Chapter 45: Silver Needles, Turning the Tide of Life and Death

Upon hearing Zhang Junjie’s words, Ye Wuji was overcome by a wave of helplessness. He knew that, as the hospital director, Zhang Junjie had already done everything in his power. But with Liu Lele’s condition so critical, what more could they possibly do?

At that moment, he suddenly recalled Li Chao—the young man in the village who had recently become a legend as the “miracle healer.” His remarkable medical skills had spread his reputation throughout the neighboring villages.

“Director Zhang, do you think we could ask Li Chao to try?” Ye Wuji asked suddenly.

Zhang Junjie was taken aback, clearly not expecting Ye Wuji to mention Li Chao. He pondered for a moment, then said, “President Ye, I’ve heard of Li Chao’s skills as well. But you must understand, he’s only a village doctor; he’s never received formal medical training. And with Miss Liu’s condition being so severe, if something goes wrong...”

Zhang Junjie didn’t finish his sentence, but Ye Wuji understood his meaning. He nodded, expressing his understanding, though his heart remained in turmoil.

“But, Director Zhang, we have no other options now,” Ye Wuji said. “I believe in Li Chao’s skills. Perhaps he can work a miracle.”

Zhang Junjie looked at Ye Wuji, a trace of helplessness in his eyes. He knew how much Ye Wuji cared for Liu Lele and understood his emotions. Yet, as the hospital director, he had to be responsible for the patient’s safety.

“I understand how you feel,” Zhang Junjie said. “But we cannot take such a risk. Li Chao’s skills may be impressive, but they lack scientific foundation. We must place our trust in modern medicine.”

Ye Wuji was silent for a moment before replying, “Director Zhang, I know your concerns. But Liu Lele’s condition cannot wait any longer. We must try every possible way.”

Just then, the door to the emergency room swung open, and a nurse hurried out. “Director Zhang, the patient’s condition has suddenly worsened—she needs immediate surgery!” the nurse exclaimed anxiously.

Zhang Junjie and Ye Wuji exchanged a glance, each seeing the other’s helplessness mirrored in his eyes. They knew their only hope now was that the surgery could succeed and buy Liu Lele a slim chance at survival.

Meanwhile, in the tranquil Li Family Clinic, Li Chao had just finished treating a patient. After washing his hands, he was preparing to rest when suddenly his phone rang, breaking the silence. He glanced at the unfamiliar number on the screen, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, but he still answered.

On the other end, an unexpected voice emerged—it was Ye Wuji’s, hoarse and urgent.

“Doctor Li, this is Ye Wuji. Liu Lele has been in a car accident and is seriously injured. Her condition is deteriorating fast, and she needs immediate surgery. Can you come to the hospital?” There was a note of pleading in Ye Wuji’s anxious tone.

“All the doctors here say there’s nothing they can do, but I remember your exceptional skills. Could you please come and see if there’s anything you can do?” Ye Wuji’s voice was filled with desperation.

Li Chao’s heart sank. Liu Lele? She’d been in an accident, and her injuries were so severe that even the hospital doctors were at a loss? How could this be possible?

He took a deep breath to steady his emotions, then asked gravely, “Where is she?”

“At the County People’s Hospital,” Ye Wuji replied. “Please come quickly—I’ll be waiting for you here.”

After hanging up, Li Chao was filled with worry and anxiety. Liu Lele was his friend, and more than that, a responsibility dear to his heart. How could he possibly be at ease if something truly happened to her?

He knew Liu Lele’s condition and the risks of surgery. After a brief silence, he said, “President Ye, I’ll do my best. But I’m just a country doctor—I don’t know if I can help.”

Ye Wuji’s voice was tinged with urgency: “Doctor Li, you’re our last hope. Liu Lele’s situation is critical, and the other doctors are powerless. Your skills are extraordinary—I believe you can save her.”

Li Chao felt conflicted. He knew his abilities had limits, yet he couldn’t ignore Liu Lele’s life. Taking a deep breath, he said, “Alright, I’ll come right away.”

He hung up, anxiety growing in his heart. He was well aware of the immense difficulty of this surgery, but he didn’t want to let Ye Wuji and Liu Lele down.

Li Chao didn’t hesitate further and agreed to assist at the county hospital. He understood that as a doctor, he must give his all no matter the patient.

Soon, Ye Wuji’s driver arrived at the Li Family Clinic. On the journey, Li Chao’s heart grew heavier. He kept pondering possible treatment plans, silently praying for Liu Lele, hoping he could save her young life and not betray Ye Wuji’s trust.

Night descended like flowing water as Li Chao sped along the highway. Tension and anticipation filled him—he didn’t know if he could save Liu Lele, but he knew he had to try with all his might.

“Faster, a little faster...” he urged the driver as the car hurtled through the darkness, his thoughts racing. He told himself that no matter the cost, he must keep Liu Lele alive.

At last, they arrived at the County People’s Hospital. Amid hurried footsteps, two figures rushed into the emergency room, the air so tense it seemed to freeze.

On the hospital bed, a woman of delicate beauty and graceful form lay quietly, surrounded by cold medical equipment—a stark contrast to her usual radiance. Now, she was like a flower withering in winter, barely clinging to life.

The attending physician’s gaze was grave as he looked at the young man following behind Director Zhang Junjie—Li Chao. Though filled with questions, he knew this was not the time to ask.

He lowered his voice, reporting the woman’s rapidly declining vital signs to Zhang Junjie—each word underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Zhang Junjie, usually calm as a mountain, could no longer conceal his anxiety. Glancing at Li Chao, his eyes flashed with resolve and trust: “Young miracle doctor, life and death now rest in your hands.”

Chen Shan, though seemingly unremarkable, bore the title of “miracle healer.” He strode resolutely to Liu Lele’s bedside, gently placing his fingers on her slender wrist. Through his touch flowed not only warmth, but also hope.

This scene left the attending physician shocked and doubtful—traditional medicine? So young? Could this really work?

Time seemed to slow, the only sounds in the emergency room the faint ticking of machines and Li Chao’s steady breathing. The attending physician, brow furrowed, couldn’t help but cast a questioning glance at Zhang Junjie: “Director, is this...?”

Zhang Junjie simply shook his head, his gaze full of faith and anticipation, as if saying, “Let’s wait and see—he knows what he’s doing.”

Seconds ticked by—brief for bystanders, but for Li Chao, it was a profound exploration of the secret of life. At last, he withdrew his hand, eyes glinting with determined resolve.

“How is she, miracle doctor?” Zhang Junjie asked urgently, his voice barely concealing a tremor.

“Her condition is dire—she must be treated immediately,” Li Chao replied gravely. “I need some time to prepare.”

“Anything you need, just say the word,” Zhang Junjie answered without hesitation.

“I’ll need some herbs and tools, and a quiet room,” Li Chao requested.

“No problem, I’ll arrange it at once.” Zhang Junjie turned to the attending doctor, “Gather whatever the miracle doctor needs—right away.”

The attending physician nodded and hurried off.

“Are you truly confident?” Zhang Junjie looked at Li Chao, concern in his eyes.

“Director, I will do everything in my power,” Li Chao responded resolutely.

“I believe in you,” Zhang Junjie replied.

Li Chao gave a slight smile—a smile of both confidence and reverence for life. “It’s not an easy task, but I’m willing to try.”

He raised a finger in a leisurely gesture, his posture a mix of nonchalance and certainty.

“Ten percent?” Zhang Junjie’s voice carried a note of veiled disappointment, as if even he dared not hope for much.

Li Chao’s answer struck like thunder, shattering the gloom and despair of the room. “No!” He shook his head firmly, eyes shining with irrefutable conviction. “I mean, it’s simple—there’s no problem at all!”

The emergency room fell deathly silent; everyone, Zhang Junjie included, stared in disbelief.

The attending doctor’s face turned ashen with doubt. He looked at Zhang Junjie in disbelief. “Director, are you sure he’s not a fraud? How can such wounds be cured so easily?”

A serious car accident, cerebral hemorrhage—each word hammered at everyone’s heart. The patient could slip away at any moment, yet this young man spoke as if it were nothing at all. How could anyone not be suspicious?

Sun Zhang Junjie’s brows knitted together as he struggled with conflicting emotions. In his heart he wondered, “Just who is this Li Chao? Can he truly save someone so close to death?”

But when he looked again into Li Chao’s unwavering, confident eyes, a strange trust arose within him.

“Human life is at stake—this is no time for folly,” he reminded earnestly, speaking as much to Chen Shan as to himself.

Li Chao smiled, understanding Zhang Junjie’s worries and everyone’s doubts. He said gently, “Director Sun, I know what you’re concerned about. But I am confident that I can heal her.”

His voice carried a reassuring power.

Zhang Junjie took a deep breath. He knew there was no alternative now. He nodded and said, “Alright, Doctor Li, we trust you. But you must ensure her safety.”

Li Chao nodded. “Rest assured, Director Zhang, I will do my utmost.”

There was a steadfast light in his eyes that moved all who saw it.

Li Chao simply smiled with calm, a smile full of both reverence for life and confidence in himself. “If I say I can cure her, then there’s absolutely no problem!” His tone was firm, as if he’d already taken fate into his own hands. “Of course, if you truly don’t trust my skills, I can leave right now!”

His words held a touch of carefree detachment, a hint of helplessness, but above all, confidence and determination in his craft.

Director Zhang was silent for a moment, hesitation flickering in his gaze. He knew that, in this moment of life and death, choosing to trust or doubt was a difficult decision.

“How confident are you?” Director Zhang asked gravely. “This is a matter of life and death.”

Li Chao’s gaze was steady and sure. “I’m ninety percent confident!” he answered without hesitation. “But let me warn you—”

His tone suddenly turned stern: “The patient can endure for at most ten more minutes!”

The words struck like an alarm bell, heightening everyone’s sense of crisis. Time was running out. Life and death hung in the balance—they had to choose: keep doubting, or take a leap of faith?

At that moment, the tension in the emergency room reached a peak. All eyes were fixed on Li Chao.

Director Zhang’s gaze was sharp as an eagle’s, riveted to the fluctuating numbers of Liu Lele’s monitors, his mind made up. He knew that in such a desperate moment, only by trusting and taking a gamble could they hope for survival.

Resolutely, he turned and left to discuss the matter with Ye Wuji.

In the span of two or three minutes—an eternity between life and death—Director Zhang returned, eyes blazing, and looked straight at Li Chao. “Begin treatment! The rest is up to you, miracle doctor!”

His voice was laced with both determination and hope, as if entrusting all their wishes to this young healer.

The attending doctor, frantic with worry, tried to protest. “Director, this is far too risky! Her injuries are too severe!”

But Director Zhang only shook his head, his tone resolute. “The situation is urgent—we have no choice but to take a chance!”

The attending doctor tried to object again, but Li Chao interjected, “Don’t worry—I’m confident.”

Both the attending doctor and Director Zhang looked at Li Chao in astonishment, not expecting such certainty.

Li Chao privately admitted that Bai Weiwei’s injuries were indeed severe, and he couldn’t be absolutely sure of success—but he had to try. He knew his acupuncture methods carried risks, but there was no other way.

With calm composure, Li Chao took out a cloth pouch from his clinic, carefully disinfecting each silver needle. Then, with a practiced flick, he sent the first needle flashing into the crown of Liu Lele’s head—the Baihui point.

The needle landed and trembled lightly, as if imbued with a mysterious energy. A faint silvery light shimmered where it met the acupoint.

Next came the second and third needles, expertly placed at the Shangxing and Shenting points.

Each needle, like a finely carved work of art, was not only precise but also carried an indescribable rhythm and beauty.

With deft movements, three more needles were inserted into the remaining points atop Liu Lele’s head.

With each, a faint white glow accompanied the insertion—not much, yet enough to illuminate the hearts of all present.

Now, the emergency room was so quiet that only the soft sound of needles piercing skin and the faint beeping of monitors could be heard.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Li Chao’s hands, witnessing the miracle of a life snatched from the jaws of death.

Director Zhang silently prayed for Li Chao’s success, marveling inwardly at this remarkable young doctor.

The attending physician watched anxiously, hoping against hope that Liu Lele would survive.