****
Director Huang's booming voice carried through the ward, stunning the doctors and nurses crowding outside.
They revered Huang as a legend. Even retired, he was invited to lecture hospital experts, with seats so coveted that colleagues fought for them. His prestige was unmatched.
Yet here he was, eagerly seeking to learn from Lin Fan's acupuncture.
Shock gave way to understanding. After all, curing leukemia with acupuncture was beyond even Huang's skill. Lin Fan's talent was staggering, humbling even a giant like Huang.
The onlookers whispered enviously. If Lin Fan shared even a sliver of his knowledge, their careers would soar.
Lin Fan, under Huang's expectant gaze, stepped back awkwardly. *This old guy's not gonna get weird, right?*
"Maybe next time," he said politely. "Just finished acupuncture. I'm beat and don't wanna move."
He wasn't shy about performing publicly. The *Nine Dragon Acupuncture* was so intricate, he doubted anyone could steal it by watching. But he was genuinely exhausted, barely able to stand.
Huang's eyes lit up, undeterred. Lin Fan hadn't outright refused—there was hope! He thrust his contact info at Lin Fan, insisting they talk soon.
Liu Qianqian stepped forward, blunt. "You good at acupuncture?"
Lin Fan shot her a sidelong glance, bristling with distaste. Bai Shishi had told him about her run-in with Liu Qianqian and Chu Ying, painting Liu Qianqian as a backstabber. Her rude approach didn't help.
"What's my acupuncture got to do with you?" he snapped, offering no courtesy.
Liu Qianqian froze, caught off guard by his sharpness. She wanted to retort but feared alienating him, so she stayed silent.
Chu Ying stepped in, all smiles. "A young hero, indeed. Your acupuncture's a revelation. First time I've seen it used like that. Keep at it, and you'll go far in medicine."
As a seasoned elite, Chu Ying knew how to play the game, layering on flattery.
Lin Fan got why ancient rulers fell for sycophants. Flattery felt good, even if you saw through it.
Chu Ying extended a hand, grinning. "I'm Chu Ying, eldest son of the Chu family. You may not know us, but you've heard of Huahai Bank. That's ours."
His tone balanced friendliness with a flex of power, hinting at the Chu family's clout. Most would've jumped to curry favor.
But Lin Fan's brow arched. *Huahai Bank?*
No wonder Chu Ying seemed familiar—he was Chu Yao's brother, that arrogant woman. Siblings, same mold: entitled, untouchable.
Lin Fan nodded coolly. "Chu family's heir, huh? Heard of you."
He didn't take the offered hand.
Chu Ying's arm hung awkwardly mid-air, a flicker of irritation in his eyes, though he masked it with a smile. "How about a contact number? I'll treat you to drinks sometime. No business, just friends."
Lin Fan shook his head, smirking. "Friends? Nah. You're a busy man, Master Chu, bedding more women than I've had meals. We're not the same kind."
A direct, brutal rejection, sparing no face.
Chu Ying's composure cracked, his expression darkening. *This kid's got no tact.*
"Better not be too cocky, brother," he said coldly. "Stay too rigid, you'll break."
"You've got talent, sure, but in this world, it's connections and background that matter. Bluntly, your skills mean nothing to me. It's an honor I'm even offering friendship."
Chu Ying's arrogance surged. He'd lowered himself to reach out, and Lin Fan had slapped it away.
Bai Shishi tensed, worried. Rejecting Chu Ying—and Huahai Bank's influence—was reckless. Had Lin Fan done it for her?
Her heart stirred, something new taking root.
Lin Fan, unfazed, slid an arm around Bai Shishi's waist, savoring its softness.
She stiffened, ready to pull away, but his steady gaze stopped her.
Chu Ying's face blackened. "What the hell are you doing?"
Everyone in Shanghai knew Bai Shishi was his target—his woman. Lin Fan's move was a brazen challenge.
Lin Fan tilted his chin defiantly. "Hugging my girl. Don't need your permission, Master Chu."
"Word is you've been harassing her. Back off, or I won't be polite."
Chu Ying's eyes blazed with fury.
He turned to Bai Shishi, sneering. "So that's why you rejected me, you little slut. Found yourself a pretty boy, huh?"
"Mark my words, no woman escapes Chu Ying."
His mask fell, revealing raw possessiveness.
Lin Fan's taunt had shattered his pride. He'd seen Bai Shishi as a pure, unattainable prize. Learning she'd chosen another—someone like Lin Fan—felt like swallowing poison.
"And you," he hissed at Lin Fan. "I'll remember this. Don't think your medical tricks make you untouchable. Touch my woman, and you'll pay."
Lin Fan shrugged, unbothered. "I'll wait for your revenge, Master Chu."
Chu Ying snorted, storming off with Liu Qianqian in tow.
**