Chapter 16: Arrogance and Mad Intoxication

Shiyuan County Central Hospital, the gentle light in the director’s office cast soft shadows. Director Zhang Junjie gazed at the test report in his hands—a sheet of numbers that meant the difference between life and death for Elder Ye—and finally released a long, relieved breath.

He turned to look at the elderly man with the kindly face seated on the sofa—Elder Ye—and his heart filled with emotion.

Though Elder Ye was advanced in years, his eyes shone with the light of wisdom. It seemed that after a brush with death, he cherished this hard-won serenity all the more.

He smiled warmly and thanked Director Zhang, “Director Zhang, I owe my life to your hospital’s timely treatment, and to that young man who lent a helping hand.”

Director Zhang quickly waved off the praise, a mixture of relief and admiration on his face. “Elder Ye, you’re too generous. We merely did our duty, but that young man—he’s the real hero. Not only is his medical skill exceptional, but he has a truly kind heart. If not for his timely intervention, I dare not imagine the consequences.”

The respect in Director Zhang’s words for Li Chao was unmistakable.

He recalled the day he had happened upon Li Chao by chance on the street—the young man who, with casual ease, had saved Elder Ye, displaying both extraordinary medical expertise and virtue. He could not help but sigh; in this world, there are always those who quietly safeguard the peace of others.

Along the long corridors of the central hospital, the air seemed to thicken with gravity.

Ye Wuji, once a figure of renown and power, now sat in the director’s office, a spark of appreciation flickering in his eyes.

“And where is this young man now?” Ye Wuji’s voice was steady and powerful, laced with a subtle but unmistakable anticipation.

Director Zhang paused for a moment before replying, “He should have left by now. He mentioned he was here to visit a friend.”

Ye Wuji nodded and, after a moment’s silence, spoke again, “Director Zhang, I’d like to ask a favor. I wish to meet this young man and thank him in person.”

Director Zhang agreed without hesitation, knowing this was not only Ye Wuji’s wish, but also an acknowledgment of Li Chao’s medical prowess and kindness.

He immediately set about making arrangements, hoping to bring Ye Wuji and this young hero together as soon as possible.

As for Li Chao, perhaps he had yet to realize he had become the savior lodged in Ye Wuji’s heart. Yet his extraordinary skill and compassion had already left a deep imprint on the hearts of all who had witnessed them.

Director Zhang broke the silence in the office once more, “Elder Ye, you may not know this, but your recovery was only possible thanks to that young man. His medical skills are superb and his heart is pure; he’s a source of pride for both our hospital and our patients.”

Ye Wuji’s eyes flickered with astonishment. He hadn’t anticipated that his survival hinged entirely on the expertise of a youth. Gratitude for this young man welled up in his heart, along with an even stronger desire to meet him.

Deep down, Ye Wuji understood this truth: In this world, those truly worthy of respect and gratitude are people who possess both remarkable talent and genuine kindness.

And this young man was precisely such a person.

Standing on the balcony of a tall building, gazing out over the city’s dazzling lights, Ye Wuji felt a surge of gratitude and anticipation.

He dialed his phone, his voice firm and commanding, “Hello, Xiao Liu? This is Ye Wuji. I need a favor.”

On the other end, Xiao Liu replied respectfully, “Elder Ye, please, what can I do for you?”

“Today at the hospital, I met a young man. He aided me when my condition became critical and saved my life.” Ye Wuji recounted calmly, “I want to find him, to thank him in person.”

Xiao Liu responded at once, “Rest assured, Elder Ye, I’ll do my utmost to locate this young man as quickly as possible. Do you know his name, or have any other clues?”

Ye Wuji thought for a moment before replying, “All I know is he’s young. Nothing more. But I trust you’ll be able to find him.”

With full confidence, Xiao Liu said, “Understood, Elder Ye. I’ll assign people to the task right away. You have my word—I’ll see it done.”

After hanging up, Ye Wuji took a deep breath, his gaze growing ever more resolute. He knew he owed this young man an immense debt—one he was determined to repay in person, no matter what.

Meanwhile, Director Zhang was busy at the hospital. He was keenly aware of Ye Wuji’s special status and the extraordinary significance this debt of life held for the Ye family.

He resolved to take matters into his own hands to help Ye Wuji find his savior.

...

Night deepened, but anticipation and gratitude filled the hearts of both Zhang Junjie and Ye Wuji. They knew that whatever the outcome, this episode would become an unforgettable part of their lives.

...

Night had fallen, as dark as ink. The neon lights of White Swan TTV glittered in the night, casting a dreamlike and lively glow over the bustling city.

Liu Dan and several friends lounged on the plush sofas of a private room. The beer bottles on the table were nearly empty, their conversation light and joyous. Laughter and chatter intertwined, creating a small world apart from reality.

Xinping, usually brimming with youthful energy, seemed different tonight. She stood, her form-fitting dress accentuating her graceful figure. The hem swayed with each step, like a flower blooming in the night. Her makeup was exquisite, a flawless masterpiece, but her bright eyes concealed a subtle allure.

She walked elegantly toward the restroom, her crisp footsteps echoing down the empty corridor.

Soon after, a soft sound came from the restroom door. It opened slowly, and Xinping appeared before her friends.

But her complexion was pale, lacking its usual healthy glow. Her bright eyes now blazed with anger, as though ready to erupt at any moment. Lips pressed tightly together, she sat in silence, seemingly using all her strength to suppress her emotions.

Liu Dan and the others noticed her unusual demeanor and glanced at her with concern. Xinping merely shook her head gently, signaling them not to ask. Closing her eyes, she took several deep breaths, attempting to steady her turbulent heart.

Yet the flames of her anger burned wildly within, needing an outlet lest they spread unchecked.

“Xinping, what’s wrong?” Xiangxue asked, worried, upon seeing Xinping’s pale face as she returned to her seat.

Xinping drew a deep breath, as if calming herself. She raised her head, her eyes firm, her voice tinged with displeasure. “Don’t mention it. I just ran into some creep in the restroom—he tried to jump me and take advantage, but I slapped him hard several times!”

“What?” Liu Dan and the others exclaimed, their faces a mix of shock and outrage.

“That guy was way out of line!” Xinping continued, her anger undisguised. “I was just in there for a moment, and he attacked me from behind. Thankfully, I reacted quickly—otherwise...” She mimed a defensive move.

“Are you alright?” Xiangxue asked, reaching out to comfort Xinping with a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

“What could possibly happen to me?” Xinping scoffed, pride in her tone. “I’ve learned self-defense. I gave him a few good slaps—he’s probably still questioning his life choices right now!”

Liu Dan looked at her with admiration. “Xinping, you were amazing! But you should be careful—your dress tonight really turns heads, and that can attract the wrong sort.”

Xinping glanced down at her tight, somewhat revealing dress, a hint of embarrassment flickering across her face. She sighed softly, “I know, but it’s a friends’ gathering—I wanted to look nice. I didn’t expect something like this to happen…”

“Never mind, it’s over now.” Liu Dan comforted her. “Just be careful in the future. But you really were awesome tonight!”

Xinping’s pride returned with Liu Dan’s words. She lifted her glass, rising to clink glasses with everyone. “Let’s toast to our get-together! And tonight, let’s drink to our little hero, Xinping! No one leaves sober tonight!”

With her proposal, the private room filled once more with laughter and the clinking of glasses, as if all previous shadows had been swept away.

The earlier unpleasantness completely forgotten, the group, fueled by drink, dived into lively conversation and games, their spirits soaring.

...

Night as thick as ink, the bar’s neon lights danced in the darkness, adding a touch of riotous color to the quiet night.

Xinping stood at the bar, her swan-like neck held high, a haughty and confident smile gracing her lips. She sipped her red wine lightly, her gaze sweeping over the crowd as though she were the very center of the world.

“I can show off, but he can’t touch!” Her voice rang out, clear and resolute, slicing through the noise like a blade.

There was defiance and mockery in her words—she was making it clear: she was not someone to be trifled with.

On a sofa in a corner, Li Chao watched Xinping quietly. He swirled the wine in his glass, watching the liquid ripple as if reflecting his own shifting mood.

He shook his head inwardly, unable to help but reflect: although her view was somewhat extreme, it was precisely what made Xinping unique.

The bar’s atmosphere grew more intense by the minute—music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses blending into a singular nocturne.

Everyone had drunk more than usual, especially Liu Dan. Her cheeks were tinged with a seductive blush, her eyes languid and alluring. Her blouse, damp with spilled liquor, clung to her, accentuating her graceful figure.

Li Chao’s gaze accidentally drifted over Liu Dan, prompting a dry sensation in his throat before he reminded himself to stay alert.

As the night wore on, the bar reached its peak. One after another, people spilled onto the dance floor, swaying to the music’s pulse.

Xinping shed her haughty air and joined her friends in the dancing. Her movements were elegant and enchanting, like a white swan dancing in the night sky.

Li Chao sat quietly, taking it all in. He felt himself swept up by the joyous atmosphere, his worries and fatigue melting away.

He knew he didn’t quite belong to this circle, but he enjoyed this moment of peace and relaxation.

As the night deepened, the bar lights gradually dimmed. The group began to say their goodbyes, and Li Chao rose to leave as well.

He glanced back at the bustling dance floor and Xinping bidding farewell to her friends, a strange emotion welling up inside him.

He knew there was an unbridgeable gap between himself and this world, yet he was grateful to keep the memory.

“Dan, you’ve had enough!” Li Chao raised his voice, trying to be heard above the noise.

His brow was furrowed, concern for Liu Dan clear in his eyes.

Liu Dan turned to him, her laughter fading, replaced by a hint of annoyance. Perhaps she thought Li Chao was spoiling the fun, and she replied with some displeasure, “Why are you such a killjoy? We’re out to have fun—drinking is part of it!”

Xiangxue chimed in, “Yeah, Li Chao, what’s your problem? Don’t be so rigid!”

Her look was one of disdain, as though he were an uptight bore.

Xinping gave a cold laugh, mocking without mercy, “Li Chao, are you even a man? If Dan gets drunk, you’ll have your chance to take advantage!”

Her sharp voice stung, leaving Li Chao feeling awkward and helpless.

Faced with their ridicule and misunderstanding, Li Chao took a deep breath and struggled to remain calm. He knew further explanation would only dig him deeper into embarrassment.

So he chose silence, bearing it all quietly.

Yet his resolve grew stronger. He knew that whatever the circumstances, he could not let temptation or misunderstanding shake his principles.

He would prove with his actions that he was a man of integrity and boundaries.

The noise around him grew ever louder, but Li Chao’s heart grew increasingly tranquil. It was as if he stood in a world apart, insulated from the surrounding clamor and restlessness.

He observed quietly, reflecting on how best to face the challenges and difficulties that lay ahead.