Seeing the unmistakable trace of youth still lingering on Zhang Yang’s face, a flicker of disappointment crossed the man’s eyes unnaturally. Wu Youdao had briefed him before his arrival, mentioning he would bring a young miracle doctor, but he hadn't expected someone quite this young.

This was clearly a child who hadn't fully grown up.

To have Wu Youdao bring someone like this to treat him gave him a feeling of participating in a childish game.

Wu Youdao, oblivious to his old friend's expression, approached with a hearty laugh. “Shao Hua, must we be so formal with each other? Come, let me introduce you. This is Zhang Yang, the one I mentioned. Don't let his youth fool you; his medical skill is definitely above mine!”

Wu Youdao’s old friend was named Su ShaoHua. He looked under fifty, though he was actually sixty, and was remarkably well-preserved.

Su ShaoHua ran a massive business, primarily in electronics and appliances. The largest television and air conditioner factories in Changjing were his domain. Across the nation, he owned several large chain stores for home appliances. Furthermore, he had founded several private schools in Changjing; these schools were modestly priced and enjoyed a good reputation.

Su ShaoHua was a well-known magnate in Changjing; some even whispered he was the wealthiest man there. However, the man maintained a very low profile, never appearing on any rich lists. No one truly knew the extent of his assets.

“Doctor Zhang, it’s a pleasure. I apologize for troubling you!”

Su ShaoHua extended his hand with a smile. Though he spoke of trouble, his tone was mild, and his handshake was merely a light touch before he withdrew it.

He did this purely out of respect for Wu Youdao. Regardless of his skepticism regarding Zhang Yang’s medical skill, basic courtesy had to be observed.

“It is somewhat troublesome, but since Elder Wu asked, I will certainly help with this favor!”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly and spoke calmly. Su ShaoHua blinked slightly, looking at Zhang Yang with a touch of surprise.

Wu Youdao was also momentarily taken aback. He knew his old friend was skeptical of Zhang Yang, but he hadn't expected Zhang Yang to respond this way. Such words could easily be interpreted as arrogance, especially given Zhang Yang’s extreme youth.

“Good, a young man indeed. If you can manage this favor, then in the future, just ask if you ever need anything. As long as Su ShaoHua can manage it, I won't hesitate for a second!”

Su ShaoHua scrutinized Zhang Yang deeply, then suddenly laughed, speaking slowly.

As Su ShaoHua said this, his eyes stared directly at Zhang Yang, and a potent aura emanated from him—the commanding presence forged from years in the commercial arena. Most people under such an atmosphere would naturally lower their heads, their heart rates quickening.

This entire imposing aura was directed squarely at Zhang Yang.

Unfortunately, it was utterly useless against him. In his previous life, Zhang Yang had encountered countless wealthy tycoons and high-ranking officials whose power eclipsed Su ShaoHua’s. He was long accustomed to such oppressive fields of influence.

Zhang Yang grinned again, softly saying, “Mr. Su is too kind. This is hardly the place for us to talk or for me to examine you. Might I suggest we move inside, Mr. Su?”

“My apologies, that was my oversight. Youdao, Doctor Zhang, please come in?”

A hint of surprise flashed in Su ShaoHua’s eyes, but he recovered quickly, immediately smiling and gesturing for Zhang Yang and Wu Youdao to enter.

Zhang Yang glanced back at him, nodded with a light smile, and walked straight in without ceremony.

Su ShaoHua’s eyes tightened again, and he quickly followed with a smile. Wu Youdao, meanwhile, seemed slightly bewildered, walking close behind. He was unaware that his old friend had just engaged in a silent spar with Zhang Yang.

And it seemed his friend had taken a slight loss this time.

The villa’s courtyard was vast, planted with numerous flowers and bonsai specimens, and featured a small rockery, but notably, no swimming pool. There was ample space for one, leading Zhang Yang to guess the owner simply disliked pools. Most villas of this size would typically include one.

Zhang Yang did not hurry. Along the way, he leisurely observed the transplanted flora and potted arrangements. He had long known that one could discern a wealthy person's temperament and character by the layout of their residence.

Inside Su ShaoHua’s villa, most of the plants were ordinary plum and bamboo varieties, with a few orchids mixed in; none were particularly expensive. This didn't mean Su ShaoHua lacked money; given his status, he could have afforded a far more beautiful and luxurious arrangement. Zhang Yang surmised Su ShaoHua was a man who disliked ostentatious displays of refinement.

Since Zhang Yang walked slowly, Wu Youdao naturally slowed his pace as well. Su ShaoHua couldn't speed ahead either, so the trio proceeded slowly inward.

Watching the relaxed Zhang Yang, Su ShaoHua didn't grow angry; a faint smile touched the corner of his lips.

After failing to subdue Zhang Yang with his presence earlier, he had developed a growing interest in the young man. Now, seeing Zhang Yang effortlessly seize control of the pace, forcing even him to slow down, his interest intensified.

He realized Zhang Yang was not the ordinary young man he had initially assumed.

Of course, his curiosity about Zhang Yang’s character hadn't yet translated into confidence that he could cure his illness. However, he was no longer completely dismissive; a sliver of hope had taken root in his mind.

Zhang Yang was clearly no simple person—or at least, not a simple young man. Coupled with Wu Youdao’s high praise, perhaps he genuinely possessed some real ability.

They eventually reached the end of their leisurely walk, and Zhang Yang and the others finally entered the villa’s living room. The décor inside was not as lavish as in many other villas; on the contrary, the arrangement appeared remarkably simple.

Besides a few sets of redwood furniture, there were only a sparse selection of home appliances. This indicated that Su ShaoHua was not someone who enjoyed a life of luxury; such individuals usually possessed stronger ambition, explaining how he managed such a large enterprise.

“Ah Fu, go brew a pot of the good tea and bring it to my study. Doctor Zhang, Youdao, shall we proceed to the study to talk?”

Inside the living room, Su ShaoHua spoke cheerfully to Zhang Yang and Wu Youdao. In truth, he had been looking directly at Zhang Yang while speaking. He was familiar with Wu Youdao, so the real question was directed at Zhang Yang.

An elderly man accompanying Su ShaoHua nodded immediately, sparing Zhang Yang a surprised glance before quickly departing.

Ah Fu had served Su ShaoHua for many years and was essentially his steward. He was intimately familiar with Su ShaoHua’s habits. Usually, when receiving guests, Su ShaoHua rarely invited people to his study, preferring to converse in the living room. Only those Su ShaoHua genuinely respected or were close to were invited into the study.

Brewing tea was also a matter of nuance. Su ShaoHua loved tea and possessed many fine varieties at home. If he simply asked for tea, it meant brewing a good, standard blend—drinkable, but just good. However, if Su ShaoHua specified brewing a pot of good tea, it signaled the unveiling of a rare, prized vintage. Such treatment was reserved for old friends known for many years.

Wu Youdao qualified as an old friend, but Ah Fu knew perfectly well this special request wasn't for him, as Wu Youdao disliked tea; even the finest leaves tasted the same to him. Thus, when Wu Youdao visited previously, Su ShaoHua served only regular tea.

This was precisely why Ah Fu had looked at Zhang Yang several times—few first-time visitors received the honor of the premium blend.

Su ShaoHua’s study was on the second floor. Upon entering, the atmosphere shifted again.

The study was very large. Besides the expected bookshelves, it housed many items with an antique flavor. Moreover, the main desk was unique: an ancient scholar’s writing table (wen’an). Even the guest chairs beside it were imposing taishi chairs reminiscent of the Ming and Qing dynasties, looking somewhat peculiar.

“Mr. Su truly knows how to enjoy himself!”

Zhang Yang observed the room and spoke with a chuckle, walking directly to the wen’an and gently running his hand over its surface.

“Doctor Zhang mocks me. I don't have many hobbies; I just enjoy tinkering with old things!”

Su ShaoHua smiled faintly. His greatest pleasure was collecting; he often exchanged insights with fellow enthusiasts. The furnishings in his study were all antique pieces he had painstakingly acquired—his greatest pride.

“Excellent. A genuine treasure from the Ming Jiajing period. This must have cost a fortune, yes?”

Zhang Yang nodded again, touching the desk once more. This time, his praise was genuine. In his past life, his grandfather had been devoted to collecting such items. Back then, these old objects were easier to find and much less expensive than they were now. His grandfather often accepted antique pieces instead of consultation fees after treating patients.

Having grown up alongside his grandfather, Zhang Yang developed a deep familiarity with these antiques. After he began his career and gained renown, many patients he cured, wanting to show gratitude, gifted him calligraphy or art. He never refused, as it honored his grandfather's passion. After his grandfather passed, seeing these items always brought a sense of his presence, so he kept them all.

Through childhood immersion and later accumulation, he had cultivated a decent eye. While not comparable to true experts, he could certainly appraise smaller artifacts. This wen’an before him was an unmistakable Ming Dynasty artifact. His grandfather had owned one, though it wasn't as perfectly preserved or as well-made in terms of material as this one.

“Good, Doctor Zhang, you truly make me see you in a new light!”

Su ShaoHua’s eyes flashed brightly, and he exclaimed loudly. Zhang Yang’s previous indifference to his aura had merely piqued his curiosity, but Zhang Yang’s immediate and accurate identification of the piece as Jiajing period stunned him.

After all, collecting relies heavily on accumulated knowledge, but mere accumulation isn't enough; true practice is essential. Identifying it as Ming Dynasty wasn't the hardest part, but pinpointing the specific Jiajing period just by looking and touching a few times was remarkable.

………… Thank you to all my friends for your support. There will be another update today; Xiaoyu will try to pick up the pace! C

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