As Commander Zhang’s breathing gradually stabilized, the living room—previously so still it felt suffocating—seemed to finally breathe again.
The intern military doctor, who had been shouting “Unauthorized personnel, get out!” just moments ago, now clutched his stethoscope like it was a talisman. He stared at Jiang Mian as if she were an alien, his mouth agape wide enough to fit an egg.
“Am…amazing…” he muttered, awe and disbelief written all over his face. “What kind of acupuncture is this? She actually reversed acute laryngeal edema? This… this is medically impossible. A miracle!”
Zhang Lan, standing beside the sofa, watched her father’s face regain color. When she turned her gaze to Jiang Mian, the previous wariness and disdain had completely vanished. In their place was reverence and gratitude, as if she were witnessing a living deity.
“He… he’s alive… really alive…”
Everyone’s eyes focused on Jiang Mian like searchlights, full of shock, curiosity, and fervent admiration.
Jiang Mian calmly returned the last silver needle to its pouch, her movements smooth and flowing, exuding the aura of a true master.
But just as the final needle was secured…
Her previously upright spine suddenly slumped, as if the bones had been sucked out of her body. She wobbled twice, then collapsed weakly into the wheelchair behind her.
“Ah…”
A faint, trembling whimper escaped her lips.
Huo Jingchuan’s reflexes were lightning-fast. He reached out with long arms and caught her firmly as she fell.
The woman in his arms was pale as paper—this time truly drained. Her forehead glistened with cold sweat. The almond-shaped eyes that had moments ago been as sharp as knives now brimmed with tears. She clung to Huo Jingchuan’s sleeve like a frightened rabbit, her knuckles trembling.
“Br-Brother Jingchuan…”
Her voice quivered, choked with sobs, as she buried herself in his arms, shivering uncontrollably.
“You scared me… sob sob… was I too rough just now? I didn’t mean to… I just… I was so worried about saving the old chief… I thought he might… just leave me… I was so scared…”
This frail, terrified, utterly vulnerable appearance left no trace of the “Get out!” war goddess aura from moments ago.
She was now a delicate little flower, buffeted in a storm.
Everyone around, preparing to swarm her with questions about her acupuncture, froze mid-step, exchanging glances.
Was that earlier domineering divine healer just their imagination?
This was Jiang Mian’s true self?
Huo Jingchuan lowered his eyes to the small woman crying in his arms.
A twitch flickered at the corner of his eye.
Acting.
Keep acting.
Just moments ago, when she had roared “Shut up if you don’t want him to die,” her aura had been so powerful that even he, the regiment commander, instinctively deferred. More authority than any commander he had ever served under.
And now… she was scared of being questioned?
Before he could even make a mental note of that, Jiang Mian’s real, exhausted thoughts leaked through:
Ah, my poor back… this body’s foundation is terrible.Just now, I was fully concentrated, hanging on by my qi. Now that it’s released, I feel hollowed out—my legs are weak.Better act delicate! Must act delicate! Otherwise, these people will swarm me, asking about my master, my credentials, and explaining would be such a hassle!And… phew, at least he’s saved. If the old man had died at home, the bad energy would have been too strong, too inauspicious! It would even bring me bad luck! For my own future safety, he could not die!
Huo Jingchuan: “……”
Listen to that.
Was that even human talk?
Saving someone for… feng shui?
Though inwardly speechless at her logic, seeing her pale face and cold sweat told him one thing—she was genuinely exhausted.
Zhang Lan snapped out of her awe, wiping her tears as she rushed to clasp Jiang Mian’s hand.
“Little sister! Thank you so much! You’ve done a great favor for our family! I didn’t recognize your worth before, but thanks to you—”
The intern doctor excitedly pulled out a notebook, trying to edge closer. “Comrade! Can you… please teach me that acupuncture technique—”
“Step back.”
Huo Jingchuan’s cold voice cut off everyone’s enthusiasm.
He wrapped one arm around Jiang Mian’s waist, and with the other, efficiently removed his military overcoat. Still warm from his body, he draped it over her, wrapping her tightly so only her reddened eyes were visible.
He lifted his gaze, sweeping the crowd, his eyes sharp and protective, his tone hard and unyielding:
“Can’t you see my lover is terrified?”“She’s timid, her body is weak—she can’t take abuse.”
Zhang Lan and the intern doctor recoiled under Huo Jingchuan’s fierce aura, not daring to step forward. They could only watch as he maneuvered the wheelchair, shielding the “timid and fragile” little divine healer in his arms.
Hidden under the overcoat, Jiang Mian’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile.
Hehe, Huo Yama makes such a useful shield.But… this coat is warm, and smells like him.
Huo Jingchuan heard that thought and his hand on the wheelchair paused slightly. A faint blush crept up his ears.