Chapter 15: Rescue_1
"Using poison to fight poison! How can this work, it's too dangerous!" exclaimed one of the bystanders in shock, whispering his objections under his breath.
The serene gaze of the woman turned towards him, her voice steady, "If you have a way to save him, please do."
In the world of the mundane, troubles never cease; those who only know how to speak but never take any actual actions never realize that many a times, it is due to their inaction a life quietly fades away, without a shred of remorse or compassion.
"I... I can't..." The speaker was a doctor who had just participated in the emergency treatment. He was startled by the attention focused on him and instinctively took a step back.
Everyone including old Mei was out of tactics, how could he alone come up with a solution? He was not a miracle-worker who could control life and death.
"If you can't do anything, then don't shout out baseless objections." Mu Lin's words were harsh and unapologetic, causing the doctor's face to flush but leaving him unable to refute.
He was curious to see what kind of miracle this young girl could perform to save someone who was practically walking through the gates of death.
"To save, or not to save." Or, to gamble, or not to gamble, as far as the family was concerned.
If they chose to counteract poison with poison, missteps could instantly prove fatal. However, if they didn't take the risk, perhaps there might still be time to say their goodbyes.
"Save him," said an elderly but forceful voice amidst the stunned crowd. A path was cleared and an older figure slowly appeared, frail yet with a steady gait beneath him.
"Father, why are you here!" Mr. Zhang was taken aback. Hadn't he told everyone not to inform his father yet?
"How could I not come when something has happened to my beloved grandson? Did you think you could keep this from me?" Mr. Zhang Senior glared at his son, who immediately fell silent, evidence of the old man's authority within the family.
Walking up to Mu Lin with a sigh, he looked at his daughter-in-law cradled in his son's arms, then turned with determined eyes, "Save him." He had gathered the general understanding of the situation from the periphery of the crowd. If they attempted to save the boy, there existed a glimmer of hope, if not, they could only watch his grandson vanish from his life.
"Alright." Mu Lin nodded; however, in the next moment, she turned to Zhou Jiansheng, "Doctor Zhou, does this count as the beginning of my work shift? I need to clarify this before I can charge my fees."
"Ah..." Zhou Jiansheng took an unconscious moment to absorb her question, but soon replied, "No, today was just about acquainting you with our hospital. Your official start time is tomorrow."
Zhou Jiansheng did not understand why Mu Lin would ask such a question, but if she was showing initiative, he would certainly credit all the merits to her. If any mistake occurred, he would also be sure to protect her.
If they could have the Zhang family owing her a favor today, it would definitely make her future in the vast J City a lot easier.
"I see." Mu Lin nodded. And as everyone looked at her to begin the treatment with befuddled faces, she calmly took a pen and paper from her bag and handed a slip of paper to Mr. Zhang Senior after a while.
"This is my account number. Please deposit the consultation fee after the treatment. As for the amount, it depends on how much value you think his life holds for you," she said. After all, the cost of her poison antidote was never cheap.
"Alright," Mr. Zhang Senior took the piece of paper.
He looked at Mu Lin who seemed certain about the treatment.
If she truly saved his grandson, not only would the Zhang family owe her a consultation fee, they would owe her a life — a favor.
Mr. Zhang senior was of course well aware of what Zhou Jiansheng had planned. Moreover, if Mu Lin could indeed save man whom even Mei Qingyuan was unable to, it would mean she is superior to Mei Qingyuan in medical skill, and making acquaintance with such an exceptional doctor would certainly be beneficial.
In life, sickness and death are unavoidable. Having a skilled doctor around would never be a bad thing.
If they were to encounter such a dilemma again in the future, they would not have to fear or panic again.
As for the thoughts of Mr. Zhang, Mu Lin did not care to speculate. To her, everyone present were merely passing figures in her life, with no ties beyond money.
"You, prepare a basin of clean water for me, about half a basin will do," Mu Lin directed the stunned nurse nearby.
"Oh, okay," the nurse returned to her senses, dashed off to the side, and quickly came back with a basin of water.
"If you don't want to die, clear the area for me," Mu Lin's voice turned icy cold.
"Clear the area," ordered Zhou Jiansheng.
Even though he didn't know what Mu Lin was planning, he guessed that she had a reason. His role was to cooperate.
Everyone backed away.
Despite their wish to stay close to the patient, Zhang family members ultimately retreated to a distance. Mrs. Zhang was half-dragged out by her husband while the family guards began to hold back the crowd.
"Place the basin where you are currently standing, then help me turn him over so he's face down above the basin." She casually took out a pill and popped it into his mouth, waiting until he swallowed it. She also signaled for help, as the man on the bed, who looked like a corpse, was too heavy for a girl to handle; and moreover, she didn't want to be overly involved.
"Is this alright?" questioned the helper.
"Yes." Mu Lin responded, taking out the necessary items from her bag on her back before turning to see Mei Qingyuan, where she exclaimed in surprise, "Old Mei, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to help," Mei Qingyuan chuckled, "Though I'm not sure if miss Mu is willing to let an old man like me assist."
"I wouldn't dare have you as my assistant," Mu Lin smiled, "But if you really don't trust what I'm doing, I wouldn't mind you watching over me."
"You cheeky child," Mei Qingyuan shook his head helplessly, understanding that she was giving him an opportunity to save face.
He accepted her good intentions graciously.