hadn’t been drunk and remembered Gu Jia, mumbling this address, he wouldn’t have known this was Gu Jia and Wang Yan’s place—he wouldn’t have brought her here at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now downstairs, when the property staff called, he couldn’t just take Zhong Xiaoqin away without explanation; otherwise, he’d have left already.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia and Wang Yan helped Zhong Xiaoqin inside and laid her on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Gu Jia quickly prepared a guest room, settled Zhong Xiaoqin in, and finally sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sorry,” Gu Jia knew Wang Yan disliked Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d lived together for some time now; she understood why, by now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine—he’s still your friend. Go to sleep, you’ve been worn out enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, Gu Jia had special circumstances, was exhausted from earlier, and worried about Zhong Xiaoqin—clearly, she had no interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They embraced and fell asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, after exercising, Wang Yan casually bought breakfast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia had been busy lately; Wang Yan didn’t make her get up early to fuss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned, Gu Jia was already awake—she was thinking of Zhong Xiaoqin and couldn’t sleep soundly even in a nap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As usual, he woke Xu Ziyuan, and the two of them washed up together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After washing up, Zhong Xiaoqin got up too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the unfamiliar decor and Gu Jia beside her, Zhong Xiaoqin wanted to slap herself twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also looked down on Wang Yan; the previous conflict had left her with a very bad impression. She hadn’t thought much about it, hadn’t realized Liang Zhengxian was trying to humiliate Wang Yan. In her eyes, her view of Wang Yan was the same as Zhong Xiaoyang’s: too full of himself, cold and unfeeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere at the breakfast table was awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan didn’t want to acknowledge Zhong Xiaoqin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Xiaoqin also looked down on Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Jia wanted to ease the tension but didn’t know what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ziyuan didn’t understand the situation; children forget easily, and he chattered nonsense to Zhong Xiaoqin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After breakfast, Wang Yan greeted Gu Jia and left to take Xu Ziyuan to school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Yan left, both Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin sighed in relief—that atmosphere had been unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I should just leave,” Zhong Xiaoqin said. “I don’t want to cause you trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the incident simmered, it exploded. Public opinion spiraled completely out of control—overwhelming and everywhere. One by one, righteous, enthusiastic, fiery heroes among the masses rose up indignantly, unanimously condemning Zhong Xiaoqin and the property management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way—I can’t possibly let you go alone in this situation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But your husband…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was indeed a problem—but now Zhong Xiaoqin had been exposed to the public; she was being cursed by thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unwilling to let Zhong Xiaoqin be alone, Gu Jia paused, then said: “Listen to me—stay here for now. Wang Yan won’t say anything; at worst, we’ll be awkward for a few days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s wait a bit and see how things develop,” Zhong Xiaoqin didn’t immediately agree.\u003C\u002Fp>",2722,"2026-06-20T21:08:40.823Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f61da7a0dcd75d82d36a59ce90d27399f8e8771733e74c756a2b6ed43b9850cd","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-43","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-41",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffrom-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--cover.jpg"]