Chapter 51: Of All Things, Why Must It Be Healing?

The sky outside grew increasingly bright, and Qiao Qingyun was not the type to be content with idling alone within the residence. Though she had studied acupuncture, the advancements of modern technology meant she had picked up quite a few other skills—such as surgical techniques, for instance.

As she stepped outside, Qingluo continued to follow close by. Having just helped Qiao Qingyun tend to her wounds, Qingluo had seen how severe they truly were—bruises mottled her skin, painting a grim picture. It was not difficult to imagine how ruthless Yuan Zaichun’s methods had been.

Fortunately, Qiao Qingyun seemed unharmed in spirit.

“What would you like to do today, madam—miss? Have you decided?” Qingluo inquired.

“I have,” Qiao Qingyun replied. “Now that the restaurant is established and can serve as a steady source of income, it’s time to open a clinic.”

“A clinic?” Qingluo was taken aback. Why open a clinic at a time like this?

“Yes. I can’t spend my days cooped up in the residence. If I do, my abilities will never reach their full potential, wouldn’t you agree?” Qiao Qingyun laughed radiantly. She made her way straight to the Hundred Flowers Pavilion to visit Feng Ke.

“Oh, my little beauty, you have no idea! These past days, the two shops have been packed to the brim!” Feng Ke exclaimed.

“Really?” Qiao Qingyun had paid little attention to her own businesses lately, her mind wholly preoccupied with plans for the clinic. Still, she was pleased to hear Feng Ke’s good news.

“We have many more dishes to introduce. When the time comes, I’ll have Qingluo teach the staff—who knows, our profits might soar even higher.”

“That might just drive every other eatery out of business!” Feng Ke laughed heartily. Qiao Qingyun simply smiled. “After all, you’re the real owner behind the scenes. As long as you remain unharmed, and no one tries to assassinate you, I’ll be safe too, right?”

“Naturally.”

Feng Ke’s appreciation for Qiao Qingyun had only deepened. At first, he’d thought of her as merely a beautiful girl, pleasing to the eye. He had never imagined she possessed such a shrewd business mind. Now, he found himself growing ever more envious of Yuan Zaichun.

“Have some tea,” Feng Ke offered, pouring a cup for her. As Qiao Qingyun reached for it, he caught her wrist, only to notice the dark bruises left by Yuan Zaichun the night before. Feng Ke frowned.

“What happened here?”

“Let go. Don’t touch it,” Qiao Qingyun pulled her hand away at once, sensitive about her injuries and unwilling for anyone to know. Feng Ke realized his mistake and chuckled awkwardly. “Ah, my apologies, I was too forward.”

“It’s nothing. I actually came here today to tell you—I intend to open a clinic.”

“A clinic?” Feng Ke was startled. He recalled that Qiao Qingyun had some medical knowledge, but there were already many clinics in the city. How could a small new one hope to thrive?

“I’m afraid that won’t be easy.”

“Oh?” Qiao Qingyun looked at him, puzzled. Why would opening a clinic be so difficult?

“So, you’re unwilling to help?” she said, a hint of displeasure in her tone. Feng Ke did not refuse outright. “It’s just that there are already so many clinics here. With all your profitable ventures, why wade into such muddy waters?”

“Whether it’s worth it or not is for me to decide. I hope you’ll consider it carefully—if we cooperate, we’ll share the profits in the end.”

“To be honest, I’d rather the clinic didn’t make money at all,” Qiao Qingyun admitted. Feng Ke, too, was candid. After a moment’s thought, he said, “This time, I won’t be able to offer much help—only point out which plots of land are promising, which shops have good prospects. How does that sound?”

Feng Ke, a seasoned hand in commerce, understood well that it was difficult to profit from a clinic. Most ailments were either too minor to require a doctor, or too severe for any doctor to cure.

“That’s all I need,” Qiao Qingyun replied with ease. As long as someone could lend a helping hand, she would not be left isolated or ostracized.

“Very well. Since you insist, even if I don’t quite understand your reasoning, I’ll assist you as best I can.”

With that, Feng Ke clapped twice. Gone was his usual air of frivolity, replaced by a steadier composure, and Qiao Qingyun viewed him with newfound respect.

A servant quickly brought in a map, detailing the entire layout of the capital—including some of Feng Ke’s private holdings.

Qiao Qingyun was surprised. Why reveal so much at once?

“No need for curiosity,” Feng Ke said. “Originally, I meant to discuss locations for new branches, but since you’re set on this, here’s a two-story shop that’s sat vacant for some time.”

“You’re giving it to me?” Qiao Qingyun asked shamelessly.

“Giving it to you? It’s expensive! Three hundred taels of silver—though that’s only a few days’ turnover now, it’s still not easy to acquire, and after deducting expenses, there’s little left.”

“So what are you suggesting?”

“The shop can be yours, but the money will be deducted from your earnings.”

“Agreed,” Qiao Qingyun answered without hesitation. After all, it wouldn’t affect her profits in the long run.

“Miss…” Qingluo was startled, wanting to object, but seeing Qiao Qingyun’s calm expression, she held her tongue, unable to fathom her mistress’ thoughts.

“Will you show me the place?” Qiao Qingyun asked.

“Let’s go,” Feng Ke agreed, rising swiftly and summoning a servant as he strode out.

“The shop is in a good location, surrounded by residential homes. If you can draw the locals in, profits are sure to follow. Still, I can’t believe you want to open a clinic,” Feng Ke mused, finding it somewhat amusing. Of all the things she could do, why choose medicine?

“This is what I do best. Should I run restaurants for the rest of my life?” she replied. Were it not for the absence of a clinic among General Qiao’s men, she would not have rushed out like this. After all, a clear purpose and steady clientele make for the best business.

“Very well, take a look,” Feng Ke said, producing a long unused key and unlocking the shop.

The moment the door swung open, a cloud of dust greeted them.

*Cough, cough, cough.*

“Miss, cough, cough—” Qingluo quickly raised her sleeve to shield Qiao Qingyun from the dust.