C6 True Love?...Who Are You Kidding?

While awaiting Master Alva's arrival; Qiu Xiuan kept a watchful eye on Xia Mao's clearly evident, guilty behavior. He kept an anxiously nervous expression displayed on his face; which remained 'ghostly' pale in appearance. He slowly paced about the room, while frequently wrenching his hands together, in front of his waist; keeping his eyes averted down towards the floor, in order to avoid making eye-contact with anyone. Qiu Xiyun figured that Xia Mao must have been deeply worried; wondering how he was going to justify himself once Master Alva confirms how dangerous...actually; more like fatal...exposing Yinn Siyan to essential oil laced with 6HRS truly was.

Aside from observing Xia Mao; Qiu Xiyun also wondered if and when Master Alva was going to arrive. Being such an internationally renowned expert in his field; she assumed that he must be quite busy, with much of his time preoccupied with consultations. She wondered if he would really take the time out of his schedule just because the Madame of the Yinn family summoned him...and, if he would; how long would it take before he was able to get there. But, to her surprise, the Master came rather quickly; and, Madame had Butler Xiao escort Qiu Xiyun, Xia Mao, and a couple of his staff...including Li Qi...to the living room, so they could continue discussing this matter...with everyone confronting one another face to face...and, come to some sort of satisfactory conclusion.

Upon their arrival at the living room...Qiu Xiyun was a bit surprised after drawing her first impression of Master Alva; who was quite different than how the rumors depicted him to be. His appearance and mannerisms were much more affable-like than she had expected them to be; and, the fact that he had taken time out from his busy schedule to pay a visit to Madame...under the guise of just catching up over a cup of tea...made him seem to be a lot more sociable than what others claimed him to be.

Zhao Qiuxian had the kitchen staff prepare Master Alva a cup of her finest Oolong tea, accompanied with some freshly baked sun cakes. The late afternoon snack had greatly appeased his palate; and, made him so happy that his smile nearly made his eyes almost disappear. And, once he was done indulging in the tea and tasty morsels; the Master looked at the Madame, and...with the smile still stretched across his face...asked, "By all means, tell me...what would make the honorable Madame of the Yinn family summon for me; and, put so much effort into making it an enjoyable visit, as well?"

Zhao Qiuxian delivered a genteel smile to Master Alva; then replied, "Like I had Xia Mao tell you; it's been a while since I enjoyed a good cup of tea with an old friend of mine." There was a glimmering indication of dubiousness in the Master's eyes; as he point blankly retorted, "And; now that that business is out of the way...what's the real business at hand, that you had in mind; Qiuxian?" The Madame let out a brief, refined chuckle, "Oh, Alva; you do know me so well, don't you?" The Master grinned, as he nodded his head; then, the Madame looked over to Qiu Xiyuan with gesturing eyes...which she immediately understood. Qiu Xiyun pulled the vial of essential oil in question out of her pocket; and handed to Master Alva. "Master; please examine this essential oil that they've been using for Yinn Siyan's aromatherapy treatment, and give us your thoughts."

Admittedly, Master Alva was a bit bewildered by Qiu Xiyuan's request; but, readily complied with it nonetheless. He removed the cap, and raised the vial up to under his nostrils; then, took in a deep sniff. His previously cheery countenance was instantly overtaken with a grave expression; then, he immediately stared down at the vial and read the label. After a brief moment of staring at the label; Master Alva sharply turned to Xia Mao, and rebukingly glared at him. "Why on earth would you choose to use essential oil to treat a patient?! Haven't you learned anything in all these years of study and training under my guidance?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qiuxian instantly became disconcerted; and, a seriously grave expression had overtaken her countenance, as well. "What is it? Tell me; Alva...is it true what my granddaughter-in-law had told me; is that stuff really harmful to my Yan?"

The Master briefly scanned about the room, glancing over the stunned bystanders present; then, took in a deep breath. He futilely tried to suppress his rapidly growing seething anger and disdain...which was being revealed in his glaring eyes...as he fumed. "That idiot is insane! I hope that this was just a case of gross stupidity and negligence on his part; because, I'd hate to think that someone would be so despicable as to intentionally harm the Young Master in such an unscrupulous, cowardly fashion!"

Master Alva paused for a moment; trying to recompose himself before he continued. "This essential oil has 6HRS added into it...which is a relatively newly developed neurotoxin designed to attack the nervous system. If the Young Master keeps on being exposed to this, he could very well possibly die from it." The Master walked over, and stood before the Madame; then, bowed in a genuinely revering manner, while apologizing, "My sincerest and deepest apologies to you; most honorable, noble Madame of the Yinn family. I have failed to properly teach and guide this apparently disappointingly useless so-called disciple of mine. I truly am ashamed."

A deafening-like silence befell the room; as an abounding tension permeated the air.

The Madame gently placed her hands upon the Master's stooped over shoulders, and, slowly guided him back up into an upright position; then, while wearing her genteel smile, earnestly told him, "There are no apologies needed between us; my good old friend. And, Alva; you definitely need not feel any shame over this. Please; be rest assured that I don't place any blame at all on you over this matter." Qiu Xiyun abruptly cut in, "That's right; this wasn't your fault, Master Alva..." then, she sharply turned to Xia Mao; and, piercingly glared. "We all know who's really to blame for this. So; tell me...now that this 'young student who doesn't know anything' has been affirmed to be correct by 'an expert in the field with years of practical experience'; how are you going to explain yourself?"

It was difficult to tell what she was thinking or feeling at first; because, Zhao Qiuxian had maintained a stoic expression upon her countenance...but, suddenly it contorted into one of anger and disgust; with her mouth twisting into a snarling-like scowl. "They say that when the cat's away, the mice will play..." She fiercely glared at Xia Mao; slamming the vial of tainted essential oil hard onto the coffee table. "But, apparently rats will play regardless of whether the cat's there, or not. I guess I haven't fully grasped taking hold of the reins, after Siyan's accident; allowing for a few, worthless insubordinates to cause malicious mischief under my watch. How dare you put my Yan's health in such perilous danger...putting his life at risk! The lot of you have grievously betrayed my trust...betrayed the entire Yinn family!!"

In a total state of panic; Xia Mao dropped to his knees before the Madame, and burst out pleading, "Please, Madame; have mercy...I swear; I have been wronged...I didn't know anything about this 6HRS stuff! Please; you have to believe me! Have mercy, Madame; I beg you!"

Zhao Qiuxian was totally infuriated, disgusted, and exasperated with all of Xia Mao's rambling excuses, denial of knowing that the essential oil was toxic, and shameless pleading for forgiveness...it was clear to her that he was bold-faced lying to her all along. The Madame tightly closed her eyes, and began rubbing her temples; as she instructed Butler Xiao, "Xiao, get them out of my face; they're giving me a headache!...Oh; and be sure to notify the police that I'll be filing charges against them for the attempted murder of Siyan."

The room became chaotically abuzz; as Xia Mao and the other caregivers began crying out, pleading for the Madame not to call the police...weeping as the swore that they were innocent; that they had no idea that the essential oil was deadly...while the others present frantically gossiped among themselves. Master Alva just remained sitting stoically silent on the couch; keeping his eyes shut, as he slowly shook his lowered head in shameful disgust over these so-called disciples of his. Soon; the Madame burst out in a resounding holler, "ENOUGH!!! SHUT UP; ALL OF YOU!!!...Xiao, please; take them away...and, get in touch with the police. As for the rest of you...if you insist on gossiping with one another; then, go somewhere else...my head is killing me, now. I don't want to hear any more yammering."

Following the Madame's instructions; Butler Xiao...along with several other butlers under his supervision...took Xia Mao and the other caregivers away...literally having to drag them out of the room; as they writhingly squirmed about kicking and whimpering, as they begged to be spared. After the commotion died down; the others started to straggle out of the living room...leaving behind the disheartened Madame; a mortified Master Alva; Qiu Xiyun; and, a few servants. Shortly; Zhao Qiuxian let out an elongated sigh. "Xiyun; be a dear, will you...go upstairs and look after Siyan. I'll stay here with Master Alva; while we wait for the police to arrive."

Before Qiu Xiyun entered the master bedroom; a passing chambermaid had informed her that there was another one of Master Alva's disciples inside. She told Qiu Xiyun that the Master had brought her along to tend to Yinn Siyan while everyone was meeting in the living room.

Upon entering the room; Qiu Xiyun only performed a perfunctory sizing-up of that disciple...though, done with scrutinizing eyes...after which; Qiu Xiyun displayed a forced, feign smile

The Master's disciple was a young...and, in Qiu Xiyun's eyes; a coquettishly vixen type-looking...girl; who, at that moment, was in the process of removing Yinn Siyan's clothing, in order to give him a full-body massage.

Qiu Xiyun rushed over to the bed, and grasped hold of one of the disciple's wrist; instinctively 'protecting what was hers'. "I'm here, now; so, I'll take over from here, thank you."

The young girl only glanced at Qiu Xiyun...with eyes that were evidently disrespectfully blowing her off...and, yanked her wrist free from Qiu Xiyun's hold; then, immediately went back to undressing Yinn Siyan. Qiu Xiyun was enraged by the girl's blatant insolence. She abruptly pushed the Master's disciple aside, and snapped, "I said I'll do it!"

The Master's disciple derisively sneered at Qiu Xiyun; and, snidely remarked, "Trust me; I know you'll 'do it'...but, do you actually know how to give a proper, therapeutic massage; and, not just one that finishes with a 'Happy Ending'?" Qiu Xiyun was stunned at the audacity of 'the little harlot'...and, because of that crude comment; Yinn Tianze suddenly popped into her mind. Qiu Xiyun thought to herself, "Who does this bitch think she is?"; then, she started to say, "Listen, you; I don't know who..."

With seething contempt for Qiu Xiyun evident in her eyes; the young disciple curtly proclaimed, "You truly disgust me; Qiu Xiyun! You really ought to be ashamed of yourself."

Qiu Xiyun was totally taken aback, with her mouth fully agape; momentarily at a loss of words. Her growing ire for the impudent 'little harlot' had now broken through its threshold; and, her face became a dark, beet-red shade...similar to how her father's complexion turns when he's greatly angered. The young disciple saw this, and immediately displayed a devilishly mischievous smirk; as she snidely remarked, "Well; if it isn't the 'blushing bride'...tell me, though; are you 'blushing' out of happiness; or, embarrassment? Personally; I think it's the latter...at least, it should be." Finally able to speak; an irately bewildered Qiu Xiyun simply asked, "What to do you mean?"

Even more seething contempt exuded from the young disciple's eyes...who couldn't believe that Qiu Xiyun wasn't getting what she was implying...as she finally came out, and point blankly told Qiu Xiyun, "'What do I mean?' I'll tell you what I mean. You willingly married a man in vegetative state...not to mention, also horribly disfigured; and, who will probably be disabled for life, if he ever wakes up from his coma. And, even knowing all this; you easily agreed to it." She reproachfully accused Qiu Xiyun; with total disdain in her tone, "I know you only married Yinn Siyan for his money...and; you can't tell me otherwise."

She paused for a moment; and, rebukingly glared at Qiu Xiyun before continuing, "I heard from a couple of the chambermaids that you already had sex with Yinn Siyan last night. I have no idea how you were able to do it; being in the state that he is...but; you really are one shameless whore." Qiu Xiyun immediately thought to herself, "'Whore'...another one of Yinn Tianze's 'term of affection' for her. What gives? Again...who does this bitch think she is?"

Qiu Xiyun was completely dumbfounded by the young disciple's vicious, verbal assault. She had never seen her before; and, she had no idea where all of this girl's malice towards her was coming from. What she did know was that she wasn't going to just keep standing there in silence, taking her crap. Qiu Xiyun resolutely proclaimed; in a stately manner, "I am Yinn Siyan's wife. He is the Young Master of this house; which makes me the Young Mistress of the house. So, while under the roof of this house; you best watch how you speak to me." They briefly exchanged defiantly fierce glares at one another; then, Qiu Xiyun continued reprimanding the young disciple...still maintaining a resolute tone; but, not so stately. "Also...not that it's any of your damn business to begin with; you impudent little brat...you really shouldn't be concerning yourself over what happens between Young Master Yinn and myself, anyway. And; you certainly don't have any right to comment over these matters, either...right? So, I guess what I'm really saying is...butt out of our business; and, keep that trashy mouth of yours shut!"

There was another moment of a deafening-like silence between the two; and, during this time, Qiu Xiyun couldn't help but to finally take notice how aesthetically exquisite the young disciple's face truly was. Qiu Xiyun hated to admit it; but, she really was a beautiful little thing...who, even though only dressed in a simple, plain nurse's uniform; appeared almost fairy-like. Qiu Xiyun thought to herself, "It's a damn pity...how can someone so beautiful on the outside, be so ugly on the inside?"

But, soon; the young disciple's outer-beauty quickly disappeared...as she derisively sneered at Qiu Xiyun; while snidely remarking, "Looks like someone has already mounted her high-horse....It won't be long before she's spending all of Yinn Siyan's money."

Qiu Xiyun thought to herself, "So; that's how it is, is it? Alright, then; if that's how she wants to play..." Qiu Xiyun displayed an impish little grin; as she goaded the young disciple, "I get it, now...looks to me like someone's just been revealing her 'true-color'...and; that color's obviously a beaming shade of 'envious-green'." The young disciple started to open her mouth; but, was brusquely interrupted by Qiu Xiyun before she could get a word in edgewise. "Could it be that you want to be the Yinn family's Young Mistress, yourself? Perhaps it's really you who wishes to be spending Yinn Siyan's money?"

At that moment, it was the young disciple's turn to have her face turn red; as she became angrily flustered. She indignantly denied Qiu Xiyun's accusation, "That's absurd! Don't you dare compare my motive's to yours; you shameless whore...I'm nothing at all like you! I really love Yinn Siyan...and, my willingness to marry him...and, become part of the Yinn family...is strictly because of that love; and, not just for his money!"

Once again, Qiu Xiyun impishly grinned; as she goadingly quipped. "Aha; there it is...you said it yourself; with 'not just for his money' being the operative part of your 'love confession' for Yinn Siyan." The young disciple glared at her with piercing eyes; looking as if she were 'throwing daggers' from them. Qiu Xiyun said, "You know what; before I keep on continuing this inane conversation with you...tell me; what's your name?"

The young disciple quickly replied, "My name's Su Tine...why; what's it to you? What; you didn't think I'd tell you my name?" Qiu Xiyun briefly stared quizzically at her...that name sounded vaguely familiar to her...then; she inquired, "Did you say your name was...Su Tine?" The young disciple snapped back, "Yeah; and what?"

Qiu Xiyun remained silent for a moment, while she reflected upon her name; then, suddenly remembered where she heard it from before...from Qiu Xiangying. Qiu Xiyun's impish grin quickly returned; and, she couldn't wait to confront the insolent, 'little harlot'. "'Su Tine'...that's right; now I remember where I've heard that name. My stepsister used to complain about how when she first started going out with Yinn Tianze; there was this little, annoyingly persistent bitch named Su Tine who kept on desperately throwing herself at Yinn Tianze, trying to seduce him. Actually...according Xiangying...she was more like some sort of pathetic, gold-digging, whacko stalker." Qiu Xiyun took immense pleasure in watching the coloring rapidly fade from the young disciple's face. She went in for 'the kill', "You wouldn't happen to be that Su Tine, now; would you?...Hmm; and, you called me a 'shameless whore'?...Oh, well; I suppose that's better than being a 'pathetic, gold-digging, whacko stalker'."

Su Tine's face was completely pale; as she stammered, "I...I...I have no idea what...what you're talking about. What non-sense...just what exactly are you trying to say?" Qiu Xiyun could tell that Su Tine was all flustered; desperately looking to grasp at the proverbial straws to find a way out of that mess. Of course; because of Su Tine's previous 'holier than thou' attitude...there was no way Qiu Xiyun was going to let her off the hook so easily.

Qiu Xiyun took on a somewhat haughty-posturing...folding her arms across her chest; and, demonstratively raising her eyebrows while gazing upon Su Tine with a discerningly condescending look in her eyes. "Miss Su Tine; care to explain to me...if you can...just why it was you were shamelessly trying to seduce Yinn Tianze; when you're supposedly so in love with Yinn Siyan?...Or; is it that your love for Yinn Siyan just happened to manifest itself after the accident...and; after Yinn Tianze chose to be with my stepsister?"

Su Tine wasn't expecting Qiu Xiyun...who was commonly known for being kind of on the quiet side, and politely reserved...to be so forwardly blunt with her; and suddenly, her arrogant bravado and self-confidence instantly wavered. Su Tine silently stood there...no longer able to fire out anymore snide remarks...with her head lowered; and, eyes staring down at the floor.

Su Tine looked as if she was 'throwing in the towel'; but, Qiu Xiyun wasn't quite ready to finish 'the fight'. "So; tell me...let's suppose that you did happen to become the new Mistress of the Yinn family...did you honestly believe that no one would have found out about what happened between you and Yinn Tianze, right before Siyan's car accident? And; even if they didn't...did you think that once you got your hands on Siyan's money; maybe you would be able to successfully seduce Yinn Tianze with it...or, at the very least; fall into his favor...hoping that he'd 'throw you a bone, or two?"

Su Tine's jaw dropped; as she frantically thought to herself, "How could she possibly know what I was planning? There's no way... right?" She nervously trembled; as she tried to vehemently deny the so-called 'false accusations' being thrown at her by Qiu Xiyun. "You do realize that you're slandering me, right now; don't you? Seriously, Qiu Xiyun; do you have any evidence to back up these bogus allegations of yours?" Su Tine unconvincingly took on a 'confident; wrongly accused' posturing; while her faltering tone gave her away, "If you don't stop slandering me...I'll...I'll sue you."

"Come now, Su Tine; do you really think evidence is needed in this matter?" Qiu Xiyun self-assuredly smiled; as she confidently declared, "I'm sure your scheming, self-serving intentions will soon be realized by all, once they're spoken aloud...if they haven't already been realized. So, go ahead; sue me. I dare you." Then; Qiu Xiyun mockingly imitated Su Tine's initial indignant attitude... copying her inflection and expressions the best she can...as she waved her hand as if she were disrespectfully blowing her off; and, spoke with disdainful contempt, as she told Su Tine, "I hate you; Su Tine...you truly disgust me. The sight of you sickens me. Get out of here; now!"

Once again, Su Tine became enraged at Qiu Xiyun's bold resistance; and, her arrogant bravado quickly returned...along with her derisively rebuking glare. "Qiu Xiyun...how dare a shameless whore such as yourself speak to me like this. After all; who was the one that willingly took advantage of a comatose patient?...Aren't you afraid that I'll complain to Madame that you're making false allegations about me?" A devilishly mischievous smirk emerged upon Su Tine's face. "Or; perhaps I should tell Madame that you confessed to me that you only married Yinn Siyan for his money; hmm?"

An impish little grin slowly appeared upon Qiu Xiyun's mouth; as she craftily bluffed, "Go ahead; be my guest, and tell Madame that.... Oh, by the way; I forgot...did I happen to mention that Madame installed hidden surveillance cameras and recording devices in Siyan's bedroom, after the accident?" Qiu Xiyun purposely glanced about the room. "Yeah; she told me that it was so she'd be able to monitor Siyan whenever she wanted to; and, keep tabs on the caregivers...make sure that they were properly caring for him."

Upon hearing this; Su Tine was suddenly overtaken by an overwhelming, anxiously nervous sensation. Her face became even more pale than before...looking as if she were sickly pallid...and, her knees buckled; almost causing her to fall to the floor. Her body incessantly quivered; as she feared that if she were really caught on tape...and; her secret agenda truly exposed...she was doomed.

Although this was a 'craftily bluffed' tactic designed within Qiu Xiyun's sharp-working mind; little did she know that Zhao Qiuxian actually had installed those devices...coincidentally; for the very same reasons that she conjured up to convince Su Tine. And, because the nefarious undertakings with the tainted essentially oil had recently been revealed; the Madame and Master Alva decided to check on his new disciple tending to Yinn Siyan...and; had witnessed the whole interaction between Qiu Xiyun and Su Tine.