Movie/TV series: Starting with Ode to Joy, I opened my own private kitchen.

Page 37

"Please remain calm and maintain a normal orientation, otherwise this system cannot guarantee that it will not eliminate you."

"Huh!" Su Chang was stunned when he heard the system's words. He didn't expect to be threatened by the system. He thought to himself, "Damn it, get lost! Who the hell loves you? I'm perfectly normal, okay?" However, he didn't argue with the system anymore, since it was pointless.

After completing all the formalities, Su Chang, Andy, and Jiang Lai walked out of the venue together, while Tan Zongming was still waiting at the door. Jiang Haokun had already left, and Lao Meng and Su Mingyu, having witnessed Su Chang's strength, also chose to leave. They knew the gap between them was too large, and forcing their way in would only annoy people, even though Su Chang had no such intention.

Tan Zongming still warmly invited, "How about we go grab something to eat?"

Su Chang looked at the two women, and seeing that Andy and Jiang Lai both said they didn't mind, he gladly accepted Tan Zongming's invitation. Tan Zongming told them to follow him in his car, then got in and led the way. Su Chang and the other two also got in the car and followed closely behind.

Tan Zongming led them to a manor, and Andy told Su Chang that this was Tan Zongming's home. Su Chang was surprised; he hadn't expected Tan Zongming to bring them directly to his home. After all, those invited to a home were usually very close friends, and Su Chang hadn't interacted with Tan Zongming much. However, Su Chang didn't say much, only slightly elevating Tan Zongming's status in his mind.

At this moment, Jiang Lai was not in a good mood. She had witnessed Jiang Haokun's behavior tonight and felt utterly humiliated. She felt that Jiang Haokun was too narrow-minded, no wonder Gan Jing hadn't married him all these years.

She was worried that Su Chang would take his anger out on her, and felt uneasy. Su Chang looked at Jiang Lai's expression, slowly got up, walked between Andy and Jiang Lai, and gently hugged Jiang Lai.

Jiang Lai's body trembled slightly. She looked up at Su Chang, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. Su Chang looked at her gently and said softly, "Don't worry, this has nothing to do with you. You are you, and he is him." His voice seemed to have a magical power, gradually calming Jiang Lai down.

Andy watched this scene from the side, a complicated expression on his face. For some reason, he also wanted to enjoy Su Chang's embrace.

A warm feeling welled up in Jiang Lai's heart. She hugged Su Chang tightly, feeling his warmth. At that moment, she made up her mind: she belonged to Su Chang, and as for Jiang Haokun, she didn't care if he died.

Upon arriving at Tan Zongming's house, Tan Zongming smiled and instructed someone to prepare a late-night snack. He then turned to ask the group what they would like to drink. Su Chang, as always, chose tea, while Andy and Jiang Lai both opted for coffee.

After instructing his men to make preparations, Tan Zongming looked at Su Chang with a serious expression and said softly, "Tonight's events, while showcasing your strength and gaining recognition in Shanghai's upper echelons, have also made you a target for many. After all, your abilities are indeed somewhat exaggerated. That Young Master Li will definitely try every means to cause you trouble, and given your strength, he's certainly not the only one. He's a real scoundrel, so you must be extra careful. If you need anything, feel free to ask me for help. I can warn him; I still have some influence."

Upon hearing this, Su Chang was secretly grateful for Tan Zongming's concern, but a confident smile appeared on his face. He thought to himself, "I have a system, so why would I be afraid of that young master Li?" He shook his head slightly, politely declining Tan Zongming's offer, and said, "Old Tan, thanks! But I think I'll handle it myself first, and we'll talk about it later if necessary."

Seeing Su Chang's determination, Tan Zongming wondered if Su Chang had any other tricks up her sleeve or if she had any powerful backers. However, he had recently learned a lot about Su Chang and knew her personality, so he didn't say anything more. He simply reminded her, "You should keep a low profile in the future. Don't do things like today again. After all, nobody likes someone who tries to do everything alone. It wouldn't be good to become a public enemy."

Su Chang nodded, expressing his gratitude again. He secretly resolved to become even stronger. After all, he had ample cash flow; as long as he was large enough, even if someone wanted to harm him, the higher-ups probably wouldn't allow it. He knew that Tan Zongming's words meant he genuinely considered him a friend, and he would remember this kindness.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Su Chang's mind: the all-powerful healing pill he had obtained could solve Andy and her brother's problem. Since he probably wouldn't be able to return to the villa for the next few days, this way, not only could he let Tan Zongming know he was skilled in medicine—after all, a renowned doctor held a high social standing—but he could also use this opportunity to win over Andy. Although this seemed a bit like taking advantage of a favor, and not exactly gentlemanly behavior, when had Su Chang ever claimed to be a gentleman?

Chapter Seventy-Three: Departure from Daishan

So, Su Chang asked Tan Zongming if he could talk about something privately. Tan Zongming nodded in agreement and led him upstairs to the study.

After entering the study, Tan Zongming asked Su Chang what was going on: "What is it? Why are you being so secretive?"

Su Chang cut to the chase and asked directly, "Old Tan, have you found Andy's brother yet?"

Tan Zongming was somewhat surprised at how Su Chang knew, but thinking that Andy might have told Su Chang, he didn't press the matter. He simply nodded and said, "Old Yan has been found, but Andy's brother isn't doing well. He has low IQ and may have a mental illness, and Andy may also have some issues. So, to avoid upsetting Andy, we haven't dared to tell her. Is there something you're thinking about asking this?"

Su Chang confidently stated, "I should be able to cure it."

Tan Zongming looked at Su Chang with suspicion, thinking to himself: How did this kid, a cook, suddenly switch to studying medicine? Can he really be that capable?

Seeing Tan Zongming's gaze and expression, Su Chang knew perfectly well that Tan Zongming didn't believe her. Without offering any further explanation, she simply said, "Andy knows I have medical skills. You can ask her if you don't believe me."

Tan Zongming pondered for a moment, thinking to himself: Should he ask Andy first? After all, if Andy and her brother could be cured, it would be a great joy for Andy. The main reason Andy returned to China this time was to find her brother, and he couldn't keep it a secret forever. But if Su Chang couldn't cure her, Andy might also be stimulated and develop problems, which would be troublesome.

In the end, Tan Zongming decided to ask Andy for her opinion first. He looked at Su Chang and said seriously, "Then I'll go ask Andy first. You should also be there so Andy can make the decision."

“Sure, no problem.” Su Chang was more confident than ever. Wasn’t the reason he took Andy to see Chen Nanxing earlier for this very moment? It seemed like he could finally put his plan into action.

The following afternoon, Su Chang arrived at Tan Zongming's manor again. A servant led him to a lawn where Tan Zongming and Andy were already waiting. Su Chang greeted them with a smile, but then a loud engine roared up.

The three men's attention was drawn to the roaring sound, and there came Old Yan, dressed in his ever-present leather jacket and pants, wearing sunglasses, riding a low-slung motorcycle.

Once everyone had arrived, Tan Zongming dismissed the servants and looked at Andy with a serious expression, slowly asking, "Andy, does Su Chang know medicine?"

Although Andy was a little puzzled as to why Tan Zongming would suddenly ask this, he nodded firmly and said, "Yes, his medical skills are outstanding."

Tan Zongming nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Andy, your brother has been found."

Andy's eyes widened instantly, her face showing disbelief. She asked excitedly, "Really? You found Xiaoming? Where is he? How is he now?"

"Alright, Andy, calm down. Lao Yan will tell you." Seeing Andy's agitated state, Tan Zongming felt uneasy and quickly comforted her.

After Andy calmed down a bit, Old Yan cleared his throat and said, "Andy, your younger brother Xiaoming is currently living in Daishan Nursing Home. According to my investigation, he is living quite well, and the old director takes good care of him. However..." Old Yan paused, then continued, "However, Xiaoming's IQ is currently very low, and we suspect he has a mental illness."

Andy's face turned pale instantly, her lips trembled slightly, and tears welled up in her eyes. She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling, and said, "I'm going to Daishan to find Xiaoming right now!"

With quick reflexes, Su Chang caught Andy just as she was about to rush out, his eyes filled with concern and heartache. He gently comforted her, "Andy, don't get agitated. I'll go with you. Besides, don't you know my medical skills? I've already found a way to cure Nanxing's illness, let alone your brother's."

Andy's body trembled slightly as she leaned against Su Chang's chest, feeling his warmth and comfort. Su Chang's embrace seemed to possess a magical power, and Andy's emotions gradually calmed down. She raised her head, looking at Su Chang with hopeful eyes, her gaze filled with helplessness and dependence.

"Really?"

Andy only calmed down after Su Chang nodded to indicate that it was true.

Su Chang then asked Lao Yan, "How long does it take to get from here to Daishan?"

Old Yan thought for a moment and replied, "If we leave now, we probably won't arrive until tomorrow morning, since I'm not sure if there will be a ferry to the island tonight."

After hearing Lao Yan's words, Andy bit her lip and said firmly, "Then let's set off now. I can see Xiaoming tomorrow morning." Her heart was filled with longing and worry for her younger brother.

Su Chang looked at Andy, a hint of heartache flashing in his eyes. He said, "Andy, don't worry, we'll arrange everything." Su Chang had originally planned to say that they would set off tomorrow, but seeing Andy's condition, he didn't dare to say it again.

Andy nodded. All she wanted to do right now was see Xiaoming and didn't care about anything else.

Having no other choice, Su Chang had to borrow an SUV from Tan Zongming. After all, he had driven a sports car today, and if he drove too far, he would be in big trouble. Afterward, Su Chang called Xu Hongdou and Jiang Lai to tell them that he would be away for two days, and then he set off with Andy and Lao Yan.

Along the way, Su Chang and Lao Yan took turns driving to keep Andy calm. When they finally arrived at the river ferry crossing in Daishan County around 7 p.m., they learned that the ferry had stopped running at 6 p.m. and they wouldn't be able to get to the island until 6 a.m. the next morning. The Daishan Nursing Home was located on the island. Su Chang then understood why Lao Yan had said they wouldn't arrive until the next morning.

Su Chang walked to Andy's side and asked softly, "Andy, shall we find a place here to rest for the night, get ourselves ready, and then head to the island tomorrow?"

Andy lowered her head, not saying a word, just silently shaking her head. Her eyes revealed endless grievances and helplessness, like a wounded puppy.

Su Chang sighed helplessly, deciding to use his financial power. Tempted by 5 yuan, the boatman finally agreed to take them to the island.

As they set foot on the island, Su Chang clearly sensed that Andy's anxiety was growing. He had Lao Yan drive while he held Andy tightly in the back seat, gently comforting her, "Andy, don't be afraid. Trust me, I'll always be by your side. And you have to believe that your brother's illness won't be too much of a problem for me. After all, I can handle Nanxing's illness. You should think about how to arrange Xiaoming's life afterward."

Andy looked up and saw the determination in Su Chang's eyes, and the fear in her heart lessened slightly. She slowly leaned into Su Chang's arms, still feeling uneasy, but her emotions had calmed down considerably.

Around 8 p.m., the three arrived at the entrance of Daishan Nursing Home. Old Yan said to Su Chang, "Wait for me in the car for a moment, I'll go find the director first."

Su Chang nodded in agreement. Old Yan then quickly left; he simply couldn't stand the constant displays of affection along the way, and now was the perfect time to escape.

Su Chang took out the bottled water and bread she had prepared before setting off, handed them to Andy, and said, "Andy, have some first to replenish your energy."

Andy wanted to refuse, but Su Chang continued, "Andy, you have to be in the best possible condition to see Xiaoming. The way you look now makes it hard for anyone to believe that you can take care of your brother."

Hearing Su Chang say that, Andy had no choice but to take the mineral water and bread and eat it in small bites.

Seeing Andy eat, Su Chang finally felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders and let out a long sigh of relief. However, he still couldn't help but start giving Andy some instructions.

“Andy, you must stay calm, otherwise no one will believe you can take good care of Xiaoming.” Su Chang looked at Andy with a serious expression, her eyes full of worry: “I saw your reaction when you saw Xiaoming in the original drama, it was absolutely heartbreaking.”

Andy nodded. All she wanted to do was see Xiaoming as soon as possible. Seeing her expression, Su Chang took out a panacea and handed it to Andy. Andy looked at Su Chang and asked in confusion, "What is this?"

Su Chang smiled, a mysterious expression on his face, and said, "This is a pill I concocted myself, called the Universal Healing Pill. Its effects are extremely powerful. Although it looks like just a small pill, it can treat most diseases and genetic defects. Nanxing needs this pill to cure her terminal illness."

Andy took the pill and examined it carefully. Her heart was filled with curiosity; she couldn't understand why such a small pill could have such a miraculous effect. She frowned and asked doubtfully, "Is it really that miraculous? Should I keep it for my brother? Such a precious pill must be very difficult to make."

Looking at Andy's expression, Su Chang knew what Andy was thinking. He patted Andy's shoulder and said earnestly, "Andy, don't worry. Although this pill is very precious, and I don't have many on me right now, it should be enough to heal you, your brother, and Nanxing."

Andy looked at Su Chang with eyes full of trust and swallowed the pill without hesitation. The pill melted in his mouth, and Andy felt a warm current flow down his throat, instantly spreading throughout his body.

"How are you feeling?" Su Chang asked with concern, also keeping an eye on Andy's condition.

Andy's face lit up with surprise. She said excitedly, "I feel so much lighter now, like all my fatigue has disappeared."

Su Chang nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. He looked at Andy and said earnestly, "Andy, I've told you about the effects of this all-purpose healing pill. You must keep it a secret for me, not even from Tan Zongming."

A resolute glint flashed in Andy's eyes as she solemnly said, "I understand, I promise I'll keep it a secret. I know how terrifying this pill is; it can tempt many people to do bad things. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Chapter Seventy-Four: Xiaoming

Not long after, there was a knock on the SUV door, which startled Su Chang and Andy awake. Andy reluctantly left Su Chang's embrace. The two looked out of the car and saw that it was Lao Yan who had returned.

Su Chang told Andy to stay in the car, then opened the door and got out, frowning as she asked Lao Yan, "What's the situation now?"

Old Yan said helplessly, "I just spoke with the dean, and he said that Xiaoming is getting ready to sleep now, so it would be best if he came back tomorrow."

Su Chang scratched his head, thought about it and agreed. He muttered to himself, "After all, Xiaoming is going to sleep now, so there's no point in seeing him. I don't want to ruin his image in his mind and make it harder to communicate with him later." So he went back to the car and told Andy that the dean said Xiaoming was going to sleep and would come back tomorrow.

Andy looked somewhat disappointed, but perhaps because of the all-powerful healing pill or because Su Chang was with him, his emotions remained relatively calm. He nodded and calmly said, "Alright then, we'll come back early tomorrow."

Su Chang immediately rolled down the car window and said, "Old Yan, let's find a hotel to stay at for the night and come back tomorrow morning."

"Okay, wait a moment, I'll go tell the director." After saying that, Old Yan walked towards the nursing home.

The next morning, before dawn, Su Chang was sound asleep when he heard a series of urgent knocks on the door. Su Chang was a little annoyed. Who could it be so early in the morning? But thinking that something might have happened to Andy, he jumped up and opened the door to find Andy already dressed and standing in front of him, her face full of anxiety.

Seeing Andy's impatient manner, Su Chang said helplessly, "Aren't you in too much of a hurry? Wait a moment, I'll go change my clothes and wash up."

Andy said somewhat shyly in a low voice, "I'm sorry, I really wanted to see Xiaoming." After saying that, she followed Su Chang into the room.

"It's alright, it's nothing." What could Su Chang say? He would pamper his own woman, even though she was like an older sister to him in this life.

After changing his clothes and washing up, Su Chang sent a message to Lao Yan, telling him that Andy couldn't wait to see Xiao Ming. Then, he and Andy drove towards the nursing home.

Throughout the journey, Andy was unusually excited, constantly urging Su Chang to drive faster. Although Su Chang felt somewhat helpless, he understood Andy's feelings and could only increase the car's speed.

As dawn broke, Su Chang and his companion drove to the entrance of the nursing home. Inside, the nursing home was already bustling with people, and soothing music filled the air.

After getting out of the car and entering the nursing home, a middle-aged woman blocked their way.

"Who are you? What are you doing at our nursing home?"

Andy's eyes searched frantically, like radar, looking for any trace of Xiaoming she remembered, but she didn't answer. Su Chang, on the other hand, appeared more composed. He stepped forward and politely said to the middle-aged woman who appeared before him, "Hello, we're here to see the dean about something."

The middle-aged woman looked them up and down, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes, but she still answered politely, "Oh, you're here to see the dean? Then wait here for a moment, I'll go and call her over." With that, she turned and left.

After the middle-aged woman left, several curious elderly people gathered around, asking all at once, "What are those two children doing here?"

Whose child is this?

"Are you here to see your parents?"

Su Chang quickly explained, "We came to see the dean about something, not to visit our parents." Only then did the crowd disperse.

About five minutes later, the middle-aged woman walked over with a kind old woman with a full head of white hair, slightly sallow skin, but shrewd eyes. Su Chang guessed that this must be the dean. He quickly pulled Andy to greet her.

Sure enough, after the middle-aged woman's introduction, it turned out that this kind-looking woman was Director Zhou of the nursing home. Director Zhou looked at them with gentle eyes and asked softly, "What can I do for you two?"

Su Chang quickly introduced, "Dean Zhou, this is Andy, she is Xiaoming's older sister. We are here to see Xiaoming."

Dean Zhou frowned slightly and said, "Someone said they were looking for Xiaoming last night, but it wasn't you. Where are your materials?"

Su Chang then realized that the two had rushed over and the documents were with Lao Yan, so she quickly explained, "That's Lao Yan, the one who helped us find Xiao Ming. Andy was in a hurry to see Xiao Ming, so she didn't wait for Lao Yan. Could you let Andy see Xiao Ming first? I'll have Lao Yan bring the documents over as soon as possible, is that alright?"

Andy's face was filled with urgency; she clenched her hands tightly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Dean Zhou looked at Andy and sensed her sincerity and eagerness. His doubts gradually dissipated, and he thought it must be true. After all, no one would likely have any ulterior motives towards a mentally challenged person with a mental illness.