Xiang Qian's Other Past: I Never Lie to Children

Worthington II finally could not help but speak up to intervene.

"Why you? That's a good question." Xiang Qian seemed to have anticipated this; without turning his head, he raised a hand sharply to stop Worthington II.

"I come from China. Do you know that country, kid?" Xiang Qian saw Jimmy nod hesitantly.

"Some people attribute their circumstances to fate, or to God—depending on which deity they are more familiar with." Xiang Qian's voice slowed and deepened, carrying an irresistible sense of persuasion. "But over a thousand years ago, a philosopher in my country made an interesting and apt metaphor for so-called fate."

"He compared people to leaves. Fate is like the wind that blows the leaves down; some land on exquisite mats or carpets, while others land in mud or rivers. That is the difference in fate between different people."

Jimmy asked, puzzled, "So, you want me to accept it?"

"NO!" Xiang Qian rejected Jimmy's thought again, but this time, the coldness from before was completely swept away.

"People are not leaves, after all. Where a leaf lands is decided solely by the wind, but where a person ultimately ends up is something they can fight for." At this moment, Xiang Qian looked exactly like a life coach brewing up some chicken soup for the soul.

"When I was your age—no, actually, when I was much younger than you—I suffered from a serious illness. A real, genuine illness!" Xiang Qian looked at Jimmy sincerely. "My immune system was completely destroyed by a type of radiation wave. You know what an immune system is, right?"

Jimmy continued to nod. Although his freedom was restricted, Worthington Industries still ensured Jimmy's right to compulsory education for legal reasons. After all, he was only entrusted to Worthington Industries for treatment by his parents, not a slave sold into bondage.

"After my immune system was destroyed, I kept getting sick, over and over again. Some doctors even asserted that I would have to live in a sterile plastic bubble for the rest of my life. They ran countless tests on me, and even after my immune system slowly repaired itself, they still couldn't find the cause."

"And then?" Jimmy asked curiously.

Xiang Qian smiled and said, "Then I grew up. When I was about a little older than you are now, I made a decision: since others couldn't cure me, I would do it myself!"

"Outside of my main profession, I studied biology and pathology, and while looking beyond existing medical theories, I tried all sorts of other treatment methods." Xiang Qian spread his hands. "You see, I'm very healthy now."

"You've already cured your own illness?"

"Not completely cured, but I have indeed found a way to keep myself healthy. I think it won't be long before I'm fully healed, right?" Xiang Qian laughed with self-satisfaction.

A glimmer of hope flashed in Jimmy's eyes again. "Do you think I can do it too? Cure myself?"

Xiang Qian smiled. "Although I never considered your talent a disease, much less a curse, if you have the will, you can make attempts in this direction and solve the problems you encounter yourself. Perhaps that is what life is; it's always one problem after another, and you just solve them one by one."

"But, do I still have a chance?" Now that he was familiar with Xiang Qian, Jimmy began to talk more. "I heard the lab is in danger now. Am I in danger too?"

Xiang Qian asked curiously, "How do you know that?" It wasn't strange for the boy to understand that Worthington Industries was using him to develop drugs, but how did he know about the brewing storm outside?

"The doctors, sometimes they chat while doing experiments. I mean, while they were experimenting on me."

Xiang Qian realized; this was the flaw of almost all adults—the habitual tendency to underestimate children, always assuming they don't understand anything.

Worthington II also muttered a "Damn it" behind him.

"Actually, it's nothing!" Xiang Qian said with an air of ease. "It's just that the wind is blowing again, trying to push the leaves to where the wind dictates."

Xiang Qian sincerely promised the boy, "Don't worry, Jimmy. This time, we will block the wind. I can't guarantee where your future will land, but I promise to give you a chance to make your own choices when the time is right."

Emerging from Jimmy's room, Worthington II wore an expression of genuine admiration. "James, what you just said was excellent. I've never seen Jimmy trust a stranger he just met so quickly."

Xiang Qian didn't react to Worthington II's flattery, responding perfunctorily as he walked toward General Ross's command post. Building a relationship with Jimmy was a step he had planned long ago, and these schemes certainly couldn't be told to Worthington II.

"Of course, that story you told was very moving." Worthington II continued to make small talk as the conversation threatened to stall. "When you were little, were you really..."

"Of course!" Xiang Qian replied without turning his head. "The story about me being sick when I was a kid? That's true."

"Really?" Worthington II was clearly somewhat incredulous. Telling a bit of chicken soup was one thing—a little exaggeration or artistic license was understandable—but to describe himself as so miserable didn't fit his current image at all!

If nothing else, just ask around the Pacific Rim; who didn't know that Xiang Qian changed women faster than the paparazzi could expose him? A playboy who lived for women and was full of infinite vitality—and he claimed to be a sickly, frail patient since childhood?

Xiang Qian stopped in his tracks, looking at Worthington II with a half-smile. "As a businessman, I don't deny that I have deceived many people, but I never deceive children."

Worthington II felt a bit awkward and laughed stiffly. "I'm sorry..."

"It's nothing!" Xiang Qian said, as if intentionally cutting the other man off. "Life isn't always smooth sailing. Of course, Mr. Worthington, you might not be able to relate to that. After all, as far as I know, Worthington Industries was already an industry giant when your father was alive. You are a lucky man born with a silver spoon in your mouth."

Hearing Xiang Qian's backhanded compliment, Worthington II was not pleased.

In the United States, there were many types of wealthy people. Those who started from scratch and made their fortune through ability, while inevitably attracting some criticism, generally had positive images, and the public loved to talk about their legendary experiences. However, those who were born as second-generation rich kids didn't get such good reviews.

"Mr. James, in my more than half a century of life, I have always been proud that I have lived up to the honor of the Worthington family." Worthington II spoke like a proud knight delivering a life manifesto.

"Both I and Worthington Industries have weathered countless trials. No storm can bring us down."

Hearing Worthington II confidently plant a flag for himself, Xiang Qian couldn't help but reveal an inscrutable smile.

"I hope so, Mr. Worthington; I would very much like to believe in you and your company."