Chapter 48: The Endless Quest

Jiang Yu walked toward the hospital bed with a steady stride, possessing an almost hypnotic presence that instantly drew everyone's gaze.

His slender fingers gently rested upon Patient Zhao's wrist, his expression profoundly focused as though he were decoding an intricate puzzle.

The air in the room seemed to freeze, and everyone held their breath with utmost caution, terrified of disturbing him.

Jiang Yu furrowed his brow slightly, then carefully observed the patient's complexion and pupils. His movements were gentle yet practiced, radiating a compelling professional aura with every gesture.

Qu Wanqing stood to the side, her heart suspended in her throat.

She was simultaneously worried that Jiang Yu's methods might fail and filled with anticipation that he would perform a miracle.

The surrounding air felt stagnant, the suffocating tension pressing heavily upon everyone.

Noticing Jiang Yu's concentrated expression, Qu Wanqing familiarly looped her arm through his with an intimate air, asking softly, "How is it? Have you figured anything out?"

Jiang Yu shifted his gaze away from the patient and onto Qu Wanqing. He gave a slight nod and whispered, "I'm getting some clues."

Qu Wanqing pressed her body slightly closer to Jiang Yu, who could feel her warmth, casting an ambiguous and tender atmosphere between them.

Standing nearby, Miss Bai turned pale with fury, the flames of jealousy burning fiercely in her eyes.

"Wanqing, what kind of behavior is this!" Miss Bai finally blurted out, a hint of sharpness lacing her tone.

Qu Wanqing arched an eyebrow and retorted without a single ounce of submission, "What business is it of Miss Bai's that I am being affectionate with my own husband?"

Miss Bai stomped her foot in rage...

Miss Bai began to accuse Qu Wanqing of lacking propriety, her voice as shrill as a shattered wind chime: "How can you behave in such a manner? This is a medical hall, not a place for you to act coquettishly!"

Qu Wanqing raised an eyebrow, a cold smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she fought back fearlessly: "Miss Bai, what concern is it of yours if I am close to my husband? Could it be that you harbor desires to monopolize him yourself?"

Miss Bai flushed red down to her neck, stamping her foot furiously as she snapped, "You—you truly are a shameless woman!"

Unflustered, Qu Wanqing leaned into Jiang Yu's arm and smiled, "Look, aren't I being shy right now? Jiang Yu, would you say I'm being a very good girl?"

Jiang Yu smiled faintly, his eyes brimming with deep affection as he gently soothed her, "You are always so worrisome."

The sound of their bickering echoed through the ward, escalating the tense atmosphere.

Doctor Li stood off to the side, frowning with clear displeasure, though he found it difficult to interrupt directly.

Sun the Apothecary's apprentice and Physician Zhou exchanged helpless glances, evidently powerless in the face of such a spectacle.

At that exact moment, Jiang Yu produced a homemade medicine sachet from inside his robe and placed it beneath Patient Zhao's nose.

The room instantly fell silent as everyone held their breath, watching the patient intently.

Suddenly, Patient Zhao's brow twitched slightly before he opened his eyes.

Everyone's eyes widened in astonishment, all heads turning in unison to stare at Jiang Yu.

A faint smile hung on Jiang Yu's face, as though everything remained entirely within his control.

Qu Wanqing's heart swelled with deep admiration for Jiang Yu, and she silently praised him to herself, "As expected of my Jiang Yu, he always manages to work miracles."

Miss Bai's expression turned even more unsightly, a mixture of jealousy and bitter resentment, though she was forced to admit that Jiang Yu indeed possessed extraordinary skills.

Patient Zhao's gaze gradually cleared, but his lips trembled slightly as if he had something of utmost importance to impart.

Everyone's heart leapt into their throats, and Doctor Li stared fixedly at the patient, as though preparing to step in at a moment's notice.

Right then, Patient Zhao finally spoke, his voice low and indistinct: "W-where is this..."

A subtle shift crossed Jiang Yu's eyes, a ripple of unease rising within him. He leaned over swiftly and asked in a low voice, "Brother Zhao, what do you remember?"

Patient Zhao's gaze flickered unsteadily, as though burdened by some oppressive force. He struggled to articulate his thoughts, but the words dissolved into incoherent gibberish...

Jiang Yu's fingers rested lightly back upon Patient Zhao's pulse, his expression turning grave once more.

Inside the treatment room, the atmosphere tightened once again, with everyone holding their breath in suspense, bracing for the next unforeseen turn of events.

After waking up, Patient Zhao did not spill any secrets. Instead, his gaze remained hazy as he muttered disjointed, fragmented words: "Red... flower... bird... flying..."

The crowd looked at one another in blank dismay. This was far more exasperating than keeping the patient unconscious.

Unlike the others, Qu Wanqing did not look disappointed. Instead, her eyes lit up, and her sharp little mind began racing at full speed. Could this possibly be some sort of Morse code?

Or perhaps an ancient, forgotten language?

Truly, I am brilliant—Conan has possessed my soul!

Seeing her full of fighting spirit, the people around her could not help but wonder if this young lady was simply being overly dramatic.

Jiang Yu leaned closer to Qu Wanqing and asked softly, "My lady, have you discerned any clues?"

Qu Wanqing blinked with manufactured mystery and whispered, "Hush, heavenly secrets must not be leaked."

With their heads pressed together, whispering in low murmurs, they looked precisely like a pair of schoolkids secretly passing answers during class.

Watching the two of them being so lovey-dovey, Sun the Apothecary's apprentice couldn't help stifling a laugh. The air was practically thick with the cloying stench of romance.

This unexpected display of affection hit them completely off guard!

However, this sweet ambiance was shattered almost immediately.

Doctor Li's expression darkened, and his tone turned severe: "The patient's condition is unstable. All unrelated personnel, get out!"

This sudden development took everyone by surprise, especially Qu Wanqing, who acutely sensed that something was amiss—this old man definitely had something to hide!

"Wait!" Qu Wanqing reached out to block the medical hall attendant who was attempting to push her out. "Doctor Li, the patient has just regained consciousness. We might still be able to extract some vital clues from him..."

Doctor Li's face grew even gloomier, a flash of imperceptible panic darting through his eyes as his tone hardened further: "I said out, and that means out! What reason does a woman have to linger in a sickroom?"

A wave of ominous foreboding washed over Qu Wanqing. She glared sharply at Doctor Li, who deliberately avoided her gaze and barked furiously, "Someone, throw them out!"

"You dare!" Qu Wanqing's voice dropped in temperature, freezing over as a formidable aura erupted from within her...