Chapter 14: Master of Negotiation?

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A surge of indescribable impulse swelled within Hao Su’s heart—he wanted to first gaze upon the rooftop he had so often overlooked. Yet now, what met his eyes was a pristine, flawless ceiling. Upon it was etched a peculiar pattern, resembling an ancient rune, or perhaps a profound magic array, each stroke imbued with the universe’s most mysterious secrets. The rune sparkled like the brightest star in the night sky, inviting endless reverie and enchantment.

Hao Su’s eyes seemed drawn by an invisible force, oblivious to Iris nearby, who gestured and murmured incantations. His mind was wholly immersed in the complex yet captivating rune, striving to unveil its enigmatic veil within this small realm and draw upon the boundless power contained within. He memorized every delicate detail, as if to engrave this vast world of runes deep into his soul, making it a part of himself.

Time slipped away quietly, like fine sand slipping through fingers—silent and unnoticed. Ten minutes, fifteen, twenty... until more than half an hour had passed, a sudden gleam flashed in Hao Su’s eyes. He had grasped all the secrets of the rune, envisioning in his mind a miniature replica of the ceiling’s symbol, thousands of times smaller yet emitting an equally heart-stirring power.

Fixating on this shrunken rune in his mind, an inexplicable thrill surged within him, as if it were the key to an unknown world, harboring infinite possibilities.

Meanwhile, Iris remained busy not far off, her movements like an ancient ritual, mysterious and solemn. Behind her, Hao Su’s parents stood quietly, their gazes flickering between Iris and their son. Their expressions were complex and shifting—hope mingled with anxiety—and each subtle change they observed in their son’s condition stirred an uncontrollable joy within.

At this moment, Hao Su wore only a thin diaper layer, silently guarding this tranquility, unwilling to let external storms disturb this rare peace. Iris seemed to sense this too; she keenly perceived that Hao Su was compressing his presence in a special way, aiming not to alarm his parents with this sudden transformation. A surge of respect welled in her heart—for a child just ten years old, such maturity was truly remarkable.

Just then, Iris’s gentle yet resolute voice sounded in Hao Su’s ear, like a spring breeze brushing his face, or summer thunder rolling in, carrying an undeniable power: “Hao Su, I am your teacher, and I am conducting a special treatment now. Please relax your body and mind, trust me completely, and together we will restore your body to its optimal state.”

To Hao Su, that voice was like a demon’s whisper, yet also an angel’s call, imbued with an irresistible magic, compelling him to open his heart and let Iris’s qi flow into his body like a gentle stream, nourishing every inch of skin and every bone.

As the “treatment” progressed, Hao Su relaxed the magical restraints suppressing his limbs. His arms and legs grew visibly before their eyes, as if driven by a mysterious force, the tree of life flourishing within him.

Witnessing this, Hao Su’s parents’ eyes shone with disbelief. They exchanged glances, as if in a dream, unable to believe what was happening before them.

“Hao’er, my dear son, you’ve finally returned to the way you are in my heart. I’m so happy—let me hold you!” Wang Fang opened her arms to embrace him.

Hao Su rose naturally and fell into his mother’s arms. Over ten years, his mother was the figure most present in his memories, followed by his father.

His father came over and patted his shoulder. “Good boy, you can finally stand. Since the day you were born, you’ve been my pride. I know you remember every story I told you, every word I said.”

Excited, Su Ming took out his phone and dialed his father’s number. “Old man, come quickly! Your grandson has been healed by his teacher! His limbs have grown back!”

Su Ming’s voice brimmed with uncontrollable excitement and joy.

“What did you say? My grandson is cured? His limbs have grown back? It was that teacher who healed him?” The old man’s voice on the other end was equally shocked and delighted.

He immediately ended his ongoing meeting and drove to the hospital.

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Upon arriving at the hospital, he saw Hao Su sitting on the bed, limbs intact, chatting and laughing with his parents.

He approached for a closer look, touching Hao Su’s legs, then his thighs, and even couldn’t help but reach into his grandson’s pants. Whether confirming that his grandson had fully recovered or checking the continuation of the Su family line was unclear, but the faint smile on his face clearly suggested the latter.

“This is truly miraculous!” the old man exclaimed. “Teacher Iris, thank you so much! You’ve not only cured my grandson’s illness but also brought a huge surprise to our entire family.”

Iris smiled and shook her head. “It’s my duty. I’ve only done my small part.”

Hao Su watched the scene before him but thought about seeing this teacher’s next move. He knew that Teacher Iris had used her supernatural abilities to help him conquer illness and stand again. Yet he felt it was a lie. Her deception must serve a purpose. Unfortunately, he had become an accomplice to this big liar, suffering in silence.

Still, Hao Su felt some gratitude toward this big liar. It was only natural that she made him healthy again without alarming his parents.

His grandfather shouted excitedly, “Yes, the Su family has an heir now!”

His voice was filled with unspeakable joy and pride, as though at that moment, all worries and troubles had vanished.

Hao Su cast a displeased glance at his grandfather, muttering in his heart, “That’s Grandpa for you—still acting so improper, reaching into my thigh and then sneaking a grab...”

Though he thought this, he understood it was his grandfather’s way of caring and loving him, just a peculiar way.

This was the first time Hao Su had seen his grandfather. Previously, Grandpa was always busy with business and rarely had time with him, let alone allowed him close.

Now, Grandpa was touching him so intimately, making him somewhat uncomfortable.

At this moment, Teacher Iris stepped forward with a smile and gently said, “Sir, let’s discuss the treatment fees.”

Her voice was gentle yet firm, impossible to refuse.

Grandpa waved his hand generously. “Treatment fees? Name your price.”

Iris calmly replied, “I don’t want money, only 200, 200 jin of gold.”

She felt a bit embarrassed, wanting to secure the best for her student yet also feeling apologetic.

Her words fell silent upon the entire ward; everyone stared at her in astonishment.

Hao Su thought this was a blatant overcharge and looked at his grandfather, wondering how this “shady” grandfather, whom his father called a shrewd businessman, would negotiate.

“Two hundred jin of gold? That’s four hundred jin total? I’ll have my secretary deliver it to you,” Grandpa said generously.

That was exceedingly generous!

Hao Su’s eyes widened in disbelief. Was this the legendary shrewd businessman? Aren’t they masters of negotiation?

Was Grandpa joking with the teacher?

Yet he soon realized Grandpa’s expression was sincere; he really intended to pay the fees in gold.

Teacher Iris was surprised but quickly regained composure and smiled: “Very well, since you say so, I accept.”

Her tone held no greed or pride, only calmness and ease.

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Grandpa then turned to Hao Su’s father, Su Ming, saying, “Su Ming, how much do you pay this teacher? I’ll double it! She won’t have to rely on you anymore.”

His words brimmed with praise and gratitude toward Iris.

Su Ming’s eyes widened in surprise and confusion. He hadn’t expected his “shrewd businessman” father to be an even greater master negotiator. He muttered, “Dad, you’re supposed to be the shrewd one. How can you bargain like this? I could do better. That extra 200 jin of gold would save me half a lifetime of hard work.”

Standing nearby, Sister Wang Fang gaped, her jaw nearly dislocated. She had never witnessed such a generous negotiation, it was like watching a marvelous show.

Watching Grandpa’s every move, Hao Su recalled what his father had said on the phone earlier, calling Grandpa a “shrewd businessman,” which had puzzled him.

Now it was clear Grandpa possessed an extraordinary business mind and negotiation skill.

But Hao Su quietly worried: wouldn’t this approach cause the company to lose money?

Grandpa smiled without a care and made several phone calls to his secretary, instructing to buy a car and clothes for Hao Su, hire a driver to teach him to drive, and arranged numerous other plans.

Each call was filled with care and hope for Hao Su.

After finishing the calls, Grandpa happily left the ward, not forgetting to say, “The family line continues! Ha ha ha...”

His laughter echoed through the hospital room, filled with endless joy and pride.

Hao Su watched his grandfather’s departing figure, feeling deeply moved.

He understood a truth: in this world, some people may appear cold and heartless on the surface, yet their hearts are full of love and hope for their family.

Grandpa was such a man, expressing his love and expectations for Hao Su in his unique way.

Turning his gaze to Iris, Hao Su fixed her with a scrutinizing look, a mixture of doubt and confusion in his eyes as he whispered, “Teacher, are you just cheating money like this?”

His voice carried a hint of childish stubbornness, clearly not fully convinced by Iris’s words.

Iris smiled faintly upon hearing this, a smile filled with both helplessness and relief. She gently patted Hao Su’s shoulder and whispered back:

“Hao Su, this is for you, a sponsorship given to the Universal Environmental Protection Agency in your name.”

Her words were gentle yet resolute, each syllable carrying an irresistible force.

Hao Su frowned slightly and curled his lips, whispering a retort:

“Aren’t you the one from the Universal Environmental Protection Agency? Isn’t this just you pocketing the money?”

His tone bore a childlike stubbornness, clearly doubting Iris’s explanation.

Hao Su’s parents exchanged glances, watching the rich expressions between their son and teacher, uncertain about what was unfolding between these two.