Chapter 717  : Danger in the World

Armed with the experience from their first surgery, the second procedure went much more smoothly and commenced without delay.

Their arrival stirred a buzz within the military camp.

A young soldier, who happened to pass by and see Chu Qingzhi carrying a tray of various surgical knives, whispered mysteriously, “Do you guys have any idea what Miss Qingzhi and the two divine doctors are doing inside that tent?” The soldiers around him shook their heads in unison, “No idea. But judging by your tone, you do?”

The young soldier shook his head solemnly, “I don’t. But I saw all these knives, each one bizarrely shaped and seemingly razor-sharp…”

The soldiers exchanged glances, their imaginations running wild, scaring themselves with their own thoughts.

“I’ve never seen a doctor need so many knives for treatment. What exactly are they doing in there?”

“Why don’t we ask your scout friend to take a look?”

“He’s off duty now. I’ll go fetch him.”

At this moment, Fang Zerong approached, “What are you all discussing?” The soldiers hurriedly shared their observations and speculations with Fang Zerong, who immediately headed towards the surgery tent, “Miss Qingzhi, may I come in to observe?”

Chu Qingzhi explained that entering now would bring in too many germs, which could adversely affect recovery post-surgery, “Not this time. You can come in during the next one.”

Fang Zerong readily agreed, “Alright.”

The soldier who had spoken earlier approached cautiously, “Physician Fang, what exactly is Miss Qingzhi doing? All those knives look quite terrifying.” ’ “She’s healing and saving lives,” Fang Zerong thought for a moment and said, “Did you see the condition of the three who came to the camp earlier?” “Yes, two of them had deformed legs and couldn’t walk, and one had a twisted broken arm.” ’

“Do you believe that after Miss Qingzhi treats them, they’ll recover to normal?” “If it were anyone else, I’d doubt it given the severity of their injuries. But if it’s Miss Qingzhi, I believe it.”

Chu Qingzhi’s medical skills had deeply impressed and gained the trust of everyone.

Fang Zerong patted the young soldier on the chest with the back of his hand,

“Just wait and see.”

The soldier still had doubts, “But what are all those knives for?”

Fang Zerong waved his hand, “I don’t know either. I’ll find out when I go in.” “Physician Fang, after you find out, could you share with us? We’re all very curious.”

“Ok.”

Fengxin County.

Chu Xuhua, accompanied by Li Zhangjie, went to Fengxin County to discuss the rice wine business. They closed two deals on the way, which delayed them, and by the time they entered the city, it was already afternoon.

The two headed directly to the largest restaurant in the county town to meet with the shopkeeper.

Coincidentally, the shopkeeper was in the midst of discussing wine business with a butler from the Lin family-the same Lin family where Lin Yingmin had been fostered and also Lin Wanning’s family.

Chu Xuhua brought out his family’s rice wine, poured it into two bowls, one for the shopkeeper and one for the Lin family’s butler, and said, “Please, have a taste.”

Those who venture out for business were adept at navigating delicate situations. Although the butler from the Lin family was displeased, he accepted the wine courteously, secretly eager to discover its quality.

To his surprise, upon tasting, he found himself somewhat intoxicated The wine was even better than the finest he had ever had, making his own supply seem inferior.

The shopkeeper, with decades of experience and having tasted scores of different wines, could tell a good wine from just a sip. The rice wine from Chu Xuhua stirred his interest immediately.

Given that the restaurant’s reputation was built on its selection of wines, a good wine could significantly enhance its standing.

“You seem unfamiliar. Where are you from? Did you brew this wine yourself or…?” ’

Chu Xuhua replied with a clear voice, “I am Chu Xuhua, from Shuiyun County Tins yellow wine is brewed by my family. If you purchase in bulk and on a long­term basis, we can offer significant discounts.”

The shopkeeper pondered, feeling rhe name Chu Xuhua somewhat familiar, “Isn’t your family the one that organized the food festival?”

Chu Xuhua smiled, “Yes, the food festival was indeed organized by my sister.” Butler Lin, feeling somewhat slighted as the shopkeeper seemed more interested in Chu Xuhua’s offer, interjected, “But I came first.”

The shopkeeper responded diplomatically, “My restaurant does not limit itself to one type of wine. Since your products are different, purchasing from him does not affect our dealings. Don’t worry, butler.”

The butler, seasoned in business, recognized this as a polite dismissal but couldn’t retort, knowing well the consequences of souring potential business relations.

Chu Xuhua thought to himself that perhaps it would have been wiser to enter later. There was no need to offend anyone in the business.

Next time, he would be more cautious.

“How shall we proceed?” the shopkeeper asked.

Chu Xuhua, seeking to ease the tension, suggested, “Since we arrived later, you should talk with the butler first. We haven’t had our meal yet and will go eat first.”

The shopkeeper, impressed by Chu Xuhua’s tact, instructed his staff, “Take Manager Chu to the main hall for a meal. Serve them our best dishes and wine.”

“Right away.”

In the mam hall, Chu Xuhua and Li Zhangjie sat down to eat. The waiter swiftly served their dishes, “Please enjoy your meal, gentlemen.”

“Thankyou,” Chu Xuhua said to Li Zhangjie, “Let’s eat.”

Li Zhangjie, picking up his chopsticks but not reaching for the dishes, asked, “Brother, do you think the shopkeeper will buy our wine?”

Chu Xuhua, having observed the shopkeeper’s reaction, felt there was a seventy percent chance of success. Yet, without a written agreement, anything could change.

“In business, there’s always a chance of failure. We just do our best,” he advised.

Li Zhangjie nodded in agreement.

After their meal, the shopkeeper invited them to a private room to continue discussions. Butler Li had already left.

“Manager Chu, I’m very interested in your rice wine. Shall we talk?”

“Sure.”

After negotiating the price, quantity, and delivery schedule, the only remaining issue was the shopkeeper’s desire to see the brewing workshop in Shuiyun County for assurance. He suggested his son accompany Chu Xuhua to inspect the facilities before signing the contract.

Chu Xuhua agreed, though he had other places to visit. They arranged for the shopkeeper’s son to visit Shuiyun County at a later date, to which the shopkeeper consented.

Though Butler Lin had left, he kept tabs on the restaurant, frustrated to see the shopkeeper favor Chu Xuhua’s offer over his. An outsider daring to compete in local business was intolerable to him.

Convinced of the need to teach Chu Xuhua a lesson about the harsh realities of the world, he scoffed.

“Hmph!”

Chu Xuhua, unaware of Butler Lin’s malicious intentions, was puzzled when his subsequent business discussions were abruptly dismissed as soon as he mentioned his name, leaving him bewildered.