Chapter 49: The "Important Figure" Has Fallen Ill

Zhang Shen stood still, watching Hao Lei’s face drain of color, and said, “Teacher, I’m telling the truth. If you don’t believe me, then do nothing for now—just press your index finger beneath your bust and see if you feel a kind of swelling there.”

Though Hao Lei was inwardly resistant, Zhang Shen’s earnest expression compelled her to believe him. So, following his instructions, she gently pressed her index finger beneath her bust.

The moment her finger made contact, a sharp pain, like a needle prick, radiated through her.

Seeing Hao Lei’s reaction, Zhang Shen was even more convinced of his diagnosis. “Well? Teacher, wasn’t I right?”

“Mm.”

Though she uttered only a single syllable, Zhang Shen perhaps did not realize what courage it took for Hao Lei to respond at all.

“There are two treatments. I wonder which one you’d prefer?”

“Two? Tell me quickly.” Hao Lei’s impatience was clear.

“The first requires you to remove your bra, then—just like what I did for Wang Ying’s foot—massage the area, followed by acupuncture to stimulate the points…”

Before Zhang Shen could finish, Hao Lei hastily interrupted him. She had just witnessed Zhang Shen’s entire treatment of Wang Ying’s right foot. If removing one’s socks and allowing a man to touch her foot was barely acceptable, the idea of baring her chest, allowing a stranger to massage her there, and then having needles stuck into her most sensitive area was simply unimaginable.

After all, in her mind, such a problem would require surgery, but she had never been troubled by it. Yet her proud figure had at times hindered her career. Though she knew her achievements were due to her own abilities, in the eyes of the jealous, it was always attributed to her appearance. There was a time when Hao Lei felt utterly hopeless.

In the end, she resorted to buying bras with cups too small, binding her ample chest tightly. Who would have thought it would eventually leave her with a chronic ailment?

“And the second method?”

Zhang Shen had already anticipated she would refuse the first option and had prepared an alternative.

“The second method is slower and requires a longer period.”

“Go on.”

“Purchase two traditional herbs: dried tangerine peel and notoginseng. Then, every night, you must sleep without a bra. Give your body the freedom it’s been denied for so long. The lack of circulation caused by long-term constriction is what led to your symptoms.”

Hao Lei naturally understood what Zhang Shen meant by “giving them freedom,” so she nodded, indicating her understanding.

“Now that we’ve identified the cause and the treatment, Teacher, shall we continue touring the campus?”

“Uh…”

Just as Hao Lei hesitated, her phone rang.

“Hello, Principal!”

In less than five seconds, Hao Lei turned to Zhang Shen, saying, “The principal wants to see you. Hurry along.”

“And you, Teacher?”

Zhang Shen had thought Hao Lei would accompany him to Chen Rong’s office, but her answer surprised him.

“The principal didn’t ask for me. Besides, I need to go buy those herbs!” As soon as the words left her mouth, Hao Lei realized she might have said too much, clapped a hand over her lips, and hurried away.

Since it was the principal who summoned him, Zhang Shen dared not delay. It was, after all, his first day—best not to keep anyone waiting.

Arriving at the principal’s office, he found Chen Rong already waiting at the door. Zhang Shen hurried over at a quick pace.

“Principal, what is it?”

“Do you know who the mayor of Yuehu City is?”

Even as he spoke, Chen Rong regretted the question. A mayor’s name—surely anyone would at least have heard it.

“I don’t know him,” Zhang Shen replied earnestly. For he truly did not.

Chen Rong was at a loss for words. A young man who truly knew nothing but medicine and cared nothing for the world around him.

“No matter. Just come with me to the mayor’s house.”

Zhang Shen had little interest in meeting the mayor, but he was curious about the mayor’s household. Judging from Chen Rong’s anxious demeanor, the mayor’s condition must be grave.

With Chen Rong leading the way, they arrived at the school gates, where a car bearing the license plate Yue A88888 was already waiting. Chen Rong signaled for Zhang Shen to remain silent. The car, with its special plate, sped through nearly every traffic light, taking less than fifteen minutes to reach the mayor’s residence.

Chen Rong and Zhang Shen stepped out together and found a crowd already gathered. Most people there were impeccably dressed, but every face was clouded with worry. This only confirmed Zhang Shen’s suspicion: the mayor’s condition was beyond critical—he was on the very edge of death.

Chen Rong did not bother with much greeting. After all, their purpose was to treat the mayor, and with so many renowned doctors having failed, Chen Rong had finally thought to bring Zhang Shen.

In his heart, Chen Rong reasoned: if even Zhang Shen cannot save the mayor, there is no shame. But if, by some miracle, Zhang Shen succeeds, the school’s reputation will soar above all others.

Led by Chen Rong into the main hall, Zhang Shen saw a room full of people in white coats. Some wore badges reading “Director” or “Deputy Director.” They murmured among themselves, huddled in discussion.

Spotting a familiar face, Chen Rong approached, hoping for an update on the mayor’s condition.

“Director Yang, how is it?”

“Ah, old friend,” Yang Le replied honestly, “to tell you the truth, things look grim. The few of us have been here for days, and we’re still at a loss.”

Indeed, these doctors were the best in Yuehu City—reputed even across the nation. That they were helpless meant the mayor’s life was truly hanging by a thread.

Just then, one of the doctors in the room noticed Zhang Shen behind Chen Rong.

“Principal Chen, who is this?”

Chen Rong, unsure of the connection between the doctor and Zhang Shen, simply replied, “He is my student.”