Truth be told, Jiang Chen's question was pointless.
For someone like Li Gang, not to mention twenty thousand, even two thousand would be enough for him to take a job.
In his mind, money is money—no matter the amount.
And killing someone? That was no big deal.
It earned him cash and street cred.
Why wouldn't he take it?
So when Jiang Chen asked that question, he replied:
"Sir, that's easy for you to say! But you have no idea—Chairman Li is a ruthless killer! Just mentioning his name makes people piss their pants. Back then, he hung me upside down from a cliff and threatened to set the rope on fire if I didn't agree!"
"All right. Just remember what you said today. Don't deny it when we're in court—I've recorded everything."
"Sigh… I don't even know if I'll live to see that day," the four-lipped man muttered. "You think Chairman Li will let me go?"
"If he won't, then go die."
Jiang Chen tucked the phone away and turned to leave.
Back in his car, Jiang Chen sent the recorded video to Meng Fengying.
"Mr. Jiang, you handled it that fast? And with video evidence too?" Meng Fengying called him immediately.
"Brother Wu's matter—I wouldn't dare slack off."
"Mr. Jiang, I want to treat you to dinner. Just to show my gratitude," she said, her voice soft and flirtatious.
"No need."
"That won't do. You've helped me with such a huge problem. How could I not show my appreciation?"
Jiang Chen understood. A young widow like Meng Fengying must've been suffering terribly inside.
She used to fall asleep every night in her husband's arms.
Now, she was alone.
Her eyes and her sadness had already told him a lot the first time they met—she needed a man.
Not just for emotional comfort, but physical too.
After all, a woman her age could hardly endure even a week without it.
But just because she wanted to—did he?
Absolutely not.
If he got too close to her now, it'd be hard to control himself in the face of her soft, fragrant body. He might end up doing something disloyal to Han Hua.
"Well… it's getting late. I won't bother you tonight. Another day then," Jiang Chen declined politely.
"Okay, it's a promise! We'll pick another day. You're not allowed to back out—I owe you a meal no matter what!"
After hanging up, Jiang Chen drove back to Jiangjia Village.
As soon as he entered the village, he noticed a white BMW parked in front of the clinic.
It gleamed in the dusk, surrounded by curious kids and gossiping villagers.
Who came to visit? And why no phone call in advance?
Jiang Chen parked and got out. Peeking through the clinic's open door, he saw a man sitting inside.
Dean Yao?
Wasn't that Dean Yao from the township hospital?
Last time, when Miss Bu ran into danger on her trip and was taken to the township hospital, Dean Yao nearly killed her with improper treatment.
Jiang Chen had used his Seven-Star Needle technique to bring her back to life.
They hadn't spoken since. So what was he doing here now?
"Hahaha! Finally, the divine doctor returns!"
Dean Yao had already seen Jiang Chen and stood up to greet him.
Though Jiang Chen didn't care much for the man, he was, after all, the dean of the township hospital and technically one of the authorities over this village clinic.
So Jiang Chen had to put on a smile and shake his hand.
"What kind of wind brought you here? My humble clinic has never received someone of your status!"
"Hahaha, Dr. Jiang, you're too modest. Your medical skills are famous across the whole township now. I came to learn from you."
Dean Yao's words sounded half-sincere, and the fake smile on his face was hard to miss.
They sat down in the clinic. Han Hua brought over some tea and said, "Xiaofan, Dean Yao even brought a lot of gifts."
She pointed to a large plastic bag in the corner.
Jiang Chen glanced at it—high-end cigarettes and liquor.
So what was Dean Yao up to?
A night owl never visits for nothing. Let's see.
"Dean Yao, you're too generous. You didn't need to bring anything."
"It's nothing. If it weren't for you saving Miss Li last time, I'd be facing a lawsuit by now."
That part was true.
Last time, Dean Yao had recklessly used acupuncture and almost killed Miss Bu. Jiang Chen had revived her at the last second with his divine needlework.
Jiang Chen hadn't liked Yao much before, but hearing this, he thought maybe the man had some conscience and knew how to be grateful.
What Jiang Chen didn't know was this—
Ever since Jiang Chen showed off his mysterious system-powered medical skill at the township hospital, Dean Yao and his grandfather had secretly been plotting to get close to him, win his trust, and find a way to steal his unique medical knowledge.
Today's visit was just the first step of that big scheme.
"Dean Yao, don't say that—I'm embarrassed. Let's get to the point. I'm guessing you didn't come just to deliver gifts. Tell me what you need. I'll do my best."
"Dr. Jiang, you're a straightforward man. Then I'll be direct. My grandfather is turning eighty this year. He's been healthy all along, but lately something's off. We've taken him to several big hospitals, but no one can figure it out. I'd like to invite you to take a look."
"Eighty? Probably just age catching up to him," Jiang Chen replied.
"It's not that simple. All his test results came back normal, but his pulse is weak and sunken. He has no energy and is getting weaker by the day. I know your skills are extraordinary—please, you must help us!"
Dean Yao became emotional as he spoke. He even bent his knee as if to kneel.
Jiang Chen quickly stopped him and sat him back down.
He thought to himself—this sounded like an "evil affliction."
He recalled the system's description of such cases.
Jiang Chen sat quietly for a moment, sifting through the information in his mind.
Soon, he had a good idea of what was going on.
"Since you've said this much, I'll give it a shot. But I can't promise anything."
He kept his words vague, not wanting to overcommit.
"Excellent! You're agreeing? Then let's go—I'll drive!"
Dean Yao was eager to leave right away.
"No. Come pick me up tomorrow morning. Let's be at your place at exactly a quarter past 7 a.m."
"Oh, I see. Looks like you really are a hidden master, Dr. Jiang. My grandfather always said that each illness responds best when treated at the right hour. I didn't fully believe it before, but clearly, you follow that principle too!"
"Just minor knowledge. Nothing worth mentioning," Jiang Chen said modestly.
The next morning, Dean Yao came in his BMW to pick him up.
At 7:15 sharp, they arrived at the Yao family residence.
As expected from a family of famous doctors, the estate was luxurious—with high walls and a spacious courtyard.
The BMW rolled into the yard. Jiang Chen stepped out and was greeted by a three-story villa.
A long overhang extended from the front, supported by two polished stone pillars.
It looked just like a government compound—impressive and grand.
Jiang Chen was drawn to the two carved dragons wrapped around the pillars.
He stood with his hands behind his back, studying them.
Dean Yao noticed and whispered, "Mr. Jiang, do you see something?"
Jiang Chen furrowed his brow and said nothing, walking around the pillars to inspect the dragons more closely.
"Mr. Jiang—"
Dean Yao grew nervous. "Is there a problem?"
Though Dean Yao had other plans for Jiang Chen, he had complete respect for his medical abilities.
The moment he saw Jiang's skills, he doubted everything he'd ever learned.
But his grandfather had said it best: get close to Jiang Chen, steal his secrets, and find a way to eliminate him.