Jiang Dongchen's hand gave a slight tremor as he thrust a needle straight toward Li Ruolin's crown!
"Ha..."
A doctor from the Traditional Chinese Medicine department could not help but burst out laughing at the scene!
The tip of the needle was still a full inch away from the Baihui acupoint.
In the art of acupuncture, success depended on precision, accuracy, and ruthlessness!
This brat could not even identify the acupoints correctly—how could he possibly save a dead person?
Seeing the Chinese medicine doctor laugh, the others quickly asked what was going on, and the doctor smugly explained the situation.
Outbursts of laughter erupted across the room.
"My god, I thought he was some peerless expert from out of nowhere, but he's just an absolute moron!"
"He can't even find the right acupoints, yet he wants to save someone—he's utterly arrogant and doesn't know his limits!"
"I can't believe President Zhan would take a fancy to such a clown; it's completely mind-boggling!"
By this time, Jiang Dongchen had already driven eighteen needles into Li Ruolin's body, leaving only the very tips of the golden needles visible!
Looking thoroughly exhausted, Jiang Dongchen finally let go of Li Ruolin's hand!
For he knew that Li Ruolin's life had finally been snatched back from the jaws of death!
The Chinese medicine doctor let out a sigh. "Eighteen needles, and not a single one hit the right acupoint!"
"This guy is truly one of a kind!"
With a grim expression on his face, Lin Shenghao turned and walked out of the emergency room!
This utter idiot was simply making a farce of the whole thing!
Yet, solely because Zhan Feng was present, there was nothing he could do about it!
He was forced to let this fool do whatever he pleased!
Hua Tianfeng would arrive shortly, so he needed to go and welcome him!
Thinking of Hua Tianfeng's status and standing, a flash of coldness crossed Lin Shenghao's eyes. "Zhan Feng!"
"This is Tianhai!"
"No matter how powerful a dragon you are, you must coil here; no matter how fierce a tiger you are, you must crouch!"
"I'll let you be smug for a little longer. Once I invite Divine Doctor Hua to take charge of the hospital, I'll settle this score with you slowly!"
"And as for that idiot, I refuse to believe Zhan Feng can protect you forever!"
"Just you wait!"
Back in the emergency room, as Jiang Dongchen looked at Li Ruolin lying on the hospital bed, a pang of heartache flashed through his eyes!
The three wounds on her face had their flesh turned outward, giving her a look of indescribable savageness!
If he did not find a way to repair them, it would leave Li Ruolin with lifelong regret!
With these thoughts in mind, Jiang Dongchen stood up and strode out.
To treat Long Wuya's severe illness, he had already gathered certain medicinal herbs and stored them in Longteng Group's warehouse!
He would go to Long Wuya's place to refine the medicinal pills capable of restoring Li Ruolin's appearance, and thereby heal her face!
Right before heading out, Jiang Dongchen instructed Zhan Feng, "Take good care of Ruolin!"
Stepping outside, Jiang Dongchen hailed a taxi and rushed toward the Longteng Group warehouse.
While in the car, Jiang Dongchen received a call from Long Wuya. "Mr. Jiang, the Profound Yin Grass has been acquired!"
Jiang Dongchen thought for a moment and said, "Come to the warehouse; I'll treat your illness!"
Now that the Profound Yin Grass was in hand, treatment for Long Wuya's severe illness could begin.
Moreover, feeling grateful for Long Wuya's dedicated and attentive service all this time, Jiang Dongchen decided to refine the pill for Long Wuya's condition at the same time he brewed the medicine for Li Ruolin.
Overjoyed, Long Wuya offered an explanation: "I've just arrived at the municipal government office and might need half an hour!"
His trip to the municipal government was naturally concerning the business venture worth two billion in profits.
Besides, having stood the mayor up once, he could not afford to do so a second time.
Jiang Dongchen smiled. "Have someone send the Profound Yin Grass over first; you can come a bit later!"
Ten minutes or so later, Jiang Dongchen arrived at the Longteng Group warehouse.
It was called a warehouse, but knowing that Jiang Dongchen intended to refine pills there to cure his illness, Long Wuya had already cleared out a room and renovated it into a pill-refining chamber!
Jiang Dongchen hurried directly to the pill-refining room.
Before even reaching the entrance, he caught sight of an elegant figure.
When Long Ruolan saw Jiang Dongchen, the disgust in her eyes seemed fit to overflow. "You really are like a ghost that refuses to disperse!"
After securing the Profound Yin Grass, Long Ruolan had notified Long Wuya at the earliest possible moment.
However, Long Wuya had been fully occupied with tracking down Li Ruolin's whereabouts at the time and had not given Long Ruolan any explicit instructions.
Having just received a call from Long Wuya informing her that the extraordinary person capable of curing him would be coming to the warehouse, Long Ruolan had rushed over hurriedly with the Profound Yin Grass!
Never did she expect to run into this same pest trying to chat her up here!
Long Ruolan was naturally someone who had zero tolerance for nonsense, and coupled with her preconceived prejudices, this was the exact attitude she displayed!
Jiang Dongchen explained, "I'm here to refine pills."
"To treat Long Wuya's illness!"
Since Long Ruolan had not only obtained the Profound Yin Grass but also appeared right here, Jiang Dongchen had already vaguely guessed her identity!
Not wishing to stir up extra trouble, Jiang Dongchen thus revealed who he was!
Long Ruolan circled around Jiang Dongchen once before speaking with an exaggerated expression, "How did you know my brother invited someone here to treat his illness?"
Clearly, Long Ruolan did not believe that Jiang Dongchen was the extraordinary person invited by Long Wuya!
Jiang Dongchen frowned. "Long Wuya is the one who invited me!"
Long Ruolan laughed.
Then, her gaze turned fierce. "Your joke isn't funny at all!"
"I have serious business right now, and I can't be bothered to argue with you!"
"If you continue to shamelessly linger here, bear the consequences!"
Arrogant, conceited, and overbearing!
She had no sense of the immensity of heaven and earth!
For such a person to still try and hit on her was nothing short of daydreaming!
Anxious to save lives, Jiang Dongchen urged, "You can call Long Wuya to verify this!"
Knowing that Long Wuya was currently in talks with the mayor regarding a partnership, how could Long Ruolan possibly call him?
Hearing Jiang Dongchen say that, she let out a cold sneer. "Since you're a divine doctor, then I suppose you can tell what illness I have, can you?"
Jiang Dongchen looked Long Ruolan up and down. "I honestly didn't expect you to have the exact same illness as your brother!"
"It's just that because you're young and your physical constitution is better, it hasn't flared up yet!"
Long Ruolan instantly lost all interest in speaking with Jiang Dongchen and pointed into the distance. "Get lost!"
No matter how skilled a Chinese medicine practitioner was, they at least needed to observe, listen, question, and take pulses!
This brat had merely glanced at her a few times and could already tell she had a terminal illness?
What an absolute fairytale!
Long Ruolan's voice was loud, causing the people inside the warehouse to rush out in succession.
Seeing that it was Long Ruolan and Jiang Dongchen, the warehouse manager hurried over and looked at Jiang Dongchen with utmost respect. "Mr. Jiang, you're here!"
Long Wuya had instructed him that Jiang Dongchen had given him a new lease on life.
Whenever he saw Jiang Dongchen, he must show him even greater politeness than he would to Long Wuya himself.
That was why the manager had greeted Jiang Dongchen first!
Long Ruolan froze in place!
The manager was actually treating Jiang Dongchen with such reverence—could it be that Jiang Dongchen really was the divine doctor her brother had invited?
No, no, no!
This brat was around her same age!
Even if he had started practicing from his mother's womb, it was utterly impossible for him to become a renowned physician!
They must have been fooled by this kid's act!
Chapter 9
Just as Long Ruolan was about to throw a tantrum, the roar of an engine sounded—Long Wuya had arrived.
Having reached an agreement with the mayor at maximum speed, Long Wuya had headed straight for the warehouse.
Long Ruolan hurriedly went to greet him. "Brother!"
"How could you possibly believe this liar?!"
Long Wuya was taken aback.
Before he could say a word, Long Ruolan poured out everything that had just happened like a rapid-fire string of bullets!
Finally, Long Ruolan let out a cold snort. "Saying that I've contracted the same severe illness as you—what utter nonsense!"
Long Wuya's body trembled. Too distracted to even deal with Long Ruolan, he took two or three strides over to Jiang Dongchen's side and asked with a trembling voice, "Mr. Jiang, is what you said true?"
Long Wuya was forty-three this year, while Long Ruolan was only twenty-three!
With their parents passing away one after another, Long Ruolan had become Long Wuya's only living relative.
Hearing now that Long Ruolan had also contracted this severe illness, he naturally grew incomparably anxious!
Jiang Dongchen let out a sigh. "When have I ever lied to you?"
With a thud, Long Wuya dropped to his knees. "Please, Mr. Jiang, forgive my sister's rudeness and save her life!"
Before Jiang Dongchen could say anything, Long Ruolan shouted, "Brother!"
"This guy is a fraud!"
"How can you actually believe him?"
Long Wuya turned around, his expression fierce. "If you still consider me your brother, kneel down immediately and ask for Mr. Jiang's forgiveness!"
Long Ruolan had never seen Long Wuya treat her with such severity and grievance washed over her face!
Jiang Dongchen spoke up, "If the Profound Yin Grass is sufficient, I will make a move!"
Long Wuya swallowed hard. "Yes... there are three stalks of Profound Yin Grass!"
After getting to his feet, Long Wuya glared fiercely at Long Ruolan. "Still not going to fetch the Profound Yin Grass!"
Though filled with resentment, seeing how serious Long Wuya's expression was and not daring to disobey, Long Ruolan pulled out the Profound Yin Grass!
Jiang Dongchen walked toward the pill-refining room. "Wait outside!"
"Do not disturb me!"
While Long Wuya nodded respectfully in agreement, Long Ruolan rolled her eyes.
Put on an act!
I'll let you put on an act for a little longer!
Once you fail to refine the pills and can't cure my brother's illness, let's see how I deal with you!
Time ticked by second by second.
Seeing that nearly three hours had passed and Jiang Dongchen still showed no sign of coming out, Long Ruolan said with a disgruntled expression, "Brother, do you still think he isn't a fraud?"
Long Wuya's body shook as he viciously warned Long Ruolan, "If you keep this up, don't blame me for disowning you as my sister!"
Before Long Ruolan could reply, the door to the pill-refining room opened.
Jiang Dongchen appeared at the doorway with a smile on his face.
Using the three stalks of Profound Yin Grass combined with other herbs, he had refined three pills capable of curing the severe illness.
At the same time, utilizing other medicinal ingredients, he had brewed a batch of Scar-Removal Pills.
Li Ruolin's recovery was now just around the corner!
Seeing Long Wuya walk over with an expectant look, Jiang Dongchen smiled. "I have successfully fulfilled my mission!"
As he spoke, Jiang Dongchen produced a medicinal pill. "Take this Tianxiang Pill, and your severe illness will be completely cured!"
With an expression of deep gratitude, Long Wuya took the Tianxiang Pill.
The moment he swallowed it into his mouth, Long Wuya subconsciously glanced at Long Ruolan.
Understanding what Long Wuya meant, Jiang Dongchen explained, "There are two more Tianxiang Pills right here; your sister will be fine."
Long Ruolan rolled her eyes dismissively.
Meanwhile, Long Wuya tossed the Tianxiang Pill straight into his mouth!
As the medicinal power dissolved within his body, Long Wuya felt a wave of warmth spread through him.
The very next second, however, a sensation of agonizing, twisting pain surged through his stomach. Suppressing a muffled groan, dense beads of sweat broke out across his forehead!
Jiang Dongchen's expression changed drastically as he grabbed Long Wuya's pulse.
Long Ruolan shrieked hysterically, "Fraud!"
"If anything happens to my brother, I will never let you off!"
With a look of grave solemnity, Jiang Dongchen struck three fingers against Long Wuya's body before sweeping him up in his arms and rushing back into the pill-refining room.
When Long Ruolan tried to follow them inside, Jiang Dongchen had already slammed the door shut!
Once inside the pill-refining room, Jiang Dongchen's face was as dark as water.
After laying Long Wuya down on the bed, he pulled out his golden needles.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."
Almost in the blink of an eye, thirty-six golden needles had been embedded into all the vital acupuncture points across Long Wuya's body.
A wisp of black Qi surged across Long Wuya's face.
At that moment, the golden needles began to vibrate incessantly.
As the vibration of the needles grew increasingly pronounced, the black Qi was compressed into a single thin line.
It crept from Long Wuya's face down into his neck, traveled from his neck to his shoulders, and finally reached his fingertips.
With a cold snort, Jiang Dongchen gripped Long Wuya's fingertips and squeezed hard.
A drop of ink-black blood dripped onto the floor.
"Hiss!"
The steel-plate floor was actually corroded into a small hole by the drop.
Seeing this, Jiang Dongchen's expression shifted slightly.
Long Wuya opened his eyes, looking somewhat weak as he gazed at Jiang Dongchen. "Mr. Jiang, you've saved my life once again!"
With a grave expression, Jiang Dongchen said, "I never expected this!"
"Someone actually poisoned you!"
"Because the poison was masked by your own illness, I failed to detect it!"
"Fortunately, everything is fine now!"
A sharp gleam flashed through Long Wuya's eyes. "Someone wants to harm me?"
Jiang Dongchen initially wanted to ask just who bore such deep enmity toward Long Wuya to resort to such a lethal method...
But seeing Long Wuya's bewildered expression, he swallowed the words that had already reached his lips!
Instead, Long Wuya said at that moment, "Please, Mr. Jiang, save Ruolin's life!"
Jiang Dongchen shook his head. "I don't know if your sister's condition is the same as yours!"
"She needs a thorough examination first!"
"However, I still have matters to attend to!"
"Once I've dealt with them, I will notify you!"
Without waiting for Long Wuya to reply, Jiang Dongchen drifted away.
The Scar-Removal Pill had strict time constraints for its application.
He had originally thought treating Long Wuya would be a simple matter of convenience, only to discover that Long Wuya had been poisoned!
To prevent the exact same situation from occurring in Long Ruolin, a comprehensive examination of her was mandatory!
Therefore, saving Long Ruolin had to be put on hold for the moment.
Naturally, Long Wuya had no idea that this was what Jiang Dongchen had in mind.
Seeing Jiang Dongchen leave, Long Wuya's heart plummeted to the very bottom!
If Mr. Jiang refused to treat her, Long Ruolin would surely lose her life...
What on earth should he do?
At that moment, Long Ruolan burst furiously into the pill-refining room. Seeing that Long Wuya was unharmed, she let out a long breath of relief. "Brother, I never thought that fraud actually had a few tricks up his sleeve!"
With a grave expression, however, Long Wuya said, "Do you have any idea what a massive disaster you've brought upon yourself?"
Understanding what Long Wuya meant, Long Ruolan exaggeratedly replied, "Brother, you don't actually believe that I've contracted a severe illness and been poisoned too, do you?"
Breathing heavily, Long Wuya panted, "Mr. Jiang has never been wrong!"
Raising her voice even louder, Long Ruolan retorted, "I don't believe his ghost stories at all!"
"Brother!"
"I know you care about me!"
"But just because he could save you doesn't mean he can tell at a glance that I'm sick!"
"And even taking a ten-thousand-step retreat, supposing I really am sick..."
"Even if I die, I will never beg him to save me!"
Without waiting for Long Wuya to respond, Long Ruolan slammed the door behind her and stormed out!
Chapter 10
On the way to the hospital, Jiang Dongchen received a call from Zhan Feng.
Zhan Feng informed him that through her coordination, Li Ruolin had already been settled into a VIP care ward, and she had dispatched people to investigate the backgrounds of the two thugs who had mutilated Li Ruolin.
Saying a brief acknowledgment, Jiang Dongchen returned to the hospital.
Zhan Feng hurried up to him. "How is it?"
Nodding, Jiang Dongchen replied, "The medicine has been prepared!"
As he spoke, Jiang Dongchen walked up to the hospital bed. "How is she?"
Zhan Feng lowered her voice. "She hasn't woken up yet!"
Jiang Dongchen let out a sigh. "It's better that she hasn't woken up; otherwise, this kind of torment isn't something she could endure."
Pointing to the golden needles still remaining on Li Ruolin's body, Zhan Feng asked, "Why aren't you removing these needles?"
Jiang Dongchen explained, "The needles need to remain in place for twelve hours to achieve maximum effect!"
"If we pull them out now, all previous efforts will be wasted."
Nodding half-understandingly, a sudden wave of inexplicable melancholy welled up in Zhan Feng's heart. "You're really so good to her!"
Jiang Dongchen looked at Zhan Feng, but said nothing.
Carefully unspooling the bandages on Li Ruolin's face, Jiang Dongchen dissolved the Scar-Removal Pill in water and applied it gently to Li Ruolin's face.
Throughout the entire process, Jiang Dongchen's expression held an indescribable intensity of focus.
When he finished, Jiang Dongchen asked Zhan Feng to go purchase some daily necessities.
After all, Li Ruolin would be staying in the hospital for another couple of days and needed essential supplies.
With Zhan Feng departing to carry out the order, Jiang Dongchen seated himself beside the hospital bed to keep watch over Li Ruolin.
Ten minutes or so later, Li Ruolin's eyelashes fluttered and she slowly opened her eyes.
The scene right before she lost consciousness flashed across her mind like lightning, causing Li Ruolin to curl up into a tight ball. "No... don't... ah!"
Jiang Dongchen quickly caught Li Ruolin's hand. "It's over!"
"It's all over!"
"You're safe now!"
Only then did Li Ruolin realize she was in a hospital room, and the person before her was a complete stranger.
Maintaining her defensive posture, Li Ruolin asked with extreme vigilance, "You... who are you?"
Looking at Li Ruolin, who resembled a frightened rabbit, Jiang Dongchen's voice was filled with gentleness. "My name is Jiang Dongchen!"
"Don't you remember..."
"Ten years ago, by the river..."
Perhaps that incident was merely an insignificant trifle in Li Ruolin's memory, for she racked her brain for a long time without recalling it.
Yet perhaps it was Jiang Dongchen's gentleness that melted her defenses, as Li Ruolin timidly asked, "Did... did you save me?"
Jiang Dongchen nodded.
Looking somewhat nervous, Li Ruolin asked, "Aren't... aren't you afraid of the Li Family's Matriarch?"
Jiang Dongchen was stunned for a moment before a sharp gleam flashed through his eyes. "Was it the Matriarch who did this?"
Li Ruolin nodded, then shook her head. "I don't know!"
Trying his best to keep his voice gentle, Jiang Dongchen said, "Tell me everything you know!"
Fear flickered across Li Ruolin's eyes.
"That year, because of a car crash, I watched with my own eyes as my mother died right beside me!"
"The Matriarch appeared at that moment!"
"She had someone take me away and told me that my identity could not see the light of day!"
"To protect me, she would send me to live with an ordinary family, and she warned me that the person who killed my mother was exceptionally vicious, telling me never to expose my true identity!"
"Otherwise, if that person found out I was still alive, they would take my life!"
A surge of violent aura radiated from Jiang Dongchen's body. "Such a thing actually happened?"
Li Ruolin shrank back even further. "You... you're terrifying!"
Realizing he had lost his composure, Jiang Dongchen quickly reined in his aura and asked, "What happened after that?"
Li Ruolin let out a sigh. "I entered an ordinary household and became their child!"
"Two years later, my foster father died, having accidentally fallen into the river while drunk!"
"Two years after that, my foster mother died too; she was the victim of a robbery, brutally stabbed three times by ruthless criminals!"
At this point, Li Ruolin's emotions grew agitated. "But my foster father rarely drank, and in those two years I had never once seen him drunk—how could he accidentally fall in while drunk?!"
"When my mother was robbed, she only had thirty-seven yuan on her, and she offered no resistance whatsoever—how could she have been stabbed to death?!"