[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film-":3,"chapter-from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-53":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","From the God of Medicine: A Journey Through Film and TV Worlds",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2333979,4564,"Chapter 53: Chapter Fifty-Three: Emotions Are Selfish","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-53",53,"\u003Cp>Smiling and nodding in thanks for his classmates’ congratulations, Wang Yan returned to his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At lunch, Wang Yan took his lunchbox to the cafeteria and brought back several dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Yin, Lin Jiamo, and the petite, delicate girl named Zhao Zi were sitting up front, eating while discussing how to design the class bulletin board.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some classmates who wanted to get closer moved their desks and chairs to join Wang Yan at the back table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was something Wang Yan couldn’t change; after all he’d been through, no matter how hard he tried to control himself or blend in, he remained different, standing out like a crane among chickens. Add to that his position as class monitor and his formidable reputation, and the long-standing influence of social dynamics meant even elementary schoolers knew to stay on good terms with the monitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan didn’t put on airs or act superior; he smiled in response to their questions, occasionally asking subtle prompts to guide the conversation, and everyone enjoyed themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the laughter and chatter of his classmates, Wang Yan ate the cafeteria’s large-pot stew with great relish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three girls up front were drawn by the laughter and merriment from Wang Yan’s side; Lin Jiamo, ever the troublemaker, couldn’t stand missing out on any fun—she felt uncomfortable if joy was happening without her. Besides, she’d already talked herself into understanding: her friends would surely understand her too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go eat with Wang Yan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve said enough already. You two go ahead,” Zhao Zi whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, this was a shy, timid little girl. Lin Jiamo didn’t mind—everyone knew Zhao Zi rarely spoke, and Lin Jiamo had been pleasantly surprised to learn she had such talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go, Fang Yin,” she said, knowing Fang Yin’s relationship with Wang Yan had improved, and picked up her lunchbox to walk over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Yin opened her mouth to refuse, but Lin Jiamo had already taken two steps away; she ultimately said nothing and followed behind her toward the back of the classroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiamo came over and shooed the boys away: “Hey, move, move—make room for us two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During school hours, it was rare—almost nonexistent—for boys to act inappropriately toward girls, no matter how annoyed they were.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two of the boys who were friendly with Lin Jiamo shook their heads helplessly: “Stop yelling—sit here with us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiamo quickly grinned and thanked them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan was still eating when he saw them sit down; he said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiamo beamed and leaned close to Wang Yan: “Sorry about yesterday—I thought about it at home, and you were right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was utterly confused—he hadn’t even thrown a punch. Was he really that charismatic now? Yesterday she’d been gritting her teeth, and overnight she’d changed her mind?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t try to read a girl’s mind—he wasn’t an expert in that area; their whims were too unpredictable, so he simply stopped overthinking: “It’s fine. As long as you understand, that’s what matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded to Fang Yin: “Eat your food.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Yin ate silently, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiamo, however, since things were cleared up and Wang Yan showed no ill will, asked curiously: “What were you guys talking about earlier? You were laughing so hard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan said: “We were talking about...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahahaha...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At nine p.m., Wang Yan calmly packed his things and strolled out as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his way home, he passed through a narrow alley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan walked forward without flinching toward the group of twenty or thirty people ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he reached them, he stopped and smiled: “Did you finish writing your confession?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leading the group, as expected, were Chen Xun and his two companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan had anticipated their retaliation. After all, two kids from wealthy families and one athlete—always loud and boastful—none of them were the type to swallow their pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps Qiao Ran was relatively more level-headed, but even so, when you have the power to punish someone, why swallow your anger and let them step on your face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan tattled to the teacher—they couldn’t possibly tolerate that. Letting him get away with it would be unthinkable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun and Qiao Ran looked fine on the outside—probably got off lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye was the worst off—his face was swollen, clearly from his father’s slaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t waste words,” Chen Xun sneered, lifting his chin. “Kneel down, bang three head-knocks, call me Grandpa, and we’ll let you off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, kneel down. Otherwise, this isn’t over,” Zhao Ye chimed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Ran stayed silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan had no interest in idle talk. As usual, he swung a massive slap that sent Chen Xun sprawling to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he kicked Qiao Ran in the stomach, spun, and delivered a sweeping punch to Zhao Ye—within seconds, all three were down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun shook his head, got up, and charged at Wang Yan: “Guys, take him down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid shouts and crashes, the alley erupted in chaos—finally, only groans remained on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in open ground, they weren’t a match. In this narrow alley, only three or four could attack Wang Yan at once, and they were all cramped and clumsy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan could fight, but he wasn’t a god of war. Though high schoolers hadn’t fully matured, they were close enough. And Wang Yan couldn’t go all out—he was still holding back somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So naturally, he took a couple of kicks, and his uniform was covered in muddy footprints—but otherwise, he was unharmed. To be honest, with this group’s weak attack power, if he just stood there and didn’t retaliate, as long as they didn’t hit sensitive spots, he could endure it for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, halfway through the fight, some got scared and ran away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brushed the dust and footprints off his uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan frowned and shook his head—dust was easy, just a couple of slaps and it was gone, but the footprints? He’d just washed this shirt yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked over to Chen Xun, who lay slumped against the wall, crouched down, and stared into Chen Xun’s eyes—then suddenly raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun thought Wang Yan was going to slap him and instinctively raised his arm to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after waiting a long time, no blow came. He cautiously lowered his arm—only to receive a sharp, forceful flick on the forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“F***...” The curse escaped his lips, but he wisely bit it back. Rubbing his head, he hissed: “Ow... ow...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just this once,” Wang Yan said, raising his index finger, his gaze sharp as a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun was thoroughly frightened—he wouldn’t meet Wang Yan’s eyes, but he clenched his teeth and stayed silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan stood up, brushed his hands, then paused before Qiao Ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking he’d get the same flick, and remembering how painfully crisp that sound had been, Qiao Ran immediately hugged his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan ignored Qiao Ran and walked over to Zhao Ye, who was hunched over, groaning and clutching his stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye was more straightforward—he’d lost with twenty-odd guys against one, so what was the point of pretending? He knew he was outmatched and acted like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water: whatever, do what you will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan slapped him hard across the head—Zhao Ye winced in pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t you know what kind of people they are?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another slap: “Don’t you have any sense of your own worth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One final slap: “Think before you act next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan stood and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun and the others didn’t have it so easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had to calm down all the fallen boys—if they didn’t, and word got out that they’d gathered a crowd but still lost, getting beaten up for nothing, they’d be finished today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, they spent ages babbling, saying all the right things, buying cigarettes, alcohol, and meals—only then did the matter finally end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once their reinforcements had left, the three sat side by side on the curb, sighing heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How the hell is this guy so strong? My whole body hurts,” Chen Xun muttered, rubbing his sore spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He really is strong. What do we do now?” Qiao Ran asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I say we leave him alone. Twenty-plus guys couldn’t beat him. Let’s just stay away,” Zhao Ye said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Ye, are you scared?” Chen Xun asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that I’m scared—do you have any plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Ran said: “Alright, let’s call it a day. We’ll figure it out tomorrow. It’s late—go home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three walked off in dazed silence, each returning to their own homes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their facial injuries were easy to explain—they were just bruises, nothing serious. Parents knew their own kids well enough. And getting hurt on the way home wasn’t new to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his way home, Zhao Ye thought about Wang Yan’s two remarks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did he not understand these things? He did. But he refused to think about them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan didn’t care—he just spoke his mind, and that was fine. According to the original plot, wasn’t that guy also from a wealthy family? But now, with Wang Yan meddling, things might turn out worse for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back home, he washed his clothes and fell into a peaceful sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the following week, Fang Yin, Lin Jiamo, and Zhao Zi completed the bulletin board together and won third place in the grade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This achievement meant nothing to Wang Yan—he had zero interest in it; it was purely the girls’ accomplishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout this time, Fang Yin and Lin Jiamo kept joining Wang Yan at the back of the classroom, eating lunch with the boys and chatting happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, during the second big break.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dear teachers and classmates, good morning. We apologize for wasting your time and energy...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Accompanied by Chen Xun, Qiao Ran, and Zhao Ye, who loudly confessed on the podium, they returned to school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in class, Wang Yan asked Lin Jiamo about recent events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he heard his own position as class monitor had been stripped and replaced by Wang Yan, Chen Xun’s face darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d known he’d lose the position, but he never imagined Wang Yan would take it. Wang Yan had only been there for a month—and now he was monitor? Chen Xun couldn’t accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiamo noticed Chen Xun’s expression and quickly changed the subject: “Hey, you guys didn’t hear? Our class bulletin board got third place—and I had a hand in it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke proudly, waiting for their praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three turned to look at the bulletin board, then turned back, staring at Lin Jiamo with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye played along: “Really? Tell us—which part did you draw?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The national emblem and the flag.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh wow, amazing! Looks just like the real thing,” Zhao Ye gushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked next: “Who drew that dragon?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That was Zhao Zi. The rest was all Fang Yin,” Lin Jiamo explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Fang Yin’s name, Zhao Ye showed no reaction, but Chen Xun and Qiao Ran both visibly shifted their gaze toward Fang Yin’s seat in front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching her quiet figure flipping through a book, Qiao Ran said nothing, but Chen Xun remarked: “Didn’t know she could draw? She’s actually pretty good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the other two friends weren’t teasing her, only caring for Fang Yin, Lin Jiamao pouted and returned to her seat, ignoring them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye sensed Lin Jiamao was upset and hurried over to comfort her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t seen her all week—he missed her terribly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the teacher entered with the class bell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The study committee shouted: “Stand up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the clatter of moving chairs, the students chorused: “Teacher… good…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sitting down, some read, some slept by slumping in their seats, others did nothing at all—no one spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun felt he didn’t recognize his classmates anymore. This was strange—when had they become so well-behaved?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nudged the student in front: “Hey, hey, what’s going on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to bear it anymore, the student in front turned to glance at Wang Yan—seeing he wasn’t paying attention—then whispered: “Wang Yan said, if you don’t want to study, don’t study—but don’t disturb others. Anyone who causes trouble, he’ll deal with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly turned back, continuing to read the martial arts novel rented from the shop outside campus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun snorted, glancing toward Wang Yan—and met his gaze head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear of being dominated flashed through him; he jerked back, pretending to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet inside, he was plotting how to get back at Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan had nearly gotten him expelled, his parents had kicked him, and Wang Yan had beaten him up—both were competitive boys; how could he possibly submit? But he’d thought about it all week and still had no plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key was, he hated Wang Yan, but Wang Yan just targeted him—and he couldn’t fight back. What good was hatred then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pondered, he caught sight of the white-clad figure in front, listening intently. A breeze drifted into the classroom, brushing her hair—calm, serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That breeze stirred the spring water in the boy’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun was transfixed, propping his chin in his hand, grinning dumbly as he stared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Ran, sitting in front of him, wasn’t transfixed—but his gaze kept drifting unintentionally toward the slender silhouette ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, they both noticed something odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Fang Yin keep turning around to glance back?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They followed Fang Yin’s line of sight, turned around, turned again—until they saw Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both snapped back to attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept turning to look at Lin Jiamao; Lin Jiamao kept turning to look at Wang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Comparing their own thoughts, how could they not understand what the two girls meant?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What they truly felt inside? Only they knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By lunchtime, the feeling grew even more unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some brought meals, some got food from the canteen; after settling, they returned to the classroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun and Qiao Ran watched as Fang Yin bounced over to the table Wang Yan had already arranged and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After sitting, she called out to Lin Jiamao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did this mean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It meant they’d been eating together before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three said nothing, just stared fixedly at Lin Jiamao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jiamao felt torn, helpless—she decided to confess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll come over in a bit,” she called back to Fang Yin, then sat beside the trio.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, don’t stare at me like that,” Lin Jiamao said, flustered by their silent gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye blurted first: “What’s going on with you? Don’t you know he’s your enemy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, we’re all classmates—why say ‘enemy’ like that? It sounds so harsh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left the three speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qiao Ran took a deep breath: “Jiamao, confess and you’ll get leniency. Resist and you’ll get severity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, it’s like this…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lin Jiamao recounted that day’s events—then added how she’d secretly watched Wang Yan dunk a basketball, and the fight outside the school gate that night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You wouldn’t believe it—he looked so cool in that moment,” Lin Jiamao whispered, eyes sparkling with admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, she blinked her big eyes innocently at the three: “You know me—I have no self-control. You’ll forgive me, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhao Ye felt as if pierced by three thousand knives—his heart ached so badly he could barely breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overcome with grief, he blurted without thinking: “Yes, of course we will…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished, Chen Xun and Qiao Ran both turned to stare at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ye wisely chose to shut up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xun growled: “Jiamao, you’re betraying our friendship. Have you thought this through?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, Lin Jiamao grew sad, pouting and hesitating, unsure what to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking again and again, she said nothing—just finished eating quietly and returned to her seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Yin wasn’t stupid—she knew exactly what was happening—but she didn’t comfort Lin Jiamao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she not know Lin Jiamao had feelings for Wang Yan? Of course she did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though they’d gotten along well lately, feelings are inherently selfish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t exactly schadenfreude—but she couldn’t deny having a few small thoughts of her own.\u003C\u002Fp>",2666,"2026-06-20T21:08:40.823Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ebb69f92c7baf32f46b2bad45eecc7e02a840c95f60dfd3188ea2d0347710520","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-54","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-52",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffrom-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--cover.jpg"]