Urban Villain: The Game of Wealth and Women

{Chapter: 294 Glaring eyes!}

Lin Yuan gently touched Gui Qingtong's delicate throat again, his fingers cool and steady. With a calm and concerned voice, he said, "I know you've been working really hard to get into the Jiangbei Conservatory of Music. That's admirable. But no matter how important your dreams are, your health should always come first. Understand?"

Gui Qingtong blinked her big eyes and nodded earnestly. "Hmmmn."

Lin Yuan looked at her and asked, "Have you been taking any throat lozenges recently?"

Gui Qingtong gave another little nod. "Yes, I've been using them these past few days."

Lin Yuan frowned slightly and explained patiently, "Those lozenges are fine for general care. They help keep your throat moist, but when your voice is strained from overuse, they're not enough. You need something more effective."

"I'll prepare something for you—an herbal formula with ingredients like Pinellia ternata, Magnolia obovata, dried tangerine peel, Tuckahoe, and perilla leaves. These are traditional medicinal herbs that soothe inflammation and help heal vocal strain."

Gui Qingtong listened intently, nodding again, obedient as always. She didn't question Lin Yuan's knowledge; her trust in him was absolute.

Within minutes, the household staff delivered the herbs Lin Yuan had mentioned. Mei Yuxian had long since made it a habit to stock an impressive supply of traditional medicinal materials, especially after Lin Yuan had provided her with a prescription to improve Gui Qingtong's constitution.

Thanks to that, their home practically resembled a small apothecary, with cabinets full of neatly labeled herbs and tonics.

Gui Qingtong sat nearby, watching Lin Yuan with wide, curious eyes as he measured and mixed the ingredients with precision. He looked serious and calm, exuding confidence and a quiet competence that made Gui Qingtong's heart flutter.

After selecting a clean pot from the kitchen, Lin Yuan added water and the herbs, starting the slow process of decoction over a low flame. The faint aroma of medicinal herbs soon began wafting through the house.

"Brother Lin Yuan," Gui Qingtong asked in a sweet, inquisitive voice, "Are you really making medicine for my throat?"

Lin Yuan gave her a gentle nod. "That's right. This should help you recover faster."

Gui Qingtong's eyes sparkled. "Wow! You can even treat illnesses?! That's amazing, Brother Lin Yuan!"

She had never doubted him—her tone was one of admiration, not surprise. To her, there was nothing Lin Yuan couldn't do.

"I only know a little," Lin Yuan said modestly, ruffling her silky hair. "Didn't your mom give you a lot of Chinese medicine lately? I was the one who gave her the prescription."

Gui Qingtong's eyes widened in shock. "Brother Lin Yuan, you gave the prescription? She didn't say anything about it. I thought the prescription was from a famous doctor. Brother Lin Yuan, you really are too good. I feel that my body's condition has really improved a lot after taking the medicine!"

Her voice softened with emotion. "Thank you, Brother Lin Yuan…"

As she spoke, her eyes filled with gratitude, and her face lit up with joy. She leapt forward, throwing herself into his arms. Her body felt warm and light, her emotions overflowing.

Lin Yuan held her for a moment, then gently pushed her out of his arms and patted her head again with a smile. "You already sing beautifully, Qingtong. I've heard you. Your skills are more than enough to get you into Jiangbei Conservatory. So yes, work hard—but not at the expense of your health. Don't wear yourself out, okay?"

Gui Qingtong nodded, her eyes shining like stars. "Okay! Thank you for supporting me, Brother Lin Yuan! I'll keep working hard until I graduate… and then you must marry me, okay?"

Lin Yuan was caught off guard and let out a dry chuckle. "Uh…"

Wanting to change the subject quickly, he glanced at the simmering medicine and said, "The herbal decoction still needs some time to finish. Let's play a game first and help you relax."

"Okay!" Gui Qingtong grinned, visibly excited.

The two of them walked back to the lobby, where the VR console and 3D glasses were ready. They each grabbed a pair of controllers, slipped on the glasses, and started a two-player virtual reality game. The room filled with laughter and lively chatter as they competed and cooperated inside the immersive game world.

An hour passed in what felt like minutes.

When the time came, Lin Yuan returned to the kitchen and carefully poured the fragrant herbal concoction into a porcelain bowl. He brought it to Gui Qingtong, who took it with both hands and drank it without complaint, despite the slightly bitter taste.

After she finished the medicine, Lin Yuan gently guided her to lie down on the soft leather sofa.

"Just rest here. I'll do a little acupuncture and massage to help stimulate recovery."

Gui Qingtong blinked, slightly surprised but trusting. "Okay…"

Lin Yuan carefully pressed a few pressure points along her throat and shoulders, performing subtle acupuncture and massage techniques.

A few minutes later, a soft sigh escaped Gui Qingtong's lips as her pale, slender limbs stretched out in comfort. Her entire body felt light and relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted.

"Brother Lin Yuan… this feels so good. I feel so much better already…"

Lin Yuan smiled. "Good. Then get some rest. No more straining your voice for a few days, alright?"

Gui Qingtong nodded again, her heart full of warmth. Being taken care of like this… she never wanted the moment to end.

"Big Brother Lin Yuan, when you do this, it makes me feel so warm and relaxed. I think I could get used to this feeling for the rest of my life."

Gui Qingtong tilted her adorably delicate face upward, gazing at Lin Yuan with genuine emotion and unshakable sincerity in her bright, expressive eyes.

Then, with a soft and heartfelt voice, she added, "But even if I didn't get to enjoy this massage... I'd still be happy. As long as I can stay by Brother Lin Yuan's side, that's enough for me."

Seeing the heartfelt expression on the sweet girl in front of him, Lin Yuan couldn't help but smile. Her sincerity was deeply moving, and for a moment, he felt a flicker of guilt and tenderness.

"I'm giving you medicine, acupuncture, and massage for the sake of healing your throat—not like some kind of massage therapist trying to pamper you." Lin Yuan replied with a gentle tone, his hand lightly resting on her head. "Now, focus and tell me honestly—how does your throat feel now?"

Despite the teasing edge in his tone, Lin Yuan's concern was genuine. He was touched by Qingtong's innocent affection, but he reminded himself that now wasn't the time to cross any lines.

Firstly, Gui Qingtong's body was still fragile and weak—her health had to come first.

Secondly, the situation was complicated. If anything developed too quickly between him and Gui Qingtong, it might put a heavy emotional strain on both her and her mother, Mei Yuxian. If things were to evolve, they needed to do so naturally and gradually. Otherwise, there might be unforeseen consequences.

Hearing Lin Yuan's words, Gui Qingtong immediately brought her small, fair hand up to her neck and gently touched her throat. She blinked in surprise and let out a soft, curious sound, almost like a kitten testing its own voice.

To her delight, she discovered that her throat had genuinely improved. The previous soreness was gone, and her voice no longer felt hoarse or strained.

"Wow! Brother Lin Yuan, thank you so much! My throat really feels better now!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with amazement and joy. "It doesn't hurt anymore! And my voice sounds normal again too!"

"It's good that you're feeling better." Lin Yuan smiled as he lightly patted her head again, his expression calm and reassuring.

After the treatment, the two of them went back to their earlier activity—playing their favorite two-player VR game.

They both slipped on their VR headsets and immersed themselves in the virtual world together, the room once again filled with laughter and cheerful shouts.

Gui Qingtong looked especially adorable while playing. Every time a small monster appeared on the screen, she would squeal in alarm and hide behind Lin Yuan in the virtual game. After he defeated the creature, she would energetically rush forward to gather the treasure drops and rewards—only to scream again when the next monster appeared.

This cycle continued over and over, and Lin Yuan couldn't help but chuckle at her reactions.

Eventually, tired from all the excitement, Gui Qingtong leaned against Lin Yuan, resting her head on his shoulder, sighing in contentment.

Just as the peaceful moment settled in, they heard a sudden sound at the door.

The front door rattled slightly, followed by the unmistakable voice of a woman.

"Qingtong? Are you in there, Qingtong? Open the door."

It was Mei Yuxian!

Because Lin Yuan had locked the door when he first arrived, Mei Yuxian couldn't open it from outside. Now she was back—much earlier than expected.

Hearing her mother's voice, Gui Qingtong instantly froze, her body going rigid with panic.

She was supposed to be studying at this hour—not playing VR games.

Lin Yuan noticed her anxiety and gently patted her shoulder, speaking in a calm and reassuring voice. "Relax. It's fine. Keep playing. I'll go open the door for your mom."

Gui Qingtong blinked, then gave a small nod. Still wearing the VR glasses, she obediently responded, "Okay."

Lin Yuan removed his own VR headset and walked to the entrance with composed steps.

As he approached the door, he spoke out clearly, "Sister Yuxian? I'm here—I'll open the door for you."

Hearing Lin Yuan's voice from inside, Mei Yuxian paused in surprise. "Xiao Yuan? You're here? But it's still early—I thought..."

She didn't get to finish her sentence before the door opened.

As soon as it did, Mei Yuxian stepped into the apartment—and immediately noticed Gui Qingtong still wearing her VR headset, fully immersed in the game world. Lin Yuan held a headset in his hand as well.

Her eyes narrowed slightly at the scene, her maternal instincts kicking in before her thoughts could catch up.

But just as she was about to say something, she suddenly felt a firm, familiar touch—a warm hand gently held her wrist.

It was Lin Yuan's hand.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly, and she instinctively turned to glare at him—equal parts surprise and something more difficult to describe.

*****

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