Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Exchange Conditions
"Who? Old Xue, who are you talking about?"
Nong Cuiru’s wrinkled face instantly broke into a smile. "Brother Xue, please don’t keep me in suspense. Tell me, who is it?"
"He is..."
The image of Jiang Xinghai appeared in Xue Zhong’s mind. He was just about to say the name, but he stopped himself.
"Brother Xue, is it one of the other eight among us ten?" Nong Cuiru asked anxiously.
Xue Zhong shook his head silently.
"Brother Xue, just tell me! Who is he? The He Family will spare no expense to have him treat my grandson. Please, tell me." Nong Cuiru was desperate, but Xue Zhong simply continued to shake his head.
Nong Cuiru suddenly seemed to realize something, and an embarrassed expression crossed her face. "Brother Xue, I know I’ve been too cold to you in the past. I deliberately made things difficult and blocked you from achieving your goals. I was even the one who purposefully obstructed your recommendation of Jishan Hall to join the National Medical Hall..."
Xue Zhong remained silent, lost in thought.
It was true. There had always been minor conflicts, to some degree, among the ten National Medical Saint Hands of the National Medical Hall.
And this time, his recommendation of Jishan Hall—a move prompted by Jiang Xinghai—should have been a done deal. But thanks to Nong Cuiru’s interference, the decision had been repeatedly postponed.
Truth be told, when Nong Cuiru had called earlier asking him to examine He Zixing, his initial response had been to refuse.
He had only agreed after thinking of Jishan Hall.
"Sigh..."
Just then, Nong Cuiru sighed. "And here I am, one of the ten National Medical Saint Hands, and I can’t even cure my own grandson. What a disgrace..."
"In the world of medicine, there’s no shame in not being as skilled as someone else. One must simply keep learning, and success will come one day," Xue Zhong consoled her gently. "You don’t need to be so hard on yourself. The He Family has grown to what it is today in large part thanks to your medical expertise, Granny Nong."
"Brother Xue, for the sake of us both being core members of the National Medical Hall, I’m begging you, please tell me who he is. I apologize. I was wrong."
Suddenly, Nong Cuiru wiped at her tears and fell to her knees before Xue Zhong with a THUD.
"Old Nong, you can’t do this."
Xue Zhong immediately rose and helped Nong Cuiru to her feet. "It’s not that I’m deliberately keeping his name from you. It’s just... his status is incredibly distinguished. Without his permission, I’m afraid I cannot tell you."
"Then please, Brother Xue, could you ask him for me?"
Nong Cuiru said at once, "You can tell him that if he cures my grandson, the He Family is willing to hand over half of all our assets."
"It’s already past one in the morning. I’ll ask him tomorrow," Xue Zhong said with a faint nod.
"But... very well."
Nong Cuiru understood. Since this person’s medical skills surpassed even their own, his status must be extraordinary. Calling him in the middle of the night would indeed be far too disrespectful.
"We’ll leave it at that. Your grandson’s life is not in danger. I’ll be going now." Xue Zhong rose to leave.
"Brother Xue, there’s something I must inform you of beforehand," Nong Cuiru said, her expression suddenly turning solemn.
Xue Zhong paused. "Speak freely."
"I have already filed the report with the Imperial City headquarters regarding Jishan Hall’s assessment. Therefore, even if you manage to invite that Divine Doctor for me, Jishan Hall’s assessment cannot be avoided." Granny Nong truly didn’t want to say this, but the National Medical Hall had very clear rules.
"I understand that, of course," Xue Zhong nodded.
"And another thing!"
Granny Nong’s tone suddenly grew heavy. "I hope you can bring that Divine Doctor to me before Jishan Hall’s assessment. Otherwise, as the chief examiner, I can assure you I will not go easy on them in the slightest."
"Are you threatening me?" Xue Zhong asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You can consider it a threat."
Granny Nong’s voice was devoid of emotion. "Brother Xue, you want to get Jishan Hall into the National Medical Hall, and I want to get my grandson cured. We both have something we desperately need."
"Is that a condition?" Xue Zhong asked in a cold voice.
Nong Cuiru nodded. "That’s right. You can consider it a trade. If my grandson is cured before Jishan Hall’s assessment, I will guarantee Jishan Hall’s entry into the National Medical Hall."
Xue Zhong said nothing, and then he left.
This was a matter he would have to report to Jiang Xinghai at daybreak.
「The next morning.」
Jiang Xinghai was already up and getting ready for his morning run. He’d intended to wait for Shen Zhengye, but there was no sound coming from his bedroom.
’Don’t tell me Uncle Shen completely wore himself out last night?’
Jiang Xinghai gave an awkward smile, then turned and went downstairs to grab a carton of milk from the refrigerator.
After a moment, he began his morning run.
Before long, his phone rang. The caller was none other than Xue Zhong, who clearly hadn’t slept a wink all night.
"Master Xue, you’re calling early," Jiang Xinghai said, speaking through his Bluetooth headset.
"Mr. Jiang, I’m about to arrive at the Shen residence. Would it be possible to meet and talk?" Xue Zhong asked tentatively.
"I’ll be at the main gate in a minute," Jiang Xinghai replied, jogging in that direction.
Soon, a car pulled up carrying Xue Zhong. As soon as he saw Jiang Xinghai, he recounted the events of the previous night.
"This woman, Nong, is a real fool."
Jiang Xinghai scoffed. "Keep my identity a secret from her for now. You just need to tell her that I’m confident I can save her grandson. But as for whether or not I actually will... that will depend on my mood."
