Shao He withdrew her hand from Pei Huaian's wrist, her eyes fixed on his knee as she furrowed her brows and said, "Young Master, this leg of yours has been affected by a cold poison for probably a year now. My medical skills are not refined, I'm afraid I will not be able to cure your leg affliction."
If it were not for the fact that this man's martial arts were exceedingly high, allowing him to block his meridians in time, the leg would likely have deteriorated long ago. How could it remain intact until now? The person who used the poison was extremely sinister.
Looking at this man again, despite his robes being made of coarse fabric, the noble aura he exuded was difficult to conceal, clearly indicating he was no ordinary person.
His identity was probably not that simple either. If it were only herself, she might have still been willing to try and help, but now she was not alone. If something were to happen to her, what would become of the baby who was not even a month old.
Having heard Shao He's words, Pei Huaian showed no displeasure. He was well aware of the poison in his body and he also understood that the only reason his legs had remained functional was due to his suppression of it with his Inner Strength.
He remained silent, a dark gleam swirling in the depths of his eyes as if he were contemplating something.
The attendant by his side noticed the hesitation in Shao He's eyes and immediately became anxious.
"The locals all say you can bring the dead back to life and mend bones with flesh. Since you've diagnosed what afflicts my master, why won't you treat him? That... that makes you a rather heartless doctor! Shouldn't all doctors have the compassion of a parent?"
"What brings the dead back to life and mends bones with flesh are just exaggerations by the people. Besides, it's true that a doctor should have a parental heart but not a saintly one. I will save those I can, but I absolutely will not save those I can't," Shao He said, unable to suppress a chuckle. Though she possessed some skills, there were many in this world far superior to her.
"How can you not save my master?" the attendant asked again unwillingly.
They had finally found someone who could diagnose their master's symptoms, and they had heard before coming that this woman possessed exceptional medical skills, capable of curing any disease.
Now, just as they had glimpsed a sliver of hope, it was shattered!
Shao He continued indifferently, "I indeed possess medical skills, but that doesn't mean I can cure every ailment. I am just an ordinary doctor, not a deity from the heavens."
"You... "
"Enough," Pei Huaian suddenly interrupted the attendant, his voice carrying a hint of displeasure and coldness.
Before he could speak further, the cries of a baby echoed through the area.
Yun Qian walked out holding a baby, saying in a panic, "I don't know what's the matter, but he suddenly began crying nonstop, and no matter how we try, we can't calm him down."
Pei Huaian frowned slightly, his gaze deep and complex as he looked at the child in Yun Qian's arms.
"Hand the child to me," Shao He said as she stood up and took the baby from Yun Qian's arms, gently patting the infant swaddled in blankets, her actions tender and enviable.
Pei Huaian stood by, watching her quietly, his eyes deep with thoughts.
"Wah—"
"There, baby, don't cry, mommy is here," Shao He cooed.
Normally, Shao He could soothe the child immediately, but today was out of the ordinary; despite her efforts, the baby in her arms wouldn't stop crying.
Yun Qian also said anxiously, "Could it be that the baby is feeling unwell somewhere?"
Pei Huaian took out a red string from his bosom, to which a silver bell was attached. He rolled his wheelchair over and placed the bell inside the baby's small blanket, and the child stopped crying instantly.
Shao He looked at him with shock, her eyes flashing with many emotions as she gazed at his legs, her heart tangled.
Pei Huaian raised his head to look at the baby in the swaddlings, his eyes tender, and a gentle smile lifted the corners of his mouth, as if all the frost from before had melted away, leaving only warmth on his face.
"I have a connection with this child; consider this object a gift for our first meeting," Pei Huaian said, then started to turn his wheelchair to leave, not insisting on being treated.
Watching the baby in her arms, Shao He hesitated for a long time, but still called out to him, "Wait!"
Holding the child, she ran over to him, her expression complex as she said, "Your leg condition cannot be healed overnight. If you trust me, then I am willing to try."
Upon hearing this, Pei Huaian did not hesitate and immediately nodded, "I trust you."