The truth, as it turned out, was far more sinister.
That patient a year ago hadn't died from Zhang Zizhen's treatment—they'd perished from conflicting medications prescribed by another doctor.
Yet the family, knowing full well what they'd done, had exploited Zhang's reputation.
They'd extorted millions from the guilt-ridden physician, then swept the matter under the rug—leaving Zhang to shoulder the blame.
Remembering this, Daniel sighed heavily. "A healer who saved countless lives... destroyed by such despicable scheming. He probably carried that 'failure' to his grave."
CREAK—
The courtyard door suddenly swung open.
Lin Xiao, the young apprentice, glared out with frosty disdain. "I told you—Master retired a year ago. Stop wasting your time!"
SLAM!
The door shut again with finality.
Daniel didn't react to the rudeness. He understood—that medical incident had broken Zhang's spirit. Without clearing the doctor's name, there'd be no cooperation.
So instead of knocking, Daniel raised his voice, aiming his words at the shuttered windows:
"Dr. Zhang!"
"I know why you abandoned medicine! That patient's death wasn't your fault!"
"The family hired two doctors—your prescriptions clashed with the other quack's poisons! You were framed!"
His words echoed through the courtyard, reaching every shadowed corner of the old house...
CRASH!
In the dimly lit backroom, the elderly physician's hands jerked violently, sending medicinal herbs scattering across the floor.
Tears welled in his weary eyes—the first in years.
His entire body trembled as if struck by lightning, grappling with something beyond belief.
Behind the counter, Lin Xiao dropped his mortar and sprinted to the door, wrenching it open with wide eyes.
"What did you just say?!"
From the inner chamber came a hoarse, measured voice—
"Young man... Did you claim that incident wasn't my fault?"
"Yes!"
Hearing Daniel's absolute conviction, Zhang Zizhen drew a shuddering breath. When he spoke again, his tone held grave solemnity:
"True or not... I thank you for the warning. I'll investigate."
For a year, he'd never imagined human deceit could run so deep—he'd truly believed himself a killer.
Now?
Now the scales were falling from his eyes.
"Dr. Zhang," Daniel pressed urgently, "verifying this will take time—but you may not live to see tomorrow morning!"
Elena needed surgery within 24 hours. He couldn't afford to wait for investigations.
His only play?
Leverage his "foresight" to earn Zhang's trust.
Lin Xiao exploded.
"You're cursing my master?!"
Lin Xiao's face darkened at Daniel's words.
Inside the room, Dr. Zhang's expression tightened as well. He had almost allowed himself to believe Daniel's claims about the medical incident—until the absurd prediction of his own death.
The old man let out a bitter smile, shaking his head.
Of course.
How foolish to hope for absolution.
The guilt was his to bear—no scheming family, no conspiracy. Just his own failure.
He opened his mouth to order Lin Xiao to throw Daniel out—
"Dr. Zhang!" Daniel's voice rang out again, sharp with conviction. "I'm not joking. If you don't believe me, I swear on my life—if my words prove false, let me die before sunrise!"
Lin Xiao snapped.
"What the hell are you spouting?!" He lunged forward, grabbing Daniel's collar with white-knuckled fury. "My master is perfectly healthy! You want to die? Fine—but keep your cursed mouth shut about him!"
He began dragging Daniel toward the gate, cursing—
CREAK—
The pharmacy door swung open.
Dr. Zhang stood in the threshold, his frail frame radiating unshakable authority.
"Release him." His voice, though quiet, froze Lin Xiao mid-motion. "Let him speak."
"Master…!" Lin Xiao protested, but a single raised hand silenced him.
The old physician's gaze locked onto Daniel, sharp and probing.
"Explain."
Lin Xiao's expression softened slightly upon seeing the elderly physician, but his glare at Daniel remained sharp with anger. "Master, this man dares to predict your death just to force your hand! Why entertain his nonsense? He's clearly a snake!"
Dr. Zhang silenced him with a warning glance, then shook his head slowly—a clear command to stand down.
Lin Xiao clenched his jaw, letting out a frustrated huff, but he didn't dare disobey. He stepped aside, though his eyes still burned with resentment.
"I've long admired your reputation, Dr. Zhang. I'm Daniel Lockwood."
The old healer remained silent, his clouded yet piercing eyes sweeping over Daniel from head to toe.
Then—disappointment flickered in his gaze.
Too young.
Just another reckless fool seeking attention.
Everything Daniel had said earlier… must have been a calculated ploy.