The Reign of Zane Gardner

Chapter 6 - The Cultivator's Secret

Before posing his inquiry, Zane discovered that Charles had been a friend of his grandfather, as he had learned that his grandfather had been an exceptionally renowned Cultivator. However, Alfred had already confirmed that Charles had no knowledge of his Cultivating skills.

Upon hearing the question, everyone was filled with curiosity, wondering who Zane really was.

"What did he say? He wants to treat Ms. Claire? Who is he?"

"Is he a doctor? I don't think I've heard of him before."

"Doesn't Ms. Claire already have a doctor and a personal medical team who always accompany her wherever she goes? Why is he offering treatment then?"

"I think he is just trying to find favor in the eyes of Mr. Scott."

"Hahaha, that's true. Maybe he's just a nouveau riche who is trying to get the attention of many people."

Nora clicked her tongue in frustration, exasperated with Zane's actions. "I just can't take it anymore," she exclaimed. "What was he thinking, suggesting treatment for Ms. Claire? It's ridiculous. He's really gone too far this time."

As Nora was about to stand up and approach Zane, Morel quickly held her back, tightly gripping her left hand.

"Nora, calm down, please," he said soothingly. "Isn't this a good thing? He's digging his own grave. I'm sure if Mr. Scott accepts his offer, it will overwhelm him and he'll end up being thrown out like trash or even rotting in prison for trying to scam Mr. Scott." A sly smile spread across Morel's face.

Nora inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly before she spoke, “Yeah, I suppose you're correct. Let's just wait and see what happens. It'll be quite the show to witness him being kicked out of here.” She crossed her arms and grinned smugly.

Charles looked at Zane with suspicion, his lips curved into a warm smile. The memories of Zane's grandfather came flooding back to Charles. He was well aware that Zane's grandfather was someone extraordinary. Charles recollected the time when Zane's grandfather miraculously healed him of a severe ailment that no doctor had been able to cure. He wondered if Zane possessed the same power.

Nevertheless, a small spark of hope rose within him, wishing that Zane would carry on the legacy of his family.

Charles nervously cleared his throat, his anxiety palpable in the air.

He looked up at Zane, his voice quivering slightly as he asked, "Mr. Gardner, are you absolutely certain about this?"

Zane's gaze was steady and his expression confident as he nodded and offered him a reassuring smile.

"Yes, Mr. Scott. I'm sure," he replied with conviction.

Charles inhaled deeply, still filled with uncertainty before he finally nodded in agreement. He motioned for Zane to come closer. As Zane obeyed, the crowd went silent, all eyes fixed upon the two of them.

"Please follow me," Charles then said. "I believe you can do it in Claire's room." As he spoke, Zane followed him out of the room.

Meanwhile, Morel's irritation was reaching its boiling point as he watched Zane being showered with praise from Mr. Scott.

Muttering angrily under his breath, he couldn't help but wonder, "What has Zane done to earn such high approval from Mr. Scott?"

Nora, who had been observing the exchange in silence, finally spoke up in support of Zane.

She took a deep breath and addressed Morel with conviction. "Morel, why don't you try to get along with Mr. Scott?"

Morel scoffed and replied arrogantly, "What are you implying, Nora?"

The others around were still processing what was taking place, one of them asking, “What? Mr. Scott allowed it?”

Another individual who was seated nearby Nora inquired, “Wait, didn't you just say that he was a complete waste of time? How could Mr. Scott have so easily believed it?”

Nora replied, “I swear it's true! You know, he's my ex-husband! and yes, he is useless.”

Another person snickered, "Hahaha, so you don't know your husband's true identity? It looks like you regret it now."

Morel, who was seated beside Nora, was infuriated by the person's comment. He balled his hand into a fist and was ready to throw a punch, but was held back by Nora.

"Stay calm. We shall see what happens later," Nora said in a frustrated voice.

Zane and Charles stood together at the door of the medical room where Claire was being checked. Charles was filled with a feeling of confidence in what Zane would do, although he was not sure why.

“Mr. Gardner,” Charles said, “I believe in you. Please do your best, I'm counting on you.”

Zane smiled and nodded in understanding. “Thank you, Mr. Scott.”

This was Zane's first time providing medical treatment to anyone, and the person he was about to treat was of particular importance; she was the sole granddaughter of the wealthiest man in Sunhaven City.

Despite the nervousness that he felt, he covered it up with a strong determination to start and prove the knowledge he had learned so far. 

As the door slowly creaked open, all eyes shifted to Charles as he stepped inside.

"Claire, are you okay?" Charles asked, his voice filled with concern.

"Yes, I'm fine," Claire replied, her voice faint as she lay on the soft mattress in the room.

"Mr. Scott, Ms. Claire is currently undergoing treatment," one of the doctors said to Charles, "she will have to wait some more time to fully recover."

At this, Claire's attention turned to the figure of the man who had entered with Charles.

“Claire, I brought someone to give you treatment, he is Zane Gardner, he is the grandson of my best friend,” Charles said, the tone of his voice conveying the gravity of the situation.

Everyone in the room was taken aback by Charles' statement.

"Grandpa," Claire said, a confused expression on her face, "I'm undergoing treatment now."

"Ms. Claire, the treatment I'm going to give you is not a medical one," Zane said in a reassuring voice.

This statement only served to infuriate the doctors further.

"Not medical treatment? What exactly do you mean?" one of the doctors asked, confusion evident in his voice. He couldn't understand why this stranger thought he could help Claire when he didn't even know what her illness was.

"Mr. Gardner," another doctor said, "Ms. Claire's illness is a medical one. You don't even know what it is, Miss Claire."

Zane spoke calmly, "I cannot promise anything for Miss Claire's health, but I can prove it and do it directly."

The first doctor's voice was tinged with disbelief as he asked, “Do you think this is all a joke?” He continued skeptically, "Mr. Scott, are you seriously going to let this man take care of Ms. Claire?"

Charles simply stared at Claire, awaiting her response.

Zane replied with a nod, “Ms. Claire, I won't force you to receive treatment from me, but I can clearly treat your illness.”

Claire looked at him doubtfully, contemplating whether she should take the offer. She had heard from her grandfather that his close friend was proficient in medicine, although he was not a doctor, and that his grandson was attending a charity event that evening.

"Mr. Gardner," She asked skeptically, "what kind of treatment will you be conducting?"

Zane replied, his expression unreadable, "The treatment I'm doing involves channeling energy to activate the energy within your body."

One of the doctors then inquired, "Does this involve physical contact?"

“So you are going to openly touch Ms. Claire's skin? I think you are just a perverted, right? Ms. Claire, are you sure?” another doctor interjected.

"Mr. Gardner," Claire questioned firmly, "have you ever done this kind of treatment to someone before?"

Though Zane was confident of his capabilities, he had never done something like this before. He couldn't tell her that, though. "No, but please, give me a chance. You can trust me on this," he implored.

His words caused shock to ripple through the doctors and personal assistants. Doubt was evident on their faces.

Claire shook her head, her expression dismissive. "Does that make sense?" she asked skeptically. "So you want me to be your practice material?"

Turning to her grandfather, she frowned and continued, “Grandfather, do you still believe him after hearing his statement?”

"Claire, I told you everything before," Charles answered calmly. "My belief is still the same, so now I leave the decision to you."

Claire paused for a moment to consider everything she had just heard. She had observed Zane several times and noticed the confidence he displayed with no hint of doubt. At last, she made her decision and spoke.

"Mr. Gardner, I will allow you to treat me. But, if you fail, there will be serious consequences for you." Claire emphasized her statement.

Zane nodded in agreement, "Yes, Ms. Claire, I understand."

"Ms. Claire," Zane continued, his voice steady. "I now need your assistance to unzip your dress, but only the back part."

As soon as these words left his mouth, everyone in the room shifted their gaze to Zane.

"Are you out of your mind?" the doctor exclaimed, disbelief evident in their voice.