Yao Qihuang once again examined Mother Li's pulse, and to his astonishment, her condition had truly improved—it was far better than before!
With such a diagnosis from Yao Qihuang himself, both Mother Li and Li Hanhou felt even more deeply indebted to Xiao Chen. To them, he had quite literally saved a life.
Dean Li Sheng's gaze toward Xiao Chen changed as well—admiration and respect filled his eyes. A true modern-day medical genius!
If Xiao Chen could be persuaded to stay at the Second Hospital, its reputation would surely soar across the global medical community.
"Xiao Chen—no, Brother Xiao—can we have a word?" Li Sheng asked eagerly.
"What about?" Xiao Chen replied, slightly puzzled.
Yao Qihuang chuckled. "He probably wants to convince you to stay and work here as a doctor."
"Huh? Work here?" Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow.
"Yes! If you're willing to join the Second Hospital, I'll offer you the best possible position and benefits," Li Sheng said earnestly.
"…Even the title of director is on the table," he added.
"Brother Li, don't put me on the spot," Xiao Chen said with a wry smile. "I'm really not interested in becoming a doctor."
"Alright, Li Sheng, don't make things difficult for him," Yao Qihuang interjected with a grin. "Let's head to your office—I'll examine your health."
Since his teacher had spoken, Li Sheng could only nod. "Brother Xiao, if you ever change your mind about becoming a doctor, please contact me."
"Sure," Xiao Chen replied casually, though inwardly he muttered that he was far more skilled at taking lives than saving them.
After Yao Qihuang gave Mother Li a few final instructions, he and Li Sheng left for the dean's office.
"Teacher, who exactly is this Xiao Chen?" Li Sheng finally asked.
"I don't know," Yao admitted.
"What? You don't?" Li Sheng was stunned.
"I only met him today…" Yao explained briefly, leaving Li Sheng dumbfounded.
"Then what do you think his background is?"
Yao Qihuang narrowed his eyes. "The world isn't as simple as it looks. There are levels of existence you haven't encountered yet. He might belong to one of those levels… or perhaps he comes from a legendary medical family. It's only my speculation."
"Another level? What do you mean?"
"Don't ask too much. When you reach a higher point in life, you'll understand. And don't talk about what happened today—it could bring unnecessary trouble."
"Yes, Teacher. But… can Li Hanhou's mother really live another three years?"
"Judging by her pulse," Yao said, "yes."
"That's incredible… almost against nature itself," Li Sheng murmured in disbelief.
"Enough about him," Yao said, motioning for Li Sheng's hand. "Let me take your pulse now."
Li Sheng obeyed, asking, "Teacher, how long will you stay in Longhai?"
"Three to five days. Why?"
"If I'd known, I wouldn't have let Xiaoxuan go out to that seminar."
At the mention of her name, Yao smiled. "Hehe, that girl. I didn't tell her I was coming. How's she doing?"
"Very well—she's kind, talented, and admired by everyone here."
"She hasn't caused you any trouble?"
"Not at all. She's one of the hospital's brightest stars."
"That's good," Yao said, then after finishing the pulse check, gave Li Sheng a meaningful look.
"What is it, Teacher?" Li Sheng asked nervously.
"When you're in a position of leadership," Yao said slowly, "you must learn self-discipline. You've been… a bit indulgent lately."
Li Sheng's face turned green in embarrassment.
---
Meanwhile, back in the ward, Mother Li had fallen asleep, and Xiao Chen's mood had lightened considerably.
"Dahan, stay here a few days with your mother instead of going to work," Xiao Chen said.
"Brother Chen, I should stay to protect you," Li Hanhou said awkwardly.
Xiao Chen rolled his eyes. "Do I look like I need protection from you? Take the days off, rest, and get ready for the job fair the day after tomorrow."
"Thank you, Brother Chen," Li Hanhou replied gratefully.
"Alright, I'll come by to visit when I can. I'll head off now."
"I'll see you out."
After they left the ward, Mother Li, who seemed to be asleep, slowly opened her eyes. She looked toward the door, a complex expression flickering in them. She sighed softly—Was her decision back then the right one? Forget it… let fate decide.
Downstairs, Xiao Chen soon met Yao Qihuang and Li Sheng again.
"Brother Xiao," Li Sheng offered warmly, "let me host dinner tonight—shall we all sit together?"
"Hehe, another day perhaps. I've got something to handle tonight," Xiao Chen replied politely.
"Alright, another day then," Li Sheng agreed.
"Brother Li, I'll have to trouble you to keep an eye on Li Hanhou's situation."
"Of course."
Then Xiao Chen turned to Yao. "Old Yao, want me to give you a lift?"
"Sure, I'd like to ask you a few more things," Yao said with a smile.
"Haha, you flatter me," Xiao Chen chuckled.
The two drove off in a Hummer toward the Medicinal Food Workshop. Along the way, Yao posed several difficult medical questions, and Xiao Chen's answers impressed him deeply.
"Remarkable! Talking with you is more enlightening than reading ten years of medical texts!" Yao exclaimed repeatedly.
Xiao Chen just smiled inwardly—those insights were mostly borrowed from the old fortune-teller, but they certainly helped him sound impressive.
Half an hour later, the car pulled up to the Medicinal Food Workshop.
"Why not come inside for tea? We can continue our discussion," Yao suggested.
"Another day, Yao Lao—I have some matters to take care of," Xiao Chen replied.
"Alright, but we'll keep in touch."
As Yao got out, he suddenly said thoughtfully, "That Mother Li—she doesn't seem like an ordinary woman."
"Huh?" Xiao Chen blinked in surprise.
"Hehe, forget it. We'll talk another time," Yao said, waving as he walked away.
Xiao Chen watched his back thoughtfully.
Later, when he returned to the company, it was nearly five. After handing Qin Lan the car keys, he couldn't escape her usual teasing.
"Sister's about to get off work," Qin Lan smiled seductively. "Remember to come help in my office tomorrow."
"Sister Lan, need any help tonight?" Xiao Chen grinned. "Your little brother is at your service."
"Oh really? Are you a dog or a horse?" she said teasingly, leaning close enough for him to feel her breath.
Xiao Chen froze, then realized her meaning—what a naughty woman… but I like that.
"Hehe, so which one do you think I am?"
"I wouldn't know—I haven't tried you," Qin Lan quipped, then playfully slapped him on the hip. "Not tonight, maybe next time."
As she walked away, Xiao Chen sighed, "What does this woman take me for…?"
Just then, his phone rang.
"Hello, Ding Li."
"Brother Chen, everything's ready. They'll install it tomorrow night."
"Good, keep me posted."
After hanging up, he went next door to see Su Qing.
"Boss Su, time to go home," he said.
"Alright," Su Qing smiled, finishing her notes.
As they drove away, she asked, "How's the security recruitment going?"
"Very well. Soon the department will have a whole new look."
"And the Flying Eagle Gang—any trouble from them yet?"
"Not yet," Xiao Chen replied. "Strange, they're taking their time. Maybe they've lost their nerve."
"Don't underestimate them," Su Qing warned.
"Got it."
Just then, a news alert blared from the radio:
'Breaking news! A bank robbery has just occurred on Dongsanjiu Road. Police are in pursuit of armed suspects. Citizens are advised to avoid the area.'
"Bank robbery?" Su Qing said, astonished. "That only happens on TV!"
"Guess some people really are desperate," Xiao Chen muttered. "Only fools try something that risky."