Medical Sage

”Really? That’s wonderful! Thank you so much, sir.” The flight attendant was startled at first, then immediately thrilled as she rushed off to get a pen and paper. Tongzhou City, located in the Jiangnan Basin of Huaxia, is abundant in rainfall and enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, earning it the nickname ”Spring City.” It is the capital of Jiangnan Province, its political, economic, and cultural center, as well as an important hub for tourism and trade in the southwestern region of Huaxia Land.

The airport in Tongzhou City is located outside the city proper. By the time the flight from Northern Mountain City arrived, it was nearly ten in the morning.

”You big scoundrel, thanks for today. But is that prescription you wrote for us actually going to work? What if it still hurts after we take the traditional medicine you prescribed? You’re not just fooling us, are you, you big quack?”

As the passengers were gradually disembarking, Chu Yan squeezed next to Chen Fei and muttered with distrust.

”Hey, you chatterbox… if you don’t trust it, then don’t take it. Save yourself the cost of the medicine. I should’ve known better than to save an ingrate like you. I’m done talking. Goodbye, and let’s never meet again!” Chen Fei retorted, visibly annoyed, and walked away with a look of displeasure.

”Hmph! What’s with the attitude? If this medicine doesn’t work, I’ll find you and settle the score!” Miss Chu Yan huffed again, her fair cheeks puffing up like little steamed buns.

...

Upon exiting the Tongzhou City Airport, a Rolls-Royce came speeding over and pulled to a smooth stop before them. Two burly men in black suits, their muscles straining against the fabric, stepped out and respectfully opened the car doors for Gao Zhinan and Chen Fei.

”Director Gao, shall we head over now?” Chen Fei asked without any formality, settling into his seat.

”Or, Doctor Chen, should we grab a bite to eat first?” Gao Zhinan offered immediately, thinking Chen Fei might not want to rush.

”Get something to eat? Let’s skip it. Didn’t we just eat on the plane? Oh, right, where does the Xiao Family live? If it’s on the way, let’s drive through the city first and see the sights. To tell you the truth, Director Gao, this is my first time ever visiting Tongzhou,” Chen Fei said, first shaking his head and then speaking with great excitement.

No matter who it is, arriving in a modern metropolis for the first time is bound to stir an irresistible sense of excitement and anticipation. This was especially true for Tongzhou City, which was one of the country’s top economic powerhouses, ranking in the top five or ten. The impression it gave was on a completely different level, far surpassing what Northern Mountain City could offer.

”Director Gao, I know a route that cuts through the city center. We can see many of Tongzhou City’s iconic landmarks and industries along the way. What do you think?” the driver cleverly suggested.

”Let’s take that route, then. I haven’t been to Tongzhou City in a while myself, so it’ll be good to see what’s new,” Gao Zhinan immediately decided. Of course, he only said this to accommodate Chen Fei’s wishes.

And so, Chen Fei, feeling like a country bumpkin in a Rolls-Royce, rode into the city, slowly entering the provincial capital of Jiangnan.

It had to be said that although Northern Mountain City was known as the second-largest city in Jiangnan Province after the capital, Tongzhou, the gap between them was immense. The broad, eight-lane roads, the magnificent skyscrapers that shot up from the ground, the bustling shopping malls filled with a dazzling array of goods, the central business districts spanning dozens of city blocks, the world-renowned luxury brand stores, and the endless streams of people—all of it showcased the irresistible charm of the provincial capital, filling one with a sense of wonder.

After they had their fill of the novel experience, the Rolls-Royce carrying Chen Fei and Gao Zhinan finally headed toward the most elite residential area in the southern part of Tongzhou City—Phoenix Mountain.

This was the city’s most valuable real estate, where almost the entire mountainside was occupied by private estates. It was a gathering place for the mansions of wealthy and influential figures from within and outside the province, hailed as a symbol of status. Outsiders could only admire the beautiful scenery of Phoenix Mountain from afar, as entry was strictly forbidden.

In fact, this was not a place where just anyone could live. This was due to the sky-high property prices, which were unattainable for most, as well as the unspoken rules regarding the status and social standing of prospective residents. For instance, a wealthy man with a fortune of tens of millions once offered more than half his net worth to purchase a private estate on Phoenix Mountain, only to be rejected because the community deemed his status insufficient.

This alone showed what an exclusive and high-class residential area it was. One probably needed a net worth of at least a hundred million or significant personal influence to even qualify for residency.

Moreover, the security patrol for the Phoenix Mountain villa area was astonishingly stringent. It was filled with professional bodyguards, many of whom carried firearms with live ammunition. With guards posted every few steps and sentries around every corner, the security was nearly on par with that of a national leader.

It seemed Gao Zhinan owned property in this villa area, as their Rolls-Royce was registered and not subjected to any inspection, driving straight toward the mountainside. Shortly after, they arrived before an extremely luxurious private estate. The manor was situated at the very top of the mountain, its commanding position making it particularly eye-catching.

”This Phoenix Mountain villa area was single-handedly developed by the Xiao Family, so naturally, they kept the best property for themselves,” Gao Zhinan suddenly explained.

”This place belongs to them? They must really have some clout!” Chen Fei couldn’t help but mutter.

Even a layman like him understood. A private villa district of this caliber, arguably the most exclusive in the entire province, couldn’t be established with money alone. It required favors from many powerful people and immense personal strength. Anything less would be a joke. The fact that the Xiao Family had accomplished this on their own was proof enough that their title as Jiangnan Province’s leading enterprise was well-deserved, not just an empty boast.

”Mr. Gao, may I ask your purpose for visiting today?”

As Gao Zhinan led Chen Fei toward the Xiao Family Manor, their driver and bodyguards were all made to wait outside, forbidden from entering. Even Gao Zhinan himself was stopped by a man in his thirties who looked like a butler and questioned him with an air of indifference. The man wore a typical Western-style butler’s uniform, stood over one-eighty in height, and wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. A faint trace of arrogance lingered in his features. With his darker skin, he didn’t look Chinese; he looked more like he was from the Philippines.

”Mr. Li, here’s the situation. I heard that President Xiao has been unwell recently, afflicted with a strange illness. I’ve specially invited Doctor Chen, a highly skilled physician from Northern Mountain City, to come and take a look,” Gao Zhinan said, gesturing to Chen Fei.

”A doctor? Him?” The man Gao Zhinan called Mr. Li glanced at Chen Fei in surprise, then gave a slight nod. ”Very well, please come in.” Clearly, if not for Gao Zhinan’s reputation, Chen Fei likely wouldn’t have been allowed past the gate. After all, he looked far too young to be a doctor of great medical expertise.

The Xiao Family of Jiangnan Province, with four generations living under one roof, was known as a titan of southwestern Huaxia Land and a true Red Family. Even Elder Mr. Xiao, who had participated in that historic war, was still alive and well, revered as a Pillar of the Sky. Thus, while the Xiao Family might not be on the same level as the top-tier families in the Capital City, in the eyes of ordinary people, they were unapproachably powerful and highly respected.

Furthermore, the Xiao Family also controlled the Xiao Group, the foremost enterprise in Jiangnan Province. Elder Mr. Xiao’s eldest son—Xiao Qianrang’s paternal grand-uncle—was the current commander of the Jiangnan Province Military Region. Additionally, Xiao Qianrang’s third paternal uncle served as a minister in the provincial Organization Department.

The power wielded by such a massive family was naturally astonishing. It was by riding this wave that Xiao Qianrang had firmly secured his position as the wealthiest man in Jiangnan Province, unshakable by any challenger. As for someone like Gao Zhinan, a CEO with assets over a billion, while he might seem impressive to outsiders, he was still out of his league when compared to Xiao Qianrang and the Xiao Group.

Although it was called the Xiao Family Manor, not all Xiao Family Members lived on Phoenix Mountain. It was merely the private villa of Xiao Qianrang and his wife.

On the third floor of the Xiao Family Manor, inside an exceptionally luxurious room, Chen Fei finally met the renowned wealthiest man in Jiangnan Province—Xiao Qianrang.

He was a middle-aged man approaching forty, with a robust build and a vibrant spirit. A sharp glint flashed in his eyes from time to time, exuding an intense pressure. However, his expression was poor at the moment, giving the impression that he was extremely irritable.

”President Xiao, it’s been a long time. I hope you’ve been well,” Gao Zhinan said as he walked forward to shake his hand. Though he did his best to act neither servile nor overbearing, in Chen Fei’s eyes, he still seemed a bit too deferential, a detail he noted.

So there really is a difference between billionaires. It was obvious Xiao Qianrang was on a higher level.

”Well? I’ve been anything but. Director Gao, you have no idea how this strange illness has been torturing me lately, damn it!” Xiao Qianrang couldn’t help but curse, his face etched with frustration.

Hearing this, Gao Zhinan immediately spoke up. ”President Xiao, allow me to introduce you. This is Doctor Chen from Northern Mountain City. His medical skills are so profound, calling them peerless is no exaggeration. Perhaps he can help you.”

”Him?” Xiao Qianrang’s expression froze, and a strange look appeared on his face.

If Gao Zhinan hadn’t introduced him, I’d have thought he was just some kid from Gao’s family, someone barely worth noticing. And now he’s telling me this boy is a doctor?

”Hello, President Xiao. My name is Chen Fei,” Chen Fei said with a nod, seeing it was his turn to speak.

”Hello.” Xiao Qianrang nodded curtly, then scrutinized Chen Fei with a sharp gaze for a moment before suddenly chuckling. ”Doctor Chen, if I’m not mistaken, you’re quite young, aren’t you? May I ask from which prestigious medical school, domestic or foreign, you graduated?”

Hearing the obvious condescension in his tone, Chen Fei frowned slightly and replied coolly, ”To be frank, President Xiao, I didn’t graduate from any famous medical school. I am a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine.”