Chapter 20: The Godly Doctor

As soon as the seven silver needles were inserted, Ethan saw the old man's faint heartbeat gradually strengthen, returning to a steady rhythm.

"What?! How is that possible?" The two doctors' eyes widened in disbelief.

"No way… Don't tell me this kid actually pulled off a miracle!" The chubby man standing next to Leo blurted out.

"Hey, Big White Pig! What the hell are you screaming for? Can't you see Wood is trying to save someone? Quiet down!" Zara snapped at him.

On the sickbed, Ethan carefully helped Zoe's grandfather sit up, crossing his legs behind him and placing his hands gently on the old man's back. His movements shifted between light and heavy pressure, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

The room fell silent, everyone watching in tense anticipation, their eyes darting between the old man and Ethan.

Five minutes passed, and color slowly returned to the old man's once pale face.

Ten minutes later, Old Man Night coughed up a mouthful of dark blood and phlegm. His eyes fluttered open, his complexion now healthy and pink.

"Grandpa's awake! Grandpa's awake!" Zoe covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. She wanted to throw herself into her grandfather's arms like when she was a child, but she held back, afraid to disturb the treatment. Her shoulders trembled with silent sobs.

"This… This goes against everything I know about medicine. Doctor Victor, am I dreaming?" the female doctor whispered.

"You're not dreaming. And you didn't misdiagnose either," the male doctor said, equally stunned. "The old man was on the brink of death, but he met a godly doctor. People say there are hidden masters in China, but I never believed it until now. This young man is a peerless genius!" His eyes gleamed with admiration, staring at Ethan as if he were a living legend.

Meanwhile, Ethan was far from relaxed. Without any true Qi or spiritual energy, he had relied purely on instinct and physical strength to administer the treatment. Sweat dripped down his forehead, stinging his eyes.

"Brother Ethan, I'll help you!" Yuyu rushed over, wiping his sweat with a tissue.

Not to be outdone, Zoe, Zara, and Wendy quickly swarmed around him. Those who had tissues used them; those who didn't wiped his sweat with their sleeves. The men in the room looked on with envy.

In the corner, Li's face darkened. Watching Ethan bring someone back from the brink of death, he realized this young man wasn't someone to be trifled with. His son, Leo, had clearly offended a big shot. Shooting Leo a hateful glare, the father and son quietly slipped out of the room.

Another ten minutes passed before the old man's complexion completely stabilized, the age spots on his face fading significantly. Only then did Ethan retrieve the seven silver needles, carefully tucking them away.

Old Man Night sprang to his feet, startling everyone. He grabbed Ethan's hands, tears welling in his eyes. "Godly doctor! You pulled me back from the gates of death. Han, what are you standing there for? The young doctor saved my life — kneel and thank him!"

Han snapped out of his daze, dropping to his knees. "Ethan… thank you for saving my father…"

Startled, Ethan rushed forward, pulling Han up. "Uncle Han, please! I'm only in my twenties — I'll lose years of my life if you kneel!"

"Yeah, Uncle Han!" someone in the crowd teased. "What's a father-in-law doing kneeling to his future son-in-law?"

"Oh? So, you're the young man my Zoe fancies?" Old Man Night's eyes lit up, squeezing Ethan's hands even tighter.

"Uh… Old Man Night, don't listen to their nonsense. Zoe, Yuyu, Wendy and Zara are just my good friends." Ethan scratched his head awkwardly.

"Oh…" The old man's face fell, disappointment clear in his eyes.

Zoe looked equally crestfallen, her gaze dropping to the floor. Meanwhile, Yuyu and Zara exchanged smug smiles, and even Wendy seemed quietly pleased.

The male doctor pushed his way to Ethan's side, gripping his hand with fervent admiration. "Little Godly Doctor, I'm from the Ninth People's Hospital. May I ask where you practice?" His eyes practically sparkled with excitement.

Ethan recoiled slightly, pulling his hand free. "Doctor, you're mistaken. I'm not a godly doctor, nor do I work at a hospital. I'm just… a vegetable seller."

"What? A vegetable seller?" The doctor looked aghast. "That's impossible! With your skill, you could save countless lives! You shouldn't be hiding away in a field—"

"Stop, stop, stop!" Ethan waved his hands frantically. "I'm not trying to stay hidden. I only know this one acupuncture technique, and it doesn't work for everything. I just got lucky today." Spying an opportunity to escape, he turned to Zoe. "Alright, I've done my part. I'll be going now."

"But Brother Ethan, you forgot something!" Yuyu held out the jade ring. "You still need to give this to Sister Zoe!"

"Propose! Propose!" The crowd erupted into cheers, goading him on.

Zoe's face turned crimson.

Ethan chuckled awkwardly, raising his hands to quiet everyone down. "Alright, listen up. Zoe and I aren't a couple — we're just friends. This ring is a gift I prepared for Old Man Night's 80th birthday."

He grabbed Zoe's hand, gently placing the jade ring into her palm. Zoe's heart raced. She glanced down at the ring, noticing their names carved side by side. If it wasn't a proposal, then what was it?

"Brother Ethan, it'll be my birthday soon too. Will you give me a present as well?" Yuyu pouted. "It should have 'Yuyu's Ethan' carved on it!"

"Okay, okay. I'll get you a gift," Ethan agreed quickly, hoping to ease the tension.

"Hey! Don't forget about me!" Zara butted in. "I want mine to say 'Zara's Wooden Log'!"

Ethan's face darkened. "Zara's Wooden Log?" He sighed, rubbing his temples.

Turning back to Han, he changed the subject. "Uncle Han, you mentioned having trouble selling your medicinal herbs, right? Don't worry. I've got a plan to make them fly off the shelves. I'll come by tomorrow to explain everything."

Without waiting for a reply, Ethan squeezed through the cheering crowd, making his escape.