[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film-":3,"chapter-from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-970":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","From the God of Medicine: A Journey Through Film and TV Worlds",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2334896,4564,"Chapter 970","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-970",970,"\u003Cp>“I’m telling you, if it weren’t for Teacher Ge, they wouldn’t have sold you this price at all. It’s all because of Teacher Ge’s face—you get that, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man in his fifties, with white hair, slapped the tricycle, his face beaming with “you got a steal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled and nodded, swiftly pulling out three hundred yuan from his pocket: “Teacher Ge said before he came that you’re a true friend of his, and you’d look out for me. Now I see it’s true—thank you so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See, we’ve been old friends for years. Alright, ride off then. Teacher Ge, come eat with us sometime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course! When Night Tokyo opens in half a month, I’ll treat you there.\" Teacher Ge agreed, then picked up a cardboard pad and sat down in the tricycle’s cargo bed on his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a proper forward-rider tricycle, not one of those backward-pedaling “donkey carts” with two wheels in front and one in back. Honestly, Wang Yan had never ridden one before. If he were carrying a girl, fine—but now he was hauling a chatty old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Ge said: “How’s that? I didn’t lie to you, did I? I’ve been friends with him for decades.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks for your help, Teacher Ge. When Jin Bao’s mom finishes skewering the lamb, eat your fill—it’s your reward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You think I’m here just for your lamb skewers? How old do you think I am? Can you even digest that much lamb? I think you’re ungrateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you won’t eat?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, little guy from the Northeast, why don’t you ever think? If eating too much gives you indigestion, eat less. If your grilling is truly good, I’ll reluctantly eat a bit more and give you proper feedback.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, fair warning—if you get sick tomorrow from eating too much, don’t blame me for deliberately making you suffer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible! You think I’m senile?” Teacher Ge strongly objected, then noticed the wrong route and promptly slapped Wang Yan’s back: “Where are you going? You took a wrong turn!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, Teacher Ge, why don’t you ever think? I’m setting up a barbecue stall—don’t I need to buy meat and seasonings? Am I gonna grill the tricycle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does that sound so familiar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? Still denying it—you’re getting senile! You just said that and already forgot?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re the one who’s senile—I just couldn’t recall it right away. Come to think of it, you’ve copied it pretty well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan laughed loudly as he pedaled the tricycle to take the old man to buy lamb, onions, and other seasonings. He wasn’t deliberately dragging Teacher Ge along—it was just on the way, more convenient, and at least he had someone to carry the stuff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They bought not just meat, vegetables, and seasonings, but also insulated foam boxes, small brushes, bowls, mortars, grills, bamboo skewers—so much stuff. The items weren’t easy to find; he had to ask around several times. Especially the grill—he needed a long one, custom-made. But luckily, it wasn’t too complicated; pay extra, and they’d finish it by afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While helping carry the seasonings, Teacher Ge asked curiously: “Why are you buying herbs?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For the seasoning—what’s so strange? Aren’t star anise and cinnamon also Chinese herbs? Listen, Teacher Ge, my seasoning recipe is family-secret—it’ll make you crave one skewer, then two, then ten.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know this part—next you’ll say the meat’s color looks off, and you’re using top-grade meat and premium spices.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan laughed: “Teacher Ge, you’ve got a good sense of humor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s Chen Peisi’s lamb skewers that sell well.” Teacher Ge chuckled too. “But seriously, shouldn’t you get a business license? Don’t take this the wrong way—if you offend someone and they eat your skewers and claim stomachache to extort money, what’ll you do? It happens everywhere. When your business thrives, people get jealous and try to ruin you—you’ve got to think ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Ge, you’re so level-headed and thorough. I’ll go ask about it later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Ge nodded approvingly at Wang Yan’s deference—why else did he enjoy talking to him? Wang Yan’s words were sometimes just so pleasant to hear…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They returned to the building by noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan called Jin Bao’s mom down, sliced some meat to show her how, then made lunch and invited her and Teacher Ge to eat together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, he prepared the dry seasonings while Jin Bao’s mom cut and marinated the meat, and Teacher Ge watched. He was still a decent guy—he watched for a while, then once the meat was marinated, he rolled up his sleeves and helped Jin Bao’s mom thread the skewers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the meantime, Wang Yan finished mixing the seasonings and fetched the grill. By the time he lit the charcoal downstairs, it was nearly evening. Workers returning from their jobs, and those working at home, all emerged to cook or hunt for food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Fatty didn’t even go inside—he just slung his schoolbag over his back and squatted beside Wang Yan, watching him flip the lamb skewers on the grill. Jin Bao’s mom said nothing; she knew these were for everyone. She cooked in the communal kitchen, using all the ingredients Wang Yan had bought—they’d eat together tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jin Bao’s mom wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, looked out at her fat son squatting by the door, rubbed her lower back, and smiled contentedly…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, you’re really doing barbecue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From far away, Lingzi’s voice rang out: “I smelled the aroma from miles away—I knew it was you grilling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You came at the perfect time, Lingzi.” Wang Yan casually plucked a pinch of dry seasoning from a small box Teacher Ge had given him, evenly sprinkled it over the rotating skewers, then handed her three: “Didn’t prepare much—I’ll be setting up soon. Taste it. When I make money, eat all you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss Wang, you’re generous!” Lingzi laughed, taking the skewers and biting in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You get three too, but you must deliver three skewers to each person in the building.” Wang Yan nodded toward Little Fatty, who obediently came over, grabbed the skewers with his chubby hands, and went inside. First he gave three to his mom, then under her help, took a huge bite himself before hissing and puffing as he knocked on every door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s what Lingzi meant by “generous”—the meat wasn’t cheap. And though Wang Yan’s lamb skewers were nowhere near Liu Tiao’s giant ones, they were still noticeably larger than ordinary small skewers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingzi nodded repeatedly: “Your skill is excellent—these skewers will make you rich. Will you sell the seasoning? I mean, the recipe—you know what I mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m here to make money. How much could I earn selling the recipe? To be honest, I plan to sell the seasoning itself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… these skewers are just your bait?” Lingzi stared at Wang Yan, seated there—this was her second surprise since meeting him two days ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first surprise was his cooking. This one was his strategy. She hadn’t expected Wang Yan to be so clever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan grinned: “Pretty much. If no one buys the seasoning, I’ll sell skewers. I heard people on Huanghe Road are rich—selling these lamb skewers for one yuan each shouldn’t be too expensive, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure, it won’t be expensive there—not just Huanghe Road, even Zhapu Road or Yunnan South Road work. Everyone there’s rich. Here? No way. People would spend a day’s salary on a few skewers—it’s way too expensive. Who’d eat it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re such a big boss lady—won’t you support my business?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My money doesn’t grow on trees.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had Lingzi finished speaking than Teacher Ge’s voice chimed in: “Oh come on, little Northeastern guy, I didn’t mean to… oh, Lingzi’s back! These lamb skewers are delicious!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One yuan a skewer? You’re willing to spend that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know his costs. How much did he spend today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can only prepare so much each day. Today’s just a taste test—I’m not selling here. Why earn seven jiao when I can only make one or two jiao here?” Wang Yan whispered. “But if you want to eat, I’ll treat you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re a good guy.” Teacher Ge sighed. “Wait a minute—you told me your family’s traditional Chinese medicine. How come your cooking’s so good, your barbecue’s even better, and you’ve got a secret seasoning recipe? What’s your family actually do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s traditional Chinese medicine, Teacher Ge. Don’t you know TCM includes dietary therapy? This is all one system.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know TCM?” Lingzi was surprised again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Ge said: “He can diagnose. When he placed his hands on my pulse, he listed my symptoms perfectly—seemed legit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Lingzi extended her hands. “Check me out? I’ve never seen it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My hands are oily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, I didn’t complain—why are you making excuses? Just check me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan chuckled but placed his hands on her pale wrists, feeling for half a minute: “Irregular menstruation—caused by chronic poor sleep habits. Go buy two doses of Wenjing Tang from the pharmacy, rest well, sleep early, and quit drinking. Otherwise, you’re perfectly healthy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You really can do this? Then great—I’ll have you check me anytime I get a headache or fever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t. In remote areas, I’d be a barefoot doctor. But this is Shanghai—doctors are everywhere. If I prescribe medicine and someone gets sick, even if it’s not my medicine, they’ll blame me—and I’ll get sued. This isn’t a joke—I can’t afford that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re so serious—I was just teasing you. Who’d drink your medicine anyway? Stick to selling lamb skewers, Boss Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingzi smiled: “Aren’t you going to Huanghe Road? It’s already bustling—hurry up. If they drink too much liquor, no one’ll buy your skewers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she tossed her three used skewers into the trash, clicked away in her high heels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s eat.” Wang Yan had already extinguished the charcoal and loaded the grill onto the tricycle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only three skewers? Grill some more?” Teacher Ge still had one left, hoping for more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think it’s free? Just taste it. If you want to fill up, wait till I make money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you told me to eat as much as I wanted this morning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And I also said eating too much causes indigestion, Teacher Ge. Confucius said: ‘In old age, guard against greed.’ This greed is gluttony. You’re already greedy—control your appetite. Here, I’ve got two left—I’ll give you one more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Ge stared at his lamb skewer, then took a big bite: “You little Northeastern trickster… you’re fooling me…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan quickly finished dinner, then pedaled the tricycle loaded with gear toward Huanghe Road. Overall, the night was far livelier than the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though lacking the filter of the original drama, certain spots here already shimmered with bustling traffic and neon glow. Wang Yan rode slowly, dodging pedestrians and vehicles, earning plenty of honks along the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huanghe Road was indeed bustling—traffic here was noticeably heavier. Like Zhapu Road and Yunnan South Road, this area was packed with restaurants, mostly high-end establishments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far off, he spotted the neon sign of Jin Fenghuang—the location was prime, right at the intersection, with a large, impressive storefront. Thanks to its position and consistently decent service, it was the highest-earning restaurant on the entire street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan looked up at the sign, scanned the surroundings, and saw nothing but neon signs stretching endlessly. Cars flowed like threads; people spoke loudly, laughing, shouting, cursing. Expensive “big brothers” with mobile phones costing tens of thousands—commonly seen on the street, held by one in every three or five men, all dressed in loose suits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wallets thick, backs straight, confidence high—these were the first to get rich. In the early wave of this great tide, after eliminating official profiteers, these men—ordinary folk who’d made it—were China’s current elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan’s gaze settled on a small pavilion near the intersection’s interior, where a round-faced man in a hat, arms tucked into his sleeves, peered out the window. The pavilion had once been a newspaper stand, now privately rented for small business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was Jing Xiu from the drama—a local gossip, wrapped in mystery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan pedaled straight to the pavilion, said nothing, lit a Huazhi cigarette, and began unloading: setting up the barbecue grill, lighting the charcoal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Comrade, what are you doing?” Jing Xiu rushed out to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan kept working: “Setting up a stall—lamb skewers. Not bothering you, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not at all—I run a small shop, you sell skewers, no conflict. But you won’t sell anything here. Listen to me—go to Wujiang Road, or find a market. Selling here is worse than useless. Look around: hundreds of restaurants on this street—who’d eat your skewers? Your hygiene’s unguaranteed—they won’t touch it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m new at this—I’ll just try grilling first. When it’s ready, I’ll bring you two skewers. Try them—don’t you think they’re unhygienic?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course not—I can tell you’re an honest man. I’m Jing Xiu. What’s your name, brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Yan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Wang, you’re from out of town, trying to make a living?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Northeast. Just arrived yesterday. Didn’t know what to do—heard there were rich people here, so I came to set up a stall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are plenty of rich people, look at them—gold, silver, glittering, cars jamming the streets. But making money here is hard. Others tried setting up stalls before—no one bought anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan had already set up his rack, arranged the oil and seasonings, and placed the small brushes. He turned back to tend the charcoal: “Whether I make money or not, I’ve got to try.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wish you fortune. Customer coming!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go about your business. I’ll call you when it’s ready.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s that?” Lu Si, the manager of Honglu Restaurant, took the cigarettes she’d bought for a guest and watched Wang Yan working.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another fool chasing fortune in Shanghai.” Jing Xiu shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think he’ll get rich?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you get rich?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Si watched Wang Yan stoking the charcoal—the flames glowed red, illuminating his face even the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled: “It’s passable enough. I’m off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingxiu nodded with a grin, watching Ruth sprint back to the hotel. He lit a cigarette, leaned out the window, and stared at the movements of yet another man come to Shanghai to make his fortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The charcoal had burned through; the flames were gone, leaving only dim red embers. Then, the coals were spread along the length of the oven. Next came a large handful of meat skewers, laid out across the grill. Under the heat of the embers, the lamb skewers began to brown and shrink, the fat melting like butter and dripping away, until the rich aroma finally spread through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu sniffed and began to look forward to the lamb skewers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There weren’t many barbecue stalls in this area, so when people caught the unique aroma of lamb skewers, they couldn’t help but salivate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent grew even richer after the dry spices were sprinkled, as if a primal deliciousness had been unlocked, making one irresistibly eager to taste it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet when they saw it was just a shabby barbecue cart beside Jing Xiu’s shop, they still didn’t come over. Outside the restaurant and inside, the kitchen and the street stall—these were two different worlds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled and waved to Jing Xiu, who hurried out, holding two bottles of soda: “You treat me to lamb skewers, I treat you to soda.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Swap it for beer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, look around—how many restaurants on this street even sell alcohol? None!” As he spoke, Jing Xiu popped open the sodas with a bang and handed one over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan took the soda with one hand and passed him five lamb skewers with the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment it touched his hands, Jing Xiu took a bite, his eyes instantly widening with the joy only food can bring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Brother, with this skill, where couldn’t you make money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had completely forgotten that just eight minutes and twenty-three seconds ago, this man had been, in his own words, “just another guy come to Shanghai to get rich.” He’d eaten this man’s lamb skewers and now believed he could get rich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Making money elsewhere is too slow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much do you charge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, grill me twenty skewers, quick! Bring them hot to Honglu.” A middle-aged man in a trench coat, full of swagger, approached the cart. In fact, even the most basic waitstaff here carried themselves with similar pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Yan smile without moving, the man muttered, “You think I’d cheat you on the money? How much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out his wallet and inspected the thick stack of bills inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twenty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man instinctively pulled out two ten-yuan notes, then yanked his hand back sharply, his voice rising: “Twenty yuan? One yuan per skewer? Are your lamb skewers made of gold? Hey, why not just rob a bank instead of sweating over a street cart?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huanghe Road has its own prices. You’re a man of status—you’ve surpassed countless ten-thousand-yuan households. I hear even a casual meal inside costs hundreds. Twenty’s nothing to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled and picked up a skewer, handing it over: “Fresh off the grill—try it first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re treating me, so this doesn’t count toward the twenty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, you’re holding a huge walkie-talkie and haggling over one yuan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Joking? Whose money wasn’t saved penny by penny?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan wore an expression of “you got me,” took another skewer from the grill, and handed it over. The man wore an expression of “I really scored,” and took a bite immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Add ten more—here, thirty total. I’m Liu. Ask any server at Honglu for me.” The man chewed on the skewer, counted out another ten yuan, and handed over three bills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, you’re going to get rich.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Yan slip the money into his pocket, the man said, “No, you’re the one getting rich. Hurry up and deliver it—this price means you’d better deliver good service, or I’ll come after you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved dismissively, turned, and walked off, still chewing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the price.” Wang Yan nodded toward Jing Xiu, who had watched the whole exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu looked at Wang Yan, then at the skewer in his hand, and nodded with a smile: “This is the place to be—costs must be low, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Low. Today it’s three jiao, tomorrow maybe two-fifty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, you’re really straightforward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m the only one in the country who makes them this way. No one else can replicate this flavor—not even close. It’s not like day and night; it’s like Sun Wukong’s somersault—unbeatable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, you’re going to make big money. I’ve seen countless people come and go on Huanghe Road. Most rely on luck—you’ve got real skill. Right now, with this one move, turning a street cart into a small restaurant, then a big one, even setting up shop on Huanghe Road itself—it’s all within reach. The tide’s rising fast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks for the good words. May we all prosper.” Wang Yan smiled and nodded, then began grilling the thirty skewers the man had ordered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu, who had watched the whole thing, asked: “Bro, your secret’s in the seasoning, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Family recipe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Will you sell it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t sell the recipe—I sell the finished product.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Like Thirteen Spice?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re going to accomplish great things.” Jing Xiu gave a thumbs-up, then bumped his fist against Wang Yan’s. “To your success, in advance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad Jing Xiu wasn’t Qiao Shan—he was just a little short of that spark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then I’ll need your help. When people ask, spread the word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. That’s exactly the kind of thing I love to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan took a sip of soda with him, calmed the waiting crowd, and carried the thirty skewers over to Honglu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, he’d only grilled ten skewers—the aroma wasn’t nearly as strong as thirty. He’d delivered only one order to Honglu; the rest had to wait because his long grill was now full. All the skewers had been paid for in advance, and customers, unwilling to wait, sent waiters from the restaurants to collect them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him, good fragrance never feared a deep alley. If it did, it simply wasn’t fragrant enough. Right now, on Huanghe Road, Wang Yan—grilling lamb skewers for the first time in his life—had already filled the air with scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry everyone, these are the last twenty skewers—they’re for Zhang Boss, who eats at Jin Fenghuang. First day, underprepared. Tomorrow I’ll bring five hundred.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the crowd grumbled and dispersed, leaving only the Jin Fenghuang server waiting. Of course they were annoyed—they’d smelled the aroma for ages and got nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the twenty skewers were done. Altogether, it had taken just over an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You make in one day what others make in a month, Wang Brother. You’re no longer just some petty trader or company boss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But still no car, no house, no cash?” Wang Yan handed Jing Xiu a cigarette, lit it, and began cleaning up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu spun the cigarette in his fingers: “Wang Brother smokes Zhonghua? That’s a real splurge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I drink Maotai.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu froze, then burst out laughing, offering his blessing again: “Get rich, Wang Zong!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After laughing, watching Wang Yan sweep the ground, Jing Xiu said: “Wang Brother, let me warn you—Shanghai isn’t easy to survive in. Your stuff’s good, so people will eye it. Once they eye it, trouble follows. Tomorrow five hundred skewers, net profit three hundred fifty—a ten-thousand-yuan household per month. This business is no small thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.” Wang Yan returned the shovel and broom to him. “See you tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See you tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Wang Yan ride away on his tricycle amid the neon glow, Jing Xiu couldn’t help but sigh: “Truly, the winds are rising and the clouds swirling…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Ge, still awake?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan had just unlocked his door when Teacher Ge poked his head out from beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s only eight—how could I sleep?” Teacher Ge walked over and followed Wang Yan inside. “First day on the street—how was business? Your skewers tasted great, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine. Sold out in under an hour.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two hundred a day?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow I’ll prepare five hundred skewers. Jin Bao’s mom’s still a bit slow. Teacher Ge, help me out again—can I make three hundred fifty tomorrow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t do it. I don’t get paid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You ate four skewers today. On Huanghe Road, those would’ve cost four yuan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then tomorrow I’ll eat ten.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Five.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nine.” Teacher Ge waved his hand. “Seven, no less. And you owe me two liang of the leftover Maotai from last night. You said drinking’s good for health—I’ll drink it with lamb skewers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed. Anything else? Go to bed early. I said yesterday—I’m buying meat first thing tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got to feed me three meals a day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’re costing me twelve or thirteen a day? Old man, you’re awfully precious.” Wang Yan waved his hand at the old man, who glared at being called “old man.” “Just eat what I’ve got—don’t pick and choose. I’m starting a business here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, young people should be generous—I’m doing work, after all…” Teacher Ge muttered as he shuffled back to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan took off his clothes, sniffed lightly, and caught the smell of smoke and faint mutton odor—this was the scent of life. He didn’t own many clothes anyway. Lazy man, lazy life—just let it be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t bother washing his clothes. Bare-chested, he carried a basin downstairs to wash up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary people without nightlife were either reading at home or already asleep. Only two households had TVs—one belonged to Teacher Ge, the other also belonged to Teacher Ge…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early the next morning, Wang Yan pedaled his tricycle to the market, as planned the day before. He bought more meat and fresh vegetables for the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he returned home, it was only seven. The building was already bustling. Teacher Shi was practicing vocal scales, Teacher Kong was clinking away on the piano.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bought breakfast? I thought you’d make it.” Teacher Ge, already washed and alert, stood at his door, waiting to be fed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too slow. Can’t do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You cook lunch and dinner.” Teacher Ge leaned close, whispering, “Jin Bao’s mom cooks badly. No wonder Jin Bao’s so fat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan shoved a steamed bun into the old man’s mouth: “Your mouth’s going to get you in trouble someday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you wash your hands?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dirty hands, clean stomach. I season the skewers with my hands—you ate them fine, didn’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Teacher Ge was speechless, sighing as usual: poor lonely old man, how pitiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan ate quickly, finished in a flash, then went upstairs, took off his coat, and came down to wash up. By then, Jin Bao’s mom was already hard at work, chopping meat, diligent and tireless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lingzi trudged downstairs, grumbling loud enough for Teacher Kong and Teacher Shi to hear, complaining they’d kept her awake. According to Teacher Ge, Lingzi did this every morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, didn’t realize you were so fit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Yan bare-chested, towel in hand, wiping his body, Lingzi perked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Working-class folks survive by strength. No muscle, no power—you starve.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you didn’t starve—you came to Shanghai to make a living, Boss Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard there’s a Boss Bao. I’d like to be a Boss Wang too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then you’d better work hard. Boss Bao isn’t just a title you earn by talking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan asked: “You know Boss Bao well—what does he do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whatever makes money—stocks, foreign trade, treasury bonds. That’s how he went from Ah Bao to Boss Bao. But watch out—not everyone makes money doing this. You know the Empire State Building in New York?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Yan nod with a smile, Lingzi said: “Boss Bao told me this—he said, climbing from the bottom to the top takes an hour. Jumping from the top to the bottom? Just eight point eight seconds. You get the idea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, accumulating wealth is as hard as climbing to heaven, but losing it is a leap downward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So don’t chase unrealistic goals—you don’t even know what’s going on, yet you jump in; you’ll be the one leaping down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it, you’re actually quite a good person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m just worried you’ll jump because your barbecue is so good—I’d hate for your recipe to vanish with you. How was your business yesterday?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad, sold three hundred skewers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember you only prepared three hundred skewers? Oh my, congratulations on your fortune, Boss Wang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You too, make your fortune.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s both get rich. Go ahead and wash up—I’m off to breakfast.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Lingzi scanned Wang Yan’s physique once more. \"You’ve got a great body. I’m off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan nodded with a smile and continued washing his face...\u003C\u002Fp>",4445,"2026-06-20T21:08:55.377Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e9ce65c1ef6ad85fa63a4b57f74e497a54ce662a51edb5a5db9e747d2df52cc8","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-971","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-969",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffrom-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--cover.jpg"]