In that hour, through careful probing, Zhang Yang managed to ascertain Liu Xiaotang's background.

Liu Xiaotang was a graduate of Beijing Public Security University, a formally trained professional. He started as a junior detective after graduation, cracking several major cases in quick succession, rising through the ranks to become the Captain of the Municipal Criminal Investigation Team while still in his early thirties. Every time Old Man Liu mentioned his eldest son, his face was always alight with pride.

Unfortunately, his wife had a falling out with Old Man Liu several years ago. While Liu Xiaotang was competent as a police officer, he was useless at managing domestic affairs; he had been caught in the middle, enduring distress for years.

Old Man Liu understood his son's difficulties and didn't hold much against him. Usually, Liu Xiaotang visited alone, occasionally bringing his wife, though very rarely.

Captain of the Municipal Criminal Investigation Team—the position wasn't insignificant enough to catch Zhang Yang's attention, yet he felt Liu Xiaotang’s attitude toward him today was somewhat excessive. Even providing Old Man Liu with a good medicinal prescription shouldn't warrant such deference.

Liu Xiaotang’s demeanor today was exceptionally warm, a complete contrast to last time. Zhang Yang pondered this for a moment but didn't delve deeper; researching the matter held no real significance for him. If Liu Xiaotang genuinely needed something, he would speak up in due time.

Leaving Old Man Liu's residence, Mi Xue’s face remained flushed.

Old Man Liu had said many words of care today, praising Zhang Yang extensively, even treating them openly as a young couple. Mi Xue didn't object to Old Man Liu’s words; rather, she felt a sweet flutter, though she maintained a slight reserve, as girls are naturally more bashful.

That afternoon, the two did not go out again. Mi Xue read, while Zhang Yang recovered the internal energy he had expended, each in their own rooms.

The night passed uneventfully. The next day at noon, Zhang Yang made another trip to the hospital.

Old Master Zhao’s condition had eased considerably. Apart from still being unconscious, everything else was normal. Director Zhao had been staying vigil these past few days, and many staff from the Health Bureau and subordinate hospitals came to the Third Hospital to visit Old Master Zhao, stuffing the ward with all sorts of nutritional supplements.

When Zhang Yang arrived, leaders from the Municipal People's Hospital and several other hospitals were present.

These individuals’ eyes gleamed upon seeing Zhang Yang. One director even extended a direct invitation, which Zhang Yang politely declined, citing his status as an intern at the Third Hospital, much to the director's disappointment.

Zhu Zhixiang, who had been accompanying them, secretly congratulated himself; his previous efforts had not been wasted. Now that the news had spread, many people were indeed setting their sights on Zhang Yang. He began contemplating how he must treat Zhang Yang even better in the future to prevent others from poaching him; a simple contract made Zhu Zhixiang uneasy.

After the visitors cleared the ward, Zhang Yang began applying the needles. Only Wu Youdao watched beside him this time. Wu Youdao had gained considerable insight from observing Zhang Yang over the last two days and rushed over immediately upon hearing of his arrival.

After placing the final needle, Zhang Yang let out a soft breath.

Old Master Zhao’s condition was completely stabilized. After three days of needling, he should wake up within a day or two, barring complications. With the prescribed formula, getting out of bed in the short term would be no issue. However, regaining full mobility would require prolonged treatment, as the delay had left behind troublesome sequelae.

As people close to Director Zhao visited, Zhang Yang’s name began circulating within certain hospital circles. Many knew that the Third Hospital housed a remarkably skilled young man with miraculous needlework, capable of reviving cases that many Western doctors couldn't manage. Director Zhao’s father was the prime example. Unbeknownst to Zhang Yang, he had already made a small name for himself. Of course, if people knew he was still an undergraduate student, their astonishment would have been even greater.

The next morning, Zhang Yang woke up early. His complexion had improved; his internal energy had recovered significantly over the past two days, erasing any visible signs of fatigue. He looked completely normal again.

After breakfast, Zhang Yang and Mi Xue left together; it was Monday, and they had to return to school for classes. They looked remarkably well-matched walking side-by-side. Along the way, Mi Xue chattered happily, recounting past stories or discussing her plans for the future. Mi Xue was a healthy, sunny girl, and her vision for the future was simple: to secure a stable job and live intimately with the person she loved—that was enough.

Watching Mi Xue’s radiant smile, Zhang Yang sighed inwardly again.

Three days. Only the final three days remained of the ten allotted by the mission. If the 'Sage Hand System' wasn't deliberately taunting him, Mi Xue would surely face some danger during these last three days, though Zhang Yang had no idea what form that danger would take. He had to be extra cautious these three days, staying close to Mi Xue whenever possible.

Daytime classes were Zhang Yang’s greatest concern. Since they were in different departments, the campus buildings were a bit spread out, but classes were typically held indoors, usually preventing any major incidents.

The daytime lectures concluded quickly. After school in the afternoon, Zhang Yang felt a slight easing of tension. He hadn't received any alarming news all day, meaning Mi Xue was safe; this day had passed successfully.

“Zhang Yang!”

As soon as classes let out, Gu Cheng and Xiao Bin both rushed over, Xiao Bin’s face alight with excitement. He had heard about the arrangement the Third Hospital made with Zhang Yang. Zhang Yang becoming an intern there wasn't the main point; what truly mattered was that the Third Hospital had agreed to sponsor their Student Union with two hundred thousand yuan.

Two hundred thousand—that was years’ worth of the Student Union’s usual funding. This meant Zhang Yang had not only completed his self-imposed goal ahead of schedule but had exceeded it twofold. With this achievement, Zhang Yang’s status in the Student Union would be secured, and his influence would increase significantly. This was what pleased Xiao Bin the most; if Zhang Yang’s authority grew, the lives of his staunchest 'Zhang Faction' supporters, like himself, would naturally improve.

“You two arrived just in time. Let’s pick up Mi Xue and head to the meeting!” Zhang Yang smiled slightly. Every Monday afternoon after classes was the time for the Student Union’s regular meeting. Zhang Yang hadn't expected to finish his task so soon. This was perfect; he could reap some of the rewards planted earlier, collecting a bit of interest on behalf of the former 'Zhang Yang.'

“Great, let’s go together!” Xiao Bin immediately agreed, cheering excitedly. He even felt a sense of being able to take charge. Gu Cheng’s reaction was much calmer; having recently joined the Student Union, he didn't fully grasp the extent to which Zhang Yang and Xiao Bin had been suppressed before, so he didn't feel the same emotional rush.

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