Chapter 68: Sixty-eight

Chapter 68 That afternoon, Zhao Facai and Chen Shasha came back happily. The two had contacted a private orphanage willing to accept traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Zhao Facai said, 'But this time we really won't make any money.' Su Fuling smiled and said, 'That's not important. Doing good deeds is what matters most.' She had the spare capacity to help others and could earn Merit Points—that was meaningful to her. 'Alright, we'll go tomorrow afternoon.' Zhao Facai said, 'Then I'll hurry and prepare the things we'll need for tomorrow.' Chen Shasha's eyes lit up as she looked at Su Fuling. 'Doctor Su, you're so kind. You don't know how pitiful the children in that orphanage are. Ah, if my brother hadn't taken care of me back then, I would definitely have been that pitiful too. I'm going to tell my brother that from now on I also want to donate money to treat the children.' Su Fuling said, 'Then tomorrow you can be my assistant and contribute to everyone's efforts.' Chen Shasha nodded with a smile. 'I'll be well prepared tomorrow.' She decided to dye her hair too, to look like a very kind big sister. Unlike today, when the little kids all got nervous seeing her. Because of the fuss caused by the Department of Health people, Su Fuling only collected a little over twenty Merit Points today. Seeing the pitifully few Merit Points, she felt even more urgent about tomorrow's consultation. Besides the consultation, she also thought of Doctor Gao at the hospital. That Doctor Gao really didn't keep his word—he had said that if he encountered any difficult cases, he would invite her to the hospital to discuss traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis together. But there was no news. Sure enough, relying on others wouldn't work; she had to take the initiative herself. Su Fuling not only planned to go to the orphanage but also wanted to look into institutions for the elderly who lived alone and needed support. The Department of Health issue was resolved, so she naturally didn't mention these things to her family that evening. At night, she crammed more medical cases to prepare for tomorrow's free clinic at the orphanage. ... The next day, Li John got up early and tidied himself up nicely. He even smiled at the mirror, figuring out how to smile to appear full of goodwill. His wife asked, 'What are you doing? Going to some important event? Or meeting some big shot?' Li John said, 'Of course I'm meeting an important person.' After saying that, he frowned again. 'It's a pity I didn't leave a good impression the first time we met.' Hearing this, Mrs. Li put on a stern face. 'You haven't been messing around outside, have you? Are you going to see some woman?' 'What nonsense are you talking? It's a master, a master from the Mainland.' Li John said unhappily, 'Don't talk nonsense. If someone finds out, it'll be very embarrassing.' Mrs. Li was stunned. 'A master from the Mainland? You still believe in that now? I remember you believed in religion. You used to say that everything from China was a scam.' 'Cough, that was in the past.' Li John said, 'Anyway, I've met a master now who seems quite impressive. I'm planning to go see him again.' Mrs. Li said, 'No wonder you bought a bunch of books to read yesterday. But is he really that amazing? I've heard that some masters can arrange feng shui to help people get promoted and rich. If he's really that good, let's invite him to set up feng shui for us.' Mrs. Li had grown up in Harbor City, and her family had always believed in feng shui. It was only after marrying Li John that she stopped bringing it up at home. Now that she saw he actually believed, she naturally became interested. Li John said, 'Let's not rush. I'll go take another look.' He stood up straight. 'How do I look in this outfit? Does it seem approachable?' Mrs. Li said, 'Wear glasses. It'll make you look refined.' Li John thought that was right—wearing glasses would change his image and at least make the other party forget his ugly face from yesterday. In the morning, Li John first went to the office and found that many seats in the Department of Health were empty. When he asked, he learned they had all gone out on patrol. 'Yeah, they left early.' Li John thought it was good that they were out; it would be less embarrassing when he went to the Medical Clinic later. At that moment, outside Su Fuling's Medical Clinic, a crowd was lining up for a health check. Those from the Department of Health who hadn't come yesterday had heard about Su Fuling's miraculous abilities and came early to see for themselves. They came so early partly because they were afraid Li sir would go crazy and really seal the clinic today, and then they wouldn't be able to find the master. And partly to get away and avoid being drafted by Li sir to seal the clinic and offend the master. Everyone was just working for the Harbor City government, not risking their lives. These people deliberately wore plain clothes. But Zhao Facai, an old hand, still recognized them. At first, he thought they were here to cause trouble, but then he saw them obediently lining up to register, and the registration item was a health check. He was a bit uneasy and took a moment to go inside and report to Su Fuling. 'There's someone I recognize. Even though he's in plain clothes, he's clearly from the Department of Health. Master, this is probably a test to see if you're treating patients.' Su Fuling was pleased with his alertness and caution—truly an experienced old hand. She said, 'I understand.' With so many people coming for health checks, Su Fuling did encounter a Department of Health inspector who would have an accident. 'Be careful today,' Su Fuling warned. Hearing this, the inspector said, 'Ah, careful about what? Hand or foot? Or... it's not a big accident, is it?' Su Fuling said, 'That's all I can see from your complexion.' The inspector said, 'But... that's not what my friend calculated. He said if the hand is injured, it's definitely the hand.' Su Fuling thought that was just to scare people, so she had used a detection slot. Of course, she couldn't use it that way now—if she had to answer for so many people, it would be too troublesome. But Su Fuling had an explanation. Now that she was throwing caution to the wind, turning health checks into Daoist aura-reading, she shamelessly played the master. 'The reason your friend could tell which part was injured is because he didn't truly believe in me and left it to fate, so I could see where he was hurt. But you're different—you believe in me inside. If I tell you your hand is injured, you'll only protect your hand. Then won't your foot get injured?' Hearing this reasoning, the inspector immediately nodded. 'That makes sense.' Su Fuling said, 'So I only told you to be careful, meaning be careful about everything. Usually, pay more attention to safety. Being careful never hurts.' The inspector nodded. If anyone else had said this to him, he would have thought they were fooling him. But after witnessing it firsthand, he had deep faith in this master. 'Master...' 'You can call me doctor or physician. We don't allow feudal superstition on the Mainland.' 'Cough, doctor, then can you give me more hints on how to avoid danger?' Su Fuling said, 'Show me your schedule for today.' The man quickly listed a few places, all patrol routes, though he said he was just shopping. Su Fuling tested each one and finally found that the accident would happen while patrolling West First Street. Su Fuling said, 'Don't go to West First Street.' Hearing this, the man quickly nodded. Truly a master—just by hearing the itinerary, she knew where he would get hurt. He Li, watching the people in front, was very dissatisfied. Why were there so many people today? Then she saw the person who came out being grabbed by the next in line. 'Brother A Quan, how was it?' 'Told me not to go to West First Street. I'm not going on patrol today. You guys go yourselves.' The man called A Quan finished speaking and hurried away. The people in front immediately became restless. This master had spotted a problem again! They wondered if they themselves would have a smooth day. Zhao Facai watched coldly from the side and finally relaxed. So they really came for health checks. It seemed that yesterday, his master had truly shown her power and intimidated the Department of Health people. He puffed out his chest proudly, as if he himself had intimidated them. Just as he was sipping tea, he saw a big-bellied man in a suit and glasses walk in. Wasn't this the Yau Ma Tei Department of Health Senior Inspector Li sir who had come yesterday? Chen Shasha saw him and immediately started to walk out from behind the counter, but Zhao Facai stopped her. 'What's the rush? Maybe he's just here for a checkup.' Chen Shasha bulged her eyes. 'No way. Isn't he here to close the shop?' Zhao Facai pointed at Li John. 'Would he dress like that for that?' Chen Shasha said, 'Maybe he's here undercover. The cops love going undercover. Our Sifang Association had an undercover before, and my brother found out and kicked him out.' Zhao Facai: '...' Li John walked into the clinic again, feeling a bit awkward, but since he had reached this position, his skin was thick enough. However, when he saw the familiar faces in the queue, he really couldn't control the heat rising to his face. These guys had all come here! Li John instinctively wanted to turn and leave, but then he thought, no, he was the boss! And the line was so long! He deliberately coughed. The people in line looked at him and immediately noticed his presence. The other patients were fine, but the Department of Health people widened their eyes when they saw him. Was Li sir really crazy enough to come seal the shop? Li John put his hands behind his back and stuck out his belly. 'You all aren't out on patrol this early? What are you doing here? Go back to work!' 'Yes sir!' The few Department of Health people still in line immediately ran off, afraid that if they were slow, Li John would draft them to seal the shop. Throughout, Li John maintained a righteous expression. After they left, he looked outside—they were gone. He immediately cut to the front of the line. He Li was unhappy. Finally, the people had left, and it was her turn, but someone cut in line! 'Hey, how can you cut in line?' An Hui said, 'Exactly!' Li John found them unreasonable. 'Then should I call them back?' He Li and An Hui fell silent. Sun Zhonghao quietly advised his wife, 'Don't say anything. This guy is probably in uniform. Don't cause trouble for Doctor Su.' An Hui swallowed her anger. Zhao Facai now understood the situation and felt refreshed. He walked over with the registration book. 'Li sir, what brings you here? To seal the shop? Or to arrest someone for practicing without a license?' Li John said, 'What practicing without a license? Who's practicing without a license here? Isn't Miss Su a Daoist disciple? Our Department of Health doesn't regulate Daoists.' Chen Shasha felt these uniformed people were so hypocritical—they could change their story with just one sentence. Zhao Facai said, 'So what is Li sir here for? We need to register and line up here.' 'A health check!' Li John said. Zhao Facai recorded his name and went in to inform Su Fuling. Su Fuling raised an eyebrow. 'Let him in.' Zhao Facai was afraid Su Fuling might be too young and impulsive, so he advised, 'Master, he's still in uniform. Even if you don't like him, don't make it too hard on him.' Su Fuling said, 'I know my limits.' She just wanted to be a doctor, not to clash head-on with anyone. But when Li John came in, she certainly didn't give him a friendly face. She could smile warmly at patients, but she wouldn't show face to someone who had come looking for trouble. 'Mr. Li, we meet again. Here for a health check? Was yesterday's check inaccurate, so you need a recheck today?' Li John quickly smiled. 'Master, it was a misunderstanding. Yesterday, I was misled by a villain. I thought you were practicing without a license. For the sake of Harbor City's citizens, I inadvertently offended you. Your skill truly amazes me. I came specially today to pay my respects.' He took an envelope from his pocket. 'Master, a small token of respect. Please accept it. This is a gift to apologize.' These people sure liked to stuff money into envelopes. This wasn't the first time Su Fuling had been offered money. In the past, she would have refused. But now she needed money for the free clinic and medicine costs. And she couldn't be too polite with someone like Li John. Since she was using mysticism to intimidate him, she had to be firm. Su Fuling said, 'As they say, cause and effect, retribution never misses. You intended to do evil out of selfishness, so you do need to do something to repay this effect. I'm planning to donate herbal tea to elderly and children's institutions soon and need to buy some medicinal herbs. If Mr. Li is willing to sponsor the elderly and orphans, that would also accumulate merit.' Li John immediately said, 'The master is kind-hearted, cares for the world, and is broad-minded. Of course, I will support it!' Su Fuling said, 'Go to the counter and get the account number. That's the account we use specifically for free clinics. Then go make the transfer yourself. That way, you'll have a donation record, and I'll regularly publish some expenses here.' Li John: '...' So it was really donated to charity? He thought the master was just asking for money in a different way. 'Master...' Su Fuling said, 'Mr. Li, although I don't treat patients, please call me doctor or physician. We don't allow feudal superstition on the Mainland.' Li John: '...' No wonder the master came to Harbor City—was it because of this? 'Then I'll call you physician. In Harbor City, only registered doctors can be called doctor. I won't leave any handles for others.' Su Fuling nodded, indicating it was fine. Seeing the atmosphere ease, Li John said, 'Physician, I'd like a health check today.' Su Fuling asked him to extend his hand. 'You were frightened yesterday, right? Let me check your condition first.' Li John quickly extended his hand. He was shocked again—the master knew he had been frightened. It was as if she had seen it with her own eyes. It couldn't be that the Department of Health guys had told her. They were in plain clothes and didn't seem to want to be recognized. Su Fuling diagnosed him. Even a day later, the pulse after a fright was still slightly different. She made a mental note. After withdrawing her hand, she said, 'You're fine today.' Li John said, 'Really, Physician? I have a lot of electrical appliances in my office.' Su Fuling said, 'It's fine. As long as a person isn't in a period of bad luck, they won't encounter accidents repeatedly.' Li John was relieved. He thought for a moment and then tentatively asked, 'Physician, could I ask for a safety talisman?' Su Fuling: '... Since you're safe, why do you need a safety talisman? I'll give you a calming one instead.' Li John was delighted. 'Thank you, Physician.' Su Fuling naturally couldn't draw a calming talisman, but she could prepare a calming sachet. Li John took the small paper packet and smelled it. He did feel a refreshing sensation. It was a pity the master didn't give him a safety talisman. He didn't know if she didn't have one or was still holding a grudge about yesterday. Li John decided to go make the transfer to Doctor Su right away. He smiled and thanked her, then confirmed again, 'Doctor Su, about yesterday... it's over, right?' Su Fuling said, 'Yesterday is over. Who can say about the future?' 'There won't be any problems in the future either, Doctor Su, rest assured! Misunderstanding, it was all a misunderstanding! Now that the misunderstanding is resolved, naturally there's nothing.' Su Fuling said, 'Yes, and please tell the person behind you that it was all a misunderstanding. I don't need to compete with anyone for business.' Li John felt awkward inside. A master like her knowing about him and George wasn't surprising. But he did believe Doctor Su's words—if someone like her wanted to make money, why would she need to compete for business? 'Physician, I understand!' When Li John came out of the consultation room, he was still uneasy. He lamented that his first impression hadn't been good enough. 'Li sir, we meet again.' Chen Shan was waiting for him outside. Chen Shan had come specifically to see if this guy would cause trouble. Now seeing Li John behaving, he was relieved and felt even more awe toward Doctor Su. He realized that Doctor Su didn't really need the Sifang Association. Li John started putting on airs again. 'It was just a misunderstanding yesterday. Doctor Su and I have cleared it up. Congratulations to your Sifang Association for meeting someone like Doctor Su.' Chen Shan said, 'So, Li sir, can you tell me who sent you yesterday?' '... You don't need to worry about that. Doctor Su knows, and I'll handle it myself.' He didn't want to betray his friend. If the Sifang Association smashed George Clinic, he would lose even more. Chen Shan knew Doctor Su was already aware, so he didn't press further. After Li John left, Chen Shan stood for a while longer before leaving. He looked back at the clinic and wondered how long Doctor Su would stay here. Back in his office, the first thing Li John did was call Qiao Zhinan. 'George, you've got some nerve. You almost got me killed.' Qiao Zhinan said, 'What do you mean? Did you run into the Sifang Association when you went to seal the shop today? Did they give you a hard time?' 'Stop! Don't say "seal the shop" anymore. It was all a misunderstanding. Don't bring it up again.' Qiao Zhinan was lounging with his coffee and almost spilled it. 'What are you talking about?' 'I mean, don't mention sealing the shop anymore. That Doctor Su is not someone who needs to compete for business. So it was all a misunderstanding.' Qiao Zhinan couldn't accept it. 'What are you doing? I don't understand what you mean.' 'That Doctor Su has the mysterious power of Daoism.' Li John said. 'Yesterday...' He recounted his experience to George. 'Although I wasn't frightened, it did prove that she knows aura reading. So she's not an ordinary Chinese medicine practitioner.' Qiao Zhinan listened and still couldn't accept it. He thought Li John had been fooled. He had already investigated—that so-called Doctor Su had initially worked with an old swindler. That old swindler was a charlatan!