Chapter 14: A One-Million-Dollar Consultation Fee

Words : 1749 Updated : Oct 23rd, 2025

"Could you get me a set of silver needles for acupuncture, some flame cups, and an alcohol lamp? Thanks." Gabriel had barely finished speaking when Maverick jumped up. "I'll go," he said, and hurried down the hall. Gabriel smiled to himself. The Denfords clearly had strong family values. One could tell what a family was like by how the younger ones treat their elders. Within minutes, Maverick came back, breathing hard and clutching a needle roll and several flame cups. Gabriel took the roll, opened it, and saw neat rows of golden needles, not silver. He closed it, opened it again, then once more, and suddenly laughed. The others exchanged puzzled glances. Maverick's brow furrowed, and he blurted, "Mr. Jauncy, do these golden needles work? I can go look again." "They're perfect. Actually, after I'm done, could I keep this set of golden needles as a gift?" Gabriel glanced at Maverick, then at Gene. "It's just a set of golden needles. If you like them, please take them. As long as you can heal Grandpa, what does a trifle like this matter?" Maverick replied easily. "To be honest, I've been searching for a set of golden needles for ages. They're hard to find." "Then by all means. You should have them," Maverick said, pleased. Gabriel didn't waste any more words. He motioned for Gene to strip down to his shorts. The old man's body was covered in scars. Knife wounds and gunshot scars crisscrossed him like faded lightning. He looked like someone who'd fought his way through hell. Gabriel took a steady breath and quickly tapped several major acupoints across Gene's chest. Then he turned, picked up the needle roll, and within seconds, Gene's back and legs were studded with golden needles. As the needles went in, Gene's face flushed a dark red. His eyes bulged. It was a frightening sight. "Hang in there. This is the critical moment," Gabriel said, calm but firm. At his reminder, the Denford family swallowed their questions and watched in tense silence. After a long moment, Gabriel pulled the golden needles from Gene's chest and back. He heated the rims of the cups over the alcohol lamp and pressed them onto Gene's back, one after another. In no time, a dozen flame cups clung to his skin. Gabriel stepped around, planted a sharp palm strike on Gene's chest, and the cups responded. Dark blood oozed into each cup from the pores, quickly filling it. As the dark blood was drawn out, Gene felt clear-headed and light. It was an indescribable relief. When the cups were full, Gabriel lifted them off, wiped the sweat from his brow, and said, "Help Mr. Denford Sr. get cleaned up. He's fine now." "Mr. Jauncy, please wait a moment," Gene said, and, leaning on the housekeeper's arm, headed upstairs to the bath. Gabriel asked Maverick for a pen and paper. He scribbled quickly and wrote out a prescription. He handed it over and instructed, "Get the herbs prepared exactly as written. Boil three portions down into one dose and drink it once every three days. Remember to do this for a month, no more, no less." He dropped onto the sofa, took a long drink of tea, then leaned back and let out a deep breath. It was his first time needling the whole body. It was nerve-wracking and exhausting. He needed to step up his martial arts training. The woman refilled his tea and said respectfully, "Mr. Jauncy, thank you for treating my father. How should I thank you?" "Renee, I have my own plans for thanking Mr. Jauncy," came Gene's voice from upstairs before Gabriel could answer. He sounded noticeably stronger, his voice steady and full. "Mr. Jauncy, your skill opened my eyes," Gene called as he came down. "I feel like I could eat a whole cow. I haven't felt this good in years." Gabriel looked tired around the edges. "I've given Mr. Denford the prescription. Follow it exactly. In one month, you'll be fully cured." "Thank you so much, Mr. Jauncy." Gene bowed, then sat on the sofa across from Gabriel. He nodded, and Maverick produced a check, handing it over. Gabriel didn't keep up the aloof-master act. He took the check. Charging a fee for saving Gene's life was only fair. He was no longer in a position to act like a saint. He glanced at the figure, though his face showed little. One million dollars. He looked up at Gene with a smile. "Mr. Denford Sr., isn't this a bit much?" "Compared to my life, it's nothing," Gene replied, smiling. "The Denford family has nothing to give you besides plain old money. So you must accept the money." Gabriel shook his head and said, "You're too kind. That plain old cash is exactly what I need right now, so I won't refuse." "Mr. Denford Sr., there's one more favor I'd like to ask." "Please go ahead," Gene said immediately. "Could you help me get a license to practice medicine?" Gabriel asked. Before Gene could reply, Maverick said, "That's easy. I'll only need to make one phone call." He stepped aside, spoke briefly, then came back. "Mr. Jauncy, please have a seat for a bit. The license will be here shortly." "So fast?" Gabriel asked with a quiet smile. Maverick just smiled back. Watching Gabriel chat so comfortably, Gene felt a surge of curiosity. From the young man's bearing, he must have studied under a true master. He would tell Maverick later to nurture this friendship. "Mr. Jauncy, since we've gotten to know each other, I have a question. I'm not much good with words," Maverick said, watching him closely. "It's fine. Go ahead," Gabriel said with a nod. "With your skills, why would you become the Ades family's live-in son-in-law?" The words were barely out before Gene snapped, "Maverick!" To him, the question touched on Gabriel's private affairs. It was out of line. "Grandpa, I didn't mean anything by it, I was just curious," Maverick protested. Gabriel waved a hand. "No harm done. I'd prefer not to get into that. For now, I am indeed the Ades family's live-in son-in-law." Gene's curiosity deepened. He hadn't expected a healer of such talent to be connected to the Ades family in that way. A little while later, the medical license arrived. Gabriel got up, said his goodbyes, and walked out of the Denford Villa.

Chapter 14: A One-Million-Dollar Consultation Fee

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