Chapter Fifty-Four: A Minor Illness?

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“Heh, silly girl, there are countless extraordinary people in this world, and true masters are often hidden among the common folk. Although your grandfather’s medical skills are quite impressive, there are still many who surpass me. The person I spoke of possesses abilities far beyond my reach, so never underestimate the people of this world.” In truth, Li Zhengtang was among the top in both domestic and international medical circles, but he was a humble man. He didn’t want the younger generation to become arrogant, so he spoke modestly, though he also genuinely admired Liu Fan’s medical skills, admitting his own inferiority.

“Ah! There really is such a person? What does he look like? Who did he study under? Is he from the classics school, the warm disease school, or perhaps specializes in acupuncture?” Su Xiaofei was both curious and astonished at how highly her grandfather praised this mysterious healer. From a young age, she had studied Chinese medicine by Li Zhengtang’s side. She earned her doctorate in traditional medicine at twenty-one, a feat owed partly to her family background but even more to her extraordinary talent. She had worked less than four years in the hospital yet was already an associate chief physician at the People’s Hospital. Her skill was evident, and it shaped her proud, aloof character—but she certainly had reason for such pride.

“My girl, you’re asking so many questions at once—how can I answer them all? In truth, I only met him once. I don’t even know his full name. I only know he was a young man, not even twenty. About half a month ago, there was a car accident in Linhang City. A mother and daughter were trapped under a car with grave injuries—the mother’s ribs were broken, piercing her lungs, and the child had a severe head injury with internal bleeding. The situation was desperate, and a single misstep could have cost their lives. By chance, this young man stepped in and saved them. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable… When the ordeal was over, the young man quietly left, which is why people started calling him the ‘Little Divine Doctor.’” As Old Master Li recalled the scene when Liu Fan saved Liu Ningxiang and her daughter, a look of deep satisfaction appeared on his face.

“Divine Doctor Li, do you know where this Little Divine Doctor is now?” Zhang Tao, having listened to Li Zhengtang’s account, felt the faint dawn of hope and hurriedly pressed for more details.

“Yes, Grandpa, I’m curious too—what sort of person is he? His skills must be otherworldly, and his character noble and pure. Such a figure is a true model for us physicians.” Su Xiaofei’s eyes shone with unconcealed admiration, her beautiful gaze flickering as her heart quivered—both with reverence and a touch of girlish affection.

“Alas, I regret that I do not know his whereabouts. Judging by his accent, he’s probably from Linhang. But if we can’t find him before midnight tonight, I fear it will be too late.” Even Li Zhengtang, who had witnessed countless partings between life and death, could not help but sigh, speaking with gentle regret.

“Tao’er, what are you waiting for? Call your uncle—have him look into this at once. No matter the cost, we must find this Little Divine Doctor. There may still be time…” Although hope was slim, Madam Zhang refused to give up on her husband’s treatment, proving she was not as unreasonable as she first appeared.

“Oh—right away…” Zhang Tao, jolted by his mother’s words, turned to rush out. Just as he reached the doorway, he collided headlong with someone, causing both to cry out—“Ouch!”—and then, with a loud thud, Zhang Tao fell to the ground.

“Brother, why are you rushing out like this? Has something happened to Father?” As it happened, Zhang Yi had rushed to the hospital after receiving his brother’s call. He had searched for a while before finally finding his father’s ward. Just as he was about to enter, he saw his elder brother hurrying out, and before he could ask what was happening, they collided. Fortunately, Liu Fan was quick and managed to steady him, so he didn’t fall as well.

“Xiaoyi, you’re finally here. Father’s condition is very bad. If we can’t find a way to treat him, he might not make it through the night.” Zhang Tao, regaining his senses and recognizing his brother, briefly explained their father’s situation.

“What? Where is Father now? I’ve brought a master of Chinese medicine to see him. I believe my friend can cure him.” Zhang Yi, alarmed by his brother’s words, nearly lost his composure. Liu Fan patted his shoulder reassuringly, signaling him to trust, and only then did Zhang Yi regain his calm.

“Oh? A master of Chinese medicine? Where?” Zhang Tao looked at his brother, then at Liu Fan behind him, puzzled.

“This is my classmate, Liu Fan. He comes from a long line of doctors, and his skills are truly remarkable. As soon as he heard about Father’s illness, he wanted to come help.” Although Zhang Yi knew Liu Fan was mysterious and skilled, he didn’t hold much hope for a case even the top-tier People’s Hospital couldn’t diagnose, so his words were a bit uncertain.

“Thank you, Liu. My father is in here. Let me take you in.” Zhang Tao was polite enough to Liu Fan, but he doubted any young man could manage such a grave illness, so he didn’t speak with much warmth.

Liu Fan, generous by nature, paid no mind to Zhang Tao’s attitude. These were his friend’s family, caught in crisis—he would not quibble over manners. He smiled and said, “No need to stand on ceremony, Brother Zhang. I’m friends with your brother—helping in times of need is only right.”

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Madam Zhang hurried over, concern in her voice. “Tao’er, are you hurt? Did you fall?” Then, spotting Zhang Yi at the door, her concern turned instantly to sharp scolding: “So it’s you, you worthless brat. Always so careless—no wonder, coming from the countryside. All you do is run around with your useless friends. Your father is dying and you show up now? Why not just die out there with that wretched woman?”

“You…” In the past, Zhang Yi had endured his stepmother’s tirades when they were aimed at him alone, but this time she insulted not only him but also Liu Fan. Outraged, he was about to retort, but Liu Fan stopped him, so he could only glare in silence.

“Mother, how can you say that about my brother and his friend? They’re here to help. Father’s illness is what matters now.” Zhang Tao, seeing his mother cross the line, spoke up in defense of his brother.

“Hmph! Help? More like making matters worse.” Madam Zhang knew that arguing now would do nothing for her husband’s illness, so her tone softened, but she still couldn’t resist a cutting remark.

Liu Fan found himself speechless at this woman. With her husband at death’s door, she still had time for such petty squabbles—he couldn’t help but frown.

“Mother… you—” Zhang Tao was equally helpless. As a son, he couldn’t say more. He turned and said, “Xiaoyi, go see Father. It might be the last time…” His words were heavy with sorrow, making everyone’s heart ache.

Zhang Yi nodded silently and stepped inside, his pace slow and heavy, as if bearing an unbearable weight. At the bedside, seeing his frail, emaciated father, his mind went blank—as if struck by a bolt of lightning. Who could have imagined that the vigorous titan of commerce from days before would now be reduced to this state?

“Father…” Zhang Yi murmured, his voice hoarse and mournful, drawing everyone’s attention.

At that moment, Liu Fan stepped forward, placing two fingers on Mr. Zhang’s pulse. He released a thread of true dragon energy to examine the patient’s condition through the meridians. When his immortal power reached the heart, Liu Fan sensed something amiss and activated his celestial sight. Within the heart, he perceived a red worm, shaped like a silkworm, feeding on Mr. Zhang’s vital essence and growing stronger by the moment.

Having discovered the cause, Liu Fan breathed a sigh of relief, withdrew his power, and patted Zhang Yi on the shoulder. “It’s all right, don’t be sad. Uncle Zhang just has a minor ailment—nothing serious.”

“Re—really? You’re not lying to me, are you?” Zhang Yi had believed his father’s illness incurable, and despair had overtaken him. Now, hearing this, he found it hard to believe.

Even those around them were stunned, unable to accept what they had just heard.

“What? A minor ailment? Do you even know medicine? Even my grandfather couldn’t cure this, and you call it a minor ailment? You, you, you—” Su Xiaofei, raised in the tradition of rigorous, orthodox medicine, was instantly indignant at Liu Fan’s pronouncement. She wanted to argue, but for the moment she had no grounds, so she could only sputter, unable to speak.

“Xiaofei, mind your manners.” Li Zhengtang had been closely watching Liu Fan’s every move. From the moment he saw Liu Fan, he had felt a strange sense of familiarity, though he couldn’t place it. Only after witnessing Liu Fan’s pulse-taking technique did he suddenly realize the connection. He quickly stopped his granddaughter’s outburst and then addressed Liu Fan: “Do you remember me, Little Divine Doctor? We met briefly more than half a month ago. My granddaughter was a bit rash just now—please don’t take offense.”

“Oh, so it’s you, sir. I don’t deserve the title of divine doctor—I only know a little medicine. I was worried about Uncle Zhang’s condition and didn’t notice you just now. Please forgive my lack of courtesy.” Liu Fan also recognized Li Zhengtang as the elder who had spoken on his behalf that day, and he responded with equal politeness.

“Hypocrite!” Su Xiaofei, always proud of her beauty and icy towards men, now found herself completely ignored by Liu Fan. She felt as if she had been wronged, and muttered to herself, inwardly berating Liu Fan.

Though her words were barely audible, Liu Fan’s ears did not miss them. He could only smile wryly—wondering to himself what he had done to deserve this.