Chapter Twenty-Six: The Turmoil of Changing the Dressing

Xie Qingtang had just descended the mountain and might not be familiar with the world of the internet, but Zhou Jinfan, who understood it all too well, knew that if things continued to escalate online, it would only bring harm to Chunshan Hall.

At that moment, an unidentified object was suddenly hurled in from outside, landing with a splat in the very center of Chunshan Hall’s main room. An indescribable stench spread through the air.

“What on earth? This is outrageous! Someone actually dared to throw a rotten egg into Chunshan Hall. Even when I was selling fake medicine, no one ever did that. They clearly don’t take me seriously.” Zhou Jinfan squinted and saw that the object thrown in was indeed a rotten egg.

The foul, decaying smell of the rotten egg quickly filled the entire hall. Xie Qingtang’s expression remained unchanged as she looked toward the entrance, catching sight of four or five children scattering in all directions.

“Whose unruly brats are those? Don’t they have any adults to teach them?” Zhou Jinfan saw them as well. Grabbing the pestle used for grinding medicine, he stormed to the door, shouting curses after them.

Xie Qingtang frowned slightly, walked to the door, and took Zhou Jinfan by the arm. “Don’t bother with them. Clean up the rotten egg first.”

“Ah, I have to clean it up?” The prospect made Zhou Jinfan scowl, but when he met Xie Qingtang’s cool gaze, he shuddered involuntarily.

He quickly grabbed a broom and cleaned up the rotten egg, but its stench lingered stubbornly in the front hall, hanging in the air.

As soon as Li Zhao stepped inside Chunshan Hall, he was greeted by the reek and frowned. “What’s that smell?”

“What else could it be? Rotten egg,” Zhou Jinfan replied, leafing through a medical text without even looking up.

Li Zhao strode in, found Xie Qingtang, and stood at attention, bowing respectfully. “Thank you for the medicine, Miss Xie. After taking what you prescribed, Mr. Gu’s condition has indeed improved. I’m here to pick up more.”

“Why didn’t Gu Xiujin come himself?” Xie Qingtang’s eyes remained closed as she tapped lightly on the pearwood table, her voice calm and melodious.

Li Zhao dared not delay and answered quickly, “Mr. Gu is here, but he’s currently undergoing a medical examination at Gu Group Hospital. He’ll come to Chunshan Hall as soon as the results are in.”

“In that case, I’ll wait for Gu Xiujin to come. I might as well check him over myself. If there’s improvement, it’s time to adjust the prescription.” Xie Qingtang spoke coolly and returned to her meditative state.

Throughout Chunshan Hall, the stench persisted. Xie Qingtang seemed entirely unbothered, while Zhou Jinfan muttered under his breath and sprayed air freshener across the floor.

No one knew how much time passed before Gu Xiujin’s voice finally reached Xie Qingtang’s ears. She opened her eyes and looked up at him standing before her, noticing that his complexion was indeed much better than it had been days before. She nodded gently.

“It seems Mr. Gu has more faith in Western medical results,” she remarked, her words carrying a hidden meaning.

Gu Xiujin’s expression did not change. He simply shook his head. “That’s not the reason I went to Gu Group Hospital. I had the exam as a matter of routine, and also took care of some business.”

“You really are a workaholic, Mr. Gu, but for the sake of your health, you ought to rest more.” Xie Qingtang’s tone was calm as she gestured for him to offer his wrist.

Gu Xiujin, well accustomed by now, placed his wrist before her. Though they’d only met a few times, their interaction was as natural as if they were old friends.

“After taking my medicine, your condition has improved somewhat and you’ve regained a bit of strength, but this only treats the symptoms, not the root cause.” Xie Qingtang did not wish to pour cold water on him, but Gu Xiujin’s body was like an empty shell.

His congenital deficiency, worsening with age, was steadily draining his vital essence. When nothing remained but a hollow frame, that would be the end of him.

Such was the terror of congenital weakness. To compensate for it would require medicines as rare as treasures of the earth, miracles capable of restoring what he’d lost.

Gu Xiujin seemed unconcerned. He withdrew his hand and nodded with a faint smile. “I understand. How is your grandfather’s health?”

“He’s improved. I haven’t yet thanked you for rescuing Aunt Lan from the convalescent home and protecting her,” Xie Qingtang replied, nodding in return.

Gu Xiujin did not linger. After collecting the new prescription from Xie Qingtang, he left at once. Watching his departing back, Zhou Jinfan clicked his tongue. “Good thing he won’t live long. If someone like him kept on living, he’d have the whole world under his heel.”

“Zhou Jinfan, come here,” Xie Qingtang said, her expression unchanged as if nothing had happened, beckoning him over.

Zhou Jinfan trotted over, a fawning smile on his face. “Boss, what can I do for you?”

“You’re already familiar with the Tianma point. Today I’ll teach you a new acupoint.” Xie Qingtang looked up and suddenly smiled sweetly.

At that smile, Zhou Jinfan felt as if he’d seen the devil’s beckoning. He tried to slip away, but Xie Qingtang was faster, plunging a silver needle straight into his Jianjing point.

In the next instant, Zhou Jinfan’s face flushed red and he let out a muffled groan of pain. Xie Qingtang said coolly, “Three minutes of pain, to remind you to watch your words in the future. Do you understand?”

“Y-yes, I understand,” Zhou Jinfan gritted out, not daring to pull out the needle himself. He knew all too well that if he did, who knew where Xie Qingtang would stick the next one. He could only grit his teeth and endure the three minutes.

Back in her room, Xie Qingtang found herself at a loss. When Zhou Jinfan had said it was fortunate Gu Xiujin wouldn’t live long, she’d felt a surge of anger and had wanted to teach him a lesson.

Because of the storm of public opinion online, Chunshan Hall had not seen a single customer that day, and of course, there had been no income. The sachets Xie Qingtang had prepared before were now gathering dust on the counter, completely ignored.