Chairman Xiao's face, neck, and the backs of her hands—all of the exposed skin—showed an abnormal flush, and beneath the skin, dark lines seemed to be moving in a very strange way.
Even though Lin Feng was highly skilled in medicine, he couldn't tell what the ailment was at first glance and needed to combine palpation with pulse examination for a definitive diagnosis.
Chairman Xiao appeared to be enduring great pain, her forehead covered with fine beads of sweat.
"Mom, what's wrong with you..." Even though Lin Yuxin was strong inside, she panicked at this moment.
Just as Lin Feng was about to go over, the female secretary had already connected a call and said anxiously, "Divine Doctor Han, it's not good, Chairman Xiao is having a relapse... Yes, we are in the Lu Group's chairman's office, thank you, you're too kind."
"Again?" Lin Yuxin raised her head and looked at Secretary Yang, her face full of confusion and questioning, "What do you mean by again? My mother has always been in good health, how could she suddenly fall ill?"
Secretary Yang was somewhat troubled for a moment, looking at Chairman Xiao and unsure whether to speak. Chairman Xiao by then was in too much pain to speak, but she just nodded her head.
"Mr. Lu, this is what happened: ever since Chairman Xiao returned from attending a jewelers' conference in Southeast Asia, her health started to deteriorate. It was initially thought to be either a cold or exhaustion, but after going to the hospital and undergoing diagnosis, there were no findings."
"By chance, a week ago, Divine Doctor Han from the Capital City came to Beijiang City with his disciples to study and travel. After his diagnosis, he stated there was an issue with the heart meridian, but did not elaborate on the specific problem. He simply prescribed a few doses of medicine."
"After taking the medicine, Chairman Xiao's condition seemed to have improved, so she didn't inform Mr. Lu, not wanting to worry you with unfounded concerns. What she didn't expect was... to suddenly fall ill again today..."
Secretary Yang spoke briefly but clearly while showing a hint of self-reproach, feeling that it might have been better if she had informed the young mistress sooner.
Lin Feng's brow furrowed as he faintly recalled news reports; a month ago, Southeast Asia's Myanmar had hosted a grand gem identification event, which was actually a gemstone gambling event. Chairman Xiao likely contracted the illness during that period.
Although Myanmar is rich in gems, its sanitary conditions are concerning, and with various powers mingling together, it's not surprising for one to contract an illness, or even for more exaggerated incidents to occur.
As he was thinking, a group of people hurried in, led by an old man who, judging by the wrinkles around his eyes and bone structure, seemed to be in his seventies, but he still had a full head of black hair and moved very spryly.
Following the old man was a young girl in her teens, dressed in a simple pale blue linen dress.
Yet her beauty could not be hidden, with delicate features, skin rosy and clear, eyes sparkling, and her hair tied in a braid. She looked around with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes as she entered.
Accompanying them into the room was Lu Zhenhai and his party, causing Lu Yuxin to frown deeply.
"My uncle is probably here to kick us when we're down." Lu Yuxin did not hide her disdain, thinking her mother's relapsed condition was provoked by them, especially that fourth aunt.
"Chairman Xiao is ill, and as her clanspeople, shouldn't we come to see her?" Lu Zhenhai pretended to be righteous, wearing a mask of virtue.
"Maybe she tired herself out with someone, at her age, she should take it easy." The fourth aunt's words were laced with sarcasm, more venomous than before, causing snickers from the Lu family members behind her.
"You one by one, don't disturb my master while he's treating a patient!" The young girl turned and glared at them, causing some awkwardness among the crowd who didn't dare retort, aware that the old man before them was Capital City's renowned Divine Doctor, whom they might need someday.
The old man immediately started taking the pulse upon entering, unaffected by the surroundings, his focus only on the patient. After diagnosing for a while, he laid out a set of silver needles, beginning acupuncture treatment for Chairman Xiao.
Soon, Chairman Xiao's head and hands were pierced with several silver needles, each inserted to varying depths, faintly creating a network of meridians.
Lin Feng first nodded at what he saw, then shook his head. The old man's technique and skills were good, it was just unfortunate that the "illness" encountered today was not simple. After observing for a while, Lin Feng felt he understood the situation.
As he shook his head, the young girl caught sight of it and furrowed her brows. A security guard dared to doubt her master's medical skill.
She was about to walk over when suddenly, Chairman Xiao let out a splutter, and a mouthful of blood came out.