Wang Lu’s eyes were completely fixed now, shimmering with little stars. Shi Yan’s eyes were wide open as well.

Gao Fei, Yin Yong, and the others weren’t faring much better; some had their mouths agape, drooling. Certain dishes emitted a rich, fragrant aroma, causing many to involuntarily swallow their saliva.

“Is, is this what a reception is like?” “Why does it feel like a dream kingdom?” “To attend one reception like this would be worth dying for!” Many were shouting excitedly. They slowly spread out, constantly taking in their surroundings.

Some appeared rather reserved, unsure of where to put their hands. This was indeed a reception, specifically one being held for them, and such extravagance would surely become an unforgettable memory for many.

“This, how is this possible!” Liu Kai murmured softly. He had complained at the very beginning, saying Zhang Yang’s reception couldn't possibly be anything good.

In his mind, even if it were decent, it couldn't compare to the open-air reception on the Bund—that was the best venue he had ever seen. Only upon arriving here did he realize how foolish he had been, how much of a frog in a well he truly was.

The scene before him simply couldn't be matched by the one on the Bund. If they were comparing hotels, the Bund event was barely three-star quality, while this one was undoubtedly five-star or higher.

At least, that was Liu Kai’s impression. “Sir, time is short, and many items couldn't be prepared—for instance, the camel hump, geoduck, and musk wine we should have!” Nan Cheng stood before Zhang Yang, head bowed, and offered this report.

Shi Yan and Wang Lu happened to be walking over and froze instantly. In their eyes, this already looked like paradise; if this wasn't fully prepared, they couldn't imagine what the real thing would look like.

“Uncle Nan, what you’ve done is already excellent, better than I imagined,” Zhang Yang smiled faintly and shook his head gently. He was genuinely pleased with Nan Cheng’s arrangements.

Old Wu had been incredibly generous, not only gifting the villa but also leaving behind such a capable helper who saved him a great deal of trouble. Nan Cheng maintained his smile without speaking, moving to the side to instruct the surrounding waitstaff to begin preparations.

“Classmates, please come over. A reception is simply a place for conversation—drinking, eating, and talking.

Everyone, just relax, eat whatever you like!” Zhang Yang announced loudly. The others began filing into the reception area.

The event was set up by the poolside, making it an open-air affair, and the venue was quite spacious. A dozen servers walked amongst the guests, weaving through the crowd, holding trays laden with wine glasses.

Everyone took one. Zhang Yang also picked up a glass.

The wine here wasn't the standard dry red priced at just over two hundred a bottle like the one on the Bund; every bottle here cost at least two thousand. The cost of the wine alone was ten times that of the previous event.

After collectively raising their glasses, the students dispersed to sample the delicacies laid out on the tables. In no time, they completely let loose.

Most of the people here were their classmates; even if they didn't know everyone’s name, they had seen each other around for days, and everyone was in the same boat, so the pressure dissolved. Guo Weiya’s girlfriend was excitedly dragging him off to eat spiny lobster.

This was genuine spiny lobster, specially prepared and delivered by a nearby luxury hotel. In fact, everything edible here had been sourced by Nan Cheng on short notice, though he managed perfectly due to his deep familiarity with the area.

After all, for a majordomo, familiarity with the immediate environment was the foremost qualification. “Is this the legendary shark fin?” Gao Fei held a delicate little bowl, staring wide-eyed at the fish-thread-like substance inside, whispering softly.

“Country bumpkin, have you no manners? So what if it’s shark fin?

I’ve got bird's nest here!” Zhao Qiang sneered, delivering a jab to Gao Fei. He was savoring the taste of his bird's nest with utter delight.

“You have the nerve to call me out? How much better are you?” Gao Fei glared fiercely.

Zhao Qiang chuckled, then left, making sure to grab his wine glass before heading off to eat some roasted meat. “Zhang Yang, can we use the swimming pool?” Zhang Yang, who had been conversing with Gu Fang and Shi Qiang and hadn't strayed far, was approached by a running Wang Lu, who asked him breathlessly.

Zhang Yang glanced at Nan Cheng, who was standing nearby. Nan Cheng immediately bowed slightly and murmured, “Yes, but we don’t have enough swimsuits, only thirty sets.

I’ve already had the water temperature raised; they can go in once they change!” “Thirty sets is plenty; not everyone will want to get in, and the pool can’t hold that many people anyway,” Zhang Yang chuckled. Hearing that swimming was permitted, Wang Lu jumped up with joy.

Wang Lu, Shi Yan, Yin Yong, and several other students all rushed over. Nan Cheng then directed a servant to distribute the swimsuits and show them where to change.

The dozen or so people, mostly girls, loved swimming and hadn't had such an opportunity before; they naturally wanted to try it out now. Moments later, these individuals emerged in their swimwear.

Thankfully, Nan Cheng had arranged for the water to be heated beforehand; otherwise, it would have been quite chilly to enter, as the evenings, though not frigid, were still cool. The girls in their swimsuits became yet another captivating sight, drawing more people over, though Nan Cheng had stopped handing out suits.

Zhang Yang was right; the pool wasn't huge, and even with thirty suits, thirty people couldn't enter at once; it would feel too crowded and defeat the purpose. “Zhang Yang, I truly envy you.

I didn't expect your student days could be this good either,” Shi Qiang suddenly sighed, taking a sip of the wine in his glass. “What are you saying, as if you never went to college?” Before Zhang Yang could finish, Shao Yuping, standing nearby, suddenly retorted at Shi Qiang.

Shi Qiang paused slightly, then shook his head with a wry smile. His cousin was truly his nemesis, leaving him utterly helpless.

“We all went to university, but it wasn't the same as Zhang Yang’s university,” Gu Fang remarked with deep feeling, then looked again at the students around them—some excitedly chatting, others indulging in food or playing in the water—and a flicker of envy appeared in his eyes. He was correct.

They had attended university, but they rarely mingled with the general student body. Their different statuses meant they had no common ground with these peers.

In their own college years, they too had their small, exclusive circles. The number of people in their inner groups wasn't nearly as large as the crowd before them.

Unlike them, Zhang Yang could converse and form friendships with students from any background. Zhang Yang’s inherent ease and open nature were things they lacked.

“By the way, Zhang Yang, is Old Wu still in Shanghai? Has he said anything to you?” Gu Fang turned back and asked Zhang Yang, as he was keenly interested in Old Wu's whereabouts.

Zhang Yang replied, “He should be gone by now. Last time, they mentioned heading to Singapore, so they are probably there now.

Wu Yan’s condition has stabilized, and they want to travel for a while.” Old Wu’s illness no longer required acupuncture, currently being managed with medication and supportive care. When the time for acupuncture comes, he will naturally return, and Zhang Yang will relieve him of his ailment.

When that time comes, the grandfather and granddaughter duo will have no trouble traveling the world. Gu Fang paused briefly, then nodded immediately.

“In Singapore, I understand. Thank you, Zhang Yang!” “Zhang Yang, is your medical skill really that profound?

Can you cure terminal illnesses?” This time the question came from Shi Qiang. Gu Fang’s heart stirred sharply, and he too turned his gaze toward Zhang Yang.

“I’m not as incredible as you make me out to be; it just so happens that Wu Yan’s illness falls precisely within my specialty area,” Zhang Yang said with a smile. He dared not claim to cure everything; many fatal diseases were indeed troublesome, and saving Wu Yan was only possible because he utilized a spiritual medicine—without it, he would have been powerless too.

After a pause, Zhang Yang added, “However, for other illnesses, provided they aren’t too severe, I should still have a good chance of success.” As he spoke these words, a strong confidence emanated from him. With the medical experience accumulated over two lifetimes, coupled with ancestral secrets and internal energy far surpassing his previous incarnation, he truly felt confident facing complex and difficult diseases.

“That’s quite good already,” Shi Qiang nodded. He didn’t believe Zhang Yang could cure every terminal illness.

If that were true, Zhang Yang would likely have been summoned to the capital long ago, not lingering here. Nevertheless, Zhang Yang possessing such skill and having saved Old Wu’s granddaughter meant he could not be underestimated.

“Zhang Yang, what about your approach to treating stroke-induced hemiplegia?” Gu Fang suddenly asked another question. Hemiplegia following a stroke has always been notoriously difficult, with current domestic methods offering only supportive rehabilitation.

This accounted for the mobility issues of many patients. “That depends on the severity of the condition.

If it’s minor, I can help regulate it toward improvement. For more severe cases, I can still alleviate the symptoms,” Zhang Yang replied slowly after a moment of hesitation.

Regarding stroke paralysis, Zhang Yang did indeed have methods for diagnosis and treatment. Old Master Zhao in Changjing was a case in point; although not fully recovered, his condition had significantly improved under Zhang Yang’s regulation.

This was primarily attributed to the Zhang family's ancestral needling techniques, combined with his potent internal energy, which allowed for internal bodily regulation. “Really?

The case is quite severe—difficulty moving, unable to feed himself, and one leg has completely lost sensation. Can that be treated?” Gu Fang asked again, surprise mixed with hope flashing across his face.

Zhang Yang then inquired, “How long has the patient been in this condition?” “Over two years. Can it be treated, and how much improvement can be expected?” Gu Fang murmured, his demeanor betraying a certain urgency.

His manner suggested the patient in question was definitely someone close to him, perhaps even a relative. “Treatment is not an issue, but it requires time.

If the onset was over two years ago, this condition is still treatable, though a complete recovery is impossible. Improving the current state somewhat should still be achievable?” “How much is ‘somewhat better’?

Can he speak freely? Can he walk, even with a cane?” Gu Fang pressed, sounding even more anxious.

“Brother Gu, I need to see the patient before I can say for certain. Talking now is meaningless; every patient’s situation is unique.

Only after observing the patient can I deduce the necessary treatment plan and then estimate the outcome of that treatment,” Zhang Yang smiled gently. Gu Fang was usually quite composed; it showed how important this patient must be to him for him to be so agitated now.