A miraculous doctor descended from the heavens.

"If someone really wanted to kill me, then you shouldn't have saved me. Since you saved me, you ruined that person's plan. In their anger, they might very well put you on their assassination list as well. Even if they don't, you're no longer just a bystander."

Old Ding's expression and tone were calm and composed. Gu Feng seemed to be able to see through him the image of this lion-like old man who used to command the world and laugh at the changing times.

He continued slowly, "If this is a game, and you're just watching with a curious mindset, wanting to know how to play, then in the process of learning the rules, you've already unknowingly become involved. You're a smart person; you can't be unaware of this."

Gu Feng's bitterness deepened, and he shook his head: "I really wish I could be a little more oblivious and not understand anything."

"Sigh—" Old Man Ding suddenly let out a long sigh and said in a deep voice, "Gu Feng, I understand your thoughts. You just want to cure a patient, make a little money, and then leave without getting involved in any conspiracy or assassination. So, even if you clearly see through this assassination, this conspiracy, you won't tell anyone, pretending you know nothing. Am I right?"

Gu Feng did not answer. Old Ding's sharp eyes seemed to see right through him, revealing all the thoughts hidden in his heart.

Having said all that, what else could he say?

After a long silence, he finally asked, "Old Ding, what exactly are you trying to say?"

"What I'm about to say, you should be able to guess. But since you refuse to face it, then I'll say it myself." Old Ding paused, then said, word by word, "From the day you treated me, you were no longer a bystander, but an involved party."

Gu Feng sighed helplessly, "Fine, I admit it. I've indeed been dragged into this mess. But I'm just an insignificant supporting character at best, so I still have the right to back out, right?"

"Quit? That's a bit ridiculous. You might consider yourself just a supporting character, or even an extra, but you happen to play a pivotal role. Life is a play, and you play the part that suits you. What I want to tell you is that someone like you will become the protagonist wherever you go." These words left one wondering whether they were sarcasm or praise.

"Hehe—" Gu Feng laughed, trying to use the laughter to cover up the panic and unease in his heart.

"Gu Feng, has anyone ever told you that the way you laugh—your lips, your face, your nose, your eyes—every part of your face betrays your thoughts? Don't laugh like that anymore. It won't make you seem clever; it'll only make you look foolish." Old Man Ding scolded him in the tone of an elder, but after a slap, he also gently soothed him, saying, "Don't be nervous, and don't be afraid. We're in the same boat now; to exaggerate a bit, our fates are intertwined. I would never harm one of my own—even though you've sided with me not out of kindness, but for personal gain."

Gu Feng's face flushed.

This old fellow may look senile and confused, but he is actually a cunning and shrewd old fox.

If he could, he would rather face a hundred Ding Lishengs than face an old man like this.

In his presence, I felt as if I had been stripped naked, with nothing left to hide.

"Gu Feng, I've said quite a bit. Do you want to digest this? Or is there anything you'd like to say?" Old Man Ding asked again.

"You've said everything you could want, what else can I say?" Gu Feng replied dejectedly.

Old Ding burst into laughter: "What's there to be angry about? Gold is easy to come by, but a true friend is hard to find. You should be happy to have a friend like me, despite our age difference."

"I want to be happy, but I just can't," Gu Feng said with a bitter face.

"Gu Feng, to be honest, I'd really like to hear your opinion on this matter." Old Ding was a master of changing his tune; just a moment ago he was acting arrogantly because of his age, but in an instant he was humbly seeking advice.

"You know perfectly well what's going on in your head, why do I need to tell you?" Gu Feng said sullenly, his tone tinged with self-deprecation.

"There's a saying: 'Those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly.' Perhaps from your perspective, you can see things more clearly," Old Ding said empathetically.

"The poisoning you suffered, the assassination attempt on Ding Hanhan, and the constant irritability and worry on Uncle Ding's face—even if he doesn't say it, I can guess that something must have happened to him too. Combining all these points, I only see one thing clearly: your Ding family is in the midst of a catastrophe, and the hidden assassin wants to wipe out your entire family. In addition, what you just said made me see another thing clearly—you old geezer, you are going to great lengths to drag me into this mess."

Despite being called an "old man" by Gu Feng, Old Man Ding was not angry at all. Instead, he laughed even more heartily: "Very good, very good. Kid, I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

"Enough with the nonsense, I don't have much time left. Just tell me, what do you want me to do?" Gu Feng disliked this feeling of being controlled, especially since the task was quite demanding.

"Huh? Did I say I wanted you to do anything?" Old Man Ding asked seriously.

"You old fool, if you keep pretending with me, I'm really ignoring you." Gu Feng cursed angrily.

The more disrespectful his tone, the happier Old Man Ding became. But at this moment, he finally put away his cynical expression and said with utmost seriousness, "What I worry about most is my granddaughter."

"Ding Hanhan?" Gu Feng frowned. He really couldn't be bothered to comment on this woman.

"Yes. Her father and I discussed it, and we both agreed that if there is anyone in this world who can protect her, it can only be you—Gu Feng." Old Man Ding's expression was extremely solemn.

"So you brought that group of people from this morning to test me?" Gu Feng's tone was full of anger.

"Hehe, just think of it as morning exercise. Life is about movement, young people should be more active." Old Ding chuckled, but upon noticing Gu Feng's ashen face, he realized that his smile was inappropriate at this moment, and said awkwardly, "What are your conditions? Just name your price, and I can give you what you need."

Gu Feng's expression was already unpleasant, and after hearing this, it darkened even further: "Old man Ding, are you discussing this with me, or are you ordering me around?"

Old Ding was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly replied, "Of course we'll discuss it!"

"What if I say no?" Gu Feng was furious.

"Then I, I'll..." Old Man Ding was clearly flustered and annoyed.

Gu Feng crossed his arms, wanting to see what this old guy could do to him.

"Then I beg you!" Old Man Ding said, struggling to get out of bed, looking as if he was about to kneel down to Gu Feng on the spot.

Water that is too clear has no fish; a person who is shameless is invincible.

Gu Feng was speechless and quickly pressed him down, saying, "Please don't do this, I don't want to shorten my lifespan."

"So, you're agreeing?" Old Man Ding tried his best to calm himself down, but his eyes couldn't help but well up with excitement and joy.

"I'm not as old as you, not as shrewd, not as clever, and not as farsighted—most importantly, I'm not as shameless. So what else can I do but agree?" Gu Feng said helplessly.

"That's wonderful! I'll entrust Hanhan to you right now!" Old Man Ding clapped his hands with joy like a child, making Gu Feng feel dizzy.

"Gu Feng, you must be careful about this. Don't just agree readily and then brush me off. You absolutely must protect her safety." After his initial excitement, Old Man Ding anxiously gave him these instructions.

"Don't worry, I'll not only protect her, I'll also seduce her."

"What?"

"Uh—I mean, I'll take good care of her."

"That's not what you just said, is it?" Old Man Ding asked, his eyes full of doubt.

"Alright, alright, I know what to do. Why are you being so long-winded? If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." Gu Feng said, turning around and leaving the room.