Chapter 62

As soon as Li Liang heard Su Fuling say that someone was deliberately targeting her, he grew anxious. He was about to call Brother Shan when he heard that Brother Shan had already gone to the police station to look into the disturbance at Doctor Su's shop.

Hearing this, Li Liang finally relaxed. Sure enough, Brother Shan cared deeply about Doctor Su's affairs and didn't need him worrying at all. Still, next time he'd have the underlings keep a closer watch outside Doctor Su's shop. As long as Doctor Su didn't suffer any losses, that was fine.

Although there had been a scene at the new shop, the outcome was good, and it had even served as indirect publicity for Su Fuling. More people now knew of Doctor Su's superb medical skill—someone had caused trouble and she'd seen right through it, making a man lying on a stretcher leap up on his own in an instant. That was genuine ability.

As the people coming for checkups finished up, patients seeking treatment began to arrive.

The new shop was much larger than before.

A small consultation room had been partitioned off with wooden boards to ensure patient privacy, which was far more convenient than before. The outer area was for patients waiting in line, with two rows of benches to sit on. Along the wall were medicine shelves and a small counter. From now on, this counter would handle payments and queue numbers, managed by Chen Shasha.

Zhao Facai would be responsible for filling prescriptions and grinding medicinal powders behind the counter.

The medicinal materials hadn't arrived yet, since Su Fuling hadn't had time to go to the wholesale market. She planned to go in the afternoon.

When the morning's work was done, Chen Shan came over.

"Doctor Su, I've gotten to the bottom of this morning's disturbance. It was the Dragon-Tiger Society's doing."

The name sounded unfamiliar to Su Fuling. "Why would these people come after me?"

Chen Shan sighed. "You've been dragged into this because of us. They probably saw us coming here often for treatment, and I put out the word that no one was to trouble Doctor Su, which is what drew this trouble. Doctor Su, I'm sorry."

His attitude was extremely sincere, his face full of guilt.

Su Fuling couldn't tell whether he was genuine or not, but either way, she couldn't really blame the Four Directions Society.

She felt she had already gone to great lengths to distance herself from the Four Directions Society—she wouldn't even accept gifts from them—all to avoid getting caught up in these conflicts. But clearly, none of it had worked. As long as she treated Four Directions Society members and the society treated her courteously, in others' eyes she was connected to them.

But Su Fuling couldn't cut ties with the Four Directions Society either. They had treated her well; she couldn't refuse to treat their people. Besides, she now saw clearly that in a place like Hong Kong, trying to stay aloof from everything only made it easier to end up isolated and targeted.

Su Fuling said, "Mr. Chen, I don't mind for myself, but I don't want my uncle and aunt to be dragged into this."

Chen Shan quickly replied, "Rest assured, Doctor Su. Uncle Wen will personally negotiate with them, and I'll arrange for people to protect Mr. Su and Mrs. Su."

Su Fuling couldn't fully set her mind at ease; she could only keep scanning her family members every day.

Seeing Su Fuling's poor mood, Chen Shan couldn't think of any good way to reassure her. After all, Doctor Su had been dragged into trouble and would naturally resent it.

"Doctor Su, I'll go make the arrangements then. I'll have Ah Si continue protecting you."

Su Fuling nodded.

After leaving, Chen Shan contacted Uncle Wen and reported the situation on Su Fuling's end.

Uncle Wen was silent for a moment, then asked, "Did Doctor Su say how the Dragon-Tiger Society should be dealt with?"

"Doctor Su didn't indicate anything, said nothing at all. She only cared about her family."

Hearing this, Uncle Wen felt disappointed, thinking the Dragon-Tiger Society was lucky to have provoked the good-tempered Doctor Su. If it had been anyone else with Doctor Su's abilities, the Dragon-Tiger Society would surely have paid for it.

But at that moment, Uncle Wen also wondered: was Doctor Su truly good-tempered, or had he guessed wrong about the bank incident last time?

He only doubted for an instant before putting it out of his mind. To him, Doctor Su's precognitive ability was what the Four Directions Society needed most; everything else was secondary. So regardless of whether Doctor Su had the ability to strike back at the Dragon-Tiger Society, he had to settle this matter. He couldn't let Doctor Su feel that associating with the Four Directions Society was a nuisance.

Uncle Wen directly called the Dragon-Tiger Society's boss.

The Dragon-Tiger Society's boss was named Zhang Long, and together with his sworn brother Wang Jinhu, he had founded the society. Twenty years of struggle had brought them to where they were today.

Within the society, the two were called the Dragon Head (the boss) and the Tiger Head (the second-in-command). The underlings under each man took nicknames based on their respective leaders' names.

Over these twenty years, Zhang Long had forged a heart of stone through countless bloody fights. He was ruthless and willing to do anything that made money. Uncle Wen had nothing but contempt for this bunch.

"Ah Long, underworld matters should be settled within the underworld—don't drag in uninvolved people. Doctor Su has only treated me; there's no need for you to target a doctor. Using such low-class methods only worsens the Dragon-Tiger Society's reputation."

Zhang Long picked at his ear. "Is that so? I really didn't know what the boys below were up to. Ah Wen, you should have said so earlier—I'd have reined in my men. But for you to call personally, this must be no ordinary doctor. Someday I'll have to find her to take a look at me too. Getting old—everything aches."

Uncle Wen said, "Ah Long, leave some room when you do things. Hong Kong is in troubled times now; any of us could end up a pawn in someone else's hands if we're careless. Best not to stir up extra trouble. We've dealt with each other for years—I believe you know my temper."

Hearing this, Zhang Long just chuckled, not taking Uncle Wen seriously at all.

In his view, the Four Directions Society was timid and spineless—clearly a gang, yet always refusing to do this or that, acting like some righteous orthodox sect out of a wuxia novel. Hypocritical and shameless.

"Hmph, you're old, but I'm not. I, Zhang Long, have never accepted defeat in my life. No one can control me—not even you. Your face isn't big enough. I can't guarantee what my men will do."

With that, he hung up.

On the other end, Uncle Wen's face darkened.

As a man about to retire, Uncle Wen truly didn't want to stir up major trouble or more bloodshed. But things had come to this point, and it seemed he couldn't dodge it anymore. Still, he didn't want both sides to end up badly wounded while a third party reaped the benefits. After much thought, the safest approach was to let the Dragon-Tiger Society split and tear itself apart—ideally, win over one side to strike the other and let them fight internally. Then they'd have no time to cause trouble outside.

He had considered exploiting Doctor Su's possible abilities to have her eliminate Zhang Long, but after a moment's thought, Uncle Wen abandoned the idea. He was truly unwilling to risk offending such a master. If he actually manipulated Doctor Su from behind the scenes, she would surely hold a grudge afterward and turn against the Four Directions Society for good. So using Doctor Su was out of the question; on the contrary, he had to shield her from all troubles caused by the Four Directions Society.

He picked up the phone and called the Dragon-Tiger Society's Tiger Head, Wang Jinhu.

"Ah Hu, let's talk. After all these years of dealing with each other, I'll give you an enormous opportunity."

Wang Jinhu was at home smoking a cigar, rolling two jade balls nimbly in his hand.

Hearing this, a sneer spread across his face.

The Four Directions Society was just hypocritical, always dressing up their words. An enormous opportunity? More like an enormous headache.

"Brother Wen, you sent our elder to the police station, and now you're giving me an opportunity instead of trouble?"

"He broke the rules. If you don't want to hear it, forget it."

Wang Jinhu hurriedly said, "Wait, Brother Wen—what opportunity exactly? I've got nothing but time lately anyway."

"A divine doctor who can save your life. Is that an opportunity or not?"

Wang Jinhu: "..."

...

In the afternoon, Su Fuling personally went to wholesale a batch of medicinal materials. After all this time studying, her ability to select herbs had greatly improved. When she encountered something she didn't know, she could immediately enter the system and find relevant videos to learn on the spot. Though her merit points really did burn away fast.

Thankfully, once knowledge was learned, it was permanent. Su Fuling consoled herself with this as she loaded the herbs and brought them back to the shop.

Then she personally guided Zhao Facai and Chen Shasha in processing the materials.

By afternoon, the three of them had shelved all the herbs and marked the prices.

Su Fuling said, "A pharmacy should need a license, right? Uncle Fa, do you know how that works? Is a medicinal materials license hard to get?"

Zhao Facai said, "Licenses are easy—as long as you have money... ahem, it's very simple."

Su Fuling had adapted to the way things worked here by now. Though it truly clashed with how things were back home, one had to do as the locals do.

"Go ask about the process and what's required. Let's try not to give anyone anything to use against us."

Zhao Facai thought to himself that in Yau Ma Tei, with the Four Directions Society's backing, none of this was necessary. But since his master wanted it done, it would be done. It was a perfect chance to demonstrate his capabilities. He was destined to be the indispensable head steward of the Su Family Clinic.

After a full day's work, Su Fuling's shop was finally complete.

Looking at the proper, well-organized clinic, her mood lifted. From now on, filling prescriptions here would be convenient, and she could make more ready-made medicines to sell. More people would be willing to accept treatment plans. Merit points were just around the corner.

In the afternoon, as Su Fuling packed up to head home, Uncle Wen entered with Chen Shan.

The underlings stayed outside on guard; only the two of them came in.

Su Fuling was surprised. "Mr. Wen, here for a follow-up?"

"Yes. Though I've only taken two doses, I do feel somewhat better."

Su Fuling said, "It shouldn't work that fast, actually. Yours is a chronic condition—it takes time." Still, she had Uncle Wen extend his hand and took his pulse.

The pulse hadn't changed much, but after careful observation, Su Fuling could sense subtle differences in the finer details.

"You still need to continue. Also, keep eating the medicinal meals I prescribed."

Uncle Wen said, "Of course I follow the doctor's orders. Ever since Doctor Su said my illness could be cured, I've been in excellent spirits every day. What a pity Doctor Su wouldn't accept my donation to the cause of medicine."

Su Fuling said, "You receive treatment here, and I collect treatment fees—that's enough. As for charity work, I have no experience."

Zhao Facai said, "Master, aren't you already covering medicine costs for patients who can't afford treatment? That's charity too."

Hearing this, Uncle Wen's eyes lit up. "Now that's a wonderful thing. At my age, all I want is to do good deeds. To be honest, if I give to other organizations, I worry the money will be embezzled. But Doctor Su is kindhearted, and I trust her completely. I hope Doctor Su will give me the chance to help these people."

Su Fuling didn't refuse immediately this time. Because this money would go to patients.

Perhaps it truly could save people.

"Then I'll open a separate account for it," Su Fuling said.

Hearing this, Uncle Wen finally figured out what was on Su Fuling's mind.

With that settled, he awkwardly brought up the Dragon-Tiger Society matter. "I personally called and asked their boss to rein in his underlings and stop troubling Doctor Su. But the result was unsatisfactory. I could only tell them of Doctor Su's miraculous, life-restoring skills, to make them hold you in awe. I didn't get Doctor Su's consent first—I apologize for putting you in a difficult position."

Su Fuling naturally understood—he had presumably revealed her diagnostic abilities.

But she wasn't bothered by it. She had come to understand that living here, sometimes one had to make others feel awe.

Since she had the system in hand, she might as well make people afraid to provoke her first. Worst case, if the system left someday, she'd take her uncle back to the mainland to live.

She asked, "What exactly is this Dragon-Tiger Society?"

Uncle Wen looked at Chen Shan. "Ah Shan, you explain."

Chen Shan immediately told Su Fuling about the Dragon-Tiger Society. It was a gang guilty of every evil. Unlike the Four Directions Society, which kept its underlings in check, the Dragon-Tiger Society engaged in many despicable businesses that the Four Directions Society refused to touch.

Su Fuling naturally wouldn't take their one-sided account entirely at face value, but the methods the other side had used earlier, plus the businesses Chen Shan described—all of this was out in the open and couldn't be faked. It all made Su Fuling frown. She felt not the slightest goodwill toward this Dragon-Tiger Society.

If the Four Directions Society had been like this from the start, she might have triggered the system's protection mechanism long ago. The reason she hadn't resented the Four Directions Society back then was that Li Liang had only come after her thinking she was a fraud, they hadn't bullied her with their power, and they could be reasoned with—so she hadn't disliked them much. But toward the Dragon-Tiger Society, she felt differently: she would resolutely never do anything to help them. Doing so would be aiding evil. As for the Dragon-Tiger Society, she could only find a way to intimidate them.

After finishing the briefing on the Dragon-Tiger Society, Uncle Wen left with Chen Shan.

Once in the car, Chen Shan said, "It looks like Doctor Su won't give the Dragon-Tiger Society a friendly face."

Uncle Wen smiled faintly. "Naturally."

Chen Shan said, "When Wang Jinhu gets nothing good from Doctor Su, could he turn hostile out of humiliation and move against her?"

Uncle Wen said, "He has more brains than someone like Zhang Long. And besides, isn't the Four Directions Society still here? If he really does something stupid, you lot won't need to hold back anymore. Going to war with the Dragon-Tiger Society for Doctor Su's sake would be worth it. But I wager that once Wang Jinhu learns of Doctor Su's abilities, he won't dare harbor any ideas. When people get old, they fear death."

Chen Shan asked, puzzled, "Uncle Wen, why not cooperate with another gang to carve up the Dragon-Tiger Society together, instead of letting Wang Jinhu benefit and learn of Doctor Su's existence?"

Uncle Wen looked at the young man. "Ah Shan, we want to raise a dog to bite the Dragon-Tiger Society, not raise a powerful enemy for ourselves. The Dragon-Tiger Society has already offended Doctor Su—she won't help them much. But other gangs are another matter. I have no desire to expand someone else's territory while also handing them a master to back them up."

Chen Shan suddenly understood, privately reflecting that he was still young and hadn't thought things through.

"Thank you for the guidance, Uncle Wen."

"You're still young, with plenty of opportunities to learn. Hong Kong will belong to you young people in the future. We're getting old, after all." Uncle Wen leaned back in the car and closed his eyes to rest.

Despite the storms brewing outside, when Su Fuling returned home, she still felt the warmth of family.

Her aunt was in good spirits lately and about to open her shop, so she made sweet soups every day. Today the business license had come through and the shop would open tomorrow. On top of that, Su Fuling had moved into her new store today, so her aunt had bought a pile of groceries and cooked a feast.

She'd even invited Li Siping, Uncle Tang, and Tang Jing to come eat together.