Chapter Twenty-Four: Displaying Their Unique Talents

Clang.

The scalpel slipped from her hand and landed on the gleaming stainless steel tray, ringing out with a clear, crisp sound.

That sound struck Xiao Yuru’s heart like a gentle chime—pleasing to the ear, and stirring in its resonance.

“Leaf, what are you getting all sentimental for at a time like this? Really, you’re too much.”

With a jest, Xiao Yuru quietly masked the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. The eight siblings had lived together in the orphanage for over six years. She’d once feared that ten years apart would breed distance between them, but now she realized their bond remained as pure as ever, unchanged by time.

Still, her near-masculine temperament made her reluctant to let anyone see her shed tears in public.

“The deep affection between siblings is truly a fine tale,” said Xuan Yuan Datang, stroking his snow-white beard. “As an old man, let me add a touch of splendor to it. I’ve practiced medicine for decades and have connections with many colleagues and younger practitioners. Some of these people are quite renowned in the medical field. If I invite them all together, it will broaden our horizons and keep us from becoming frogs in the well, complacent with what we know.”

“That’s truly generous of you, sir.”

“No, it is I who should thank you.” Xuan Yuan Datang sighed. “Though the practice of medicine is sacred, it’s all too common for each school to guard its own secrets. This has led to gaps in medical knowledge, and the loss of valuable traditions. If, in the future, we could have an artificial intelligence as capable as Yun Yan, even traditional Chinese medicine wouldn’t be at risk of fading away.”

“Don’t worry, sir. My eldest sister’s company will produce such artificial intelligence before long. While it may not yet compare to Yun Yan, and there’s still some ways to go before it can be mass-produced, there’s no real issue with recording your life’s work, scanning the data, or even discussing case analyses with you.”

“Oh? Then I suppose my timing couldn’t be better.” The prospect of preserving his life’s medical knowledge and engaging in discussions about diagnoses delighted Xuan Yuan Datang.

“Master, you don’t really understand all this advanced technology,” Lin Wan’er interjected, sensing the growing rapport between her teacher and Ye Qiu with a vague sense of crisis. She sought to sow a little doubt: “While data can be stored online, it’s also easy for others to hack it. If someone stole your life’s work, or—worse—used it to harm people, wouldn’t that be terrible?”

“There’s such a risk?” Xuan Yuan Datang glanced at Ye Qiu, suspicion in his eyes.

He didn’t know much about the Internet; though he used a smartphone, it was mostly for calls or watching videos. Anything beyond that was largely a mystery to him.

“There is,” Ye Qiu admitted.

“Sir, there are risks, but they’re about as likely as the destruction of the Earth. With current technology, it would take another, even more powerful AI to breach these defenses.”

Xuan Yuan Datang nodded, understanding Ye Qiu’s point.

There were risks, but they could essentially be disregarded.

Lin Wan’er shot Ye Qiu a sharp glare. She couldn’t help but feel this man was dangerous. Her master was usually amiable, but rarely meddled in mundane matters, let alone childish competitions like these. She hadn’t expected him to take such a shine to this young man.

No, she couldn’t let them grow so close—at least, not now.

...

“Old Ge, are you free lately? Come to Linhai for a visit. You can’t spend all your time shuttling between the hospital and home—you need to enjoy life too.”

“Old Chen, stop hiding at school and teaching all day. Come to Linhai; I’ve got some new and exciting things to show you, guaranteed to impress.”

“Director Lin, let me tell you about something interesting...”

Compared to Professor Duan, whose circle included vice-deans, chief physicians, and medical professors, Dr. Wu’s contacts were mostly young doctors. Fortunately, many of them had friends working on overseas research projects or at famous hospitals, and Dr. Wu invited all of them to Linhai.

Especially those working abroad—having them around made Dr. Wu feel quite proud. These past few days, he’d been walking with his hands behind his back, brimming with confidence.

Of course, as for top-tier doctors, Professor Park was Duan Jijin and Dr. Wu’s greatest hope.

First, Professor Park was already well-known in Korea, working with their biggest stars, and even many celebrities from home had undergone cosmetic procedures with him.

To give Ye Qiu a hard time, Professor Park had not only invited several Korean doctors and celebrities, but had also reached out to some domestic stars.

When these stars heard that Korean celebrities would be attending, they didn’t hesitate. At Professor Park’s invitation, they flocked eagerly to Linhai.

...

“Chief, is there some grand event happening in Linhai lately? Why are so many celebrities from all walks of life coming here?”

The Linhai city bureau was nearly overwhelmed these past few days.

Not only had so many prominent figures from home and abroad converged on Linhai—increasing the demands on public security—but the reason for their gathering remained a mystery, much to the bureau's frustration.

“How should I know?” the bureau chief snapped. “I just got a call from the city office. It’s not just celebrities coming this time—there are numerous investors from home and abroad. We're being told public security must be flawless. If any incidents affect investment in Linhai, the city will hold us accountable.”

“Understood.”

“‘Understood’ isn't enough. All leaves are canceled for now. Apart from routine duties, every available officer is to focus on this matter.”

...

“Mr. Ye, is this really going to work? I’m about to die from anxiety.” Zhao Lei clung to Ye Qiu, his face taut with worry.

On Professor Duan’s side, countless medical experts had arrived, along with Korean and domestic celebrities. On their side, there was only one old man. Oh, a few foreigners had come today, supposedly to deliver medicine to Xiao Yuru.

But this wasn’t the colonial era anymore—foreigners didn’t have the same cachet in China, and they were of little use. Meanwhile, the other side had hospital directors, experts, and celebrities, while their own camp was dead quiet. How could Zhao Lei not be anxious?

He’d even tried inviting some cosmetic surgeons from other provinces, but they either sided with Duan Jijin or politely refused, not wanting to offend him.

This made Zhao Lei even more nervous.

Unable to hold it in any longer, he grabbed Ye Qiu today for answers. At the very least, Liu Yiran ought to be doing something by now.

To be honest, he was starting to regret his choices.

He shouldn’t have let a moment of madness push him into agreeing with Ye Qiu.

Xiao Yuru had Liu Yiran backing her. At worst, she could just quit the cosmetic medicine business.

But as a small-time boss in the industry, if he offended Duan Jijin—not to mention losing the competition and ruining his hospital’s reputation—it would make things with the health bureau much more difficult in the future.

“There are still two days left, Boss Zhao. Take it easy.” Ye Qiu patted him on the shoulder. “I’m well aware of who’s arrived and how many.”

“You know nothing!” Zhao Lei snapped, anger flaring at Ye Qiu’s calm demeanor.