Chapter 106: Purchasing, Breast-Enhancing Herbs
Li Chao smiled faintly and replied, “I have no master; I taught myself traditional Chinese medicine.”
The shopkeeper was momentarily taken aback, then turned to scrutinize Li Chao carefully before sighing, “Self-taught? That’s no easy feat! Most who frequent my shop are seasoned traditional doctors. Nowadays, young people are all focused on Western medicine!”
He shook his head and continued, “In the past, diagnosis emphasized observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking. Now? It’s less about doctors and more about machines. Regardless of the patient, they run a battery of chaotic tests first.”
His voice reverberated through the quaint room, tinged with nostalgia and regret.
Li Chao sighed, fully aware of the undeniable truth.
The decline of traditional Chinese medicine was a complex issue, entangled with many factors.
But the greatest problem was profit.
The exorbitant profits of Western medicine were well-known in the industry.
If everyone healed their ailments with cheap herbs and acupuncture that cost almost nothing, many hospitals would have gone bankrupt long ago.
Inwardly, Li Chao resolved to strive to revive traditional Chinese medicine, so more people could understand and benefit from this ancient art.
Though the path was arduous, he believed that as long as someone persisted, the springtime of Chinese medicine would surely return.
Some truths, when probed deeply, were indeed harsh.
Though Li Chao was only a humble village doctor, he sensed the intricate web of social interests at play.
Yet, with his current capabilities, he could effect little change.
The shopkeeper was loquacious; even as Li Chao seldom responded, he kept talking.
After waiting for over ten minutes, all the medicinal herbs were gathered, wrapped in kraft paper, and placed in a plastic bag.
Li Chao paid and prepared to leave.
At that moment, two people suddenly entered.
The one leading was an elderly man wearing a traditional short jacket, with long white hair and beard, and gold-rimmed spectacles.
His eyes were bright, his posture proud—he was clearly no ordinary figure.
Behind him followed a young apprentice carrying a medicine box.
Upon seeing them, the shopkeeper, who was tidying up behind the counter, trembled and hurried out, bowing respectfully, “Master Hua, what wind brings you here?”
His expression was reverent, as if beholding a celestial being.
The man known as Master Hua smiled faintly, stroking his beard, “I know your shop has the most comprehensive herbs. I came by to purchase one particular herb.”
His voice was calm yet powerful, exuding an undeniable authority.
“Celestial Mother Flower!”
There was a hint of urgency in his tone.
The shopkeeper’s face stiffened, then reluctantly pointed toward Li Chao, who was about to leave, “You’re just a step too late! The last of the Celestial Mother Flower was just bought by this young man.”
Master Hua’s eyebrows twitched slightly before calling out to Li Chao, “Young brother, I have other uses for this flower. Would you consider selling it to me? I’m willing to pay ten times its price!”
Li Chao stamped his foot and glanced at him, then shook his head, “Sorry! I need this herb myself. It’s not for sale.”
The apprentice behind Master Hua couldn’t help but shout, “Do you know who you’re talking to? This is Sun Xinglin, the medical sage of West China City, a revered healer whose appointments are sought by high officials and nobles alike. What harm is there in lending him one herb?”
Li Chao was already unwilling to part with the herb, and these words only strengthened his refusal.
He shook his head firmly, “No matter how grand his status, it’s none of my concern! If I say no, then no!”
With that, he turned and walked away, carrying the herbs.
The apprentice was furious and wanted to chase after him but was stopped by Sun Xinglin.
“That was your mistake! If he refuses, then so be it. No need to be pushy. Let’s move on and check other places.”
With that, Sun Xinglin turned and walked away.
Li Chao did not dwell on this incident. Holding the herbs, he continued toward his destination.
He secretly felt relieved—fortunately, he managed to get the Celestial Mother Flower in time, or Liu Lele’s breast enhancement ointment would have been ruined.
Ah, what a funny matter!
Li Chao was leisurely driving and enjoying the scenery when suddenly, a scene of “speed and fury” unfolded before his eyes.
A man, clutching a pink handbag, darted like a rabbit toward Chen Shan’s direction, then swiftly disappeared into a nearby alley.
Li Chao was puzzled, wondering what was going on.
Then he saw a tall woman panting as she chased after, shouting.
Ah, wasn’t that Luo Ying, the hostess from Jiangnan Spring Restaurant?
Li Chao’s heart skipped a beat—was she being robbed?
His brows furrowed; he couldn’t ignore this.
He slammed on the brakes, stopped the car firmly by the roadside, opened the door, grabbed a small stone nearby, and dashed toward the alley.
The man who had snatched the bag was already climbing a wall some meters away, about to scale over.
Li Chao knew he couldn’t let that happen.
He raised his arm and hurled the stone with a sharp whistle.
The stone flew straight and struck the man’s lower back.
The man cried out in pain and tumbled from the wall.
As he staggered to his feet, Li Chao calmly approached, watching him with a composed expression.
“Are you looking for death? Believe me, I’ll stab you to death!”
The man pulled out a small knife from his pocket, brandishing it fiercely.
Fuming with rage, he wondered who this fool was to meddle.
Li Chao chuckled, undeterred, and stepped forward with a challenging look: “What’re you staring at?”
“Damn! You really think I’m afraid to deal with you?”
The man’s eyes flashed with viciousness as he lunged, stabbing toward Li Chao’s abdomen.
This scene was witnessed by Su Yi, who had just arrived. She turned pale, too frightened to even open her eyes for fear of witnessing bloodshed.
But at the moment of attack, Li Chao’s body tilted slightly, like a leaf drifting on the wind, effortlessly evading the blade.
At the same time, his right hand grabbed the man’s wrist and squeezed forcefully.
Crack!
The sound was sharp, like a twig snapping.
The bone-breaking noise sent a chill down the spine.
Li Chao moved swiftly; before the knife could fall, he reversed his hand and firmly gripped it.
Then, with a kick, he knocked the man to the ground. The knife slipped from his grasp and, as if guided by fate, pinned the man’s other hand firmly to the ground.
The blade pierced three centimeters deep into the brick, blood gushing profusely!
The entire sequence flowed seamlessly, subduing the thief in mere seconds.
When Luo Ying, startled by the screams, finally opened her eyes, she saw Li Chao approaching with her pink handbag.
He was confident, calm, and exuded an imposing aura—like a hero stepping out of a wuxia novel.
“Check if anything’s missing,” Li Chao said, handing her the bag with a smile.
He casually glanced at Luo Ying and found her rather striking.
She wore a T-shirt printed with Pikachu and tight jeans that perfectly outlined her figure.
Her hips were rounded, legs long and slender, radiating youthful vitality.
Luo Ying quickly rifled through the bag, seeing the neatly bundled cash inside, and her tense heart eased instantly.
She bent down and thanked Li Chao earnestly, “Thank you so much!”
“Shouldn’t you be working at Jiangnan Spring at this hour? Why are you out here?” Li Chao asked.
Upon hearing the question, Luo Ying’s expression clouded with sadness.
“A few days ago, my mother fell ill with a strange disease and was bedridden with no one to care for her. I had no choice but to quit my job at Jiangnan Spring,” she admitted, her eyes reddening.
Li Chao felt sympathy for this resilient girl.
“This money is all our family’s savings, meant for my mother’s treatment,” Luo Ying said anxiously, helplessness in her eyes.
“But just after withdrawing the money, it was snatched by a villain! Luckily, I met you!”
She looked at Li Chao with deep gratitude.
This man, a stranger, had helped her repeatedly.
Li Chao waved off her thanks and after a moment said, “I happen to know some medicine. How about I come to your house and take a look?”
Since fate had brought them together, he might as well lend a hand.
Luo Ying was momentarily surprised, “You know medicine?”
Li Chao grinned, “Of course! They call me the Little Village Miracle Doctor.”
Luo Ying burst out laughing, “Who brags about themselves like that?”
Then, hesitating, she added, “I shouldn’t refuse, but we just arranged for a famous doctor to come today.”
“How famous?” Li Chao asked curiously.
Luo Ying thought for a moment, “They say his skills are extraordinary, almost impossible to hire. We could only invite him because decades ago my grandfather helped him in a crisis, and after his rise, he promised to come to our aid once. My mother’s illness baffles many doctors; only this doctor remains our hope.”
Li Chao nodded. Since they already had a physician, there was no need for him to intervene.
But when his gaze fell on Luo Ying’s handbag, a thought struck him.
He asked, “That money is the consultation fee, right? After all these years with no contact, are you sure this doctor isn’t a charlatan?”
Luo Ying’s heart skipped a beat.
Indeed, she was uncertain of the doctor’s reliability.
She looked at Li Chao, a flicker of confusion and unease in her eyes.
His words tightened her nerves.
Her grandfather had long passed, and neither she nor her mother had ever met this so-called doctor.
Who could say if he was trustworthy?
“What… what should I do?” Luo Ying was at a loss, anxious like ants on a hot pan.
Li Chao smiled, “I’m free now. Let’s go see him together. If he’s truly a miracle doctor, great. If not, we’ll expose him on the spot.”
Luo Ying seemed to find solace in his words, gripping his hand gratefully, “Thank you!”
Then, realizing it might be improper, she blushed and quickly let go.
Meanwhile, the law enforcement team arrived, questioned the injured bag snatcher, and promptly cuffed and took him away.
...
Luo Ying found her electric scooter parked outside the bank, still locked.
She explained that her home was inaccessible by car, so the scooter was more convenient.
Li Chao parked his car nearby and rode with her on the scooter back.
Since he didn’t know the way, he sat behind her.
The scooter was small, and though riding on smooth roads was fine, when entering narrow paths it became awkward.
Li Chao sat with his legs apart on the back seat, while Luo Ying, riding upfront, blushed deeply, her heart pounding as if a rabbit was trapped inside.
Ah, this scene was both comical and endearing.
If it were anyone else, Luo Ying would have stopped immediately to avoid the uncomfortable closeness.
But today, inexplicably, she showed no aversion to Li Chao’s overtly close presence.
“What’s wrong with me? Am I turning bad?” Luo Ying muttered to herself, cheeks flushed.
---
Li Chao sat tensely on the scooter, waiting for several minutes before getting off, his mind a swirl of mixed emotions.
Together, harboring their own thoughts, they finally arrived at a small courtyard.
Luo Ying exhaled softly, parked the scooter, and hurried down.
She felt her clothes clinging to her skin, her mind in turmoil.
Li Chao, equally embarrassed, also dismounted, and they tacitly remained silent.
...
They opened the door and stepped inside.
The courtyard was small and dilapidated, revealing modest living conditions.
The living room door stood open, with an aged voice coming from within.
It sounded deep and steady, diagnosing a difficult ailment.
“Excess damp-heat compounded by years of overwork and neglect has led to this stubborn chronic illness,” the elderly voice said.
“This condition indeed eludes Western medicine,” he continued.
“I originally intended to prepare the herbs here to save you time, but we lack one ingredient—the Celestial Mother Flower.”
“Here is the prescription. Once you acquire the flower, your daughter can prepare the medicine herself.”
The doctor added, “One thing I must caution: the toxins have accumulated for so long, complete eradication is unlikely, and future mobility might be somewhat impaired.”
Hearing this, Li Chao and Luo Ying exchanged glances, both silently pondering the doctor’s reliability.
They decided to enter and see for themselves.
Soon, a hoarse, weak female voice spoke, “I dare not hope for much. Restoring seventy or eighty percent function is already a great blessing. Thank you, doctor, from the bottom of my heart.”
Li Chao paused, intrigued, recognizing the voice and the mention of Celestial Mother Flower.
Could this be...?
Together, Luo Ying and Li Chao entered.
Inside were three people:
A frail woman lying on a bamboo bed,
An elderly man with gold-rimmed glasses sitting on a wooden stool,
And a young apprentice standing behind him carrying a medicine box.
Wasn’t this Sun Xinglin and his apprentice, whom Li Chao had encountered earlier at the herb shop?
Upon hearing footsteps, Sun Xinglin and the apprentice looked up, their eyes meeting Li Chao’s.
The apprentice stepped forward, sneering, “Why is it you again? Did you hear of my master’s fame elsewhere and rush over to apologize, hoping for some benefit?”
Li Chao laughed inwardly, surprised to see Sun Xinglin again so soon.
“Humph!”
He looked at the apprentice with disbelief.
“Tell you, it’s too late! You can’t even cure such a minor illness, yet you call yourself a miracle doctor? Isn’t that shameful?”
His words fell like a stone in the silent room.
The apprentice grew enraged, pointing and cursing, “You bastard! Are you looking for death?”
Even Sun Xinglin’s usually composed face darkened.
As a revered healer, he had never been publicly humiliated.
Luo Ying’s mother, also upset, pounded the bedside and shouted, “Who are you? Get out!”
Caught in the middle, Luo Ying quickly explained, “Mom, he’s my friend and a doctor here to treat you!”
Hearing “doctor,” the apprentice scoffed, “Morals decline! Anyone dares to pose as a doctor these days! At your age, you’re probably not even an apprentice—just a tea server or cleaner! And you dare show off in front of Master Hua?”
Li Chao glanced at him, then smiled, “You must be talking about yourself.”
Pausing briefly, he added lightly, “We’re not the same.”
His words were sharp yet clean—an insult that belittled the apprentice while elevating himself.
The apprentice trembled with fury, unable to retort.
Indeed, tradition was paramount in the world of Chinese medicine.
This apprentice had served tea and cleaned for three years before gaining the right to observe medical practice alongside Sun Xinglin.
He had been proud, but Li Chao’s words shattered him utterly.
The apprentice tried to speak, but Sun Xinglin raised a hand to silence him.
Then, looking at Li Chao, he asked, “You bought the Celestial Mother Flower to treat her illness?”
The dampness inside the patient could be countered by that herb; if Li Chao knew this, he must have some skill.
Surprisingly, Li Chao shook his head, “It’s my first time seeing this patient.”
What?
Sun Xinglin’s fleeting respect vanished once more.
He leaned back in his chair and said coldly, “If it’s your first time, on what grounds do you judge my skills inadequate?”
Li Chao smiled faintly, not answering directly, but instead asked, “Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking. I observed the patient outside and heard her voice. Though I couldn’t take her pulse or question her, I could discern some clues. Master Hua, do you dare let me try?”