Chapter 1328

In Western medicine, when the stomach is diseased, the affected half is often removed. Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, takes a different approach. Instead of removing the stomach, the surgeon removes only the tumor inside it. This makes the procedure more complex, but for Gu Jingtian, who is well-versed in TCM, it posed no difficulty. With Zhu Yanyi assisting her, there was even less cause for worry.

The surgery took place on the third day after Xie Zhong was admitted to the hospital. It lasted three and a half hours. When they emerged, Zhu Yanyi’s relieved expression confirmed that the operation had been a success.

Xie Zhong was moved to a private special ward. Some people were curious about his identity, wondering why Director Gu Jingtian had performed the surgery personally with the "Little Divine Doctor" as his assistant. Investigations revealed only that Xie Zhong was not from the capital, but was a friend of Elder Chun and Elder Zhan. This explanation satisfied most people; it was likely done out of respect for those elders.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yanyi’s treatment of Zhou Meixiang entered a new phase. After weeks of care, the cancer cells in Zhou Meixiang’s liver had been eliminated. The remaining task was to restore her liver’s vitality.

"Based on her current condition, Aunt Zhou can be discharged in about half a month," Zhu Yanyi said with a smile after examining her.

Zhou Meixiang looked at Zhu Yanyi with deep gratitude. "Little Divine Doctor, I truly thank you. If it weren’t for you, I would have had to part with my son forever." Her gratitude was beyond words.

Zhu Yanyi smiled gently. "Aunt Zhou, you need not be so polite. I am a doctor, and my purpose is to heal the sick."

"But during this time, you paid for my medicine and hospital stay," Zhou Meixiang said, feeling deeply indebted.

Zhu Yanyi laughed softly. "Aunt Zhou, you misunderstood. I only helped you apply for aid from the Aoyan Foundation."

Originally, Zhu Yanyi had intended to help privately. However, when Yan Aohan found out, he insisted she use the foundation’s name. This served two purposes: it helped build the foundation’s reputation, and it prevented others from thinking Zhu Yanyi was a naive pushover. Zhu Yanyi did good deeds from the heart, but she did not wish to attract troublemakers.

Zhou Meixiang, unfamiliar with the foundation, looked puzzled. "What is the Aoyan Foundation?"

Seeing her confusion, Zhu Yanyi explained, "The Aoyan Foundation is an organization that helps the elderly, the weak, the sick, and the disabled. For people like you, whose financial situation prevents them from paying medical bills, aid can be applied for. I learned about your situation and applied for you. The approval was quick, and the funds were released immediately. So, you should thank the foundation, not me."

Seeing Zhou Meixiang’s disbelief, Zhu Yanyi continued, "The foundation will support you until you are fully recovered and discharged. As long as you need medical expenses, the foundation will regularly pay the hospital for your daily care. After discharge, you simply need to bring your household register to collect your medicine regularly. You need not worry."

"But if it weren’t for the Little Divine Doctor, I would never have received treatment," Zhou Meixiang insisted, her gratitude unwavering.

This was true. Even if the money came from the foundation, it was Zhu Yanyi who had made it possible. Without her, Zhou Meixiang would never have known such help existed.

Seeing this, Zhu Yanyi said, "Then I will accept your thanks." She wrote the medical orders, gave Zhou Meixiang a few final reminders, and left the ward.

About ten minutes after Zhu Yanyi left, Yan Qiang returned. She looked startled. Zhou Meixiang noticed and asked with concern, "A-Qiang, what’s wrong?"

Yan Qiang hurried over. "Mother, I went to buy the fruit you wanted. On my way back, I passed the entrance and saw someone putting something under a car. I remember that car belongs to Director Gu."

Zhou Meixiang immediately said, "You boy, go find the Little Divine Doctor and tell her right away. Remember, don’t tell anyone else. Just say you were asking about my condition."

"Yes," Yan Qiang said. Following her mother’s advice, she hurried to the fourth floor to find Zhu Yanyi.

Hearing Yan Qiang’s report, Zhu Yanyi said gratefully, "Thank you, Yan Qiang. I will report this to Director Gu immediately."

"No, no," Yan Qiang waved her hands quickly. "Little Divine Doctor, do not thank me. My mother is hospitalized here, and I know Director Gu has ensured she is well cared for. What I did is not significant enough to deserve thanks." The honest man felt she did not deserve such gratitude.

Zhu Yanyi smiled. "Rest assured, your mother will be discharged in half a month. Go take care of her now. Pretend you know nothing about this matter."

"Yes," Yan Qiang said, truly grateful to Zhu Yanyi, so she listened to her instructions.

After Yan Qiang left her practice chamber, Zhu Yanyi went to the director’s practice chamber to find Gu Jingtian. However, her secretary said Gu Jingtian had received a call from above and had left for a meeting.

Zhu Yanyi immediately felt uneasy. She called Gu Jingtian while running after her. Fortunately, for convenience, Yan Aohan had given each of his senior brothers a mobile phone. Zhu Yanyi quickly connected with Gu Jingtian.

"Senior Brother, someone may have tampered with the underside of your car. Drive to a place with few people. I am coming to find you immediately."

Gu Jingtian had thought Zhu Yanyi had some other matter, but she did not expect it to be a threat against her. Her expression changed. She tried to brake, but the brakes failed. "My brakes are失灵 (failed)."

"Then drive to a quiet, empty place. Where are you now?" Zhu Yanyi walked while signaling to Luo Gang in the shadows. Luo Gang immediately started Zhu Yanyi’s car. She got in and asked directly.

"Ha’er Road," Gu Jingtian said, knowing the location well.

"East of Ha’er Road is Pingchuan East Road. Past that, there is a wasteland with many trees. Senior Brother, head that way. I am coming immediately." Zhu Yanyi quickly formed a plan.

"Okay," Gu Jingtian said. Although she felt a moment of panic, she had experienced many things and quickly calmed down. Since she could not avoid this, she would follow Zhu Yanyi’s advice. She would first get to the wasteland.