Shen Yanzhi tapped lightly on the window. The crisp sound echoed through the quiet corridor, drawing the attention of the students inside the classroom. Several pairs of curious eyes turned toward him, followed by a ripple of low murmurs and whispers.
The homeroom teacher, hearing the commotion, hurried over. He looked at the uninvited guest with a stunned expression and a slight frown, clearly taken aback by the sudden interruption.
"Excuse me, who are you?" the teacher asked, his voice cautious but his eyes betraying a flicker of curiosity about this late-night visitor.
Shen Yanzhi handed over his business card and stated his purpose, his tone brief and authoritative. "I am Shen Yanzhi, CEO of the Shen Group. I would like to see student Xu Luoning; I have an urgent matter to discuss with her."
Upon hearing this, the teacher’s expression immediately turned respectful, as he was clearly familiar with the reputation of the Shen Group. He hurriedly invited Shen Yanzhi into his office, offered him a seat, and then rushed to the classroom to fetch Xu Luoning.
The moment the young girl stepped into the office, Shen Yanzhi’s gaze locked onto her. Xu Luoning was dressed in a simple school uniform. She was slender and delicate, with a clear, refined face and eyes that held a composure and resolve far beyond her years. Her steps were light and unhurried, as if she could maintain inner peace no matter the challenge.
Shen Yanzhi nodded to himself. Such a disposition was indeed consistent with the descriptions of an acupuncture master found in ancient texts.
"Xu Luoning, I hear you are well-versed in ancient acupuncture techniques. Could I ask you to save my grandfather?" Shen Yanzhi went straight to the point. His voice carried a hint of urgency, though it was underpinned by plea and expectation.
Xu Luoning’s eyes flashed with surprise. She clearly had not expected this business magnate to visit so late at night, let alone for such a critical matter. However, she quickly regained her composure and nodded slightly, signaling her willingness to try. "I will do my best, but I need to understand the patient’s condition first."
A wave of gratitude surged through Shen Yanzhi. He knew that Xu Luoning’s words represented a glimmer of hope for them. He immediately arranged for a car and personally escorted Xu Luoning directly to the hospital.
Throughout the journey, the two exchanged brief words about the medical situation. Xu Luoning’s calm and professionalism made Shen Yanzhi even more certain that she was the lifeline they had been searching for. The car sped through the night, the city's neon lights blurring past the windows, as if the very passage of time were making way for this life-saving mission.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Xu Luoning changed into a sterile gown and followed Shen Yanzhi into the VIP ward. Inside, Elder Shen’s breathing was already extremely weak. He was deathly pale, with fine beads of sweat trickling down his forehead, as if he were on the verge of fading away from this cold world.
Xu Luoning quickly opened her acupuncture kit, withdrew the gold needles, and began to apply them to Elder Shen’s acupoints with practiced, skillful hands. Her movements were gentle and precise; each needle seemed to carry the force of life, slowly infusing it into Elder Shen’s body.
Time seemed to stand still in that moment. Everyone held their breath, watching the scene intently, their very breathing becoming cautious and shallow.
As the gold needles were inserted deeper, Elder Shen’s complexion gradually improved. The expression of pain that had contorted his face slowly smoothed away, and his breathing became steady and rhythmic. The atmosphere in the room lightened significantly, and the nerves that had been stretched taut began to relax.
Watching this, Shen Yanzhi felt an inexpressible surge of excitement and gratitude. His eyes grew slightly moist, and his tightly clenched fists slowly unfurled. He knew that this time, they had truly found hope—and all of it was thanks to this young, courageous girl before him.