By the time the last needle was removed, Grandma Xu felt a lot more comfortable. She just wasn’t sure whether it was a real physical effect or merely a psychological perception.

In any case, it was much easier now, and she felt rather refreshed.

She gazed at Yao Tangwith a pleasant smile on her face.

Meanwhile, Xu Xuanwas pacing back and forth just outside the bedroom. She was beside herself with worry, which made for a rare sight toQin Jing.

After all, Xu Xuanhad the personality of a block of wood, even around her peers.

Qin Jing didn’t expect the girl to have this side to her, too.

Watching her soon grew tiresome, though. “Stop worrying. Sister Tang’s medical skills are excellent and far superior to most experts in the field. There’s nothing to be afraid of.Sister Tangwill do good with her work.”

“I know,” Xu Xuannodded.

And she did know. Even so, she couldn’t help the anxiety that gripped her heart. She wouldn’t feel reassured until she saw the results with her own eyes.

Knowing that there was no convincing Xu Xuan,Qin Jingcould only sigh in resignation. She really couldn’t blame her.

If their roles were reversed, she knew that she would worry, too.

Time passed, and Xu Xuanwas growing more anxious by the minute.

When the bedroom door finally opened and Yao Tangsignaled for them to come in,Xu Xuanstrode inside without a second thought.

It wasn’t until she registered the color in her grandmother’s cheeks that she finally let out a huge sigh of relief. Grandma Xudid look a lot better.

Xu Xuan thankedYao Tangprofusely, even as the latter gave her pointers to take care of. When that was done, she andQin Jingprepared to leave.

They were just heading to the front door when Xu Xuan caught up to them. She held out her bracelet to Yao Tang.

“You don’t have to give it to me so soon,” Yao Tangsaid lightly. “We still need to perform additional acupuncture sessions before the treatment takes full effect. You can hand it over to me then.”

But Xu Xuanwas adamant.

“I do not doubt your skills. I believe that you will cure Grandma in the end.”

Yao Tang studied her for a short moment before smiling and taking the bracelet. “Okay, then. I’ll come back the day after tomorrow to check on the situation.”

“Yes, of course!”

Xu Xuan nodded in earnest, her eyes wide and sparkling with renewed hope.

After seeing her schoolmates out, she went back into her grandmother’s room. “How are you, Grandma?” she asked with concern. “Are you feeling better now?”

Grandma Xu harrumphed. “Don’t worry too much, Xuanxuan. I’m fine, really. It’s just my old age catching up to me, but I certainly feel better after Little Tang’s acupuncture.”

A mix of joy, gratitude, and relief bloomed in Xu Xuan’s heart.

Grandma Xu had no idea that her illness was fatal and near impossible to cure.

But since she said that she was feeling better, then there was probably no need to tell her about the doctor’s prognosis.

“Xuanxuan,” the old woman said, her eyes fixed on the girl’s wrist. “Where is your bracelet?”

Xu Xuan looked down at her hands and replied with some hesitation. “I… I gave it to her.”

Although her expression remained neutral, Grandma Xu understood her true feelings. Her heart ached for her granddaughter.

Xu Xuan had held on to the bracelet all this time, even when it brought her to such horrifying circumstances and forced her to deal with that hateful man.

Now, for the sake of her cure, Xuanxuan had willingly given it up, just like that.

As the elder, she couldn’t help berating herself for being useless and inadequate.

Grandma Xu’s mood dampened. “I’m sorry, Xuanxuan. It’s all my fault.”

If it weren’t for her worthless body, her granddaughter wouldn’t be slaving away at such a young age. Xuanxuan wouldn’t have to run to school every morning, either.

The child had suffered too much on her behalf.

“It’s none of your business.”

Xu Xuan didn’t know how to comfort other people, and the harsh words just spilled out of her mouth. ButGrandma Xuknew her well—they had spent every waking day together, and she heard how tight the girl’s voice had become.

Grandma Xu sighed helplessly. Something occurred to her just then. “Xuanxuan,” she said, her eyes narrowing with interest. “Did that girl,Yao Tang, take the initiative to ask for the bracelet?”