Although it wasn't as good as the one Master Yiyun gave to Zhōuzhōu, it looked like a normal string of Buddhist beads now, and wouldn't harm anyone anymore.
"See? Just as I can remove the Sinister Energy from the Buddhist beads, I can remove the Sinister Energy from Seventh Brother's leg. Soon, he'll be able to stand up. Every one of them will live happier than you!"
Each word struck Táo Lán like a hammer blow. The phrase "failed at the last step" echoed in her mind. Her emotions surged, and she spat out a mouthful of blood with a "poof," falling straight backward.
Seeing her like this, Qín Zé walked over and took a look. "She's fainted."
Fainted from anger at Zhōuzhōu.
"Hmph, if she didn't faint now, I would have hit her unconscious myself," Grandma Qin snorted with disgust as she looked at Táo Lán. She then turned to Qín Zé. "Stay away from her. If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. As expected, a handsome man is the cause of trouble."
Qín Zé cried out that he was wronged.
"I've only ever loved Yáo Yáo. I haven't even glanced at anyone else."
"Yáo Yáo, believe me, I've truly upheld the virtues of a man!"
Upon hearing this, Wén Yáo blushed and glared at him. "What nonsense are you talking about in front of the child?"
Recalling Zhōuzhōu's words from earlier, she couldn't help but ask, "Zhōuzhōu, can Xiǎo Fēng really get better?"
"Of course!" Zhōuzhōu puffed out her chest. "Grandma also took my medicine. Fourth Aunt can ask Grandma if you don't believe me."
Wén Yáo looked at Grandma Qin.
Grandma Qin nodded. "The medicine Zhōuzhōu refined is indeed very good." After a pause, she added, "Old Liu has also seen the medicine Zhōuzhōu gave Xiǎo Fēng. It was very effective and had miraculous results. Moreover, he's even studying medicine refinement with Zhōuzhōu."
Divine Doctor Liu is actually studying medicine with Zhōuzhōu?
Wén Yáo's eyes widened, and even Qín Zé looked at the little girl in disbelief.
Divine Doctor Liu is learning medicine from Zhōuzhōu?
Did he hear that wrong?
Chapter 66
Qín Zé was full of shock, but Wén Yáo believed her. Her mother-in-law never spoke nonsense. Even if she doted on her granddaughter, she wouldn't joke about something like this. If Zhōuzhōu said she could do it, then she definitely could.
With this thought, the heavy stone in her heart finally lifted. She looked at Zhōuzhōu and said earnestly, "Zhōuzhōu, thank you."
Zhōuzhōu looked up and smiled at her. "You're welcome."
Qín Liè checked the time. The sound of police sirens could be heard from below. He said, "You all go back first. I'll handle the rest."
"Alright," Grandma Qin nodded, pulling Zhōuzhōu away. She didn't want too many people to know about her abilities, as it was too unbelievable. The family members would doubt her words, let alone outsiders. If they started asking too many questions, wouldn't it scare her granddaughter? It was better to leave. As for how to convict Táo Lán, they had already investigated her thoroughly; they wouldn't have trouble finding a reason.
Zhōuzhōu looked back at Táo Lán. Seeing the distinct blackness on her temples, a sign of impending imprisonment, she left with Grandma Qin, reassured.
In less than two days, the news came that Táo Lán was imprisoned for embezzling public funds. At that time, Zhōuzhōu was giving Qín Fēng acupuncture. The Qín family members only briefly acknowledged the news, no one wasting any more time on Táo Lán. Qín Liè had already made arrangements on his end, and she would definitely not have an easy time.
They were more concerned about Qín Fēng's condition.
"How is it? Do you feel anything?" Wén Yáo nervously asked, holding Qín Fēng's hand.
Sweat beaded on Qín Fēng's forehead. "It hurts a little."
This time, he didn't try to hide it by only reporting the good news. For them, feeling pain was good news.
He held Wén Yáo's hand, crying and laughing, repeatedly saying, "Mom, it hurts."
Seeing him tear up, Zhōuzhōu quickly said, "Seventh Brother, please bear with it. The reason you can't stand is that the Sinister Energy has eroded your meridians. Today, we need to clear your meridians, so it will hurt a bit. It won't hurt anymore after this."
Saying this, she took out a lollipop she had been reluctant to eat from her bag and offered it to him. "Seventh Brother, have some candy."
She had been treating Qín Fēng for a while now, and Qín Fēng knew how precious this candy was to her. He shook his head. "You eat it. I don't want it."
Wén Yáo wiped her eyes and looked at the thoughtful little girl. "Zhōuzhōu, you eat it yourself. Your Seventh Brother doesn't want it. We're just too happy."
"Happy?" Zhōuzhōu was confused. She grew up on the mountain. Whether in a temple or a Taoist temple, people's minds were simple. Smiling meant happy, crying meant sad. Now, both Seventh Brother and Fourth Aunt were crying, and they called it happiness?
Wén Yáo nodded and explained, "Xiǎo Fēng's legs have been numb for so long. Now they finally have sensation. Even if it hurts, it's a good sign. It means he'll be able to stand up soon, so we're all very happy."
So that's how it is.
Zhōuzhōu suddenly understood and chuckled, "That's true. Once we get through today, Seventh Brother will get better quickly."
As she spoke, she saw Qín Fēng thinking about other things. Zhōuzhōu quickly inserted the last needle, the most crucial and painful step to open his meridians.
If Zhōuzhōu hadn't been prepared and held him down, Qín Fēng would have struggled to get up long ago.
"It'll be over soon," she soothed, flicking her fingertips. The needles on him moved as if by wind, shaking gently in unison. Spiritual energy also flowed into his body through her fingertips.
Seeing this, Qín Zé's eyes widened in astonishment. He wanted to say something but swallowed his words, looking at his son.
After a moment of intense pain, a warmth followed, very comfortable, instantly soothing the previous pain.
Zhōuzhōu manipulated the needles with one hand and felt the circulation of spiritual energy in his radial pulse with the other.
After the spiritual energy circulated through his body and eliminated the Sinister Energy clinging to other parts, she removed the needles.
She said, "Seventh Brother's Sinister Energy is mainly in his legs. I've already cleared the other parts of your body. However, the Sinister Energy in your legs cannot be completely removed yet; it will take some time."
Chapter 67
Afraid they would worry, Zhōuzhōu explained the situation to them first.
However, for Wén Yáo, the fact that he could recover was already excellent news. She asked, "How much time, approximately?"
Zhōuzhōu held up two fingers.
Wén Yáo breathed a sigh of relief. "Two years? That's fine, that's fine." As long as he could be cured, two years wasn't too long.
To her surprise, Zhōuzhōu looked at her strangely. "I meant two weeks."
Wén Yáo froze.
What did she say? How long? Two what? Weeks?
When she finally understood, Wén Yáo jumped up, her voice rising sharply. "Two weeks?!"
"Yes." Unlike her shock, Zhōuzhōu appeared very calm. "It could have been one week, but Seventh Brother's physical condition is not good. He might not be able to withstand strong medicine, so we can only extend it by another week. It will take two weeks."
She even shook her head with a hint of regret, unaware that this was tremendous news for Wén Yáo. Her son's illness would not only be cured but in such a short time.
She was so emotional that she tightly grasped Zhōuzhōu's hand and said, "Zhōuzhōu, from now on, Fourth Aunt will repay you by working like an ox or horse!"
Looking at her, Zhōuzhōu grinned softly. "Fourth Aunt doesn't need to work like an ox or horse. If you can, just cook me a meal."
She was a bit hungry. She could have held out for another hour, but treating Qín Fēng had also consumed her energy, so she got hungry faster today.
"I'll probably need to eat six meals today," she said, scratching her head a little sheepishly. She did seem to eat quite a bit.
Wén Yáo paused, then chuckled. Looking at the little girl, her heart melted. She waved her hand. "Eat! Even if it's ten or eight meals, Fourth Aunt will make them for you!"
Saying this, she glanced at her son. Seeing that he looked drowsy, she quickly went to cook for Zhōuzhōu.
By the time Zhōuzhōu finished refining the medicine for Qín Fēng, Wén Yáo had already prepared several dishes.
Seeing Zhōuzhōu approach, she turned and said, "Zhōuzhōu, eat first. I'll make a few more dishes."
They were all vegetarian dishes, clearly prepared according to Zhōuzhōu's taste, and the portions were large. Zhōuzhōu climbed onto a chair and took a deep sniff. "It smells so good!"
She quickly said, "Fourth Aunt doesn't need to make any more. I'll just eat more rice."
"It'll be ready soon," Wén Yáo said, not listening, and continued with her work. Zhōuzhōu had helped them so much; she wanted to make more dishes for her. Although the family had a housekeeper, Wén Yáo also cooked regularly, and her culinary skills were excellent. The dishes were both appealing and delicious. Zhōuzhōu gave her a thumbs-up while eating. "This is so delicious!"
"As long as it's delicious." Wén Yáo brought over the last dish and sat beside her, looking at her with gentle eyes.
Before, she didn't understand why her mother-in-law had suddenly adopted a little girl. Now, she was incredibly grateful for that decision. If she hadn't intercepted the string of Buddhist beads Táo Lán had sent, Xiǎo Fēng might have died young as Táo Lán had intended.
At this thought, her heart trembled, and her gaze towards Zhōuzhōu became even more grateful. She said, "Zhōuzhōu, from now on, tell me whatever you want to eat, and I'll make it for you."
"Okay, okay!" Zhōuzhōu happily swung her short legs, overjoyed.
Just then, Qín Rèn walked in. She immediately turned to look at him, and the hairs on her body stood on end, startling her so much that she almost fell off the chair.
Why does Scientist Big Brother's gaze at her feel even more perverted?
Chapter 68
Noticing her unusual expression, Wén Yáo also looked over curiously. Seeing Qín Rèn, she smiled. "Ā Rèn, you're here. Would you like something to eat?"
Qín Rèn had always had a regular diet and didn't usually have extra meals. Wén Yáo was just being polite, but to her surprise, Qín Rèn nodded and walked over, pulling up a chair to sit down, right opposite Zhōuzhōu, where he could see her.
He said, "Yes."
Hearing this, Zhōuzhōu trembled slightly.
It felt less like he wanted to eat and more like he wanted to eat her.
So scary.
Wén Yáo was also stunned by his reply. Seeing Zhōuzhōu's strange expression, she thought the little girl was worried about not having enough to eat. "Then I'll make two more dishes."
Saying this, she left the table and went to the kitchen.
Zhōuzhōu stared at her retreating back, wanting to keep her, but couldn't.
Qín Rèn watched her reaching out hands of resistance and couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Recalling the Talisman paper he had bought from Liú Hànqiū, his eyes deepened.
Hearing his laughter, Zhōuzhōu turned to look, meeting his gaze. For a moment, she felt as if she would be tied up and sliced into small pieces for research the next second, her scalp tingling.
Perhaps it was the suppression of science over metaphysics, but Zhōuzhōu always felt intimidated whenever she saw him. However, remembering her father's words that she was the challenge to scientific authority, she suddenly felt a bit more confident.
She straightened her back and glared at him defiantly, thinking she wasn't afraid of him!
Seeing this, Qín Rèn raised an eyebrow slightly, adjusted his glasses, exuding scholarly charm. Zhōuzhōu immediately caved.
She shrank back, annoyed at her own cowardice, and secretly buried her head in her food.
She needed to eat more and grow up quickly. Once she was as tall as Scientist Big Brother, she wouldn't be afraid of him anymore!
As she was eating, Qín Xī suddenly ran in from outside, sweating profusely. The weather was getting cool, yet he was still wearing a short-sleeved shirt. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked, "Big Brother, we're going to the picking garden to play. Are you coming?"
Qín Rèn glanced at Zhōuzhōu, didn't answer, but first asked her, "Does Zhōuzhōu want to go play? The picking garden has strawberries, grapes, pomegranates, apples, pears, and many other fruits."
Apples?
Zhōuzhōu's ears perked up.
--Don't let the apples on the ground fly up; it will scare your big brother.
That's what Dad said; Big Brother is afraid of apples flying.
Zhōuzhōu's eyes darted around, and she immediately got excited. "Yes!"
Seeing her expression clearly, Qín Rèn knew that his little cousin's sudden desire to go out with him must have some mischievous plan, but he was also curious about what she would do.
Hearing her say she wanted to go, Qín Xī was displeased. He muttered unhappily, "We agreed to race with those Liu family brats today to see who picks more. Why bring her?"
They had always been at odds with the Liu family kids since they were young, and they called Xiao Qi a "waste" the most often. The two families had been feuding. This time, they were going to crush their morale. If they brought their little cousin, they'd have to find someone to specifically accompany her. What a hassle!
He was unhappy, but when Qín Rèn gave him a light glance, his smile remained, but his eyes were a little cold. Qín Xī swallowed and immediately dared not speak. "I'll go call them!"
He shouted and immediately turned to run.
Seeing this, Zhōuzhōu felt more balanced.
See? She wasn't the only one afraid of Scientist Big Brother.
Nothing to be ashamed of!
After Qín Xī called the others, Qín Fēng also woke up and said he wanted to go out to play.
Wén Yáo hesitated, looking at Zhōuzhōu.
Chapter 69
Zhōuzhōu didn't seem to have a strong reaction. "Okay, it's good for Seventh Brother to get out and move around more."
Hearing this, Wén Yáo agreed. She also hung the snacks and treats she had prepared for Zhōuzhōu on the armrest of the wheelchair.
The little girl gets hungry easily, so it's best to bring more food when going out.
"I'll do it," Qín Rèn said, walking behind Qín Fēng and pushing the wheelchair.
He had always taken good care of his younger brothers, so Wén Yáo felt reassured. "Look after your sister. Don't let anyone bully her."
Grandma Qin knew about Zhōuzhōu's abilities and didn't give any such instructions. Who would bully whom was yet to be seen.
She stuffed another wad of cash into Zhōuzhōu's bag and watched them leave.
There were too many children, so they had to split into two cars.
Soon, they arrived at the picking garden on the outskirts of the capital. As soon as they reached the entrance, they saw several children already standing there.
It was the same group of children who had fought with the Qín family that day.
Upon seeing them, Zhōuzhōu immediately ran to Qín Fēng's side and glared at them fiercely.
With her here today, they wouldn't dare bully Seventh Brother!
However, the Liu family children didn't intend to fight today. They were here for the competition.
The leading child said, "Today, we'll compete to see who picks more fruit. The higher the fruit, the more valuable it is. Do you dare to compete?"
"Why wouldn't we dare!" Qín Xī rolled up his sleeves, tensed his arm, and a small bulge appeared. He patted it. "See this? Muscles! Today, I'll make sure you lose convincingly!"
"Hmph, our second child is the best at climbing trees. You're bound to lose!" Liu Wei, the eldest of the Liu family children, declared, pointing at a thin child beside him with pride.
"Our second child can also climb trees!" Qín Xī retorted, pointing at Qín Ěr.
Hearing this, Qín Ěr lazily raised his eyelids and glanced at him. "Got money?"
No money, no work.
Knowing his habit, Qín Xī immediately slapped a few red bills into his hand. "If Brother Er wins, this money is yours!"
Feeling the money, Qín Ěr immediately perked up. "Then let's begin."
Seeing this, Liu Wei also took out a handful of money from his pocket and stuffed it into Liu Hào's hand. "Climb well. If you win, I'll treat you to a big meal!"
Saying this, he provocatively looked at the Qín family. "How about we add some spice? Let's make a bet. Take out all the money you have. Whoever loses, the money goes to the other side."
"Okay, are you afraid?" Qín Xī, with the quickest temper, immediately agreed.
Qín Rèn adjusted his glasses, a cold glint in his eyes. "If you lose, it won't just be money, but everything valuable you have on you, including watches and jewelry. Do you dare?"
They were going too far. They hadn't forgotten the insult when they bullied Xiao Qi last time.
Liu Wei hesitated, then glanced at the watch on his wrist, a Rolex worth hundreds of thousands. He had long coveted it. He looked at Liu Hào again, recalling his tree-climbing speed, and his eyes darted around. He immediately agreed. "Okay."
They might be good at fighting, but tree climbing was another matter.
Hmph, this time they would lose everything but their underwear!
To prevent cheating, they took out all their money and valuables and placed them in one spot. Liu Wei pointed at Qín Fēng and said, "Little waste, watch our things, don't lose them."
Hearing his address, Zhōuzhōu clenched her small fists. She stepped forward and looked at him coldly, saying, "I'll compete with you!"
Chapter 70
The little girl looked up at them, her chubby cheeks looking adorable. The Liu family children laughed heartily upon seeing her, completely disregarding her.
Qín Xī also scowled and grabbed her by the back of her collar, pulling her behind him. "Don't cause trouble."
Compete? Could she even climb trees? She'd get scraped and cry again. Girls were the most troublesome.
"I can!" Zhōuzhōu stretched her head out and said clearly. She was great at climbing trees; even the monkeys in the mountains couldn't compare to her!
However, Qín Xī didn't believe her at all and ignored her. He looked at Qín Ěr and said, "Brother Er, it's up to you. Compete well."
The Liu family wasn't as wealthy as the Qín family, but they were still well-off. The pile of items added up to over a hundred thousand. If they won, it would all be his.
Looking at the items, Qín Ěr became completely energized. "Let's go."
Liu Wei sneered. He wanted to see if he had the ability to win his things!
Since the competition was based on the total quantity, all the Qín family members except Qín Fēng also participated.
They disdained the items that were quantity-based and all focused on the fruits at higher places, as these scored higher and could quickly create a gap.
"You're bound to lose!" Liu Wei said to them with a cold sneer.
For this competition, Liu Hào had specifically practiced climbing trees. Now, no one could climb higher and faster than him.
They were sure to win this time!
Hearing this, Zhōuzhōu put her hands on her hips and bared her little tiger teeth, growling fiercely, "You're the one who's bound to lose!"
Based on the dissipating golden light on his forehead, he was clearly destined to lose wealth today.
Liu Hào rolled his eyes at her and said to Qín Fēng, "Hey, little waste, watch your little bald-headed little girl, or I won't be responsible if she gets hit."
Hearing his address, Zhōuzhōu's fists clenched. She stepped forward to hit him, but Qín Fēng grabbed her hand. He looked at him coldly. "Then try it!"