"This is Feng Shisan, my newly recognized brother!"
After introducing her close friends, Mrs. Xiao held my arm and introduced me with great confidence.
Upon hearing the word "brother," the ladies exchanged knowing glances, especially Ye Yingzi, who widened her eyes as if to say, "How did you become so impressive in just a few days?"
I wore a pained expression, completely unprepared for Mrs. Xiao's introduction. Wasn't she just setting me up for misunderstandings?
"Hehe!"
Noticing their expressions, Mrs. Xiao laughed triumphantly and said, "You all know that my Xiao Bao was sick recently. We tried both traditional and Western medicine, but nothing worked until Shisan stepped in and saved him!"
"Third Master only has one son, Xiao Bao, so this time, I'm officially recognizing a brother by decree!"
"I brought Shisan here today for one purpose: to help my brother find resources and clients!"
"My brother is not only skilled in acupuncture but also excels at body conditioning. Old Ye, Old Xia, Old Liu, you three have extensive connections in the entertainment industry. You know which male stars are weak or not. Introduce those who are to my brother!"
At the end, Mrs. Xiao started naming names.
"Hey, Old Xiao, even if you didn't say anything, I would have introduced him to Little Feng!"
Ye Yingzi waved her hand, came over to hold my other arm, and said affectionately, "Old Xiao, you know me. I've always had health issues—insomnia, night sweats, and lack of energy. It was Little Feng who helped me get better!"
"Little Feng?"
Mrs. Xiao looked at Ye Yingzi suspiciously.
"It was by chance that I met Little Feng!"
Ye Yingzi nodded and briefly mentioned how she met me at Ma Shuai's place.
"Old Ye, when you have time, tell Old Ma not to be so stingy. Saving him only cost ten thousand, is his life that cheap? Also, tell Old Ma that my brother is under Third Master's protection, so don't mess around!"
Mrs. Xiao chuckled after hearing this and said, "Alright, let's not talk about those unpleasant things. Let's drink and chat!"
"Yes, let's drink!" Ye Yingzi brushed it off, moving on from the topic.
The dinner was a joyous occasion for both hosts and guests.
After the gathering, I had a few more contacts in my phone, and they all promised to attend the opening ceremony of my new clinic.
The next morning, just as I woke up, Ma Shuai called.
"Little Feng, I heard you cured Third Master's son?"
Upon answering, Ma Shuai's surprised voice came through.
"Yes!" I replied with a smile.
"You must seize this opportunity. Hold onto Third Master's support, and you'll have nothing to worry about for the rest of your life..."
Ma Shuai spoke with a sense of nostalgia, implying that he was looking out for me. This chapter is updated first at g.com.
I responded with casual agreement, understanding that Ma Shuai thought I had climbed the social ladder and was trying to make up for past issues.
"Little Feng, there's something I must warn you about!"
At the end, Ma Shuai's tone shifted.
"Uncle Ma, please go ahead!"
I was sincere, not letting my newfound connections affect my respect for him.
"Deng Wenwen is not a simple woman. You should avoid too much contact with her. If she approaches you, try not to offend her!" Ma Shuai advised.
"Uncle Ma, I don't quite understand what you mean!" I said.
"Little Feng, it's simple. First, the forces behind Deng Wenwen are not ordinary; second, she herself is unusual!" Ma Shuai explained.
"Unusual? What do you mean?" I was intrigued.
Ma Shuai hesitated before saying, "Little Feng, you know I have connections with the supernatural, right?"
"Yes!"
I nodded and said, "Uncle Ma, are you saying Deng Wenwen also has supernatural connections?"
"That's right!"
Ma Shuai paused and said, "Little Feng, Deng Wenwen is associated with a fox spirit, but my family's spirit says what she has is not legitimate. I haven't looked into it deeply, but just be careful!"
"Alright, thank you, Uncle Ma!" I replied.
After hanging up, I fell into deep thought.
I was beginning to understand what it meant to be caught up in the Jianghu, unable to control my own fate.
Ever since I performed acupuncture on Mr. Hua's son, many things had spiraled out of my control.
In the following half month, my small clinic went from being deserted to bustling with activity.
Everyone who received a recommendation from Ye Yingzi and Xia Wen came to my clinic like clockwork.
Whether they had issues or not, they insisted on getting acupuncture.
Their actions set off a chain reaction throughout half of the Beijing circle, leaving me utterly exhausted.
Many people came just to show their faces.
For instance, Little Mr. Wang from Hua Yi Company and Pao Dao, the pillar of the industry.
In the end, I was so tired that I decided to close the clinic.
When Mrs. Xiao found out, she organized a gathering. During the gathering, when I complained, Ye Yingzi said it wasn't about who came, but who didn't.
Her ability to stir the pot was quite impressive.
Mrs. Xiao didn't say anything on the surface, but her expression showed she remembered who didn't show up.
As the gathering ended, Mrs. Xiao advised me to close the clinic for a few days if I was too tired and wait until the renovations at East Third Ring were complete.
I agreed it made sense and planned to rest for a few days.
The next morning, while I was resting at the clinic, someone came in. It was none other than Deng Wenwen, the person Ma Shuai had warned me about.
"Sister Wen, what brings you here?"
Seeing Deng Wenwen enter, I smiled outwardly but was on guard inside.
"I was just passing by and thought I'd stop in!"
Deng Wenwen said with a smile.
As she approached, a fragrant breeze wafted over.
Having been around medicinal herbs since childhood, I'm sensitive to scents. The fragrance on her was unique, different from what I smelled at the gathering.
As we talked, she reached the consultation table, bent down to pull a chair, and sat in front of me.
Whether intentional or not, as she bent down, the ruby pendant on her neck dangled in front of my eyes.
The ruby was special, a deep red, as if blood was swirling inside.
I was momentarily captivated, and with the unique scent, my mind began to blur.
"Little Feng, do you think the life you're living now is what you want?"
At that moment, Deng Wenwen's voice sounded.
"No!"
I blurted out, feeling like she had hit the nail on the head.
But as soon as I said "no," my chest heated up—it was the Protective Amulet Bai Xue had returned to me.
With that warmth, my mind cleared instantly.
"People should be in control of their lives, not be controlled by others!"
Deng Wenwen's voice rang out again.
This time, her words didn't affect me as before, but I kept my expression unchanged, even my gaze steady, just like when my grandfather caught me and Fatty Lin at Da Fuhao, and I feigned innocence.