Just a few days had passed since the thrilling "resurrection" incident at Returning Spring Hall.
However, the major news media platforms in the Demon City had already been swept up by an even greater storm.
Under the meticulous planning of Wang Donglin, the new "acting director" of Holy Heart Hospital, public opinion had undergone a dramatic reversal.
The front pages of major media outlets were almost entirely dominated by "positive news" from Holy Heart Hospital:
[Holy Heart Hospital Scrapes Bone to Treat Poison! Former Director Wang Donghai is under investigation for serious violations of laws and discipline!]
[Taking on the Task in a Crisis! New Director Wang Donglin Righteously Sacrifices Family for the Greater Good, Striving to Restore Holy Heart's Glory!]
[To Promote Medical Progress! Holy Heart Hospital Spends Five Million, Hosting a "Peak Showdown Between Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine" Nationally in Two Weeks!]
In the report, Wang Donglin spoke passionately, denouncing his brother Wang Donghai's loss of original intent and betrayal of ideals. He vowed to learn from this, thoroughly reform the hospital, and rebuild medical ethics and conduct.
His hypocritical and righteous demeanor, coupled with a carefully prepared speech, successfully sculpted him into a brilliant image of a responsible, decisive, courageous, and dedicated medical professional.
For a time, the online discussion about the "Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Showdown" reached an unprecedented fever pitch.
Countless internet trolls and netizens unaware of the truth joined in, cheering for Holy Heart Hospital:
"Holy Heart Hospital is awesome! Daring to expose industry dark secrets, severing a limb to save the body—this is true medical benevolence!"
"Support! It's long overdue for a good comparison! Which is stronger, Traditional Chinese or Western medicine? It's time to see the truth!"
And on the other end of the topic, naturally, the discussion turned to Returning Spring Hall and Luo Qingyan, who had just experienced a "miracle."
"Isn't that Divine Doctor Luo from Returning Spring Hall very powerful? She can even cure late-stage cancer! This time, the representative for Traditional Chinese Medicine will definitely be her, right?"
"Don't be so naive, upstairs. That patient getting better last time, I think it was just a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse! Traditional Chinese Medicine is just pseudoscience; how dare it truly compete with Western medicine? She's definitely going to be a coward this time!"
"Exactly! I bet a pack of spicy strips that Luo Qingyan won't dare to accept the challenge! If she really has the ability, she should step up and prove herself!"
Public opinion, like an invisible tide, on one hand, elevated Wang Donglin and Holy Heart Hospital to the moral high ground, and on the other hand, used provocation and moral blackmail to put Luo Qingyan and the entire Returning Spring Hall on the hot seat.
Countless eyes were fixated on her, eagerly anticipating her representing Traditional Chinese Medicine to vindicate it.
If she chose to back down at this moment, not only Returning Spring Hall, but even the entire Traditional Chinese Medicine community would become a laughing stock!
...Inside the office at Returning Spring Hall.
Today, Luo Qingyan wore a light pink Song-style swirling skirt, paired with a white short-sleeved top embroidered with elegant orchid patterns. It added a touch of girlish charm and softness, unlike her usual simple and serene attire.
But at this moment, her exquisite face was filled with deep worry and profound fatigue.
She paced back and forth in the office, agitated, the anxiety between her brows almost solidifying.
Ever since Holy Heart Hospital announced its "Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Showdown," she had been under immense pressure from all directions, almost crushing her.
The overwhelming online comments were like invisible shackles, making it difficult for her to breathe.
Countless eyes were on her, hoping she could create a miracle again, represent Traditional Chinese Medicine, and turn the tide.
If she retreated, if she failed, she would become a sinner to the entire Traditional Chinese Medicine community!
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners from Demon City, across the country, and even from her reclusive Luo family, all called or sent her messages.
Their words contained not only affirmation of her medical skills but also earnest hopes that she could "turn the tide and win honor for Traditional Chinese Medicine."
These expectations invisibly placed the honor and decline of the entire Traditional Chinese Medicine on her, a woman barely in her early twenties.
Even within the medical hall, the assistants and apprentices were all eagerly hoping she could once again display her divine power and lead Returning Spring Hall to glory.
Today, the Old Chinese Medicine Practitioners from Returning Spring Hall who had witnessed Lu Cheng's treatment also took turns talking to Luo Qingyan.
Although they didn't say it directly, their implied meaning was very clear—
Either, Qingyan, you are absolutely confident in winning this showdown and vindicating Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Or... find a way to ask that unfathomable Mr. Lu for help again!
Upon hearing the name "Mr. Lu," Luo Qingyan's heart suddenly stirred.
Lu Cheng's handsome face with his calm smile, and his masterly demeanor when performing his miraculous acupuncture, involuntarily appeared in her mind.
But then, a deep bitterness and helplessness welled up in her heart.
Lu Cheng... he indeed possessed extraordinary abilities, capable of anything. Asking him for help meant there was nothing that couldn't be solved.
But... what right did she have to ask Lu Cheng for help again?
His previous assistance was already a huge favor.
Moreover... he wasn't a medical practitioner.
Would he be willing to get involved in this dispute again for Returning Spring Hall, for Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Furthermore... how should she even ask him?
Their relationship... didn't seem to be at that level yet, did it?
Last time... it was Lu Cheng who offered to help... The more Luo Qingyan thought about it, the more troubled she became. She picked up the rule explanation for the "Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Showdown."
Seeing the several complex and difficult cases listed that required joint treatment from both sides, her heart sank even further.
Each of those cases was extremely complex and dangerous, even more troublesome than the late-stage cancer patient from last time!
Since Holy Heart Hospital dared to organize this showdown so grandly, they must have a brand-new treatment plan, or have introduced some incredible medical technology, giving them absolute confidence!
This was clearly a trap!
A huge conspiracy targeting Traditional Chinese Medicine and Returning Spring Hall!
Just as Luo Qingyan was mentally and physically exhausted, feeling unprecedented helplessness and confusion, almost crushed by the heavy pressure.
"Knock knock knock."
The office door was gently knocked.
The apprentice's respectful and slightly excited voice came from outside.
"Divine Doctor Luo... Divine Doctor Luo!"
"Mr. Lu... Mr. Lu is here!"
"Lu Cheng?"
Luo Qingyan suddenly looked up, and a very complex light flashed in her originally dim, clear eyes—
There was surprise, confusion, anticipation, and even a sense of... relief?
How could he... how could he come at this time?
Could it be... could he be here because of this "Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Showdown"?