Chapter 18: Master Wu

“Doctor Xiao, is it really possible?”
Xiong Xinxin grabbed Xiao Yuru’s hand in excitement.

The most renowned plastic surgeon in Linhai, Duan Jiaoshuo, had declared her face beyond repair; even the specialists from the famed cosmetic clinics of Korea had told her there was nothing more to be done. Xiong Xinxin felt as if she had plunged into a bottomless abyss, a world shrouded in darkness. Just as she was about to lose all hope, someone told her her face could be restored.

Shortly after, Xiong Xinxin watched as a virtual avatar scanned her face and announced that all that was needed was to restore the structural support of her bones, and afterwards, cosmetic procedures could be performed according to proper proportions.

“It’s possible,” Yun Yan nodded gently. “The human skeleton is composed mainly of organic and inorganic materials. In the Deep Sea Laboratory of Beautiful Country, scientists have developed a new technology for bone regeneration based on animal models. This technology has already passed its experimental phase and is currently under approval, expected to be available in one to two years.”

Yun Yan added, “If my master wishes, this new drug can be used ahead of schedule.”

“Doctor Xiao, please help me! No matter the cost!”
Overcome with emotion, Xiong Xinxin ignored the virtual avatar before her, believing Yun Yan’s master to be Xiao Yuru herself. She had no idea Xiao Yuru was equally unfamiliar with this new drug.

As she hesitated, a scrolling message suddenly appeared on Xiao Yuru’s computer: “Second Master, just promise her. It is impossible for others, but for the Master, it is effortless.”

Xiao Yuru looked at Yun Yan in disbelief.

Yun Yan blinked mischievously, like a playful sprite lounging on the lush branches of the Tree of Life, swinging her legs, adorable and lively. Xiao Yuru recalled that Ye Qiu had promised her an artificial intelligence if she succeeded in restoring a nose.

Looking at the charming and impish Yun Yan, Xiao Yuru’s heart melted. She nodded mechanically, “Miss Xiong, rest assured. It is our duty as doctors. Go home for now, and I’ll draft a restoration plan based on the scan. When the new drug arrives, we’ll begin the procedure.”

After escorting Xiong Xinxin out of the office, Bai Kaishui rushed over, brimming with excitement. “Xinxin, what did Doctor Xiao say?”

“My dear, Doctor Xiao said my face can be restored, and even cosmetic enhancements can be performed afterwards!”

Bai Kaishui looked at Xiao Yuru with wild joy.

Before he could speak, Duan Jijin interjected impatiently, “Impossible! This is utter nonsense. Her bones are already damaged—restoration is out of the question, much less reshaping after that.”

Doctor Wu and several other physicians also rebuked Xiao Yuru, accusing her of risking the patient’s safety for a bit of fame.

Moreover, Professor Park from Korea had already said it was impossible—even Korea lacked such technology, so how could China possess anything so advanced?

“Korea’s inability to restore doesn’t mean China cannot,”
Xiao Yuru scoffed at her colleagues. China now had the technology.

Though it had come from her annoying younger brother.

But what belongs to her brother is hers as well—there’s no need to distinguish so strictly.

“Doctor Xiao, perhaps our hospital shouldn’t take on this surgery,”
The owner of the plastic surgery clinic quietly advised Wu Pipai. She had only been running the clinic for a few years, and most surgeries had been performed by Professor Duan. She didn’t want to offend him, nor did she believe anyone could truly restore Xiong Xinxin’s face, especially since the Korean expert had already said it was impossible. If the procedure failed, it would damage the clinic’s reputation and earn Professor Duan’s displeasure.

“Take it! Why wouldn’t we?” Xiao Yuru eyed Wu Pipai suspiciously. “You’re always thinking of ways to promote our clinic—even at beauty salons, you recommend our products. This is a perfect opportunity! Why shrink back now? If we succeed, the clinic will never lack clients again.”

“That’s easy for you to say,” Wu Pipai rolled her eyes at Xiao Yuru. “You’re not telling me you’re confident, are you?”

Xiao Yuru nodded.

After countless simulations during the neck restoration, she believed she could manage this as well.

“Please, this is reality, not a novel,” Wu Pipai said with a dark expression. “Where does your confidence come from? Even if you believe in yourself, I won’t risk the clinic for your experiment.”

She wasn’t asking Xiao Yuru how to restore Xiong Xinxin’s face; she simply wanted her to refuse.

Xiao Yuru saw through Wu Pipai’s intentions and waved Ye Qiu over.

“Second Sister.”

“Yun Yan mentioned a bone regeneration drug developed by Deep Sea Laboratory in Beautiful Country. Can you get it?”

Ye Qiu paused. “Deep Sea Laboratory?”

Mary, the current CEO of Deep Sea Laboratory, had nearly been killed by competitors, but Archangel saved her. That golden card now sat in her office, in the most prominent place, and every morning Mary would carefully polish it.

As Ye Qiu pondered whether Deep Sea Laboratory truly had this new drug, Wu Pipai grew impatient and blurted out, “Doctor Xiao, forgive me for being blunt. Your brother may be pale, but if he could get such a drug, would you still be working at this little clinic?”

Though Deep Sea Laboratory sounded impressive, Wu Pipai doubted Ye Qiu, with his delicate looks, could procure such a precious drug.

Ye Qiu, though surprised, nodded. “If Yun Yan said so, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“I disagree,” Wu Pipai said flatly. “I’m the owner, and my word is final. If you won’t follow orders, I’ll have to fire you.”

“Boss Zhao.”

Ye Qiu beckoned to Zhao Lei.

“Boss Zhao, my sister can restore Miss Xiong’s face, but Boss Wu isn’t willing to take the risk. Does your hospital dare?”

Though Xiao Yuru and Wu Pipai spoke quietly, Zhao Lei had overheard everything. He hadn’t expected Ye Qiu to call him over just then.

Zhao Lei hesitated.

He understood the risks and rewards.

To others, it wasn’t a gamble—it was a guaranteed loss.

But Zhao Lei had his own thoughts.

He glanced at Liu Yiran, weighed his options, then gritted his teeth and looked at Xiao Yuru. “Doctor Xiao, our hospital will allow you to perform the surgery.”

“Zhao Lei, you’re going too far! Xiao Yuru is still our hospital’s doctor!”

Zhao Lei wouldn’t boast in front of Liu Yiran, but he stood his ground with his colleagues. Having made up his mind, he spoke firmly, “Boss Wu, you’re the one lacking ambition, letting talent slip by. Now you say I’m overstepping?”