Chapter Thirty-Four: The Most Coveted One

"Yan Yuanqing, the deputy director of Cangzhou Central Hospital and his entourage have come to visit. Why don’t you hurry out to greet them!"

He had just seen off Fan Yongfeng and hadn’t even had a moment’s peace to see a few patients before yet another group arrived. And this group’s reputation was no less significant.

Yan Yuanqing could only rise helplessly and leave the room. He wondered what had happened today—why were so many prominent figures coming to visit the Shi Family Traditional Medicine Hall one after another?

Yet, a sense of foreboding lingered in his heart. It seemed to him that the purpose behind Cangzhou Central Hospital’s visit was not as simple as it appeared.

“Master Yan! Merely a few days apart feels like three years! We’ve missed you dearly—your skills have left every doctor in our central hospital in awe!”

The deputy director began with a round of flattery as soon as he entered. Yan Yuanqing, however, maintained his usual reserved demeanor.

“We have only one purpose in coming today: we hope that our central hospital can establish a collaboration with your Shi Family Traditional Medicine Hall, working together to tackle difficult and complex cases, especially in the more challenging realms of traditional medicine.”

“What do you think, Master Yan?”

Just as I thought, Yan Yuanqing reflected inwardly.

The deputy director’s goal was strikingly similar to Fan Yongfeng’s earlier visit. Both had set their sights on his medical expertise; the so-called cooperation with the Shi Family Medicine Hall was merely a pretext, a cover for their true intentions.

“Deputy Director, please speak with our family head regarding this matter. I do not have the authority to make such decisions. I hope you’ll understand.”

It was the same answer as before. Since their intentions were identical, Yan Yuanqing saw no reason to trouble himself further. All he wanted now was to send these people off as quickly as possible, restore some peace to the medicine hall, and return to treating his patients. Any further delay, and the waiting patients would soon be up in arms.

The deputy director frowned slightly, scrutinizing Yan Yuanqing with a puzzled gaze. It was clear he couldn’t fathom how someone of Yan Yuanqing’s ability held so little sway within the family.

“Master Yan, are you telling the truth?”

“Of course. Would I lie to you?”

“Well then, I’ll take my leave for now.”

The deputy director and his group left, crestfallen, having gotten nowhere with Yan Yuanqing. All they could do was pin their hopes on Shi Tianhe.

For the rest of the afternoon, Yan Yuanqing’s work efficiency was less than half his usual. Every so often, a prominent figure from Cangzhou would arrive at the medicine hall to seek him out. Their stated purpose was always to establish a partnership with the Shi Family Medicine Hall, but their true aim was to win him over through such means.

By the end of the afternoon, Yan Yuanqing had come to a sobering realization: he was starting to attract some real attention.

And as more and more people recognized the potential he possessed, they abandoned their former prejudices and made the shrewd decision to seek him out.

Yan Yuanqing returned home with a troubled expression, only to find Shi Yurou there as well.

As the ice between them gradually melted, Shi Yurou’s attitude toward Yan Yuanqing had undergone a dramatic transformation. Especially at home, where there were no prying eyes or idle gossip, her change was nothing short of remarkable.

“What’s wrong? Why the long face? Are those people targeting you again behind the scenes?”

To Yan Yuanqing’s astonishment, Shi Yurou poured him a glass of warm water and set it before him. It was the very first time she had ever shown such care.

“No, it’s just...life may soon become unsettled again. Many people have set their sights on me now, and I’m a little worried about your father’s choices.”

“If he chooses money, it could lead to a very unfortunate future.”