However, Zheng Chunli still had not given up trying to curry favor with Old Master Zhou.
Unfortunately for her, both General Zhou and Old Master Zhou were shrewd, experienced men.
Her intentions were practically written on her face.
Especially now that Zhou Yunting had left, the villagers of Hongshan Village felt that the Zhou family likely had nothing major going on anymore.
They probably would return to the city sooner or later.
On top of that, thanks to Liu Zhixia’s contribution in treating illnesses and saving lives, the villagers were even more willing to build good relations with the Zhou family.
Because of all this, after Zhou Yunting and his wife left, the Zhou family elders were living quite comfortably.
Even while doing farm work, they felt relieved—like a heavy burden had been lifted from their hearts.
Their mood was light and joyful.
Zheng Chunli received no kindness from the Zhou family elders at all.
So she shifted her attention even more toward Sun Haomin.
She had already lost her reliance on the spatial ability and now had to cling tightly to her last lifeline—
a chance to restore everything back to the right track…
When Liu Zhixia arrived in the county town, she took a deep breath.
She needed to earn some money on her own first.
Otherwise, she couldn’t possibly live a life of constant frugality, nor could she keep asking her parents for support.
Zhou Yunting’s military allowance was still unknown as well.
It was a pity—she clearly had a spatial storage full of supplies, yet had no way to explain their origin.
As she was lost in thought, she suddenly looked up—
and saw an elderly man collapse beside her.
Liu Zhixia pressed her forehead in frustration.
She quickly checked the man’s pulse. After a moment, her brows furrowed.
How could this be?
The old man’s vitality was extremely weak—his body functions had reached their limit.
As a doctor, she could not stand by and do nothing.
“Please, everyone step back at least two meters. The elderly person needs fresh air. Thank you.”
Her clear voice fell, and the crowd immediately stepped back.
Seeing the space cleared, Liu Zhixia quickly took out silver needles and exposed the necessary acupuncture points.
Guided by her internal energy, she inserted the needles swiftly—fast as lightning.
The onlookers were dazzled.
However, her face gradually turned pale.
The old man’s condition was too weak; this treatment consumed nearly half of her internal energy.
Fortunately, she would recover after about two hours of rest.
Twenty minutes later, she slowly withdrew the needles and wiped the sweat from her forehead.
The old man slowly opened his eyes and, after catching his breath, managed to sit up.
Then a look of shock crossed his aged face—disbelief mixed with faint joy.
“Little girl… did you save me?”
Though it was a question, his eyes already held certainty.
Liu Zhixia blinked.
“If you say so, then yes. Your body is in poor condition. I’ve just done some simple acupuncture to help stabilize you.”
“You should avoid overexertion in the future.”
The old man sighed.
“You truly have remarkable medical skills, young lady. If not for you, I’m afraid this old life would have ended here.”
Liu Zhixia inwardly agreed—the man’s body was severely depleted. Without treatment, the situation would only worsen.
Fortunately, her internal energy carried a restorative life force; otherwise, even her medical skills would not have been enough to save him.
While they were speaking, a group hurried over.
“Mayor Jiang! We finally found you!”
“If you wanted to inspect the area, you should have informed us. At least someone could have accompanied you!”
“Your health—”
The speaker was a man in his thirties, refined in appearance, wearing glasses.
Jiang Weimin sighed.
“Xiao Gu, I really have to thank this young girl today. If not for her, I might have collapsed right here.”
The man called Xiao Gu was visibly shocked.
“Mayor Jiang, we should still go to the hospital for a full check-up. I’m worried.”
They all knew Jiang Weimin’s health was poor—he had spent years working for the people while neglecting himself.
Though only in his fifties, he looked at least a decade older.
But Jiang Weimin waved his hand with a smile.
“I know my own body. I’ve never felt this good before.”
“This girl’s medical skills are extraordinary. I’ve been to countless hospitals, but none worked as well as this.”
“I’ve decided—I won’t go anywhere else for treatment. If I feel unwell again, I’ll just trouble this young lady…”
Then he seemed to realize something and paused awkwardly.
He coughed lightly.
“Um… little girl, what do you think?”
Liu Zhixia smiled.
“If you’re unwell, you can come find me. I live across from the military base. My husband is Zhou Yunting.”
At the mention of that name, Jiang Weimin paused slightly—then smiled even more warmly.
“I knew you would agree.”
“Would you do me the honor of having a meal with this old man?”
Seeing her hesitation, he quickly added:
“This is my way of thanking you for saving my life.”
The man beside him also chimed in enthusiastically, urging her to go.
The restaurant they arrived at was one of the best in Fuchang County.
Because County Chief Gu was accompanying them, the staff were especially respectful.
“County Chief Gu, it’s been a while! Please come in!”
When they learned the identity of the elderly man, the staff were visibly shocked.
But what surprised them even more was the stunning young girl sitting calmly between two major officials, speaking freely.
County Chief Gu knew Jiang Weimin’s condition well.
He felt this young woman’s medical skill was likely extraordinary—perhaps even among the top few in the entire country.
He couldn’t bear to let such talent go to waste.
“Little girl, how about working at our county hospital? I can arrange everything for you.”
His enthusiasm was sincere.
But Liu Zhixia politely declined.
If she worked at a hospital, she would have to report on time every day.
She disliked that kind of lifestyle, and traveling between locations would also be inconvenient.
Jiang Weimin also became interested.
If she agreed, it would be a great benefit to the people.
But Liu Zhixia still shook her head.
“I’m sorry, County Chief Gu. I don’t have time for regular clinical work.”
“However, if there are truly difficult cases, I might be able to help.”
Jiang Weimin immediately understood.
“Then how about this—let her assist one day or half a day per week.”
“Each week, the hospital can select a few difficult cases for her to handle.”
County Chief Gu immediately saw the logic.
He looked at Liu Zhixia with eager anticipation.
With such generous terms, Liu Zhixia found it difficult to refuse again.
She finally nodded in agreement.