Chapter Seventy-Three: The Shi Family

"Where is this place?"

Before their eyes, only the high beams revealed the road ahead and the fleeting trees vanishing into the darkness. Beyond that, all was pitch-black, as if some monstrous beast lay in wait, its gaping maw open, ready to swallow any prey that dared approach.

"This was supposed to be a vacation spot, designed as an escape from the city's noise. The first phase didn't sell, the developer ran off, and so construction stopped."

Xue Yishou glanced out the window and continued, "At least the developer had some conscience—didn't cheat the poor."

"Yunyan, scan the surrounding environment."

"Yes, Master."

In a moment, Yunyan's curious voice reached Ye Qiu's ear: "Master, there are no cameras here, not even a network—no technological equipment at all. Should I activate the satellite system?"

"Forget it."

Turning the satellite would cause too much of a stir. Moreover, if Qian Mingxun dared to bring people to such a desolate place, knowing full well he was being accompanied, then he was either completely at ease with his conscience, or bold enough to be fearless.

Whichever it was, Ye Qiu remained unflinching.

The car drove into the abandoned resort area; darkness pressed in from every side. Only one villa shone with light, standing alone like a solitary lamp on a vast, dark sea.

Given the circumstances, there was no need to bother with the parking lot. Both cars pulled up right in front.

Qian Mingxun got out and came to greet them. After an hour-long drive, his face seemed to have returned to its usual composure.

"I'm truly sorry. My patient is rather special, so he only agrees to see people here."

"It's nothing," Xiao Yuru nodded, showing her understanding.

As long as Qian Mingxun spoke sensibly, she had no reason to be impolite.

"Mr. Ye, I won't go in; I'll wait for you in the car."

Xue Yishou stepped out, lit a cigarette, and wisely stayed behind.

Ye Qiu glanced at him without betraying any emotion and nodded.

He was sharp, that one.

At that moment, the villa's owner came out to meet them—an old man, hunched and thin as a branch, perhaps not even eighty pounds, his eyes sunken and skin sallow. If not for the bright lights, anyone stumbling across such a figure in the dark might have been startled out of their wits.

Truly the type to make one jump.

"Dr. Qian, this must be Dr. Xiao. Please, come in!"

The old man welcomed the three of them inside, bustling about with tea, water, and fruit. He was so busy that Qian Mingxun eventually had to stop him from overexerting himself, and only then did the old man settle on the sofa across from them.

"Yuru, this is Mr. Shi."

"Yuru, you've met. And this is Yuru's boyfriend," Qian Mingxun introduced Ye Qiu, his voice steady, though his cheek twitched despite himself.

"Young man, Dr. Xiao is not only skilled but also so beautiful. You're a lucky one—you must treat her well!"

"Mr. Shi, you're too kind. I dare say I'm not so bad myself!"

"Well said, hahaha." Mr. Shi couldn't help but laugh aloud, while Qian Mingxun's face twitched again.

"Mr. Shi, now that Dr. Xiao is here, perhaps she should see the patient."

"Yes," Mr. Shi sighed, his aged figure seeming even more forlorn.

"Dr. Xiao, this way."

The old man led the way upstairs, and Ye Qiu, curiosity piqued, followed.

In this modern age, it was rare to find someone so reclusive, especially in an unfinished resort—a true hermitage.

There were six rooms upstairs; Shi Ping's was at the end of the corridor.

Even before reaching the door, Ye Qiu could smell the dense, acrid scent of medicine.

It was so pungent that they instinctively covered their noses, though Mr. Shi seemed used to it.

"Grandson, Dr. Qian has brought Dr. Xiao."

No response.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Xiao—my grandson is wary of strangers."

If Mr. Shi hadn't been standing at the door, awkwardly explaining, one might have doubted there was anyone inside at all.

"It's no trouble," Qian Mingxun nodded and knocked softly.

"Shi Ping, it's me. Open the door."

Several minutes passed, but Shi Ping did not answer.

"Could he be out?" Xiao Yuru asked, glancing at Mr. Shi. "Should we open the door and check?"

If Ye Qiu hadn't caught the faint sound of breathing inside, he, too, would have thought the room empty.

"Second Sister, there's someone inside."

"Eh?" Xiao Yuru trusted Ye Qiu's intuition, her mouth widening in surprise. "Then why won't he open the door?"

"Well…" Mr. Shi looked uneasily at Qian Mingxun.

"It's like this," Qian Mingxun explained. "Shi Ping's family was flying a small plane overseas when they hit turbulence. There was only one parachute on board, and his parents gave it to him."

He sighed. "He survived, but… it's complicated. Now he wants reconstructive surgery, which would help him move beyond his trauma."

"Whether it's possible, and how to proceed, I need to see the patient first."

"Alright." Qian Mingxun knocked again. Just as impatience was beginning to set in, the door creaked open a crack.

With the door closed, curiosity could be restrained, but now, with it ajar, Xiao Yuru and Ye Qiu couldn't help themselves. They both tried to peer through the narrow opening, hoping the corridor light would offer a glimpse inside.

But the sliver of light revealed little. The two of them held their breath and edged forward.

Suddenly—a sharp sound, and a strange odor wafted out.

"It's datura," Xiao Yuru said quickly, clamping a hand over her mouth and nose and pulling Ye Qiu back.

Her recent studies under Xuan Yuan Datang had rapidly expanded her medical knowledge. As the last disciple of a renowned traditional medicine master, she'd learned much—especially about datura, which could numb nerves for both good and ill.

Ye Qiu had already been alert as they neared the door. As soon as Xiao Yuru spoke, she grabbed her and retreated, nearly reaching the stairs in the blink of an eye.

"Qian Mingxun, are you trying to get us killed?" Ye Qiu erupted in fury, stepping forward and seizing Qian Mingxun by the throat.

"It's a misunderstanding—it's medicine for my grandson!" Qian Mingxun choked out, veins bulging.

Mr. Shi hurried to restrain Ye Qiu, clutching her arm. "It's not what you think—Shi Ping is a good child. The medicine is only for his pain."

"For the pain?" Ye Qiu eyed Mr. Shi doubtfully. This old fellow was quick to defend his own.