Chapter 169: Chapter 169

"An’an, why are you back so late today? Did something happen?"

Zhang Jian knocked on the bathroom door.

An’an had been inside for half an hour already, and Zhang Jian was very worried.

Shen You’an opened the bathroom door and walked out, wearing loose and soft home clothes.

Zhang Jian’s eyes were filled with concern.

An’an seemed to have lost even more weight. Her back was so thin it looked like a sheet of paper, and her complexion carried an unnatural pallor. The faintly visible web of bluish-purple capillaries beneath her skin was startling.

"An’an, is your body feeling unwell? Let me take you to the hospital for a checkup."

Zhang Jian felt immensely guilty. He had been too busy with work recently and hadn’t noticed that An’an’s health was deteriorating.

Shen You’an rubbed her flat stomach and said, "I think I just ate something bad these past few days, Uncle. Don’t worry, I’m really fine."

Zhang Jian still felt uneasy. "The project is finally over, so I’ve applied for a few days’ leave from my boss. During these days, I’ll make you some good meals to help you nourish yourself."

Zhang Jian placed a bowl of noodles in front of Shen You’an. "It was a rush today, so I only managed to make you some egg noodles. Tomorrow morning, I’ll head out early to buy groceries."

Shen You’an held the chopsticks. Even though she had no appetite, under her uncle’s eager and expectant gaze, she slowly finished the bowl of noodles.

"Uncle, has Song Qi tried to trouble you again recently?"

Zhang Jian shook his head. "President Zhao kicked him out of the project. The bank manager didn’t want to offend President Zhao, so he transferred Song Qi to a rural branch. It’ll probably take him at least a year or two to get back."

Zhang Jian didn’t disclose one other detail—Yongrui Fund had encountered issues. Song Qi’s biggest backing had fallen apart, so the bank manager saw no need to save face for him anymore.

Though Zhang Jian wasn’t one to gloat, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of bittersweet relief about the situation.

"Being able to escape unscathed this time is all thanks to President Zhao. He’s an exceptionally good person, completely down-to-earth. Such a pity he’s already gone back to Chunzhou. Otherwise, I’d definitely find an opportunity to treat him to a meal to express my gratitude."

"No rush, there’ll be plenty of chances in the future," Shen You’an said calmly.

Zhang Jian hesitated for a moment. President Zhao was a busy man. It had already been surprising for him to personally come to Qingzhou for an inspection; a future meeting seemed highly improbable. How could there be another chance to thank him face-to-face?

Without overthinking it, Zhang Jian noticed that Shen You’an had finished eating. He picked up the bowl and prepared to wash it.

"Uncle, let me do it instead. You’ve already worked hard cooking. Go to your room and rest."

"Arguing with me over a single bowl?!" Zhang Jian chuckled helplessly and didn’t give Shen You’an the chance.

Zhou Qin was naturally lazy; she never helped out in the kitchen. Over time, Zhang Jian had cultivated excellent cooking skills. After meals, he would habitually wash the dishes without a second thought, as this domestic rhythm had become ingrained in him.

An’an wasn’t in good health and faced immense academic pressure. He couldn’t possibly let her tackle tedious household chores.

When Shen You’an got up, a wave of dizziness suddenly struck her. She steadied herself on her chair to avoid collapsing.

Fortunately, Zhang Jian had already entered the kitchen with the bowl and didn’t witness this moment.

Taking a deep breath, Shen You’an prepared to return to her room.

At that moment, Zhang Jian’s phone on the dining table began to ring.

Zhang Jian’s voice came from the kitchen, "An’an, could you answer that for me?"

Shen You’an picked up the phone. The caller was Luo Wan.

As soon as the call connected, Luo Wan’s panicked voice came through. "Big brother! Big brother, come help me! Zhou Qin and that man are blocking my door, threatening to kill me! Sob...!"

Shen You’an said calmly, "Auntie, don’t panic. Lock the door and try to block it with furniture."

While speaking, Shen You’an picked up her own phone with her free hand and dialed 110.

After reporting the situation to the police, Shen You’an didn’t even bother to change clothes and quickly informed Zhang Jian. Zhang Jian’s expression shifted dramatically, and he ran out without even wiping off the water on his hands.

"What exactly does Zhou Qin want?!" Zhang Jian growled through gritted teeth.

In the elevator, Shen You’an asked, "Uncle, has Zhou Qin come to the bank looking for you?"

Zhang Jian sighed. "Quite a few times. She caused a lot of trouble, but luckily I wasn’t around those times. Sister Zhao helped me deal with her."

The bank manager even had a conversation with him, warning him to handle his personal affairs properly. If his issues caused trouble for the workplace, the manager wouldn’t be able to shield him.

Fortunately, Zhang Jian had delivered good results in his previous tasks, combined with President Zhao’s favor toward him. The higher-ups took these factors into account and were reluctant to dismiss him lightly.

Nevertheless, the incidents had undeniably affected his professional life.

Ever since Shen You’an’s complaint, the community at Scholar’s Spring had heightened their security measures. Zhou Qin, in particular, had landed on the blacklist with the security guards. Getting inside the residential area was no easy feat for her now.