Empress Of The Lost Kingdom

When Li Juan went back to the hall, she saw Ning Jing and Han Guang arguing with each other.

She walked towards them.

The moment Ning Jing saw Li Juan, her gentle voice got changed.

"So, you are implying that you won't kick her out from the team?"

"No," Han Guang nonchalantly said.

"You just claimed that you are a man who values words." Ning Jing looked at him with a mocking smile.

"Yes, miss, I am a man who values words. And I clearly remember what I've said. Those who betray me will no longer be part of my team." Han Guang glared at Ning Jing.

"But Miss Ning, Li Juan never betrayed me."

Ning Jing gawped at the man standing in front of her. He clearly saw the photographs and he still chooses to side with Li Juan.

"She is a homewrecker, how can you take her side, Professor Han?"

"That is your personal problem miss Ning, for the team, Li Juan is someone who is in charge of supervising the excavation activities."

"Oh, so you won't kick her out of the group?"

"Miss Ning, this is my team and I am the one who decides who stays and leaves the team." Han Guang declared in a firm tone.

" I am sorry to point out, you should have this conversation with your fiance, not with me. So please keep your problems out of this."

"So are you saying that you won't take any actions against Li Juan who wronged Ning Jing? Mei Lin, Ning Jing's assistant who remained silent till now, suddenly joined the argument.

"I understand your concerns miss Ning, but I can't help you in this situation. It is your personal problem and you should talk to Li Juan or CEO Tang and take a decision. So please, allow us to work."

Han Guang turned and strode towards Li Juan.

"It's done, get back to your work."

"How dare he is to talk to you like that?" Mei Lin cursed Han Guang.

" JingJing, you should-"

Mei Lin immediately shut her mouth when she saw Ning Jing, dialling someone.

"Good morning Grandpa Tang,"

When Mei Lin realised that Ning Jing is calling Tang Fei, she felt relieved.

" Yes, it is. Grandpa, I need a favour from you. Can you dismiss a research assistant from the expedition team? I can find a replacement for her. Okay, thank you."

Ning Jing ended the conversation and looked at her assistant with a smile.

"What happened?"

"Grandpa Tang is sending someone who can replace her." 

Li Juan went back to her work and finished the tasks which were indebted to her. She was one of the supervisors and needed to recheck the equipment and necessities for the excavation team. 

Li Juan finished her work in the evening and finally able to go for the medical check-up. All the other members of the team have done their check-up and already went to their rooms for rest. They were the last members to check their health condition.

After all the fitness tests and medical test, the chief doctor called Li Juan for having a conversation.

"Miss Li, do you have any medical issues?" The middle-aged lady doctor asked Li Juan.

"I had a head injury seven years ago and I am still under medications."

"Huh?" The doctor was confused for a moment. "Can I see your medical documents?"

"Yeah sure,"

Li Juan handed over her medical records. She always made sure to carry her medical records wherever since she already had a medical condition. 

The doctor checked her records carefully.

"When did you check your fitness last time?"

"Last week." Li Juan replied and examined the doctor's expressionless face.

"Is there any problem doctor? 

"Your results don't seem good, Miss Li." The doctor averted her gaze from the records to Li Juan's curious eyes.

"Considering your medical history, you are already unfit for the expedition. I am just wondering how did you manage to obtain the medical certificate in the first place."

Li Juan' eyes got widened in shock.

She is unfit? What is this new trouble?

"I am sorry Miss Li," The doctor looked at her with apologetic eyes.

"But doctor, can you explain what went wrong?" Li Juan asked her to clarify.

"Recently I had a panic attack and was hospitalised due to hyperventilation. My health condition was okay at that time."

"Hyperventilation, does it happen often?" 

"No. It occasionally happens if I am under severe stress or fear." 

"I see." The doctor fixed her glasses and handed over Li Juan her results. " Your physical fitness test results look fine. However, your medical test results are problematic." The doctor pointed out the readings.

"Your blood pressure levels are higher than normal rate. Since you are travelling to high altitude; it will be difficult for you to handle the sudden change. Added to that, it's written that you had two frequent hyperventilations in a month." The doctor looked at Li Juan for an answer.

"Can I go for the expedition?" Li Juan asked her in a worried tone.

"Usually, we don't recommend people with hyperventilation to travel to high altitude areas. For a healthy person, breathing difficulties starts at an elevation of 8000 ft. You are travelling to a place lies at an elevation of 20000ft. Even with a medical expert accompanied, it will be dangerous for you. Miss Li, can you reconsider?"

It took a moment for Li Juan to comprehend the facts just dumped into her mind. 

"Hmm, let me talk to Professor Han." Li Juan replied reluctantly. 

"Yes." 

"Thank you, doctor, let me call professor."

Li Juan stood up from the seat, looked around for Han Guang. He was nowhere to found. Where is he?

Li Juan took her phone and dialled his number. 

"Li Juan, can you come to suit number 1001?" Han Guang asked her as soon as he picked up the call.

"Yes, professor." Li Juan ended the conversation and walked towards the elevator. 

Her mind got filled with numerous thoughts. 

Li Juan looked at her reflection in the glass walls of the elevator.

With the dark circles under her eyes, she looked like a panda. She hasn't had a proper sleep after she fought with Tang Wei Sheng. 

The expedition to the lost city was her lifelong dream. 

To be honest, it was the thing which kept her alive till now. 

But after getting associated with Tang Wei Sheng, everything has changed. Even her dream has become a burden.

Li Juan asked Tang Wei Sheng to stay away from her. Even though he stopped talking to her, Li Juan could feel Tang Wei Sheng's eyes on her whenever he is nearby.

To watch him from afar and pretending that nothing happened between them was difficult for Li Juan. She even decided to leave the country after finishing the research. 

But once again, Li Juan's plans failed. Ning Jing intertwined in her life and almost threatened her to kick her out of the expedition team.

Even though Han Guang helped her, Li Juan could understand how difficult was it for him to stand up for her.

Now, this medical test results, 

All of her plans are failing one by one.

Is it the Universe signalling her that she should take a break and reconsider?

"Should I take a break from everything?"

Li Juan asked to the reflection.

"Majesty, do you mind if I take some time to find you?" 

"Ding"

The elevator has reached the topmost floor. 

"Ma, give me a reason why I should stick with these people and endure everything?" 

Li Juan took a deep breath and walked out of the elevator.

Suite number 1001 was the most expensive room in the hotel. 

What is Professor Han doing here?

Li Juan wondered and knocked at the door. After a second, the door got opened by Ahn Lu Shan.

Secretary Ahn! Why is he here? Don't tell me he is here with- Li Juan stopped her guessing game.

"Please come inside," Ahn Lu Shan invited her inside.

Li Juan walked inside and surprised to see Tang Fei sitting in the launch sofa with Han Guang.

"Good evening, Miss Li, we met again." Tang Fei greeted her.

"Ma, I asked for a reason to stay, not to leave this team?" Li Juan said in her mind and stood there without greeting him back. 

"Stand up for yourself, speak for yourself" Li Juan repeated in her mind. "Be bold,"

Tang Fei looked at Li Juan who stood frozen to the spot, she didn't return his greetings- what an uncultured woman!

"Do you remember what you have said the last time? You said that you will stay away from Ah Sheng. And where are we now?" Tang Fei asked Li Juan in a stern voice and shifted his eyes to Han Guang. 

"I am sorry professor Han. I can no longer permit Miss Li to stay in this team." 

"But chairman, Li Juan is- Han Guang's words drenched in panic got interrupted by Tang Fei's authoritative voice.

"Mr Feng from the national archaeological society is here to replace her. So I hope you do not have a problem."

"Chairman, it is Li Juan's research work, how can you- Han Guang tried to explain, but his mouth involuntarily shut when he met Tang Fei's murderous glare.

"Do you want to continue working on this project, or do you want to go back to your teaching career?"

Is he threatening professor Han? 

"Professor," Li Juan interrupted their conversation.

"The chief doctor wishes to meet you." Li Juan handed over her medical results to Han Guang. "They are packing up, so please."

Han Guang looked at Li Juan and Tang Fei with shock. When did she become so brave enough to interrupt Tang Fei?

Tang Fei signalled him to leave the room. The moment Han Guang left the room, Li Juan walked towards Tang Fei and sat opposite to him.

"So Chairman Tang, why are we having this conversation again?" 

"You promised that you will stay away from Tang Wei Sheng." Tang Fei said in disdain.

"Oh, didn't you hear from your minions that I stopped seeing your grandson?" Li Juan asked him back.

Ahn Lu Shan, who stood next to the door almost choked upon Li Juan's question. She called him minion.

She is changed, she is no longer the silent cat who roamed with Tang Wei Lan. No wonder Tang Fei called Li Juan, a tigress. 

"We are no longer in speaking terms. I am here for my work and I hope you will understand." Li Juan negotiated.

"My daughter in law doesn't want you to be part of the team." Tang Fei looked at Li Juan with contempt. 

"Well, no one wants to be associated with someone who ruined their life. I value her happiness, so miss Li Juan, you can continue working on your research, but you will be no longer part of this expedition." Tang Fei declared in his powerful voice.

"What if I oppose your decision?" Li Juan asked in a casual tone. 

Tang Fei flashed an evil smile at Li Juan.

"You are not malevolent enough to crush your beloved professor's dream and his hard work."

" Uffo chairman Tang, you are doing it again," Li Juan clenched her fists in frustration. "Playing with some one's emotions. Damn it, I hate you. I really really hate you. I think you are the most hated person in my life." Li Juan stopped for a moment.

"Ah no, there is your grandson, then you, your son, your entire Tang family- I hate them all, except Tang Wei Lan. You are nothing but a bunch of narcissists who emotionally blackmail others for your benefits."

Li Juan stood up from the seat and glared at Tang Fei in contempt.

"You dismissed me, Aww no," Li Juan looked at Tang Fei with a sulky expression for a moment. 

"I quit! I am done with your shit." Her big black eyes sparked with anger. 

"You might have sponsored this research but that doesn't mean that own the entire Tu valley. One day or another I will definitely go there and visit the lost city by myself." Li Juan glared at Tang Fei.

"We will see," Tang Fei said with a smug

" No. I hope, I really hope that we don't meet again." 

Li Juan bowed befoe him and strode towards the door.

Ahn Lu Shan opened the door for Li Juan.

"Secretary Ahn," Li Juan halted her steps and called his name. 

"Yes, miss," 

"Whoever took that picture, please tell him to take photography as a career. The pictures looked straight out of movies."

Li Juan looked at Ahn Lu Shan and grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Bye, Bye"

Li Juan waved her hand and walked outside in steady steps.

"Master," Ahn Lu Shan looked at Tang Fei with a startled face. Did he saw a faint smile on Chairman's face?

"Should we go ahead with the plan?"

"Give her some time, I want to see what that little kitty is up to,"