Chapter 7: The Proud and Aloof Woman

When the chest, which had begun to stiffen, grew soft once more, Gou Liang fastened the clasp for Wang Xiaomeng again and turned to the final yang seam—her brow. His hands, covered in invisible scarlet runes, gently massaged the seam, and with each touch, a red aura of resentment seeped from Wang Xiaomeng's body, flowing along his fingers into his own. Gou Liang received a prompt in his mind: once he absorbed a sufficient quantity of resentment, he would advance to become a Tier Two Orange Rune Healer. As for how much was "sufficient," the information gave no clear answer—it was uncertain just how many people's venomous resentment would be needed.

Suddenly, Wang Xiaomeng let out a soft moan, slowly opened her eyes, and sat up on the sofa. The air seemed to freeze in an instant; nearly everyone in the hall felt their worldview shatter. The legendary act of returning from the dead was unfolding before them, real and undeniable.

Gou Liang, however, paid it no mind, as if nothing extraordinary had happened. He arched his brow at Wang Xiaomeng. "Wang Xiaomeng, stand up and take a few steps," he said.

Obediently, Wang Xiaomeng rose and walked back and forth in the hall, restored to perfect health. She glanced around in confusion, as if waking from a blackout, and cast a glance at Wang Xinyao.

"Mom, what happened to me?"

Having regained what was lost, Wang Xinyao embraced her daughter tightly and broke down in tears. "It's all right now, it's all right, everything's fine, all fine," she sobbed, barely able to speak through her tears, gradually calming after a long while.

She looked gratefully at Gou Liang, then turned to Wang Xiaomeng. "Xiaomeng, you should thank your classmate Gou Liang. He pulled you back from the gates of death."

Wang Xiaomeng's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief. Raised in privilege, as proud as her mother, she had never given Gou Liang a second thought. Yet it was this very boy she had always looked down upon who had dragged her back from the brink. To thank him now was an embarrassment beyond words. Her lively star-like eyes narrowed awkwardly, long lashes trembling, rosy lips parted for a shallow breath, her cheeks flushed with shyness, even her delicate, translucent earlobes turning crimson.

Her luscious red lips quivered for a while before she managed to force out two words, "Thank you!"

Gou Liang gave a nonchalant smile. "We're classmates—no need to be so formal."

But in his heart, he thought: No wonder Old Ye asked for ten million; bringing someone back from the dead is indeed worth ten million.

Wang Xiaomeng's embarrassment deepened, her face growing redder as she stared blankly for a moment, then turned to Wang Xinyao. "Mom, I heard someone say I was dead, but I was always clear-headed inside, just unable to move, and I was really anxious. I was so scared you would send me to the crematorium."

Wang Xinyao cast a dissatisfied glance at Academician Zhang. Zhang's face turned from red to pale, and he awkwardly attempted to explain, "All I can say is, this is a miracle, something outside the scope of medicine. We have no further purpose here, so we'll take our leave."

Wang Xinyao nodded curtly. "Take care, I won't see you out."

Academician Zhang and his assistants left in embarrassment. Wang Xinyao stepped forward and extended her fair hand to Gou Liang, offering a handshake in gratitude.

"Thank you, Gou Liang. Thank you for saving Xiaomeng. Let's have a meal together; I have some matters to consult with you."

Everyone in the hall was stunned. They had never seen the proud Director Wang, queenly as ever, treat someone so courteously, as an honored guest. And that someone was Gou Liang—the most inconspicuous boy in the class, the one they looked down upon most.

They entered the dining room, where the chef and housekeeper had prepared a lavish dinner. Wang Xinyao seated Gou Liang to her left, Wang Xiaomeng to her right. Not only was Zhu Jiahao seething with envy, nearly every boy was filled with jealousy and resentment toward Gou Liang.

Gou Liang understood well what Wang Xinyao wanted to ask him. He, too, wanted to know why Zhang Zihan had attached herself to Wang Xiaomeng. What grudge lay between Zhang Zhihan and the Wang family? It felt like a landmine, one he dared not touch, ready to blow his nerves to pieces.

The information gave no clue as to why Zhang Zhihan had possessed Wang Xiaomeng; it seemed he would have to investigate for himself. However, it had provided a healing method: resolve Zhang Zhihan's obsession and Wang Xiaomeng would recover—it was that simple. If it proved impossible to dispel Zhang Zhihan's obsession, he could choose to destroy her vengeful spirit. A healer must always put people first; between the living and the dead, the ghost must be sacrificed. Whether this counted as heavenly law, he did not know, but it was the healer's rule.

"Are the dishes to your liking?" Wang Xinyao asked, helping Gou Liang with the food and engaging in polite conversation.

For the first time in his life, Gou Liang tasted such sumptuous, delicious fare. Like a young man from another region trying ice cream for the first time—oh heavens, it was so good he could have eaten it through tears. Yet, with so many classmates present, he forced himself to appear calm.

"It's very good, thank you, Auntie," he replied.

Wang Xiaomeng knew well that Gou Liang had never eaten such fine food. After all, he had saved her life. She smiled as she helped him with another serving. "Eat more if you like it."

"Thank you, I can manage myself," Gou Liang said, reaching for the abalone.

Zhu Jiahao snatched it up first, grinning mockingly as he placed the abalone on Gou Liang's plate. "Our grand healer surely hasn't tasted abalone before. Bet you anything, this whole platter won't be enough for him!"

"No way, that's enough for over twenty people. There's no way he could eat that whole plate," someone protested.

Zhu Jiahao seized every opportunity to humiliate Gou Liang, and now he stood up, moving the large platter before him. "Gou Liang, we're all classmates here. Who doesn't know who? Don't be shy, eat it all!"

Gou Liang smiled calmly. "Thanks for your offering. Honestly, this plate really isn't enough!"

In a whirlwind, he polished off the entire plate of abalone.

Wang Xinyao's eyes shone with affection. She gave Gou Liang a thumbs-up. "That's the spirit of a real man—not pretentious, doing what you like regardless of others' opinions."

Zhu Jiahao nearly choked on his own anger; his attempt to humiliate Gou Liang had instead earned him Wang Xinyao's praise. Gou Liang himself found his own transformation puzzling—once, he would have turned red with embarrassment and barely dared eat a piece. Yet the healer's inheritance seemed to be subtly reshaping his character.

After the meal, Wang Xinyao invited Gou Liang upstairs alone. She ascended in high heels, Gou Liang following behind. Wang Xinyao possessed the figure of a supermodel—nine heads tall, a voluptuous waist, rounded hips, straight, slender legs, and stunning curves, her body exuding a rich, orchid-like fragrance. She was the embodiment of a femme fatale.

Watching her graceful silhouette, Gou Liang felt his heart stir with heat and excitement.