Chapter 236: Principal Kingsley Rubbed His Hands Together

"Dr. Ward, what do you think..." Principal Kingsley rubbed his hands together, his face etched with hesitation.

The atmosphere in the hospital room was tense. Dean Hayes's expression was grim, and Director Carter was so furious his mustache trembled. Several specialists stood around the hospital bed, their gazes fixed on the young woman with a ponytail.

Elena Ward calmly arranged her silver needle case, flicking the tip of a needle with her fingertip, producing a clear, resonant hum.

"Principal Kingsley, if you don't trust me, you can stop this right now," she said, lifting her eyes. Her dark, piercing gaze held a hint of amusement. "But with the old man's condition, every day wasted increases the risk."

Director Carter slammed his hand on the table and stood abruptly. "This is absurd! The old man just woke up—his body is still weak. What could a little girl like you possibly know?"

"Director Carter!" Julian Kingsley suddenly interjected, stepping in front of Elena. "Who was it that said the old man wouldn’t wake up yesterday?"

The retort left Director Carter red-faced and speechless.

Dean Hayes sighed. "Dr. Ward, this isn’t personal. But the old man’s vitals are unstable. Acupuncture at this stage is too risky."

Elena chuckled softly and retrieved an antique wooden box from her bag. The moment she opened it, a faint medicinal aroma filled the air.

"What is...?" Dean Hayes’s pupils contracted.

"My family’s Nine Revival Needles," Elena said, plucking a hair-thin silver needle between her fingers. "The old man’s condition isn’t ordinary—it’s a blockage in his meridians causing severe qi and blood deficiency. It’s no surprise Western medicine couldn’t detect it."

Suddenly, Mr. Kingsley on the bed opened his eyes. "Girl, what are the odds of success?"

"One hundred percent."

The room erupted in murmurs.

Director Carter trembled with rage. "Arrogant! Utterly arrogant!"

Ignoring him, Elena turned to Julian Kingsley. "Have someone prepare a cup of hot cocoa—freshly brewed."

Without hesitation, Julian Kingsley strode toward the door.

"Wait!" Dean Hayes blocked his path. "The old man can’t consume anything right now!"

Elena had already pulled back the old man’s blanket, the silver needle glinting coldly in her fingers. "After three needles, he won’t just drink cocoa—he’ll walk out of this bed."

"Preposterous!" Director Carter bellowed.

The first needle descended. Mr. Kingsley suddenly took a deep breath.

The second needle. The numbers on the monitor began to fluctuate.

When the third needle pierced the acupuncture point, the room fell into stunned silence.

"Help me up," the old man commanded, his voice strong.

Principal Kingsley scrambled to assist, only to be pushed aside. To everyone’s shock, the octogenarian sat up on his own and stretched.

"Marvelous!" Mr. Kingsley laughed heartily. "Girl, your skills are extraordinary!"

Elena accepted the freshly delivered hot cocoa and took a slow sip. The sweetness melted on her tongue, warmth spreading through her.

"Impossible..." Dean Hayes’s hands trembled as he checked the monitor. "All his vitals are back to normal?"

Director Carter looked ashen, muttering under his breath, "This defies science..."

Julian Kingsley stared at Elena with burning intensity. "Dr. Ward, I’ll personally escort you back tomorrow."

A faint smile curved Elena’s lips. She knew—The Kingsley family now owed her a debt they couldn’t ignore.