Chapter 845: Close Protection Bodyguard
"Yes, it's Huaxia's acupuncture technique, a type of Chinese medicine."
Xia Liu explained swiftly without hesitation.
He was worried that Guo Man was doubting him.
"Huaxia's acupuncture, I've heard about it when I studied abroad. It's a remarkably magical medical practice. But in recent years, with the rise of Western medicine, this extraordinary art has gradually declined."
A glimmer of admiration and curiosity flashed in Guo Man's eyes.
"That's right, Chinese medicine is the essence of our nation. However, young people nowadays don't accept such slow healing methods and instead gravitate toward the quick results of Western medicine. Little do they realize that this rapid treatment weakens the body's natural functions."
Talking about Chinese medicine sparked Xia Liu's interest, and what he shared was gathered from various sources he'd heard.
When it comes to medical methods, Xia Liu has never imposed his views on others.
Choose whichever you prefer.
Go for whatever can truly resolve the issue.
He said these words merely to intrigue Guo Man.
"Amazing! I've always heard about the strength of Chinese medicine. I didn't expect someone in their twenties, like you, to already master it so well."
"My grandfather was a Chinese medicine pharmacist, and so was my father. I've been learning Chinese medicine since I was young, though I eventually chose to join the military."
Xia Liu gazed at the ceiling at a forty-five-degree angle.
From the side, his demeanor stirred emotions Guo Man couldn't describe. She looked at Xia Liu with a trace of fascination.
If his wife and child hadn't left him, his life would be much more carefree now.
"President Guo, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. My friend is still waiting downstairs."
Seeing Guo Man remain silent, Xia Liu smiled bitterly and said.
"Wait!"
As Xia Liu was about to stand up, Guo Man quickly stopped him.
Beads of sweat on Xia Liu's back were forced back down.
Damn, he was seriously worried that Guo Man wouldn't keep him around.
He had worked so hard to reach this point; it would all go cold if he left now.
Thankfully, he had played his part well.
Now, Guo Man probably wouldn't question him anymore.
"Alright, is there something else?"
Xia Liu feigned curiosity and asked.
"I have a request."
"Hmm? If it's about company matters, since I've signed the contract, as long as it's legal and compliant, I won't refuse."
Xia Liu said firmly.
"Then I'll say it."
Guo Man paused for a moment before speaking, "I'd like to invite you to be my personal bodyguard. The salary is yours to decide."
This decision came from prolonged deliberation.
Ever since she saw Xia Liu's skills at the orphanage, she was sure of it.
The bodyguard she needed was someone with such powerful capabilities.
Not to mention that he had retired from the special forces.
He was akin to her idol.
Plus, his personality.
Cold, just like hers.
Principled—he didn't harbor wicked thoughts even when she was affected by the poison.
And finally, he had helped her detoxify, demonstrating his integrity during the process.
After considering all these factors, Guo Man truly wanted Xia Liu by her side.
Even if it meant spending ten million HKD a year, she'd willingly pay.
If it hadn't been for Xia Liu, this incident might have completely destroyed her.
As for Liang Chao, she didn't deal with him immediately.
Daring to do such a thing to her, he would face icy iron bars as his punishment.
It might not keep him imprisoned for long, but a month or two would suffice to vent her anger.
"Personal bodyguard?"
Xia Liu looked confused.
But inwardly, he was jubilant.
He had initially thought it would take some promotion to get closer to her.
Unexpectedly, it had directly escalated to being her personal bodyguard.
This way, if she returned to the Guo Family headquarters, he could follow her there.
Even if she didn't take him along, he could gather clues while staying by her side.
Once he pinpointed the Guo Family's headquarters, using his Divine Sense.
Finding the Youth Preserving Pill or similar herbs would be no trouble.
"Yes, just like Xilu and the others."
Of course, Guo Man wouldn't dismiss Xilu.
Adding Xia Liu to the mix meant her safety would be much better secured.
And the salary she offered could provide Xia Liu with greater opportunities for development.
"I might not have enough time."
Xia Liu tactfully declined.
"How could you not have time? A personal bodyguard doesn't need to be by my side at all times. As long as you're around when I'm out for work or meals, it's enough."
"This..."
Seeing Guo Man's enthusiastic expression, Xia Liu was unsure how to respond.
Of course, he was feigning reluctance. When Guo Man proposed the personal bodyguard role, Xia Liu felt the urge to jump for joy.
Yet, he restrained himself, determined not to appear too eager—lest it aroused Guo Man's suspicion.
He had to let her corner him to the point where there was no way to refuse before "reluctantly" agreeing.
"I..."
"Mr. Xia, I truly need you, yes, your protection. Don't worry; I know your situation. During your free time, you may leave the company, and whenever you're needed, I'll arrange for Xilu or Lina to reach out to you. Just return when required."
"I..."
"Even if you can't return occasionally, that's not a problem either. As long as you're present for critical events, that's enough. Truly, I need a bodyguard like you."
...
Xia Liu smiled wryly; he had already agreed to this earlier.
Who would've expected Guo Man to say so much?
It was to the point where he felt a little embarrassed to agree.
"Alright, since President Guo insists, any further refusal on my part would be hypocritical. I'm willing to be your personal bodyguard."
"Great, Mr. Xia, please name your price—either annually or monthly."
Guo Man was confident in Xia Liu's character; even if she let him decide his pay, if he exceeded ten thousand HKD a month, she'd reconsider her judgment.
"I don't care much about money. Just enough to cover my living expenses each month will suffice."
Upon hearing this, Guo Man smiled slightly.
As expected, her assumption was correct. He wasn't driven by money.
"How about this? I'll arrange a property and a car for you, along with thirty thousand HKD per month..."
"No, that's too much!"
Before Guo Man could finish, Xia Liu interrupted in shock.
Guo Man had anticipated Xia Liu's reaction, so she cleared her throat: "Ahem, ahem!"
"Mr. Xia, if you don't accept this, how could you travel to assist when needed? Do you plan to rely solely on taxis from Jiuzhou City District?"
"Now that you've agreed to be President Guo's bodyguard, you must present yourself appropriately."
"Exactly. So, these arrangements, you have to accept."
...
Xilu, Lina, and Xima chimed in one after another, persistently persuading him.
"Mr. Xia, this is part of your employment package, please don't overthink it."