On their way back.
Tracy's delicate face was full of curiosity, her eyes fixed on John as though he were some kind of enigma.
She couldn't help but wonder—Who exactly is John?
Why was Julian afraid of him?
Why did even the boss of Hundred Flavors Restaurant seem so cautious around him?
Like a curious kitten, Tracy couldn't stop asking questions.
John had no choice but to give her a half-truth. He explained that at the Oriental Auction House, he had used the Nine Restoring Yang Needles, a rare and profound acupuncture technique that might have startled Julian, making him too afraid to offend him.
As for George, that explanation was much simpler.
Queenie had already told Tracy what had happened with Queenie Group, and since George was present during that event, it was only natural for him to be wary of John.
The explanation sounded so reasonable, so seamlessly logical, that Tracy didn't question it any further.
But in truth, John's real identity was the King of Horizon.
So why hadn't he told Tracy directly?
Not because he didn't want to, but because he knew she wouldn't believe it.
Just like when he had told Queenie—he had spoken plainly about being the King of Horizon, but she had dismissed it completely.
It was the same situation now. Who would believe something so outrageous?
It's like your childhood friend returning after fifteen years and suddenly claiming to be the richest person in the world. Who would believe that—unless they showed you their bank account?
Explaining John's identity was even more complicated than that.
Even if he produced solid proof, it wouldn't matter. His sisters might have heard of the name "King of Horizon," but they didn't know what it truly meant. Even if he pulled out a symbol of his status, it would probably mean nothing to them.
Just then, Tracy's expression changed as she remembered something. "By the way, you drank so much alcohol earlier. How are you still standing?"
"I'm actually a little drunk," John replied with a lazy smile.
He staggered dramatically, then collapsed gently into her arms.
Tracy didn't question it. Concerned, she hailed a taxi and brought John back to Feazer Medical Clinic.
The road was bumpy, but John didn't mind in the slightest. Nestled comfortably, he sighed contentedly to himself.
"It feels so good to be with my sister."
Back at Feazer Medical Clinic.
Across the street, something was being renovated.
There had once been a steamed bun stall there, but it had moved out just two days ago. No one knew who had taken over the space.
They got their answer the next day.
Quin walked into the clinic with a sneer on his face.
"Miss Linch, long time no see," he said mockingly.
Tracy's expression darkened. "You're a murderer. Why did you come back?"
"Murderer?" Quin blinked, confused.
He had no idea that the little girl had nearly died because of the medicine he'd prescribed a few days ago. In his mind, there had been nothing wrong with his prescription. So he assumed Tracy was simply exaggerating and chose not to take her seriously.
With an oily smile, he said, "Miss Linch, don't get me wrong. I didn't come to beg for a job—I'm here because my new clinic is opening right across the street!"
"What?"
Tracy's face turned cold. "You're opening a clinic across from mine?"
"Yes. Is there a problem? There's no law against two clinics operating across from each other. It all comes down to who's more capable," Quin said with a smirk.
Tracy clenched her fists, her heart pounding with frustration.
More capable?
He was clearly targeting her—a lone woman operating a small clinic. And worse, he was using his title as top disciple of the Master of Traditional Medicine to pressure her.
But the worst was yet to come.
Quin's eyes glinted as he said meaningfully, "I wonder how my fellow disciples are doing these days. I suppose I'll be seeing them soon!"
With that cryptic statement, Quin turned and walked out.
Tracy's slender frame trembled. His words had hit home.
He was hinting that he would call in his fellow disciples to help with his grand opening.
And who were Quin's fellow disciples?
They were the pride of Holbrook, each one renowned across the world. If they all showed up for the clinic's opening, it would stir the entire city.
Worse yet, their collective fame would drown out Feazer Medical Clinic completely.
Just the thought of it made Tracy feel crushed. Her hard work over the past two years, everything she had built, would be reduced to dust in a matter of days.
"Tracy, why do you look so upset again?" John asked as he walked in, smiling. "Who made you angry? I'll kill them."
Tracy shot him a look and pinched his arm. "You always say that. Are you some kind of lunatic?"
"I just worry about you. Same goes for all my other sisters. If anyone dares to mess with them, I'll kill them too."
"You're such a garrulous man."
Even though she scolded him, her heart was warm. Her brother… always had her back.
"Come on, Tracy. Just tell me what's going on. Maybe I can help," John urged.
Seeing that he wasn't going to let it go, Tracy finally relented and told him what Quin had said and done.
John gave a light laugh and reassured her, "Don't worry, sis. His clinic won't even get the chance to open."
Tracy rolled her eyes. "What, are you the director of the Health Department now?"
"Sister, don't you believe me?"
"I believe you. You're my brother. Even if you said you could pluck stars from the sky, I'd still believe you."
John just smiled. He didn't bother explaining.
Instead, he stood up and stretched. "I'm a little hungry. I'm going to grab something to eat down the street."
And with that, he stepped outside.
But the moment he crossed the clinic threshold, John's expression turned cold.
"Quin again…
Looks like the last slap didn't hurt enough. Now you want to mess with my sister?
Fine. This time, I'll make sure you learn your lesson—for good."