Lǐ Zōngnián glanced at Ye Tianming and said coldly, "Young man, you need to know what can be said and what shouldn't be said. You don't even have thirty percent skill, yet you dare to show off here. Truly laughable. Who do you think you are, able to diagnose the cause of the poison at a single glance? You're simply making a fool of yourself!"
With that, he turned to Jiang Haibo and said coldly, "Second Master Jiang, if this brat doesn't leave today, I won't treat the patient!"
Hearing this, Jiang Haibo's face instantly twisted in a dilemma, and he said hesitatingly, "Young man, perhaps you should leave first..."
A playful look appeared on Ye Tianming's face, and he shook his head. "I've said all I have to say. Whether you believe it or not is your own business. If you don't believe it, fine by me. Don't come begging me later."
Without lingering further, Ye Tianming turned and walked away.
Watching Ye Tianming's lonely figure disappear at the doorway, Jiang Muwan felt, for some reason, a twinge of guilt in her heart...
On the surface, it seemed as though Ye Tianming owed her something, because under the circumstances, she was the only one who had stepped forward to agree to marry him.
Yet, in truth, she still owed him, for she had also made it clear that she wanted to draw a clear line between them and break off this long-settled engagement...
It was she who had betrayed the promise of years past, the engagement of years past...
However... she and he were destined to belong to different worlds, and she could never tolerate a fiancé whose family picked through trash.
It wasn't that she looked down on them, she simply felt that the gap between them was too vast...
The other half in her heart had to be a capable man, someone worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with her...
Shaking off the inappropriate thoughts in her mind, Jiang Muwan turned back, unaware that all of her micro-expressions just then had been caught by Shen Chenghua standing nearby.
Shen Chenghua kept his face impassive, but a shadow of suspicion arose in his heart.
Who was that man who had just left? What was his relationship with Jiang Muwan?
Why had Jiang Muwan's look at him been so strange?
Though Shen Chenghua said nothing on the surface, hostility had already quietly sprouted in his heart, and he decided to investigate Ye Tianming later.
If his relationship with Jiang Muwan turned out to be improper...
A cold glint flashed in Shen Chenghua's eyes. Then he would get rid of him!
Meanwhile, Jiang Haibo had once again invited Lǐ Zōngnián to the bedside, wearing a mix of respect and flattering smiles as he said, "Divine Doctor Li, that was just a misunderstanding earlier. That fellow is not from our Jiang Family. I beg you to be magnanimous and not hold it against us. With my father gravely ill, we implore you to save his life."
Lǐ Zōngnián wasn't a fool either. Since they had given him a generous way out, he smoothly took it, chuckling, "You are all too kind. As long as you don't doubt my medical skills like that young man just did, it's fine."
The members of the Jiang Family managed wry smiles. Feng Hui rolled her eyes and chimed in, "Oh, Divine Doctor Li, what are you saying? Your medical skills are legendary! What was that brat just now? Just a trash-picking piece of trash! How dare he pick faults with you! Please go ahead and work your magic, Divine Doctor Li. Our entire family trusts you."
Lǐ Zōngnián stroked his beard and smiled heartily, "Good! Since you all trust me so much, I shall certainly give it my all!"
With that, Lǐ Zōngnián's expression suddenly shifted. Pinching silver needles between his fingers, he shouted sternly, "The Nine Profound Twelve Needles! Rise!"
In an instant, dozens of silver needles were swiftly driven into Elder Jiang's body by Lǐ Zōngnián.
Gasps of awe broke out among the onlookers, utterly shaken by Lǐ Zōngnián's technique.
This was simply incredible—to wield silver needles with such proficiency!
He truly was a divine doctor!
Watching this, Jiang Muwan felt a sense of amazement as well, though a sudden, ominous feeling gripped her heart.
She abruptly recalled what Ye Tianming had said earlier—that if these needles were really driven in, Elder Jiang would suffer a major crisis within an hour.
Jiang Muwan's heart sank, and her body trembled for a split second. No... that shouldn't be possible...
What right did Ye Tianming have to possess such skills?
Besides, even if he knew a bit of medicine, this was Divine Doctor Li!
He had to be much better than that fellow, right?
He was definitely just talking nonsense!
Jiang Muwan comforted herself inwardly while everyone else watched with bated breath. Time ticked by second by second.
Yet Elder Jiang showed not the slightest reaction. Soon, the expressions of the Jiang Family members began to shift slightly.
Why wasn't there any reaction at all?
Could something be wrong?
Feng Hui began to harbor doubts as well. What was going on here? Was it possible that the trash had actually been right?
However, the very next instant, Elder Jiang's fingers twitched slightly, his complexion flushed with a hint of color, and his eyes fluttered as if about to open!
Feng Hui started, then rejoiced aloud, "Look! The old man is regaining consciousness! It really takes Divine Doctor Li! Xiaowan, see? I told you that brat was just talking nonsense earlier! You must be careful and never fall for his tricks."
Jiang Muwan started slightly, her hanging heart finally dropping, though an indescribable feeling lingered in her chest...
She had almost thought Ye Tianming actually had some real skill just now, and had even nearly believed him...
A smug smile appeared on the divine doctor's face as he chuckled, "I have confidence in my own medical skills. As for some petty punk, naturally nothing would go wrong."
The members of the Jiang Family hurriedly smiled and echoed his sentiments, walking joyfully up to the bed to wake the old man.
Yet at that exact moment, the alarms on the medical monitors blared furiously! Ten times more intense than before, piercingly shrill!
Elder Jiang's body spasmed violently in an instant, and a massive mouthful of terrifying black blood speghed from his mouth!
The scene instantly terrified everyone present!
Shock registered on Lǐ Zōngnián's face as he hurriedly pulled out more silver needles and thrust them into Elder Jiang's body.
Yet instead of showing any signs of improvement, Elder Jiang convulsed even more violently!
Jiang Haibo asked anxiously, "Divine Doctor Li, what on earth is going on here?"
Sweat poured down Lǐ Zōngnián's face. He tried several more methods, but none of them had the slightest effect, and panic suddenly seized his heart.
If he ended up treating Elder Jiang to death, the Jiang Family would likely wipe him off the face of the earth.
His lips trembling and his face as pale as paper, he stammered, "I... I don't know what's happening! Logically speaking, this shouldn't be happening!"
Standing nearby, Jiang Muwan was completely stunned. She had never expected such a sudden turn of events!
Instantly, she recalled the words Ye Tianming had spoken earlier, and her complexion shifted drastically. What Ye Tianming said had actually come true!
Could it be that Ye Tianming really possessed some genuine skill?
Jiang Haibo snapped back to reality and blurted out, "Xiaowan! Go bring your fiancé back! Hurry!"
Recovering her wits, Jiang Muwan bit her lip and rushed out of the ward without looking back.
Inside the room, the group stared at one another in dismay.
All of them recalled what Ye Tianming had said previously, and now their hearts were filled with doubt...
Could that trash-picking young man actually have some real ability?
...
Walking along the road he had taken earlier, Ye Tianming was lost in thought. When he got back, his first priority would be to settle his parents and sister comfortably.
He couldn't let them live in hardship any longer.
"Beep-beep—"
A car horn sounded, and the next second, a white Bentley Continental GT screeched to a halt right in front of him.
"Come back with me. Grandpa is in trouble."
The window rolled down to reveal Jiang Muwan's exquisite and flawless face, though her expression remained laced with a trace of coldness.
Ye Tianming gave her a peculiar look, lit a cigarette, and said unhurriedly, "Why should I go back with you? Your grandpa having trouble isn't my grandpa having trouble. Besides, who are you putting that cold expression on?"
"I don't have time to joke around with you here! Grandpa's condition is extremely critical!"
With his hands shoved deep into his pockets, Ye Tianming replied leisurely, "I'm not joking with you either. You guys were the ones who chased me away just now, and now you're the ones wanting me back. What do you take me, Ye Tianming, for? Someone you can summon at whim and dismiss at will?"
Jiang Muwan froze, her gaze flickering away.
Her ruthlessness just now... and now coming to beg Ye Tianming—it was indeed her fault.
Ye Tianming added indifferently, "Besides, you made it clear just now that we are drawing a clear line and will have nothing more to do with each other. I'm obliging your wish, so don't look for me. I'm not going."
With that, Ye Tianming turned and walked away.
Behind him, Jiang Muwan sat in the car, her pretty face somewhat pale.
Hesitating for a few seconds, she pushed the door open, stepped out, watched Ye Tianming's retreating figure, and stamped her foot. "Ye Tianming, you stop right there!"
"You're not my wife. Why should I stop just because you tell me to?"
Ye Tianming didn't even look back.
A wave of frustration and panic surged through Jiang Muwan, her vision darkening until she almost collapsed onto the ground.
Behind her, Ye Tianming raised an eyebrow slightly, sensing that something was wrong with Jiang Muwan.
Before he could react, Jiang Muwan's voice sounded once again.
This time, it carried a hint of trembling and pleading.
"Ye Tianming... Consider it my plea to you, okay? I know you harbor resentment. What my mother said earlier was indeed too harsh, and I apologize to you for it. I'm sorry... I beg you to save my grandfather."
Ye Tianming's footsteps still didn't stop.
A surge of bitterness, grievance, and helplessness instantly welled up in Jiang Muwan's heart!
She had humbled herself to this extent—why was he still so ruthless?
What more did he want her to do?
Her eyes instantly filled with tears. With no other options left, she fought back her tears and shouted at Ye Tianming's retreating back:
"Ye Tianming... Are you even a man? Is it necessary to be so petty? I know you have grievances against me... Fine! I promise you right now, as long as you cure my grandfather, I am willing to marry you! I am willing to become your wife!"
Ye Tianming paused his steps, turned around, and frowned. "What did you just say?"
With reddened eyes, Jiang Muwan wore a mournful, bitter smile on her exquisite face.
"Don't you hate that I wanted to break off the engagement? Fine! I promise you, as long as you save my grandfather, I won't cancel it. I will marry you!"
With a cigarette dangling from his lips, Ye Tianming gave a rakish smirk. "You're not being sincere, and I wouldn't care for a forced marriage anyway. How about this—if I cure your grandfather, you spend tonight keeping me company in bed. How's that?"
Looking at the bantering smile on Ye Tianming's face, Jiang Muwan felt a suffocating wave of humiliation choke off her breath!
Jiang Muwan closed her eyes, and a crystal-clear tear slipped from the corner of her eye.
"Fine, I promise you. As long as you cure my grandfather, I will accompany you tonight."
To save her grandfather, she would endure this.
"Deal."
Ye Tianming flashed a wicked grin, walked over to Jiang Muwan, and scooped the despairing and indignant woman up into his arms, placing her into the car.
Then he hopped into the driver's seat and slammed his foot down on the accelerator.
The Bentley bolted forward in an instant!
...
At the Jiang Family estate, the Bentley sports coupe roared in like a streak of light and came to a steady stop right at the villa's main entrance.
In the passenger seat, Jiang Muwan stumbled out of the car. Barely standing straight, she couldn't help but lean against the door and retch.
Ye Tianming scratched his head and gave an awkward laugh. "Sorry about that, drove a bit too fast."
Wiping the corner of her mouth, Jiang Muwan glared at Ye Tianming and gritted her teeth, "You're a complete lunatic! Driving at two hundred kilometers per hour in the city, do you think you're flying an airplane?"
"An airplane?" Ye Tianming curled his lip dismissively. "Driving those things is boring."
"As if you've ever flown one," Jiang Muwan sneered.
With a beaming smile, Ye Tianming said, "Not only have I flown them, I own them. I've got over sixty fighter jets overseas."
"Ridiculous!"
Jiang Muwan rolled her eyes at Ye Tianming and strode into the villa.
Muttering to himself, Ye Tianming said, "Why won't she believe me? My mercenary corps is very famous abroad, you know..."
Curling his lip, Ye Tianming followed in Jiang Muwan's footsteps.
On the second floor, Ye Tianming pushed the door open and stepped in. A group of people turned to look at him, their gazes shifting instantly.
Feng Hui's face turned unsightly; the mere sight of her daughter's "fiancé" made her blood boil.
Jiang Haibo hurriedly pulled Feng Hui back, squeezing a smile onto his face as he addressed Ye Tianming, "Tianming, just now we..."
Ye Tianming frowned. "Understood. Step aside."
The group froze, then silently cleared a path.
Feng Hui piped up sarcastically from the side, "Just a trash-picker. I refuse to believe he actually knows any medicine."
Ye Tianming stopped moving and fixed his gaze squarely on Feng Hui.
Jiang Haibo immediately snapped to his senses and scolded, "Have you said enough, woman?"
Indignation flashed across Feng Hui's face. She wanted to talk back to Jiang Haibo, but ultimately swallowed her words.
Ye Tianming cast a cold glance at her without a word, walked over to the hospital bed, and gave a sweeping wave of his hand.
The silver needles that Lǐ Zōngnián had previously inserted into Elder Jiang all dropped away.
Glancing at Lǐ Zōngnián, he said indifferently, "Your needlework is utterly crude. You must have been studying the art of silver needles for less than three years."
Lǐ Zōngnián started, his expression shifting slightly. He had indeed only been studying for a little over two years!
How had Ye Tianming figured that out?
Before he could process it, Ye Tianming flicked his wrist, and a bundle of silver needles materialized in his hand!
A faint, translucent glow streamed across the silver needles. Before anyone could blink, the needles flew from Ye Tianming's hand!
As if guided by magnets, they accurately embedded themselves into various parts of Elder Jiang's body!
Jiang Muwan's eyes lit up. This guy actually seemed to have some real skills!
Lǐ Zōngnián's expression transformed completely, his heart filled with extreme shock!
He could tell that Ye Tianming's technique was far from ordinary!
"First needle, guiding the primordial!"
"Second needle, returning the spirit!"
"Third needle, arousing momentum!"
"Fourth needle, the gushing spring!"
Accompanied by Ye Tianming's voice, needle after needle pierced into Elder Jiang's body!
As the final needle fell, Ye Tianming took a deep breath, looked at the old man on the bed, and smiled faintly, "Elder, time to wake up."
As his voice faded, amidst the astonished gazes of everyone present, Elder Jiang's throat moved.
A mouthful of thick, black blood violently speghed from his mouth!
Feng Hui happened to be standing directly in front of Elder Jiang, and the dark blood splattered straight across her face!
"Ah—!"
Feng Hui shrieked. Her face looked as though it had been smeared with ink, leaving only two rolling eyeballs visible.
She nearly vomited on the spot, then bolted out of the room like a madwoman to wash her face.
"Dad!"
"Grandpa!"
Overjoyed, the group swarmed forward to prop Elder Jiang up.
Yet ignoring everyone else, Elder Jiang fixed his gaze directly upon Ye Tianming, speaking with immense warmth and affection, "Child, I finally get to see you again."
The crowd froze, and even Ye Tianming was momentarily stunned.
"Elder, have we... met before?"
Jiang Zhongming chuckled with deep emotion. "I've seen you, but you've never seen me. Three years ago, when I went to visit your master, I caught a glimpse of you from afar in the mountains. It was also back then that your master and I set up the engagement between you and Muwan. For Muwan to have a man like you, and for the Jiang Family to have a son-in-law like you, it is simply our greatest fortune."
Standing beside him, Jiang Muwan bit her lip, wanting to say something but swallowing it back.
The expressions of the Jiang Family members around them shifted slightly. Why did the old man hold such an extraordinarily high opinion of Ye Tianming?
Ye Tianming grinned broadly. "You flatter me, Elder. I'm just an ordinary person; please don't elevate me too high."
Jiang Zhongming laughed heartily. "How could a disciple chosen by the old master be ordinary? Mr. Ye, there's no need for modesty."
Hearing this form of address, the expressions of the Jiang Family members shifted once again. Mr. Ye?
Jiang Zhongming turned his gaze back to Jiang Muwan and said with a smile, "Muwan, being able to marry Mr. Ye is your blessing. How about this—we'll make a public announcement in the name of the Jiang Family today, and tomorrow, my granddaughter Jiang Muwan will officially marry Mr. Ye!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room instantly froze.
Jiang Muwan bit her lips hard, keeping her head down in silence, her shoulders trembling slightly.
Jiang Haibo twitched the corner of his mouth and offered a wry smile, "Dad, isn't this moving a bit too fast? Today is literally the first time these two kids have..."
Jiang Zhongming glared at him. "What's fast about it? I can't wait for Muwan and Mr. Ye to go register their marriage right now! My word stands: they marry tomorrow!"
Standing to the side, Jiang Haihua let a few playful smiles flicker across his eyes.
He was equally eager for Jiang Muwan to marry Ye Tianming. The old man probably assumed Ye Tianming possessed some genuine skill.
Little did he know, Ye Tianming was merely a kid born into a trash-picking family.
Without external backing, Jiang Muwan would never be a match for him, and the Jiang Group would inevitably fall into his family's hands.
Therefore, he wanted Jiang Muwan to marry Ye Tianming as soon as possible, fearing that any unforeseen changes might lead her to find a truly capable man instead.
That would pose a threat to his family as well.
Footsteps echoed from outside the hallway, and Feng Hui hurriedly barged into the room.
Having overheard the news of the wedding happening tomorrow while outside, she had been scared completely pale.
The very first thing she did upon entering was shout at Jiang Zhongming, "Dad! You absolutely cannot let Muwan marry this brat!"
Jiang Zhongming blinked, startled. "Why not?"
Pointing straight at Ye Tianming, Feng Hui cursed, "Because this kid is a trash-picking good-for-nothing! How can you bear to let your granddaughter marry into a trash-picking family?!"
Jiang Zhongming's face darkened, and he rebuked angrily, "Shut up! Nonsense! What kind of drivel are you spouting? Mr. Ye's identity is infinitely noble; how dare you insult him by calling him a scavenger?"
Scolded by Jiang Zhongming, Feng Hui's face went pale with fright, but she gritted her teeth and persisted.
"Dad, if you don't believe me, ask Muwan! Ask this stinking brat himself—his family really does pick trash!"
Jiang Zhongming turned to Ye Tianming, his face filled with deep apology. "Mr. Ye, they are ignorant and unruly. Please don't hold it against them."
"It's fine. My family really does pick trash."
Ye Tianming suddenly stated indifferently.
"What?!"
Elder Jiang was stunned, finding it hard to believe his ears.
Ye Tianming repeated, "I said, my family really does pick trash. You'd better not marry your granddaughter off to me; it's embarrassing, and she doesn't want it either."
At this point, Jiang Zhongming was completely dumbfounded. Ye Tianming picked trash?
How could that be possible? He knew very well what kind of person that eccentric old master was; how could his disciple possibly be a scavenger?
After pondering for a brief moment, Jiang Zhongming's expression suddenly hardened, and he declared resolutely, "Mr. Ye, even if your family picks trash, I am still going to let Muwan marry you. I continue to support the two of you."
"Elder, have you lost your mind? You're going to marry your granddaughter off to a trash-picking nobody?!" Feng Hui yelled loudly from the side.
"Shut up!"