The third floor of the Dragon King Hall featured a single large round table laden with a variety of precious dishes: braised broiled exquisite lobster, vinegared grilled tuna, steamed turbot, and more. Any one of these would normally be considered a signature dish, rarely seen.
Yet, the table was filled, making one’s eyes water and mouth salivate.
Twelve people, all high-ranking officials or influential businessmen, were seated around the large round table.
“Ahem, everyone! Today marks my sixtieth birthday and my retirement. I won’t say much more, thank you all for attending my birthday celebration! Please, don’t be shy, start eating!” the old mayor said, glancing at those present.
Upon hearing this, everyone began to pick up their chopsticks.
Shortly after, a middle-aged man stood up, raised his wine glass, and addressed the old mayor: “Old Mayor, though you are retiring today, our Dongchuan City will forever remember your contributions and dedication. I wish you good health, all the best, and everlasting happiness!”
If Ye Feng were to see this middle-aged man, he would surely recognize him. This was Kang Wenbo, the very person who had nearly sent Ye Feng to his demise before.
“Good, good, good! Thank you for your congratulations!” the old mayor replied, beaming with happiness.
The others applauded and cheered loudly.
At this moment, another middle-aged man, not to be outdone, stood up, holding his wine glass. He began, “Old Mayor, today is not only your sixtieth birthday but also the day of your honorable retirement! Though time flies, may you forever remain youthful at heart, and your longevity be as enduring as the South Mountain’s evergreen pine.”
Ye Feng also recognized this man; it was Gao Fuxuan.
“Excellent, very excellent! Thank you, Fuxuan!” the old mayor reciprocated, raising his glass.
Seeing these two take the lead in congratulating the old mayor, the others followed suit, standing up one by one to toast and offer their well wishes.
“Old Mayor, you are like a candle, burning yourself to nurture our entire Dongchuan City. I wish you bright prosperity, longevity like that of a pine and crane, and boundless future blessings!”
“Old Mayor, though you retire today, your deeds remain a guiding light, illuminating our path forward! Here, I wish you good health and all the best in the days that now belong solely to you!”
“From you, I have understood the meaning of life and seen the light of existence… Wishing you a happy sixtieth birthday!”
The old mayor was overjoyed as everyone toasted him and offered their congratulations.
Because the old mayor was amiable and approachable, without any airs, everyone felt relaxed and uninhibited, striking up conversations.
Then, a slightly overweight middle-aged man wearing a hat, seated opposite the old mayor, spoke up: “Old Mayor, I heard you were gravely ill a few days ago. I was out of the province on business and couldn’t return to see you personally. I feel deeply regretful! I hope you don’t blame me!”
This man was Mu Qian, a renowned business magnate in Dongchuan City. His businesses covered over sixty percent of Dongchuan City, making him a truly influential figure.
The old mayor smiled upon hearing this, “It’s alright, it’s alright. Thank you for your concern, Director Mu!”
“Haha, it’s good that you’re alright! By the way, I heard you were cured by a divine doctor?” Director Mu continued to inquire.
The old mayor nodded. “Yes, at the time, I felt I might be leaving this world! Even the chief physician at the city hospital declared they could do nothing more. But perhaps fate decreed I should not die, as I met that divine doctor, and he cured me?”
“Oh? That impressive? I wonder if that divine doctor is here today. Could you introduce us? Then, if we have any ailments in the future, we could seek his consultation!” Director Mu added.
“Yes, yes, please introduce him to us. My back has been hurting terribly lately! I’ve been to the hospital several times with no success!”
“Indeed, I want to meet him too. I’ve been feeling dizzy and lightheaded lately! I was just looking for a doctor to see!”
The old mayor laughed heartily at this, “Of course, he is incredibly skilled. You know, if I hadn’t met him back then, you might not be here celebrating my birthday today, but rather attending my funeral! Haha!”
Saying this, he beckoned a waiter and instructed, “Go call Haisheng and tell him to find Divine Doctor Ye Feng and bring him up!”
“Yes!”
The waiter immediately went downstairs.
The old mayor’s son, Yang Haisheng, and his granddaughter were not on the third floor, as they were downstairs entertaining relatives and friends.
When Yang Haisheng received the waiter’s notification, he immediately called Ye Feng.
Ye Feng was resting in the kitchen at the time. Upon receiving the message, he headed straight for the third floor.
When he arrived on the third floor and saw the twelve people present, he couldn’t help but feel a slight surprise.
There were fewer people than he had expected.
“Ahem, Old Mayor, I heard you were looking for me?” Ye Feng coughed lightly to steady himself and stepped forward.
Hearing this, everyone turned to look at him.
When they saw Ye Feng’s attire, except for the old mayor and a few who knew him, everyone else assumed Ye Feng was a waiter.
“Ye Feng, you’re finally here! Come, let me introduce you to everyone!” the old mayor said happily.
Ye Feng was somewhat puzzled but still walked over.
As he approached the old mayor, the latter announced to everyone present, “Everyone, this is Ye Feng, the young divine doctor who saved me from the brink of death twice!”
“Uh, hello everyone, my name is Ye Feng!” Ye Feng stated, neither humble nor arrogant.
Despite these individuals being far from ordinary, he showed no timidity, which surprised many.
However, the next moment, their reactions were somewhat peculiar. They all began to speak, “Old Mayor, this is the divine doctor you mentioned?”
“He’s too young! And he doesn’t look like a doctor at all, let alone a divine doctor!”
“That’s right, his attire… it looks a bit like someone from the kitchen staff?”
Hearing their comments, the old mayor finally realized, “Oh, Ye Feng, why are you suddenly wearing kitchen staff clothes!”
Ye Feng replied sheepishly, “Xiao Feifei and I are good friends. She was overwhelmed, so she asked me to help out, and I put on these kitchen clothes!”
“Oh, oh! I see! But everyone, please don’t mind this. Don’t be put off by Ye Feng’s youth or his appearance. His medical skills are incredibly potent!” the old mayor told everyone.
Still, some remained unconvinced, as Ye Feng truly didn’t look like a doctor. One of them spoke up, “Really? Could you show us your skills?”
These were all influential figures; they had seen all sorts of people, but they truly couldn’t tell Ye Feng was a doctor.
“Yes, yes, we happen to have two or three patients here. Show us what you can do!” a group of people chimed in.
The old mayor glanced at Ye Feng, seemingly asking if he was capable.
Seeing this, Ye Feng smiled and said, “Of course, I can. Who would like to try?”