Chapter 220: Treating the Big Shot

Chapter 220: Treating the Dignitary

Ye Xiaoxiao thought to herself that it had already been a year—was giving a traditional monetary gift in a red envelope not too late by now?

Master Song Guangjing interjected, "Passing the entrance exam isn’t the real achievement. If Old Master Zhou wants to prepare a red envelope, he can give it at Xiao Xiao’s formal discipleship ceremony."

Song Guangjing had never held a formal discipleship ceremony before, all to protect Ye Xiaoxiao. If certain people found out he had taken on a disciple, it would inevitably attract malicious intentions.

But sooner or later, it had to be done—the older generation placed great importance on such ceremonies.

This was the first time Ye Xiaoxiao had heard about a formal discipleship ceremony, and she glanced curiously at her Master.

"Hahaha, of course, I’ll definitely attend the formal discipleship ceremony," Zhou Ziran laughed heartily.

"Please be seated, both of you. The reason I invited Master Song here today is regarding General Zhang Kaiyuan’s condition. Veteran Zhang has spent his whole life in the military, but now in his advanced years, he’s been struck with this illness. I was wondering if acupuncture might help—we can’t let him be paralyzed in bed."

Master Song Guangjing replied, "We’ll have to assess the specifics first. Acupuncture isn’t suitable for every condition."

Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t know who this Zhang Kaiyuan was, but anyone addressed as a general was clearly a true heavyweight among dignitaries.

Zhou Ziran led the two to Zhang Kaiyuan’s residence, which was equipped with comprehensive medical facilities and staffed with personnel on standby 24/7.

Zhang Kaiyuan was still conscious but relied on a wheelchair, unable to stand on his legs. An aide stood by, pushing the wheelchair and providing close care.

After examining him, Master Song Guangjing said, "There’s a chance for recovery."

The aide responsible for Zhang Kaiyuan’s care said with visible relief, "That’s wonderful!"

Ye Xiaoxiao also assessed the situation—his legs had clearly undergone surgery before, and this was a flare-up of an old injury.

Acupuncture could only stimulate his physiological functions and promote meridian flow. For him to stand again, long-term preparation would be necessary.

But among the medical texts Master Song Guangjing had given her, there was a special acupuncture method that could be particularly helpful in treatment.

As Ye Xiaoxiao was assessing the situation, Master Song Guangjing asked for her opinion.

"With daily acupuncture, it would still take three months to see any effect."

This was her conservative estimate.

At the fastest, results might show in a month.

Since Master Song Guangjing’s hands couldn’t perform the acupuncture, it would have to be Ye Xiaoxiao.

They had brought an acupuncture case today, and Master Song Guangjing devised a treatment plan based on Zhang Kaiyuan’s condition, instructing Ye Xiaoxiao to try the initial acupuncture points.

Even though she was treating a distinguished general, Ye Xiaoxiao remained composed.

Her needlework was precise and confident.

Zhang Kaiyuan, his hair entirely white, had eyes that remained keen despite his years. He remained calm throughout the entire treatment.

Only after Ye Xiaoxiao finished the treatment did he speak: "It really doesn’t hurt as much now."

His condition wasn’t just about being unable to stand—the real torment was the unremitting pain, making it impossible to rest day or night. Even analgesics proved ineffective.

Having the needles in my legs actually feels more comfortable.

Zhou Ziran smiled, "Glad it's working."

"Mr. Song, can you and Xiao Xiao stay here?"

Song Guangjing: "I can stay, but Xiao Xiao can't."

Xiao Xiao is his hands—she performs the delicate needle work he can't.

Ye Xiaoxiao stood up, "The treatment will take a while, so it has to be scheduled according to my class timetable."

The guard by Zhang Kaiyuan's side grew anxious, "How can that work? Can't you adjust your time?"

Ye Xiaoxiao lifted her eyelids, "I'm not changing my schedule. Just coming daily is cutting into my time enough."

The guard wasn't used to such bluntness. After all, being Zhang Kaiyuan’s doctor was an immense honor.

This kid looks young but has quite the temper.

"Xiao Li, let’s follow Mr. Song’s arrangement."

Zhang knew how masterful Song's medicine was and trusted him completely.

That incident hurt Song Guangjing—and China lost a great physician.

Song Guangjing: "The acupuncture itself is quick. Combined with herbal baths, Xiao Xiao only needs to come for an hour each day, but the time must be between 11 AM and 2 PM."

TCM has its quirks—even the timing of acupuncture matters.

Zhou Ziran: "That’s simple. I’ll arrange for someone to pick her up every day."

That settled it.

Ye Xiaoxiao, following her master, had landed another big client.

The money didn't matter much—what truly mattered was that curing this big shot would open doors for any future endeavors.

...

Ye Xiaoxiao began running between school and Haiheyuan every day.

During class, Zhang Kaining quietly asked Ye Xiaoxiao,

"What have you been up to lately? Must be someone important if someone always comes to pick you up after class."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Helping with a medical case."

Zhang Kaining: "Government car, isn't it?"

Ye Xiaoxiao had no choice but to explain, "It’s not my patient—it’s my master’s. I just handle the needles. My master injured his hand years ago and can't do fine motor work anymore."

Zhang Kaining: "Damn shame. With a master like Mr. Song, if his hands are compromised, techniques could disappear."

Ye Xiaoxiao raised her beautiful eyes, "Not on my watch."

Zhang Kaining: "Some advanced methods might die with him. Give you a few decades, though, and you might reach Mr. Song’s peak level."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Shut it. I don't need to hear that."

"See? I'm just keeping it real."

Ye Xiaoxiao reminded him, "Teacher's coming."

Zhang Kaining had to turn away.

Zhang Kaining had a point—at least Ye Xiaoxiao had never seen her master perform acupuncture.

Back when her master’s hand was injured, it must've hurt like hell.

Ye Xiaoxiao shook her head, and as the teacher stepped onto the podium, she cracked open her book and tuned in.

After class, Ye Xiaoxiao spotted someone playing the guitar in the hallway.

Though guitars had existed in China since the Republican era, the instrument wasn't exactly mainstream, and many people still didn’t recognize it.

There was no denying it—the guitar was the ultimate flex on campus.

The long-haired guy stood in the hallway, getting all kinds of looks from other students.

"Dude's definitely lost," Zhang Kaining muttered. "Since when does our college have such a trendy guy?"

Then Ye Xiaoxiao saw Wang Jiao emerge from the classroom. The guitar-playing guy smiled at her, and the two took off holding hands.

Zhang Kaining: "Xiao Xiao, isn’t that your roommate? That's... a choice."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "What's so bold? I think he’s pretty handsome."

Zhang Kaining dramatically gasped, "No way, Xiao Xiao, do girls actually like that type? He looks like some deadbeat street rat."

Qu Miao walked up from behind, "He's obviously artsy."

Zhang Kaining: "Busker?"

Qu Miao: "A traveling musician."

Zhang Kaining: "Same difference!"