[{"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-985":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},2334911,4564,"Chapter 985: Returning to Huanghe Road","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-985",985,"\u003Cp>On the 27th, nearing quitting time, Mei Ping watched Miss Wang return once again to the window, her curiosity piqued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asked, “Little Wang, is something going on? You’ve gone to the window six times already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping, of course, didn’t believe it—she stood up and walked over to take a look herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, a black Santana slowly pulled over to the curb; a man in shorts and a sleeveless shirt got out, glanced over this way, pulled out a Huazhi cigarette, lit it, and strolled toward the Huangpu River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She exclaimed, “Little Wang, look quick—is that Boss Wang? Did you make plans with him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang, still seated, hadn’t even touched the chair before she sprinted back to the window, peering down. The third floor wasn’t high; she saw clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled and said, “It’s Boss Wang—he made plans with me last night to have dinner at Honglu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Last night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang nodded. “Last night I went to eat pai gu nian gao, asked you if you wanted to come along—and I ran into Boss Wang. He’d just gotten back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We chatted, and he said he used to sell lamb skewers on Huanghe Road but never ate at any restaurant there—he felt it was a shame. Now that he’s done with work and has time, he wants to try every restaurant on Huanghe Road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked if I’d join him, but he never lets people refuse—he’s given me so many achievements, how could I say no? I had nothing after work anyway, we’re all good friends, so I agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping naturally didn’t believe Miss Wang’s story—if it were really that casual, she wouldn’t have gone to the window six times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said hesitantly, “Little Wang… could you… introduce me… to Boss Wang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang didn’t mind, nodding instantly: “Of course! Just come down with me later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you so much, Little Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s nothing. But the only thing he’s connected to us with is clothing. You know—he runs his own brand, from cotton and rubber raw materials, to textile, to finished garments—he handles everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike other bosses who do contract manufacturing or private labeling. If you want to bring him business, it’ll be hard. But he’s easygoing—I can say a word for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? That’s amazing, thank you so much, Little Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang waved her hand dismissively, saw Wang Yan looking over, waved back cheerfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned and said, “Hurry up and pack up—we don’t want to keep Boss Wang waiting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.” Mei Ping nodded with a smile, following Little Wang back to their desks…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss Wang!” Even before they exited the building, still some distance away, Miss Wang called out loudly, unconcerned with onlookers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was so warm, so radiant…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did you wait long?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan looked seriously at his watch: “Twelve minutes. You saw it yourself—it wasn’t long. Who’s this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang said “Oh!” and pulled Mei Ping forward. “This is Mei Ping, my colleague and good friend. Mei Ping, this is Boss Wang—you’ve met him before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping restrained herself, smiling warmly and extending her hand: “Hello, Boss Wang. Call me Xiao Mei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled and shook her hand: “Hello, Comrade Xiao Mei.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Miss Wang could speak, Wang Yan said, “Since you’re Miss Wang’s friend, if you need anything, come to me. I’ll help if I can—if I can’t, don’t blame me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping nodded: “That’s right, Boss Wang—I have a small order but can’t find a factory. Could you recommend a reliable one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not being honest. You’re Miss Wang’s colleague, working at No. 27 too—there’s no shortage of people here doing export orders for dollars. And as for recommending reliable factories? I truly can’t do that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though I’m in clothing, I don’t interact much with competitors. My factories only produce for my own brand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan shook his head, glanced at Miss Wang, then turned to Mei Ping, whose face was now strained and awkward, and said, “Here’s what I’ll do: my clothing brand is entering South Africa soon. Miss Wang doesn’t need this order, but you clearly do. Handle the paperwork—it’ll count as your achievement, and I’ll be helping you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang nodded. She didn’t need this order—she’d just heard from Hongyun’s finance department that Hongyun’s brand was entering Europe…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She clapped her hands: “It’s settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping nodded gratefully: “Thank you so much, Boss Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You should thank Miss Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh come on, we’re friends—no need to be formal.” Miss Wang waved her hand, cutting off Mei Ping’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, I should thank you.” Mei Ping smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan said, “Then, Comrade Xiao Mei, we’ll be off. Goodbye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Goodbye, Boss Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping smiled brightly, watching them get in the car and drive away, waving until her smile vanished, replaced by the same gloom as in the drama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan’s help only made her feel worse. It all came down to three words: “Why not me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She worked hard at No. 27 too—why was Miss Wang’s performance better? Why was Jin Hua her master? Why did Miss Wang have Bao Zong first, then Wang Zong? Why did she receive gifts and frequent upscale venues?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the root of her envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be fair, Miss Wang did have connections—otherwise how could Jin Hua be her master? But beyond that, Miss Wang had her own strengths; her connections weren’t sky-high—if she weren’t capable, she’d only be relatively better, not as outstanding as she is now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei Ping had never thought of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most antagonists share this trait: they never look inward for problems, only see others’ advantages—it’s unsustainable…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s Mei Ping? She’s my best friend at No. 27,” Miss Wang asked cheerfully from the passenger seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan answered honestly: “She’s ambitious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course—everyone at No. 27 is ambitious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I mean, be careful. Don’t tell her everything. Ambition is fine—but what if she climbs up by stepping on you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Impossible. She’s not like that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In past struggles, before spies were exposed, many people said ‘impossible.’ But the outcome often left everyone stunned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan said, “I’m not questioning your judgment in making friends—I’m telling you: once you grow up, you can’t go back to childhood. At all times, speak carefully, stay alert. Comrade doesn’t always mean ally—there are always hidden enemies. You must know who’s who.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang pursed her lips, unimpressed: “Again, you’re just looking out for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I am. Miss Wang, understand—I’m a boss with real clout, traveled domestic and international, met countless people. Do you think I’d waste time chatting with everyone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know all this—Uncle Ye told me too.” Miss Wang grew impatient, changing the subject. “Oh come on, Boss Wang, you’re humble—you’re a real big boss, not just ‘some boss with clout.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You didn’t hear a word.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang pouted, still defiant, but didn’t press further. She patted the seat: “You’re such a big boss now—why still drive a Santana? Everyone’s driving a BMW now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A car’s just transportation. I’m fine with this one. Haven’t you noticed the seats are different? Or the steering wheel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, now that you mention it—the seats are really comfortable. Did you switch the steering wheel to wood? Is it sturdy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course it’s sturdy. The structure’s standard—just the grip is solidly carved from Qing-dynasty huanghuali antique furniture. The seats? I had them custom-made outside, then had SAIC engineers modify them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan liked modifying his Santana—it felt right, tasted right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That must’ve cost a lot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still cheaper than a BMW.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then Boss Wang really knows how to enjoy life—driving a Santana, low-key, yet more comfortable than other cars.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled: “I knew you had good taste.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps something amusing came to mind—Miss Wang laughed happily…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Miss Wang said, Wang Yan really was a big boss now—he was China’s richest man. He’d also accumulated real influence, mostly from his time in the Soviet Union collecting inheritances, plus some domestic contacts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he kept a low profile. Most people only heard rumors, secondhand or thirdhand, knowing only that there was a boss who was incredibly powerful, made a fortune in the Soviet Union, did big things, bought and sold anything. No one knew the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Bao knew Wang Yan was powerful—he’d heard vague stories—but how powerful exactly? He had no idea. He wouldn’t have connected Wang Yan to the legendary figure unless he’d seen how, in just a year and a half, Wang Yan’s clothing brand opened direct stores across nearly every major Chinese city—and even overseas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew people who’d gotten rich in the Soviet Union, but none as wildly successful as Wang Yan—this wasn’t just smuggling goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Wang Yan only benefited from being in a special era. Even if he’d built slowly, without using Daliwan, just developing seasonings and iced tea drinks, he’d still have accumulated wealth—just slower. If he’d grown organically, reaching his current status would’ve taken five, seven, or even eight years…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As dusk fell, Huanghe Road remained Huanghe Road. Though Wang Yan hadn’t been here in nearly two years, nothing had changed—it was still mesmerizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu still leaned against the window of his small pavilion, a cigarette dangling from his lips, grinning as he watched passersby and traffic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, he turned and saw a Santana pull up beside his pavilion. He didn’t care—just like when Boss Wang once sold skewers here, as long as it didn’t block his entrance or steal his business, he didn’t mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of Boss Wang, Jing Xiu glanced at his own shorts and sleeveless shirt, pinched the fabric, and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered clearly: March 1990, right here, Boss Wang said, “You say waves end—but I say one wave follows another. Jing Xiu, can I ride the next wave?” Back then, he’d replied, “Oh wow, Boss Wang, you’ll go from Boss Wang to Boss Wang Zong! Boss Zong, smoke Zhonghua.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He heard clearly: Boss Wang’s question was phrased as doubt, but spoken with certainty. He didn’t believe it then—just out of politeness, he’d played along, since Boss Wang had just taken on over a dozen thugs—he was scared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected Boss Wang to return to his pavilion. Instead, he only heard rumors: Boss Wang opened a store! Boss Wang hired workers! Boss Wang got into clothing! Boss Wang started logistics! Boss Wang has a Hong Kong branch! Boss Wang made a fortune in the Soviet Union! Boss Wang’s clothing brand sold out! Boss Wang sued Nike! Boss Wang sponsored the national team!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boss Wang never returned to Huanghe Road—but Huanghe Road never stopped talking about Boss Wang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the dim 20-watt bulb inside the pavilion, beside Jing Xiu’s hand lay a stack of newspapers: Southern Weekend, China Youth Daily, Shanghai local papers—all with identical front-page headlines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chinese Brands, Empowering Chinese Athletes, Fulfilling the Chinese Dream. Cheers for the Olympics, Go China! Hongyun Apparel: Wishing the Chinese Olympic Team, Shine Brightly! Win Great Results!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, a full-page photo: the entire Barcelona-bound team—118 male athletes, 133 female athletes, coaches, support staff—each name listed with birth date and hometown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jing Xiu was still thinking, the Santana’s door opened—it was Boss Wang, the very man he’d just been pondering. His eyes widened: in the passenger seat, getting out, was Miss Wang. These two knew each other—and were out alone? He never imagined it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss… Brother Wang? Miss Wang.” Jing Xiu waved, unsure how to address Wang Yan. Seeing Wang Yan smile and nod, he followed suit: “Brother Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped out of the pavilion: “Long time no see, Brother Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You too, Jing Xiu. You’re doing well?” Wang Yan patted his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I haven’t changed. But you, Brother Wang—I’ve heard nothing but legends about you on Huanghe Road.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just lucky—caught a good era, a good wave. Oh wow, Jing Xiu, you’re supporting my business!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu grinned: “Never thought Brother Wang would be this successful—and still dressed like me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s hot. Comfort and coolness matter most. In weather like this, suits and ties would suffocate you. Besides, I don’t even wear my own clothes—it’d be inappropriate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I saw your news—front pages everywhere. Did you buy all the newspapers in China? Huge move, Brother Wang—such publicity, you can’t help but get rich.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What news?” Miss Wang was confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh wow, Miss Wang—the papers are full of it! Boss Wang sponsored our Olympic team—news everywhere!” Jing Xiu hurried to the window, grabbed the stack of newspapers, “Look, Miss Wang—all brand new.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang flipped through them, muttering to herself: “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her muttering wasn’t quiet, and Wang Yan smiled as he replied, “Maybe you’re just busy with work, or maybe you don’t read newspapers. I’ve bought plenty of news—there’s more coming in a few days. You’ll see it sooner or later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu asked curiously, “Brother Wang, how did you and Miss Wang meet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s quite a coincidence—but also inevitable. After I left here, I met Boss Bao. Miss Wang knows Boss Bao too. We were bound to meet eventually.” Wang Yan explained, yet didn’t really explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu understood, yet didn’t understand. He smiled and changed the subject: “You haven’t come to Huanghe Road in two years, Brother Wang. So why are you here with Miss Wang today…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course we’re here to eat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Wang’s right—we’re here to eat,” Wang Yan chuckled. “You know, Jing Xiu, I’ve only eaten at Jin Meilin here, and I didn’t even pay. All the other restaurants—I haven’t tried a single one. Honestly, I built my life here, yet I’ve barely eaten at any of these places. It feels incomplete. That’s why I’m here—to make it right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, I’ve been here three years too, and I haven’t eaten at a single one. When I get rich like you, Brother Wang, I’ll treat myself properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why wait? Come with me now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no, no, Brother Wang—you and Miss Wang eat. I’d feel awkward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan shook his head with a smile and patted his arm. “Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From start to finish, Jing Xiu never once said “Boss Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu watched with a smile as Wang Yan and Miss Wang, holding a stack of newspapers, entered Honglu. Then he returned to the pavilion and said to the waiting waitress: “Slipping off again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, Brother Jing Xiu, I’m here to buy cigarettes for the guests. You can’t interrupt when you’re talking, right? That was Miss Wang, wasn’t it? Who’s the man with her? Has Miss Wang and Boss Bao broken up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t talk nonsense. Miss Wang is Miss Wang, Boss Bao is Boss Bao, understand?” Jing Xiu said seriously, then added, “That man? You know Boss Wang, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t he the guy next to you grilling lamb skewers? That’s him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jing Xiu nodded with a smile. “Old news. Why bring that up? Boss Wang’s a big shot—you’ve heard of him, haven’t you? Huanghe Road’s going to get lively again. Now, if you don’t find your customers, they’ll complain, and your boss will dock your pay. What cigarettes do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhonghua.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I remember China’s 1988 Olympic results weren’t great. If you’re launching this massive campaign and the results are bad again, won’t you lose money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s about perspective, Comrade Xiao Wang,” Wang Yan shook his head. “I’m a sports brand. Supporting our nation’s athletic endeavors is what I’m supposed to do. Should I stop if I lose money? Besides, last time we failed, we learned lessons. This time will be better. And I’ve lost so much already—what’s one more loss on publicity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if we fail again, I refuse to believe we won’t win a single gold. Promotion’s about strategy. Few champions? Highlight individuals. Many champions? Highlight teams and individuals alike. Overall, it’s hardly a loss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss Wang has the highest awareness,” Miss Wang raised her thumb, then asked, “Did your company send people along?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. We need photos, personal interviews, documentaries, and logistical support. I even set up a dedicated media company to showcase athletes’ front and back stages—including their families, teachers, classmates, friends—all interviewed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Basketball and soccer seem to have the biggest impact. Why not just start your own team? It wouldn’t cost much, and if they win, your returns will be huge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why the sudden idea about starting a team?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know Fan Zhiyi? He’s on the Shanghai soccer team, lives upstairs from me, calls me ‘Big Sister.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled and nodded. “You’ve got a point. I’ll have someone organize it—get teams for both basketball and soccer. The name…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Shanghai Hongyun. What’s there to think about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan laughed. “You’re right. It’ll be Shanghai Hongyun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a few sentences, they’d walked a distance, crossed the street, and arrived at Honglu Restaurant’s entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Miss Wang isn’t here with Boss Bao today? And this gentleman…” The manager, Ruth, recognized Wang Yan and paused. “Aren’t you Boss Wang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan grinned. “If I remember right, you’re Ruth?” Ruth had once bought lamb skewers from him too—Jing Xiu had told him she’d asked for extra skewers, secretly enjoying them behind his stall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Boss Wang, you’ve got a great memory! Quick, quick—Boss Wang is a distinguished guest! Come in, come in! If you don’t mind waiting a moment, all private rooms are full, but we’ll clear one for you soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you want a private room?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Wang shook her head. “No need to trouble them. You didn’t reserve ahead, and it’s just the two of us—private room would be wasteful. Ruth, we’ll take a regular table. By the window.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan raised one eyebrow at Ruth, turning slightly toward Miss Wang. “Whatever she says. Bring your signature dishes. Two of us—eight dishes, one soup.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just serve the food. Your portions are small. Boss Wang’s a big eater—he won’t waste anything,” Miss Wang kindly explained to the slightly bewildered Ruth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood, Boss Wang, Miss Wang. This way, please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a famous restaurant like this, of course not all private rooms are open to guests. The same goes for hotel rooms, hospital beds, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ruth said they’d clear a private room soon, she was actually stepping away to call the boss and request the reserved private room for Boss Wang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan didn’t doubt this for a second. The owner of Honglu had never appeared—mysterious, intriguing—but to the street vendor Wang Wang, it was just business. To the now-expanded Wang Wang, it was even more so.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the dishes came quickly. They’d barely sat down and exchanged a few words before beautifully plated courses arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan and Miss Wang were truly here to eat: each had a bottle of drink, ordered rice, and started right away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Yan nod, Miss Wang said, “I told you so. The flavor’s excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s better than mine. Alright, Miss Wang—you’ve got a good palate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got a tongue, you know?” Miss Wang rolled her eyes. “Honestly, you don’t need to eat at every restaurant. Huanghe Road? Only a dozen or so are worth it. Stick to the busy ones—they’re never the worst. Over a hundred restaurants here, and someone’s always renovating—that says something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right, but I still need to try. Who knows? Maybe a great restaurant’s been buried for some reason. Our country’s huge, full of talent—don’t underestimate it. If I hadn’t tried, I’d never have eaten pork ribs with rice cake. And how would our five meetings have ever begun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right—we really are fated. We’ve met five times. I come here three or four times a week, usually with three or four free days, and you always show up when I do. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you wait for me to arrive, then drive off to the ribs-and-cake place. Do you think we’ll meet again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who knows? But we’re already so familiar. Maybe instead of this, I’ll just call you when I want ribs-and-cake, and pick you up together. What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think you’re right,” Miss Wang nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tomorrow we’ll try Jin Baxian. Want to come?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No. Once or twice is fine, but eating out every day with you? That’s breaking rules. You told me to be careful and restrained, and now you’re getting me to break them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You forgot? I know your deputy director.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, please don’t. That’s a whole other level of trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Yan smiled, said nothing, and turned to look out the window: “It was fine when we came. Now it’s raining.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got a car—convenient,” Miss Wang said. “You said yesterday you’d cook at Yedongjing. When?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s no good without everyone. I heard Boss Bao’s coming back soon. I’ll ask Lingzi and see what she says.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You know, Boss Wang, it’s strange—just yesterday you said you’d cook to help me remember the taste, and now I feel like I’m forgetting it already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my, forgetting so fast? Then I’d better hurry—deepening your memory can’t wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two chatted idly like this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shanghai gets plenty of rain; people are used to it. So even in the rain, Huanghe Road’s bustle wasn’t much affected. Likewise, news of Boss Wang’s return—now a celebrated figure—spread, and old stories resurfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Meilin watched the heavy rain outside, gazing at the faint figures by Honglu’s window. Nasty memories surged—she felt irritated…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pork ribs and rice cake shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was on Yunnan South Road, once bustling. But at small shops like this, rain inevitably hurt business. The owner, with nothing to do, cleared the tables, pulled up a stool, lit a cigarette, and watched the street with interest. Some people got soaked; others sat in cars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, the rain grew heavier, drenching those unprepared and without cars. Some ran; others let the rain soak them, walking calmly through it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The owner didn’t find any deep meaning in the rain. He just thought of Miss Wang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a day just like this, Miss Wang walked calmly into the shop. She always smiled so brightly. First words: “The usual.” Second: “Has Boss Wang been here yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d watched her grow up. When he took over the shop, she was just a teenager. He knew exactly how often she came—his count was precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the past six months, he’d noticed she came more often—four or five days a week. He’d heard that same conversation countless times—surely over a hundred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew: she was waiting for another meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>",3713,"2026-06-20T21:08:55.377Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9a0a86cfeb29e7636ee8b9508e17e7b9a00ebd67d722f970eae5cf786c29f1a7","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-986","from-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--chapter-984",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffrom-the-god-of-medicine-a-journey-through-film--cover.jpg"]