Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2401 - 2337: Dock My Pay

"Let me explain the matter: an unknown item pricked my teacher's hand, and I believe the individual involved has a rather suspicious background. That's why I didn't hesitate to bring him here for a complete check-up. I need to know precisely what occurred and if it poses any risk to his well-being. Moreover, this issue has to stay completely secret."

The seriousness in Chiang Xiao's voice prompted the dean to adopt a grave expression too.

After all, given Chiang Xiao's special status, it wasn't impossible for enemies to aim at her or people close to her. Matters like this demanded full attention.

"Who's behind this?"

"I'll discuss it with Uncle Ding and get him to dispatch investigators for a deep probe. But, dean, I'm counting on you to handle my teacher's case."

"Of course. Show me the puncture mark?"

The dean glanced at Liu Guoying's hand.

For no clear reason, Liu Guoying sensed a wave of awkwardness.

It was merely a tiny puncture he could barely spot himself. Was it worth pulling the dean into this personally?

Wasn't that overdoing it a tad?

Yet Chiang Xiao had already seized his hand, lifting it toward the dean and indicating the spot.

The dean inspected it carefully. "It certainly resembles a needle mark. I'll set up the tests immediately and ensure Master Liu gets a thorough scan."

Chiang Xiao gave a nod. "Good, thanks a lot, dean."

The dean stepped out, instructing them to wait a moment.

"Listen, isn't this blowing things out of proportion?" Liu Guoying shot Chiang Xiao a stern look. "Plus, I figure it was probably just a sharp edge on Hu Xiangyong's ring that hadn't been smoothed down, nicking me by chance. No reason to treat it so gravely, is there?"

"Teacher, just trust my judgment this once. You sensed something off about that guy too. We shouldn't brush it aside; the check-up costs nothing and will ease our worries."

"You're imposing on people and don't worry about building up debts of gratitude?"

"I'm not worried at all. Why should I be?"

"The esteemed dean juggles countless duties daily, and here you are dragging him into this minor issue. You truly are..."

Chiang Xiao paid no mind to Liu Guoying's concerns; the examination simply had to proceed.

How else could she rest easy?

Ding Haijing burst through the door, appearing flustered and out of breath, his features etched with concern. "Xiao Chiang, has something gone wrong for you?"

Chiang Xiao had never witnessed such urgency from him and shook her head in confusion. "I'm okay."

Only then did it hit her that, in her haste to escort her teacher from the hospital earlier, she'd forgotten to alert him. Clearly, she wasn't yet accustomed to relying on a protector.

"Even if all's well, you ought to give a heads-up, a simple signal at least! Bolting away without a word—what's that about?"

Ding Haijing surprisingly raised his voice at her.

Chiang Xiao blinked in surprise.

What was this?

Who held the employer role here?

Why the lack of professionalism toward her as the client?

"Hey, who do you think you are? Thinking a booming voice makes you impressive?" Liu Guoying took offense.

Ding Haijing pouted sullenly. "I'm her bodyguard! Her abandoned one!"

Liu Guoying: "..."

Chiang Xiao: "..."

"Oh, great sir!"

Why phrase it with such a hurt, indignant tone?

Had she done something so unforgivable?

Merely leaving him out of the loop?

But before she could respond, Ding Haijing snapped to attention, then bowed sharply at the waist in her direction and declared, "Apologies, this lapse is entirely my fault. Protecting you means staying by your side no matter what, so I shouldn't fault you for skipping the warning. Go ahead and cut my pay for half a month."