Chapter 3: Tatham Family's Son-in-law

In Jonathan's hand, a silver needle shimmered slightly. It was about 1.5 inches long, with faint dragon patterns engraved on it. This was none other than the Taiyi Divine Needle that Mia had given him! Holding the divine needle, Jonathan raised his hand and aimed at William's CV-16 acupoint. As the needle went in, William felt a sudden surge of heat followed by intense pain. He had never experienced such pain in his life, and now sweat poured down his face like a waterfall. "Grandpa, are you okay? Jonathan, look at my grandpa! What's happening to him?" Evelyn asked anxiously. Jonathan didn't even glance at her. He focused on channeling the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon and then pressed down on William's abdomen. "Ah!" William screamed in pain as if it was unbearable. "Grandpa! Jonathan, please, save my grandpa!" Evelyn pleaded desperately. "Why are you shouting? You don't know anything. This is the first needle, called Burning Fire. When the needle enters the body, it causes a burning sensation that helps clear the toxins in the system. Can't you see his face looks better now?" Jonathan explained calmly. The Taiyi Divine Needle consisted of five needles, each with the power to work wonders. Jonathan had practiced for years and mastered all five needles. Evelyn was taken aback and quickly looked at her grandfather, noticing that his complexion had indeed improved significantly. "Grandpa, how do you feel now?" Evelyn asked, holding William's hand with concern. William replied, "I feel much better. My body doesn't feel as heavy anymore. Dr. Cornell, how's my condition?" Earlier, he had felt like death was hanging over him, but now he felt strength returning to his body, and the pain inside him had vanished, replaced by a warm sensation. He even felt like he could stand up from his wheelchair. "You're almost cured. I'll prescribe some medicine for you, and you'll be completely healed," Jonathan said, removing the needle. William's eyes filled with emotion. "Dr. Cornell, are you serious?" He was in the late stages of liver cancer and had sought help from many renowned doctors, but none had been able to help him. Yet now, a young man had managed to cure him! "Of course, I'm serious," Jonathan replied, suddenly becoming cautious. "Old man, you're not thinking of backing out on the deal, are you?" "Of course not. I'll have a million wired to your account right away. Dr. Cornell, just give me your account details," William responded. "I don't have a bank account. Can't you pay in cash?" Jonathan asked. "Well... I didn't bring that much cash with me..." William said awkwardly. Who carries that much cash around nowadays, especially a million? At that moment, Evelyn suggested, "How about we take you to the nearest city and help you open a bank account? Then we can transfer the money to you. How does that sound?" "That sounds like a good idea. Looks like you're not just all looks," Jonathan nodded. Evelyn's face darkened. "What did you just say?" William chuckled and offered, "I have another idea, Dr. Cornell. You mentioned earlier that you were trying to catch a bus. Where are you headed? Why don't I take you there instead?" Jonathan thought for a moment and said, "Old man, you're a good person. I need to get to Skyward State. Can you take me there?" "You're going to Skyward State?" William asked in surprise. "What's the matter? Can't you take me?" Jonathan replied. William shook his head. "It's not that. My home is in Skyward State, so it's on the way. This must be fate." "That's great! Let's get going then." With William's arrangements, Jonathan joined him in the same car. They sat in the back while Evelyn sat in the front passenger seat. As they got in, Evelyn gave Jonathan a glare, clearly displeased with him. Jonathan didn't notice. He was too busy admiring the car. Sitting in the leather seat, Jonathan couldn't help but feel a wave of satisfaction. "Cars are really something else—fast and comfortable." "Dr. Cornell, have you never been in a car before?" William asked. Jonathan shook his head. "Nope, the only thing I've ridden in is the village chief's tractor. That thing smokes like crazy and stinks up the place." Evelyn couldn't help but giggle at that. The young men she usually met either pretended to be refined or were hypocrites. Jonathan's words, though crude, were straightforward and honest. William chatted with Jonathan a bit more and quickly realized that despite his exceptional medical skills, Jonathan had never really interacted with society. William was certain that Jonathan's medical abilities would allow him to easily make a name for himself in Skyward State. It would be wise to establish a good relationship with him now. With that in mind, William asked, "So, Dr. Cornell, what brings you to Skyward State?" Jonathan smiled, unable to contain his excitement. "I'm getting married. My godmother, Mia, arranged a fiancée for me. She's in Skyward State." "Getting married? Which lucky family has a daughter engaged to Dr. Cornell?" William asked with interest. "Luna Tatham from the Tatham family. Ever heard of them, old man?" Jonathan replied. At that moment, Evelyn turned around, staring at Jonathan in disbelief. "Who did you say?" Jonathan was surprised by her reaction. "What, you know my fiancée?" William spoke up, "Dr. Cornell, you must be joking. I've never heard of Luna having a fiancé." "Why would I lie to you? Here, take a look." Jonathan pulled out the marriage contract. William examined it carefully and said, "The Tatham family is one of the most prominent families in Skyward State, just like our Ford family. I've met Luna before; she's a beautiful girl. I never would have thought that David Tatham would be so fortunate as to have Dr. Cornell as a son-in-law." "Wow, my wife's family is so impressive? Looks like I won't have to worry about anything in the future. Since you know the Tatham family, why don't you drop me off there?" Jonathan suggested. William nodded. "Let's do as Dr. Cornell says. Evelyn, take us to the Tatham family hotel." "Why are we going to the Tatham family hotel?" Jonathan asked. "Today is the day Tatham Group goes public. The Tatham family is at the hotel celebrating," William explained. "A publicly traded company? My father-in-law's family is really something," Jonathan thought, feeling thrilled. Although he didn't fully understand what a publicly traded company meant, he knew from TV that they were a big deal. At first, Jonathan had been reluctant about this arranged marriage, but now... it seemed pretty sweet! An hour later, they arrived in the city center of Skyward State, stopping in front of a ten-story hotel. The hotel was grandly decorated, with the name "Tatham Hotel" displayed in glittering gold letters. Hundreds of luxury cars, each worth at least a few hundred thousand, were parked in front of the hotel. These cars belonged to the guests attending the celebration. William mentioned that many people wanted to establish ties with the Tatham family, and this banquet was the perfect opportunity. "Dr. Cornell, we'll leave you here," William said. "Thanks, old man. You're a good person, and your granddaughter is quite pretty too." With that, Jonathan closed the car door and walked away. Evelyn blushed at Jonathan's comment. "That guy... What's he talking about..." "Evelyn, don't speak carelessly. He's no ordinary person. With his medical skills and as Dr. Mia's godson, it's only a matter of time before the powerful figures in Skyward State try to win him over. We must find a way to build a good relationship with him before that happens. He might be the key to turning things around in the future!" William sighed inwardly. David was lucky. His daughter was engaged to Dr. Cornell. If only Jonathan were his grandson-in-law... On the other side, Jonathan got out of the car, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and walked into the hotel. "Hey, kid, who let you in? We're closed for today!" Two security guards approached him, trying to push him out. Jonathan slapped one of their hands away. "Not letting me in? Do you know who I am? I'm the Tatham family's son-in-law!"