The next day, Jiu Yue woke up early to walk the dog.
There was quite a distance from here to the estate, so the dog needed to be taken care of first.
By the time she returned carrying the dog, the Mute Girl was already waiting for her.
"Young lady, the Fu Family's servants came by earlier. They said we should depart after breakfast," the Mute Girl said.
Jiu Yue couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
The servants had already brought the meal. The moment they opened the food box, both of them were stunned by the lavish spread inside.
"...Isn't today's breakfast a bit too extravagant?" Jiu Yue's gaze lingered on one particular specialty dish.
They had ordered it at the restaurant that night—it tasted excellent but wasn’t cheap.
The Mute Girl was also taken aback for a second before hesitantly suggesting, "Maybe it’s because the journey will be long, so they want us to eat well?"
That seemed plausible.
The past two days hadn’t involved any assessments, but today, those who remained were definitely going to Old Master Fu’s estate. So, an upgrade in meals made sense, right?
Having convinced themselves, they then heard the Mute Girl add, "While you were out earlier, the physician in our courtyard already left."
Jiu Yue froze. "She didn’t pass the assessment?"
The Mute Girl replied, "Probably not. The servants mentioned many physicians left today."
Jiu Yue felt a chill run down her spine.
Seems the assessment was incredibly difficult!
The system chimed in fearfully, "Good thing you showed your skills early. I can’t even imagine how humiliating it would’ve been if we’d taken that assessment."
Jiu Yue nodded in agreement.
After breakfast, the two followed a servant outside the residence with their bags in hand.
Outside, a line of physicians still waited, and Jiu Yue couldn’t help but sigh at the sight… but right in front of them stood a single carriage.
"Are there really so few who passed this time?" Jiu Yue was genuinely shocked.
The servant smiled and nodded. "Indeed, young lady. You’re the only one qualified to treat Old Master Fu at the estate."
Mute Girl: "..."
Jiu Yue: "..."
Silence fell over Jiu Yue.
It felt like an underdog who cheated on an exam suddenly becoming the top scorer.
"Don’t worry, miss. We’ll ensure you arrive safely at the estate," the servant reassured her, noticing her silence. "If there’s nothing else, shall we depart?"
Jiu Yue exchanged a glance with the Mute Girl before calmly replying, "Thank you. Let’s go."
As the carriage rolled away, the physicians waiting outside the Fu Residence watched intently. The moment it left, the crowd erupted in chatter.
"Absolutely terrifying! That assessment must’ve been brutal!"
"Didn’t over a hundred people sign up last time? And now only one person gets sent off?"
"Heavens, anyone confident enough to come here must be exceptional. To be chosen among such talents… that person’s medical skills must be godlike!"
"One in a hundred… Forget it, I’m saving my energy."
"Same here. Let’s leave together?"
"Wait for me..."
And so…
The Fu Residence servants suddenly noticed the line had shrunk considerably.
Servants: "?"
The perks of being "one in a hundred" were no joke.
In all her time here, Jiu Yue had only ridden in a comfortable carriage twice.
Once thanks to Sima Qing, and now, this time.
The speed was just right, the interior cozy. Jiu Yue held the dog, sat upright for a while, then couldn’t resist lying down.
Seems the Fu Family is loaded too!
She couldn’t help but think.
The Mute Girl leaned against the side, watching her sparkling eyes with fondness.
In less than half an hour, the carriage stopped. Jiu Yue stretched and stepped out to see a modest yet warm-looking estate.
Not overly luxurious, but homely. A wisp of smoke rose from one corner, carrying the scent of medicine. Jiu Yue instinctively sniffed.
Two maids and attendants were already waiting at the entrance, their gazes filled with curiosity.
Ah… probably shocked that she was the only one who made it.
Accidentally overplayed her hand.
For the first time, Jiu Yue felt a little embarrassed. She coughed tactfully, maintaining her composed demeanor as she stood coolly with the dog in her arms.
"Young lady, apologies for the wait," said one of the maids, a cheerful girl with smiling eyes. She eagerly took the Mute Girl’s bag and led them forward. "Old Master and Old Madam are in the courtyard. I’ll take you to them."
Ah… straight to meet the elders?
Jiu Yue had assumed she’d first consult with other physicians, learn about the old man’s condition, then wait to be summoned… but now, it was immediate?
She paused and glanced at the Mute Girl.
The Mute Girl was also startled for a moment but quickly steadied herself, giving Jiu Yue a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Jiu Yue: "..."
Alright then.
Time to act! She was the people’s Oscar winner—what scene hadn’t she faced before?
She steeled herself, clenching her fists discreetly, rehearsing emotions along the way. Yet, when she finally met the elders, she was caught completely off guard—
"Dan Ruo!" The Old Madam burst into tears at the sight of the Mute Girl.
"Child!" The Old Master rushed forward, gripping Jiu Yue’s hands excitedly. "My back isn’t actually hurt—don’t be afraid. Come, call me Grandfather!"
Jiu Yue: "..."
His fervent gaze burned into her. Without thinking, she blurted out, "Grandfather."
"Yes!" The old man wept openly.
Beside him, the Old Madam, already shedding tears, turned to Jiu Yue with hopeful eyes.
Jiu Yue scratched her head and mumbled, "Grandmother."
"YES!!" The Old Madam completely broke down sobbing.
Jiu Yue: "..."
Jiu Yue stood there, utterly bewildered.
This scene… she truly hadn’t seen before. This wasn’t what she’d expected at all!
