The funny counterattack of traveling through time and space and becoming a vicious female supporting

Chapter 56: Undercurrent

As Jishitang's three-day free clinic concluded, the clinic's situation gradually stabilized. Lu Ling'er and Gu Yichen discovered that the clinic had not only established a reputation within the city, but had also become a crucial information hub. Through treating patients and conducting daily operations, they gradually uncovered some of the city's hidden secrets, secrets that were not only closely tied to their plans but also potentially revealed a deeper conspiracy.

One evening, a mysterious patient arrived at the clinic. Dressed in a gray robe, he had a pale complexion and a deep gaze. He clutched an exquisitely carved jade pendant, seemingly clutching it in secret, as if it were his only hope. While Lu Ling'er examined his pulse, she noticed it was extremely complex, fluctuating between strong and weak, with a strange ripple. A sense of alarm rose within her, but she remained calm.

"My dear patient, your condition is not simple. We need your cooperation for a detailed examination," Lu Ling'er said softly, her eyes involuntarily lingering on the jade pendant. The carvings on the jade pendant seemed to bear a strong resemblance to an ancient family emblem she had seen in the academy.

The patient looked up at Lu Linger, a hint of impatience in his eyes: "If you are a famous doctor, you shouldn't delay like this. Don't you deserve such a reputation?"

Lu Linger smiled slightly and replied calmly, "When it comes to treating illnesses and saving lives, precision is key. Any rush for quick results will only delay the treatment."

Although she appeared calm on the surface, she was deeply aware that this patient was no ordinary patient. He might be a spy for some powerful faction, sent specifically to test Jishitang's true strength, or even to provoke them. Lu Ling'er secretly monitored the patient's every move, especially the subtleties in his words.

Meanwhile, the opening of Jishitang caused unease at Changshoutang, another established medical clinic in the city. With over a century of experience in the city, Changshoutang, backed by local dignitaries, had long since established its position. The emergence of Jishitang undoubtedly posed a threat to their interests. Consequently, Changshoutang's owner, Doctor Liu, began secretly spreading rumors to discredit Jishitang's reputation, even sending his trusted aides to cause trouble.

"I heard that Jishitang was run by an itinerant doctor of unknown origin. Their medicines were inappropriate and had harmed many people." Doctor Liu's confidant, unintentionally spreading rumors in the restaurant, gradually spread throughout the city, damaging Jishitang's reputation.

Gu Yichen realized that these external interferences were not accidental but deliberate. He decided to take measures to strengthen the clinic's management and maintain a high level of vigilance against external rumors. He began to arrange for Xuan Ping and Xuan An to increase patrols to ensure the clinic's security and secretly investigate the source of the rumors. Meanwhile, Lu Ling'er continued to monitor the patients who came to see him, especially those with suspicious whereabouts.

As time went on, Jishitang's reputation gradually recovered. Although rumors still circulated, more patients began to trust Jishitang's medical skills and their evaluation of the clinic grew higher and higher. Through word of mouth, Jishitang's reputation gradually spread throughout the city. However, Lu Ling'er and Gu Yichen knew that this was only the calm before the storm. Undercurrents surged in the city, and the real challenges lay ahead.

At night, the clinic finally enjoyed a brief moment of peace amidst the bustle. Lu Ling'er and Gu Yichen sat in the backyard pavilion, gazing up at the starry sky. A cool breeze blew away the day's hustle and bustle, bringing a sense of comfort. Lu Ling'er sighed softly, suddenly thinking of her two wolf pets at home—Dabai and Dahui—and her brothers and sisters who had always been by her side.

"Yichen, I've been so busy with the clinic lately that I forgot about Dabai and Dahui, as well as my brothers and sisters." Lu Linger said apologetically, "They should be back home from their break at the academy. I wanted to go back and see them and tell them about our father and mother. I'd like to see what they think."

Gu Yichen smiled slightly when he heard this and nodded: "I will go back with you tomorrow. Let Mo Yan, Mo Xian, Xuan Ping and Xuan An take care of the affairs of the clinic. It's time for us to go back and visit our families."

The two smiled at each other, feeling a warmth in their hearts. Despite facing numerous challenges, they had each other's support and believed that no matter how difficult the situation, they could eventually overcome it.

At that moment, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside the pavilion. Xuan Ping approached with a solemn expression and whispered, "Brother, sister-in-law, a patient was found to be severely poisoned. We've isolated the scene and sent people to investigate the source, but the situation is complicated and may involve a larger conspiracy."

Mo Yan and Mo Xian stood silently by, trying their best to conceal their emotions, so that Gu Yichen wouldn't notice their inner turmoil. They knew full well that the current situation was complex and dangerous, and their primary mission was to protect Gu Yichen's safety while also preventing him from learning their true identity. To keep this secret, they even hid some of it from Lu Ling'er.

Gu Yichen's brow furrowed, and Lu Ling'er's heart suddenly grew tense. They realized that Jishitang might have become the target of certain forces, and this undercurrent was gradually pushing them deeper into the vortex.