“Will Big Brother believe us?” As they were about to enter the hall, Tao Ruifang looked timid, her eyes filled with unease. Despite being a mother of two—her eldest already seventeen or eighteen—she still maintained an air of innocence and fragility. Nervously, she asked Xiong Zewei, then cast an anxious glance upstairs. “Do you think we might be mistaken? Big Brother is no ordinary man—who could possibly deceive him?”
She knew this demeanor was precisely what her husband, Xiong Zewei, adored—weak, innocent, and utterly dependent. For decades, she had never considered changing this image.
Maintaining a facade was exhausting and painful, but Tao Ruifang had presented herself this way long before she met Xiong Zewei, so it no longer felt like a burden. Her goal was simple: to keep Xiong Zewei firmly by her side. And why not? She came from an ordinary family, a background that paled in comparison to her husband’s prestigious lineage as a member of the Xiong family. Had they not attended the same university, their paths might never have crossed, let alone led to marriage.
Their relationship had begun with her pursuit of him, while Xiong Zewei remained passive, never uttering sweet nothings, only offering stiff, mundane words of concern. This had always been a source of insecurity for her. Even with two children, she couldn’t shake the unease.
Xiong Zewei wore gold-rimmed glasses, his thick, dark eyebrows framing piercing eyes that betrayed his resolute will. Unlike the typical sun-kissed complexion of most men, his skin was fair, lending him a scholarly, almost delicate appearance. He was the antithesis of his brother, Xiong Lunbing, whose bold features exuded rugged masculinity. Xiong Zewei, in contrast, was the epitome of an intellectual—refined, courteous, and exuding an air of Confucian elegance. Even the smallest details revealed his rigid nature. Visiting his elder brother’s home, he still wore a black suit buttoned all the way to the collar, his hair meticulously groomed, his shoes polished to a mirror shine.
This fastidiousness stemmed partly from his profession as a law professor. The field demanded precision, and over time, this rigor had seeped into his daily life. Xiong Zewei’s greatest aspiration was to be a respected educator, molding future generations. To set an example, he held himself to the highest standards.
Now, hearing his wife’s words, he paused, lowering his eyelids in contemplation for a few seconds.
Then, with resolve, he led her inside. They had come this far—it would be impolite to turn back. Moreover, regardless of the circumstances, his sister-in-law had always treated him well. For that alone, he owed her a visit.
As they walked, he squeezed his wife’s hand, soothing her nerves in a gentle voice. “Ruifang, there’s no need to be so afraid of Big Brother. He’s a good man.”
His wife’s timidity had long been a concern for Xiong Zewei. He wanted to help her grow bolder but feared pushing her too far. It was a dilemma more vexing than any research problem he’d tackled.
Tao Ruifang was well-versed in eliciting her husband’s sympathy. Forcing a brave smile, she straightened her posture, feigning confidence to reassure him.
But her act of courage only made Xiong Zewei’s heart ache more. With a resigned sigh, he resolved to protect her even more diligently. What if someone took advantage of her meekness when he wasn’t looking? She’d never speak up.
Sensing the shift in her husband’s gaze, Tao Ruifang knew her ploy had succeeded. Lowering her head, her eyes darkened, all traces of her earlier innocence vanishing.
Behind them, their son and daughter exchanged amused glances, rolling their eyes at their parents’ overt displays of affection.
As the Xiong Zewei family reached the upper floor, they encountered Xiong Lunbing’s family stepping out of a room.
Xiong Zewei gave his wife’s hand a reassuring squeeze before releasing it and stepping forward. “Big Brother, how is sister-in-law?”
Xiong Lunbing carefully closed the door behind him and turned, startled to see his younger brother’s family. Known for his rigid adherence to routine, Xiong Zewei typically visited only on the 15th of every month or during holidays. Today was only the 10th—what had prompted this early visit? Regardless, Xiong Lunbing was delighted. With a booming laugh, he clapped his brother on the shoulder, unable to contain his joy. “Zewei! Your sister-in-law is saved!”
Unaccustomed to physical exertion, Xiong Zewei winced under the forceful pat. But this was his elder brother—respect was paramount. Though he couldn’t quite endure such displays of affection, he bore it stoically, blaming only his own lack of exercise. Gritting his teeth, he managed, “Really? That’s wonderful news! But after so many renowned doctors failed, where did you find this one?”
Xiong Lunbing’s smile faded as his movements slowed. So that was it. His brother, who never deviated from his schedule, had come early because of this. Not that he suspected ulterior motives—his brother, entrenched in academia, lacked the cunning for such schemes. If he’d had even a shred of guile, he wouldn’t still be a lowly professor, refusing to “compromise his integrity” by leveraging connections. Infuriating, really.
Given his brother’s obliviousness to worldly affairs, someone must have tipped him off. That little sister of theirs—still not learned her lesson, it seemed.
“Zewei, don’t listen to Little Sister’s nonsense. She’s not the same as before—she’s changed. I’ve been meaning to teach her a lesson, to correct her behavior. Pay her no mind, understand?”
Xiong Zewei blinked in confusion. They’d been discussing his sister-in-law’s treatment—why the sudden shift to Little Sister? Still, he was accustomed to obeying his elder brother. Even without understanding, he nodded. “Yes, Big Brother.”
Hearing that her arrogant, insufferable sister-in-law was finally facing consequences, Tao Ruifang nearly laughed aloud, quickly ducking her head to hide her glee.
She had never liked—no, despised—that woman. Despite Tao Ruifang’s carefully cultivated image of timidity, her sister-in-law had relentlessly bullied her, exploiting her husband’s nature to manipulate him into acting as her shield while she played the innocent. Like this time—instead of confronting Big Brother herself, she’d goaded Xiong Zewei into doing it, leaving them to bear the brunt of his anger. And despite her age, the woman had no filter, offending people left and right. Only her privileged background had spared her from retribution—until now.
She doubted Big Brother’s efforts would reform her, but the thought of her sister-in-law suffering for a while was satisfying enough.
Pleased by his brother’s compliance, Xiong Lunbing’s expression softened. “Zewei, from now on, don’t take Little Sister’s words at face value. Don’t jump at her every whim.”
Xiong Zewei nodded obediently, filing away the advice even if he didn’t fully grasp its context. If Big Brother said so, he’d treat Little Sister’s words as background noise from now on.
Tao Ruifang exhaled in relief. Her husband would heed Big Brother’s words. Finally, she wouldn’t have to worry about him being manipulated by that wretched woman.
With that settled, Xiong Lunbing returned to the topic of the doctor. “The physician treating your sister-in-law is a rising talent—exceptionally skilled. She’s already cured Old Master Gu and the Lian family’s heir, both of whom had severe conditions. She also practiced at Tongrentang for a time, prescribing remarkably effective treatments. There’s no ailment she hasn’t conquered.”
Xiong Zewei respected competence. A doctor of such caliber might indeed heal his sister-in-law.
“Enough talk. Let’s wait downstairs—the doctor’s performing acupuncture now.”
Leading the way, Xiong Lunbing descended, his family following.
Inside the room, Qin Chaoyu unpacked her acupuncture kit. This time, she used silver needles. For a case of blood depletion, the legendary “Spring Revival” needles weren’t necessary. Those were reserved for critical moments, when life hung by a thread—their name evoking the return of vitality, like spring’s rebirth.
To maximize their effect, silver needles were ideal.
Madam Xiong’s life force was nearly extinguished, a candle guttering in the wind. The Spring Revival technique was perfect.
After sterilizing the needles—silver, like gold, was pliant, requiring skill to insert—Qin Chaoyu began. Her hands moved so swiftly they blurred.
One hundred eight needles were placed in just five minutes, each at varying depths, vibrating at unique frequencies to stimulate the meridians and amplify the treatment’s efficacy.
The real work began then. Channeling her inner energy, Qin Chaoyu manipulated each needle rhythmically, guiding her healing force into Madam Xiong’s body.
This time, she was wholly invested. Her cultivated energy, specialized for healing, was potent enough to produce dramatic effects even through mere touch. Combined with the Spring Revival technique, the results were exponential.
For an hour, Qin Chaoyu maintained the treatment, adjusting each needle tirelessly. Though she’d performed this technique countless times, sweat still beaded her forehead.
When the time was up, she withdrew the needles and, without pausing to rest, examined Madam Xiong.
As expected, the crisis had passed. Standard acupuncture would suffice henceforth.
After tucking the blankets snugly around her patient, Qin Chaoyu packed her tools.
Mission accomplished.
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