THE DEJECTED SON-IN-LAW

3

"Get a bowl of hot water!"

"Help her sit up!"

"Fetch a towel—sterilize it with hot water and bring it here!"

Cal had already returned to the clinic.

After examining the girl's condition, he immediately began emergency treatment.

The Whitmore couple naturally complied with his instructions without hesitation.

As for Dr. Webb, who had claimed to be a divine physician, he found himself reduced to Cal's assistant after exhausting all his own methods.

After all, a human life hung in the balance.

The old doctor's earlier arrogance toward Cal had completely vanished.

---

Watching Cal extract a silver needle from his bag, locate the pressure point with precision, and insert it decisively, Dr. Webb stood amazed.

Cal's technique—both the method and the needle itself—was completely unlike anything he'd encountered in his decades of practice!

At first, Dr. Webb doubted this approach, thinking Cal was acting recklessly.

But seeing the woman's breathing gradually stabilize, her pulse recover, and color return to her face, he had to admit defeat.

With trembling voice, he asked, "Young man, what needle technique is this?"

"This technique is called the 'Ancient Meridian Method.'"

After completing the emergency treatment, Cal withdrew the silver needle and replied.

Then he turned to the Whitmore couple.

"Mr. Whitmore, have you recently lost a family member?"

Shane looked immediately startled. "How did you know?"

"Miss Whitmore does have a cold complication, but the main cause of her collapse is excessive grief and prolonged emotional distress. That's led to poor circulation and blocked energy pathways."

"At her age, such heavy heartache can only stem from either love troubles or the death of a loved one."

Cal spoke matter-of-factly.

"No wonder my previous treatments for her cold had no effect. I found the wrong root cause."

Dr. Webb suddenly understood, and his regard for Cal transformed completely.

While the Whitmore couple admired his insight, they also sighed.

"Yes, a few months ago, my father passed away. Our daughter had a deep bond with him and has been melancholy ever since."

"What? You mean Mr. Samuel Whitmore has already passed away?"

Cal was immediately taken aback.

Seeing Shane nod, Cal couldn't help but sigh.

He'd arrived too late.

---

"Mom, Dad… what's wrong with me?"

A soft voice suddenly broke the silence.

Serena Whitmore, who had been unconscious, finally woke up.

"Serena, how are you feeling?"

"You silly girl, you scared your mother to death!"

Lily Whitmore rushed over and embraced her daughter, her voice trembling.

"Mrs. Whitmore, don't worry. I used acupuncture to unblock Miss Whitmore's meridians. She's fine now."

"However, physical ailments can be cured, but emotional wounds are harder to heal. If Miss Whitmore cannot move past her grief, this condition may recur."

As he spoke, he carefully observed his fiancée.

He had to admit—she was truly beautiful. It seemed the old man hadn't deceived him this time after all.

"Thank you for saving her, young man."

Shane pulled out his phone.

"Here's a hundred thousand dollars for medical expenses. Please leave your address and contact information so I can thank you properly in the future."

Clearly, Shane was planning ahead.

As Cal had mentioned, his daughter's illness might recur, and he might need Cal's help again.

Cal waved his hand dismissively.

"Mr. Whitmore, there's no need for formality. Your father, Samuel Whitmore, once did a great favor for my master. I came down from the mountain this time to repay that debt on my master's behalf."

"Unfortunately, since Mr. Whitmore has passed away, this debt can only be repaid to his descendants."

"Oh? Who is your master?"

Shane's body tensed. He hadn't expected this young man to have a connection with his late father.

"My master is just a simple man from the mountains—an unknown figure. I won't mention his name. However, I have a letter here that Mr. Whitmore left for my master back then."

As he spoke, Cal handed over a letter.

After reading it, Shane's expression changed dramatically, and he looked visibly uneasy.

"Shane, what's wrong? What does the letter say? Is it your father's handwriting?" Lily asked, confused.

Shane didn't speak but handed the letter to his wife.

"The old man wants… wants them to get married?"

Lily was equally surprised after reading.

Though Cal hadn't stated it explicitly, it was obvious he'd come to fulfill an engagement.

But…

Shane looked at Cal—covered in travel dust and dirt—then at his beautiful, delicate daughter.

This marriage was really…

For a moment, the Whitmore couple both appeared hesitant.

Finally, Shane broke the silence.

"Um, young man, I never expected that my father had arranged an engagement between you and Serena. But you know, nowadays people value free love."

"I don't know what you think of Serena. If you don't like her, just say so. Even if it goes against my father's wishes, I won't force you to marry my daughter."

Shane was hoping Cal would take the initiative to break off the engagement.

Cal responded honestly.

"Mr. Whitmore, you've misunderstood. Serena is a rare beauty—exactly my type. If anyone would dislike the other, it would only be Serena disliking me. How could I possibly dislike her?"

Shane felt embarrassed—this was not the answer he'd been hoping for.

"Dad, I won't marry him! He's filthy and covered in dirt. I'd rather die than marry him!"

Serena, still lying in bed, clearly understood the situation and immediately objected.

"Serena, don't be rude! This young man saved your life. If you offend him, who will help you if you fall ill again?"

Shane immediately rebuked her.

"Dad…" Serena looked wounded.

Cal couldn't help but smile bitterly at the situation.

"Mr. Whitmore, it seems I've been too presumptuous. You're right—marriage requires mutual consent. Since Miss Whitmore has no interest in me, let's call off the engagement. I won't impose any further."

Cal wasn't the type to force himself on anyone. Though the girl was indeed beautiful, he wouldn't resort to coercion. Besides, he still had seventeen other marriage proposals waiting.

He wasn't in any hurry.

But Shane grew anxious.

"Young man, what are you saying? According to tradition, marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. Since my father arranged this engagement, we cannot simply renege on it."

"How about this—you stay at our house first and get to know Serena better. When the time is right, we can discuss the wedding. What do you think?"

"Dad!" Serena was nearly in tears.

"Serena, listen to your father. I think this young man is honest and won't mistreat you."

Lily had developed a favorable impression of Cal, and since the head of the household had agreed, she raised no objection.

"Well, I'll follow Mr. Whitmore's arrangements."

Since Shane had spoken thus, Cal naturally didn't refuse.

Regardless of whether the Whitmore family recognized the engagement, Cal would stay with them for a while and see if he could be of service. Though Serena's grandfather was no longer alive, he still had to repay the debt owed to his master.

After that, Cal returned home with the Whitmore family.

---

**Whitmore Family Villa**

Lily went to prepare the guest room for Cal.

Serena returned to her bedroom to rest, with only Shane accompanying her.

"Dad, are you really trying to push your daughter into a fire pit?"

Serena asked with red-rimmed eyes, her voice thick with grievance.

"You—lower your voice!"

Shane glared at her and closed the bedroom door.

Lowering his own voice, he said, "Silly girl, you're my only precious daughter. How could I marry you off to just anyone?"

"Then why did you just…" Serena looked confused.

Shane smiled cunningly.

"It was just a temporary measure. Your illness hasn't completely healed yet, and we still need him. Naturally, we can't offend him now."

"Once you're healthy again, I'll find an excuse, give him some money, and send him packing."

"My daughter is talented, beautiful, gentle, and kind-hearted. Whoever marries you—even if they're not from a wealthy family—must at least come from a family with political power and influence. How can we let some rustic country boy take advantage?"

"A toad wanting to eat swan meat? He must be dreaming!"