Peach-Orange! – Chapter 192 – World’s Correction?

“Miracle….”

As a medical professor, Professor Su didn’t really believe in such terms. She only trusted the cold, hard data from the instruments.

But she had to admit, over the course of her career, she had seen far too many people survive through sheer willpower.

Not wanting to leave this world yet, not wanting to lose someone they loved, not wanting to abandon their family and leave their daughter without support….

No matter how painful, exhausting, or hopeless it seemed, even when the odds were practically zero, miracles like that still happened.

Dongfang Yang asked, “Honestly, I feel like none of our equipment is making a difference. Professor, do you have any other ideas that might help Chi Xiaocheng?”

Professor Su shrugged. “Not really. But… I have heard of someone who might be able to help.”

Dongfang Yang raised an eyebrow. “An outsider?”

“Mm.” Professor Su nodded. “Actually, it’s something that only happened in the last two months. You must’ve heard of him too. That young miracle doctor who’s been making waves recently.”

“The one who cured the Si family’s elder?” Dongfang Yang looked surprised. “Wasn’t that just a rumor?”

Jiuzhou City wasn’t that big. After Ye Liang’s death, only two of the three major families truly controlled the area now.

One was the Dongfang family.

The main Dongfang family in the capital didn’t want to get involved in this mess and had tried to recall Dongfang Yang back to Beijing. But since he refused to leave, the family simply sent someone to Jiuzhou to stabilize their foothold.

The other was Si Chen’s Si family.

But the Si family in Jiuzhou wasn’t close to Si Chen. He was originally an outcast from the main Si family in the capital, exiled by his older brother and forced to come to Jiuzhou.

The Si family in Jiuzhou was still, on the surface, under his brother’s control. In the original story, before Si Chen received help from Su Tao’s War Hero father, he was practically a nobody in Jiuzhou.

He had some influence, but it was severely restricted.

Now, after absorbing some of Ye Liang’s former assets, he could at least stand on stage and make some noise.

Originally, if the Si family elder in Jiuzhou had died of illness, Si Chen could’ve taken the opportunity to swallow up his older brother’s forces and strengthen himself.

Everyone thought that once the elder died, Si Chen, this exiled outcast, would finally step into the spotlight.

But then, two months ago, a miracle doctor appeared out of nowhere. He looked no older than 25 and, with his “divine needles,” managed to revive the dying elder!

Countless prestigious families sought him out, offering exorbitant sums for his life-saving skills.

Dongfang Yang had originally wanted to see for himself. His grandfather’s health wasn’t great either, and he’d been hospitalized in Beijing for a while.

But then rumors spread that it was all fake, and with Chi Xiaocheng’s death, he’d shelved the idea.

And now, it turned out to be true?

Professor Su said seriously, “The rumors were spread by the Si family to monopolize the miracle doctor. I’ve already met the elder. His name is Si Zhenliu.”

“How is he?”

“Unbelievably well!” Professor Su sounded astonished. “Half a year ago, I was invited to examine Si Zhenliu. At 72, he had at most a year left to live, sustained only by expensive nutrient drips.

“But when I saw him last time, he could already get out of bed, eat normally, and even do light exercises. His complexion was shockingly good!

“Some even say he’s been calling 20-year-old girls into his room at night. And this old man is 72!”

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Professor Su’s expression grew more solemn. “My guess? This miracle doctor is one of your people, the kind we’ve never even heard of before!”

Dongfang Yang frowned. “Even if he is, he shouldn’t be capable of something like this.”

Having grown up in the family and being the sole heir to the Dongfang family, he knew better than most.

The number of ancient martial arts bodyguards secretly protecting him wasn’t small.

He was all too familiar with people like this.

At best, they could enhance their physical abilities. Things like light-body technique were already considered exaggerated, and dodging bullets was the absolute limit. Out of a thousand ancient martial artists, you’d be lucky to find one who could casually dodge bullets.

Those who could reach that level were all old geezers.

If they could barely walk straight, how were they supposed to dodge bullets?

Manipulating scissors with qi? Cutting water with a blade? Had they read too many novels?

He didn’t believe in this miracle doctor. But… the elder’s transformation was undeniable.

“By the way.” Dongfang Yang suddenly remembered something and took out his phone. “I think the Si family sent me an invitation, something about Si Zhenliu’s 73rd birthday celebration.”

“Let me check the date…” Dongfang Yang’s eyes widened. “It’s this Saturday, five days from now.”

“Are you going?”

Dongfang Yang fell silent, thinking it over. Chi Xiaocheng’s naive, slightly timid smile flashed through his mind. He sighed. “Yeah.”

Originally, he hadn’t planned to go.

From a strategic standpoint, representing the Dongfang family meant that his attendance would imply taking sides and forming connections.

After all, Si Chen was his friend, not Si Chen’s older brother.

But… if there was even a sliver of hope, if this miracle doctor really had some skills….

Could Chi Xiaocheng actually be saved?

Just then, a small voice came from behind them. “Can I go to this birthday banquet with you?”

Dongfang Yang and Professor Su turned abruptly to see Su Tao standing behind the half-open door.

His lips twitched. “Su Tao… how much of that did you hear?”

“Just the part about the miracle doctor.”

Su Tao stepped forward, looking slightly embarrassed but with unwavering determination. “If there’s really a chance to save Xiaocheng, I’ll do anything!”

Professor Su shrugged. “That’s fine. Miss Su can go as your plus-one. With her looks and demeanor, no one would think she’s just an ordinary girl.”

But the moment she said that, Su Tao hesitated.

She seemed to struggle with something.

No matter what, she’d started to develop feelings for Chi Xiaocheng.

Before, when she hadn’t felt this way, it wouldn’t have bothered her.

But now, the idea of pretending to be Dongfang Yang’s date, even if it was just an act, made her feel like she was betraying Xiaocheng in some small way.

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Even if Dongfang Yang was a good person.

Before she could speak, Dongfang Yang noticed her hesitation and chuckled. “No need to force yourself. My family’s already arranged a plus-one for me. Su Tao, you can just come as my little sister.”

“Okay!”

Su Tao let out a quiet sigh of relief, though she felt even more embarrassed now.

After saying she’d “go check on Xiaocheng again,” she returned to the hospital room and closed the door behind her.

Beside her, Professor Su asked, puzzled, “When did you arrange for a plus-one?”

“Just now.” Dongfang Yang took out his phone and walked to the balcony, calling an old acquaintance. “Hey, Qian Qing?”

A cool, mature woman’s voice answered. “Spit it out.”

“The Si family elder’s 73rd birthday is this weekend. Your Qian family got an invite too, right? I know you’re missing a plus-one. How about lending me your company for the night?”

“Aren’t you close with Si Chen? Si Zhenliu is his older brother’s man. Is the Dongfang family siding with his brother now?”

“I’m doing this for you. We’re friends, right? Consider it repayment for helping me take care of Su Tao last time.”

Qian Qing on the other end fell silent for a moment. “If you keep beating around the bush, I’m hanging up.”

“Wait, wait!” Dongfang Yang panicked. “Fine, fine. I don’t have a plus-one, okay? You know I’m not interested in those other women. Since you don’t have anyone either, let’s pair up. That way, neither of us has to go alone and feel awkward.”

Qian Qing sighed. “You’re hopeless. You owe me at least two meals for this, got it?”

“Deal!”

Hanging up, Dongfang Yang sighed dramatically. “Two whole meals… what a loss!”

Professor Su walked over. “Why not just have Miss Su be your plus-one? With her personality, if you insisted, she wouldn’t refuse. If you like her, this is a good opportunity.

“Ye Liang’s methods were despicable, but if Chi Xiaocheng hadn’t interfered that time, Su Tao would’ve attended that party and been publicly recognized as Ye Liang’s girlfriend.”

Dongfang Yang frowned. “Don’t bring up the dead. It’s bad luck.”

“Besides, Professor, you saw it too. Su Tao was uncomfortable with the idea.”

“True.” Professor Su recalled Su Tao’s conflicted expression earlier, then thought about the mutual care between Su Tao and Chi Xiaocheng, and sighed.

She knew Chi Xiaocheng liked Su Tao. She also knew Su Tao cared deeply for Chi Xiaocheng.

For Su Tao to act as Dongfang Yang’s plus-one now would indeed be inappropriate.

She’d overlooked that earlier.

She’d have to apologize to Miss Su later.

As she thought this, she noticed Dongfang Yang gazing at the sun outside. “Actually, I know why Su Tao was so hesitant.”

Professor Su raised an eyebrow. “You figured it out?”

“Of course!” Dongfang Yang sighed deeply. “Su Tao knows Chi Xiaocheng likes me. Now that there’s a chance Chi Xiaocheng might come back, well, not ‘come back,’ but wake up….”

“So?”

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Dongfang Yang gave her a look of utter disbelief. “Professor, you still don’t get it?!”

“Su Tao likes me, but she knows Chi Xiaocheng likes me too. She feels it’s unfair to ‘steal’ me away before her little sister wakes up!

“What she probably wants is to wait until Chi Xiaocheng wakes up, then compete fairly!”

Dongfang Yang clutched his head dramatically. “Su Tao is undoubtedly outstanding, like a pure white moonlight. But that naive little fool Chi Xiaocheng is pretty cute too.

“Ah, which one should I choose?!”

Professor Su was at a loss for words. She struggled for a long time, unsure how to respond.

But then it occurred to her, maybe this was fine as it was.

So she reached out and patted Dongfang Yang’s shoulder reassuringly. “Kid, good luck.”

“???”

What did that mean? Was she praising him for being too exceptional?

…

After finalizing plans to attend the birthday banquet that weekend, Su Tao returned home early.

Knowing that Chi Xiaocheng was slowly recovering and might wake up, the heaviness in her heart lifted, replaced by renewed passion.

She began looking forward to life again.

Her body was still weak, and her complexion wasn’t great.

Though she’d had a sweet dream last night, her emotions had been turbulent even in sleep. She’d recovered a little, but not much.

She didn’t want Chi Xiaocheng to wake up one day and see her looking haggard.

Just like what she’d said in her dream:

—”I hope Tao-Tao can live happily in the future.”

To that end, she even asked Dongfang Yang to find her a nutritionist for physical management.

Sure, she owed him more and more.

But… once Xiaocheng really woke up, they could thank him together.

Aside from this, Su Tao had other things to do.

The next day, she sought out Fang Ning and formally apologized.

To her surprise, Fang Ning already knew about Chi Xiaocheng’s possible recovery.

When she asked, she learned Dongfang Yang had told her.

According to the doctor overseeing her, Fang Ning might’ve been suicidal. She needed an emotional anchor.

The animals at Yangyang Cat Café weren’t enough. To untie the bell, you needed the one who tied it.

So they’d told her, giving her something to hope for.

But even after the apology, Su Tao and Fang Ning didn’t reconcile.

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The latter just coldly said, “Even if Xiaocheng-jiejie wakes up, I won’t forgive you!”

Honestly, this attitude actually made Su Tao feel a bit relieved.

Kindness was the sharpest blade.

No matter what, she’d do everything she could for Xiaocheng!

Besides Fang Ning, Dongfang Yang had also told Chi Song.

Though Chi Xiaocheng’s revival was still a long shot, the young man, now missing an arm, had been on the verge of collapse.

“Brother Long” was busy consolidating the underworld forces in Jiuzhou.

Meanwhile, Chi Song had been acting like a madman, hunting down Xiao Ming and Lin Fangya while attacking the remnants of Ye Liang’s faction.

He spent his days drowning in cigarettes and alcohol.

His hair was a mess, his face unshaven, his eyes dull and lifeless.

If not for Su Tao and his parents being his last tethers, he might’ve already thrown his life away.

Even so, when they finally found him, he was half-buried in snow next to a trash can.

He’d gotten blackout drunk at some rundown bar, been robbed of everything on him, and then tossed outside.

But after hearing the news, the young man visited the hospital to see Chi Xiaocheng and finally started pulling himself together.

By Wednesday, with two and a half days left until the banquet, Chi Xiaocheng learned that Su Tao was going to meet the miracle doctor!

She had 19 days left before she could “live” again. Her body was improving, so it made sense that Professor Su and the others suspected she might wake up.

Su Tao finding out was also understandable.

But Chi Xiaocheng never expected that the male lead, who’d disappeared from the original plot for two months, would end up connected to her and Su Tao like this!

Was this the hand of the Heavenly Dao’s will?

Or was the world correcting itself?

Jiuzhou City was a small place, so such coincidences weren’t impossible. But this was the male lead!

Unlike the foolish Dongfang Yang, this miracle doctor male lead was no pushover in the original story.

[But Host, in your current state, there’s no way you can interfere with this plot, right? Your Disguise skill is on cooldown, and you don’t have a suitable identity to infiltrate, do you?]

Hearing the system’s words, Chi Xiaocheng’s eyes hardened. “No. Even if I’m just a scarecrow now, I have to go with Tao-Tao!”

‘Miracle doctor male lead?’

‘Dare to steal my Tao-Tao?’

‘Ye Liang’s fate awaits you!’

Hidden among a pile of mannequins, Chi Xiaocheng racked her brain for a way to get Su Tao to bring her along.

“Ah! I’ve got it!”