A Single Needle Decides Fate, Time to Coax Brother

Despite his grumbling, Master Bo hadn't removed the flowers the young girl had given him. In fact, he took better care of them than Ji Chuxing herself would have.

Ji Chuxing had an incredibly busy weekend. On Sunday, she spent the entire day at Xi Hua Hall, but even within just one day, news of the young medical prodigy spread throughout half of South City.

The prodigy was known for resolving any issue with a single needle; no matter how complex or mysterious the ailment, it was nothing before her silver needle. The elderly traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner watched Ji Chuxing perform acupuncture with shining eyes, more excited than when he first learned the art from his master in his youth.

Ji Chuxing didn't conceal her skills and allowed the old practitioner to observe as she treated patients. The "One-Needle Miracle," a technique long lost in the TCM world, existed only in incomplete records in ancient texts. Currently, almost no one in the field could perform such a technique.

This method, also called the "Single Needle Cure," used a single silver needle to treat the whole body by leveraging the meridian system. It unblocked channels, regulated qi and blood flow, balanced yin and yang, and harmonized organ functions, thereby preventing and treating diseases.

When Ji Chuxing first demonstrated it, the old practitioner couldn't believe his eyes. But then, she inserted a single needle into an elderly patient who had been bedridden for years—and the woman stood up, radiant with vitality. Within less than a day, Ji Chuxing's reputation swept across South City.

Her youthful face behind the mask surprised many; few believed she was still a minor. Of course, no one knew that this prodigy doctor was actually a high school student. Just by observing her calm demeanor and precise needlework, all doubts vanished.

That day, none of the patients who came to Xi Hua Hall escaped being impressed by her skill.

"This technique isn't suitable for you," Ji Chuxing told the old practitioner after finishing with the last patient of the day. "But the Huanyang Nine Needles I used this morning—you can continue studying them. If you have questions, come ask me."

The Huanyang Nine Needles was the technique Ji Chuxing employed when she first treated the elderly woman at Xi Hua Hall. The old practitioner had coveted it for a long time, and today, Ji Chuxing guided him several times. He couldn't believe he'd learn such a lost technique in his lifetime.

He eagerly agreed. The One-Needle Miracle was too difficult—not everyone possessed the courage and skill to use it. Learning the Huanyang Nine Needles alone felt like a monumental achievement.

"By the way, little prodigy, your appointment schedule is now booked three months in advance."

Ji Chuxing simply replied, "I see."

When she left Xi Hua Hall, Bo Yanchen's car was already waiting outside. As soon as Ji Chuxing got in, she was greeted by his warm smile. Bo Yanchen handed her a cup of milk tea. "Word about the little prodigy has spread quickly."

Jy Chuxing proudly shook her head and took a big sip. "Of course."

She didn't realize that while she was usually expressionless around others, she naturally became playful—even childish—in front of Bo Yanchen. Bo Yanchen found this endearing.

He intended to tell her about some things that happened during the day, but he felt a weight on his shoulder. The young girl had tilted her head, holding a half-finished milk tea, and fallen asleep on his shoulder. Her breathing was steady, her pink lips slightly parted, and her long lashes cast delicate shadows on her cheeks. Her fair skin revealed faint blue veins beneath.

The girl was exhausted, having fallen asleep after barely sipping her favorite drink. Bo Yanchen knew how draining acupuncture could be. A wave of tenderness filled his heart as he gently took the nearly spilling milk tea from her hand and adjusted her position to make her more comfortable.

His presence enveloped her in safety, allowing her to fully relax and trust without reservation—a trust so deep she wasn't even aware of it. When Bo Yanchen shifted her position, she didn't stir. If it were anyone else, the slightest movement would have woken her.

As her position changed, her long lashes brushed against his neck like a feather, sending a tingling sensation through him. Bo Yanchen froze. This unfamiliar feeling tickled his skin, making his heart race.

All he had to do was look down to see her sleeping soundly in the crook of his neck, her breath close to his.

Bo Yanchen held his breath. The car slowly drove back to their residence, and Ji Chuxing didn't wake up. Bo Yanchen glanced at his legs, a rare flicker of disgust crossing his face, but it quickly faded. He remained the graceful and composed Master Bo, unwilling to disturb her rest.

Her cheeks were flushed, and the side of her face pressed against his shoulder was slightly squished, making her look adorable. She must have felt uncomfortable because she shifted slightly, leaving a faint red mark on his shoulder and neck from the prolonged pressure.

Watching her, he couldn't resist reaching out to lightly tap her nose. Ji Chuxing didn't wake. Bo Yanchen curved his lips and gently pinched her nose. Then, Ji Chuxing slowly opened her eyes. Their gazes met.

"We're home," Bo Yanchen said, lowering his hand and raising an eyebrow, showing no embarrassment.

Ji Chuxing said nothing, sat up slowly, and got out of the car. Just as Bo Yanchen thought the matter was over and felt a strange pang of regret, Ji Chuxing suddenly reached out and touched his handsome face.

"Hmm, so soft!" Ji Chuxing exclaimed, as if discovering something new. She'd wanted to touch it for ages!

Bo Yanchen: "…."

Fang He, who was about to help his master out of the car: "…."

Though he didn't know why, Fang He felt oddly satisfied.

After a moment of surprise, Bo Yanchen raised an eyebrow. "Xingbao, are you taking advantage of your brother?"

Ji Chuxing: "Hmph!"

She walked into the house with her milk tea, not looking back, her ponytail swinging, seemingly in a good mood.

Bo Yanchen sat in the car, stunned for three seconds, then rubbed his forehead in exasperation before being pushed out. As soon as he entered the house, before he could say anything more, Ji Chuxing had him sit on the sofa and swiftly drew blood from his knee with a silver needle.

Her speed left Bo Yanchen sighing, but he offered no resistance, much to Fang He's astonishment.

"Miss Ji, you…"

Ji Chuxing dropped the blood into a small test tube solution, and it instantly disappeared as if it had never been there. She blinked innocently. "Just curious."

Fang He: "…."

_Only a fool would believe that. I suspect she's retaliating for earlier._

Bo Yanchen, of course, understood her true intentions and sighed. "It's a new type of toxin. There was no prior information about it in the database, and it's temporarily named He-7-3."

This toxin remained under investigation by the International Medical Alliance, but after over a decade, they still hadn't found a completely effective antidote. Moreover, it adapted subtly yet significantly based on the body's internal environment.

Ji Chuxing squatted in front of Bo Yanchen and examined his knees for a while. Sensing his discomfort, she reached out and gently touched them.

Bo Yanchen's back stiffened. "Xingbao…"

A silver needle suddenly pierced his knee.

Ji Chuxing looked up, her expression serious. "Does it hurt?"

Bo Yanchen smiled gently. "Brother doesn't feel pain."

Ji Chuxing glanced at the sweat on his forehead. "…."

Fang He, standing nearby, felt his knees go weak.

"Liar," Ji Chuxing said flatly, inserting another needle.

Bo Yanchen's expression finally tightened. "Xingbao, you need to comfort your brother—it hurts a little."

Ji Chuxing: "…."