Translator’s note:
Sun Yongren, for God’s sake, please stop talking with idioms… I’m begging you!!! (More details below in the footnote section…)
Translator-Lucyferase
Editor-Alysia
When Yuan Zining informed the troupe leader that a guest, who had been drinking and making trouble had been sent away by Jiang Yue Lou, Master Meng was taken aback. He wasn’t worried about Chen Yu Zhi, but about Jiang Yue Lou, that demon was always ready to offend people.
He has been talking about opera with Zhan Jun Bai and tried to please the dignified guests all night, but hearing about the incident, he quietly asked Mr. Director if they could exchange a few words together.
Hearing that, Zhan Jun Bai couldn’t help but smile. He stood up and walked to the stairs to greet Chen Yu Zhi who was walking in and cordially extended his hand. “It turns out that Doctor Chen is also here tonight. It’s such a coincidence to meet so many acquaintances today.”
He looked at Jiang Yue Lou who was standing behind and said with a smile, “Brother Jiang, it must be fate that you were there to help. This is the famous doctor I just wanted to introduce to you.”
Jiang Yue Lou secretly smiled hearing the word “fate”, but his face remained the same and he just nodded, “It was just a drunkard, it’s nothing.”
At this time, Yu Tang Chun was waiting to sing the finale backstage. But hearing from Yuan Zining about what happened, he walked through the small private rooms and went into the room where Zhan Jun Bai, Chen Yu Zhi, and Jiang Yue Lou were.
He was about to play “The Peony Pavilion” in the next act, and he was now wearing Du Liniang‘s outfit. Everyone stood up to greet him when he went in; even Zhan Jun Bai was no exception.
Seeing that Chen Yu Zhi was okay, Yu Tang Chun felt a little relieved, and bent down deeply in front of everyone, and said to Zhan Jun Bai “Thank you for your love and your support, Yu Tang Chun is very grateful.”
Although he is an actor, he doesn’t give the impression of being pretentious. The loneliness is his eyebrows, the sadness is his eyelashes, he was indeed an incomparable beauty.
Zhan Jun Bai smiled and stretched out his hand to help him stand up, and praised him, “Jun Bai was allowed to listen the sound of the jade today, which was like hearing Xiānyuè*. BossYu* really deserves his name. Please sit down, what are you gone sing next?
Class Master Meng was overjoyed and asked Yu Tang Chun to stay and share drinks with Director Zhan and the officers, and asked everyone to accompany them. Zhao Jingming was even more proud of himself and was persuading Bai Jinbo to drink more while praising Zhan Jun Bai for his expertise. The room was very lively.
Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Chen Yu Zhi said a few words to Yuan Zining before leaving quietly.
The crowd who came earlier to watch the opening of the theater was already dispersed, leaving only on the ground the flyers written on colored paper. He was fastening his coat when Jiang Yue Lou came out behind him.
“I will go with you.”
“You don’t need to stay with them?”
“The director knows that I have no patience for this. Anyway, I also have to go this way, so it’s not surprising that I’m going back with you.”
This was an opportunity for them to speak together so Chen Yu Zhi nodded, and the two walked away side by side. The moonlight was as bright as mercury and was stretching their shadows on the ground.
Yu Tang Chun sat and sighed. He was the main actor today and still has to play the final act. Backstage, Yu Tang Chun was alone in front of the mirror finishing his makeup, his face was calm, but his heart was overwhelmed. Even if he was hit by the thunder at the instant, it won’t make him more panicked than he was now.
The moment Zhan Jun Bai took his hand to support him, Yu Tang Chun recognized the watch on his wrist instantly. The gorgeous watch is made of jade that he has only seen once in his life until now.
Yu Tang Chun shuddered, and that dark and terrifying night from the past came to his mind again. The screams of his family members, the pleading of his mother, the hand holding the blood-stained knife, wearing this same watch! He shook his head, trying to wake himself from the terrible past, his back was cold and wet with cold sweat. He gasped and took a sip of the herbal tea, choked with coughing, before being able to stop.
He raised his head and looked intensely at himself in the mirror. Du Lining was looking back at him from the other side of the mirror and he looked exactly how he should be, innocent and pure as if he didn’t know what sorrow was.
Yuan Zining opened the curtain happily, “Brother, it’s your turn.”
Yu Tang Chun slowly wiped off the cold sweat from his palms with his sleeves and stood up calmly. “Coming.”
“The moment Zhao Xiaochun died, our only clue died with him.”
Jiang Yue Lou exhaled and watched the white mist dissipate in the night breeze. He was explaining the progress of the case to Chen Yu Zhi and was also sharing with him the troubles he had in his heart.
“The people behind it are always two moves ahead of me. What should I do? Corruption is everywhere in the department, and except for Sun Yongren and Song Rong, I have no one I can rely on. It’s so fucking discouraging.”
Chen Yu Zhi comforted him, “There is still Director Bai, who is also trustworthy.”
“Yes, I believe in him.” And Jiang Yue Lou added without hesitation, “I also trust you.”
Hearing those words, Chen Yu Zhi was a little moved, “I will not disappoint your trust. I was looking for you.”
“What is it?”
Chen Yu Zhi unbuttoned his coat, took out a piece of paper from the pocket inside his suit, and gave it to Jiang Yue Lou.
Jiang Yue Lou took it and read it. He could read the names and addresses of nine girls and dates were also marked on the back of the paper. He raised his gaze to look at Chen Yu Zhi, “And this is?”
“These are some clues I gathered when I was seeing people as a doctor. These girls have all disappeared in the last six months. You said that Nianchun Pavilion is the property of Jimmatang, so I tried to find out as much information as possible. ”
Jiang Yue Lou frowned and stared at the list, looking more carefully, “There is a problem here.”
Chen Yu Zhi looked at him, “What’s the problem?”
“The dates. The period when trafficking girls is relatively concentrated. After kidnapping these girls, they will stay silent for a long time. Also, the time when these crimes occurred is the same time when opium entered Jingcheng in large quantities. As for the days that these girls disappeared, it should be also the same when the people from Jinmatang temporarily left Jingcheng.”
“You’re right.” Chen Yu Zhi took the note and examined it carefully, and there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
“I write down the addresses of the girls here. As there is a certain regularity for those people to commit these crimes, maybe that way we can find Jimmatang’s lair.”
“It’s not that easy. Jimmatang is very cunning. Their warehouses and dens are well hidden, and they will move out whenever they are in trouble.”
Jiang Yue Lou frowned, “Even though you have collected a lot of information, it’s still not enough. We are also investigating them, but now because of the smoking ban, the smoking halls are all running underground, so it’s not easy to catch the fox’s tail.”
“I can help you.”
“You?” Jiang Yue Lou looked at him suspiciously, “How can you help me?”
Chen Yuzhi nodded, “Section Chief Jiang must know where the gossips and news spread the fastest.”
“What’s so hard to guess?” Jiang Yue Lou grinned, “Smoke halls, casinos, teahouses, restaurants, theater gardens-places, these are the best places where people are gathering.”
“Yes. But those are places where only men gather. There is also another important source of gossip… in the backyard.”
Jiang Yue Lou’s eyes lit up, “Go on.”
“The backyard is the world of women, and they like to gossip just like men. Many secrets are spread in the neighborhood and this is a place you don’t have access to. But for me, it is normal to visit these places like the doctor. Not to mention that now smoking restaurants are banned, rich people smoke at home, and are still supplied by Jinmatang.”
Chen Yu Zhi said seriously, “If we are thinking that way, I could even get more information than you.”
Jiang Yue Lou’s eyes suddenly shone, he never really thought about it this way.
Chen Yu Zhi continued, “Keying’s disappearance is not an exception. There is a black business connection between Nianchun Pavilion and Jinmatang. The more they’ll do, the more they’ll give themselves away* and the more they will be easy to catch. ”
“You thought about it more carefully than me. This is something new that can be done.” Jiang Yue Lou nodded, “I should thank you.”
“I’m doing this for Keying and the other girls who were abducted.” Chen Yu Zhi shook his head, “And there are also people who are poisoned by opium.”
The two have reached the intersection near Chen Yu Zhi’s home. There were not many people on the street, only one or two guests eating at a small wonton stall located at the entrance of the alley under a street lamp. The owner looked very neat and was wearing a blue cloth apron. She skillfully put the wontons in a white porcelain bowl, poured the soup, and swiftly served the guests at the table. The heat in the big wok was surging, slowly spreading the nice flavor of the foods.
Jiang Yue Lou smiled and said, “Then I will ask you to eat a bowl of wontons with me. I don’t know about you but I’m hungry right now. “
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Cigluta, P jw jirb j ilaaif tecugs. Ktlr jeca wjxfr ajras gjnlbil.” Jtfc Te Itl cbvvfv jcv kjixfv ab atf rajii klat tlw.
Vfflcu atf akb bo atfw mbwlcu, atf qgbqglfagfrr ugffafv atfw fcaterljralmjiis, “Ktfrf akb ufcaifwfc rtbeiv delmxis rla vbkc. Ktf kbcabcr jgf ogfrtis mbbxfv klat rifcvfg rlinfgs-ktlaf olrt. Ktfs jgf nfgs ogfrt! Gb sbe kjca mbgljcvfg bc la?”
“No.” Two people answered at the same time.
“Okay, should I add some chopped green onion?”
“No.” The two said in unison, and couldn’t help but smile at each other.
The wontons were served in a short while, Jiang Yue Lou tasted one and found it delicious and he couldn’t help but eat two more.
“Why on earth you were entangled with this Gu guy tonight?” he asked, pretending not to care while swallowing his soup.
Chen Yu Zhi, who was eating more delicately, blew the heat slowly before eating the soup.
“Speaking of which, this was related to you. There is another matter I want to discuss with you.”
“Related to me?”
“When we were in Hong Kong… Dr. Qiu told me that emotional loss of control is a disease that can be cured. He also gave me two books, which I have been studying. It’s just that the materials and medicines are hard to find here so I wanted to ask Gu to help me find more.”
“I am not sick.” Jiang Yue Lou denied it, “You don’t have to worry about it.”
Chen Yu Zhi ignored him and continued, “Western medicine has been studying mood disorders for more than ten years. There are many precedents of recovering, and most of the time it can be controlled and not getting worse.”
Jiang Yue Lou put the bowl on the table loudly, interrupting Chen Yu Zhi.
“I said I’m not sick.” He said stiffly, “Why are you doing this? Does it feel that good to cure people’s disease?”
“Do you want to meet yourself?”
“You!”
Jiang Yue Lou threw his chopsticks and started feeling irate, but Chen Yu Zhi was still very calm.
“Want to flip the table? If you do that, it will be on you, as you said you want to treat me for a meal.”
At that moment, the happy mood was completely wiped out. Jiang Yue Lou took out the wallet, threw the money on the table with anger, and stood up to leave.
Chen Yu Zhi was still eating his wontons slowly.
“A strong enemy is waiting for you, and you are troubled internally and externally. If you can’t control your emotions like this, you will hurt yourself and the people around you sooner or later.”
Jiang Yue Lou paused and turned around to stare at Chen Yu Zhi, “I haven’t heard of any emotional illness before. It must be made up by foreigners.”
“If you don’t believe me, I can lend you the book.” Chen Yu Zhi said, “I will go to the police station to find you at five o’clock in the afternoon on Friday.”
“You can’t come to the police station.” Jiang Yue Lou flatly refused, “Don’t you have a medical clinic?”
“I haven’t found a suitable place yet.” Chen Yu Zhi thought for a while, “If someone asks, let’s just say it’s Director Zhan Jun Bai who “recommended,” me to you.”
He took out his handkerchief, wiped the corners of his mouth, got up, and left. Jiang Yue Lou stood there looking at his back feeling helpless and a little upset. Seeing that, this person would not be flipping the table, the lady owner quickly collected the bowl and money.
The next morning, the sky was gray and the north wind was swirling, blowing on people’s faces.
“Why is it so cold today?” Sun Yongren rushed into the office, stomping his feet and rubbing his hands.
“There is hot water in the thermos,” Song Rong said casually, flipping through the materials.
“Should we go and eat hot pot for lunch?” Sun Yongren said, “I don’t have enough of the cooked shrimps from the Hui Xian Lou shop yet…”
“No,” Song Rong didn’t lift his head, “You can eat four plates just by yourself, I can’t afford it”
“It’s okay, let’s go and ask the Boss to treat us.” Sun Yongren urged, “No matter what the dish is, the Boss would know how to make it just after eating it once. We need to ask him to figure out the recipe for this shrimp hotspot.”
“Do you think about anything else besides eating?”
“I’m not…” Only then did Sun Yongren realize it was Jiang Yue Lou’s voice, he quickly turned around and stood and claimed firmly, “Your subordinates are dedicated to the country, and so should be treated for a meal, Sir!”
Jiang Yue Lou shook his head. Song Rong stood up and handed the report to Jiang Yue Lou.
“Boss, this is all the data about the missing persons for the past three years.”
Jiang Yue Lou nodded and took it, and then glanced at Sun Yongren who was standing there, “Want to eat cooked shrimp?”
“No, I was kidding… I” Sun Yongren smiled, and looked at Jiang Yue Lou who didn’t seem to be angry: “Yes, I was hoping we could.”
“Okay, do this for me and once it’s done, let’s go to Hui Xian Lou for lunch.”
“Okay!” Sun Yongren bent down respectfully, “Boss, your subordinates will do their best until they die**!”
“Do you know any good locations in Jingcheng? It would have to be not too far from my home, and suitable for opening a medical clinic.”
“A medical?” Sun Yongren looked at him stupidly, “Boss, are you going to open a medical clinic?”
Jiang Yue Lou didn’t reply to his question, “If I had been more careful that day, his sister wouldn’t have been kidnapped. It’s compensation.”
“This…” Sun Yongren and Song Rong looked at each other, “Would Doctor Chen accept it?”
“He is a prideful man, he will not”
Sun Yongren scratched his head, “Then the money will be spent for nothing?”
Song Rong thought for a while and said, “I remember that there is a shop in the North Market, which has a very good location, with two floors, but the price is expensive.”
“The price doesn’t matter, rent it out first.” Jiang Yue Lou resolutely said, “I have my way to make him accept it.”
Yu Tang Chun was resting in the yard after practicing. He heard some footsteps and raised his head to see Yuan Zining, with a smile, was running to him.
“Brother, look, I brought you oranges!” Yuan Zining shouted before entering the courtyard.
Yu Tang Chun smiled and put down the teacup, “It’s winter, where did you get the oranges?”
Yuan Zining sat down in front of him, her cheeks blushing, “It is rare because it is winter. I went to Master Li’s singing hall today, and he gave it to me. I wasn’t willing to eat, so I secretly carried it in my clothes to give it to you. Don’t you want to eat something sweet?”
His lovely little sister that could always make Yu Tang Chun’s heart warm smiled at her, “You can eat it, Brother doesn’t like oranges.”
“It’s not true.” Yuan Zining groaned, “When the oranges are on the market, you’ll fill your room with it. I noticed.”
Yu Tang Chun laughed, “Yes, Miss Yuan always paid attention. Then, let’s have one each other.”
Yuan Zining nodded, peeled the oranges happily, and said casually, “By the way, Brother, do you have something on your mind? You seemed unhappy since last night.”
Yu Tang Chun was slightly startled, he didn’t expect his little sister would have noticed, “I don’t have anything to worry about, just like usual, I’m used to being quiet and I’m comfortable staying alone by myself.”
Yuan Zining broke the peeled orange and handed half of it to Yu Tang Chun, “I’m always worried about you.”
Yuan Zining concentrated on peeling the orange. Yu Tang Chun also slowly peeled it off and ate a slice.
“Zining, what do you think of Director Zhan?”
“Director Zhan?” Yuan Zining was a little surprised, then replied, “I think he is a very good person! In comparison, even though we should thank Section Chief Jiang for last night, I think that person looked terrible and scary, and not as kind as Director Zhan.”
“Really? You think Director Zhan is good?”
“Our village is not far from the village of Director Zhan. Their family’s reputation in the local area is not bad, they pity the old and the poor, build bridges and pave the road, but ah…”
Yu Tang Chun seemed to peel the oranges casually, but was listening very carefully, “But what?”
“Boss Yu, Section Chief Jiang is here.” Someone reported outside the teahouse before Jiang Yue Lou went in.
Yuan Zining saw that the “Terrible and Scary” Section Chief Jiang was there, she quickly stood up to bow at him before running away. Yu Tang Chun also stood up and bowed his hands.
“Why is Section Chief Jiang here today?”
Jiang Yue Lou also replied with a smile, “One doesn't visit a temple without a cause*. Today Jiang is here to ask Boss Yu for help.”
Jiang Yue Lou spread out a map of Jingcheng on the desk and circled several places with a red pen. Song Rong pointed to these red circles, “The brothels and casinos in these places are more or less related to Jimmatang. But we walked around and found nothing. Maybe Chen Keying and the other girls were there before but they have been transferred already.”
“I asked someone in Hong Kong to check, but there was no girl who fit the description of Chen Keying.”
Sun Yongren said uneasily, “If she was bought by a wealthy businessman who was passing by, this is not good. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, how can we find…”
Jiang Yue Lou gritted his teeth, “I want to find this person alive, and even if dead … Anyway, just keep looking.”
Sun Yongren nodded quickly, “Yes, sir”
Jiang Yue Lou turned to Song Rong, “How is the investigation done by the internal police officers going?”
“Only half of the investigation has been done so far, and no one was found to be related to Zhao Xiaochun.”
Jiang Yue Lou snorted coldly, “Now the sediment has been settled, it’s covering the bastard at the bottom of the lake. You have to find a way to mix up the water for the bastard to emerge.”
Song Rong and Sun Yongren glanced at each other and looked at Jiang Yue Lou together.
Chen Yu Zhi got up early to dispense the medicine before coming back home after seeing his patients.
He opened a curtain on the wall, revealing a detailed map of Jingcheng. The picture of the missing girl was pinned on the map according to her address. No one could miss Chen Keying’s photo nailed at the very top of the map. Several casinos and brothels were also circled. He was holding a stack of paper in his hand, biting a pencil in his mouth, and was carefully taking notes looking at the map.
He suddenly heard someone knocking at the door, awakening him from his thoughts. Chen Yu Zhi hurriedly drew the curtains down before opening the door. Standing outside the door was an unexpected guest, Yu Tang Chun.
“I was out for something else when I decided to stop by your place and save you a trip for next time.”
Entering the room, Yu Tang Chun said apologetically, “You were frightened because of me last night. I didn’t think about it. I’m sorry.”
“How was it your fault?” Chen Yu Zhi poured tea for him and asked him for his hand for pulse reading.
“This man was drunk.”
After the consultation was over, Chen Yu Zhi was writing his prescriptions. Yu Tang Chun took out a piece of paper from his coat and put it on the table.
“This is my way to apologize.”
Chen Yu Zhi couldn’t help but be completely stunned. What Yu Tang Chun took out, was a house lease.
“Is this…?”
Yu Tang Chun smiled, “I remember you said you wanted to open a clinic. Passing by the North Market that day, I saw that the location of this shop seemed very suitable, so I decided to rent it for you.”
Chen Yu Zhi picked up the lease and looked at it in disbelief. He knew the address on the lease.
This was a medical clinic with a very good location. According to the current market, the rent for a year would cost no less than 100,000$HK.
It is stated in the contract that the shop would be rented for three years, and all the facilities in the shop were discounted from the rent.
Chen Yu Zhi put the lease paper on the table and pushed it back to Yu Tang Chun.
“I can’t accept it.”
Yu Tang Chun seemed to have expected his answer, and smiled, “Why not?”
“This favor is too big, Boss Yu, I really can’t accept it.” Chen Yu Zhi’s expression was serious, “You should quickly go back there and get the money back.”
Yu Tang Chun held down his hand, “Listen to me first, the mother of the owner of this store passed away and the owner needs to go home to observe filial piety and was in a hurry to sell the clinic. He left in a hurry, and couldn’t deal with the medicinal materials either. So, if a colleague could take over the clinic, the medicinal materials could be used. It’s as simple as that, and the rent is also not that expensive.”
“Still I cannot accept it.” Chen Yu Zhi obstinately said, “Even if you don’t count the medicinal utensils, the rent alone is close to 100,000$HK. You should keep this money and don’t spend it so casually if one day…”
He suddenly stopped talking, but Yu Tang Chun smiled, “If one day because of my throat I can’t sing anymore, I should use it to survive, right?”
Chen Yu Zhi wanted to add something but Yu Tang Chun waved his hand to stop him before adding, “Actually, I thought about it too. I don’t know how many years I can still sing with my voice. That’s why I thought about doing business, but there is no one I can trust. So, after deliberation, I decided it was better to invest in you as a capital.”
Chen Yu Zhi was astonished, “You mean, this money counts as your capital?”
“Yes. I’m investing money, you’re investing your medical skills, and when I couldn’t sing anymore, I still have an industry. You are helping me.”
Yu Tang Chun said sincerely, “But it’s of course if you are willing to do it.”
Chen Yu Zhi lowered his head and thought for a moment, but couldn’t think of a reason to refuse, so he accepted Yu Tang Chun’s kindness, “Okay, I will accept it. Let me write a statement.”
Yu Tang Chun smiled and shook his head, “I do not doubt employing you. If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have rented the store already. Don’t you think?”
He patted Chen Yuzhi’s arm and pushed the lease paper back to him, “If you have to think about something, you should think about the name you want to give to your hospital. I remember you said that you wanted to use your name like your master.”
“Yeah.” Chen Yu Zhi nodded, showing a slight smile, “I will call it “Yu Zhi Tang”.
After Yu Tang Chun returned to Tianyun Garden, he called the police station and was quickly transferred to the Jiang Yue Lou office.
“Section Chief Jiang, I am glad but a little ashamed.” Yu Tang Chun said with a low smile, “Yu Zhi agreed to open the clinic with me. He also said that he wanted to name the medical clinic “Yu Zhi Tang”.”
“Thank you, Boss Yu.” Jiang Yue Lou said on the phone, “Jiang is sorry to trouble you with this.”
“It’s me who should be thankful, I just became a partner without spending a penny. Yu Zhi was grateful from the bottom of his heart.” Yu Tang Chun said, “But it’s not to me he should be grateful. Section Chief, why not tell Yu Zhi the truth?”
No one else was in the office. While holding the phone, Jiang Yue Lou looked at the pile of materials in front of him. The photo of Chen Keying was on the top. He smiled bitterly.
“I cannot explain… If he knows the truth, I’m afraid…” He shook his head, “Forget it, thank you, Boss Yu, for this matter. In the future, if you need some help or something else from Jiang, please feel free to ask.”
Yu Tang Chun couldn’t understand what he meant, but Jiang Yue Lou had already hung up the phone. He couldn’t figure out how Chen Yu Zhi managed to catch Jiang Yue Lou’s eyes and even made him willing to fund such a large amount of money anonymously. But this was not a bad thing after all. With Chen Yu Zhi’s pure and innocent temperament, having such a guardian can indeed keep him safe from a lot of trouble.
“A benevolent house should be blessed, Yu Zhi Tang…”
On the other side of the phone, Jiang Yuelou picked up the brush set aside and wrote these three words on the white paper in front of him.
At this time, Chen Yu Zhi was in a very happy mood. His dream of opening a medical clinic was about to happen. He was a little excited and also very grateful. He wanted to go to the North Market to see the shop with his own eyes but it happened that the post office delivered a package that same day and the address was from Hong Kong.
Chen Yu Zhi tore off the papercraft, revealing several books inside, all related to emotional illness, all were found by Chu Ran according to the list he sent her. There was also a letter saying that Hong Kong has been calm and peaceful recently. Shengde Church has now a new priest and the church truly became a virtuous and benevolent place.
Chu Ran also briefly explained her current situation. She had already completed her classes and received her graduation certificate and will return to Jingcheng soon.
At the end of the day he already quickly went through the new books, “I now realize that emotional agitation is a real disease. It’s just that people who have it don’t know they are sick, let alone seeking medical treatment on their initiative. If you just read about it, I’m afraid it won’t be useful.”
Chen Yu Zhi couldn’t help smiling. He already has a patient on hand, and he is confident that he will be cured. If Chu Ran knew that this patient was “Bai Qing,” he doesn’t know how she would feel.
In addition to the letter Chen Yu Zhi received, there was also a letter sent from Hong Kong, which also arrived at a courtyard in Jingcheng on the same day, sending news of Chu Ran’s return to Jingcheng after graduation.
The living room on the first floor of Chu’s house was not big and was used for receiving guests and having dinner at the same time. Although the furnishings are exquisite, the room seemed still a little shabby. Sitting around the table, Chu Ran’s stepmother Sun Fuzhi and her younger brother Chu Min were having breakfast. The table’s arrangement was rather simple, with only bowls and chopsticks. Chu Min was also about to graduate from school. He was a handsome young man. Although he has the same father and a different mother, he also looked a bit like Chu Ran. After reading the letter, Sun Fuzhi placed it on the seat of her husband Chu Qingming, waiting for him to get up and read it.
Chu Min glanced at the envelope, and when he saw it was from Hong Kong, he immediately picked it up and started reading it.
“Sister is coming back?” He said in surprise, “Mom, why didn’t you tell me?”
Sun Fuzhi served him a bowl of soup again, “Gentleman shouldn’t talk while eating, so just eat silently.”
But Chu Min didn’t care about eating anymore, “My elder sister was away for two years and she is finally coming back. I heard that studying abroad is very hard, and I hope she didn’t lose too much weight, I have to make it up for her once she’s back.”
Sun Fuzhi frowned looking at him, “Your sister is so good at school that she doesn’t have to pay for the tuition fee, so don’t worry she won’t starve. It’s you I’m worried about. I heard Qingming say that with your friends at school, you seemed to be playing some kind of sport lately, and I’m telling you, don’t you get involved in this dangerous…”
Chu Min didn’t bother to listen to her nagging, he pushed the bowl away and got up, “Sure. I’m late for school, I’m leaving first. Don’t forget to tell Dad.” He grabbed his school bag and hurried away.
Sun Fuzhi sighed helplessly looking at both sides of the table. On one side there was a son who ran away, and on the other was Chu Qingming, who was not there. She got angry thinking about it, she also left the room complaining as she walked.
“What time is it now? Some people don’t seem to know when they should get up! But they do know how to drink every day!”
Sure enough, the clinic was just like Yu Tang Chun said, all the medical furniture was still there, and the store looked also brand new. Chen Yu Zhi and the previous owner also met, and the latter was relieved to see that someone like Chen Yu Zhi rented the shop. He added that he would not return to Jingcheng and entrusted everything to him. Chen Yu Zhi asked someone to clean it up and put up the new plaque, and the clinic was officially opened.
He didn’t hold any opening ceremony nor did he invite any guests, only Yu Tang Chun was present.
The two stood at the entrance of the hospital, looking up at the sign that had just been hung up. The three characters “Yu Zhi Tang” were like dancing dragons and phoenixes, magnificent and majestic.
“Thank you for your kindness, and to ask someone to carve this plaque for me.” Chen Yu Zhi liked the words on the sign very much, the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, and his eyes were shining.
Yu Tang Chun saw his expression and smiled, “It’s fine if you like it, and it doesn’t count as disappointing people’s kindness.”
“No, It’s not.” Chen Yu Zhi still stared at the three big characters:
“This sign is very similar to the one that was hung up at my home when I was a child. Master loves the Wei bei* calligraphy, and specially asked Mr. Zhao Zhiqian to write the three “Cun Ren Tang” characters. This plaque is also written with the Wei bei style, how could it be such a coincidence? Where did you find the craftsman?”
Yu Tang Chun smiled deeply, “I entrusted a friend to engrave it, maybe his heart and yours are somehow connected.”
He didn’t want to add more on this topic, so he quickly changed the subject, “Aren’t you too frugal with the opening ceremony? It’s okay not inviting people and not doing a dragons and lions ceremony, but you should at least set off some firecrackers.”
Chen Yu Zhi shook his head, “It’s better to stay humble when you open a medical clinic and shouldn’t be too pretentious. Besides, making a medical clinic too ostentatious will make the patient feel uncomfortable. The most important thing for a doctor is his capability of treating patients. This is the best publicity.”
“Wine fragrance is not afraid of deep alleys*.” Yu Tang Chun nodded in agreement and closed the collar of his coat.
“Then I will leave first, I have an appointment with a friend. I will come back another day.”
Chen Yuzhi urged him, “Don’t forget to take your medicine on time and to take more rest.”
“I promise.” Yu Tang Chun got in the car and left. The driver drove him around the corner when he saw Jiang Yue Lou.
“Boss Yu, should I stop the car?” The driver asked for instructions.
Yu Tang Chun turned his head, looked out the window, before turning back again.
“It’s just an acquaintance, no need to stop, let’s go.”
“That was Boss Yu’s car right now, right?” Sun Yongren, who was standing on the corner, looked at the car that was driving away, with a look of envy, “Look at all these people these days with their fancy car.”
“He is the number one opera actor in Jingcheng, so it’s normal for him to get this kind of car.” Song Rong turned his head and looked at Jiang Yue Lou, “I think he saw us.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Jiang Yue Lou didn’t even look back, he was staring at the newly opened medical hall from a distance, with a hint of relief in his expression.
“Yu Zhi Tang…” Sun Yongren murmured, “These words are pretty, and sound strong. I remember that Boss’ Wei Bei calligraphy is really good… Ow!”
Song Rong stepped on him and motioned to him to shut up. Jiang Yue Lou nodded as if was lost in memory, “His master’s medical hall had the same style for his sign.”
Of course, the little fellow that he was back then didn’t know anything about Wei bei calligraphy, but the three big characters “Cun Ren Tang” on the plaque were still printed in his mind.
Their meeting together during that cold and snowy night, when the boy didn’t think he was dirty and rude, and even insisted to apply the ointment on his face by himself and invited him to celebrate the Laba Festival, was still deeply imprinted in his memory.
That was the first blessing Jiang Yue Lou received in his wandering life. Although he pushed him away awkwardly that day, their meeting still brought him luck. Soon after, he was adopted by Bai Jinbo and his wife and returned to school.
“So, it was him…”
Jiang Yue Lou looked at the thin figure in front of the medical hall with a smile. He didn’t say anything and just turned to leave. Song Rong and Sun Yongren were perplexed but didn’t say anything and just followed him.
Sun Yongren whispered as he walked, “Today is a good day for Dr. Chen to start a business. Should we send flowers or something to mark the day?”
Song Rong was unmoved, “You can if you want to make it obvious and tell Dr. Chen that this shop was rented for him by the Boss.”
“How do I dare! The boss has spent so much trouble because he was afraid that Dr. Chen would figure it out!”
Sun Yongren said, “But why do this? The cost is so high! Money shouldn’t be spent like that…”
Jiang Yue Lou, who was walking behind, glanced back at him, and Sun Yongren quickly explained, “I understand, I understand! <i>A gentleman's friendship is insipid as water* and talking about money is vulgar. I think you are good at business and on how to invest to make money! Boss, you should teach me…”
Chen Yu Zhi didn’t notice the scene on the street corner just now. He still looked at the “Yu Zhi Tang” sign a little longer before finally stepping through the carved door. Sunlight passed through the lattice window, and dust floated in the sun. The hospital was quietly waiting for its new owner to come in. He looked at the medicine rack, the counter, and the consultation table, and felt he had returned to his childhood time. He could see the master who was sitting at the table treating a patient and clanging the medicine in the brass mortar. His wife was cleaning the medicinal materials and Keying was playing with a paper windmill, laughing while running on the hall.
The illusory scene slowly faded away and the medical hall became empty again. Chen Yuzhi walked to the wall and opened the curtain to reveal again the map of Jingcheng.
Thank you for the chapter
You’re so nice leaving a nice comment every time! Thank you thank you!!!
So sorry somehow we are not receiving any notification when someone leave a comment. But promise, we will check more this section now! Thank you so much again
GRAMOThank you, love the chapter, what a thrill, I thought he would never realize that he was that child
I’m a bit late for reading this…but thank you for sharing with us this wonderful story🥺…i came here after watching the drama and thought maybe there’s something more in their interaction and i was right😭