Chapter 24: We Are Family

Hu Sihai never expected his own daughter to say such words, and even more surprising was Hu Xiong’s reaction. Although Hu Nan was his niece, from childhood to adulthood he had hardly ever visited her. Thinking about it now, it was only natural that the girl felt estranged from him.

Zhang Shen, upon hearing Hu Nan’s words, couldn’t help but feel a deep admiration for her.

Without further delay, Zhang Shen took out a silver needle and pricked Hu Nan’s index finger. He then withdrew the needle, letting her blood drip onto the jade pendant. Within a few minutes, the jade pendant, soaked through with blood, was stained a deep red.

Zhang Shen picked up the pendant and rubbed it in his hands, all the while chanting scriptures in a language no one could understand.

After about ten minutes, Zhang Shen handed the pendant back to Zheng Xiong.

When Zheng Xiong received the pendant, he noticed that the patterns on its surface had become even clearer, and its luster had grown much brighter than before.

“Mr. Zheng, you can wear this jade pendant with peace of mind now,” Zhang Shen said.

After expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Zhang Shen, Zheng Xiong hurried to Hu Nan’s side and swept her up in a hug.

“Nannan, thank you so much. You’ve saved your second uncle’s life!”

“Second Uncle, I don’t quite understand what you mean. But I know that we’re family!”

Hu Xiong was taken aback by how mature and considerate Hu Nan was, despite her youth.

Standing to the side, Hu Sihai saw that his younger brother was safe and sound and, deeply moved by the strength of their family bond, found his emotions difficult to control.

Seeing this touching scene, Zhang Shen decided not to disturb them and quietly turned to leave.

...

After leaving Yuehu Impression, Zhang Shen was crossing the street when his phone suddenly rang urgently. Seeing that it was Chen Tingting calling, he immediately sensed that something was wrong.

He had barely picked up when a hysterical tirade erupted from the other end.

“Zhang Shen, where the hell have you run off to? Do you know what time it is? Get back here and take over your shift, now!”

“Uh, Sister Tingting, I’ll be there right away...”

Before Zhang Shen could finish his sentence, a cry of pain escaped him.

Chen Tingting, unaware of what had happened, kept shouting, “Zhang Shen, what’s wrong? Don’t scare me!”

But at that moment, Zhang Shen had no energy to respond. A young, striking woman had just stepped out of a Volkswagen and, seeing Zhang Shen lying at the intersection, was so startled her face turned pale. She hurried over to him in her high heels.

“Mister, mister, are you all right?”

It turned out that Zhang Shen had been hit by the Volkswagen driven by Ye Qiong as he was crossing the street.

A crowd of curious onlookers quickly gathered, many whipping out their phones to take photos. Some speculated that the man was faking injury for compensation, while others blamed the female driver as a menace on the road.

In short, the rumors grew wilder with each retelling, as if everyone was a high-definition camera.

The intersection, once clear, was now packed tight with bystanders.

Realizing that Zhang Shen was unable to move, Ye Qiong quickly called both the traffic police and an ambulance.

Five minutes later, police and paramedics arrived at the scene. Zhang Shen was taken away by ambulance, while Ye Qiong was escorted by the police to the hospital for a blood alcohol test.

Fortunately, after a thorough check-up, Zhang Shen was found to have no serious injuries—he would just have difficulty walking for the next couple of days. As for Ye Qiong, she was not found to have been driving under the influence.

Later, a review of the traffic cameras revealed that Zhang Shen had stopped in the middle of the crosswalk. When the traffic light changed, he seemed completely unaware, and Ye Qiong’s Volkswagen sped forward—though thankfully at a low speed, or else the miracle doctor Zhang Shen might have been lost forever.

Although the fault lay partly with the pedestrian for not following the rules, the driver also bore an undeniable responsibility. The traffic police suggested that both parties resolve the matter amicably.

Ye Qiong was certainly willing to settle things, and Zhang Shen, not one to make trouble unnecessarily, agreed. Seeing that he was fine, he said, “Since we both made mistakes, let’s call it even and forget it.”

The police were surprised by how easygoing Zhang Shen was; if it had been anyone else, they’d probably be demanding compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress. But with just a few words, the matter was settled.

Ye Qiong was grateful that Zhang Shen chose not to pursue the matter. As he hobbled toward the hospital exit, she called out to him.

“Hey! Mister, wait a moment.”

Zhang Shen turned back to look at her, thinking, “I’m not pressing charges—surely she’s not going to ask me for compensation?”

As Ye Qiong approached, Zhang Shen blurted out, “I don’t have any money!”

Ye Qiong hadn’t expected those to be his first words. Clearly, he thought she wanted him to pay her!

“No, that’s not it. Since you’re having trouble getting around, I’d like to give you a ride. What do you think?” Ye Qiong gazed at him with her bright, expressive eyes.

Zhang Shen blushed at her offer.

Seeing this, the traffic officer said, “Since the young lady wants to drive you home, just treat it as a courtesy ride. It’ll give her a chance to make up for things.”

Thinking the officer made sense, Zhang Shen nodded in agreement.

Ye Qiong helped Zhang Shen out of the hospital, then drove him toward Shunyi Lane.

Nearing the entrance to Shunyi Lane, Ye Qiong suddenly slammed on the brakes, causing the car to lurch forward. Unbelted in the front seat, Zhang Shen was thrown straight into the dashboard.

Ye Qiong, meanwhile, bit back her pain and asked weakly, “Are you all right?”

A moment ago, Zhang Shen’s leg was injured; now his face had taken a hit. Though he was a miracle doctor, he was made of flesh and bone, and today’s two mishaps had left him badly battered.

“Ow! Ow!” Zhang Shen cried out in pain.

After a while, he managed to recover and noticed that Ye Qiong beside him was pale and sweating heavily.

Forgetting his own pain, he asked, “Miss, are you okay?”

Ye Qiong answered softly, “I’m… fine. It’s just that time of the month.”

Zhang Shen now realized that her hands were clutching her abdomen. As a doctor, he immediately understood that she was suffering from menstrual cramps.

“How about this? I can try to help—maybe I can ease your discomfort.”

After all, it was their first meeting, so Zhang Shen didn’t make any bold claims about a complete cure.

Ye Qiong hesitated, but the pain was gripping her like a demon.