Chapter Thirty-Six: The Vermilion Bird Card

The private room was brightly lit.
Everyone had clearly seen that swirl of black mist. At first, it looked like ink, but then it gradually dissipated into the air without a trace.

“What the hell was that thing?”

“Did I see that right? He actually exhaled black gas!”

“How terrifying—is this the real reason he was passing blood?”

“But what exactly was it? Dr. Su, could you explain it to us?”

“Yes, we’re all ears, Dr. Su, please tell us!”

Amid the shock and amazement in the room, everyone’s way of addressing Su Zheng began to change without them realizing it. Now, they all called him ‘Divine Doctor’, and their expressions took on a respectful seriousness.

“Ah, I feel so comfortable. My whole body feels lighter, as if I’m ten years younger—hahaha…”
Wei Laosi, having regained his breath, couldn’t help but get up and jump twice, a look of immense joy on his face. He was also curious about that black mist, so he respectfully turned to Su Zheng for answers.

“Divine Doctor Su, could you tell me what exactly just happened? I thought I only had hemorrhoids—why was there black gas in my abdomen?”

Su Zheng shot him a sidelong glance. “First of all, this isn’t hemorrhoids. It’s because you’ve been in constant contact with objects buried in tombs, and over time, the yin energy has accumulated in your body. On top of that, you lack self-restraint, indulge too much in women, and your body is already depleted. The yin energy has invaded your heart channels—that’s the source.”

“Uh…”
Wei Laosi scratched his head awkwardly, embarrassed by Su Zheng’s words, but his attention was soon drawn to the mention of those tomb objects.

Suddenly, a thought struck him and he asked urgently, “Divine Doctor Su, does this mean that anyone who’s ever come into contact with things from a tomb will end up like this?”

He thought of his own family and his eldest brother, Hua Li. Not long ago, he had spent a fortune buying several antique jade pieces, intending to gift them to Hua Li, but he’d grown fond of one of the pendants and kept it for himself. Now, he could guess that those antiques must have been unearthed from a tomb. His whole family had touched them, and Hua Li had handled them even more.

“No, it depends on the person’s constitution. The main reason you ended up like this is because your body was already completely exhausted.”

Su Zheng shook his head slowly.

Wei Laosi finally breathed a sigh of relief, though his eyes still betrayed worry. He made up his mind to find a way to invite Su Zheng to his home to examine his family.

Now that everyone had seen Su Zheng casually suppress Wei Laosi’s strange illness, none of them could sit still any longer.

These people were all seasoned veterans of the business world, sharper than monkeys when it came to opportunity. In a flash, several of them were already making their way to the coffee table where Chen Muxue sat.

If they wanted the Divine Doctor’s help, they had to act. Look at Wei Laosi—not even waiting for the contract, he’d transferred the money up front!

Waterproofing materials were only a small part of any construction project, and it didn’t really matter whom they partnered with. In their hearts, they all resolved that from now on, their companies would only purchase such materials from Haoyuan Trading.

Everyone at the banquet table got up and crowded around the coffee table, faces beaming, all waiting for Chen Muxue to nod and agree to cooperate. And every one of them was prepared to pay first and sign contracts afterward—their actions remarkably unified!

Chen Muxue felt as if a pie had fallen from the sky and hit her on the head. Happiness had come so suddenly.
Just moments before, these same people had looked down on her and Haoyuan Trading, not even willing to share their contact information. But now, they were all anxiously hoping she’d give them a chance to cooperate, lining up properly to await her approval!

“See, you lot? Now you know I wasn’t lying to you, right?”
Shen Qingqiang, having already signed his contract, took on the role of Chen Muxue’s assistant to help maintain order. Seeing the change in their attitude toward Su Zheng and Chen Muxue, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.

“Heh heh…”
Many of them laughed awkwardly, now utterly convinced that Su Zheng was indeed a Divine Doctor.

The atmosphere in the private room became much more harmonious. Those who had already transferred payment and were waiting for their assistants to bring the contracts returned to the banquet table, waiting respectfully for Su Zheng’s treatment.

Su Zheng remained calm and composed. He ordered silver needles to be brought in and performed acupuncture on several people, then wrote out a few prescriptions, instructing them to purchase the herbs themselves and brew the medicine at home.

While he was treating them, Qiao Lan arrived.

“Brother Zheng, this is for you,” she said, placing a box of red herbs on the table.

It was Red Mist Grass—over a dozen stalks.

When Qiao Lan appeared, the others all fell silent, eyes filled with respect. In her presence, none dared to be unruly.

“You’re thoughtful—thank you,” Su Zheng accepted them with a gentle smile, not bothering with courtesy. The Red Mist Grass was invaluable for strengthening his constitution, so naturally he wouldn’t refuse.
He quickly counted—fifteen stalks, more than enough to prepare another batch of medicinal solution.

Inside the box, besides the herbs, was a dark red card engraved with the image of a phoenix rising from flames.

“Brother Zheng, this is a Vermilion Bird Card—please take it. In the future, if you ever encounter someone who doesn’t know their place, just show them this. I’m sure they’ll make the right decision,” Qiao Lan explained with a faint smile.
“In addition, the card has no spending limit. If you ever need money, you can use it anytime.”

Su Zheng nodded slowly and accepted the card as well.

Those nearby were dumbfounded when they heard Qiao Lan’s explanation. Qingyang Longevity Pavilion was the city’s top wellness center, and anyone able to receive treatment there was a figure of renown. As its leader, Qiao Lan’s connections and influence were beyond imagination. Carrying her exclusive Vermilion Bird Card was tantamount to Qiao Lan’s personal presence—who in all Qingyang City would dare show disrespect?

It was rumored that Qiao Lan had issued fewer than three Vermilion Bird Cards in total, and now, witnessing this firsthand, everyone was deeply shocked and fearful.
They thought back to how they had treated Su Zheng earlier—if Qiao Lan ever found out, they’d be lucky to escape with their skin intact!

“Brother Zheng, there’s someone else who would like to see you. He’s not well enough to come here and asked me to bring you to him. Do you have time?” Qiao Lan asked with another smile.

Su Zheng was taken aback and glanced over at Chen Muxue, who was still busy with contracts at the coffee table, hesitating for a moment.

“Divine Doctor Su, please go ahead with President Qiao. I’ll help oversee the contracts for Madam—you can rest assured!” Wei Laosi quickly offered, eager to please.

Only then did Su Zheng nod and agree to Qiao Lan’s request.

He walked over to Chen Muxue, speaking gently:
“Muxue, when you’re finished here, just go home. Don’t wait for me—I have something to attend to, but I’ll be back soon.”

Chen Muxue looked up, about to ask a question, when she saw Qiao Lan smiling at her.

“Sister-in-law, I’m just borrowing Brother Zheng for a little while—I hope you don’t mind?” Qiao Lan said with an easy laugh.