It had to be admitted—Lin Moli was a woman with a natural talent for business. With just a few words, she had pointed out a golden opportunity.
Indeed, if Jiang Fei’s Jiang Clinic could get Qiao Yiyi as a spokesperson, the clinic’s reputation would skyrocket. Even if it didn’t become a household name, at the very least, Qiao Yiyi’s fans and anyone who knew her would become aware of the “Jiang Clinic.”
The news of Qiao Yiyi’s vocal cord injury had already spread like wildfire online.
Originally, she was scheduled to hold three concerts in Jincheng this month, along with several commercial performances. However, after the first concert, her voice gave out, forcing the event to be abruptly halted. The remaining two concerts were indefinitely postponed, and all other performances were canceled.
Rumors online claimed that Qiao Yiyi’s vocal cords were so damaged that she could barely speak, sometimes even coughing up blood. This news left her fans heartbroken and worried, and the media was abuzz with coverage.
If Jiang Fei could cure Qiao Yiyi’s condition and have her promote the Jiang Clinic in the media, it would be an unprecedented opportunity for the clinic.
After all, Qiao Yiyi, despite being relatively new to the industry, had already risen to the ranks of China’s top-tier celebrities. Typically, brands had to shell out seven-figure sums to secure her endorsement—and even then, she had to agree and find the brand suitable.
For a star like Qiao Yiyi, often referred to as the “Next Diva,” endorsing a hospital was highly unusual. She usually stuck to high-end fashion and cosmetics.
If Jiang Fei could get Qiao Yiyi to endorse the Jiang Clinic for free, the value of his treatment would far exceed the standard fees.
After hanging up with Lin Moli, Jiang Fei’s mind began to race. Lin Moli’s idea was brilliant. If he could pull this off, it would be a huge win. The Jiang Clinic’s reputation would soar, and its perceived status would rise significantly.
As for the manager’s earlier rudeness, if they were willing to apologize and show some humility, Jiang Fei was willing to let bygones be bygones. After all, he was a magnanimous man.
Well… it was only after hearing Lin Moli’s suggestion that Jiang Fei decided to forgive and agree to treat Qiao Yiyi.
When Jiang Fei returned after the call, both Qiao Yiyi and her manager looked visibly awkward.
The manager, who had been so arrogant on the phone, treating Jiang Fei like a small-time doctor and even threatening him, now found herself having to personally visit him to beg for his help.
It was a last resort.
After Qiao Yiyi’s vocal cord injury, the situation was as dire as the rumors suggested. Not only were her concerts indefinitely postponed, costing her untold amounts of money, but her new album, originally set for release in August, was also put on hold.
That alone was bad enough.
Her management company was willing to absorb the losses and wait a few months for her to recover.
But the real problem was the several commercial performances she had already signed contracts for. These couldn’t be canceled—only postponed by a few days. And with her current vocal condition, forcing herself to sing would only worsen the damage, potentially leading to nodules that would require surgery. For a singer, that could be career-ending.
So, Qiao Yiyi’s vocal cords had to recover before her next round of performances—or at the very least, they couldn’t deteriorate further.
While Western medicine offered little beyond surgery for such injuries, traditional Chinese acupuncture could provide faster relief.
Since the initial call to Jiang Fei, the manager had consulted numerous renowned TCM doctors. While many claimed they could treat Qiao Yiyi’s condition, none could guarantee significant improvement within the tight ten-day window she needed.
The shortest estimate was nearly a month.
Desperate, the manager had no choice but to swallow her pride and bring Qiao Yiyi to Jiang Fei’s doorstep.
“Are you here to seek treatment?” Jiang Fei asked calmly, not showing any particular enthusiasm. He wasn’t starstruck by Qiao Yiyi’s celebrity status, nor did he feel the need to fawn over her.
He was long past the age of idolizing celebrities, and he knew the importance of maintaining the upper hand in negotiations. If he appeared too eager now, it would be harder to negotiate Qiao Yiyi’s endorsement later.
In any negotiation, holding the reins was key.
Qiao Yiyi, still the picture of a polite, artsy college student, stood up to speak as Jiang Fei approached.
But her manager, like a mother hen protecting her chick, stepped in first. “Dr. Jiang, I sincerely apologize for what happened last time!”
Her opening line was an apology.
Though Jiang Fei could see the resentment hidden in her eyes, her attitude was at least respectful.
The manager, her heavy makeup unable to hide her exhaustion, looked like she had been running herself ragged over Qiao Yiyi’s situation.
Jiang Fei understood perfectly but feigned ignorance. “Last time? What happened last time?”
Hearing this, the seasoned manager immediately sensed trouble. Jiang Fei’s response wasn’t a good sign.
By pretending not to remember, he was subtly indicating that he hadn’t forgotten—and was still holding a grudge.
Seeing Jiang Fei’s half-smile, the manager felt a surge of anger and wanted to leave. But thinking of her artist’s predicament, she forced herself to stay.
The woman, who was usually domineering and set strict rules for media interviews, now had to humble herself. “Last time, I was too anxious and spoke rudely to you on the phone. I hope you can forgive me, Dr. Jiang.”
She was completely yielding, her usual arrogance nowhere to be seen.
Qiao Yiyi also spoke up, her voice hoarse but sincere. “Yes, please forgive us. Auntie Mei has been working tirelessly for my sake and hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in days. She was just too anxious when she called you.”
Only then did Jiang Fei smile, adopting a magnanimous tone. “Oh, that’s what you’re talking about. I’d almost forgotten. Don’t worry, I’m not one to hold grudges…”
Though the manager continued to apologize and Qiao Yiyi was genuinely polite, Jiang Fei could tell that “Auntie Mei” was only paying lip service. She wasn’t truly remorseful.
But Jiang Fei didn’t care about her true feelings. As long as she acted contrite, he was satisfied.
He had vented his frustration over the phone incident, and that was enough.
Besides, he had his own plans.
However, Jiang Fei now understood why there were so many rumors online about Qiao Yiyi being difficult and entitled. From his brief interaction, Qiao Yiyi herself seemed polite and well-mannered. The real problem was likely her manager.
“It’s not the gods you should fear, but the pigs on your team,” Jiang Fei thought to himself. “Such a nice girl, why did she end up with such a manager?”
“Really? Thank you, Dr. Jiang!” The manager, Auntie Mei, brightened upon hearing Jiang Fei’s forgiveness. She quickly added, “Please take a look at Yiyi’s vocal cords. Can acupuncture help her recover quickly? I’ve heard you’re known as the ‘King of Acupuncture.’ Your skills must be extraordinary. You must have a solution!”
Jiang Fei ignored her flattery and gestured for Qiao Yiyi to sit down. “Come over here. Let me check your pulse.”
He needed to diagnose her condition first.
If he couldn’t treat her or meet her tight deadline, all talk of her endorsing the clinic would be moot.
Qiao Yiyi nodded and followed Jiang Fei to sit down.
She was trying to speak as little as possible to protect her voice.
Meanwhile, the manager kept chattering anxiously. “Dr. Jiang, you must help Yiyi recover as soon as possible. I’ve consulted many experts, and they all say she needs at least a month of rest before she can sing again. But we only have ten days before her next performance. Please, you must heal her within ten days!”
“I understand. Please be quiet for now,” Jiang Fei said, growing impatient with the woman. He extended two fingers and placed them on Qiao Yiyi’s wrist, feeling her pulse.