Chapter 73: More Than That

His words revealed the utmost dissatisfaction with Chen Yuyi. As soon as he spoke, everyone couldn't help but feel anxious for the old gentleman. They had already witnessed the untouchable authority of Mr. Chen, yet they hadn't expected this elder to dare to rebuke him in person.

They were frightened. Would Mr. Chen retaliate against Old Luo? After all, in their eyes, Old Luo held a significant position, and many sought him out for his medical expertise.

Chen Yuyi merely smiled, "I suppose this must be Elder Luo."

He glanced at the little rabbit. "Since Elder Luo adheres to the principle of healing people above all else, might you examine what illness afflicts this little girl?"

At this, all eyes turned toward the little rabbit.

Previously, she hadn't attracted much attention. Now, upon closer inspection, they saw a frail child, so thin she might be swept away by a breeze. Her face was ghastly pale, and her hair bore an unhealthy yellow hue—she could barely be described as anything other than a "yellow-haired waif."

The little rabbit became uneasy under their gaze. She walked over and tugged at Chen Yuyi’s hand, whispering, "Big brother Yi, I don’t want that old man to examine me."

Chen Yuyi patted her small hand, "Be good, little rabbit. Let the old man check your illness, so big brother Yi can find a way to cure you."

"Big brother Yi can treat illnesses?" the little rabbit asked, her eyes wide.

"Big brother Yi cannot treat illnesses, but I possess miraculous medicines. Once we know your condition, I can prescribe the right remedy. Trust in big brother Yi."

Their voices were low, so the others couldn’t hear, and their attention was now fixed on Elder Luo, waiting to see if he would act.

The little rabbit beamed, "Of course I trust big brother Yi. Then little rabbit isn’t afraid."

Chen Yuyi stroked her small head. He had many medicinal pills, each with different effects; surely one would cure the little rabbit. He simply hadn’t yet determined her exact illness, so he dared not administer any medicine at random.

Yuan Xiang hadn’t heard the exchange between Chen Yuyi and the little rabbit. She knew Elder Luo’s reputation well, and had once considered seeking him, but ultimately gave up—such a person was simply too difficult for them to meet.

Now, encountering him here, she felt excited. If Elder Luo would examine the little rabbit, perhaps there was hope for her daughter's recovery.

Spurred by Chen Yuyi, Luo Songxing became earnest. He stepped in front of the little rabbit, "Child, come, let Grandpa Luo take a look."

With Chen Yuyi’s reassurance, the little rabbit was no longer timid, and faced Elder Luo bravely.

Luo Songxing observed the little rabbit, then lifted her hand and began to feel her pulse.

Seeing this, a helpful soul brought over a chair, inviting them to sit. Clearly, this old physician held great esteem in their eyes.

The wealthy fear illness and value health above all, an ancient truth. Thus, they held deep respect for a venerable healer—naturally so.

As Elder Luo examined the little rabbit, everyone held their breath, afraid to disturb him.

Luo Songxing listened intently for a while, his expression growing darker. He slowly opened his eyes and withdrew his hand from the little rabbit’s wrist.

Everyone waited expectantly for Elder Luo’s verdict.

"This case, I am powerless to help!" Elder Luo shook his head, his demeanor depleted. He had seen countless rare and difficult illnesses in his life, always able to devise some strategy, but this time his mind yielded nothing. He felt ashamed.

"Oh? Then, Elder Luo, can you tell what condition afflicts the little rabbit?" Chen Yuyi did not mock Luo Songxing; he respected the esteemed and reputable.

Yuan Xiang, the little rabbit’s mother, felt faint upon hearing that even the illustrious master of traditional medicine was helpless. Did this mean her daughter was truly incurable?

Elder Luo shook his head and sighed, "To think I boasted before everyone just now—how shameful. Who am I to lecture others?"

He looked at Chen Yuyi. "This little girl was born with severed meridians—she won’t live more than two years!"

At these words, the crowd sighed. Sympathy stirred for the mother and daughter.

Yuan Xiang nearly collapsed. Did her daughter really have only two years left? She couldn’t accept it; the child was just eleven, hadn’t tasted anything of life. What could two years do for her? Why would heaven be so cruel? Her husband had already left her, and now her daughter would depart as well.

She felt the world collapsing, herself sinking into its ruins.

"Who says she has only two years to live?" At that moment, Chen Yuyi smiled. Now that he knew the little rabbit’s meridians were the issue, it could be resolved!

Everyone looked at him, puzzled.

Luo Songxing stood up. "Is it possible, Mr. Chen, that besides your rumored methods, you also know how to heal?"

Ever since hearing some stories about Mr. Chen, Luo Songxing had held a grudge, but he had to admit Chen possessed abilities beyond ordinary men. He was curious—did Mr. Chen know medicine?

The crowd gazed hopefully at Chen Yuyi, eager for his explanation.

This was meant to be an auction gala, but everyone seemed to have forgotten that. The auction itself became irrelevant.

"Does Mr. Chen understand medicine?" Qi Yun’s eyes sparkled as she asked.

"I do not know how to diagnose illnesses," Chen Yuyi replied calmly.

The crowd’s disappointment was palpable. Though they dared not speak, each harbored doubts. If he knew nothing of medicine, how could he speak so boldly before Elder Luo?

Of course, this was only internal grumbling; none would dare voice it openly.

Elder Luo, proud of his status, made no effort to hide the ridicule in his eyes as he looked at Chen Yuyi. "If you do not understand medicine, why make such claims?"

"I said I do not know how to diagnose, but I never said I cannot cure," Chen Yuyi touched his nose. He wondered if he cured the little rabbit here in front of everyone using his pills, would it cause too great a stir?

"Hmph, Mr. Chen is surely jesting with me. If you cannot diagnose, how can you cure?" Luo Songxing brushed his wide sleeves and snorted coldly.

Chen Yuyi gazed at Luo Songxing, a playful smile at his lips. "Elder Luo, if I cure the little rabbit right here, what will you do?"

Luo Songxing’s beard and hair bristled. "If you truly—truly—truly cure this little girl, then I... I..." He paused, unsure what he would do, for he did not believe such a thing possible.

"And then?" Chen Yuyi continued smiling.

"I will become your disciple!" Luo Songxing blurted out, his face flushed.

Naturally, he did not believe Chen Yuyi capable of such a feat. He had practiced medicine his whole life, and even minor ailments rarely healed instantly. Hence, he dared make such a wager.

The crowd was stunned; they hadn’t expected Elder Luo to make such a bold promise. At ninety years old, he was fit to be a teacher to anyone—it was hard to imagine him apprenticed to a young man.

Yet, none believed Elder Luo would lose. Secretly, they shook their heads at Mr. Chen. Though they wouldn’t comment on his other abilities, surely he could not surpass Elder Luo in medicine. Elder Luo was a giant in the field of traditional medicine, renowned not just in Jiangzhong but throughout the country.

Besides, Mr. Chen himself had admitted he did not know how to diagnose. How could he cure the little girl?

Yuan Xiang, hearing Elder Luo’s words, had given up hope for her daughter. She thought Chen Yuyi was merely offering comfort, and felt grateful yet regretful. He had restored their dignity; she didn’t wish to trouble him further.

"Yuyi, perhaps we should go back," she whispered to him.

Chen Yuyi looked at her weary face and the streaks of gray in her hair, soothing her gently. "Don’t worry, it will be fine. I said I could cure the little rabbit, and I will. See how much she trusts me?"

The little rabbit nodded vigorously. "I trust big brother Yi! Mother, you must trust big brother Yi too!"

Yuan Xiang, helpless, managed a bitter smile and nodded.

"And not only will I cure the little rabbit, I will make you beautiful!"