Chapter 88: Peddling Snake Oil?

“Mayor Qin, Chief Zhou, this female officer has brought a young man here from who knows where, claiming he’s some kind of grandmaster, and wants to keep all the unconscious officers here,” Dr. Wang immediately reported to the two top leaders. “Right now, the condition of the unconscious officers is unclear. Every extra minute of delay increases the danger—they must be transferred to First Hospital at once.”

Mayor Qin frowned, turning his gaze to Fang Jing. He knew this woman; during the last bank robber apprehension, she had performed outstandingly and even received his personal commendation.

Of course, Fang Jing had not informed them about Grandmaster Chen. This was all at Chen Xian’s request, who, for the sake of his family’s safety, did not want it known that he was the one who had caught the robbers.

“Fang Jing, what is the meaning of this? How could you act so undisciplined, so disorganized, and flagrantly disregard orders from above?” Mayor Qin said coldly.

Before Fang Jing could explain, Chen Xian stepped forward and spoke, “It was all my doing. Doctors cannot save the unconscious officers.”

His tone was calm and revealed no emotion.

“Doctors can’t save them?” Mayor Qin repeated, confused.

Chen Xian replied with certainty, “They can’t. Right now, only I can save them.”

“Young man, it’s reckless to speak so carelessly. If you delay the treatment of these officers, you’ll bear criminal responsibility!” Dr. Wang, unable to contain his anger at Chen’s composed manner, snapped coldly.

The medical team and experts had worked for so long without success, yet this young upstart claimed he could do it. Dr. Wang did not believe him in the least; in fact, he began to suspect Chen’s motives.

For the sake of his own and the doctors’ reputations, and out of concern for the patients’ safety, he was determined to oppose this so-called “Grandmaster Chen.”

“Hmph! What grandmaster? He’s probably nothing but a peddler of quack remedies.”

“These days, if nothing else, there’s certainly no shortage of frauds!”

“People like this ought to be thrown in jail!”

The other doctors present chimed in with biting remarks, all displeased with Chen Xian’s earlier attitude.

Chen Xian heard the doctors’ aggressive words and, noticing the slight curl of Mayor Qin’s lips, said, “Very well. If you believe you can save the unconscious officers, I won’t interfere. Farewell.”

With that, he turned to leave.

His reason for coming was partly out of regard for Fang Jing and partly out of respect for the police, who held a sacred place in his heart.

Now, however, his presence was unwelcome; they accused him of meddling needlessly, so he could only choose to depart.

Mayor Qin and Chief Zhou made no move to stop him. They believed that if the medical experts, including Dr. Wang, could not solve the problem, there was no way this young man could.

As they weren’t members of the martial world, the titles and claims Fang Jing made about grandmasters meant nothing to Mayor Qin and Chief Zhou; her revelations were like playing music to a cow.

“Chen Xian, wait!” Fang Jing hurriedly grabbed his arm. “There’s been a misunderstanding. For the sake of these officers, who risked their lives to protect the citizens, please let me explain things to Mayor Qin and Chief Zhou.”

At her words, Chen Xian recalled the scene during the last bank robbery pursuit, when he saw police officers sacrificing themselves along the way. Finally, he nodded.

He still felt respect for these guardians of the people who were unafraid to bleed and sacrifice.

Fang Jing walked over to Mayor Qin and Chief Zhou. “Leaders, could I have a word with you in private? Please hear me out before making a decision.”

“Very well,” Mayor Qin nodded.

Since the mayor had agreed, Chief Zhou had no objection; after all, a few minutes would not make a difference.

The officers and doctors watched curiously as Fang Jing and the two leaders entered an office.

Once the door was closed, Mayor Qin pulled out a chair and sat down, looking at Fang Jing. “Now, you may speak.”

Fang Jing glanced at Chief Zhou, who nodded his assent.

With her superiors’ permission, Fang Jing began, “I come from the Fang family, a family of martial artists. Though you are unfamiliar with the martial world, I know it well. A grandmaster is a legendary figure among us, standing at the very pinnacle of martial arts. Their skills are beyond mortal comprehension.

“That man just now, Chen Xian, is one such grandmaster, and the youngest known martial grandmaster in the Hualong Federation.

“To add, there are fewer than thirty grandmasters in the entire Federation—each one a figure of great importance.

“The reason I was able to capture the bank robber Li Xiong last time was thanks to Grandmaster Chen. He single-handedly destroyed the helicopter sent to rescue Li Hu, allowing us to take them down.

“And tonight, the one who caused the vice chief and others to fall into a coma—the one-eyed old witch—has already been slain by Grandmaster Chen.

“I myself was also struck down by her not long ago, falling into the same state as the vice chief. It was Grandmaster Chen who revived me.

“So I ask you, leaders, to trust me and trust Grandmaster Chen. Only he can awaken the vice chief and the others.”

Upon hearing Fang Jing’s explanation, Mayor Qin and Chief Zhou leapt to their feet, their faces alight with excitement, their voices trembling.

“Fang Jing, are you telling the truth?”

“Every word is true, not a single lie,” Fang Jing said firmly.

With her confirmation, Mayor Qin burst out laughing. “Wonderful! The heavens are truly watching over us!”

“Excellent! A savior sent from above—Fang Jing, you’ve brought us Grandmaster Chen just in time!” Chief Zhou exclaimed, equally excited.

Fang Jing was momentarily taken aback by their loss of composure.

“We must have Grandmaster Chen treat the vice chief and the others at once!” Mayor Qin said, laughing as he moved to open the door.

“Wait!” Fang Jing cried.

Both leaders turned to her, puzzled.

Fang Jing explained, “Grandmaster Chen is a modest man who dislikes attention. Please, do not share what I’ve just told you with anyone else. And as for tonight’s events, everyone who knows must keep silent and take this secret to their graves. Otherwise, Grandmaster Chen will be very displeased.”

The two leaders paused, then nodded. “Don’t worry, we’ll do as you ask.”

“By the way, you’ll be credited with great merit for this incident!” Mayor Qin said with a smile before leaving the office.

Without waiting for Fang Jing to reply, Mayor Qin and Chief Zhou strode out.

Dr. Wang immediately approached them. “Mayor Qin, we must quickly transfer the vice chief and the other unconscious officers to First Hospital. Time is of the essence!”

But Mayor Qin’s response stunned Dr. Wang and the other medical experts: “That won’t be necessary, Dr. Wang. Mr. Chen can treat them.”

“Mayor Qin, are you really going to trust the word of a charlatan? You’re gambling with the lives of the vice chief and the others!” Dr. Wang blurted out, unable to restrain himself, leadership or not.

The other experts were equally incensed.

Mayor Qin glanced at Dr. Wang but ignored him, walking straight up to Chen Xian with a smile. “Grandmaster Chen, please don’t take our earlier offense to heart. I humbly ask for your help in saving our officers.”