Chapter 716 - 716: Zhongli Chenpu

In the villa's living room, Sun Shijie took a sip of tea and said to Zhao Guo'an, "To be honest, your skills in saving lives may not be top-notch.

But when it comes to researching unconventional methods, you have an innate talent."

"..." Zhao Guo'an.

Are you sure this isn't an insult?

As if seeing through his thoughts, Sun Shijie said solemnly, "I have no intention of joking or mocking you.

Bear in mind, the unconventional path is still a path. If you can reach the peak, even if it's an unconventional one, it becomes a coveted avenue to success for many!"

Zhao Guo'an pondered, feeling that this rationale was much like the early days of collecting protection fees and occupying territories, before moving on to logistics or real estate.

Ultimately, they made a fortune, successfully went legitimate, and joined the ranks of entrepreneurs, becoming social elites of the local area.

After a moment, Sun Shijie added, "Both you and I know that those with dull minds can't handle our line of work.

So, I believe you can understand what I mean.

What I'm saying is, everyone has their specialties, and also their weaknesses. The most important thing is how to amplify your strengths to the utmost."

After thinking for a long time, Zhao Guo'an hesitantly said, "Senior, do you mean I should focus my efforts on researching the strange and unique medicines that Lao Xiao mentioned?"

"Not just that." Sun Shijie shook his head, saying, "I'm not just flattering you, even though I'm an expert in medicine.

But if you asked me to research a medicine that makes people go mad temporarily without side effects, it would take at least ten days to half a month, if possible at all.

Even if given half a month, I'm not 100% sure I could succeed.

That's what talent is, do you understand talent?"

"Talent... talent..." Zhao Guo'an muttered to himself, contemplating the deeper meaning of Sun Shijie's words.

As he was thinking, he heard Sun Shijie say again, "To fully harness your talent, I believe you can completely switch to a new teacher.

Find a master who is proficient in pharmacology and medicine, then become his apprentice, and set off on a golden road!"

Zhao Guo'an was stunned for a while, smiling bitterly, "A master proficient in pharmacology and medicine, why don't you just say you're talking about yourself?"

Now he finally understood what Sun Shijie wanted to do.

Such roundabout talk, he actually just wants to persuade him to become his apprentice.

As for why he's doing this, Zhao Guo'an believed it wasn't because he had some innate talent, but rather to spite his own master, Sun Yiyang.

Realizing this, Zhao Guo'an became even more curious about the kind of conflict between his master and Sun Shijie.

But before he could ask, the doorbell rang.

"Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!"

Hearing the doorbell, Zhen Jinghan, who was sitting on the living room sofa, got up and said, "I'll get the door."

Not long after, Zhao Guo'an saw Xiao Feng walk in, followed by a beautiful woman, and an elderly man using a cane but walking quite briskly.

"Old Xiao, what is this?" Zhao Guo'an asked, puzzled.

Xiao Feng replied cheerfully, "Nothing major, just introducing a business to Elder Sun."

At this moment, Sun Shijie and the old man met eyes.

They both looked at each other for a long time, and finally, it was the old man who spoke first, breaking the silence, "It's been almost fifty years since our last parting; I hope you've been well, Brother Sun."

Sun Shijie frowned, "You are... Zhongli Chenpu?"

"It's an honor that Brother Sun still remembers me," Zhongli Chenpu said, bowing slightly.

However, before Sun Shijie could return the gesture, Zhongli Chenpu's face suddenly changed, and he hastily took out a handkerchief from his pocket to cover his mouth and nose, coughing violently with his back to everyone.

"Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough..."

Zhongli Meng quickly stepped forward to support him, looking both anxious and helpless at the situation.

After a bout of coughing, Zhongli Chenpu put away the handkerchief and smiled apologetically at the others, "I'm sorry, it's an old ailment, I hope you'll all bear with me."

Xiao Feng frowned slightly, having specially observed the handkerchief Zhongli Chenpu used and noticing that instead of expected red or black bloodstains, there was something blue on it.

If it were another color, he could understand, but what was the blue about?

"Please have a seat, Brother Zhongli." Sun Shijie gestured for Zhongli Chenpu to sit down and, without wasting time on small talk, directly took his pulse.

Zhongli Meng immediately became nervous, her beautiful eyes fixed unblinkingly on Sun Shijie's face, trying to glean some insight from his expression.

However, Sun Shijie closed his eyes, his face revealing nothing, leaving her without any clues.

After a long while, Sun Shijie released Zhongli Chenpu's wrist and said in a deep voice, "Brother Zhongli, your ailment is quite stubborn indeed."

Zhongli Meng's heart skipped a beat, while Zhongli Chenpu remained calm, nodding, "That's right, if treated with Western medicine, it's a life-and-death situation, which is why I wanted to try Chinese medicine.

To be honest, I never expected a full recovery, not at my age, and if I were to recover, what difference does it make?

Just being able to live a bit longer is enough."

Xiao Feng and Zhao Guo'an exchanged a look, interpreting from the tone of these words that Zhongli Chenpu seemed unafraid of death and potentially had a compelling reason to prolong his life.

Of course, the desire to live is human instinct, and even without any reason, simply wanting to live is quite reasonable.

"Grandpa Sun, do you have any way?" Zhongli Meng asked softly.

"Is this your granddaughter?" Sun Shijie asked as he looked at Zhongli Meng.

Zhongli Chenpu nodded, "This is my only granddaughter. Hoping to see great-grandchildren is probably impossible, but seeing her marry would be satisfying enough."

"I might as well be frank, Brother Zhongli's issue lies with the body's meridians, which I'm only roughly knowledgeable about, certainly not proficient."

Saying this, as if he thought of something, Sun Shijie suddenly looked at Zhao Guo'an, "Perhaps, you could give it a try."

"Me?" Zhao Guo'an was somewhat doubtful whether he heard correctly.

But seeing Zhongli Chenpu already promptly placing his hand on the table, he had no choice but to check his pulse.

After a while, Zhao Guo'an concluded, "To be honest, this gentleman's condition is not something I can resolve, unless my master steps in."

"May I ask who your master is?" Zhongli Chenpu inquired with curiosity.

He naturally already guessed the answer but still wanted to confirm.

Sure enough, Zhao Guo'an replied, "My master is Sun Yiyang."

Zhongli Meng couldn't help but chime in, "To be honest, we've already visited your master, but he mentioned being unwell, incapable of attending to patients.

Fortunately, we met Mr. Xiao, who brought us here."

"My master..." Zhao Guo'an rubbed his nose, cleared his throat a couple of times, and said, "He really hasn't been feeling well these past couple of days; perhaps try reaching him in a few days."

Zhongli Meng frowned slightly, then smiled bitterly, "I can afford to wait, but my grandfather... please, help us."

Xiao Feng also chimed in persuasion, "Old Zhao, the young lady has already humbly asked for your help, why don't you take the opportunity of visiting your master and bring them along?"