Elder Chu saw Lin Dong, his expression agitated, yet he was unable to utter a single word.
Lin Dong quickly moved toward him and comforted him, saying, "Elder, let's discuss everything else tonight. Your health is the priority."
The old man nodded with great effort, and then the rest of the family crowded around to shower him with concern.
Lin Dong tactfully stepped away. He was planning to find a quiet corner to sit and collect his thoughts so he could map out his revenge, but before he could even begin, Chu Mingyu and his associates approached him.
Chu Mingyu was no longer as arrogant as he had been moments before; the look he gave Lin Dong even carried a hint of sycophancy.
"Haha, my dear son-in-law, who would have thought you possessed such medical skill? You are young, yet your future is boundless!"
Seeing Chu Mingyu’s face, Lin Dong suddenly felt a wave of nausea. He spoke bluntly, "If you have something to say, say it clearly. I’m not in the mood to play games with you."
Chu Mingyu had a favor to ask, so despite Lin Dong’s cold attitude, he could not afford to take offense and replied sheepishly, "We are family, after all. Since you have such medical expertise, why don't we cooperate? We can establish a company in the family’s name. With your skills, we could be listed on the NEEQ board in less than a year!"
Lin Dong had studied medicine to save himself and others, not to make money. Furthermore, he was not in need of funds, so he refused flatly, "I’m not interested."
Chu Mingyu did not give up. Instead, he pursued Lin Dong with an eager expression, "My dear son-in-law, surely a doctor needs medicinal herbs? I have a connection to the Yunshan Immortal Pavilion!"
At the mention of this, while Lin Dong’s expression remained largely unchanged, his attitude softened considerably.
Over the past few years spent studying medicine under his master, he had heard many secret tales of the underworld. The Yunshan Immortal Pavilion was the premier establishment for those seeking survival and rare medicine. While their own strength was not considered overwhelming, they specialized in herb hunting; legend had it that there was no medicinal ingredient that the Yunshan Immortal Pavilion could not procure.
He had not expected Chu Mingyu to possess such a connection.
As Lin Dong moved toward his revenge, he would inevitably need to prepare many miraculous medicines for contingencies. Furthermore, his sister required treatment for her toxins, which also called for such medicines. If Chu Mingyu truly had a way in, Lin Dong could make use of it.
Lin Dong said, "Very well, we can cooperate. But not now. I have just left Taohua Spring and have many things to attend to."
Upon hearing Lin Dong concede, Chu Mingyu was ecstatic. He shouted, "Don't you worry about that! Whenever you have time, we will cooperate. I’ll wait for you!"
Lin Dong said nothing more. Seeing that Lin Dong was preoccupied, Chu Mingyu did not press further, offered a few more compliments, and took his leave.
By sunset, Elder Chu had finally regained his strength. With the support of Chu Wanning, he was able to stand and walk.
After leaving the room, Elder Chu headed straight for Lin Dong, muttering, "Lin Dong, how is the old divine doctor doing?"
Lin Dong stood up and replied politely, "He is in good health and has gone off on his travels. You, too, should focus on recovering your health, Elder."
The old man asked a few questions about the recent situation at Taohua Spring, and Lin Dong answered them one by one. Once the pleasantries were over, Lin Dong got to the point.
"Elder, you should know exactly why I came here today. I want revenge. When my parents were murdered, Chu Wanning was nearby. You hold crucial evidence!"
At the mention of this topic, Elder Chu’s expression suddenly became conflicted. After a long silence, he finally said, "The reason I have been unwilling to bring this up is, on one hand, because the opposing side is powerful and we cannot afford to provoke them. On the other hand, the old divine doctor once warned me never to reveal a single word to you."
Lin Dong looked up at Chu Wanning, who remained silent. Her stance was clear. Neither of them wanted to speak; it seemed they feared inviting trouble upon themselves.
Lin Dong felt a flicker of irritation and was about to speak, but the old man’s next words dispelled most of his doubts.
Elder Chu said earnestly, "I have witnessed your capabilities, so I do not doubt you. However, the world out there is not like Taohua Spring. Moreover, you are currently blinded by a desire for revenge; such impulsiveness will only lead to your own downfall!"
The old man paused for a moment, then added, "Why not stay with the Chu Family for the time being? On one hand, you can marry Wanning, and on the other, you can temper your temperament and hone your skills. When you are calm enough, I will tell you the clues. What do you think?"
Having lived at Taohua Spring for over a year, the elder naturally had no doubts about Lin Dong’s medical skills, but he truly lacked insight into Lin Dong’s martial arts prowess and temperament.
Lin Dong sighed helplessly. Since Elder Chu was unwilling to speak, Lin Dong could not force him.
What mattered most was that, knowing full well Lin Dong would choose revenge, the elder was still willing to let Chu Wanning marry him and tie both families to the same chariot. This proved he was not afraid of trouble, but was genuinely looking out for him.
Under these circumstances, Lin Dong had no choice but to agree.
"I can stay temporarily, but as for the marriage with Chu Wanning, it must depend on her opinion."
Chu Wanning’s expression shifted slightly. She whispered, "Grandfather, I am currently swamped with work. Where would I find the time for romance?"
Elder Chu said, "Money is never-ending. It’s time you took a moment to settle down!"
Chu Wanning replied anxiously, "The Sanlian Gang has withheld 1.2 billion from our company. It’s not just about the money; it went through our financial company's accounts. If we can’t get it back, we can't resolve the tax issues, and our financial company’s reputation will be ruined!"
Elder Chu frowned slightly, realizing the severity of the situation. Just as he was contemplating a solution, Lin Dong suddenly spoke up.
"What did you say? The Sanlian Gang?"
Chu Wanning asked, "What about it? Have you heard of them?"
Lin Dong sneered, "Before I came in, I just took out one of their men."
Chu Wanning was shocked. "You!"
Even the usually composed Chu Wanning betrayed a hint of panic.
Someone nearby exclaimed, "The Sanlian Gang is the largest faction in North Point! They have countless experts under their command and international backing. Even we can’t do anything to them. You killed one of their men—they will definitely retaliate! You’re finished!"
Chu Wanning had only lived at Taohua Spring for six months, during which time Lin Dong had still been recovering from his injuries, so she had no understanding of his true power.
Lin Dong smiled and offered no explanation. At that moment, his phone rang. He looked down and saw a text message:
"Lin Dong, your sister is in our hands now. If you don't want her to die a miserable death, then behave yourself and come to the North Point building!"
Lin Dong sneered. What a coincidence; they had brought themselves right to his doorstep.
He handed the phone to Chu Wanning and said coldly, "They still owe you 1.2 billion? Perfect. I’m heading over there now, and I’ll collect it for you as well!"
With that, Lin Dong turned and walked away.
Concerned for his safety, Chu Wanning quickly chased after him. But by the time she reached the villa entrance, Lin Dong’s figure had vanished, as if he had evaporated into thin air.