Chapter 17 This Little Thief is a Liar - 1

Dong Qian turned to look at Zhang Xian with a hint of curiosity and doubt.

This young man was strangely eccentric. His flamboyant clothes were quite the sight, and his makeup was poorly applied, making him look like a pampered boy.

But could such an unprofessional, more concerned about his looks than his craft, have exceptional abilities?

"I don't need to examine the patient to confidently tell you that I can cure her." Zhang Xian suddenly opened his eyes and provocatively stared at the old man next to him. "Can you do the same?"

"How dare you... you presume to cure without examining the patient. How is that possible?" The old man blurted angrily.

"That's indeed my unique skill." Zhang Xian smirked, "Actually, you could do it too. Cure without examining I mean. Just that you wouldn't succeed. Your diagnostic skills are only a cover-up."

"You…" The old man was beyond furious.

If he wasn't advanced in his years, he would have challenged Zhang Xian on the spot.

Catchings glances between the old man and Zhang Xian, Dong Qian felt even more questioning. Were these two just scam artists, stirring up an argument out of nothing?

"Miss, you don't seem like the type to be fooled easily, especially not by us wandering martial doctors. I assume your mother's illness must be quite serious that even the big hospitals are helpless. How about this, take me to see her. I won't charge any consultation fee unless she is cured." Zhang Xian suggested cheerfully.

"Young lady, don't listen to his nonsense!" The old man uttered twitchedly.

Free of charge, how would he profit from the scam? His empty skull! If he were so skilled, why the hell would he be sitting here out in the open?

"Well, I can take you to see her." Dong Qian nodded, then looked at the old man, "What about you, sir?"

"Humph! I don't believe this youngster can provide a real cure. I am going to follow you to prevent this rascal from tricking you out of your money." The old man snapped at Zhang Xian.

"Okay, wait here. I will go bring the car around." Dong Qian quickly disappeared into the crowd after nodding.

After numerous failed attempts at finding a cure, even the basic symptoms couldn't be diagnosed. She felt that Zhang Xian and the old wandering doctor looked and sounded very much like conmen, but she still held onto a glimmer of hope for her mother's cure.

Without trying, no opportunity would arise. It wouldn't hurt to consider it as a last resort. She knew this all too well herself.

"Little Thief, you just wait. You'll see how I deal with you." The old man glared at Zhang Xian angrily.

"Old man, I advise you not to come. Though I don't deny that you have some skills, this isn't an ordinary disease. Even the big hospitals are helpless. You going there is asking for trouble."

"You…" The old man was seething with anger, "How dare this youngster be so audacious in front of me?"

Zhang Xian merely laughed coldly, packed up his things, and ignored the old wandering doctor.

Not long after, a handsome pure white Cadillac arrived, stopping in front of Zhang Xian and the old wandering doctor.

Dong Qian poked her head out of the car and smiled, "Gentlemen, please get in."

"Hump!" The old doctor grunted, carrying a small wooden stool with him. He opened the door and climbed into the back seat.

Zhang Xian followed suit, but compared to the old wandering doctor's calm demeanor, he appeared slightly intrigued. He admired the car's interior with fascination, touching the seats and marvelling at the luxury.

Having lived in the mountains, he might have travelled by car before, but never in a Cadillac. His curiosity was piqued.

The sleek exterior betrayed the car's lavish interior. The genuine leather seats were soft and comfortable. The car was filled with a faint, pleasant aroma.

"Look at you." The old wandering doctor scoffed at him.

Dong Qian was in a quandary. Zhang Xian's behavior suggested that he was unsophisticated. Could she really rely on him? However, the old wandering doctor's demeanor was quite imposing, calm, and radiated an air of wisdom.

"What's wrong?" Zhang Xian calmed down quickly, laughing innocently.

His curiosity stemmed from the desire to explore new things, not greed. Within moments, he had regained his composure.

"I feel disgraced to be associated with you." The old wandering doctor scowled at Zhang Xian and looked at Dong Qian, "Miss, let's go!"

Dong Qian nodded and steered the Cadillac in a set direction.

Sitting in the backseat, the old wandering asked casually, "Miss, tell me about your mother's condition so I have a general understanding."

"Okay!" Dong Qian perceived the old doctor to be extremely knowledgeable and began to feel more hopeful. As for Zhang Xian, who was marveling at the surroundings akin to the country bumpkin, Liu Laolao entering a big mansion, she completely ignored him. "Well, my mom's illness came about rather mysteriously, as if she had suddenly fallen ill. Several hospitals have tried but couldn't diagnose the cause."

"What are the symptoms?" The old doctor asked, a furrow creeping on his brows.

"After my mom fell ill, her face turned pale and she often spoke nonsense. We don't understand what she's saying, it's as if she has become a completely different person. Her appetite has increased dramatically; she eats three chickens every meal and nothing else. When it gets severe, she sometimes loses her mind and tries to bite others or likes to smash things around her."

"Hmm, this disease is quite complicated. Let's go see her." The old doctor stroked his beard and nodded.

"Do you have a solution, sir?" Dong Qian asked.

"I have a hunch about it but I can't guarantee it until I confirm it in person." The old doctor answered confidently.

Greatly relieved, Dong Qian focused on the drive home.

After a moment, Zhang Xian chimed in, "Miss, it doesn't seem like your mother is ill, rather she seems possessed. The symptoms you mentioned are quite similar to possession."

"Cough cough..." The old doctor's eyes widened, "Young man, stop your absurd talk. Where in this world can there be such things as spirits?"

Dong Qian also rolled her eyes, and completely lost confidence in Zhang Xian. While she didn't completely dismiss the existence of spirits, she wasn't superstitious enough to believe in them, either.

"See, miss, I told you that he is a fraud." The old wandering doctor angrily pointed out.

Dong Qian only smiled without replying. Since she had already invited Zhang Xian, she wouldn't abandon him midway. Taking him along might also provide some unexpected help.

When her mother's illness peaked, it took more than two people just to control her.

"Well, I was just making a guess." Zhang Xian stopped talking when he sensed disbelief from Dong Qian and the old man. Had he not inherited ancient wisdom, he too would have dismissed spiritual possession.

However, in this world, there did exist spirits. Some people, upon their death, would remain attached to the earthly realm because of obsessions. There were even malicious spirits who carried resentment and harm to others.