Chapter 46: Subtle Mysteries, The Silver Needle Reveals Its Power

As the last three silver needles were deftly placed, it was as if the acupoints atop Liu Lele’s head were suddenly illuminated—spots of white light interwove to form an intricate and mysterious pattern. Li Chao’s movements appeared casual, yet every needle was guided by profound mastery of traditional medicine and precise judgment. They traced ancient, enigmatic arcs through the air, graceful and deliberate.

“Li Chao, what are you doing?” The attending physician stared in disbelief, voice trembling with outrage. “This isn’t treatment, it’s endangering a patient!”

“What do you know?” Li Chao didn’t even turn his head. “This is traditional acupuncture. I am saving her life.”

Though not an expert in traditional medicine, Director Zhang Junjie was well aware of its vast and profound depths. He fixed his gaze on the hospital bed, eyes alight with astonishment and hope, inwardly marveling at Li Chao’s extraordinary skill. To him, those pale lights seemed like the very glow of life itself, slowly infusing Bai Weiwei’s body with hope.

“Li Chao, are you truly confident?” Zhang Junjie couldn’t help but ask.

“Rest assured, Director.” Li Chao replied with quiet confidence. “I know what I’m doing.”

The attending physician, however, remained mired in shock and incomprehension. He could not accept such “reckless” methods and feared for the hospital’s reputation. He raised his voice again, desperate to halt Li Chao’s actions.

“Enough! Watch closely before you speak!” Zhang Junjie’s roar abruptly cut through the physician’s incessant objections. He knew clearly that, at such a crucial moment, any disturbance could jeopardize the treatment. He ordered the attending physician to keep silent, and watched the patient with rapt attention.

Though plagued by doubt, the attending physician dared not defy the director’s authority. With reluctance, he suppressed his displeasure and turned back to the bed. What he saw left him dumbstruck, as if he’d witnessed something impossible.

“How… how is this possible?” he murmured. “Her vital signs… they’re stabilizing?”

Li Chao smiled faintly. “I told you I was confident.”

A relieved smile spread across Zhang Junjie’s face. “Li Chao, you are truly a miracle doctor!”

“You praise me too highly, Director,” Li Chao replied modestly. “This is merely the wonder of traditional medicine.”

The attending physician’s expression was complex. He realized he may have misjudged Li Chao and now saw acupuncture in a new light.

“How… how can this be?” the physician muttered again. He could not comprehend how a few silver needles could so swiftly turn the tide between life and death.

“The art of acupuncture is ancient and profound,” Li Chao said quietly, “but under the shadow of modern medicine, many have forgotten its remarkable power.”

Moved, the physician could not help but ask, “Dr. Li, how did you master this craft?”

Li Chao smiled. “I have loved traditional medicine since childhood. Through constant study and practice, I gradually acquired these skills.”

The physician nodded, his respect for Li Chao deepening. “So traditional medicine truly has such miracles. I have been too ignorant.”

“Now, Miss Liu is out of danger,” said Li Chao. “But she needs rest to fully recover.”

“Thank you, Dr. Li,” the attending physician said gratefully. “Your skills have opened my eyes.”

“No thanks necessary. It’s my duty,” Li Chao replied.

The physician looked from Li Chao to Liu Lele, marveling inwardly, “Such a young healer, so skilled and noble of character—what a rare talent!”

His eyes wide, the attending physician felt as though he had witnessed a miracle. Before him, the six silver needles shimmered, their glowing tips connecting to form a complex, brilliant pattern, dazzling as the stars. As the design took shape, tiny drops of crimson blood seeped along the needles—stagnant blood from within the skull, gently drawn out by unseen forces.

Lying in the hospital bed, Liu Lele’s complexion gradually revived; a healthy flush crept into her cheeks, a sign of wellness and vitality. The readings on the monitors, as if soothed by an invisible hand, steadily returned to normal, confirming that the crisis had passed. The attending physician was overwhelmed; never had he seen such wondrous healing.

There was no advanced technology, no complex surgery—just a few ordinary-looking silver needles dissolving a dire emergency. It was nothing short of a medical miracle.

Other medical staff looked on in astonishment, exchanging glances filled with admiration and curiosity about Li Chao’s skills. This young healer, with his extraordinary technique, had once again proven the depth and wonder of traditional medicine.

Li Chao gently rolled his neck, easing the fatigue of prolonged concentration. He looked to Zhang Junjie, his eyes calm and confident. “The danger is past. The rest is up to you.”

Zhang Junjie gazed at Li Chao with gratitude and deep respect, fully aware that it was Li Chao’s timely action that saved Liu Lele’s life and spared the hospital from crisis. He nodded, inwardly thankful for having invited Li Chao.

“Dr. Li, you are remarkable! I’ve never seen such miraculous medicine,” Zhang Junjie exclaimed excitedly. “Your acupuncture is simply divine!”

Li Chao smiled humbly. “Director Zhang flatters me. This is just a small aspect of traditional medicine.”

“A small aspect?” Zhang Junjie looked at him in disbelief. “You saved Liu Lele’s life. That’s no small feat!”

Li Chao shook his head lightly. “I only did what I should. Traditional medicine is vast—there is so much more for us to study.”

“Dr. Li, your skills truly inspire respect! May I ask you some questions about traditional medicine?” Zhang Junjie asked earnestly.

Li Chao’s eyes glinted with appreciation. “Director Zhang, you are too kind. I’d be happy to share what I know.”

“Wonderful!” Zhang Junjie replied, elated. “Your understanding and application of traditional medicine are truly impressive. With your guidance, our hospital’s expertise in this field will surely deepen.”

Li Chao nodded with a smile. “Traditional medicine is a national treasure. We should strive together to carry it forward.”

Inspired by their exchange, the other medical staff expressed their eagerness to learn from Li Chao and improve their own skills.

“Agreed!” came the chorus, hearts filled with hope for the future.

At Zhang Junjie’s command, the staff sprang into action, bustling around the bed to prepare for Liu Lele’s ongoing care. Li Chao quietly gathered his needle pouch, ready to leave this miracle-laden emergency room, already preparing himself for the next rescue.

Outside the narrow doorway, the light seemed to soften, a gentle warmth brushing every heart. Zhang Junjie’s words, like nourishing spring rain, melted away the tension that had filled the room.

“The rest is no longer my concern!” he declared, his words succinct and powerful, reminiscent of Mo Yan’s incisive prose—a portrait of trust and delegation.

“By the way!” Li Chao’s voice, clear and resolute as a temple bell at dawn, cut through the quiet.

“Leave the needles in for now!” Each word was like a finely carved jade stone, firm and confident, reflecting both mastery and reverence for life.

“Remove them only after her condition stabilizes!” These were not mere instructions—they were an expression of meticulous care and respect for life.

Zhang Junjie, a doctor hardened by years traversing the line between life and death, found himself momentarily dazed. Yet he swiftly regained composure and responded with firm resolve, “Yes! Yes!”

His repeated assent was like the urgent beat of summer drums, heralding hope. He quickly turned to issue further instructions to the team, every movement exuding authority.

“Li Chao, you are truly remarkable!” Zhang Junjie said.

“You flatter me, I only did what was necessary,” Li Chao answered modestly.

“How did you know acupuncture could save Liu Lele?” Zhang Junjie asked, curiosity piqued.

“I’d read about it in medical texts, but never imagined it would work so well,” Li Chao replied.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Zhang Junjie asked, a hint of reproach in his tone.

“I wasn’t sure it would be effective, so I wanted to try,” Li Chao explained.

“That was risky—what if it failed?” Zhang Junjie pressed.

“I knew it was risky, but I had no other way,” Li Chao answered helplessly.

“Why did you take the risk to save Liu Lele?” Zhang Junjie asked.

“Because she is my friend,” Li Chao replied.

Zhang Junjie looked at Li Chao, filled with admiration. He knew now that Li Chao was a man of responsibility, willing to risk much for a friend. He resolved to learn more from Chen Shan in the future—not just his medical skill, but his courage and sense of duty.

He chose, then, to personally accompany Li Chao out through the doors that had witnessed so many moments of joy and sorrow.

Outside, Ye Wuji’s figure stood tall. At the sound of footsteps, he halted abruptly, eyes lined with the marks of time, filled with anxiety and hope.

“How is she?” The weight of his four words pressed on every heart.

Zhang Junjie’s smile, bright as winter sunlight, dispelled all remaining gloom. “The young healer’s miraculous hands have brought her back from the brink—she’s out of danger now!”

Those simple words were like celestial music, allowing Ye Wuji’s taut nerves to finally relax. He exhaled deeply, as if setting down a thousand-pound burden. Then, he bowed deeply to Li Chao—a gesture that was the highest tribute to the grace of saving a life.

“Thank you, young healer!” His voice was thick with emotion. “On behalf of the Liu family and Lele, thank you!”

This gratitude was weighty as a mountain, deep as the sea.

Li Chao waved his hand lightly, his calm and detachment seeming to transcend all worldly ties.

“Master Ye, you are too kind. It was nothing,” he replied, humble and sincere, though his skill and virtue were plain for all to see.

Ye Wuji quickly waved his hands, eyes shining with genuine feeling. “You saved my life once, and now Lele’s as well. What seems a small favor to you is a grace beyond words to us. We must repay you!”

He continued, his tone shifting, “But talk of money is far too vulgar.” His words revealed a mind above worldly concerns.

“If you don’t mind, let us become friends despite our age difference. May I call you brother?” This was more than a proposal—it was the highest praise for Li Chao’s skill and character.

In that moment, an invisible bridge was built between them, spanning past and future, trust and respect.

“Master Ye, you are too gracious,” Li Chao replied, his smile warm and his eyes humble. “I only did my duty as a doctor.”

Ye Wuji shook his head, his eyes resolute. “Brother, you saved Lele’s life—that’s not something a simple thank you can repay.”

His gaze brimmed with gratitude and esteem.

Li Chao hurriedly waved a hand, still smiling. “Master Ye, you overstate it. I only did what I was supposed to.”

A wise glint appeared in Ye Wuji’s eyes as he smiled. “Brother, there’s no need for modesty. I have seen your skill with my own eyes. If not for you, Lele…”

His voice trailed off, unwilling to imagine what might have happened had Li Chao not been there.

Li Chao patted Ye Wuji’s shoulder reassuringly. “Master Ye, Miss Lele is blessed. I’m sure she will recover in time.”

His words carried a quiet, unshakable confidence, as if lending Ye Wuji new hope.

Ye Wuji nodded gratefully, his eyes shining. “Brother, your skill and character inspire my deepest respect. I would be honored to call you my friend, regardless of age.”

His words were sincere, filled with respect.

Li Chao smiled in response. “Master Ye, it is my honor to be your friend.”

His eyes shone with genuine warmth.

Ye Wuji laughed heartily, joy sparkling in his gaze. “Good! From today, you are my brother. If ever you need help, ask without hesitation.”

His tone was expansive and bold.

Li Chao nodded, his eyes bright with gratitude. “Master Ye, you are too generous. I believe we will become excellent friends.”

His words radiated sincerity and goodwill, laying a solid foundation for their friendship.

They exchanged smiles, their eyes bright with genuine feeling. Both knew that this friendship would only deepen with time.

With this exchange, Ye Wuji’s attitude toward Li Chao was utterly transformed.