Two days later. 

The time had finally come for Shentu Ren’s treatment after a week’s preparations. Xia Lei had progressed from rabbits to Shentu Tian-Yin in this week and, having conducted experiment after experiment, his acupuncture skills had risen to a new level and so had the chance of success.  

“Lei, what do you need me to do?” Shentu Tian-Yin looked nervous. 

“Just go outside and wait for me,” said Xia Lei. 

“Okay, I’ll go and wait for you outside. I won’t be of help if I stayed anyway,” said Shentu Tian-Yin.

Xia Lei sent her to the door. 

Shentu Tian-Yin stopped at the door. “Lei, if you cure my father how would you like me to repay you?” 

Xia Lei paused. “Don’t say things like that. We’re friends - I don’t want any repayment.” 

“But…” Shentu Tian-Yin started to say something, then stopped. 

Xia Lei smiled. “Go on out. Don’t you want to be able to chat with your father as soon as possible? And don’t bring up the topic of repayment anymore; it’ll annoy me.” 

Shentu Tian-Yin gave Xia Lei a long look and didn’t say anything. She left the room. 

Xia Lei closed the door and walked to the bedside. He opened his medicine case, took out a shaver and started shaving Shentu Ren’s hair away....

Outside, Shentu Tian-Yin watched the door...