Director Li Yutian arrived punctually just after the family had finished lunch, personally delivering the completed paperwork. With a warm smile, he politely asked Xu Ze’s astonished father to review and sign the documents, ensuring everything was in order. Then, with a nod toward Xu Ze, he turned and left—as if he had completely forgotten how Xu Ze had slapped him just two hours earlier.
Holding the loan repayment confirmation in his hands, Xu Ze’s father looked at him with relief and sighed softly. “A’Ze… this time, it’s all thanks to you. If not for you, our family clinic might have been…”
Xu Ze shook his head with a light chuckle. “Dad… this is our home. Of course, we can’t let anyone take it away.”
Then, he handed over the remaining 20,000 yuan. “Dad… I know money’s tight at home right now. Take this first… As for mine, Xiao Hao, and Qing’er’s tuition next semester, I’ll figure something out. You and Mom don’t need to worry so much anymore.”
Xu Ze’s father glanced at the money, his eyes filled with pride, but he shook his head with a smile. “A’Ze, we still have 20,000 yuan set aside—it was meant for your education, which is why we didn’t use it to repay the loan.”
He continued warmly, “Your mom and I don’t need much. The clinic may not make a fortune, but it’s enough to support the family. You’re out there on your own, juggling studies and work… It can’t be easy. Keep this money for yourself. We’ll manage your siblings’ tuition somehow.”
Seeing his father refuse, Xu Ze insisted urgently, “Dad, I still have money left—don’t worry about me. Take this so you and Mom won’t have to work so hard!”
Hearing this, Xu Ze’s mother smiled fondly and chimed in, “A’Ze, we know you’re responsible. If you really want to help, maybe you could support Xiao Hao and Qing’er’s living expenses? They’re not as mature as you—if they had to work part-time like you, we’d be too worried.”
Xu Ze’s father shot her a look before turning back to Xu Ze. “Don’t listen to your mom. You’ve already done enough by helping repay 40,000 yuan of the loan. We can still provide for you all. Just focus on your studies. When you’re truly working in the future, then we’ll rely on you.”
“Dad, don’t worry—I’ll keep striving. Take this money. The reason I work so hard isn’t for anything else—it’s so you and Mom won’t have to struggle anymore.” Xu Ze’s voice grew firm. “I take on part-time jobs precisely so you two won’t have to exhaust yourselves every day for us. Otherwise, why would I push myself so much?”
He pressed the money into his father’s hands. “My godfather takes good care of me. In a couple of days, I’ll start my internship at Xingda First Affiliated Hospital. Don’t worry about me—your son will only keep moving forward.”
Seeing Xu Ze’s resolute expression, his father sighed softly, then finally nodded and accepted the money. “Alright, A’Ze. You’ve grown up. We may not be able to guide or support you much anymore, but walk your path well. If things ever get tough out there, just come home. Your mom and I are still here—we’re not too old to take care of you kids yet.”
…..
In the afternoon, Xu Ze stood in his second-floor bedroom, gazing down at the car parked outside and the neighbors gathered around it, showering his parents with praise and congratulations. He couldn’t help but exhale deeply.
Back then, he hadn’t refused the old master’s arrangements—the car, the apartment, the bank card—all because he wanted a status that could match Sun Linfei’s. He didn’t want some ridiculous class difference to sever their chances before they even began, forcing him to lose her all over again.
But he hadn’t expected how much comfort these things would bring his parents. To them, their son’s ability to treat patients, earn recognition, and even gain such rewards meant he had truly grown up—that he could now stand on his own.
Yet his father still worried, still unwilling to burden him with family pressures…
Watching his parents’ relaxed smiles below, Xu Ze murmured softly, “Mom, Dad… Even though I’m not your biological child, you’ll always be the best parents in my heart. I’ll protect our home, keep everyone happy, and take care of Xiao Hao and Qing’er. I won’t let you down.”
He lay back on the bed he had slept in for over a decade, breathing in its familiar scent. Closing his eyes, he steadied his breathing, calming his mind as he focused his energy inward. Slowly, he guided the circulating energy through his meridians—one cycle after another—seizing every moment to grow stronger, to better protect his family and everything he held dear.
Just as he was about to begin a second cycle, urgent knocking startled him awake. Before he could even open his eyes, Xiao Hao’s voice called out, “Brother! Get up—someone’s here begging for your help!”
“Begging for my help?” Xu Ze frowned. Then, he caught the faint sound of a woman sobbing downstairs. His heart lurched, and he immediately jumped out of bed, following Xiao Hao downstairs.
His father met him with a helpless look. “Xu Ze, a child drowned. They’ve already declared him gone, but his family insists you take a look… Just… do what you can.”
Spotting Xu Ze, a woman cried out desperately, “Dr. Xu! Please, can you save my son?”
His father’s expression told Xu Ze the situation was likely hopeless. But he grabbed the stethoscope his father handed him and rushed over. Just because others couldn’t save the child didn’t mean he couldn’t—when a life was at stake, he wouldn’t hesitate.
The crowd quickly parted for him. Inside, a pale, lifeless boy of about ten lay on the ground. Xu Ze pressed the stethoscope to his chest—no heartbeat.
Frowning, he turned to the anxious father. “How long was he underwater?”
“A few minutes. He’s been out for almost ten now…” The man’s voice was thick with despair, yet a sliver of hope remained as he stared at Xu Ze.
“Ten minutes?” Xu Ze’s brows shot up. He quickly checked the boy’s pupils—already dilated.
Given the time elapsed, brain death was likely setting in. Xu Ze sighed and looked at the father. “It might be too late. Even if we revive him, he could end up severely brain-damaged.”
The man froze, then begged, “Please, just try! The hospital already gave up, but I heard you were back—I drove straight here! You saved another child once, didn’t you? One who’d been gone even longer!”
Seeing his desperation, Xu Ze nodded. “I’ll try… but no promises.”
The family quickly agreed.
Xu Ze pressed on the boy’s abdomen—no bloating. The hospital must have already drained the water.
He began chest compressions while activating the Basic Life Support protocol, using the ring’s bioelectric function to stimulate the stilled heart.
The crowd buzzed with anticipation. Could Dr. Xu really revive someone declared dead at the hospital after so long?
Just then, Dr. Hu from another clinic in town passed by. Seeing the commotion, he initially thought the Xu family clinic was in trouble and gleefully pushed forward—only to find Xu Ze attempting the impossible.
Smirking, he muttered loud enough for others to hear, “I couldn’t save someone like that. But who knows? Maybe someone else can.”
Those nearby, picking up on his skepticism, began murmuring. “If even the hospital couldn’t… Is this just a waste of time?”
Dr. Hu chuckled coldly. “Well, it’s not me doing it. But I’d never make such bold claims. Though, of course, the famous ‘Little Miracle Doctor’ of the Xu family might just pull it off…”
Xu Ze caught the whispers and clenched his jaw. What business is it of yours? Trying to ruin our clinic’s reputation?
He worked faster, but after a dozen compressions and nearly as many bioelectric pulses, the boy’s heart remained still. Frowning, he turned to his father. “Dad, 1mg epinephrine, intramuscular.”
