Early the next morning, Zhou Yi followed Zhang Tianrui to the hospital.
Zhang Ming ran a pharmaceutical company, while his son Zhang Tianrui operated a hospital—an interesting family business.
This was a private hospital, and those admitted to the VIP wards were no ordinary individuals.
Zhou Yi first met the old man’s son.
His name was Qu Hongzhuo, a man in his fifties.
With a stern expression and piercing gaze, he stood at the door, exuding an air of authority that marked him as someone of importance.
Zhang Tianrui had already briefed Zhou Yi beforehand, so upon arrival, Zhou Yi respectfully addressed him, "Uncle Qu."
Qu Hongzhuo offered a faint smile, though his dignified demeanor still kept others at arm’s length.
"So, this is Dr. Zhou? Quite young."
It was clear Qu Hongzhuo didn’t entirely trust this youthful doctor.
Given Zhou Yi’s appearance and age, it was no surprise he’d initially be met with skepticism.
Zhang Tianrui, having interacted with Qu Hongzhuo several times before, calmly explained with a smile:
"Uncle Qu, don’t let Zhou Yi’s youth fool you. His mentor was a highly skilled physician in our area—unfortunately, he’s passed away now. Back then, many sought his help but couldn’t even get an appointment."
"Zhou Yi inherited his medical expertise. He’s no less capable than those doctors in their fifties or sixties, and he’s just as hard to book."
First step: lay the groundwork with some well-placed bravado.
One, to establish Zhou Yi’s credibility.
Two, to emphasize that his services weren’t easily obtained.
The Zhang family had gone to great lengths to bring him here.
Qu Hongzhuo studied Zhou Yi for a few more seconds, though he didn’t hold out much hope.
Countless so-called "miracle workers" had come before, yet none had made a difference.
But at this point, they had nothing to lose. One more opinion couldn’t hurt.
Qu Hongzhuo briefly outlined Old Master Qu’s condition—essentially, the ailments of old age: organ failure, the natural decline toward death.
Without some miraculous intervention, there was no reversing it.
Yet some people refused to accept fate, like Old Master Qu and Qu Hongzhuo himself.
The old man had weathered countless storms in his lifetime—he wasn’t about to surrender now. He’d cling to life with sheer willpower.
Qu Hongzhuo pushed open the door to the ward. Inside, an elderly man lay on the hospital bed.
He appeared sturdier than most his age, not the frail, sickly type.
His hair had been dyed black—a clear sign of his defiance against aging.
When Zhou Yi entered, the old man laboriously turned his head toward him, his speech slightly slurred.
"Who... who’s this now?"
Qu Yin’s eyes, unlike those of most elderly, were sharp and alert as they fixed on Zhou Yi.
Perhaps when a person’s will to live is strong enough, even illness can’t break them.
"Dad, this is a doctor Zhang Ming brought over from Huaihai. Heard he cured the child of one of his sworn brothers. Thought I’d have him take a look at you."
Qu Hongzhuo was deeply filial toward his father—not the type eager to inherit his wealth the moment he passed.
Qu Yin studied Zhou Yi, then weakly raised a hand in greeting. Zhou Yi stepped forward and crouched beside the bed.
"What a handsome young man. Reminds me of myself back in the day."
He smiled kindly, cracking a joke.
Zhou Yi responded with humble pleasantries.
Watching this scene, Qu Hongzhuo was reminded of his own deceased son, a pang of sorrow striking him.
Had his son lived to adulthood, perhaps this would have been their dynamic too.
Zhou Yi asked his system, "Can my medical skills cure his illness?"
077: "No. He’s reached the natural end of life—organ failure leading to death. What, are you trying to defy the heavens?"
Zhou Yi: "Then surely there’s a way to prolong his life? I remember the system shop has those rejuvenation serums and body-enhancing potions, right?"
077: "?"
"You..."
"Huh..."
"Well..."
"Now that you mention it, it might actually work."
The system shop didn’t yet carry medicine capable of resurrecting the dead—even if it did, that would require Zhou Yi to reach Level 50, and the price would be astronomical, far beyond the reach of most hosts.
But when it came to slowing organ degeneration or rejuvenating the body, there were indeed potions available.
The rejuvenation serum was originally intended for the host’s romantic targets—keeping women youthful.
The organ-enhancing potion was for Zhou Yi himself, ensuring his body remained virile and attractive to women.
But if these were used on Qu Yin...
—It wasn’t entirely impossible.
After some thought, the system acknowledged the feasibility.
Zhou Yi’s unconventional thinking had struck gold again.
"Still, even if you proceed, it’ll only buy him three more years, and it’ll cost you a hefty sum of attribute points."
"Qu Yin’s organs are too aged. To extend his life by three years, you’d need to spend at least a million attribute points. The potion would have to be administered in stages."
A million attribute points for three more years of life was a worthwhile trade for Zhou Yi—he could always earn back the points later.
Gritting his teeth, Zhou Yi said, "Three years is enough. I’ll take it!"
"OK, placing your order. Deducting 1.3 million—"
"—Wait, no need to deduct it all at once. I can administer the potion gradually. If I give it all now, they won’t rely on me as much. Let’s start with a few dozen bottles and see how it goes."
Once they tasted the benefits and witnessed the potion’s power, the Qu family would undoubtedly treat him as an honored guest.
If Zhou Yi wanted to keep them under his thumb, he’d need to dangle the potion like a carrot—controlling life and death itself.
Once again, Zhou Yi marveled at the system’s capabilities.
In matters of romance, the system played a minor role. But when it came to life and death, its power was undeniable.
Qu Yin asked, "What’s your name?"
Zhou Yi: "I’m Zhou Yi. You can call me Xiao Zhou."
Mishearing, Qu Yin murmured, "Zhou Yi... That’s a fine name. Cough... Xiao Zhou, what do you think of my condition? Will I make it past this winter?"
His gaze was hopeful, his question blunt.
He had no patience for vague reassurances—no "we’ll see" or "it’s uncertain." He wanted a straight answer: yes or no. Beating around the bush only annoyed him.
Beside him, Qu Hongzhuo remained skeptical.
Zhou Yi pretended to examine Qu Yin’s face briefly before declaring, "Yes. With the right treatment, I can ensure you live comfortably for another two to three years."
At these words, Qu Yin nearly sat up in excitement.
Grasping Zhou Yi’s hand, he trembled as he asked, "R-really...?"
Later, when people spoke of Zhou Yi’s miraculous cure for Qu Yin, the tale grew increasingly fantastical.
They claimed he diagnosed the illness and predicted the remaining lifespan without even taking a pulse.
In truth, Zhou Yi had simply forgotten that part of the process.
Qu Hongzhuo was now visibly excited. His eyes widened slightly as he strode over and firmly grasped Zhou Yi’s hand, his voice trembling:
"You—you’re telling the truth! Really two or three years!?"
Previously, the doctors had said the old man might not make it through the winter, though Qu Hongzhuo had never shared this with his father.
If he could live another two or three years, it would be no different from a miracle!
Zhou Yi nodded calmly, exuding an air of mystery: "Yes. My late mentor left behind a secret remedy. Why not let Grandpa Qu try it for a few days and see if it works?"
"Good, good, good... Whatever the case, let’s try it. Having a solution is what matters, having a solution is what matters."
Qu Hongzhuo repeated "good" three times in a row.
No one in the hospital room doubted Zhou Yi’s words. Those who came here wouldn’t dare make such claims without confidence.
Clearly, Zhou Yi had some basis for his bold statement.
A glimmer of hope appeared in Qu Yin’s eyes as well.
After a moment of contemplation, Qu Hongzhuo said:
"In that case, Xiao Zhou, why don’t you stay at my place these next few days? I’ll assign two assistants to you—feel free to direct them as needed. If you’re missing anything, just let me know."
"This... Wouldn’t that be too much trouble? I couldn’t possibly impose on your household."
Zhou Yi feigned polite refusal.
Staying at Qu Hongzhuo’s home was an immense privilege. Even Zhang Ming had only been invited for a meal once, while Zhang Tianrui had never even stepped foot inside.
Qu Hongzhuo smiled warmly: "No trouble at all. If anything, it’s my family who’ll be troubling you. Don’t stand on ceremony, Uncle insists. By the way, Dr. Zhou, what ingredients do you need for the medicine? Should I send someone to procure them, or...?"
Zhou Yi listed several medicinal herbs without hesitation.
"Dr. Zhou, is this formula something you’d prefer to keep confidential?"
"It’s fine, Uncle Qu. These are just the basic ingredients. I’ll handle the rest myself."
Qu Hongzhuo immediately understood—the crucial components had been omitted.
"Then I’ll have my assistants purchase these and bring them home. Let’s head back now—I’ll prepare a proper welcome for you."
Qu Hongzhuo’s tone left no room for refusal, so Zhou Yi pretended to reluctantly accept the hospitality.
Nearby, Zhang Tianrui listened intently, memorizing the herbs Zhou Yi had mentioned.
Upon hearing that Zhou Yi would be staying with the Qu family, he thought to himself, This kid really has some skills. I bet on the right horse.
At least he hadn’t offended him.
Zhang Tianrui gave Zhou Yi a cordial smile: "A-Yi, go ahead with Uncle Qu. I’ll fetch your luggage from home and bring it over."
"Isn’t that too much trouble, Brother Rui?"
"Then should I ask your sister-in-law to deliver it instead?"
The ruthless Zhang Tianrui mentioned Song Rou again without a flicker of unease in his expression.
It was unclear whether he was genuinely unbothered or subtly hinting at something.
"Then I’ll trouble you, Brother Rui. I’ll go ahead with Uncle Qu now."
"Tianrui, your father found us an excellent doctor. Once Grandpa Qu recovers, I’ll treat your whole family to a meal."
"You’re too kind, Uncle Qu..."
After exchanging a few polite words, Zhang Tianrui turned and walked away in the opposite direction.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yi and Qu Hongzhuo got into the car and headed to the Qu residence.
During the ride, the two struck up a conversation.
"Dr. Zhou, you’re so young—still in university, I presume?"
"Yes, Uncle Qu. I’m a sophomore this year."
"Remarkable talent at such a young age. If you can cure my father, your future will be boundless."
Though phrased as praise, Qu Hongzhuo’s words carried deeper implications.
"You attend Huai Medical University?"
"No, just Huaihai University. And I’m not studying medicine—it’s visual communication design."
"You’re not a medical student?"
"Circumstances prevented me from pursuing medicine."
Zhou Yi lowered his gaze, his expression dimming.
Qu Hongzhuo noted his reaction, making a mental note to ask Zhang Ming about the young man’s background later.
He never mistreated those who showed kindness to his family.
Moreover, despite his youth, Zhou Yi lacked the arrogance often seen in talented youngsters. Instead, he was humble and unpretentious.
Even more rare—he wasn’t intimidated by Qu Hongzhuo.
Most young people were somewhat nervous around him, but Zhou Yi remained composed.
A quick glance revealed Zhou Yi wore modest clothing and shoes—nothing flashy, contrary to what Zhang Tianrui might have suggested for meeting the Qu family.
People like them had seen plenty of wealthy individuals. Grandpa Qu, having endured hardships in his youth, remained a simple man at heart. Zhou Yi’s plain attire didn’t diminish their impression of him.
As long as he was clean and presentable, it sufficed.
Zhou Yi presented himself as nothing more than an unassuming college student.
"Xiao Zhou, would you like to study at A University?"
"I think every student dreams of attending A University."
"Then once you’ve treated Grandpa Qu, I’ll write a recommendation letter to the dean. How does that sound?"
The unspoken transaction between adults was clear. Zhou Yi understood perfectly.
With a faint smile, he shook his head: "Uncle Qu, I’ll soon be traveling to the U.S. for the International Math Olympiad. If I win, I can enter A University through special admissions. Thank you for your kindness."
"Truthfully, I initially agreed to treat Grandpa Qu as a favor to a friend. You needn’t reward me."
"After learning about the patient’s identity, it became a matter of principle—I’ll give it my all."
"Without Grandpa Qu and his generation, I might not even exist today. The lives we enjoy now were bought with the sacrifices of those like him. I haven’t forgotten, nor should anyone. If I can heal him, my medical skills won’t have been in vain."
Zhou Yi declined the recommendation letter, explaining his motivations instead.
First, he came for a friend—proving his loyalty.
Upon discovering Qu Yin’s background, he vowed to do everything possible, demonstrating gratitude and integrity.
Qu Hongzhuo couldn’t help but admire him—such individuals were rare.
Zhou Yi’s final remark struck a chord with Qu Hongzhuo.
"Few young people today remember these things. I’m moved, Xiao Zhou. You’re a good kid."
The two conversed throughout the journey.
Rarely did Qu Hongzhuo encounter younger generations like Zhou Yi—neither fawning nor fearful, just sincere and respectfully candid. He found himself growing fond of the young man.
The car stopped before a courtyard residence. Upon exiting, Zhou Yi realized they were near the Forbidden City in City A.
In this area, such a siheyun would cost at least hundreds of millions.
The Qu family’s influence was indeed extraordinary.
Zhou Yi followed Qu Hongzhuo inside. The interior was stunning—a perfect blend of elegance and homely comfort.
Lush plants adorned the space, and in the corridor sat a woman in her fifties sewing clothes—Qu Hongzhuo’s wife, Ma Yunfang.
Noticing the young man behind her husband, she set aside her work and came forward to greet their guest.
"Old Qu, whose kid are you bringing along?"