Chapter 24: The Disfigured Superstar

Su Xiran naturally recognized the man before her: Chen Tianpeng, the chairman of Tianpeng Group and a prominent figure in Yuehai City. Although Chen Tianpeng was not at the very pinnacle of the city’s elite, he was undoubtedly a figure far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Lin Chen smiled and said, "Sister Xixi, it's nothing. I just treated him for an illness a while back."

When Chen Tianpeng saw Su Xiran, he did not wonder why Lin Chen, who had been accompanied by a cold and beautiful mixed-race female doctor at the hospital last time, was now with another stunning woman. To him, such questions were meaningless. In his view, a man of substance would naturally be surrounded by beautiful women—even if the women by Lin Chen’s side did seem a bit excessively beautiful.

Seeing the gentleness in Lin Chen’s eyes as he looked at Su Xiran, Chen narrowed his eyes, having already mentally categorized their relationship.

Hearing Lin Chen’s words, Chen Tianpeng laughed. "Indeed. If it weren't for Brother Lin, I would have lost my life last time. Is this your lady, then?"

Su Xiran blushed but did not deny it, simply replying politely, "Hello, Mr. Chen."

Chen Tianpeng smiled and turned to Lin Chen. "Brother Lin, it is my poor hospitality that you encountered such a disturbance while dining at my establishment. Please accept my apologies."

Since it wasn't the other party's fault, Lin Chen saw no reason to dwell on it. Chen Tianpeng instructed Manager Huang to arrange a few more expensive dishes for them before taking his leave.

Once outside, Gangzi asked Chen Tianpeng in confusion, "Boss, was it really necessary to be so polite to that kid?"

Chen Tianpeng smiled. "What kind of person do you think he is?"

Gangzi frowned, pondered for a moment, and replied, "Although we didn't have a proper fight, I can tell his physical combat skills are not weak. And since he cured you, his medical skills are clearly formidable. Besides, he gives me a uniquely dangerous feeling. He’s definitely a tough character!"

Chen Tianpeng said, "Since you know that, why ask me? Someone who can fight, can save lives, and is ruthless—if you can befriend such a person, don't provoke him."

Gangzi nodded. "Indeed. He doesn't say much, but I have a feeling we must never provoke him. When facing him, I feel as if I'm standing before a quiet, hungry wolf ready to tear out my throat at any moment." Having survived countless brawls and encountered many ruthless types, this was the first time someone had caused such inexplicable palpitations in Gangzi.

When Chen Tianpeng and his entourage left, Su Xiran stared at Lin Chen with wide, shining eyes, as if looking at a freak of nature.

Lin Chen touched his nose and said sheepishly, "Sister Xixi, why are you looking at me like that?"

Su Xiran asked, "When did you learn medical skills? And to think you have someone like Chen Tianpeng calling you 'brother.' Not to mention the last incident—Liu Shanhua and his men didn't retaliate or come looking for trouble afterward. It seems you have quite a few secrets." She pouted adorably, expressing her discontent.

Lin Chen chuckled. "I told you, I learned some medicine from my grandfather. It just so happened that I had a remedy for Chen Tianpeng’s condition, so I cured him." He didn't mention the medical and martial inheritance; to an ordinary person, it would be too inconceivable.

Su Xiran nodded, satisfied with the explanation. Just then, a couple sat at the table next to them. After ordering, the woman said to the man, "It’s truly terrifying. A big star like An Xueyao has been disfigured. It’s such a pity."

The man replied, "I know. An international superstar, just like that, ruined. I wonder who could be so vicious."

Hearing this, a look of sympathy crossed Su Xiran’s face. She said to Lin Chen, "Lin Chen, An Xueyao is so pitiful. The person who threw the sulfuric acid is truly monstrous. I wonder what kind of deep hatred could drive someone to such madness."

Lin Chen was puzzled. "An Xueyao? Do you mean that big star who recently won the title of China’s Best Actress?"

Su Xiran nodded. "You didn't hear? It’s been all over the news for the past two days. Actress An Xueyao was splashed with acid at her company’s entrance. While her life isn't in danger, her face is ruined. It’s so sad; going from a breathtaking beauty to a disfigured mess—I wonder if she can pull through."

Lin Chen fell into deep thought. He had just found a way to make money. If he could cure this superstar’s face, she would surely be willing to pay him a handsome reward, right?

After dinner, he parted ways with a reluctant Su Xiran and returned to his residence.

The next morning, Lin Chen appeared at the Yuehai University Affiliated Hospital. As far as he knew, An Xueyao was being treated there. Based on his understanding of modern medical standards, it was impossible for a face ruined by acid to be perfectly restored. But Lin Chen could do it. He was there to cure An Xueyao in exchange for medical fees—he was currently quite short on cash.

One million. If the star was willing to pay him a million, he would fix her face.

The hospital was surrounded by a sea of fans and reporters, barred from entry. Only patients and doctors could get in. This was no problem for Lin Chen; he agilely climbed a large tree behind the hospital that was level with the third floor, leaped across, and landed in the corridor.

"An Xueyao should be in the dermatology department. Let me find where that is," Lin Chen muttered.

After asking a nurse, he quickly reached the second floor. He didn't know which room she was in, so he began searching the corridor.

"Who are you? What are you doing skulking around here?" A handsome male doctor wearing gold-rimmed glasses stood behind Lin Chen, questioning him with a haughty air. Two young nurses followed him, clearly admiring him, and they glared at Lin Chen with frowns.

"I’m talking to you! Didn't you hear me?" The doctor raised his voice as Lin Chen ignored him.

Lin Chen turned around and said coldly, "I’m not deaf. This is a hospital, not your home. Do I need your permission to be here?"

The doctor was incensed. "You… how insolent! If you aren't a patient, leave at once!"

Lin Chen frowned. "On what grounds?"

The doctor looked proud. "On the grounds that I am a formal dermatologist at this hospital! I have the authority to remove unauthorized individuals!" Having graduated less than a year ago and been a "star student," he was used to being arrogant. To him, he was already an important figure.

One of the nurses looked at Lin Chen with disdain. "I bet you’re an An Xueyao fan trying to sneak in. I’ve seen your type. I warn you, leave now and don't disturb Dr. Fan."

Lin Chen shook his head. "I’m not a fan. I’m here to treat her."

Dr. Fan laughed mockingly, as if he had heard a grand joke. "Hahaha! Did you escape from the psychiatric ward? You want to treat An Xueyao? Do you even know the severity of her burns? You’re insane!"

The nurses snickered, though more subtly than Dr. Fan. *This guy is truly delusional. Is he a fan trying to see his idol? There are better lies to tell.*

Lin Chen said indifferently, "Are you done laughing? If so, tell me where An Xueyao is so I can save time. You can’t cure her face, but I can."

Dr. Fan was furious. "You really are a psychopath! Her face was burned with sulfuric acid; even the most advanced medical technology in the U.S. can’t fully heal it. You? In your dreams!"

Lin Chen replied, "Since I’ve come, I’m confident I can cure her."

"You… you’re delusional. You’re a madman." Dr. Fan felt like he was going to cough up blood.

One of the nurses smiled. "Dr. Fan, don't get angry at a person like this; it’s not worth it." She looked at Lin Chen coldly. "Medicine isn't something you can just claim to do. You’re talking nonsense. Why should we believe you?"

Lin Chen thought for a moment. "Fair point. How about I tell you what illnesses you have to prove it?"

The nurse was enraged. "What nonsense! Who has an illness? I think you’re the one who’s sick!"

Ignoring her, Lin Chen continued, "You often feel dizzy and have vivid dreams; you wake up with soreness all over your body, and it only improves after an hour or so, right?" The nurse’s expression shifted instantly.

Lin Chen turned to the other nurse. "Your complexion is sallow, your lips are slightly purple, and even though it’s cold here, you’re sweating at the brow. You have a cold constitution, insomnia, and migraines. This has been going on for over a month."

He then looked at Dr. Fan and smiled. "Your case is the easiest to diagnose. Your steps are unsteady, your lips are pale, your cheekbones are flushed, and your breathing is shallow. It’s a classic case of kidney exhaustion and obstructed blood flow. It’s quite severe; if not treated soon, it could even affect your fertility."

"This… this…" Dr. Fan was dumbfounded, unable to speak.

After a moment, he stammered, "How… how did you know? Did you investigate me?"

Lin Chen scoffed. "Traditional Chinese Medicine relies on observation and pulse-taking. Your symptoms are obvious; I’m not blind."

Dr. Fan didn't care about the mockery; he was in shock. TCM did indeed emphasize observation, but few could diagnose so accurately just by looking. He asked urgently, "Can you cure it?" He had only learned of his kidney damage a few days ago and had been terrified of the prospect of infertility. He immediately saw Lin Chen as his lifeline.

Lin Chen smiled. "I could cure it, but since you don't believe in my medical skills, I don't want to treat you."