Chapter 52: Perplexed Beyond Measure

As soon as these words were spoken, the room erupted into commotion. No one could fathom what Zhang Shen was up to; even if what he claimed was true, surely there was no need to say it aloud.

Su Jin, upon hearing this, immediately flew into a rage, her eyes wide as she demanded, "Who is this brat, daring to spout such nonsense here? Which one of you brought him?"

Her words landed like a heavy blow, silencing the once noisy crowd in an instant.

At that moment, Chen Rong realized things were taking a turn for the worse. After all, Zhang Shen was his own student, and he had brought him here with a hint of self-interest. But who could have predicted that Zhang Shen would utter such words in front of so many?

"Young Master Su, he is my student. Please forgive him," Chen Rong said, forcing a smile.

"I don’t care if you’re Chen Rong or Li Rong. Today, I’ll show you what real power is," Su Jin declared, rolling up her sleeves and making to rush downstairs. Seeing her brother so agitated, Su Ping hurriedly grabbed her arm.

"Sister, don’t stop me. I’m going to teach this brat a lesson today."

"Calm down. Don’t be so impulsive," Su Ping urged. After all, with her husband already in a coma, the family could not afford another scandal. Besides, this young man had taken on such a mess in front of everyone; perhaps there was more to him than met the eye.

"Sir, I apologize on behalf of my brother. Right now, my husband is critically ill. I hope you will focus on his condition and not take offense," Su Ping said gently.

Hearing her measured words, Zhang Shen couldn’t help but admire her composure.

"Naturally. I came here for the sole purpose of treating the mayor. Otherwise, why would we be here? To earn some petty reward?" he replied.

Chen Rong, standing nearby, grew increasingly anxious. Zhang Shen didn’t even know what the patient looked like, let alone his current condition. If he made a diagnosis based solely on what others said, it would be far too reckless.

Su Ping, seeing the situation, invited Chen Rong and Zhang Shen upstairs.

As Zhang Shen entered the room, he immediately detected the same unpleasant odor he’d noticed on John, but he paid it no mind. Turning to Su Ping, he asked, "Madam Su, could you describe the patient’s condition in detail?"

Su Jin interjected, "Aren’t you a doctor? Why do you need my sister to tell you the answer?"

"I’m asking the patient’s family. Those not involved should refrain from meddling," Zhang Shen replied, swiftly shutting down Su Jin.

"You…"

Su Ping held her brother back and explained, "The patient is my husband, Ye Gang. He turned forty today. About a month ago, he began to run a fever. At first, we didn't think much of it, assuming it was from work stress. Unexpectedly, it worsened rapidly—from fever to collapse in less than five days. Truly, the illness struck like a mountain."

"And after that?" Zhang Shen pressed.

"Afterwards, he developed swelling and vomiting. We realized something was wrong and urgently summoned renowned doctors from all over to treat him," Su Ping continued.

"I see," Zhang Shen replied. In truth, he wasn’t so interested in Ye Gang’s medical history as in discovering Chen Rong’s standing in Su Ping’s eyes. Judging by her words, it seemed Chen Rong ranked rather low.

"May I ask, how should my husband’s illness be treated?"

"No rush. I have my own methods," Zhang Shen said. He produced a set of silver needles from his pocket, gathering his inner energy and channeling it into the needles. Then, unexpectedly, he turned to Chen Rong.

"Principal, do you have a lighter?"

"No, I don’t smoke. Where would I get one?" Chen Rong replied.

Zhang Shen then turned to Su Ping. "Do you happen to have a lighter?"

Su Ping, momentarily confused, assumed the young man was craving a cigarette, and immediately asked a servant to bring a lighter and a pack of cigarettes.

Seeing the items, Zhang Shen realized he had misspoken and Su Ping had misunderstood his intent. But there was no need to explain further.

Taking the lighter, Zhang Shen ignited the tip of the silver needle, which had been infused with his energy.

Su Ping and Su Jin, unfamiliar with the procedure, could only watch. Chen Rong, however, wondered why he wasn’t using an alcohol lamp to sterilize the needle—why a lighter?

After about ten minutes of heating the needle tip, Zhang Shen held the end of the needle and muttered under his breath. In a moment, five silver needles were inserted into Ye Gang’s face.

"Will my husband wake up?" Su Ping asked, watching closely. Zhang Shen was the only one so far bold enough to attempt treatment on her husband. She felt uneasy, uncertain about his technique.

But soon, the answer revealed itself.

"Cough… cough"

It was Ye Gang’s voice.

Su Ping was the first to react. Hearing her husband’s voice, she rushed to the bedside, anxiously calling, "Ye Gang, you’re awake! How do you feel?"

Su Jin, seeing her brother-in-law safe and sound, visibly relaxed. Zhang Shen understood Su Jin’s earlier agitation and did not pursue the matter further.

"Go check on your brother-in-law!" Zhang Shen urged.

Su Jin hurried to Ye Gang’s side. "Brother-in-law, are you feeling better?"

After a long period of unconsciousness, Ye Gang awoke to see his two closest relatives at his bedside. Naturally, he was joyful. Just then, Zhang Shen approached and said, "Mayor Ye, let me remove the silver needles for you."

Only then did Ye Gang, Su Ping, and Su Jin realize there were needles in Ye Gang’s head.

Once the needles were removed, Su Ping said to Ye Gang, "It was this miracle doctor who saved your life."

"Yes, brother-in-law. His skill is extraordinary," Su Jin added.

Hearing such praise for his craft, Zhang Shen felt a touch of pride.

"What happened to me?" Ye Gang asked.

His question brought Su Ping back to her senses. Her husband had always been healthy; how could he have fallen so ill so suddenly? It was a mystery she could not unravel.

"Doctor, what illness did my husband have?" Su Ping asked, now addressing Zhang Shen as a miracle doctor, which surprised him.

Seeing her anxious expression, Zhang Shen turned to Chen Rong and said, "Principal, could you step outside for a moment?"

Chen Rong was quick-witted, sensing that Zhang Shen had his reasons for asking him to leave.

Su Ping, equally astute, said to Su Jin, "Brother, you leave as well. We need to consult with the miracle doctor."