Chapter 47: Secrets of the Medical Hall

The appearance of Miss Bai was like a stone cast into a tranquil lake, instantly stirring ripples across the surface. She affectionately linked arms with Jiang Yu, yet her gaze was like a poisoned dagger, piercing straight at Qu Wanqing. The air was thick with tension, as if a dramatic showdown between two women vying for the same man was about to unfold.

Who was Qu Wanqing? A villainous magnate transported into another world! Surely she wouldn’t be intimidated by such petty scenes. She strode directly up to them, gently but firmly prying Bai’s arm from Jiang Yu’s, then looked at Bai with a provocative smile and said, “Miss, please exercise some restraint. Jiang Yu is not someone you can casually entwine with. If you want a man, go find one yourself. Don’t resort to such childish tricks in front of me—I have no time to entertain you.”

Jiang Yu understood well that although Qu Wanqing appeared domineering, she was kind-hearted beneath it all. He did not want this extraordinary woman to suffer even a moment of injustice, and he harbored an inexplicable trust and fondness for her. Without making it obvious, Jiang Yu withdrew his arm and calmly stood beside Qu Wanqing, silently declaring his allegiance.

Seeing this, a flicker of resentment flashed in Bai’s eyes before she quickly masked it with a pitiful expression. Such a swift change of face—she would be wasting her talents if she didn’t take up Sichuan opera.

Dr. Li cleared his throat, breaking the awkward tension. “Since Young Master Jiang and Miss Qu have agreed to the terms, please follow me.” He then turned to the trembling medicinal assistant Sun Yaotong beside him and ordered, “You will follow them closely, not leaving their side.”

Sun Yaotong wore a sour expression; this task was no easy matter. On one side was the eccentric Dr. Li, on the other the unfathomable Jiang Yu and Qu Wanqing. Caught in the middle, he felt utterly pitiful.

Qu Wanqing felt as if she were being “protected” by a personal bodyguard, her movements restricted at every turn. Anger flared within her, yet outwardly she maintained an elegant smile, kindly attending to Sun Yaotong in an attempt to dissolve this covert surveillance. Inwardly, she thought, “Hmph, do they think I’m just a spoiled young lady? I’ve come from another world—these petty tricks won’t fool me. I’ll first charm this little assistant; only then can I better uncover the secrets of the clinic.”

Sun Yaotong was somewhat bewildered by her sudden warmth, nodding dumbly in response.

“Little one, the herbs seem a bit disorganized, don’t they…” Qu Wanqing suddenly pointed at the medicine cabinet, feigning serious concern.

Sun Yaotong’s eyes widened as if witnessing a marvel.

“Miss Qu, you know how to sort herbs?” he stammered incredulously.

Qu Wanqing smiled sweetly, revealing a set of pearly white teeth. “A little, a little. I learned some basics from the family’s old doctor when I was young.” She picked up a herb, sniffed it as if for real, then deliberately replaced it, her movements smooth and natural, exuding the air of a true professional.

Sun Yaotong was dumbfounded, secretly thinking: This villainous young lady truly hides her talents well!

“This patient looks quite serious,” Qu Wanqing remarked casually while tidying, mentioning Patient Zhao as if unintentionally.

***

Sun Yaotong sighed. “Indeed, he’s been unconscious for days, and Dr. Li can’t figure out what’s wrong.” He lowered his voice, speaking in a hushed, conspiratorial tone. “I heard from Dr. Li that there might be some evil spirit involved with this patient…”

“Evil spirit?” Qu Wanqing raised an eyebrow, inwardly delighted—the fish had taken the bait!

She calmly pressed further, “Oh? What kind of evil spirit? Could it be a guest spirit?”

Sun Yaotong hastily waved his hand. “I dare not say for sure, but it’s pretty scary…” He shuddered slightly, rubbing his arm.

Qu Wanqing already had a rough idea. While chatting with Sun Yaotong, she discreetly surveyed the surroundings, searching for an opportunity to approach Patient Zhao.

When Sun Yaotong turned to fetch some herbs, Qu Wanqing was quick and nimble, slipping into Patient Zhao’s room.

The room was dimly lit, filled with a faint medicinal scent. Patient Zhao lay pale and weak on the bed, breathing faintly.

Qu Wanqing quietly approached the bedside, scrutinizing the patient. Suddenly, her gaze sharpened as she noticed a strange mark on his wrist—a dark red imprint shaped like a blooming datura flower. The surrounding light dimmed further, with only the mark emitting a faint red glow. Qu Wanqing’s eyes mirrored the red light, her face a mixture of surprise and tension. She stared intently at the crimson mark, as if the world around her ceased to exist. Her breath quickened, heart pounding wildly in her chest. The darkness seemed to want to swallow her whole, yet the red glow of the mark was a beacon of hope. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out toward the mark, the entire room silent except for her pounding heartbeat.

She carefully extended her hand, about to touch the mark…

“Wanqing, what are you doing?”

Jiang Yu’s voice, like a heavenly melody, instantly shattered the tense atmosphere in the room.

Qu Wanqing snapped her head around to see Jiang Yu standing at the doorway, his eyes full of concern. Her heart warmed, as if comforted by a calming charm, her anxiety slowly subsiding.

Jiang Yu quickly approached and gently took her hand, asking worriedly, “Are you alright?” His hand was warm and firm, causing her heart to race and her cheeks to flush slightly.

Damn this man—he always knew how to stir her heartstrings!

“I’m fine. I just found some clues,” Qu Wanqing whispered, pointing to the datura mark on the patient’s wrist.

***

Before she could elaborate, an angry shout came from outside the room: “How dare you! Who allowed you to enter here?!”

Dr. Li stormed in, followed by a group of trembling medicinal assistants. In the past, he had been sabotaged by those ignorant of medicine who meddled, resulting in the death of an important patient. Since then, he was especially sensitive to outsiders interfering with the clinic’s affairs. He glared furiously at Qu Wanqing, as if he wanted to devour her whole. “This is not a place for you to barge in at will! Get out immediately!”

“Dr. Li, I’m only concerned about the patient’s condition. Why make such a fuss?” Qu Wanqing retorted boldly, a hint of sarcasm in her tone.

She was no pushover to be bullied!

“Concerned? I think you have ulterior motives!” Dr. Li sneered. “You’re just a woman—you know nothing about medicine! Stop putting on airs here!”

The medicinal assistants whispered among themselves as the atmosphere in the room grew tense, as if a fierce battle was about to erupt.

Qu Wanqing knew this old man was stubborn as a mule; she’d have to find another way.

At that moment, Jiang Yu suddenly spoke: “Dr. Li, I have a way to wake the patient.”

The room fell silent, everyone stunned.

All eyes turned to Jiang Yu.

Dr. Li’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What did you say? You have a way? You, an outsider—how could you possibly have a solution?!”

Jiang Yu’s lips curled into a faint, mysterious smile. “Believe it or not, I do. But…” He paused, scanning the room before fixing his gaze on Dr. Li. “My method requires your cooperation.”