Chapter 73 - 72: Miss Xu Sets Her Price (Second Update)

Chapter 73: Chapter 72: Miss Xu Sets Her Price (Second Update)

The woman’s words were like a heavy hammer, striking hard on Xiao Yi’s heart, dispersing the emotions that had been quietly brewing within him.

Right, she had always been like this. In her eyes, the relationship between them was clearly defined and wouldn’t change because of what they had been through or what past they shared.

After Peng Shi’s case the first time, she said goodbye to him with a carefree face.

This time was the same.

So why should he think too much? He might as well treat these events as regular casework, just as she did, let bygones be bygones.

Xiao Yi slightly pursed his lips, looking at the woman in front of him, and said, "I will leave after the new County Magistrate arrives the day after tomorrow."

The day after tomorrow?

Indeed, that was soon.

Xu Jing nodded, indicating she understood.

But the man in front of her suddenly asked, "If given a chance, would you still want to be involved in solving cases?"

Xu Jing was a bit surprised, looking at him with some astonishment.

Why was he asking this?

Xiao Yi’s eyes were deep, "Miss Xu’s talent in forensic matters shouldn’t be wasted; besides, I see Miss Xu doesn’t mind autopsies and investigations."

Not just doesn’t mind, she clearly enjoyed the process of investigating and finding the culprit, having an indescribable sense of mission and pride in speaking for the dead.

Every time she performed an autopsy, she seemed to transform into a different person—focused and sharp-eyed, her whole demeanor like an unsheathed sword, without holding back any of her brilliance when it came to forensic matters.

At that moment, it was as if she emitted a light, so dazzling that it was impossible to look away.

Under that gaze that seemed to see through human hearts, the "I don’t want to" Xu Jing was about to say got stuck in her throat, unable to come out for a long while.

Did she really not want to? The reason she initially embarked on the path of forensic medicine was that her parents were murdered when she was a child, which steeled her resolve to become a forensic doctor who speaks for the dead and lets there be no more unjust cases in the world.

Over the years, no matter how much her grandfather opposed, or how people around her viewed her profession, she had never wavered.

Each time she saw the grief yet immense gratitude in the eyes of the victims’ families and witnessed each culprit being brought to justice, she felt an indescribable satisfaction, as if she could somewhat comfort her parents’ souls in heaven and redeem her childhood self.

She was silent for a moment, then said, "If there’s a chance, I certainly hope to use my small strength to help those innocent wronged souls, but..."

"I understand."

Before Xu Jing could finish, the man in front of her suddenly stood up, glanced down at the bewildered Xu Jing, paused, and said: "You don’t have to worry, I’ll arrange everything.

It’s getting late, so I’ll take my leave first. Miss Xu, you should rest early too."

After speaking, he turned and left with big strides.

Xu Jing: "???"

No, what did he understand? What is he arranging?

This man, since when did he start playing riddles?

Although Xu Jing was somewhat concerned about Xiao Yi’s words that night, she wasn’t concerned to the point of chasing after him to ask.

Moreover, compared to Xiao Yi’s ambiguous words, she was more concerned about Xinglin Hall’s business, as that directly related to her life.

After Xinglin Hall resumed normal operations, they had a steady stream of patients every day. With Zheng Shouyan arrested and Huashou Hall temporarily closed, Huashou Hall’s patients had to go to other clinics, allowing Xinglin Hall to share in the business. They’ve been so busy these days that their feet hardly touch the ground.

However, hearing the pleasant sound of copper coins dropping into the money jar, they immediately felt full of energy and busy but happy!

In these past few days, almost every day someone was ordering Atractylodes Qi Pill, and they had already collected almost two hundred orders, even without actively promoting it.

There’s no other way; they were short-handed now, afraid they wouldn’t be able to fulfill too many orders, so they had to be restrained.

That noon during a break, Cheng Qingqing propped her chin with one hand, looking puzzled, "I’ve been worried these past few days that other clinics might try to suppress us. How come so many days have passed, and nothing has happened?"

Cheng Xianbai rolled his eyes at his sister, "Are you actually hoping we get suppressed? In Anping County, there are only three big clinics with the ability to suppress us. Huashou Hall is in trouble because of Doctor Zheng, and their ability to survive is questionable.

Moreover, our Xinglin Hall has been acknowledged by the county government! Have you seen many officers from the county government come here to buy medicine and get consultations? With such a strong backing, no average person would dare pull any low tricks at our door."

Cheng Qingqing puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction, "What do you mean I’m hoping we get suppressed, I’m just worried! Besides, if they truly wanted to suppress us, they have many means at their disposal."

Xu Jing looked at the bickering siblings amusingly and said in a calm voice, "Qingqing is right; even if they wouldn’t dare openly suppress us because of the county government’s favor, they have plenty of ways to act in the shadows.

Moreover, if I’m not wrong, they will probably act soon."

Cheng Xianbai’s eyes widened in surprise, and Cheng Qingqing wore an expression that screamed "I knew it!"

Xu Jing simply smiled, "As I always say, we’ll deal with problems as they come..."

Before she could finish her words, a tall and sturdy figure suddenly entered from outside Xinglin Hall.

Cheng Qingqing instinctively turned and said, "Sorry, we’re on lunch break..."

But upon recognizing the visitor, her voice got caught in her throat.

Wasn’t that Vice Minister Xiao!

Why would Vice Minister Xiao personally visit their little clinic?

Xu Jing raised her eyebrows slightly, looking at him with some surprise.

Xiao Yi clearly came with a purpose. He nodded lightly at the Cheng siblings before looking at Xu Jing and said: "I wonder if Miss Xu is available this afternoon?"

Xu Jing indeed had no time in the afternoon, but Xiao Yi wasn’t the kind of person to ask thoughtless questions when he knew she had a practice.

She glanced at Xiao Yi inquisitively and said, "Let’s talk outside."

After saying so, she walked outside under the Cheng siblings’ intensely curious gazes.

Her leg was still injured, and the wheelchair Xiao Yi had sent was too big to use in Xinglin Hall, so she decided not to use it. Normally, she just stayed put but when she had to move, she hopped around by supporting herself with nearby objects, getting by just fine.

Seeing Xu Jing’s awkward walking posture, Xiao Yi frowned deeply, and without thinking, he stepped forward and supported her arm.

Cheng Brothers and Sisters: "!!!"

Oh my goodness!

What exactly is the relationship between Vice Minister Xiao and Miss Xu!

It’s truly... truly vexing!

Xu Jing glanced at him, knowing her situation was not to be pretentious about and not letting him help, so she thanked him and walked outside with him.

As soon as they got outside, Xiao Yi got straight to the point, "A murder case has occurred in Anping County, and we hope Miss Xu can help the county government with the autopsy."

Xu Jing was slightly stunned, then heard the man in front of her add, "Of course, there is compensation; Miss Xu can name your price, as long as it’s within a reasonable range, it’s not a problem."

This was to establish a long-term cooperative relationship with the county government!

But wasn’t he about to leave Anping County shortly?

Suddenly, she recalled the words he said two nights ago—"You don’t have to worry; I’ll arrange everything."

She thought of something and couldn’t help but ask incredulously, "Did you tell the new County Magistrate about me?"