Rebirth 1977 Great Era

Chapter 1034 Treating Mr. Huo with Dietary Therapy and Health Preservation (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets)

Mr. Huo did not agree immediately, but pondered for a moment:

"I need to hear your business plan first. Whether the new drug has a market depends on whether it addresses a pain point."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yan frankly stated:

“Mr. Huo may not be aware of this, but our upcoming drug has already been advertised and promoted in the market. It just hasn’t arrived in Hong Kong yet. Originally, I planned to let the manager in Hong Kong handle it alone, but after what happened today…” He glanced towards the basement, “The situation in Hong Kong is complicated. Going it alone is too risky. It’s safer to have a reliable partner.”

Seeing Mr. Huo raise an eyebrow, Fang Yan simply laid out the entire product line, from cold and flu granules and bruise ointment to unannounced gynecological menstrual regulating pills and infantile malnutrition powder, even including blood pressure lowering tea bags and health tonic wine currently under development. He specifically emphasized:

"These medicines have already undergone clinical trials in the north, especially the dehumidifying pills that are improved for the humid climate in the south. They can be put into production and launched on the market immediately."

In ordinary circumstances, revealing business plans to competitors would be a major taboo, but at this moment, everyone in Tang's villa was "one of their own."

Fang Yan and Lao Hu's company is not only theirs, but also has shares from the Ministry of Health, the Research Institute, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, and other parties. As a patriotic businessman, Mr. Huo naturally knows what is important.

Moreover, Fang Yan knew Mr. Huo's bottom line in his previous life: although he was skilled in business, he never acted recklessly on matters of principle.

“Revealing these things is not without reservation,” Fang Yan changed the subject, “but Mr. Huo should understand that our goal is not to make quick money. For example, that infantile malnutrition powder has a formula from the imperial physicians and is specifically for treating malnutrition. It will definitely have a market in the Chinese communities of Southeast Asia.” He paused, “The key is to stabilize the distribution channels and suppress the local bullies. That’s exactly what we need from Mr. Huo.”

Mr. Huo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze intense:

"Aren't you afraid I'll steal it from you?"

“I’m afraid, but I trust Mr. Huo’s vision even more.” Fang Yan looked directly at the other party. “Besides, our medicine needs your channels, and your channels need our exclusive products. This is the foundation of a win-win situation.”

The incandescent light in the living room suddenly flickered twice, as if echoing this secret business conversation.

In the distance, the orchestral music from the Huo family wedding drifted over, mingling with the aroma of herbs and the smoke of mugwort in the living room to create a peculiar atmosphere.

Mr. Huo tapped his knee with his hand, suddenly laughed, and raised his teacup in a toast:
"Send your manager over tomorrow to discuss the details. I want 30% of the profits, and I'll help you settle the dock and warehousing issues, as well as other market problems."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yan smiled in response, knowing in his heart that this was the best solution.

The problems in the market include competitors and security issues.

Outside the window, sunlight filtered through the palm leaves, casting spiderweb-like shadows on the ground. Fang Yan raised his teacup and gestured to Mr. Huo, indicating that he believed that abandoning the cooperation between Hong Kong Tongrentang and the Huo family would create a pharmaceutical business network covering Hong Kong and even Southeast Asia.

Mr. Tang and Director Liao, who were standing to the side, watched everything with smiles.

Next, the kitchen started serving the dishes, and Old Tang called out to everyone:
"Let's go, the food is ready, let's sit down and eat."

Everyone sat down at the table, and Li Chong and Deng Cai, who hadn't originally planned to sit down, were also called to sit down with them.

"These are all my comrades today," Old Tang said with a smile.

The food prepared in the kitchen of Old Tang's house is all made according to the local dialect, and consists of very light dishes.

At the very center is a bowl of sea coconut, snow pear, and lean pork soup. The soup is clear like amber, with a few slices of snow pear floating on the surface.

Next to the soup bowl is the Jade Egg, a pale yellow steamed egg garnished with bright green peas, diced carrots, and chopped shiitake mushrooms.

Next up is a classic dish of blanched Cantonese bok choy, with glistening water droplets still clinging to the stems. Drizzled with a spoonful of soy sauce heated with hot oil, the simple seasoning highlights the original flavor of the ingredients, exuding a fresh, rustic charm.

Another steamed sea bass rests quietly on a celadon plate, its body covered with finely shredded scallions and ginger, and the steamed fish soy sauce drizzled on top gleams with an amber light. The fish skin completely covers the snow-white fish flesh.

In addition, there is a stir-fry with lotus root slices, snow peas, carrot slices and fresh water chestnut slices, which are stir-fried over high heat and look quite professional.

After Fang Yan and the others sat down, another dish of dried scallop and winter melon soup was served. The winter melon was carved into a small container and filled with dried scallops, goji berries and tender winter melon cubes. The soup was milky white, and the umami flavor of the dried scallops and the sweetness of the winter melon blended perfectly. With one sip, a warm feeling slowly rose from the stomach.

The main dish is chanterelle brown rice. The distinct grains of brown rice are mixed with the unique wild aroma of chanterelle mushrooms, and a few pine nuts are sprinkled on the surface.

Its main focus is on health and wellness.

"I remember Mr. Tang eating his hometown Hunan cuisine, but I haven't seen a single dish today?" Mr. Huo picked up the soup bowl and looked at Mr. Tang with a smile.

Old Tang turned to the staff serving the dishes and asked, "Did you prepare Hunan cuisine today?"

"Yes, it's steaming in the oven. It's steamed pork ribs with yam. Dr. Fang told you to eat something light, so we specially modified the recipe," the staff member explained.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Huo smiled and glanced at Fang Yan: "So that's how it is! No wonder Old Tang's tastes have changed, it turns out that Dr. Fang is here to help."

Old Tang shook his head helplessly:
"A doctor's words are more effective than an imperial edict. I'm an old man who wants to serve the country for a few more years, so I have to listen to the professionals."

“That makes sense!” Mr. Huo laughed. “I’d like to be your neighbor for a few more years!” He then turned to Fang Yan, his eyes filled with anticipation. “Dr. Fang, could you take a look at me after dinner? My wife always says you’re amazing, that you cured her stubborn illness in just one week. I’d like to try your medical skills.”

Before he could speak in his dialect, he smiled at Director Liao and said:

"Director Liao, this small request isn't overstepping my bounds, is it? We don't need to wait in line, right?"

Director Liao waved his hand and smiled:
"Look at what you're saying! Whenever you need a consultation, just ask. You're different from other people."

Mr. Huo nodded in satisfaction at Director Liao's affirmation:

"That's good! Dr. Fang, please take a good look at me later and it would be best to customize a diet plan. My son just got married, and I suddenly feel that I'm really getting old... I still need to take good care of my health so that I can do more for my country."

Everyone laughed upon hearing this, and the atmosphere at the dinner table became even more lively.

Just then, the steamed pork ribs with yam were served, the ribs and yam glistening with oil under the light.

On the Huo family's terrace in the distance, the wedding orchestral music and the lively conversations after the meal were still going strong, while Fang Yan and his family were also starting to eat lunch.

This brown rice has both the firm texture of grains and the savory aroma of mushrooms, making it more and more flavorful the more you chew it.

This is the first time I've tried this kind of food in my dialect region. I think I might try it when I get back.

Although this meal was certainly not as lavish as the wedding, everyone here was a local, so there was no need to pretend to speak the local dialect or talk to strangers, making it a very comfortable meal.

When we were almost finished eating.

There's also a dessert.

It's probably a Hong Kong custom that the last dish served is Osmanthus Yam, with the yam cut into neat little pieces, drizzled with amber-colored osmanthus honey, and sprinkled with crushed walnut pieces.

While no one ate the local dialect, Mr. Huo showed great enthusiasm for it.

"The yam is smooth and delicate, the osmanthus honey is sweet but not cloying, and the crushed nuts add a touch of crunchiness. Not bad, not bad!"

"Old Tang's chef is quite skilled!" Mr. Huo praised the chef.

Fang Yan had tried the previous dishes, and they were indeed of a very high standard.

Old Tang said with a smile:

"The chef who cooks is from Yingbinlou Restaurant in Guangzhou. He's from my hometown in Hunan, and he was specially transferred here to take care of me."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yan understood that this was another big shot, at least a chef at the level of a state banquet chef.

Old Tang's little villa is truly a place where hidden talents reside.

At this moment, Old Tang didn't forget to remind the people in the kitchen:

"Oh, right, remember to send a copy to the comrades who are taking care of things down below as well."

"It's already been sent over," the person in charge said.

Old Tang nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.

After dinner, everyone moved to the sofa in the living room.

Mr. Huo took the initiative to sit down at the coffee table, extended his hand to show his wrist pulse, and smiled as he spoke to the other party:

"Dr. Fang, thank you for your help."

Fang Yan nodded, then sat down next to Mr. Huo and placed his hand on Mr. Huo's pulse.

At the same time, he asked Mr. Huo:
Do you usually feel uncomfortable anywhere?

Mr. Huo shook his head and said:

"That's not true."

He smiled and said:

"To be honest, if I feel unwell, I go to see Mr. Li Chunfang of Chunfang Hall in Hong Kong. His medical skills are considered very advanced in Hong Kong."

Fang Yan nodded:

"Yes, I met him and his grandson today."

Mr. Huo was taken aback and asked:

"Really? That's quite a coincidence. Did you discuss traditional Chinese medicine with him?"

Fang Yan shook his head:
"No, I didn't tell him my identity."

"I see," Mr. Huo said, suddenly understanding.

Then Fang Yan carefully observed Mr. Huo's complexion. There was a faint bluish tinge on his forehead and some white hair on both sides, but it was not serious.

"Stick your tongue out so I can see it," Fang Yan said to Mr. Huo.

Mr. Huo stuck out his tongue, and in his dialect, one could see that the coating on his tongue was thin and white, but the teeth marks on the edges were obvious.

Fang Yan asked him:
"Mr. Huo, have you been experiencing chest tightness lately? A bitter taste in your mouth when you wake up in the morning? Have you had trouble falling asleep at night, or have you been having occasional insomnia?"

Mr. Huo said:
"I don't have chest tightness, but I've had a bitter taste in my mouth for the past few days. It's been a recurring problem that I have trouble falling asleep. My father, Li Chunfang, treated me before, but it didn't make much of a difference. However, I feel that it's not a big problem anymore."

"It becomes second nature after all."

Fang Yan nodded, then asked:

Do you sometimes wake up suddenly in the middle of the night?

Mr. Huo said:
"Sometimes it does, usually it's caused by dreams, but I forget the dream as soon as I wake up and just go back to sleep. It doesn't have a big impact on my overall sleep. I drink a cup of tea or coffee during the day and I'm actually quite energetic."

"Burp!" He let out a burp right after saying that, and then quickly said to Fang Yan:

"Haha, sorry, I ate a bit too much just now. Mr. Tang's dishes are quite to my liking today."

Fang Yan smiled, let go of his left hand, and began to examine his right hand.

Then he continued to ask:

"Do you feel bloated after eating?"

Mr. Huo said:
"I ate a little too much today. I don't usually feel this way. Traditional Chinese medicine says that you should eat until you are 70% full."

Fang Yan lightly touched Mr. Huo's wrist pulse with his fingertips and continued to ask:

"Does your daily diet tend to be oily? And how often do you drink alcohol when socializing?"

Mr. Huo raised an eyebrow:
"Oh, you know, that's just how things are in Hong Kong. How can a businessman like me escape the customs? But in recent years I've deliberately restrained myself, having at most two drinking parties a week, and only drinking red wine. Old Master Li says that red wine improves blood circulation and is less harmful to the body than white wine."

Fang Yan smiled and asked again:
"What about spicy and cold dishes? Like chilled seafood or spicy hot pot?"

“I used to be greedy when I was young, but I don’t dare to do it now,” Mr. Huo said with a wry smile. “Two years ago, I ate some raw marinated mantis shrimp and had an upset stomach for three days. Ever since then, I’ve been afraid of anything frozen.” Fang Yan nodded. He noticed that the pulse was thin and wiry with a slippery quality, which confirmed that the patient had a weak spleen and dampness.

Then he asked:
"Have you been under a lot of pressure lately? When you lie in bed at night, do your thoughts churn, as if there are a thousand tangled threads you can't untangle?"

"Dr. Fang's words really hit the nail on the head!" Mr. Huo slapped his thigh. "Recently, I've been preparing for my son's wedding and negotiating several business deals. I'm thinking about everything as soon as I lie down at night. The rent for dock storage has gone up, the tariff policy for the Southeast Asian channels has changed, and I even spend ages thinking about whether the chef put too much salt in the dishes..."

He suddenly realized something and chuckled, "You see, even as I'm talking to you, I'm still going through the accounts in my head."

He chuckled softly in a dialect, then turned to ask about urination and defecation:
"Will my poop stick to the toilet bowl? And what color is my urine?"

"Hey, it's really sticky!" Mr. Huo shook his head. "I have to flush it several times. The urine isn't yellow, it's quite clear."

Dialect question again:

"If it's lunch break, do you feel heavy-headed and weak in your limbs?"

"Hey, Dr. Fang, did you install surveillance cameras?" Mr. Huo asked in surprise.

He sighed, “You’re absolutely right, especially on rainy days. After my afternoon nap, I really feel like I’m soaking in warm water, and I’m too lazy to move. But Mr. Zhao didn’t ask about that. I like to have a cup of tea after my afternoon nap, so I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Fang Yan withdrew his hand from taking the pulse and said:
"Based on your pulse and tongue symptoms, I now conclude that you currently have liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, with internal dampness and turbidity."

"When I took your pulse just now, I felt that the left Guan pulse was unusually strong, which is a sign of liver qi stagnation; the teeth marks on the sides of your tongue are obvious, which is a sign of spleen deficiency and dampness."

Seeing Mr. Huo's blank expression, Fang Yan pointed to a black sedan in the distance outside the window and said:
“Mr. Huo, your body is like an old car that has run 100,000 kilometers. The engine idles unsteadily, the fuel line is a bit clogged, and the malfunction indicator light on the dashboard keeps coming on.”

“Look at the teeth marks on the edge of this tongue coating, it’s like the treads left by a tire that’s been underinflated for a long time. It means that the spleen and stomach ‘suspension system’ is too soft and can’t hold the ‘water’ in the body. The left Guan pulse is throbbing tightly, just like the engine belt slipping. The liver qi is stuck in the ‘gear’.”

Mr. Huo frowned slightly and asked, "Then tell me, how should I maintain this 'old car'?"

"First, do a four-wheel alignment, then clean the carbon deposits, and finally change the transmission fluid," Fang Yan explained, counting on his fingers.

Then, in another speech, he said:
"Eat a bowl of millet and yam porridge for breakfast every day. Millet nourishes the spleen and stomach like adding air to a tire, while yam strengthens the kidneys like adjusting the suspension system. Soak your feet in mugwort water for fifteen minutes at night. The water temperature should be slightly hot, like warming up an engine, to expel dampness and 'carbon buildup' from the body. Most importantly, 'loosen the belt'... Take a walk after dinner every day, take bigger steps, and swing your arms. It's like lubricating the engine belt. When the liver qi flows smoothly, the 'gearbox' will naturally not jerk."

He pointed to Mr. Huo's abdomen: "Remember to eat 'low oil and low fat'. Eat more light food and less greasy food. Eat until you are 70% full at each meal to leave enough room for your stomach 'engine' to cool down, just like you shouldn't fill the gas tank too full, lest you damage the fuel system."

Mr. Huo suddenly realized:
"It's somewhat similar to what Old Li told me before..."

Fang Yan said to Mr. Huo:
"It's not a big problem. Just pay attention to it in your daily life. You're actually quite healthy."

Upon hearing Fang Yan's last sentence, Mr. Huo finally smiled again and said to Fang Yan:

"With your words, I feel relieved."

"I'll take good care of my health from now on!"

At this moment, Old Tang, who was standing to the side, asked Fang Yan:

"He's just eating, he doesn't need any medication?"

Fang Yan shook his head and said:

"No need, Mr. Huo, this can't even be considered an illness. He just needs some proper care."

He's only 55 years old, which isn't actually that old. Plus, he pays more attention to his health than most people, and his diet and lifestyle are much better than the average person's, so he doesn't really have any major health problems.

In his dialect, he said, "Just give him some basic dietary therapy."

Then, Fang Yan wrote down some points to pay attention to in daily life, as well as recipes for dietary therapy.

Fang Yan took out a piece of paper from his suit pocket, neatly wrote down the treatment plan with a fountain pen, and began to write out the detailed content:
The core principles of daily dietary regulation are: strengthening the spleen and soothing the liver, and eliminating dampness and turbidity.

Millet and yam porridge.

50g millet, 100g yam (peeled and diced), 3 red dates (broken open).

Rinse the millet and boil it with water. Add the yam and red dates, then simmer over low heat for 20 minutes until the porridge thickens.

Millet enters the spleen meridian, replenishing the foundation of acquired constitution; yam strengthens the kidneys and spleen, and red dates nourish blood and calm the mind. The combination of these three is like "patching" the spleen and stomach, repairing the digestive function damaged by dampness.

Poria and Tangerine Peel Porridge.

30g of Poria cocos (powdered), 5g of dried tangerine peel, and 50g of japonica rice.

Cook the rice until it is half-cooked, then add Poria cocos powder and dried tangerine peel strips, and cook for another 15 minutes.

Poria cocos strengthens the spleen and eliminates dampness, while tangerine peel regulates qi and resolves phlegm. It's like turning on a "dehumidifier" in the body, making it especially suitable for consumption during the plum rain season.

Steam 2 walnuts (at 10 AM)
Walnuts should be steamed for 10 minutes before consumption to avoid the heat and dryness caused by frying or roasting. This method nourishes the kidneys and soothes the liver without being greasy.

The key to adjusting lifestyle habits is to improve blood circulation and relieve liver stagnation.

Foot bath recipe: Mugwort and dried tangerine peel bath.

30g of mugwort leaves and 20g of dried tangerine peel.

After boiling the ingredients in water, pour the mixture into a wooden bucket and add warm water (ideally 42℃). Soak for 15-20 minutes, until you feel a slight sweat on your back.

One hour before bed each night, soak your feet and massage the Yongquan acupoint on the soles of your feet to draw heat downwards and help you sleep.

After finishing writing, Fang Yan handed the paper to Mr. Huo:
"Look at this recipe, the ingredients are all common and readily available, the key is to stick to it."

Mr. Huo took the prescription and examined the handwriting against the sunlight:

“Your handwriting is even neater than Old Master Li’s prescription. Okay, I’ll have the housekeeper make the purchases according to the order later.”

After saying that, he asked again:
"By the way, how much water should I use for this foot bath?"

Fang Yan then realized that he hadn't written it all, so he said:
"The water should be above your ankles, and a wooden tub is best for soaking."

Then, after thinking for a moment, Fang Yan added:

"Don't turn on the fan immediately after soaking your feet; let the moisture slowly dissipate through your pores."

Old Tang leaned over and took a look:
"These are all mild remedies, better than taking medicine. I also have some dried tangerine peel from Xinhui here; take two jin with you later."

Mr. Huo folded the prescription and put it into his wallet, smiling as he said:

"Haha, you're too kind, one pound will do!"

"Ding-dong!" Just then, the doorbell of the villa rang.

Then the servant reported to Old Tang:
"It's Mr. Huo who's here. He says he wants to see you."

"Why did he come here?" Old Tang looked at Mr. Huo with some surprise.

Mr. Huo stood up:

“I told him to go back.”

Old Tang shook his head and said:

"It's alright, he's not a child anymore. He knows what I do. Since he wants to come in and see me, let him in."

Then he asked the servant:

"Is he alone? Or are there other people with him?"

The maid said:

"He was all alone, carrying a food box."

Upon hearing this, Director Liao said:
"They must have been busy and came to bring us lunch."

"That's so thoughtful."

Old Tang nodded to the servant:

"Let him in."

The servant went out quickly and returned shortly after, bringing Representative Huo in.

After Representative Huo entered, seeing everyone sitting on the sofa, he asked:

"Already free?"

After saying that, he explained:

"I just finished up my work and haven't had lunch yet. I just sat down when I remembered that you haven't eaten, so I brought some food over."

Old Tang said with a smile:

"You're so thoughtful. We've already eaten."

Director Liao also said:

“Everything here has been taken care of, so don’t worry. We’ve all finished lunch, and Fang Yan even examined Mr. Huo’s illness earlier.”

Upon hearing this, Representative Huo immediately turned to his father:
"Dad, are you not feeling well?"

Mr. Huo smiled and shook his head:

"It's a minor issue. Fangyan gave me a dietary therapy prescription; it'll be fine after a bit of rest. You're the star of the wedding today, so go and greet the guests."

Representative Huo said:

"The guests have all been settled, and I'm about to take them to the rose garden. The rest of the family is having dinner, so I took the opportunity to come and check on them."

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness," Old Tang said again.

At this moment, Mr. Huo said to his son:

"Since you're here, I'll give you a task!"

Representative Huo nodded:
"You say?"

Mr. Huo said:
"Tomorrow, our family and Fang Yan have a cooperation project on traditional Chinese medicine products. We need to discuss the details with his Hong Kong manager. You will go to discuss it tomorrow."

Hearing the dialect spoken here, someone interjected:
"Isn't that inappropriate? Shouldn't we be on our honeymoon right after getting married?"

Mr. Huo said:
"Now that he's married, he has even more to do. There are several business deals to discuss, so it's time to give him some more responsibility. As for the honeymoon... let's wait until there's less free time at home!"

Representative Huo was not angry at all when he heard this; in fact, he seemed quite pleased.

He said to his father:

“Dad, you’re right. You’re too busy. You should have let me help you a lot a long time ago.”

After saying that, he spoke to the dialect:

"Could you tell me more specifically what kind of business it is? That way I'll have a better idea."

PS: The basic chapter of 6000 words has been updated.

(End of this chapter)