582: Chapter 582 His Qi and Blood Flowed Like a Dragon, Yet He Only Wanted to Be a Doctor

Chapter 582: Qi and Blood as Mighty as a Dragon, Yet Only Wanting to Be a Doctor

As soon as these words were spoken, the tearoom instantly fell silent.

Outside the window came the honk of an electric scooter passing through the old street, making the room inside feel even more quiet by contrast.

Wei Zheng unconsciously held his breath, his eyes shifting back and forth between his teacher and Fang Cheng, terrified that something might go wrong at this final moment.

Shi Chengyi's eyebrows furrowed slightly, but unknotted after only a few seconds.

He leaned back slightly into a listening posture and said in a deep voice,

"Go ahead and say it. As long as it doesn't violate organizational principles, I can make the decision to agree."

"My first condition is..."

Fang Cheng picked up his teacup, took a gentle sip to moisten his throat, and then slowly spoke:

"After joining the Special Investigation Team, my identity in the archives can be recorded as a 'traditional Martial Artist', but I don't want to get involved in high-level interest disputes, nor am I interested in participating in any fights between the Martial Artist faction and the tech-modification faction."

He paused, his tone extraordinarily calm:

"I just want to quietly stay in the medical team and be a doctor who treats patients and saves lives."

Hearing this, the corner of Wei Zheng's mouth couldn't help but twitch, his expression turning somewhat strange.

A fierce man who could Cultivate the true intent of the Martial Dao at such a young age, with Qi and blood as mighty as a Dragon, and talent comparable to Chief Li back in the day, actually said he just wanted to quietly be a doctor?

This was far too "Humblebrag"! It was like holding a nuclear weapon in hand, yet insisting it was only meant to bake sweet potatoes.

Shi Chengyi felt relieved instead, a hint of admiration showing in his eyes as he agreed without hesitation:

"No problem. That is also what I wish to see."

"The current Special Investigation Team is a complete mess. It genuinely needs pure professional talent, not politicians who only know how to engage in infighting."

"If you really got dragged into it, it would distract you instead and waste your martial talents."

"I approve this condition."

"The second point."

Fang Cheng put down his teacup and continued,

"I usually have other personal matters to attend to and am used to a free-spirited lifestyle, so I might not adapt well to the nine-to-five desk-bound routine of the system."

"Therefore, I hope my working hours can be flexible, without needing to punch in for attendance on time every day."

"Of course, if there is an emergency mission or seriously injured personnel needing treatment, I will be on call and fulfill my duty."

Shi Chengyi smiled—a broad and generous smile.

In government departments, especially those with special establishment status, there were plenty of Young Masters and Young Misses who held nominal positions just to draw a salary for free.

Fang Cheng's tiny request was not a problem at all in his eyes.

Besides, for an expert of his level, forcing him to sit at a desk and punch in every day like an ordinary clerk, dulling his edge, would be a tragic waste of talent.

"Since you are a talent, special circumstances call for special measures."

Shi Chengyi waved his hand expansively, even taking the initiative to sweeten the deal:

"Once you officially join, I will arrange the title of 'Traditional Medical Arts Special Need Expert' for you."

"You won't need to work fixed office hours normally—just report in periodically and attend regular meetings. You'll get your full salary, and your allowance will be doubled."

"As for your specific duties..."

Shi Chengyi pondered for a moment and deliberated:

"Given your expertise in Bone-setting and Tuina Massage techniques, you can start by holding a concurrent post at the sanatorium."

"The people living there are all team members injured in the line of duty. They happen to need talent like you to handle complex illnesses and treat traumatic injuries."

"Besides, the environment there is very quiet and serene, and no one will disturb you. What do you think?"

This arrangement was considerate to the extreme.

Fang Cheng nodded slightly, expressing his satisfaction.

Then, leaning forward, he looked directly at Shi Chengyi, his voice dropping slightly lower:

"There is one final condition."

"In the future, if I have the opportunity to find clues regarding the Guangwumen Shooting Incident, or if I need to investigate deeply in that direction, I hope Officer Shi can provide me with the necessary assistance."

Upon hearing the words "Guangwu Gate", the atmosphere in the tearoom instantly grew somewhat heavy.

Wei Zheng's gaze darkened, his brow furrowing tightly.

The smile on Shi Chengyi's face faded, turning solemn to the extreme.

A flicker of complex emotion flashed across his cloudy yet still sharp old eyes.

There was recollection, pain, and a fire that had never been extinguished.

He fell silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the political risks this might entail.

In the end, he nodded solemnly.

"I promise you."

The old man's voice became resonant and firm, the Aura of one long accustomed to high position faintly emerging from him:

"That case has also been a thorn in my heart for seventeen years. Back then, I was forced to halt the investigation, which has always been my regret."

"As long as you can find real and concrete evidence, my old bones, even at the risk of ruining my reputation in my twilight years, will definitely see this through to the end with you!"

"I can even help you apply for a 'Special Investigation Order' when the time comes, allowing you to mobilize some team resources to pursue the truth without violating principles."

Looking at the old man's firm gaze, the last trace of misgiving in Fang Cheng's heart vanished.

He stood up and extended his hand toward Shi Chengyi:

"Thank you for granting my request, Uncle Shi."

Shi Chengyi also stood up and firmly shook Fang Cheng's hand:

"It is I who should thank you. Thank you for being willing to trust us."

With an agreement reached between both sides, the atmosphere in the tearoom instantly relaxed.

It was as if even the sunlight outside the window had brightened a bit, and the noise on the street had turned pleasant to the ear.

"Little Wei, go back and immediately start handling A-Cheng's registration procedures. Fast-track all processes through the green channel to ensure he can make it to the re-examination on the 5th of next month."

Shi Chengyi turned his head and ordered in quick succession:

"Also, prepare the exam materials for this test as early as possible for A-Cheng, especially the compilation of written exam questions. Although written exam scores don't account for a large proportion of the total score, he still needs to cram a bit and review properly."

"Yes! Rest assured, Teacher, I will definitely get it done properly!"

Wei Zheng gladly accepted the order, his eyes full of anticipation as he looked at Fang Cheng.

He seemed to already be imagining the scenario of working together with this Junior Brother in the future.

Just at that moment, Grandfather Li Zhenhua's hearty voice came from outside the door:

"Tea is here! This is my prized collection. Normally, even when A-Cheng and Dingjian wanted to drink it, I couldn't bear to part with it."

*Squeak—*

The door was pushed open, and the old man walked in carrying a purple-clay tea tray.

His gaze swept over their faces, and seeing Shi Chengyi's relaxed expression and Fang Cheng's calm smile, he keenly noticed the change in atmosphere.

It was the relaxation and harmony that followed a successful deal.

"How is it? Is this game of chess finished?"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua put down the tea tray and asked with a chuckle.

"Finished."

Shi Chengyi sat down again, took the teacup, and said with a satisfied smile on his face:

"Not only is it finished, but it turned into a fine game. Old Li, this grandson of yours helped me solve a difficult endgame!"

"Haha, that's good then, that's good!"

Although Grandfather Li Zhenhua didn't know the specific details, hearing this made his heart bloom with joy.

Next, the four of them drank tea while chatting.

Under Fang Cheng's deliberate "guidance", Grandfather Li Zhenhua sat back down before the chessboard and played another game against Shi Chengyi.

This time, as if aided by divine intervention, the old man finally won by half a point against Shi Chengyi, so happy like a child that he couldn't help bragging.

Although Shi Chengyi lost the game, his face was equally full of smiles.

With the game finished, they had drunk their fill of tea.

Shi Chengyi did not linger long and immediately rose with Wei Zheng to take his leave.

...

The black executive sedan started slowly, its tires rolling over the cobblestone street as it smoothly drove away from the old street.

At the entrance of the Li family courtyard.

Grandfather Li Zhenhua, Li Biyun, Li Dingjian, and Fang Cheng stood on the steps, watching the car recede with varied expressions.

"A-Cheng."

Only when the car was completely out of sight did Grandfather Li Zhenhua pull back his gaze and finally speak up.

He turned to look at his grandson, a trace of eagerness in his tone:

"What did Officer Shi... say to you inside just now?"

Li Dingjian and Li Biyun immediately gathered around as well.

Three pairs of eyes stared intently at Fang Cheng without blinking, as if awaiting an answer that would determine the family's destiny.

Fang Cheng glanced at their nervous yet expectant expressions, a warm current welling up in his heart.

Then, he smiled and said in a relaxed tone:

"It's nothing, Officer Shi just thought my medical skills were decent and specifically invited me to participate in the Special Investigation Team's spring recruitment re-examination to apply for a medical position."

"Re-examination?"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua's eyes widened like brass bells, his breathing growing somewhat hurried:

"So... you agreed?"

Fang Cheng nodded in confirmation:

"Mm, I agreed."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua was so excited that he said 'good' three times in a row, slapping Fang Cheng on the shoulder with astonishing force:

"I knew it, I knew my, Li Zhenhua's, grandson was definitely no ordinary dragon in a pond!"

The old man's face glowed with health, as if he had grown ten years younger, as he shouted in a booming voice:

"Extra dishes tonight! We must add extra dishes! Dingjian, go invite Old Xu and Old Wu next door, and bring out that bottle of good liquor I've stored for ten years. Our family needs to celebrate properly!"

"Dad, don't be happy too soon."

Although the corners of Li Biyun's eyes and brows bore joy, she still habitually poured cold water on it:

"It's only participating in the re-examination, he hasn't passed it yet, so he might not get in. Hearing that Officer Wei say it, the Special Investigation Team's exam is as hard as scaling the heavens, picking one in ten thousand..."

"What do you know!"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua raised his eyebrows and immediately refuted:

"Minister Shi personally came to invite him, so how could it fall through? In the operas, this is called 'three visits to the thatched cottage'."

"With my grandson's ability, he is the Star of Literature descended to earth and the Star of Military reincarnated! What does a mere exam count for!"

Li Dingjian also smiled and chimed in from the side:

"Yeah, Sister, A-Cheng's exam is a sure thing this time. In the future, our family can be said to have someone earning a government paycheck."

Looking at Fang Cheng's heroically handsome demeanor and presence, his eyes were filled with gratification:

"The Special Investigation Team is a department with real authority. Maybe A-Cheng can even become a high-level leader in the future. That would be a grand event to bring honor to our ancestors!"

Watching his family members' heartfelt smiles and listening to the cheerful laughter filling the courtyard once more, Fang Cheng stood in the sunlight, his eyes narrowing slightly.

That was his family's purest expectation, and also what he wished to protect.

So that these smiles could continue forever, so that these peaceful and happy days wouldn't be shattered.

Even if he walked farther and farther down that road filled with thorns and slaughter, even if he had to put on a hideous mask and walk with evil spirits.

He would not hesitate for a moment.

"By the way..."

Just as she was about to go inside to prepare tonight's feast, Li Biyun seemed to suddenly remember something, pausing in her tracks and asking with some hesitation:

"Didn't Chengcheng apply for the postgraduate program at Dongdu Law School last time?"

"The results haven't been announced yet. Will there be a conflict with applying for the Special Investigation Team this time? If he gets accepted by both, how should he choose?"

As soon as these words came out, the enthusiastically discussed atmosphere stalled slightly.

Grandfather Li Zhenhua and Li Dingjian were also stunned for a moment, then both turned to look at Fang Cheng.

Indeed, the whole family had been worrying about this earlier.

Fang Cheng's expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly:

"I failed the interview at the law school last time, off by a few points. I was afraid you'd worry, so I didn't tell you."

"Ah? You didn't pass?"

Hearing this, the three looked at each other in surprise.

For a moment, they didn't know whether to feel regretful or relieved.

"If you didn't pass, then so be it!"

Li Dingjian reacted first, waving his hand and speaking nonchalantly:

"This is a good thing! What's so great about a lousy law postgraduate degree? After graduating, you'd still have to work for a boss and watch other people's expressions."

"Can that compare to a powerful national law enforcement agency like the Special Investigation Team? This is what they call a blessing in disguise!"

"True, true."

Grandfather Li Zhenhua nodded in agreement.

But then, the smile on his old face suddenly froze, his eyebrows furrowing again as he muttered in anxiety:

"However... if you couldn't even pass a school interview, then this Special Investigation Team interview... could it also..."

The old man was confused by care; just a moment ago he was bragging that his grandson was a double Genius of the Star of Literature and the Star of Military, but now hearing about his past experience of "failing", he immediately started worrying again.

"Dad!"

Li Dingjian was somewhat between laughter and tears:

"Stop worrying blindly. The Officer of the Special Investigation Team cherishes talent and personally visited our house—how could he fail him during the interview stage? It's just a formality!"

After speaking, he turned back to look at Fang Cheng and winked:

"Relax, A-Cheng. With Minister Shi escorting you this time, it's absolutely no problem."

"Right, right, right, I'm just getting senile."

Grandfather Li Zhenhua slapped his forehead, straightened his back once more, and his voice became loud again:

"Our A-Cheng is a great talent. A small place like a university can't hold a true Dragon like him—the Special Investigation Team is where he belongs!"

"Let's go, let's go. Just now I was too busy keeping the guests company and didn't fill my stomach. I need to eat a few more side dishes and sip a few drops of liquor."

Saying that, the family ushered each other inside the house.

Watching his maternal grandfather change faces faster than flipping a page, Fang Cheng shook his head with a smile.

He did not choose to tell his family the truth, instead telling a white lie.

Speaking of which, Professor Dong Yunchuan hadn't contacted him for so long.

He probably ran into obstacles while trying to help him handle the background check, or perhaps even hit brick walls repeatedly, making him embarrassed to reply.

His father's case back then involved a broad scope, and it was a rock-solid case jointly supervised by the Special Investigation Team and the police, making it truly difficult for ordinary people to overturn.

Only high-ranking insiders like Shi Chengyi possessed the capability to endorse him and push through the political review.