"This... in just this short while, he even removed the bullet from my father's skull?"
Upon entering the ward, Niu Jianguo was utterly astonished. A rusted bullet lay in a metal box, faintly bearing what looked like bloodstains.
In the basin beneath the bed, dark blood had accumulated three centimeters high. In contrast, the old man's complexion was ruddy, and his breathing was steady. He looked as if he were merely in a deep sleep.
"Brother Jianguo, you felt like it took a long time just now." Li Enzhong, though also looking at the bullet in Niu Jianguo's hand with shock, couldn't resist teasing him.
"That's not... Enzhong, stop making fun of me. Uncle Li, how did he manage it? I don't seem to see any wounds on my father." Niu Jianguo's face turned red at the remark, and he then turned to ask Elder Li.
"Call the doctor to examine him, and you'll know. Jianguo, you should thank Mr. Li first. Your father will likely be like me very soon." Elder Li also took a close look at Niu Lijun, and after hearing Niu Jianguo's words, he stood up with a smile.
"Alright." Niu Jianguo nodded immediately and pressed the call button by the bed. Within a minute, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
"Captain Niu, what has happened?" The newcomer was about fifty years old, with thick reading glasses leaving a deep impression on his nose. The four nurses behind him also looked at Niu Jianguo and the other two with tension.
"Dean Zhao, please take a look at my father's condition." Niu Jianguo spoke as soon as he saw the approaching man.
Dean Zhao let out a slight sigh of relief. After nodding, he walked to Niu Lijun's bedside to examine him.
After taking his pulse, Dean Zhao's expression turned somewhat dazed. After checking for a few more moments, he excitedly called out to a nearby nurse, "Head Nurse, prepare the medical equipment."
"Yes." Seeing the expression on Dean Zhao's face, the Head Nurse became even more nervous. The other three nurses who had accompanied them quickly connected the instruments in the room and began their checks.
"Heart rate normal, pulse steady."
"Blood pressure normal."
"Vital signs are good."
"..."
As the electrocardiogram and the parameters from various instruments were displayed, the three nurses reported them. However, after reporting, they exchanged surprised glances. They were extremely familiar with the old man's physical condition in this ward.
How had all his readings suddenly returned to normal?
"He's actually better?" Dean Zhao couldn't help but swallow. When he had taken the pulse earlier, Dean Zhao had found Niu Lijun's pulse to be strong and vigorous, not at all like that of a critically ill patient.
However, for safety's sake, Dean Zhao had still asked the head nurses to use the instruments for examination. The results were the same as his own findings.
"Jianguo, did you hear that?" Elder Li paid no attention to the shifting expressions of Dean Zhao and the head nurses. He smiled and looked at Niu Jianguo.
"Uncle Li, I heard." Niu Jianguo nodded with a wry smile, then excitedly walked to his father Niu Lijun's bedside for a look before turning and walking out. Li Enzhong, following him, also stepped out.
"Thank you, sir, for your help!" Niu Jianguo walked up to Li Xuan and respectfully saluted. However, Li Xuan was still closing his eyes, recuperating from his exertions, and paid no attention to Niu Jianguo's salute.
"Brother Jianguo, let Mr. Li rest for a while. Don't you see how pale Mr. Li looks? Let's wait until Mr. Li has recovered before expressing our thanks." Li Enzhong, who had followed them out, glanced at Li Xuan and stepped forward to stop Niu Jianguo.
"Oh, alright." Niu Jianguo lowered his hand, glanced at Li Xuan again, and then turned to walk back into the room.
"Cough cough... Old Li, why are you here? Oh, my stomach..." Just as Niu Jianguo entered the ward, a familiar voice rang out. Niu Jianguo's eyes lit up at the sound, and he quickened his pace. This was the voice of Niu Jianguo's father.
"Dad, you're awake! Dad, how are you feeling?" Niu Jianguo reached the bedside and saw that his father, Niu Lijun, had already sat up. Seeing this, Niu Jianguo's eyes welled up with tears. He quickly stepped forward, took his father's hand, and asked.
"Jianguo, I feel quite well. I'm just a bit hungry. How long have I been asleep?" Niu Lijun paused, then shook his head, indicating he was alright.
"Brother Jianguo, let's go prepare something for Uncle Niu to eat. When my father recovered, Dean Qi said he ate a whole pound of pig's head meat and thin congee." Li Enzhong smiled and said.
"You brat, you say anything. But Jianguo, you really should prepare something to eat. Your father is definitely eating more than me right now." Elder Li glared at Li Enzhong with mock annoyance but still smiled and nodded at Niu Jianguo.
...
Quanjin Hotel, Yipinxuan Private Room.
"Mr. Li, thank you for your help. Otherwise, my father would likely still be in bed. There are regulations in the military against drinking, so I'll use tea as a substitute for wine. Mr. Li, I toast you!" Niu Jianguo raised his teacup towards Li Xuan.
"Brother Niu, you are too kind. Elder Mr. Niu dedicated his life to serving the country. It is my honor to have the opportunity to witness this. Furthermore, being able to heal Elder Mr. Niu is my way of contributing to the nation. The card is fine, please take it back."
Li Xuan also stood up and smiled.
"Mr. Li, I cannot take this card back. Doctors require consultation fees for treating illnesses. You cured my father, so this is a token of my humble appreciation. Though the amount is not much, it is what I have saved in the military over the years. I hope Mr. Li will not find it insignificant."
Niu Jianguo waved his hand.
Li Xuan smiled wryly and shook his head. "Brother Niu, I do not treat people for money. Otherwise, I could have asked for a large sum when I treated Elder Li."
"Moreover, since this money was saved by Brother Niu in the military, it is what you rightfully earned through your service to the country and its people. How about this: Brother Niu, please take the card back for now. If I ever need money in the future, I will ask you then."
"This..." Niu Jianguo hesitated and looked to Elder Li for guidance.
"Jianguo, since Mr. Li has said so, please put the card away. Mr. Li is not a greedy person, and he will not judge you by the amount of money. You are of similar age; consider yourselves friends. If you continue to push and pull like this, the food will get cold." Elder Li said with a smile.
"Very well. Since Uncle Li has spoken, I will follow Mr. Li's wishes. Mr. Li, if you ever need my help in the future, please do not hesitate to ask. As long as it does not violate military regulations or harm national interests, I, Niu Jianguo, will spare no effort!"
Niu Jianguo finally put the card away, his expression turning serious as he said to Li Xuan.
"Brother Niu, you are too serious. If there ever comes a day when I need Brother Niu's assistance, I will remember it." Li Xuan smiled and nodded. After this matter, he intended to leave Hangcheng to find a secluded spot for closed-door cultivation. It was uncertain when he would return to Hangcheng.
However, incurring a favor here was not a problem. Given the status of Niu Jianguo and Niu Lijun, they might indeed be able to help him in the future. With this thought, Li Xuan raised his cup and drank it down.
Two hours later, after watching Niu Jianguo drive away with Niu Lijun, Li Xuan turned to Elder Li and Li Enzhong and said, "Elder Li, Manager Li, I'd like to take a walk alone."
"Mr. Li, do you need me to send a car for you?" Li Enzhong asked.
"No need." Li Xuan shook his head, then glanced around before turning and walking away.