Chapter 14: The Esteemed Master’s Favor

A few minutes later.

Zhuang Zhou wiped the sweat from his forehead, letting out a long breath as he sank into the chair beside the bed, gasping heavily. Yet, with a note of apology in his voice, he said, “Miss Ye, I admit I was wrong just now, and I’m here to offer you a sincere apology.”

With that, Zhuang Zhou stood up and bowed deeply to Ye Song, who lay on the bed—a gesture full of earnestness.

“Mmm... mmm... mmm...!”

Zhuang Zhou could feel Ye Song’s murderous gaze, firing at him like twin Gatling guns, relentless and deadly. Looking at her, he adopted an even more sincere tone, “Rest assured, I will cure your grandfather’s illness.”

“Mmm... mmm... mmm...!”

Zhuang Zhou felt as though the twin Gatlings had riddled him with holes, with no sign of stopping. He considered for a moment, then solemnly declared, “Once your grandfather is healed, we’ll settle our accounts. You won’t owe me, I won’t owe you, and we’ll part as strangers—clean and clear. What do you think?” he added.

“Mmm... mmm... mmm...!”

He had now been subjected to the “twin Gatling machine gun execution”—a punishment more cruel and agonizing than any infamous torture of old, a torment of both spirit and soul, bloody and relentless.

“Hm, let me give you some advice. A young woman should be gentle and elegant. Constant fighting and aggression aren’t attractive; how will you find a husband then? The wedding night is meant to be beautiful, but if you scare your husband away, it won’t be. Look at you now—quiet and adorable!”

“Mmm... mmm... mmm...!”

Zhuang Zhou glanced at Ye Song, whom he’d tied up, her mouth gagged with a towel, able only to demonstrate the art of killing with her eyes. The anger in his heart dissipated considerably.

“All right, I’m going out to treat your grandfather. Don’t be angry—at most, I’ll cut your consultation fee in half!” Zhuang Zhou nodded with satisfaction, then hurriedly escaped the hospital room.

Once outside, he could still smell the lingering fragrance and recall the astonishing sensation. Women truly are a source of trouble—especially beautiful women. Even someone as experienced as he, a master of poisons, could hardly resist.

He hadn’t gone far when he encountered Director Wu and Elder Yan.

A group of doctors in white coats followed behind, including Jiang Ping’an and Liu Genghong. Their gazes toward Zhuang Zhou were tinged with coldness—if today’s performance failed, they were eager to see how he’d handle the aftermath.

“Zhuang, the three days are almost up. When do you plan to begin the treatment?” Elder Yan asked kindly.

Zhuang Zhou shook his head, calculated on his fingers, and replied, “Everything’s ready. We can start anytime.”

“Master Yan, I still insist on my treatment plan! Zhuang Zhou is clearly just bluffing. I’ve investigated thoroughly—today I’ll expose this fraud once and for all!” Jiang Ping’an declared.

Elder Yan remained silent, but Director Wu frowned and said, “Jiang Ping’an, you’re too reckless! The accident during your last surgery still hasn’t been addressed, and now you’re interfering with this rescue effort. What are your intentions? Don’t you realize what matters most right now? If you delay Elder Ye’s optimal rescue time, can you bear the responsibility? Where is your medical ethics and compassion?”

Director Wu was deeply disappointed in Jiang Ping’an. Given his recent “achievements,” Wu was already furious, and Jiang’s interference today utterly ignited his anger.

Elder Yan said nothing throughout.

His silence spoke volumes. Everyone knew Elder Yan’s greatest flaw was his partiality toward his protégés. Now, by not intervening, he signaled that Jiang Ping’an had fallen out of favor.

Jiang Ping’an’s face reddened as he glared at Zhuang Zhou, his hatred deepening. Everything was because of this man he’d failed to destroy. Jiang now bitterly regretted not having sent Zhuang Zhou straight to the crematorium—turned to ashes, so he could never rise again.

But it was too late for regrets; his intestines twisted with remorse.

“I hear both medicines are ready? Let’s go test them first,” Zhuang Zhou said with a smile.

“Very well!” Elder Yan replied.

He was increasingly satisfied with Zhuang Zhou: cautious and diligent, especially regarding medical practice. Elder Yan, long retired, suddenly felt the urge to take this young man as his last apprentice.

“Wait, where’s Officer Ye? I haven’t seen her—she was just asking Elder Yan about the surgery, and now she’s gone?” Director Wu Dongjie asked in confusion.

Zhuang Zhou knew exactly what had happened, but said nothing.

“Oh, perhaps she’s feeling unwell—women, you know, sometimes have those days,” Zhuang Zhou replied with a straight face.

“Zhuang, take some time to check on Officer Ye. Times have changed; there’s no need for old notions about propriety. Besides, I think you and Officer Ye look like a couple!” Elder Yan’s eyes twinkled mischievously. Others didn’t pick up on his implication, but Zhuang Zhou did.

The old man was mocking him, wasn’t he? Saying he looked like a couple with that hard-faced woman—was he insinuating Zhuang Zhou was ugly too? He thought this, but still smiled and replied, “Rest assured, Elder Yan, I’ll make sure Officer Ye gets the best care. As for your teasing, that’s fine, but Officer Ye’s status is far beyond mine—I wouldn’t dare to aspire!”

“It’s all up to fate!”

Zhuang Zhou laughed along with Elder Yan, yet felt a vague sense of anxiety. If that wild woman discovered his lie, she’d have another reason to kill him. But with so many debts, what’s one more? He’d already thoroughly offended her—may as well go all the way.

“Yes, yes, young people are full of energy and vigor!” Director Wu chimed in.

Zhuang Zhou went off to prepare for surgery, smiling.

When he next saw Ye Song, her face was dark and menacing—she looked as if she wanted to murder him. No need to ask why: being tied up in such a humiliating manner by that rogue was unspeakably shameful. She had never suffered such indignity, and would never forget it, holding a lifelong grudge against him.

Unfortunately, his skills were superior to hers—she couldn’t beat him, so could only curse him in her heart.

Inside the vast operating room, Elder Ye was stripped down to his shorts. Though over seventy, he remained robust, muscles defined and skin bronze. Zhuang Zhou took out the Ghost Nine Needles kit.

He ran his hand lightly over the case, which clicked open. The silver needles lay quietly within. Today, Zhuang Zhou would use the Ghost Nine Needles to save a life. Pinching a needle, he felt his heart as calm as a lake, utterly undisturbed, filled only with composure and serenity.

Outside the operating room, Ye Song watched through the glass wall, her nerves taut—after all, the patient inside was her only family.

“Elder Yan, it’s starting!” Director Wu Dongjie was anxious; Elder Ye’s status was exceptional. Dongjiang First Hospital had nearly botched his treatment once—if they failed again, its reputation would be ruined, and Wu’s tenure as director would end, possibly dragging Elder Yan down too.

How could Director Wu not be worried for Zhuang Zhou?

He sensed Elder Yan was nervous as well. With a national master’s title and special state stipend, if Elder Ye died under his watch, not only would he lose the stipend and title, but he’d become a laughingstock in Dongjiang—and nationwide.

Thus, Zhuang Zhou’s surgery had to succeed.

“Yes, it’s beginning. Dongjie, if Zhuang’s operation succeeds, I’ll take him as my apprentice—my last disciple!” Elder Yan’s words shocked Wu Dongjie. The last disciple was no ordinary student. Such apprentices held special status, as the teacher would take no more direct disciples after them; any future students would be second-generation, a rung lower.

Usually, this last apprentice was the teacher’s favorite, receiving the most care and true teachings, often surpassing others in skill.

“Elder Yan, what a pity!”

“Ah, I’m old, and cherish my reputation. Elder Ye’s illness made me reflect—medicine is endless, so I’ll devote myself to academic research now. Let the young take up healing.”

Elder Yan’s words meant that if Zhuang Zhou saved Elder Ye, he would become the direct successor of Elder Yan’s lineage.

And that wasn’t even the greatest benefit. Elder Yan had cultivated countless students, many now famous. Becoming his last apprentice would instantly broaden Zhuang Zhou’s network—a crucial advantage.

Jiang Ping’an’s rapid rise at Dongjiang First Hospital was partly due to his medical skill, but mainly because of his “Elder Yan’s disciple” status—a passport to success.

Wu Dongjie glanced enviously at Zhuang Zhou preparing his needles, thinking: Zhuang Zhou, you’d better save Elder Ye—everyone will rejoice, and a great opportunity awaits you!

Everyone heard Elder Yan’s declaration, Jiang Ping’an included.

Jiang Ping’an clenched his fists, inwardly vowing not to let Zhuang Zhou succeed. He signaled to Liu Genghong, who nodded, their gazes fixed on Zhuang Zhou in the operating room—one fierce, one icy, both filled with bitter hatred. If Zhuang Zhou succeeded today, their reputations at Dongjiang First Hospital would plummet like rats fleeing a sinking ship.

So, they were determined not to let Zhuang Zhou save the patient.