Chapter 55

Although Qian Jianing could gather the money with a bit more effort, she was always worried about future uncertainties. Being able to get half a million all at once was still a huge temptation for her.

“How should I address you?”

“My name is Dong Bocheng.”

Qian Jianing placed the sliced fruit on a plate and brought out a pot of tea as well. “Mr. Dong, how are you so sure I can treat cancer? Aren’t you afraid the five hundred thousand will be wasted?”

Dong Bocheng had a slightly bitter smile on his face. “Actually, before I came, I wasn’t entirely sure whether you could treat cancer. But I have no other choice.” He took a sip of the tea and furrowed his brows. “My father is seventy-three this year. I always thought people past sixty wouldn’t get this kind of malignant disease, but…”

He sighed and continued, “My father is too old and not in good health. We’ve been to all the major hospitals in the country, and even sent his records to friends abroad, but no hospital dared to perform surgery because of his condition. They feared he wouldn’t survive the operation. They didn’t dare give him chemotherapy either — his body simply couldn’t take it.”

Dong Bocheng’s eyes reddened, his face full of unwillingness and despair. “I don’t want to just sit by and watch my father die, and I can’t bear to see him suffer. So I asked relatives and friends to look for someone who could treat cancer. That’s when one of my employees said his wife’s hometown had a case where someone was cured.”

He looked at Qian Jianing with hope in his eyes. “My employee’s wife is from Zibo City. She went back to visit her family last month and heard her older sister, a middle school teacher, talking about something strange. Apparently, a teacher named Sun Yingzi was diagnosed with cancer over two years ago. The tumor was in a bad spot, couldn’t be operated on, and she was sent home to wait for death. But half a year later, she was not only fine, she even went back to school to teach. They thought she wouldn’t last long, but her complexion improved, her strength returned, and during the physical check-up at the beginning of this year, the report showed all her tumors were gone.”

He looked deeply at Qian Jianing. “When I heard about this case, I immediately went to Zibo City with a team. But when I tried to visit Teacher Sun and her family, they shut me out. She refused to say anything, even when I offered a large sum of money. She only told me it was a miracle. I wasn’t willing to give up just like that, so my people talked to her neighbors and the hospital staff. That’s how we found out that a girl named Qian Jianing once said she could cure Teacher Sun. Later on, she even accompanied Teacher Sun’s husband to buy traditional medicine. That’s how I concluded that the person who treated her was you.”

“You were the top scorer in the provincial college entrance exam, so it wasn’t hard for me to find out which university you’re attending. I rushed back from Zibo City immediately. I came today with the mindset of giving it a try — I really have no other options.”

Qian Jianing ate the last piece of apple on the plate and casually put the small fork down. “Let’s go then. Let’s first take a look at the old man’s face and condition.”

The car turned into Houhai and stopped in front of a courtyard. Just from the front yard, Qian Jianing could tell the house was much larger than hers. She was a bit curious about Dong Bocheng’s identity — after all, not just anyone could afford such a house and spend a million on medical treatment for their father.

Still, curiosity was curiosity. If it didn’t concern her, she wouldn’t ask.

She followed Dong Bocheng into the courtyard and ran into three middle-aged people. They respectfully greeted him as “Big Brother,” then openly sized up Qian Jianing, their eyes clearly full of distrust.

“Can such a young girl really do it?” the only woman among them looked at Qian Jianing with suspicion. “Are you and this girl in cahoots trying to scam us out of our money?”

Qian Jianing turned to leave. “If you don’t trust me, then go find someone else.”

“No, no, no! Doctor Qian!” Dong Bocheng hurriedly stopped her, sweating anxiously. “Don’t listen to her nonsense. I invited you. She has nothing to do with this.” Seeing Qian Jianing still with a stern face, he turned and angrily scolded the woman, “Dong Lanzhu! This is the doctor I paid to treat Dad! You have no right to speak! If you don’t want Dad to die early, then shut your damn mouth!”

Dong Lanzhu’s face turned red from being scolded. A woman in her forties, she stomped her foot like a little girl. “Big Brother!”

“Get out! You’re not allowed in my house without my permission!” Dong Bocheng glared at Dong Lanzhu like an enraged beast. “Get lost! And don’t you ever come back!”

Dong Lanzhu glanced at her other two brothers nearby, but they both avoided her gaze. Her eyes reddened as she went back inside, grabbed her handbag, and stormed out. As she passed by Qian Jianing, she deliberately bumped her shoulder hard…

Qian Jianing stood steady as a mountain, looking calmly at Dong Lanzhu, who had fallen to the ground. She kindly reminded her, “I have a pretty solid stance. If you want to knock me over, maybe gain another three or four hundred pounds first.”

Dong Lanzhu’s palm was red from hitting the tile, and her pants were dusty. She clumsily got up, tears still visible on her face, and gave Dong Bocheng a pitiful look. But Dong Bocheng ignored her completely and instead respectfully gestured to Qian Jianing, “Doctor Qian, please.”

Although Qian Jianing was annoyed by Dong Lanzhu’s attitude, she cared more at this moment about whether she’d get the five hundred thousand. Seeing that Dong Bocheng had given her enough respect, she nodded in cooperation. “Lead the way, Mr. Dong.”

Dong Bocheng led Qian Jianing to the main building. The two middle-aged men who looked somewhat like him followed behind, eyeing Qian Jianing’s back with suspicion. But after seeing what had just happened to Dong Lanzhu, neither dared say a word. They only exchanged worried glances.

Qian Jianing followed Dong Bocheng through the main hall and study to a bedroom. There, she saw a frail elderly man lying on the bed.

“This is my father,” Dong Bocheng said softly, his face full of sorrow as he looked at the man on the bed.

Qian Jianing stepped closer to observe the old man’s face. At a glance, she could tell he was a kind and generous person, with a naturally wealthy and blessed appearance — someone destined for a good life. Looking at his fortune, she saw he was similar to Dong Bocheng: both charitable, having done things like building roads, bridges, and schools. There was even a trace of merit accumulated on him.

Qian Jianing figured it was probably this trace of merit that had helped his family find her so smoothly. Since he was a good person, she felt no moral burden in treating him. She closed her eyes, mentally prepared herself, and silently opened her Heavenly Eye.

With its help, she saw two to three tumors in both the old man’s lungs and liver. No wonder the doctors didn’t dare operate or provide chemotherapy — he’d definitely die on the operating table. Looking at other areas, his spleen was enlarged, there was fluid in his abdomen, and even his kidneys showed signs of damage.

She took out her pulse reader from the medicine box and carefully checked the old man’s pulse. Then she stood up and said to Dong Bocheng, “The situation is quite serious. There are five tumors in his liver and lungs combined. It looks like the cancer has already metastasized.”

“You can see all that? You really are a miracle doctor!” Dong Bocheng was so moved his lips trembled. He had deliberately withheld the specific details of his father’s illness earlier, only vaguely mentioning cancer to test her abilities. He didn’t want to give up his last hope but was also afraid of hiring someone unqualified and missing the final chance for treatment — hence the little trick.

Qian Jianing clearly understood his thinking, but didn’t mind. Her eyes gave her a clearer and more direct view of the condition, so whether or not he disclosed it didn’t affect her. She put away the pulse reader and said seriously but vaguely, “Observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking — that’s how I could tell.”

“Doctor Qian, you’re absolutely accurate!” Dong Bocheng was so excited his hands shook. He looked at the old man on the bed, then hurriedly led Qian Jianing outside. “Let’s talk in the living room.”

Qian Jianing glanced at the old man pretending to sleep, then massaged two points on his head for a while. When she let go, she heard his breathing had turned into steady snores.

“I could tell the old man hasn’t been resting well lately, always half-asleep. I figured I’d let him get some real sleep — that’ll help with the upcoming treatment too.”

Dong Bocheng nodded repeatedly and respectfully invited Qian Jianing to sit in the living room, then eagerly asked, “Doctor Qian, is there still hope for my father?”

“Yes!” Qian Jianing replied bluntly. “But this kind of illness won’t be cured overnight. If you strictly follow my instructions, I can guarantee he’ll be healthy again within three years.”

Dong Bocheng kept nodding, tears streaming down his face. “Heaven has eyes! My father can be saved!”

Watching him laugh and cry in turns, Qian Jianing whispered to Treasure Bowl, troubled, “Do you think I should remind him about the deposit?”

“Absolutely!” Treasure Bowl’s eyes widened. “Only money in hand counts—everything else is just talk.”

“Ahem…” Qian Jianing cleared her throat. “Mr. Dong, if you want to start treatment today, please arrange for the deposit in advance.”

Dong Bocheng snapped back to his senses and quickly called his secretary. “Xiao Zhang, prepare five hundred thousand in cash and bring it to the old house—right now!”

Qian Jianing’s smile brightened. She pulled out a pen and notebook from her bag. “The old master’s condition is complicated. I’ll prescribe three days’ worth of medicine first. I’ll return in three days to check his pulse again.”

Dong Bocheng handed the prescription Qian Jianing had written to Dong Zhonglin. “Second Brother, hurry and get the medicine for Dad.”

Dong Zhonglin glanced at the prescription, then turned and ran out. He had some doubts at first, but once he heard Qian Jianing clearly describe the number and location of the tumors, he had no reservations left. The old master couldn’t wait. They had to grasp any sliver of hope.

Soon, Dong Zhonglin returned with the three-day supply of medicine. Qian Jianing opened the package and examined it carefully. The quality of the herbs was excellent—it was clear Dong Zhonglin had put effort into selecting them.

The five hundred thousand hadn’t arrived yet, so Qian Jianing simply began teaching them how to decoct the medicine. Dong Bocheng was indeed a filial son—he didn’t leave the task to the housekeeper. Instead, he had someone set up a stove and sat nearby on a small stool, carefully observing the fire.

After soaking then boiling for an hour and a half, the medicine was ready. Dong Bocheng carried a bowl of dark concoction into the bedroom and gently woke the old master. “Dad, time for medicine.”

“Not drinking it! Just the smell makes me sick!” Though gravely ill, Old Master Dong was still incredibly stubborn. “It’s useless anyway—why drink that bitter stuff?”

“This time it really works, I swear!” Dong Bocheng patiently helped his father sit up, placed a pillow behind his back, and waited until the bowl wasn’t too hot before scooping a spoonful to his father’s lips.

Old Master Dong glanced at it, grabbed the bowl, and gulped it all down in one go. He shoved the empty bowl back into Dong Bocheng’s hands, his face twisted. “Sugar! Water! That was damn bitter!”

Qian Jianing walked in and took a packet of preserved fruit from her bag, placing it on the table. “I made these myself. Want to try one?”

The old man took a piece and chewed. His expression improved noticeably. “This snack is pretty good. Why is your medicine so bitter?”

“Bitter medicine brings good results,” Qian Jianing said with a smile, kindly. “No matter how tasty the snacks are, they don’t cure illness.”

The old man popped another piece in his mouth. “You’d better not be giving me bitter junk that doesn’t work.”

Qian Jianing smiled. “You’ll know in a month whether my medicine works.”

After finishing the preserved fruit, the old man took half a glass of warm water from a servant. Still drowsy from just waking up, his eyelids began to droop again. “I’ll sleep a bit more.”

Lately, the old master hadn’t been sleeping well due to abdominal pain. The fact that he had slept for two hours earlier was already a surprise. Seeing that he was sleepy again, Dong Bocheng quickly helped him lie down, tucked him in, and soon, the old master fell back asleep.

“More sleep will help him regain strength,” Qian Jianing said softly.

Dong Bocheng nodded and led Qian Jianing back to the main hall. He took a box from his secretary and placed it on the table. Pressing both buttons, the box opened, revealing stacks of neatly bundled hundred-yuan bills.

Qian Jianing pinched her thigh hard to stop herself from laughing out loud. “Treasure Bowl, look! Is this five hundred thousand real? Is it enough?”

“Enough!” Treasure Bowl answered cheerfully. “Grab the box and go home!”

Qian Jianing closed the lid, picked up the box, and nodded politely to Dong Bocheng. “Mr. Dong, I’ll be going now. I’ll be back at 2 p.m. the day after tomorrow.”

Dong Bocheng nodded. “I’ll have a driver take you home and pick you up again then.”

Qian Jianing beamed like a flower. “Much appreciated, Mr. Dong.”
—

Back at home, Qian Jianing kicked off her shoes and tossed the box aside before dashing into the room. Thirty seconds later, she hugged a stack of cash and dumped it on the box. “Treasure Bowl, I’ve saved up six hundred thousand. I want to exchange it for Life Extension Talismans.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Treasure Bowl appeared in front of her. With a wave of his hand, the box and the cash vanished. Three talismans appeared in his hand. “These are the Life Extension Talismans. Just stick them on the back of the person whose life you want to extend—simple, easy, and effective. Two hundred thousand each, worth every penny!”

Qian Jianing wiped her sweaty palms on her clothes and carefully accepted the talismans. Tears streamed down her face, but her smile was radiant. “Now my mom, dad, and brother won’t leave me, right?”

“They’ll live to a hundred, no doubt about it.” Treasure Bowl grinned. “You’re lucky too. I only had three of these. At this price, it’s basically a friendly giveaway.”

After locking the talismans in a small box she had prepared in advance, Qian Jianing suddenly grabbed Treasure Bowl and gave him a big kiss on his pudgy cheek. “Treasure Bowl, you’re the best!”

Treasure Bowl’s soft face turned bright red. With a piu, he vanished from her arms and reappeared on the sofa, yelling in embarrassment, “I told you not to rub away my Wealth Energy!”

Qian Jianing collapsed on the floor in laughter, feeling the happiest she had been since her rebirth.

“Hey, Treasure Bowl? Now that I’ve made my first income with medicine, shouldn’t we celebrate with a prize draw or a giveaway?”

Treasure Bowl’s flushed face turned pale instantly. His big eyes stared accusingly. “I just half-sold, half-gave you three Life Extension Talismans, and now you want more?”

Qian Jianing sat cross-legged on the floor, coaxing him, “Think about it—this was a 1.5 million yuan deal. Even back in your era when you dropped into my life, 1.5 million could buy a 150-square-meter apartment outright in Zibo City! That’s a huge sum. Once I cure the old master in two years, I’ll invest that remaining million in the stock market. I remember in my last life, my boss struck gold in May two years from now—his stock shot up 570% in just three days. I’ll become a millionaire! Then as long as I keep investing wisely, I’ll be able to send you back to the Immortal Realm in no time. Don’t you think that’s a good plan?”

Imagining the wonderful future, Treasure Bowl nodded enthusiastically.

“From a long-term perspective, startup capital is everything. Look at how this one million will grow into fifty million. Shouldn’t I get a big gift for that?”

Treasure Bowl instantly sobered up. “You’re trying to scam money out of me again.”

“No!” Qian Jianing slapped her chest with righteous conviction. “I’m just painting our bright future.”

Thinking about returning to the Immortal Realm, Treasure Bowl couldn’t help but grin. Giving a gift didn’t seem so bad. He reached into his pocket generously. “You’ve got a point. I’ll return this to you then.”

With a wave of his hand, the 600k he had taken earlier reappeared before her. Qian Jianing’s eyes went wide as she stared at the stacks of cash. “No way—you’re giving me money? 600k? That’s not like you at all!” She squinted at him. “Or maybe… just give me some Immortal Realm junk, like a bracelet some immortal tossed or a half-broken jade pendant or something?”

“Keep dreaming!” Treasure Bowl pushed the approaching Qian Jianing away, his expression impossibly smug. “Money doesn’t mean much to me, so I figured I’d give it back to you. Let’s deduct Virtual Currency for this transaction—600,000 RMB for 1.2 million Virtual Currency. You don’t have any objections, do you?”

Qian Jianing happily pulled the money back into her arms and shook her head vigorously. “None at all!”

Treasure Bowl deducted one digit less than he should have from Qian Jianing’s Virtual Currency balance, then looked at her with a solemn expression. “The 600,000 is back in your hands—you’d better make good use of it. Being a millionaire is nothing; don’t forget, our goal is to become billionaires!”

Qian Jianing nodded gleefully. That night, just as she was about to fall asleep under the covers, she suddenly opened her eyes wide and shot up. “Wait a second—the 600,000 was exchanged for Virtual Currency! What about the prize you promised?”

Treasure Bowl kept his eyes shut. “Snore… snore…”