[{"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-85":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},2334011,4564,"Chapter 85","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-85",85,"\u003Cp>In a fairly functional Western restaurant, it was mealtime, and the place was full of diners. Soft, soothing music encouraged quiet, calm conversation, and the tables were spaced far apart, so apart from the music, no one else’s laughter or chatter could be heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, let’s raise a glass to Andy getting through this storm, and to our sisters on the 22nd floor reuniting again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao lifted her glass, leaning forward to toast the other four women at the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy raised her glass and smiled: “Xiao Qu’s right, but I’ll opt out—I didn’t have much of a problem to begin with. Let’s just toast to our reunion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheers~~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crisp clink of crystal glasses echoed as the five women drank together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting down her glass, Andy picked up her knife and fork to cut her steak. “Xiao Qu, it feels like ages since I last saw you. What have you been up to lately?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else do I have to do but drift through life?” Qu Xiaoxiao said indifferently. “That GI project didn’t go through, so my dad gave me another chunk of cash and hooked me up with some clients to learn from. Enough about me—what about you? How’s everyone doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy smiled. “Fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Juer and Fan Shengmei nodded in agreement. Qiu Yingying didn’t even look up, silently chewing her meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the lackluster reactions, Qu Xiaoxiao sighed. “Come on, you’re all so dull. At least tell me something that’s happened lately—I want to know.” She scanned the table, then fixed her gaze on Qiu Yingying, who was quietly eating and seemed easiest to pressure. “Xiao Qiu, the others at least nod. Why don’t you say anything?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Qiu Yingying looked up and smiled. “Thanks for asking—I’m fine too.” Then she lowered her head and went back to eating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The smile froze on Qu Xiaoxiao’s face as she stared at Qiu Yingying’s bowed head. She was annoyed—but remembered she was here to mend relations, so she held her tongue. The atmosphere grew cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, Xiao Qu, we really don’t have much to say,” Fan Shengmei noticed the tension and stepped in to smooth things over. “We’re all just employees. We’re stuck at work every day—how can we be as carefree as you, the boss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Juer added: “Fan Jie’s right. Unlike you, we’re just workers. We’re swamped just doing our jobs—how could we have time for anything else?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking the opening, Qu Xiaoxiao glanced dismissively at Qiu Yingying, sipped her wine, and said: “So what if I’m the boss? I still have to work, you know. You have no idea how hard my days are—I don’t know how to do anything, I have to learn everything from scratch. If I mess up, I lose money. If I do well, I barely make anything. Honestly, I’d rather have your stable job than this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy forked a piece of meat over to Qiu Yingying and received a big smile in return. “It’s normal to feel uncomfortable at first. Give it time—you’ll get the hang of it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true, but who knows when I’ll ever figure it out?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fan Shengmei sipped her wine and offered a token word of comfort: “It’ll come eventually. You can’t rush hot tofu—take it slow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao took a bite and said: “Hey, Andy, who were those two people in the gossip?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The one named Wei Wei? He’s a net friend I get along with well. As for the other… hmm…” Andy paused, then told her—after all, they lived in the same building, and they’d see each other daily; Qiu Yingying could find out on her own anyway: “The other one you know—Wang Yan from upstairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao froze mid-sip, set her glass down, and frowned. “A Wang? You and him…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Qu Xiaoxiao didn’t know, Guan Juer chimed in: “An-di and Brother Wang have been together for a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Qu Xiaoxiao turned slowly toward Andy. “Really?” Andy smiled and nodded in confirmation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way? Andy? A Wang…?” After Andy’s confirmation, Qu Xiaoxiao instinctively wanted to lash out at Wang Yan—but seeing Andy’s gaze, she sheepishly raised her glass. “Fine, I’ll drink one myself. I didn’t say anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s the point of mending relations anyway? She didn’t know the others, but if she were Wang Yan, she’d blow him away with pillow talk. Of course, Qu Xiaoxiao wasn’t the type to back down easily—she’d still defend Andy. After all, the time Andy helped her—honestly, she was far more capable than her own parents, a true elite. As for Wang Yan? She’d find a chance to stir things up. Wang Yan wasn’t good enough for Andy. Yeah, she was only doing it for Andy’s sake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stable-running novel app, preferred by old users for its bug-fixing features: huanyuanapp.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After drinking, Qu Xiaoxiao wisely avoided mentioning Andy and Wang Yan. Her eyes flicked to Fan Shengmei beside her, and she had an idea—but held back. Today wasn’t the day to cause trouble—it might make Andy dislike her more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, she shifted topics, chatting and laughing with everyone. After hearing their daily stories, she forced herself to stay quiet. Damn it—I asked how you all were, and you all just said “fine.” Now that you’re talking, everything’s stuff I didn’t even know about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao showed no outward reaction to this obvious exclusion—but she filed it away in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the meal ended and they returned to Happy Song, it was already past nine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy went back to the 22nd floor—she still had things to handle. Qu Xiaoxiao called out: “Andy, don’t shut the door yet—I need to ask you something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy paused, then didn’t refuse. “Okay.” She glanced at the three women in 2202, smiled, and walked in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three women didn’t care—they had nothing to do with it. They opened their doors and went home to wash up. They’d had a little wine—perfect for a good night’s sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao tossed her things home, changed shoes, and hurried over to Andy’s place to consult, ask for advice, and seek guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy patiently listened for a long time, then said: “That’s all I’ve got. Any other questions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No more, thanks, Andy.” Qu Xiaoxiao shook her head. “Hey, by the way, while we were eating, you mentioned Fan Dajie’s classmate—I didn’t tell you this, but I’ve got a funny story.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened? What’s so funny?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s a total empty suit—showed up driving a BMW 3 Series to flirt. I checked with a friend—it was rented. Fan Shengmei thought she’d snagged a gold-digger, but it was all for nothing. Haha, isn’t that hilarious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy frowned. “You dug into her private life? That’s not right. Fan Xiao didn’t offend you—why are you doing this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao snorted. “Andy, you can’t just look at the surface. You don’t know—I once saw her….” She went on to recount Fan Shengmei’s pretentious behavior and the time she’d used a client’s presence to pressure someone into buying a silk scarf. “Honestly, Andy, I’ve met plenty like her—using their looks to chase men, even breaking up other people’s families. I can’t stand people like her. One by one, I’ll take them down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a pause, Andy said: “Enough. Let’s not gossip about others behind their backs. I still have things to do. You…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao interrupted: “I’ll go then. Bye, Andy, love you!” She grinned and walked out. Talking gossip with Andy, subtly highlighting herself—she could tell from Andy’s expression it had worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the door close, Andy fell into thought, mulling over Fan Shengmei’s situation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Yao Bin being led away, drunk, Wang Yan took a ride back to Happy Song.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d chatted endlessly, barely ate anything, and on the way, called Andy to ask if she wanted to grab something to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not hungry, Andy had no appetite to work either, thinking about Fan Shengmei. She decided to go downstairs and keep Wang Yan company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a noodle shop outside the compound, after hearing Andy’s story, Wang Yan sipped his broth. “Everyone has different thoughts and choices. Don’t overthink it. If you think she’s worth befriending, be friends. If not, just keep your distance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy thought for a moment. “You’re right—but it’s like you didn’t say anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan swallowed his noodles. “I won’t say more. Just this: try to observe from the sidelines. Watch long enough, you’ll understand. If you still can’t, go hang out with Tan Zongming for a couple days—see the women throwing themselves at him. They’re far better than Fan Shengmei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Andy nodded silently, staring across at Wang Yan slurping his noodles, her mind wandering aimlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing, Wang Yan wrapped his arm around Andy as they walked home, talking about light, easy things—why dwell on Fan Shengmei?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back home, it was past ten. Wang Yan whispered softly into Andy’s ear: “Feeling better?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Better…?” Andy stiffened slightly, then whispered, nodding: “...Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s wash up.” Without waiting for her reply, Wang Yan scooped up Andy’s stiff body and carried her into the bedroom bathroom. Soon after, muffled cries…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Bin sat up, rubbing his head, slowly coming to. After washing and eating breakfast made by the maid, he sat on the villa’s balcony, gazing at the greenery below, thinking about what Wang Yan had said yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Yao Bin picked up his phone and called: “Hey, Lanlan, got any cash?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Renovation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh right, right—I forgot. I’ll call him then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having laid the groundwork, Yao Bin dialed Qu Xiaoxiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The call connected: “Hello, who is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Yao Bin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao, half-asleep: “What? Calling this early?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That… that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spit it out or I’m hanging up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her impatient tone, Yao Bin gritted his teeth. “I’ve got a problem—need a lot of money. Too big to tell my family. So… you see…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Borrowing? Fine, tell me the amount—I’ll see if I’ve got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, Yao Bin silently cursed Qu Xiaoxiao, took a deep breath, and said: “Did you forget I fronted you five million for your apartment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of five million, Qu Xiaoxiao shot upright. She remembered—it was true—but then thought again. “Yao Bin, you’re not calling to demand repayment, are you? It’s just a few million—really worth this fuss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, Qu Xiaoxiao, am I that kind of person? I’m really in trouble. I just called Lanlan—she reminded me, or I’d have forgotten. By the way, that million-plus for her renovation—lend me that too. I’ll pay her back later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yao Bin… what happened? Let’s figure out a solution first…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, Qu Xiaoxiao, you always get me to fix your problems—now you’re telling me to help you think? I’m laughing.” Yao Bin nearly laughed himself. “Hurry up—my ass is on fire, and you’re cracking jokes?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long silence. Then Qu Xiaoxiao’s hesitant voice: “Yao… Yao Bin, you know my situation. I just got back from overseas—I don’t have that kind of money. I… I can’t pay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yao Bin shouted: “Didn’t you ask your mom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I came back to fight for the inheritance—if my parents found out, I’d be finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’ve decided not to pay back? You’re just going to let me die?” Yao Bin’s voice turned low. He was deeply disappointed. He’d helped her so much—and now, before any real hardship, he met this piece of trash?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao said: “Don’t panic, Yao Bin. Think of a solution. Think of something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not asking you to lend me money—I’m asking you to repay me. You’re just… fine, fine, Qu Xiaoxiao.” He hung up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was immensely grateful to his Brother Wang—if not for him, he’d still be trapped in this mess. How could he have ever thought this piece of trash was worth it? He’d been blind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the dial tone, Qu Xiaoxiao immediately called Lanlan to verify. After hearing the truth, she sat frozen on her bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was torn—tossing and turning all morning, skipping work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near noon, Qu Xiaoxiao sighed deeply. She owed money—she had to pay. Otherwise, she’d never survive in that circle again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She picked up her phone and called her mother: “Mom, is Dad with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” her mother glanced over, then immediately realized: “Xiaoxiao, tell me the truth—did you get into trouble again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao whined: “No, I didn’t do anything wrong. When you told me to come back and fight for the inheritance, I thought… I borrowed less than seven million from a friend, plus my own money, to buy the apartment in Happy Song. Now he wants it back—I can’t pay, Mom. Help me, please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You—you always pretend to be pitiful. Why not just let your dad buy you a villa? Now look—you’ve alienated everyone.” Her mother sighed in frustration. “Wait—I’ll call the bank. Give me your friend’s account number.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Mom, I love you so much!” Qu Xiaoxiao cheered, then added: “But Mom—please don’t tell Dad. This plan still works.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I know. Just make me less anxious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, thanks Mom—I’ll send you the account number right away. Let me know when it’s done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do I need you to remind me? Ugh, bye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qu Xiaoxiao pouted, tossed her phone aside, got up to wash up, and decided to check on Yao Bin—see what exactly had gone so wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>",2197,"2026-06-20T21:08:40.823Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","01821d34f433e217ddc8e89c3a163d8aed89d5d8a7a746370c94678c26d1f97c","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-86","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-84",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffrom-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--cover.jpg"]