We chatted for a moment, and the middle-aged man said, "I was just eating at the restaurant when I saw you fighting with those people. I knew something was off. The bikers around here are quite notorious. It doesn't matter if it's a man and a woman or just a few men; no one dares to confront them casually. Don't be fooled by their youthful appearances; they can be quite ruthless. Come on in and let's talk."
Once we entered, I learned that this middle-aged man was a big boss doing business in Japan. The teahouse was merely a place he frequented, and his operations were substantial, as evidenced by the ten or so thugs he employed.
I didn't bring up the proposal; instead, I recounted the incident that had occurred. I explained how I saw two guys on the subway groping a girl, and I couldn't just stand by.
The middle-aged man chuckled a few times and then poured us some tea.
His name was Gao Zhi, and he had been doing business in Japan for many years.
I asked, "Mr. Gao, do you happen to know of a place called Haiwen Stationery Company nearby?"
"Haiwen Stationery Company?" Gao Zhi pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Is that a company run by Chinese people?"
I nodded.
Gao Zhi shook his head again. "I've never heard of it. It's strange, though; I know most of the Chinese companies around here, including those that are Sino-Japanese joint ventures. But this stationery company? No idea."
I realized then that Gao Zhi probably didn't involve himself in any illegal enterprises. As for Haiwen Stationery Company, it seemed like just a front; he likely had little interaction with those involved.
I continued, "What about a person named Yang Bin? Or maybe Yang Nianguo? Have you heard of him?"
Gao Zhi thought for a moment but shook his head again. "I haven't heard of him. However, if he's nearby, I can help you look into it. Here, we Chinese people generally stick together, so finding someone isn't too difficult."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you so much, Mr. Gao. But there's something I'm unsure whether to say..."
Gao Zhi sipped his tea and chuckled, "You’re a young lad, yet you speak like an old man, pondering over things. We are all Chinese people; I’m glad you’re here, so just say what’s on your mind."
I smiled awkwardly and replied softly, "Well, Mr. Gao, I’m a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and I tend to be a bit straightforward. Please don’t take it the wrong way. You should pay more attention to your health; don’t indulge too much in pleasures. I’m just reminding you since you saved me this time."
Upon hearing my words, Gao Zhi's expression suddenly froze. He looked at me and asked, "What... did you see?"
I hadn’t expected Gao Zhi’s face to turn so grim. I quickly added, "Mr. Gao, please don’t be angry; I was just speaking casually."
"No, no, oh, I’m sorry. Actually, I can feel that my health isn’t great either, so please just speak frankly. What did you see?" Gao Zhi said, his eyes fixed on me intently.
I found his gaze somewhat unsettling; it made me feel a bit uncomfortable. Honestly, I meant well. The first time I saw Gao Zhi, I sensed he seemed a bit depleted—his essence was severely drained, and his yang energy was insufficient. With such a demeanor, especially for someone as powerful as him, it was clear that excessive indulgence in pleasures was likely the cause.
However, discussing such matters with someone I barely knew wasn’t something I wanted to do. After all, if he was unwell, I couldn’t just rush in to treat him; that would make me seem like a charlatan.
This kind of situation happened often. When I first started studying medicine, many people would hear that I was learning traditional Chinese medicine and immediately ask me to check their pulse or look at their ailments as if it were a joke.
Now, I wouldn’t do that anymore. For one thing, my skills weren’t that great yet; for another, I didn’t like being treated as a joke. If someone genuinely had an issue and sought my help, then naturally I would assist or consult my teacher.
The reason I brought up the issue in front of Gao Zhi was twofold: first, he had indeed saved me earlier, and I felt grateful; second, judging by his appearance, it seemed quite serious. Even someone like me—a novice in traditional Chinese medicine—could see that.
Seeing Gao Zhi's expression made me smile awkwardly again. "Mr. Gao, your seriousness is making me feel a bit embarrassed."
Gao Zhi paused for a moment before quickly saying, "No, no! Brother, I'm just a bit nervous. Please tell me what you’ve seen!"
I replied, "As a student of traditional Chinese medicine, Mr. Gao, your lower lip is pale; your hair is sparse and somewhat yellowed; your complexion has a yellowish tint with dark undertones—especially around your forehead and between your eyebrows where there’s a hint of bluish color. In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the kidneys govern the bones and are associated with water; their vitality is reflected in the hair. If the kidneys are deficient to a certain extent, it can lead to dark discoloration and hair loss. From the perspective of facial diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine: your chin relates to earth while the area above your eyebrows connects with kidney fire; your kidney fire is weak and nearly extinguished—these signs are quite evident. Mr. Gao, you should consider refraining from excess indulgence!"
Gao Zhi looked at me and smiled wryly.
I chuckled, "I'll prescribe some remedies for you. It's just minor issues, nothing serious. Is that alright?"
Gao Zhi shook his head and sighed, "Brother, I have to tell you, I haven't been with a woman in a month."
"Ah?" I looked at Gao Zhi in surprise.
Gao Zhi continued, "Can we discuss this privately? How about this: you all don't go back today, just stay here. Don't worry, the police won't find us here. Let me make a call to sort out today's matters, and then you can move freely. Sound good?"
We all agreed; it was certainly a good thing.
Gao Zhi stood up, holding his phone. "Alright then, you guys check out the rooms and feel free to move around. I'll make the call. Also, I'll keep an eye on the Haiwen Stationery Company situation for you."
"Thank you so much," I said as I stood up to express my gratitude to Gao Zhi.
He smiled back, "We're all family here."
Gao Zhi left, and soon someone led us to the guest rooms. There were quite a few rooms inside, all furnished with tatami mats, likely set up for some Japanese guests.
I chose a room and set my bag down. Thinking it over, this trip was indeed quite dangerous; if we were taken out by those Biker Gangs as soon as we arrived in Japan, it would be a huge loss.
Not long after I sat down, Lin Fan knocked on the door and walked in, holding a first aid kit. "Hey, big hero, are you alright?"
I smiled at Lin Fan. "I'm tough enough."
Lin Fan walked over. "Alright, I'm here to check on the great hero and apply some medicine."
"No need, no need," I quickly replied. "It's just bruises, nothing's broken. No need for medicine."
"Yunnan Baiyao can help with bruises, don't worry," Lin Fan nudged me. "Come on, be good and lie down on the bed."
Sighing, I lay down and took off my clothes. "You really are someone who can't stand to lose."
"Why's that?" Lin Fan's fingers began to knead my back.
"Of course! You see my body, and now you want to see mine? It's just not fair," I said.
Lin Fan gave my back a light pat. "Show off, will you? If my boyfriend finds out I've been sleeping with you this much, he'd probably shoot you."
"That would be too unfair for me! I've been completely innocent; nothing has happened," I laughed.
Lin Fan applied the medicine. "What else do you want? I'm already a patient; do you still want to do that with me?"
I chuckled but didn't dare to continue the joke.
Lin Fan fell silent as well.
After a while, she suddenly laughed. "Life is truly strange. Here we are, two virtuous women, and yet I've ended up sharing a bed with you so many times. It's ridiculous. The key point is, I think I'm getting used to it. What if once I'm better and we part ways, I can't sleep alone anymore? What will I do then?"
I replied, "Lin Fan, what do you mean? Are you planning to break up with your boyfriend to be my girlfriend?"
"That's not it," Lin Fan said with a smile. "What I mean is, if I were to be your secret lover, I wouldn't find it hard to accept at all. Of course, I just have no resistance towards you."
As we chatted, our conversation drifted off course.
After Lin Fan finished applying the medicine, she got up and walked towards her own room. Watching her leave made me feel a bit anxious. If Lin Fan got better and we ended up sleeping in the same bed, would I be able to control myself?
Lost in thought, my mind began to wander. Just then, there was another knock at the door. Assuming it was Lin Fan, I called for them to come in.
However, the person who entered was Gao Zhi.
Gao Zhi looked at me and said, "Brother Song Fei, I've already contacted the people from Dafu Gang to help investigate Haiwen Stationery Company and this person named Yang Nianguo."
I quickly sat up and put on my shirt. "Thank you."
Gao Zhi sat down on a wooden stool. "Well, brother, I wanted to talk to you about that issue with my kidney deficiency. I've actually been to the hospital about it, but it didn't help much. It's true that I haven't been with a woman for a month now, but every night I dream about women and end up... well, you know what happens in those dreams. Can you help me out here?"
Comment 0 Comment Count