Ji Yu's expression instantly turned dark.
"Miss Song, that joke isn't funny."
She looked at Song Xuan and Gu Qixiao—one crazy, one cold. She must be out of her mind to have agreed to see them.
"Miss Song, I spent the entire afternoon thinking about your repair surgery plan. If you... forget it."
Ji Yu saw that Song Xuan genuinely had no interest in the artwork. She didn't bother persuading her any further.
Over the years, she had met all kinds of people. Song Xuan's hunger and greed were crystal clear in her eyes. If it weren't for Gu Qixiao's involvement, there was no way she would even consider having a repair surgery.
To Song Xuan, physical beauty and appearance were paramount. She wouldn't cherish the things meant for her. Even if Ji Yu successfully completed the surgery, she wouldn't be thankful. Instead, she might end up like that Miss Li before, harboring resentment against Ji Yu and imagining it was done intentionally.
Why would Ji Yu invite trouble upon herself?
She closed the medical record book and raised her chin, "I'm not doing the surgery anymore. You both can leave."
Song Xuan hadn't expected Ji Yu's attitude to be so casual. She was furious inside but put on a pitiful front, crying: "Doctor Ji, why the sudden anger? I was just wondering—aren't you a cosmetic repair institution? Why can't I choose the face I want? That previous look was too ugly! Spending so much money on the surgery, and you're just brushing it off like this?"
"That look isn't ugly. It's your most authentic self. I only handle repair surgeries. If you want full cosmetic alterations, you can go elsewhere for follow-up treatment. But Miss Song, if you're chasing someone else's beauty, we at Chongxin cannot cater to that. You are welcome to visit any cosmetic surgery clinic for your influencer face—that's a simple procedure."
Ji Yu chuckled coldly, almost rolling her eyes.
Song Xuan was indignant: "But I want you to do it! Xiao, the Gu family spent three whole years trying to book Doctor Ji, spending hundreds of thousands in reservation fees. Why should I have to follow someone else's advice and settle for a face I'm dissatisfied with? I don't want that face—that's not me. I want you to give me a face as beautiful as yours!"
She clung to Gu Qixiao's arm, throwing a tantrum. Gu Qixiao frowned, momentarily unsure how to respond.
Outer beauty wasn't important to him. He didn't care what Song Xuan wanted to look like. But...
His gaze unintentionally fell on Ji Yu. The more Ji Yu listened, the angrier she became, and she decisively stood up to leave.
"The Gu family? So what? I don't take patients who are troublemakers. Goodbye to both of you."
Ji Yu said this, shoved her hands into the pockets of her lab coat, and walked off briskly.
Halfway out, her wrist was grabbed. Gu Qixiao's expression was helpless.
"Miss Ji... please calm down."
She wasn't surprised he chased after her, but seeing Gu Qixiao's attitude frustrated Ji Yu even more.
The mighty CEO of the Gu family repeatedly lowering himself before her only proved how important Song Xuan was to him!
What a shame, though—he really had awful taste. Was this the woman he fancied enough to cheat during their marriage?
Scumbag!
Ji Yu cursed silently in her heart, and any lingering impression she had of Gu Qixiao—his ability or supposed romantic devotion—was utterly wiped out.
"President Gu, let go. Clearly, Chongxin is too insignificant to welcome a Buddha like you."
"No, it has to be you."
Gu Qixiao was desperate for Song Xuan's face to recover so he could marry her off as soon as possible; yet, no matter what, he couldn't separate himself from Ji Yu.
"I agree to the plan you proposed. Start the surgery now."
"Oh? Your 'friend' seems far from satisfied with my artwork. Will she even willingly step into the operating room?"
Ji Yu deliberately emphasized the word "friend," her face full of sarcasm.
Gu Qixiao thought about administering a sedative and forcing her into the operating room if needed, but on the surface, he said coolly: "…I'll talk to her. Doctor Ji, prepare for the surgery."
Ji Yu mulled it over and reluctantly agreed in the end.
"Consider this your one favor from me. We're even."
Back when she agreed to marry Gu Qixiao, it had been more about escaping the Ji family. By sheer chance, she met Uncle Gu, who helped her set up her company and achieve financial independence.
Given all that, she did owe the Gu family one. Saving Gu Qixiao's lover today would count as repaying that debt.
Gu Qixiao didn't grasp the meaning behind Ji Yu's words. His eyes flickered as he promised, "Doctor Ji, rest assured. As agreed earlier, you can name the surgery fee yourself. All necessary medical measures and equipment will be provided as a donation to Chongxin."
No one would refuse money. Hearing this, Ji Yu's mood improved slightly; she nodded with satisfaction.
"Alright. I'll go prepare for surgery. You can take Miss Song to the operating room on the third floor."
Ji Yu didn't know how Gu Qixiao managed to convince Song Xuan, but moments later, she saw Song Xuan in a hospital gown, sitting quietly in the preparation room.
Ji Yu was busy counting surgical tools and medication. Song Xuan, not one to sit still, whispered: "Doctor Ji, I'm a bit nervous. Can we talk?"
Ji Yu ignored her. Song Xuan spoke to herself instead: "Doctor Ji is so pretty. Do you have a boyfriend? If you do, I bet he's exceptional."
"What type of guys does Doctor Ji like? Or dislike? Could you tell me?"
Ji Yu remained silent. Holding onto her pant leg, Song Xuan continued, "For example, Xiao—what do you think of him?"
When Song Xuan finally voiced her real question, Ji Yu mentally rolled her eyes.
"Relax. I don't like your Xiao. I didn't like him before, I don't like him now, and I won't like him in the future."
As soon as Ji Yu finished speaking, the man who had just entered the room froze.
Gu Qixiao stared at Ji Yu, his aura suddenly a bit colder.
Though his expression remained calm, he politely asked, "It seems Doctor Ji has quite a dislike for me. Could you share what exactly displeases you?"
Ji Yu yawned: "President Gu, don't be so tense. I just said I don't like you. You're not my type; that doesn't mean I dislike you."
"Oh?" Gu Qixiao curved his lips into a shallow smile, one so chilling it sent shivers down her spine.
"I thought Doctor Ji might appreciate my looks, considering..."
Gu Qixiao's words were purposely ambiguous, leading her to overthink.
Ji Yu was immediately reminded of how she had drunkenly admired Gu Qixiao's physique and features last night, even biting him several times in a moment of uninhibited flirtation.
"Ahem!"
Ji Yu felt flustered and irritable, shooing Gu Qixiao away: "President Gu, stop joking. I, Ji Yu, am just a mediocre plastic surgeon. How could I dare covet the almighty President Gu? The surgery is about to start. Please wait in the corridor outside."
Saying this, she made to push Gu Qixiao out. Meanwhile, Song Xuan, unhappy with their inexplicable chemistry, rushed from the hospital bed and hugged him first.
"Xiao, it's enough that you're my ideal type!"
Song Xuan positioned herself between Ji Yu and Gu Qixiao, her head buried in his chest, standing like a wall.
"Xiao, once my face is restored, we can finally be together! Your ex-wife didn't appreciate you or cherish you, but I will. I know Xiao is the best man in the world!"
Gu Qixiao remained silent, gently nudging Song Xuan away: "You… get back to the bed."
He was accustomed to Song Xuan's erratic declarations. He didn't bother refuting her this time.
But this was the first time Ji Yu had heard herself being described through a mistress's mouth, and it almost made her laugh aloud in anger.
Oh? She had suffered three years of cold violence in their marriage, yet she was the one being criticized for not cherishing him?
What exactly about Gu Qixiao was worth cherishing?!
Ji Yu's fiery temper almost exploded. What karmic debt was she paying in this life to watch her ex-husband and his mistress act lovey-dovey before her while she worked tirelessly to fix the mistress's face?
Ji Yu tossed down the surgical scalpel: "President Gu and Miss Song's relationship is truly touching. But let me remind you—marriage implicates laws and morality. You two can be as affectionate as you please, but don't blind the public."
She smirked at Gu Qixiao. "President Gu, divorced at such a young age? According to reports, research shows that 80% of couples divorce due to infidelity. Since President Gu is so outstanding, I'm sure you'd never partake in anything like that—but next time you marry, do be cautious. I fear some people may still fail to appreciate you."
After delivering her parting shots, Ji Yu left without looking back, leaving both Gu Qixiao and Song Xuan stunned.
Wait… was the surgery still happening?
Song Xuan was puzzled: "Xiao, why is Doctor Ji angry again?"
Gu Qixiao didn't know either, but he couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling Ji Yu's speech had triggered.
"I'll go bring her back."
Gu Qixiao exerted more force to push Song Xuan away, chasing after Ji Yu without another word.