However, in that year, it was as if they had suddenly gained a cheat code, and after ascending to high society.
This family then began to engage in all sorts of outrageous behavior.
They would leverage the influence of their two major enterprises, Zhengrong and Zheng Tu, to seize others' resources.
Or they would act ostentatiously at various banquets and dinners, overshadowing the hosts and behaving arrogantly.
Their reputation in elite circles was terrible.
It was just that no one wanted to offend such a "cheating" big shot.
So, they never showed their true feelings in front of them.
This, however, only emboldened the Ming family to become even more audacious.
Look.
Now, their retribution has arrived, hasn't it?
They had only risen for a little over a year.
And already the Ming family was faltering.
Even seeking his help.
Lack of character.
Ultimately, one cannot last long in this circle.
If it weren't for Old Master Lu humbling himself and begging for his assistance.
This meal.
He truly would not have been willing to partake.
Zhan He'an impatiently put down his wine cup.
He hadn't touched a single drop.
Completely showing no regard for Father Ming's dignity.
He raised his eyes, his gaze falling directly upon Mother Ming. "If you have a request, state it directly. I don't have the patience for beating around the bush."
Mother Ming, ever since her hands were crippled, had been very sensitive emotionally.
At this moment, being stared at so directly by Zhan He'an.
She felt somewhat uncomfortable and immediately straightened her posture, presenting herself as a normal person.
She didn't want to be looked at with strange eyes.
Fortunately, Zhan He'an merely cast a casual glance and then withdrew his gaze.
"Yes... yes..."
Father Ming suppressed his inner displeasure and continued to smile obsequiously.
Then he helped Mother Ming up and extended her two unfeeling hands towards Zhan He'an. "President Zhan, you've come to this appointment despite your busy schedule, and I'm sure you have many matters awaiting your attention. It was thoughtless of me."
"My wife's hands, previously at the hospital..."
He was about to explain Mother Ming's condition.
Zhan He'an impatiently waved his hand. "Enough, I know."
Father Ming's voice abruptly cut off.
His face flushed slightly, showing a hint of embarrassment.
Old Master Lu then took it upon himself to ease the atmosphere, smoothing things over. "Chairman Ming, I've already explained Madam Ming's condition to President Zhan."
Father Ming forced a smile. "Yes, yes, yes, President Zhan is in a hurry, so let's not waste more time."
If he weren't in need of a favor.
He wouldn't have to be so humble!
Zhan He'an raised his hand and tapped the table. "Extend your hand."
Father Ming quickly pulled Mother Ming and sat her beside Zhan He'an, extending her hand.
Zhan He'an took her pulse.
Old Master Lu and the young student beside him immediately leaned in, their eyes wide, fixed on Zhan He'an's movements as he took the pulse.
It was clearly an act of learning.
Father Ming's expression was somewhat grim.
Were they treating his wife as a study specimen?
However, being the one who needed a favor, he dared not show any sign of displeasure or vent his frustration. He could only restrain his temper and wait for the results of Zhan He'an's diagnosis.
The private room remained silent.
A few minutes later.
Zhan He'an released her hand.
The young student beside him immediately handed him a disinfectant wipe to dry his hands.
Zhan He'an casually wiped his hands, meticulously cleaning each finger that had touched Mother Ming.
As if he had just touched some sort of pathogen.
That look of disdain made Mother Ming feel immensely humiliated.
Was he mocking her?
After drying his hands.
Zhan He'an slightly raised his eyebrows. His face, with its immortal demeanor, showed little expression.
He simply uttered three words in a flat tone: "Cannot be treated."
The private room fell silent once more.
Father Ming and Mother Ming's faces sank completely.
Ming Chuyan, sitting beside them, cast a glance towards Old Master Lu.
Old Master Lu looked at Zhan He'an with some difficulty and sighed. "I did say before that Madam Ming's condition is very complex. Just because the President agreed to help doesn't guarantee a cure..."
"But... but you are from the Chinese Medicine Association, and President Zhan is the President of the Chinese Medicine Association!" Ming Chuyan's eyes turned red. She stared intently at Zhan He'an, her voice trembling slightly. "President Zhan, you must have a way, right?"
Zhan He'an shook his head, stating unequivocally, "I've examined it. There is no way."
Father Ming slumped back into his chair.
His face, ashen and pale, was dejected and listless. "Could it be... could it be that my wife will have to live like this from now on?"
Mother Ming had already lowered her head, weeping softly.
Ming Chuyan quickly stepped forward to comfort her mother.
Old Master Lu sighed deeply again, looking at his former student, whose eyes were red but who was still trying to comfort his mother.
He leaned closer to Zhan He'an and asked in a low voice, "President, is it possible... is there truly no one in the world who can treat Madam Ming anymore?"
Zhan He'an: "There is."
This answer from Zhan He'an.
Instantly made all three members of the Ming family look up.
Each of them looked at Zhan He'an with extreme tension.
Ming Chuyan rushed to Zhan He'an's side, her eyes filled with hope. "President Zhan, who? Who can save my mother?"
"That person's whereabouts are unpredictable, and she is very mysterious. I cannot find her either." Zhan He'an stood up, his dark robe flowing down, further enhancing his immortal demeanor.
He clearly showed signs of leaving.
Father Ming glanced at Mother Ming, who was quietly weeping, and quickly stood up, rushing in front of Zhan He'an. "President Zhan, who is that person? How can we find her?"
Zhan He'an cast a sideways glance at him. "You won't be able to find her."
He paused slightly. A hint of a smile, both mocking and ironic, flickered in his eyes. "Even if you find her, she, I'm afraid... won't help you."
Father Ming's pupils widened. "Why?"
Why?
Zhan He'an sneered.
Why else could it be?
It was naturally because...
The person who crippled Madam Ming's hands was that... the one whom their Chinese Medicine Association had invited countless times to be its president, but who had never agreed...
That person, with her unparalleled medical skills, whom no one could rival.
Originally, when he heard Old Master Lu describe Madam Ming's symptoms.
He hadn't taken it to heart at all.
He had merely offered a few suggestions.
Then, Old Master Lu called again for consultation, saying that following his methods, Madam Ming's hands still showed no improvement.
This piqued his curiosity.
Logically speaking.
Madam Ming's hands should have been paralyzed and immobile due to blockage in her meridians.
Even if Old Master Lu could not completely cure Madam Ming.
A set of silver needles would at least...
Allow Madam Ming's hands to regain some sensation, wouldn't it?
How could there be no improvement at all?
Unless...
The person who caused Madam Ming's meridians to be blocked was her.
This thought instantly ignited his interest.
When Old Master Lu pleaded with him to personally treat Madam Ming, he had readily agreed.
He also wanted to personally confirm it.
And, after examining Madam Ming's pulse just now.
He was completely certain.
To be able to block Madam Ming's meridians with such a cunning angle and method.
To the point that even he was helpless.
Besides that person.
There was no one else!
The Ming family had offended that person.
Could they still have a way to survive?