By the time the two apprentices from Hundred Longevity Hall and the other physician on duty that day had arrived, the clinic was officially open.
The other physician on duty was much older than Zhao Mou, looking to be in his forties. His expression was stern, and just sitting there made him seem unapproachable.
Patients like Yu Xing and the Sea Demon, who were temporarily staying at the clinic, usually recuperated in the back courtyard. Under normal circumstances, only patients too badly injured to walk were allowed to stay there.
Today, both of them were in the main hall. As soon as the physician entered, his gaze fell on them.
"Doctor Zhao, these two... are they your patients?"
His voice sounded just as severe. He didn't sound like he was asking a colleague; it was more like he was questioning a subordinate.
Zhao Mou smiled. "That's right, Doctor Zhou. You weren't here yesterday, so you haven't met them."
Doctor Zhou scrutinized them both, his face stern. "What are they sick with?"
The Sea Demon frowned.
"I'm not your patient. Why are you asking so many questions?" She was free to act however she pleased, and had never intended to let a physician restrict her movements. "What's with that judging look? What, does Hundred Longevity Hall pick and choose its patients?"
She turned to Zhao Mou. "Doctor Zhao, is this man much more formidable than you?"
Doctor Zhou's expression shifted at once. Looking a little flustered, he opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Zhao Mou answered for him. "Miss, you've misunderstood. Doctor Zhou's face really can scare people, but he isn't trying to give you a hard time. That's just how he looks."
Doctor Zhou said, "Yes, yes, that's right. I'm very sorry."
Even as he apologized, he kept