Chapter 69: Renowned Throughout the Medical World

Knowing that Ling Yun was closer to Guan Xu, Li Lingxi took the initiative to sit in the driver’s seat. Guan Xu and the crew-cut man sat in the back.

Guan Xu glanced appreciatively at the new Mercedes, smiling as he said, “Lingxi, it’s been years, and you’re going for a more sophisticated look these days? I recall you used to be a die-hard Porsche fan.”

Li Lingxi, starting the car, laughed. “Young Master Guan, we’re small but well-known entrepreneurs in Beijing now. Driving a sports car is a little out of place, don’t you think? Besides, the cars I used to love don’t do it for me anymore. Seems the next generation—like Ling Xiao and her crowd—have picked up the habit. Now that you’re back, Ling Xiao will definitely drag you out for a race.”

“Ling Xiao? The little girl must be all grown up now, right?” Guan Xu turned to Ling Yun. Ling Xiao was Ling Yun’s younger sister, one of the more active members of their generation.

The Ling family had risen through politics and in recent years expanded into business, achieving remarkable success in just a few years.

Of course, in China’s reality, once you hold political resources, even a fool can make money.

“I didn’t dare tell her you were coming back today,” Ling Yun replied with a faint, affectionate smile. “Otherwise she might have skipped her university classes. She’s studying international finance at Beijing University now.”

“Young Master Guan, Ling Xiao’s no longer a little brat—she’s quite the beauty now, well-known in Beijing. And she has never forgotten you,” Li Lingxi teased as he navigated the city.

With him lightening the mood, these old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years felt no awkwardness at all.

“Heh, Ling Xiao was adorable as a child. No doubt she’s grown into a true beauty. Ling Yun, how is it in the army? You must be a field officer by now?”

“Just promoted to lieutenant colonel a few days ago. While others have to wait years for a promotion, Ling Yun’s moving up as fast as downing a shot of Erguotou. Soon, us small-time businessmen will rely on him for protection,” Li Lingxi interjected again.

“That’s impressive. The future holds no limits for you,” Guan Xu said, giving Ling Yun’s shoulder an approving pat.

Ling Yun simply smiled and asked, “What’s your plan now that you’re back? Will you stay for a short while or settle down for the long term?”

“After so many years abroad, I realize there’s no place like home. I’m not planning to leave again. I intend to start a little venture of my own,” Guan Xu replied with a sigh, though his heart was heavy with the weight of the responsibilities he had returned to shoulder. Whether he could succeed was still an unknown.

But it was worth the risk.

The Aomex Laboratory had caught him in their web; resistance was futile, and the check they’d offered was simply too enticing.

“What kind of project? If there’s a way in, don’t forget us,” Li Lingxi asked eagerly. As a businessman, he was always keen to collaborate with strong partners.

He had every confidence in Guan Xu’s abilities. In their circle, Guan Xu had always been the leader. Whether it was himself, Ling Yun, or the proud Ao Pang and his crowd, they all gravitated toward Guan Xu.

Even after years abroad, the circle endured—a testament to Guan Xu’s remarkable people skills.

“That’s charisma for you,” Li Lingxi thought to himself. “It can’t be learned.”

“The pharmaceutical industry. Any interest?” Guan Xu glanced at him with a smile.

“Pharmaceuticals? That’s excellent. Even Bill Gates said that in the coming decades, if anyone overtakes him in wealth, it’ll be from the field of biotechnology.”

“I’m glad you’re interested. You’re in, then,” Guan Xu said with a smile. Good. The first partner was on board.

“If you need anything, just ask,” Ling Yun said, his expression unreadable.

“Don’t worry, I’ll reach out when the time comes,” Guan Xu replied, nodding to Ling Yun.

Having just landed, it wasn’t convenient for Guan Xu to discuss business in the car. Li Lingxi laughed. “Young Master Guan, I heard you had a beautiful girlfriend at Harvard who’s from Beijing? She didn’t come back with you? When Ling Xiao heard about her back then, she threw quite a tantrum.”

“Her?” Guan Xu’s gaze turned playful. “We haven’t seen each other in years. I heard she’s back in Beijing.”

“Oh? Beijing isn’t that big after all. You’ll have a chance to meet again,” Li Lingxi said.

“Perhaps,” Guan Xu murmured, his fingers interlacing as if grasping something invisible.

Prey he set his sights on never escaped. Never.

***

When Qin Luo returned to the Lin family villa, he heard men’s voices inside, confirming there were guests.

Lin Qingyuan was making tea, while Wang Yangxin and Old Master Wang were engaged in conversation. Their glances occasionally drifted to the large plaque reading “King of Divine Needles” displayed in the corner of the living room—clearly the subject of their discussion.

Upon seeing Qin Luo enter, Wang Yangxin nodded in greeting. Remembering the arrogance he displayed during his first visit, he was overcome with mixed feelings.

They say fortunes change with the tides—thirty years east of the river, forty years west. But he had hoped for at least thirty years of pride.

Yet in front of Qin Luo, he hadn’t managed even thirty days before being bested. The abruptness of his fall from grace was hard to bear.

Old Master Wang rose, beaming. “Qin Luo, I was right about you—you truly wield the authentic Taiyi Divine Needle. Silent at first, then astounding. In just a few days, you went and took back the King of Divine Needles plaque.”

Qin Luo cast a glance at Wang Yangxin and replied modestly, “Brother Wang conceded graciously.”

Wang Yangxin waved a hand. “I know my own abilities—I’m simply not your equal. Our family’s honor is at stake, and I don’t yield lightly in such matters.”

On the surface, his words seemed sincere. In just a few hours, he had learned something of his grandfather’s open-heartedness.

“Your Five Dragon Needle technique is quite remarkable as well. I learned much from it,” Qin Luo replied with a smile. If others respected him, he returned it twofold; if they slighted him, he repaid them tenfold.

Wang Yangxin managed a wry smile. “It’s a pity I can’t master your Taiyi Divine Needle. To be honest, it wasn’t until you treated the fifth patient that I noticed the needle tip quivering ever so slightly. That’s when I was sure you were using the Taiyi Divine Needle. My grandfather once described that sign in detail, but I could scarcely believe my eyes.”

“Haha, enough modesty from both of you. Heroes are born young! At your age, we were still apprentices, fetching tea for our masters. Come, sit. Let’s have some tea,” Lin Qingyuan said, delighted. He had long regarded Qin Luo as a future grandson-in-law, and Qin Luo’s achievements filled him with pride.

“Indeed, we’re getting old. The future of traditional medicine belongs to young people like you,” Old Master Wang said, gratified to see such outstanding successors.

“I came to consult you about something,” Wang Yangxin said once Qin Luo was seated.

“What is it?” Qin Luo asked.

“The media wants to interview you. Many peers also want to visit the inheritor of the Taiyi Divine Needle. My grandfather and I haven’t disclosed your identity or address without your permission. What do you think?”

“Interview me? For what reason?” Qin Luo asked, puzzled.

“The news that the Taiyi Divine Needle inheritor has emerged is out, with many patients as witnesses. Naturally, the media and our peers are interested.”

“There are already over ten media outlets who know. More are on the way. Our King of Divine Needles clinic is packed with journalists and colleagues hoping for news. My grandfather is entertaining them while I slipped out the back,” Wang Yangxin said in frustration.

The King of Divine Needles was famous in Beijing and always drew attention. But today, the plaque was taken down, sparking endless speculation.

Word spread quickly—everyone soon knew someone had challenged and defeated the King of Divine Needles, winning the plaque. The incident caused an uproar in Beijing’s medical community.

First, medical journals and newspapers sent reporters. Then, major outlets like the Beijing Daily and Beijing Metropolitan News arrived. But the Wangs claimed not to know Qin Luo’s identity or address—he had simply shown up for the challenge.

Of course, the reporters were skeptical, lingering around Old Master Wang, hoping for an inside scoop.

Qin Luo thought for a moment. “For now, I don’t wish to accept any interviews.”

If he did, he’d be in the papers, on TV—a household name.

He didn’t mind fame, but it would surely disrupt his life and possibly affect his teaching.

“I knew you’d say that,” Wang Yangxin replied with a smile. “But there is something you probably can’t refuse.”

“What is it?”

“Somehow, word got out that you’ll compete with my grandfather in three days. Many colleagues want to be present as witnesses. My grandfather couldn’t refuse and agreed.”

“So, my identity will be revealed after all?” Qin Luo said with a wry smile.

“More or less. When you took the King of Divine Needles plaque, you should have expected this. With your skill, it’s hard not to become famous,” Wang Yangxin said.

Qin Luo thought seriously and realized he was right.

Some people are like fireflies in the dark or scarabs in the field—so distinctive, so outstanding, their brilliance cannot be hidden, no matter how much they try.