Chapter 13: Not a Fraud

Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin

Hearing Ye Mo's words, a flicker of recognition crossed the old man's eyes. While he knew Ye Mo was capable, he still doubted Ye Mo could completely cure him. Furthermore, the doctor's immediate request for payment seemed ethically questionable.

In the medical field, a 70% success rate is significant. Yet, Ye Mo claimed a 70% chance of an easy cure, boosting the old man's confidence. However, facing a life expectancy of only a few months without treatment, the potential loss of money—insignificant to him—was a minor concern.

Still, the old man wasn't easily tricked. "You say you don't have a 100% success rate now," he said, "when will you have a 100% chance of success?"

"Three years," Ye Mo replied blandly. He reasoned that by then, his silver heart grass would be harvested, allowing him to reach Chi Gathering Stage 3. He sensed the old man's doubt but didn't care; this was his only opportunity to earn money.

He wouldn't foolishly reveal his abilities, even if he didn't get paid. He understood the nature of this place; revealing unexplainable skills would bring unwanted attention.

His current strength wouldn't allow him to escape the government's power. He had to earn money discreetly, concealing his abilities to avoid being experimented on.

"Then I'll choose symptomatic treatment," the old man conceded, hope waning. He suspected Ye Mo was a fraud; no one could cure his condition now, let alone in three years.

His reason for proceeding was twofold: Ye Mo had relieved his pain with a few needles, and he wanted to see if the doctor was dishonest. Working at Li Kang Hospital, he could flee, but the hospital couldn't.

Ye Mo immediately rejected the old man's payment proposal. Without sufficient power, he wouldn't expose his abilities. He knew human nature's deviousness firsthand, trusting only his master, Luo Ying. Besides, he doubted the girl's claim of lacking funds. How could someone so wealthy lack a single credit card?

The old man's face fell; doctors like this actually existed? Regardless of whether Ye Mo was a fraud, demanding payment before treatment was unconscionable—a complete lack of medical ethics.

"Grandpa, many doctors are like that now," Qing Er, the girl, said soothingly, noticing her grandfather's distress. "They won't treat without money. Don't be angry."

"How much for symptomatic treatment?" Qing Er asked pragmatically. While sensing Ye Mo's abilities, she suspected he might be bluffing, but she couldn't afford to miss this opportunity.

"200,000!" Ye Mo estimated; her clothing likely cost that much. The girl was frustrated; she only had 50,000. Did he base his fee on her clothes? She didn't buy them; they were a gift.

"I only have 50,000," she said, handing him her card. "The password is 880521." Ye Mo considered her stingy—his heart protection pill was worth more—but accepted it. This would suffice for now.

He produced a black pill. "Take this heart protection pill, then I'll perform acupuncture."

"What's that? A heart protection pill? It looks awful! Are you a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner? This is Li Kang Hospital!" Qing Er protested.

"Your choice," Ye Mo said, displeased. "If you refuse, I'll return the card." The old man waved Qing Er aside. "Give me the pill."

The old man swallowed it. Three more years would allow him to settle affairs. Sudden death would cause family chaos, something he wished to avoid.

Though 90% certain Ye Mo was a fraud, he held onto the 10% hope. As Ye Mo began acupuncture, his speed astounded Qing Er, who initially doubted him. The speed, and the sweat on Ye Mo's brow, changed her mind.

Then, the old man grimaced. Ye Mo flipped him, palming his back until the old man expelled a globule of dark, clotted liquid.

Gasping, Ye Mo announced, "Your grandfather is fine. Tell a nurse to clean up; I'm leaving."

He departed before Qing Er could react. She suspected he was a con artist, possibly not even from Li Kang Hospital (the nurse had confirmed he wasn't Doctor Cui).

The old man, feeling lighter, declared, "He wasn't a fraud. Find out his name; we need to know someone like that."