Zhang Yang returned to Elder Qi’s side, closely observing the old man's complexion. He used this scrutiny as a cover; in truth, he hadn't the slightest idea how to resume normal interaction with Zhang Keqin.

“When Elder Qi wakes, tell him I will visit again next time. I leave his care in your hands, Zhang Keqin!”

Zhang Keqin stood up, spoke to Zhang Yang, and then left immediately.

Watching Zhang Keqin depart, Zhang Yang shook his head gently once more. He didn't know how he would face this father in the future either; he decided to let nature take its course.

No sooner had Zhang Keqin gone than Cai Zhelian walked back in, though he said nothing. Cai Zhelian understood that some matters were not his to question or discuss.

After watching Elder Qi for a moment, Zhang Yang extended his fingers and lightly tapped each of the needles. At this point, his concentration had completely returned. When healing, Zhang Yang never allowed himself to be distracted.

This was the third tap on the needles; the effect of these three was no less potent than the previous five. His powerful internal Neijin made his work remarkably efficient.

Fourth tap. Fifth tap.

Zhang Yang stopped after the sixth needle was tapped. Six taps were enough to bring Elder Qi’s physical state to its optimal point; now, he could be given the medicine.

Slowly, Elder Qi opened his eyes on his own. The feeling of abundant energy made him open them with a smile; he felt every cell in his body pulsing, a comfortable throb.

Reaching into a container, Zhang Yang produced a single pill.

The unique, delicate fragrance of the spirit medicine immediately spread. Elder Qi, just regaining consciousness, inhaled the scent and felt his appetite surge, almost biting at the pill in Zhang Yang’s hand before he could even offer it.

Cai Zhelian also caught the aroma. Merely smelling it brought him a feeling of refreshment and comfort that startled him.

It wasn't the first time he had smelled this scent. During the previous car accident, Zhang Yang had given Wang Chen a similar pill, but that had been outdoors. Zhang Yang had administered it to Wang Chen immediately, so the medicinal odor hadn't dispersed. Now, in the confined space of the room, and with Zhang Yang not administering it right away, the fragrance grew incredibly potent.

“Elder Qi, this is a Shen (Ginseng) Pill. Take this one, and your illness will be almost entirely cured. Afterwards, I will write you a prescription, follow my instructions exactly, and I guarantee you will be fine for the next ten years!”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly and fed the pill directly to Elder Qi.

Elder Qi’s eyes widened slightly. Despite his high rank and status, and having encountered many fine things, he was momentarily shocked. Even just smelling this Shen Pill told him it was extraordinary. With his extensive experience, he instantly realized Zhang Yang was far more profound than he had imagined. He had truly encountered a master, and this pill was surely no ordinary thing. In this realization, he was quite similar to Elder Wu.

“Thank you, Doctor Zhang!”

After swallowing the pill, Elder Qi spoke softly, already feeling a lightness in his limbs. Smelling the lingering fragrance, he was now completely convinced he would recover this time. If someone like Zhang Yang couldn't cure him, perhaps very few people in the country could manage his ailment. He finally understood why Zhang Yang could save Elder Qiao, whom so many experts had failed to help; it seemed Zhang Yang was not just an ordinary physician.

“There is no need for such formality. I will see you again in a week for a follow-up. We will need three follow-up visits. If you are agreeable, please stay here; I find the environment quite pleasant!”

Zhang Yang chuckled, taking paper and pen from his canvas bag as he began writing the prescription.

Follow-up visits were essential. Knowing Elder Qi resided in the capital, Zhang Yang had made the suggestion specifically, as he did not wish to travel to the capital three separate times for check-ups.

“I understand. I will not leave until the treatment is complete,” Elder Qi nodded with a smile. Before this, he might have considered returning to the capital temporarily, but after witnessing Zhang Yang’s miraculous medical skills, he changed his mind. Staying here was fine; he was well aware of the benefits a divine doctor like Zhang Yang could provide.

“I have finished the prescription. Here are three Yang Sheng (Nourishing Life) Pills. Take one every three days, and you will soon recover completely.”

Zhang Yang handed the written prescription to Elder Qi and also left the three Yang Sheng Pills. The effect of spirit medicine was extraordinary; it could nearly raise the dead or mend decaying flesh. The Millennium Shen Pill Zhang Yang gave Elder Qi was potent enough to replenish his necrotic liver cells. Complete recovery was difficult, but ensuring a healthy life was entirely feasible. Not just the liver, but all of Elder Qi’s future organs would be robust. Everyone who consumed the spirit medicine had, in essence, had their constitution fundamentally altered; this was why Wang Chen, despite severe injuries, could still drink alcohol.

However, Elder Qi absolutely could not drink alcohol. His illness stemmed from drinking, and further consumption could easily cause a relapse; spirit medicine was not omnipotent. Therefore, at the very top of the prescription, Zhang Yang had written the two characters: Abstain from Alcohol.

Upon seeing those two characters, Elder Qi was first stunned, then let out a bitter laugh and shook his head. The remainder of his life would apparently be completely devoid of wine.

“Great-Uncle, shall I take you back to your room to rest?”

After Zhang Yang left, Cai Zhelian returned and approached Elder Qi, speaking softly. Elder Qi was the most highly regarded relative among Cai Zhelian’s entire extended family, and the family had wanted him to stay and supervise the elder’s care.

Elder Qi nodded and stood up. After taking two steps, he suddenly stopped and asked directly, “Xiao Zhe, how did you meet Zhang Yang? What is your relationship?”

Cai Zhelian paused slightly, surprised by the sudden question, but immediately nodded and recounted the entire process of how he met Zhang Yang and the nature of their connection.

Listening to the description, Elder Qi’s brow furrowed again.

“Xiao Zhe, in the future, you don’t need to stay here idly. Go out more often, contact Zhang Yang, and build a stronger relationship. This will be of immense help later on!” Elder Qi continued slowly. Cai Zhelian was slightly surprised by the instruction but nodded nonetheless.

With that said, Elder Qi retired to his room to rest. He thought as Elder Qiao did: associating with a divine doctor like Zhang Yang could only bring benefits. Human life was fragile; such a physician could be a life-saver at a crucial moment. Only with life could one have anything else. Elder Qiao’s recent incident was the clearest example; if he hadn't luckily met and been saved by Zhang Yang, no matter how high his status or significant his influence, it would have been meaningless. When a person is gone, everything is gone.

Not long after driving away, Zhang Yang’s phone rang. He glanced at the number, then pressed the answer button.

“Zhang Yang, are you free tonight? Hu Bin insisted on treating us; he specifically named both of us!”

As soon as the call connected, Su Zhantao boomed. Zhang Yang’s eyes widened slightly, holding a hint of surprise.

“How did you know I was back?” Zhang Yang immediately asked. The others knew he had gone out, but he hadn't told them his return date. Su Zhantao’s tone clearly indicated he already knew he was back.

“Idiot. You leave a record when you fly. I checked the records, so of course I know you’re back!” Su Zhantao chuckled. He had been monitoring airport records for days; as soon as he saw Zhang Yang’s name yesterday, he knew he had returned. He had considered calling Zhang Yang yesterday but decided against it, thinking Zhang Yang needed rest after returning. Hu Bin called him today, which was the perfect opportunity to inform Zhang Yang.

“I might not be able to. I have friends with me…”

“Bring your friends along! Cheng Ge and the others will all be there too. We haven't gathered since you left, so let’s have a reunion. It’s settled then: dinner at Wangyue Tower tonight. Be there or be square!”

Su Zhantao cut Zhang Yang off and hung up without waiting for a reply, leaving Zhang Yang shaking his head in mild exasperation. Su Gongzi was being careless; he only monitored Zhang Yang’s information at the airport and paid no attention to anyone else. If he had paid closer attention, he would have noticed the name Gu Fang and would have known who Zhang Yang’s friends were.

Arriving back at the villa around noon, Gu Fang and the others hadn't gone out to eat; they were waiting for Zhang Yang to cook.

During lunch, Zhang Yang hadn't mentioned Hu Bin’s invitation when Gu Fang and Li Wei announced their departure. They had received a call from home that morning regarding a family matter that required their return. Their main objective for the visit had largely been achieved. Zhang Yang had accepted their gifts and accompanied him on an outing, fulfilling at least one of Zhang Yang’s wishes; this friendship was secured. Since they were leaving, Zhang Yang didn't bring up the evening plans. After the meal, Zhang Yang drove them directly to the highway entrance. They had driven in, making their return journey convenient without needing to book tickets or rush to the airport.

After seeing Gu Fang off, Zhang Yang called Su Gongzi back, confirming he was free that evening and could attend. Mi Xue was at a restaurant. At home, aside from Long Feng who was in seclusion, there was only Qu Meilan, who spent her days bored watching television dramas.

Thinking it over, Zhang Yang drove straight to the Third Hospital. He wasn't in the mood to go home yet, so he might as well check on the progress of the research project. Zhang Yang cared deeply about the project’s advancement; even as a hands-off manager, he couldn't ignore it completely. Not only was he responsible for the project itself, but he was also responsible for the students selected to participate in the research—many of whom were his classmates.

“Zhang Yang, you’re finally back!”

Just as he reached the floor of the research group office, a delighted cry stopped him. The young lady, Wang Lu, happened to emerge from the adjacent restroom, her hands still wet, shouting joyfully. Wang Lu’s voice drew attention; as the door wasn't shut, several other people immediately emerged from the office—Shi Yan, Gao Fei, and others were all there, looking surprised to see Zhang Yang.

“Zhang Yang is back! I’ll go inform Teacher Wang!”

Shi Yan saw Zhang Yang, called out, and then returned to the office. The Teacher Wang she mentioned was Wang Guohai, who happened to be out on business that day.

…………

Fifth update, Chapter Sixty-One of the Hundred-Chapter Bonus Updates.