Chapter 49: Side Jobs
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Sweet pills. Take one each month for half a year,” Fang Yuan suggested with a confident smile, “1 assure you that your health will flourish, ensuring a lifespan of 100 years.”
Laughter filled the room. “Hahaha, is such a wondrous thing possible in this world? It must come at a lofty price, isn’t that so? Yuanyuan, pray tell, where did you chance upon such a treasure?” Old Master Bo marveled at his granddaughter-in-law’s unexpected thoughtfulness. At his age, his wants were few, but robust health was his unspoken desire. Longevity had become his coveted dream.
“May 1 partake immediately?” Impatient fingers swiftly uncorked the dainty porcelain vial. The intention was to retrieve a single pill, yet in his excitement, he tipped out a small mound instead.
Mu Qing’s eyes nearly bulged from their sockets upon spotting the engraved “longevity” character etched onto each pill’s surface. Was this not the fabled “longevity pill,” an elusive marvel only glimpsed at auctions? Word had it that ingesting just one amplified vitality and extended mortal existence. These pills appeared at auction thrice yearly, with each commanding a five-million price tag…
Furthermore, the source of these extravagant and scarce pills mystified him. Miss Fang Yuan would need a good decade or so of auctions to amass such wealth. Yet, at her youthful stage, such elixirs seemed unwarranted. Why expend such fortune and effort? The thought struck like lightning – perhaps she concocted them herself, granting her an endless supply! As this realization dawned, Mu Qing’s gaze shifted to Bo Yi, his disbelief evident.
Where Mu Qing’s thoughts led, Bo Yi also treaded. The origin of this elixir was clear to him, and he concluded that Fang Yuan was none other than the famed “God of Medicine,” Mr. Yuan. Recent auction sensations were likely all of her crafting…
The revelation explained her presence near the Hall Church on auction day. It all fell into place: her physical proximity at the event, her multitude of pseudonyms. It was an unexpected twist.
“Old Sir, your fortune has swelled,” Mu Qing quipped involuntarily.
“Absolutely!” Old Master Bo popped one into his mouth. “Surprisingly sweet, indeed a windfall! Yuanyuan, can indulgence harm? Could I devour one daily?”
Mu Qing: “1 advise against…”
Bo Yi: “Not advisable.”
Old Master Bo regarded them with confusion. “Why?” With his granddaughter-in-law silent, he found their objections perplexing.
Mu Qing contemplated speaking but hesitated. Consuming such a pricey pill daily seemed extravagant…
Bo Yi interjected, unfazed, “Yuanyuan stipulated one pill per month.”
Old Master Bo relented, “Very well…”
In that moment, Fang Yuan’s phone buzzed in her pocket – it was Chen Yang.
“Excuse me, 1 need to take this call,” Fang Yuan explained, rising from her seat and exiting the ward.
“Fang Xiaoyuan, news reached me that you’re at the hospital?” Chen Yang’s voice emanated from the phone’s other end.
Fang Yuan responded casually, “Yes, is there something you need?”
“Madame Fang had a brief moment of wakefulness today. Despite lasting only io minutes, she couldn’t stop fretting about you…”
“She intended to call you, but I intervened. You’re aware of her need to avoid agitation due to her condition. Regrettably, 1 had to deter her.”
Fang Yuan was the paramount concern of Madame Fang. Upon awakening, her immediate thoughts were for Fang Yuan’s well-being. Regardless of whether Fang Yuan disclosed the actions of Fang Liguo and Song Ling behind her back, hearing Fang Yuan’s voice invariably brought her to tears… If heightened emotions compromised her frail state, all previous efforts would be in vain.
“Are you still at the hospital? If so, come by to visit her and review today’s test results.”
Fang Yuan confirmed, “Sure.”
Chen Yang continued, “My meeting just concluded, so I’ll rendezvous with you to discuss the report.”
“Sounds good.” Fang Yuan ended the call and headed towards Madame Old Fang’s room.
Despite another spell of unconsciousness, Madame Old Fang clutched the bracelet Fang Yuan had gifted her after earning her first sum of money.
Fang Yuan delicately cradled the frail and withered hand. The occupant of the bed seemed to register her presence, as their fingers stirred slightly.
In an abrupt instance, the ward door swung open. Song Ling, upon glimpsing Fang Yuan, displayed an initial startle followed by a burst of fury. “Still lingering, are you? Who granted you permission to enter? Are you afflicted with madness? Do you haunt this hospital daily, awaiting Madame Old Fang’s awakening so you can waltz back into the Fang Family? Let me advise you to abandon such delusions!”
Fang Liguo’s countenance took on a complex shade upon sighting Fang Yuan. He hadn’t anticipated her artful manipulation. To remain in Jing City, she adopted the ploy of frequenting Madame Old Fang’s room during their absence. But what purpose did it serve? After all, she wasn’t a biological Fang lineage member!
“Liguo, she must have gained entry using our daughter’s identity. Swiftly inform the nurses that she isn’t tied to us by blood. Our daughter’s sole sibling is Jiayi.. In the times to come, bar this imposter’s entry if she attempts it again!”