Jin Feng nodded and said, "Yes and no. When Miss Yan returned to the brothel, she still used the name of a junior teacher. Although she was delayed for a few years and did not have a name or a senior teacher to take care of her, she gained the title of the adopted daughter of the military advisor, so naturally many people came to see her. As a result, her value naturally rose."
Tang Yu said, "But you said the military advisor was assassinated in November. It's only been three months, and she's already famous. Doesn't that mean she's already been arrested before the military advisor's body is even cold?"
Jin Feng smiled and said, "If we were loyal and righteous, then we wouldn't be like this."
Tang Yu smiled and nodded: "You're quite frank!"
He picked up his teacup and looked at Mu Xing again: "Young Master Mu, have you heard the end of the good story?"
Mu Xing naturally knew he meant to leave, so she stood up first. But just as she stood up, a sudden inspiration struck her, and she asked, "What is the full name of the Miss Yan you mentioned earlier? And which brothel does she live in?"
She only just realized that the warlord advisor mentioned in the story was none other than Andrew! And the heroine of the story, of course, was undoubtedly a beauty!
Tang Yu and Jin Feng were surprised when Mu Xing suddenly asked this question.
Mu Xing touched the tip of his nose and added awkwardly, "The story was so interesting that I got caught up in it and wanted to see her face too."
Jin Feng had no choice but to say, "Miss Yan's full name is Bai Yan, and she is from Yuhua Book House."
Bai Yan, Bai Yan.
Brightness and purity are called white, and good appearance and fresh color are called radiant.
After carefully considering the two words, Mu Xing couldn't help but sigh. These two words were vastly different, yet when combined, no one but her could truly embody them.
Seeing that Jin Feng was somewhat displeased, Mu Xing naturally couldn't ask where Yu Hua's study was. After exchanging a few polite words, it was time to pay for the tea.
Jin Feng had just explained the rules of the various brothels to them, and now she took out three small Yuan coins from her pocket, dropped them into the fruit plate with a "clang" as "plate money." She then took out another coin and handed it to Jin Feng separately, saying, "This is for you."
Jin Feng was overjoyed and thanked them profusely. She then personally brought a basin of water and soap, helped the two of them wipe their hands, put on their coats, and then sent them out.
Just as they reached the door, Jin Feng hurriedly called the two back, summoned her maid, and took two handkerchiefs from a box the maid was carrying, giving them to the two men. When she handed one to Mu Xing, her face flushed, as if she were reluctant to part with him: "Young master, you must come often."
No wonder those men are so captivated by the warmth and beauty of women in brothels, even knowing that her frankness and naivety might be feigned, even knowing that this girl has squinty eyes. Faced with such a plea, it's hard to say no.
Mu Xing had no choice but to give her a perfunctory reply—no wonder those men could lie so easily without batting an eye.
Mu Xing was in a great mood after leaving the bookstore.
Although I didn't meet the beauty this time, I learned her name, which is a satisfactory conclusion.
Just as she was about to continue exploring, Mu Xing glanced at her watch and realized it was almost lunchtime, which startled her.
My mother is probably at home. If we happen to run into her, and she's dressed as a man, wouldn't we catch her red-handed?
With this in mind, Mu Xing had no choice but to bid farewell to Young Master Tang.
Young Master Tang said, "Young Master Mu and I hit it off immediately. Please leave your phone number. There will be a banquet at my house this weekend, and it will be convenient to invite you."
Mu Xing hurriedly took out a pen and notepad from his pocket and wrote down his home phone number.
As she wrote, she secretly thought that they must meet again. Now that she knew the beauty's name, it must be fate that they were destined to meet. No matter what, they should meet her formally.
Chapter Nine
After saying goodbye to Tang Yu, Mu Xing hurried back to Mu Garden, just in time for lunch.
Dr. Mu went on a house call, so Mrs. Mu was invited to the main house for a meal by Mu Xing's aunt. They happened to run into Mu Xing, who was dressed in men's clothing, rushing back. Naturally, she was given a lecture.
"How old are you? All you ever think about is going out and having fun. If you want to have fun, fine. If you invite Yining and the others to get together or go shopping, I won't say anything. But you, I don't know what you've been up to..." Madam Mu said irritably, "Go upstairs and change your clothes!"
"Okay, okay..." Mu Xing was about to go upstairs when Madam Mu suddenly called out to her again: "Did you and Yi Ning have a fight?"
Mu Xing paused for a moment, then said calmly, "No."
Mrs. Mu expressed her disbelief: "Then why did I hear from Jingye that you didn't answer her calls this morning?"
Mu Xing: "I was just joking with her... What's wrong?"
Madam Mu said, "Madam Li just called and said that Yining went out to play today, but when she came back she was crying uncontrollably. When asked what happened, she wouldn't say anything. She asked me to ask you if you know what happened."
Mu Xing frowned: "I don't know. I just went to... to see Mr. Green Water. I didn't make an appointment with her."
"Then why don't you call and ask after you finish eating? You two are good friends, so ask around and don't let the adults worry."
"Okay," Mu Xing replied and went back to her room.
After changing his clothes, Mu Xing wondered whether he should call Li Yining to ask.
She knew Li Yining too well. In the past, when they played together, if there was any minor conflict, as long as it didn't go her way, she would immediately start crying or complain to the adults, and she would cry until they apologized.
Since there were only two girls among her playmates, and all of their mothers were very strict, this tactic had always worked on Li Yining, delivering a fatal blow. She might be using the same trick again this time, hoping to get her to call them first.
The more Mu Xing thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and the angrier he became.
I didn't do anything wrong, so I'm not going to take the initiative to make up! This time, I have to wait for her to take the initiative.
Thinking this way, during the meal she casually told Madam Mu that Li Yining was probably still angry and she wouldn't get anything out of her, and that she would call her once she calmed down, and that's how she got away with it.
After the meal, everyone returned to the living room, where Uncle Mu announced that Tang Binglin would soon be taking office as the mayor of Wenjiang City and that he had invited the Mu family to a banquet over the weekend.
These words surprised everyone present.
Aunt Mu said, "I imagine the other families will also receive invitations, but I'm afraid it's just a test to win them over."
Madam Mu also said, "It seems that Yiqian is going to the Tang Mansion for a house call today? Brother, Yiqian never gets involved in politics. If you have any thoughts, you should let him know first."
Mu Yun paused for a moment, then asked, "Who is Tang Binglin?"
Mu Xing was startled.
His surname is Tang. He was just transferred to Wenjiang. There's a gathering this weekend!
Could that young master Tang Yu be the son of the new mayor?
She couldn't help but want to cover her face. The first time she met this person, they actually went to a brothel together!
Faced with so many questions, Uncle Mu was getting a headache and could only choose the simplest one to answer: "I had contact with this Tang Binglin when I was a member of parliament. At that time, he was just a secretary of the 'Jinbao faction'. Later, he became the secretary-general of the Fuhui City government and even served as acting mayor during the 27-year battle. He also made quite a few achievements. After the assassination case last year, the former mayor resigned, and he was able to be transferred to Wenjiang."
He said, "I have been out of politics for many years. Although Minister Mu is in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he is not the target of our power. Even the Mu family is not among the top in Wenjiang. Although the world is not peaceful, we should just live peacefully and avoid our sharp edge, so as not to bring trouble upon ourselves."
In summary, it all boils down to "take care of yourself."
Mu Xing whispered, "What if they insist on causing us trouble?" Like, they might think your niece brought people to a brothel, damaging our reputation, or something like that…
Uncle Mu glanced at her and said in a deep voice, "Our Mu family is not yet at the point where we can be slaughtered by others."
After giving instructions on the arrangements for the day of the banquet, Uncle Mu asked about Mu Yun's studies, and Mu Yun answered truthfully.
Uncle Mu said, “There are only three of you children in the family. Your eldest brother, Mu Qing, has his own ideas and followed in my footsteps. As for you, you, like your uncle, have studied medicine. Although A-Xuan has also studied medicine, she will get married sooner or later. Only you can inherit your uncle’s mantle.”
Upon hearing this, Mu Xing remembered what her second brother had said about continuing to study medicine. Taking advantage of her mother's conversation with her aunt and not being noticed, she whispered, "What if I also want to continue studying medicine? How about taking the entrance exam for Peking Union Medical College like my second brother?"
My uncle smiled and said, "If you have such determination and can endure hardship, I will definitely support you."
"Really?" Mu Xing exclaimed excitedly.
The uncle nodded: "When have I ever lied to you? Even if your in-laws don't agree, as long as you want it, your uncle will stand up for you."
Mu Yun whispered from the side, "My aunt will definitely be the first to object. Dad, can you still make the decision?"
Uncle Mu coughed and said, "Well, we should definitely ask your aunt's opinion first."
"Hmph!" Mu Xing immediately deflated.
According to her mother, even if Youcheng confessed and broke off the engagement, there would definitely be a second or third engagement waiting for her. She would never let her continue her studies, especially not to Peking Union Medical College, which would be a boarding school for five years.
Although she had previously made grand pronouncements about being determined to do what she wanted, in reality, things were not that simple from any perspective.
"But Ah Xuan, didn't you say you were going to practice medicine at Minkang Hospital?" Uncle Mu continued, "You're busy with your wedding lately, does that still stand?"
Mu Xing came back to life: "Of course it counts!"
Minkang Medical Clinic is a business owned by the Mu family. Before returning to China, her plan was to marry Song Youcheng and then practice medicine at the clinic, which would be considered a successful career. Now... marriage is impossible, but her career still needs to be developed.
Uncle Mu said, “I have discussed this matter with your father. Minkang Hospital has a charity hall that is used to treat patients who cannot afford medical treatment. It can diagnose some simple illnesses and administer medicine. Now that it is spring and summer, diseases are prone to occur, and there are always not enough people. Your father wants you to be a substitute doctor, providing consultations from seven o'clock in the morning to eleven o'clock in the morning. This is an opportunity for you to hone your skills. Are you willing?”
Mu Xing was inspired to study medicine after witnessing her aunt's suffering from illness. Although her goal was to become an attending physician, she knew she lacked experience and it wasn't the right time to officially practice medicine. Now that she had such an opportunity to put her knowledge into practice, she was naturally very happy.
"Of course I'm willing, I'm sure I can do it!" she said excitedly.
The conversation about banquet attire at the other end of the living room suddenly stopped.
"Hmm? What are you doing? What are you all talking about?" Aunt Mu asked.
Madam Mu also kept a close watch on Mu Xing, fearing that she might cause another mishap.
Mu Xing was so frightened that he immediately shut up and whispered, "Uncle, you and my father discussed it, but did you also discuss it with my mother?"
Uncle Mu: "...I forgot."
Mu Yun, who was standing next to them, sighed considerately on their behalf.
Fortunately, although Madam Mu felt sorry for her daughter, she was not a stubborn or inflexible person. No one knows a daughter better than her mother, and she naturally understood how important practicing medicine was to her daughter. She readily agreed to Mu Xing's request.
only…
"Remember to be careful! Be especially careful with contagious diseases! Or just let another experienced doctor diagnose you, so you don't cause any more trouble, okay?"
"Your father and I went to see that charity clinic. There were a lot of people seeking medical advice in the morning. Don't overwork yourself, okay?"
"And when you prescribe medicine or give injections, don't make a mistake or randomly prick people with needles. They're there to get treatment, not to suffer..."
Mu Xing helplessly covered his head: "Oh, I know, stop talking! I did go to university, after all!"
Madam Mu added, "Remember to visit the Song family in a couple of days. Make sure you have that day free for me, understand?"
Mu Xing: "...Oh."
Despite the helplessness, at least one aspect of Mu Xing's envisioned new life is now within reach.
Chapter Ten
Minkang Clinic was founded by Mu Xing's father, Mu Yiqian. However, because Mu Yiqian usually works at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and is busy with private consultations, the clinic's daily medical affairs are handled by internist Zhao Zheng. Mu Yiqian and another famous pediatrician only hold consultations at fixed times.
Although all three doctors were Western-trained physicians from the German and Japanese schools, for various reasons, Minkang Medical Clinic adopted a combined Chinese and Western medicine approach, and also hired two other traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Therefore, the smell of Chinese medicine mixed with the smell of disinfectant in Minkang Medical Clinic, causing dizziness and lightheadedness.
Because Mu Xing was the only female doctor among the apprentices at the charity clinic, she was assigned to examine gynecological diseases. While practicing medicine in the separately set-off charity clinic avoided the stench of medicine, she had to endure the more torturous "human odor."
Most of those who come to the charity clinic for treatment are from impoverished families. Life is already difficult enough that they have no time to worry about hygiene. However, unpleasant body odor is the least important issue; the most serious problems are the diseases caused by poor hygiene.