Chapter 59: Behind the Miracle (2)

“What medicine did you use, what solution did you soak her in, that made her so beautiful and radiant in such a short time, with her skin so delicate and fair?” Ye Lanyu and the Seventh Princess were both deeply curious about this, and their concern, of course, wasn’t about how Ye Lang managed it, but rather because they wanted to obtain this slimming and skincare remedy themselves. Women, after all, are always like this.

The two, wise and clever, had already noticed that even if someone could shed over a hundred pounds in less than twenty days, such intense weight loss would surely leave their skin unsightly, covered in wrinkles from slimming. Even disregarding that, Zhen Xiaoyan’s skin had never been particularly good—neither poor nor remarkable—but it could never compare to what it was now. That alone was enough to draw attention. Not only her skin, her hair had changed as well—the texture was different!

Ye Lang smiled and said, “That’s my exclusive secret recipe, something I accidentally concocted before and never tested. Fatty is a wonderful test subject!”

Everyone fell silent.

“So you used her as an experiment. What if it hadn’t worked?” Ye Lanyu tapped Ye Lang irritably.

“What does it matter? If she didn’t take the risk, she’d never succeed. And as you can see now, my medicine is very effective!” Ye Lang waved his hand, unconcerned.

“Yes, very effective!” As everyone nodded in agreement, Ye Lang said something that immediately made them withdraw their approval.

“I just don’t know if there might be side effects. Maybe in a few days she’ll revert, or maybe her body will mutate…” Ye Lang said heartlessly.

Everyone fell silent. Clearly, seeking his help required courage, especially when it involved one’s body.

“Forget it, we’ll deal with it when the time comes. I’m going back to sleep now, I’m exhausted.” Ye Lang yawned, exhaustion plain on his face.

Thus, Ye Lang explained the matter in his typically understated manner, downplaying his role as much as possible—not just because he didn’t want credit, but for another important reason. He had actually employed some medical techniques from the martial arts treasury, something he neither wanted nor was able to explain.

If it had only been medicine, he could have deflected with alchemy—as he’d just said, a medicine accidentally created. No one would doubt that, since alchemy itself is mysterious, and people are ready to believe in miraculous concoctions.

But this time, Ye Lang’s approach was far from simple medication. Zhen Xiaoyan’s previous condition was too extreme, requiring drastic changes. Ye Lang had to employ the most magical techniques of traditional medicine, his greatest skill—acupuncture!

With acupuncture, he altered Zhen Xiaoyan’s bodily functions, temporarily blocking her absorption ability so nothing she ate could be assimilated, while simultaneously causing her body to continuously burn energy.

Only thus could she slim down so rapidly!

Yet, this method carried severe consequences, placing great strain on her body, and possibly leaving lasting side effects. The risks Ye Lang mentioned earlier were no joke—they were real.

And that was only from acupuncture; there were other burdens and consequences too, so Zhen Xiaoyan’s body now resembled beautiful glass—perhaps fragile enough to shatter at a touch.

Did Ye Lang conceal these dangers from Zhen Xiaoyan? Otherwise, why would she agree to such a thing?

No, not in the least. Ye Lang had explained all the risks and possibilities to Zhen Xiaoyan, right from the very beginning, before anything started.

Zhen Xiaoyan had the right to choose. She could have refused, but she didn’t, and her reaction was utterly unexpected.

Ye Lang remembered warning her at the time—

“Fatty, you’d better think carefully. I can transform you into a stunning beauty who will shine at the tournament, but this might only be temporary, and the side effects are unpredictable. It could ruin your life, make you regret this forever. You study alchemy, you should understand!”

Although Ye Lang’s medical skills and alchemy were different, some alchemical potions were notorious for terrifying side effects—everyone knew that. Zhen Xiaoyan, being an alchemy student, understood even better.

Zhen Xiaoyan smiled softly, her tone calm and resolute: “I know, but I won’t regret it!”

At that time, Ye Lang had offered her many options, safer methods with no harm to her body. Yet she chose the most taxing, the one that risked her health.

Only this way did she feel it was real, truly won by her own effort.

Ye Lang’s other methods all involved a measure of intervention, but this method was genuine, without any trickery.

She wanted her love to be real, without a hint of deceit; she wanted her love to be pure, without a blemish.

This is the dream of many girls—to do foolish things for such a purpose, without regret, just as Zhen Xiaoyan did. She was not the first girl to do something foolish for love, nor would she be the last, and certainly not the only one.

Of course, she knew this was the hardest way, bringing great pain and perhaps an irreparable wound, but she still chose without hesitation.

Even if only for a moment, she wished to grasp that fleeting happiness, even if the price might be a lifetime of sorrow.

To trade a lifetime for a moment—some might call it foolish, but she had no regrets. Ye Lang could only shake his head and sigh—a foolish woman!

Just as Ye Lang was about to leave, Zhen Xiaoyan, who had been locking eyes with Mo Ya, noticed him. Even in such a moment, she still cared about Ye Lang’s whereabouts.

“Ye Lang, where are you going?” Zhen Xiaoyan immediately left Mo Ya behind, running after Ye Lang and calling out.

The scene left everyone stunned. No one understood what Zhen Xiaoyan was thinking—at this moment, she should be immersed in her romance, unconcerned with anything else, least of all where that useless boy was going.

Did she care more about that scoundrel, or about her beloved?