Volume One, Chapter 14: A Consumer—Seeking Treatment from a Miracle Doctor?

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“Young man, I didn’t expect you to be an expert. It seems you came prepared!”

“Tell me—who sent you?” Dongfang Shaobai asked coldly.

He had many rivals, as well as enemies.

At this moment, Su Ming’s actions could very well have been retaliation from someone in the same line of work.

“You’re overthinking it. I’m just a customer!”

“And besides, I’ve already been hounded and obstructed by your people. I only want genuine medicine. What’s wrong with that?”

Su Ming turned his head and met Dongfang Shaobai’s gaze for a moment before speaking coldly.

At that instant, Dongfang Shaobai was shaken inwardly.

Su Ming’s identification of the herbs had been convincing, and the facts indeed proved him right.

But now, if a renowned physician from five generations of doctors lowered his head and apologized, it would be tantamount to ruining his own reputation.

If he refused to apologize, however, there was nothing this young man could do to him.

And yet…

Dongfang Shaobai bowed slightly.

At that moment, everyone’s eyes widened in astonishment, and the crowd erupted in an uproar.

Dongfang Xiaoxiao was even more stunned. She cried out, “Grandfather, you mustn’t!”

“Everyone, shut up!”

“It was indeed our mistake. I should apologize. Young man, I’m sorry. I’ll replace all your medicine, and I won’t charge you a single cent!”

“For the trouble Baozhilin has caused you, I offer my sincere apology!”

As he spoke, Dongfang Shaobai bent deeply at the waist, his sincerity unmistakable.

Su Ming was also somewhat surprised.

He had not expected the old man to possess such integrity.

Despite the blow this would deal to his reputation, he had truly apologized.

For that alone, Su Ming decided not to pursue the matter any further.

“Forget it. With your eyesight, Elder, I believe you can identify these medicinal herbs as well. You’re simply too busy to choose the herbs yourself, and some scoundrel took advantage of that to deceive you.”

“You should investigate your supply channels carefully.”

After speaking, Su Ming’s gaze fell on Dongfang Xiaoxiao. He then said, “Excuse me. Please prepare my medicine again.”

Dongfang Xiaoxiao’s beautiful eyes were bloodshot. Seeing her grandfather, at his advanced age, apologize to this bastard made her furious.

She was so angry that she nearly crushed her teeth.

“Xiaoxiao, hurry up,” Dongfang Shaobai scolded sternly.

Only then did Dongfang Xiaoxiao stamp her foot and storm behind the counter, making a great deal of noise.

She was clearly venting her anger.

As for Su Ming, he paid no attention to her. As long as he received his medicine, that was all that mattered.

“Young man, may I ask who your teacher is?”

“Could you tell me?”

Dongfang Shaobai’s attitude had softened somewhat. He was extremely curious as to how someone so young could understand Chinese herbal medicine so thoroughly.

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He assumed Su Ming was also in the same profession.

“There’s no need to mention my teacher. Forgive me for speaking bluntly, but no one present is worthy of knowing his name.”

Su Ming had not intended to insult anyone.

His teacher’s identity was far too mysterious, and Su Ming himself knew only the tip of the iceberg.

Moreover, he would never reveal the slightest detail.

Nevertheless, his words infuriated everyone else.

“Brat, don’t get too arrogant!” the head of Blue Sea Enterprises shouted, his face flushed red.

However, Su Ming could not even be bothered to look at him.

Dongfang Shaobai, on the other hand, grew even more curious about Su Ming’s identity.

“If it’s inconvenient, then forget it.”

“Still, young man, you’re showing too much of your edge. You should learn to restrain yourself, or disaster will surely come your way.”

After offering that warning, Dongfang Shaobai turned around and prepared to continue treating the other patients.

But just then, Su Ming spoke.

“You too, Elder. Don’t spend all your time treating other people while neglecting your own health.”

“In your current condition, if you continue exhausting yourself, you won’t live to see the end of this year.”

“Your complexion is dark, the area between your brows is creased, and your eyes lack vitality. Your lung qi is severely depleted, and the most serious problem is in your brain.”

The moment Su Ming’s words rang out, they struck Dongfang Shaobai like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.

His steps came to an abrupt halt.

The calm composure that usually rested on his face underwent a complete transformation.

He turned back in disbelief and stared at Su Ming, his mind in turmoil.

He knew his own condition all too well.

But he had never expected that this young man could see the illnesses afflicting his entire body with a single glance.

This…

Moved him completely.

“Xiaoxiao, see the guests out!”

“We’re closed for today. I have something to discuss with this young man!”

As Dongfang Shaobai’s voice fell, the patients nearby were all overcome with shock.

They had heard Su Ming’s words and initially assumed that Elder Dongfang would teach him a lesson.

The outcome, however, was entirely beyond their expectations.

It seemed…

Elder Dongfang attached immense importance to Su Ming.

That also meant that everything Su Ming had said was true. Elder Dongfang had spent his entire life saving others, while he himself had long been gravely ill.

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Dongfang Xiaoxiao was startled as well. Seeing the seriousness on her grandfather’s face, she faintly sensed that something was wrong.

She hurriedly set down what she was holding and escorted every patient outside.

When the clinic doors closed, Dongfang Shaobai bowed deeply to Su Ming and said, “Young man, I was rash earlier. Please, save my life!”

“Since you can see what ails me, you must have a way to deal with it!”

Dongfang Shaobai’s actions once again shocked Dongfang Xiaoxiao.

When had her grandfather ever humbled himself to beg anyone for help?

Usually, it was the powerful and influential who came knocking on his door to seek his assistance.

Could it be that everything that bastard had said was true?

Could it be that her grandfather truly had little time left to live?

Impossible. It was impossible!

Dongfang Xiaoxiao’s face turned deathly pale, and she was frightened by the thought that had crossed her mind.

“There is naturally a way to treat you. It’s just that, as a renowned physician, you shouldn’t need my help,” Su Ming said, shaking his head.

“Young man, please don’t mock me!”

“Although I have some reputation in the National Medical Association, compared with a secluded master like you, I am utterly ashamed of myself!”

“If you can save my life, then should you ever need my help, I, Dongfang Shaobai, will go through fire and water without hesitation!”

Dongfang Shaobai was speaking in a pleading tone.

At that moment, he had none of the airs of a divine physician.

Su Ming pondered briefly before nodding.

Although there had been some unpleasantness between them, the old man was ultimately in the same profession as he was.

He ran a clinic, saved lives, and helped the wounded. Besides, Su Ming would indeed have many matters in the future where he might need the old man’s assistance.

It was best to prepare for the future.

When Dongfang Shaobai saw Su Ming nod, excitement and anticipation appeared on his aged face.

“First, prepare one hundred and eight silver needles: thirty-two needles three inches long, sixty-four needles six inches long, and twelve needles nine inches long!”

“In addition, prepare seven ounces of saffron and soak it in a wooden tub. It will need to steep for half an hour!”

As soon as Su Ming finished speaking, Dongfang Shaobai hurried off to make the preparations.

Dongfang Xiaoxiao also got to work. She brought out a wooden tub, filled it with hot water, weighed the saffron, and placed it inside.

A short while later, Dongfang Shaobai returned with the silver needles and arranged them neatly on the table.

Then, following Su Ming’s instructions, he removed his outer garment and sat down in a chair.

Su Ming picked up the silver needles. A solemn expression appeared on his face, and his entire bearing seemed to undergo a dramatic transformation.

Even Dongfang Xiaoxiao, standing nearby, was drawn to the unique aura emanating from him.