He could only heave a helpless sigh, his hunched body turning to walk away as if he had aged decades in a single instant.
Seeing Song Ciming like this, Ye Chen felt a boundless sense of satisfaction.
Right at that moment, however, a sudden commotion broke out inside the operating room.
Ye Chen hurried back in, and Song Ciming followed him.
To their shock, Elder Tang, who had been fine just moments before, suddenly vomited dark blood and collapsed unconscious once more.
At the same time, all the medical monitoring equipment beside the bed began to blare with harsh alarms.
Seeing Ye Chen enter, Tang Wei asked anxiously, "Doctor Ye, what has happened to my father? You must do something immediately!"
"How can this be? The operation was clearly a success!" After rushing forward to check, Ye Chen's expression shifted drastically, and he said in a panic, "Doctor Ye, what is going on? Didn't you say my father was already out of danger?" Tang Wei roared at Ye Chen.
Ye Chen fell silent. He hadn't expected his empty boasting to backfire so badly, and now he had no idea how to explain.
A moment later, he muttered, "I'm sorry, Mr. Tang. Elder Tang is of an advanced age, and his bodily functions are too weak. I didn't foresee this situation. All I can do now is keep a shred of breath in him so your family can see him one last time."
"Is this what you meant by fulfilling your mission? Give me back my father's life!"
Tang Wei's emotions had fluctuated wildly all day, and having lost his sanity under the fierce provocation, he threw a heavy punch straight at Ye Chen's face in a fit of rage.
"Grandpa!"
Just then, Tang Xueyan, having finished her own examination, managed to make her way into the operating room and witnessed the scene.
Disregarding her own condition, she rushed to Tang Shengshi's bedside in a few hurried strides and burst into loud tears.
Song Ciming, who had returned to the room, pulled the furious Tang Wei away and said, "Old Tang might still be saved!"
"Really? Uncle Song, are you telling the truth?"
Tang Wei let out a loud cry, gripping Song Ciming's arms tightly in his excitement, his eyes filled with a desperate gleam of hope.
Cincing his teeth in pain from the tight grip, Song Ciming frowned and said, "Really!"
"I beg Uncle Song to save my father!" Receiving a positive answer, Tang Wei dropped straight to his knees in front of Song Ciming with a thud, his tone frantic.
He knew that the Tang family's previous actions had deeply wounded this longtime friend of his father.
Right now, perhaps only by kneeling to apologize could he hope that the man would take pity on their decades-old friendship and step in to save his father.
Song Ciming helped Tang Wei up and said, "Given Old Tang's current condition, there is nothing I can do either..."
Before Song Ciming could finish, Tang Wei's expression changed dramatically, and he demanded with a hostile edge, "Uncle Song, didn't you just say my father could still be saved?"
"So many Western medical professors have been completely helpless against Old Tang's condition these past few days. I finally managed to bring Young Friend Lin here, but unfortunately, you all drove him away. Alas!"
Song Ciming sighed and continued, "Unless Young Friend Lin is willing to step in, Old Tang will not survive this."
Tang Wei was stunned for a moment before asking, "Uncle Song, even a master of your standing is helpless—is he really as miraculous as you say?"
Lin Hao was simply too young. Even though he had been shaken by Lin Hao's display of martial prowess earlier, Tang Wei still felt uneasy deep down.
Hearing this, Song Ciming shot Tang Wei a cold, piercing glare and roared angrily, "Old Tang has reached this state, and you think I'm joking with you?!"
Tang Wei was frightened by Song Ciming's gaze; it was the first time he had ever seen the older man fly into such a rage.
He hurriedly offered his apologies in a sincere tone.
At that moment, Tang Xueyan, who had been keeping vigil beside Tang Shengshi, spoke up, "Uncle Song, can you please invite that gentleman back?"
Hearing Tang Xueyan's question, Song Ciming froze. He realized he had completely forgotten to ask Lin Hao for his contact information.
Looking awkward, Song Ciming could only say, "Young Friend Lin surely hasn't gone far yet."
"Someone, go and invite the Divine Doctor Lin back to the Tang family estate immediately!" Tang Wei shouted urgently toward the doorway.
Then, seeming to remember something, he yelled, "Wait, I'll go with you."
However, when Tang Wei rushed out to the front gates of the Tang residence, Lin Hao was long gone.
Consumed by anxiety, he had no choice but to return to Tang Shengshi's ward and ask Song Ciming anxiously, "Elder Song, do you happen to know where you ran into Divine Doctor Lin?"
Song Ciming slapped his forehead and said, "Bencao Hall! Young Friend Lin must have gone back to pick up the medicinal herbs he bought. He came to my Bencao Hall today to purchase medicine..."
Song Ciming briefly recounted how he had met Lin Hao and how the young man had miraculously cured the skinned teenager.
Tang Wei listened with growing excitement, which was abruptly replaced by a pale, horrified expression.
A divine doctor had come to their doorstep to save his father, yet the Tang family had acted like ignorant fools looking down on others.
Disrespectful words were one thing, but they had even ordered their bodyguards to attack him.
Thank goodness the young man was unhurt, otherwise...
At this thought, Tang Wei glared at Tang Xueyan, barked a few hasty instructions, and hurried out to his car to drive toward Bencao Hall.
However, when Tang Wei arrived at Bencao Hall in his Rolls-Royce with a fluttering heart, Lin Hao was still nowhere to be found.
Retrieving Lin Hao's phone number from the staff, Tang Wei dialed it without hesitation.
Having left the Tang residence and returned to Bencao Hall to collect his herbs, Lin Hao was currently at the commercial street shopping for kitchenware like an electric rice cooker and a pressure cooker.
Lacking an alchemy cauldron, he had no choice but to buy a few ordinary household appliances to experiment with first.
His phone buzzed, and a strange number flashed on the screen. Lin Hao pulled out the phone and answered.
"D-Divine Doctor Lin?"
Tang Wei's voice came through the receiver. Recognizing it, Lin Hao let out a scoff and hung up immediately.
He knew perfectly well why the man was calling.
Without guessing, he was certain that Tang Shengshi's condition had deteriorated, leaving that so-called neurology expert Ye Chen utterly helpless.
Song Ciming must have recommended him to the Tang family once more, and now they wanted to beg him to come back and treat Tang Shengshi.
"You remember me now? Too much, too late!"
Although the founding principle of Xianyimen was to practice medicine across the world with a benevolent heart, doctors had their dignity too!
Tang Wei never expected Lin Hao to hang up without even bothering to finish a sentence.
When he called back a second time, Lin Hao had already turned his phone off.
Faced with this, Tang Wei's knees buckled, and he nearly collapsed onto the floor.
Liu Yimin, one of Song Ciming's disciples, recognized Tang Wei. Seeing the state he was in, he hurriedly had someone help him into a chair.
Liu Yimin looked at Tang Wei in bewilderment. Hadn't his master taken Lin Hao to the Tang residence to treat Tang Wei's father?
Why was the third young master of the Tang family searching for someone here at Bencao Hall instead?
He wanted to ask what had happened, but seeing Tang Wei's deathly pale face, he ultimately held his tongue.
A moment later, having caught his breath, Tang Wei pulled out his phone and dialed his second eldest brother, Tang Hu: "Second Brother, I need you to look into someone for me!"
After explaining the situation in detail to Tang Hu, Tang Wei dialed his eldest brother, Tang Long.
His eldest brother Tang Long and second brother Tang Hu held high-ranking positions in Jiangbei's military and political circles, while Tang Wei was a prominent tycoon dominating Jiangbei's business world.
Before long, all the information on Lin Hao was delivered to Tang Wei's phone.
Having failed to find medical help elsewhere, Tang Long and Tang Hu were already on their way back to the Tang residence.
Knowing that their father's fate now rested entirely on Lin Hao's whim, the two brothers abandoned the idea of going home to see their old father first. After a brief word with Tang Wei, all three headed straight for Lin Hao's rented apartment.
Tang Shengshi had single-handedly elevated the Tang family to its current heights, and every move he made was closely watched by the military, political, and business circles of Jiangbei City.
With Tang Shengshi critically ill of late, the upper echelons of Jiangbei were all monitoring the slightest turbulence within the Tang family—waiting for the moment he died so they could carve up the massive cake that was the Tang estate.
Naturally, the abnormal movements of the three Tang brothers did not escape the notice of interested parties.
Not long after the three men arrived at Lin Hao's residence, people from influential families in Jiangbei, such as the Dong Family and the Li Family, also arrived, eager to uncover the purpose of the Tang brothers' visit.
Having applied her makeup to perfection and dressed in a dark purple qipao that accentuated her alluring figure, the stunning Wang Xuewen had just stepped downstairs when she was frozen in shock by the scene before her.
The large open plaza in front of the apartment building where she and Lin Hao rented was generally a no-parking zone.
Yet the square was now packed with one luxury car after another.
Moreover, groups of people stood around the vehicles, and several sharp-dressed elites in business suits stood near the front with anxious expressions.
Spotting Wang Xuewen coming downstairs, and recognizing her from the information on Lin Hao's file as his co-tenant, Tang Wei stepped forward and asked, "Excuse me, is Lin Hao in?"
Seeing a man who looked like an upper-class elite walking toward her, Wang Xuewen felt a brief surge of nervousness and anticipation.
To her surprise, the very first thing he did was ask about Lin Hao.
Her immediate reaction was that this boy Lin Hao must have gotten himself into some serious trouble.
Wang Xuewen immediately shook her head and denied it, "I don't know any Lin Hao. You've asked the wrong person."
Tang Wei grew frantic and blurted out, "Miss Wang Xuewen, I know you and Lin Hao are roommates. As long as you help me get in touch with Mr. Lin, our Tang family will show our immense gratitude!"
The man turned out to be from the Tang family—not only did he know her name, but he also knew she shared an apartment with Lin Hao.
Wang Xuewen thought to herself that things were bad; she hadn't expected Lin Hao's trouble to bring the Tang family straight to their doorstep to hunt him down.
Hastily waving her hand to claim ignorance, she made up a random excuse to brush Tang Wei off.
Then she hurried over to a secluded corner of the complex, pulled out her phone, and dialed Lin Hao.
She wanted to warn him that under no circumstances should he come back right now—he needed to get out of town and hide immediately.
Having shared an apartment with Lin Hao for over half a year, although his financial situation didn't meet her standards for a romantic partner, she still held a certain fondness for the handsome young man who had helped her out so many times.
"The number you have dialed is switched off..."
That Lin Hao had to turn his phone off at a crucial moment made Wang Xuewen stamp her feet in frustration.
Unable to reach him at all, Wang Xuewen, who had been in a rush to get to work, decided against leaving.
She resolved to stay and find out what on earth Lin Hao had done to offend the Tang family, and whether she could be of any help.
At the very least, if things went south, she could feel she had lived up to the help Lin Hao had given her over the past six months.
As time ticked by, just as Wang Xuewen was growing as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, Lin Hao walked into the compound carrying bags of medicinal herbs in one hand and an electric rice cooker and pressure cooker in the other.
Catching sight of his figure, Wang Xuewen cried out in alarm, "Lin Hao, run!"
Hearing the voice, Lin Hao looked over and his eyes lit up as he saw a stunning figure running toward him.
Today, Wang Xuewen was wearing a dark purple qipao with a high slit—her regular work uniform, and a style many found deeply attractive.
On her feet were a pair of wine-red high heels with towering slender heels and glossy, reflective uppers.
Standing around 1.75 meters tall with legs measuring 105 centimeters, Wang Xuewen possessed the quintessential model figure.
The sharp, rhythmic *clack-clack-clack* of her heels striking the pavement accompanied her movement.
The wine-red heels paired with the high-slit qipao made her legs appear even more slender, graceful, and alluring...
Though he had no idea why his breathtakingly gorgeous female neighbor was telling him to run for his life, seeing her anxious expression and knowing she was worried about him brought a slight smile to Lin Hao's face.
Then, struck by a mischievous thought, a wicked grin played on his lips as he instantly activated his spiritual sense.
The first thing that entered his vision was the pair of snowy, majestic mounds on Wang Xuewen's chest, topped by two cherry-pink buds resembling cinnabar moles that jiggled and bounced with every stride she took.
The striking contrast of pale skin and vibrant color delivered a visual impact of the highest order.
As his gaze traced down past her smooth, flat abdomen without an ounce of excess fat, a rush of hot blood surged through Lin Hao's veins.
He hurriedly deactivated his spiritual sense, shifted his gaze away, and instinctively brought the bags he was carrying in front of him, hunching his posture slightly.
Wang Xuewen quickly reached Lin Hao's side, her fair forehead coming right up to his chin.
A seductive wave of perfume washed over him, causing Lin Hao to inhale involuntarily.
The fragrance was neither too strong nor too light, perfectly matching Wang Xuewen's personality—always just right.
It gave the impression of a woman who had just stepped out of a bath, slipped into loose pajamas, and was quietly waiting for her lover to return.
Just as Lin Hao was somewhat enjoying the whiff of this alluring scent, Wang Xuewen opened her pretty cherry lips, panting lightly as she urged anxiously, "Lin Hao, get out of here right now! People from the Tang family are waiting downstairs to ambush you. If you don't leave now, it'll be too late!"
"The Tang family?" Hearing this, Lin Hao blinked in surprise before smiling at Wang Xuewen. "Sister Wen, are you worried about me?"
Wang Xuewen rolled her eyes at him and snapped, "Who's worried about your big head? You've offended the Tang family and you're still laughing? Go!"
"If they want to ambush me, let them. Don't worry, I'll be fine. But Sister Wen, don't you have to go to work today?" Seeing her genuine concern and urgency, Lin Hao felt a warm surge of emotion.
Seeing that he was ignoring her advice, Wang Xuewen's pretty face chilled as she scolded, "Did you not hear a word I just said? Have you never heard of the Jiangbei Tang family? Nine out of ten people who cross the Tang family come to a miserable end. This isn't the time to be trying to look macho."
Lin Hao replied, "Sister Wen, calm down. Things aren't the way you think. Not only have I never offended the Tang family, but they actually need my help. I just didn't expect them to track me down so fast."
"Need your help?" Wang Xuewen laughed out of sheer exasperation. "Lin Hao, get real! I know what your situation is. You're just a college student who just graduated with a medical degree—you have neither medical skill nor connections. The Tang family is a top-tier powerhouse in Jiangbei; why on earth would they need your help?"
By now, Wang Xuewen was clearly irritated. She looked him up and down, noticing his somewhat unusual demeanor.
Recalling how Lin Hao's gaze toward her had changed since last night compared to usual, a suspicion crossed her mind, and her expression grew cold.
It was true she had a favorable impression of Lin Hao, but she had no desire to get entangled in a romantic mess with him.
If the boy had some naive, sudden notion to pursue her, then she was sorry—they simply lived in different worlds...
With this thought planted in her mind, no matter how Lin Hao tried to explain, she refused to listen anymore.
A moment later, glaring angrily at him, Wang Xuewen dropped a curt "fend for yourself" and angrily clicked away in her high heels toward the exit of the complex.
If Lin Hao had been his former timid intern self, seeing her so angry and bitterly disappointed in him would have sent him into a panic.
Yet at this moment, Lin Hao felt a surge of excitement deep inside; Wang Xuewen was never going to slip out of his grasp.
Watching her hurried departure, her slender legs encased in black silk—straight, well-rounded, and full of fleshy curves...
Lin Hao smiled faintly, then opened his right hand and made a grasping motion in the empty air...
The farther Wang Xuewen walked, the angrier she became, until she suddenly stopped in her tracks.
She wanted to stay and see with her own eyes just how the almighty Tang family of Jiangbei could possibly be begging this ignorant, arrogant boy for help!
Pouting her pretty cherry lips, she secretly turned around and crept back toward the plaza downstairs, ducking into a corner with a relatively clear view.
Her stealthy maneuvers were entirely perceived by Lin Hao's spiritual sense. With a soft, amused smile, Lin Hao walked calmly toward his apartment.
...
"Divine Doctor Lin, I've finally found you! Tang Wei was blind and offended a master before. I hope Divine Doctor Lin can be the bigger man and spare my father's life!"
The moment Lin Hao appeared, Tang Wei looked like he was about to cry with relief. He jogged up to Lin Hao, bowed deeply, and pleaded with frantic urgency.
"I'm no divine doctor. I'm just a con man—the exact kind of con man your Tang family sees all the time. You've got the wrong person, please excuse me."
Seeing Tang Wei blocking his path and refusing to budge, Lin Hao spoke dismissively, walked right past him, and headed straight for his door.
"Divine Doctor Lin, my father is dying! Only you can save his life. I, Tang Wei, will kneel to you—I'm begging you!"
Knowing full well that the Tang family's previous behavior had been utterly shameful, Tang Wei cast aside all his pride.
To secure Lin Hao's help, Tang Wei was ready to throw away his dignity, even in public.
"Third Brother, what are you doing?!" Seeing Tang Wei drop to his knees before a punk kid, the eldest Tang brother, Tang Long, bellowed in anger.
He lunged toward Tang Wei and grabbed him by the shoulder, trying to haul him up.
Tang Long had served in the military in his youth, building up tremendous physical strength that he had maintained even after rising to high office.
With a single grip on Tang Wei's shoulder, he hoisted the grown man up as easily as an eagle lifting a chick.
Just as Tang Long prepared to demand an explanation, Tang Wei violently wrenched himself free from his grip.
Then, to Tang Long's sheer disbelief, he dropped right back down onto his knees before Lin Hao.
His eyes were filled with absolute desperation as he looked up at the young man.
At that moment, Tang Long finally snapped to his senses: this must be the miraculous doctor Tang Wei had spoken of, the one who could save their father.
He hadn't understood over the phone earlier, assuming the "Lin Hao" Tang Wei mentioned was some white-haired, ethereal sage living in seclusion.
Tang Long knew his younger brother's stubborn temperament; seeing Tang Wei abandon all dignity to kneel and beg this youth, Tang Long knew the young man before him must possess genuine skills, otherwise Tang Wei would never lower himself like this.
And yet, looking at Lin Hao's impossibly youthful face, Tang Long still harbored deep skepticism.
Over the past few days, he and his second brother Tang Hu had scoured the world seeking famed physicians.
Which of those experts wasn't advanced in years or from a prestigious medical lineage?
This youngster, who looked like a fresh-faced idol actor straight out of school, looked nothing more than a student.
Could a person like this really cure their father's condition?