C16 Special Herb

"Mr. Lin, are you sure you want to use this particular herb? I've heard it's quite complex to use, and not just anyone can handle it properly," Cai Xiangsong expressed with concern, not wanting Lin Luo to tarnish his own reputation.

Director Huo, a top executive in a leading company, would not look kindly on any mishaps under Lin Luo's care. Such an incident could very well mean Lin Luo's inability to remain in River City.

Lin Luo simply smiled at Cai Xiangsong's anxious remarks. "What's the challenge? It's merely a matter of detoxifying and soaking it in rice wine. It's actually quite straightforward. Some old-timers just enjoy making it seem more complicated than it is."

Lin Luo spoke with the confidence of someone who had been through it all before. During his training, an elderly man with white hair had warned him of the herb's potent toxicity, claiming that only a skilled physician could safely use it. Yet, in the end, it boiled down to picking the herb and soaking it in wine. The process was somewhat laborious, as half of the herb was toxic and only a small part was usable. Over time, with advancements in medical technology and fewer people aware of the herb, it had fallen out of common use.

Cai Xiangsong was visibly skeptical upon learning Lin Luo's method. "It can't be. My master wouldn't have lied to me. He always said this herb was tricky to handle."

"If you're really doubtful, invite your master to meet with me. We can discuss it in person. Who knows, he might even end up calling me 'ancestor'," Lin Luo said earnestly, his sincerity making it difficult to question his words.

Following Lin Luo's statement, Cai Xiangsong lapsed into a thoughtful silence, wisely choosing not to pursue the matter further. Lin Luo's self-assurance was enough to make him step back.

Later that evening, Lin Luo received a message from Xu Wenqian, who had managed to procure the herb, delivering over ten kilograms of it. Lin Luo gave Cai Xiangsong his home address and requested their assistance in picking the herbs. From the dozen kilograms, only about half a kilogram of tender shoots could be harvested.

Given that Lin Luo would be busy with treatments the next day, he would have to rely on their help to sort through the herbs that night.

Cai Xiangsong arrived at Mr. Lin's home promptly, notebook and pen in hand.

He had resolved that since he couldn't take another master, he would find a way to learn from Mr. Lin covertly.

He would absorb everything he saw and heard; even if Mr. Lin was reluctant, there was little he could do about it since Cai had witnessed it.

When Mr. Lin noticed Cai needed to jot down notes about the herbs, he snatched the notebook away.

"Trim the ends and pull out the middle stem. Dry the stem and keep it; it'll be useful later on," Mr. Lin instructed, handing them toothpicks and starting the lengthy process of herb picking.

The herb was indeed valuable: its tender leaves could detoxify, the stem could treat lung ailments, and the shell could manage emergency bleeding.

Sadly, most found it too cumbersome to spend much time on a single herb.

After five hours, they had finally finished plucking all the herbs.

Mr. Lin packed the stems and handed them to Cai Xiangsong, keeping the shell for himself.

Given that bleeding was a common occurrence, the shell was the most practical part to retain. As for treating lung disease, that task was left to Cai Xiangsong.

"Soak this in top-grade yellow wine overnight, twelve hours if possible, but no longer. Take the rest with you; I'm out of yellow wine," Mr. Lin said, handing the remaining items to Xu Wenqian. After seeing his guests out, he collapsed to the floor, exhausted.

He was anxious about his child's condition. Although the danger had passed, he felt helpless as a father.

Exhausted, he lay down on his bed and fell asleep. Upon waking, Mr. Lin saw a blurry figure before him.

He thought it was all a dream until he heard a distinct sound.

Startled, he sat up and saw Xiao Qingli packing her belongings. Mr. Lin was bewildered.

Was he mistaken? Xiao Qingli had indeed returned, but why was she packing? Could it be...

Realizing that she truly wanted a divorce, Lin Luo offered a weak smile.

If divorce was what she wanted, then so be it. What else could he do? His only option was to earn more money to ensure his wife and daughter could live comfortably.

"Qingli, I know I've made many mistakes in the past. I have no objections to the divorce. My only request is that I be allowed to see our child often."

Lin Luo hung his head, his voice heavy with unspoken insincerity.

Who would want a divorce without good reason? Unfortunately, it was too late for regrets to fix anything.

Xiao Qingli had been packing the children's clothes when Lin Luo's sudden admission made her pause.

She had already been informed of the details by Elder Xu and realized she had indeed misunderstood Lin Luo.

But some things, once said, are hard to take back. Changing her mind now seemed unlikely.

"Let's put off the divorce discussion for a while. If you find the time, go see the child at the hospital. I hope this time you're truly looking to make amends, not just putting on an act."

Xiao Qingli finished speaking and left in a hurry. Reaching the door, she hesitated.

"I've prepared some food; it's in the pot. If you don't mind my cooking, help yourself to more."

Caught in a daze, Lin Luo remained seated as Xiao Qingli slipped out the door. He wondered if he had misunderstood. Could it be that he didn't have to divorce after all?

With this realization, Lin Luo rolled around on the bed, unable to contain his happiness.

Once the initial joy subsided, Lin Luo composed himself and straightened his clothes.

Even though he had come to regret his past actions, his pockets were still empty.

To provide a better life for his wife and child, he needed to find a way to make money.

Feeling the pangs of hunger, Lin Luo touched his empty stomach and decided to eat first.

He knew that he couldn't think straight on an empty stomach, especially if he wanted to figure out how to earn money.

After his meal, Lin Luo noticed it was getting late. Right on cue, he heard a car horn outside.

Getting into the car, Lin Luo saw Cai Xiangsong sitting in the backseat, ever-present like an unwelcome shadow in his father's life.

"Mr. Lin, who would have thought we'd be so fortunate to meet again so soon, merely a night later?" Cai Xiangsong said, his eyes crinkling with a smile, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor.

Lin Luo managed a strained smile in response, unsure of how to assess the man's cheerful expression.