The World's Number One Medical Hall

Chapter Eighty: Who is the Master?

"He Ji Restaurant?" Mo Bai, holding a calligraphy brush, looked at Manager Chen in surprise and said, "Manager Chen, you don't mean you want me to rewrite the restaurant's signboard, do you?"

"That's right, exactly. I wonder if Brother Bai has any questions?" Manager Chen nodded with a smile, his face showing a lot of anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Mo Bai's face showed a hint of surprise and embarrassment. He shrugged and said, "Manager Chen thinks highly of me, and of course I have no problem with it. However, seeing that your shop occupies such a prosperous location and is so grand, I imagine the signboard must be the work of a famous calligrapher. I am but a newcomer, unknown and without hope. How dare I be so presumptuous as to compare myself to a master? Absolutely not!"

Seeing that Mo Bai not only did not write anything but also immediately declined, Manager Chen not only did not blame him, but also admired Mo Bai's maturity and courtesy in handling matters. He felt that this young man was extraordinary and that his temperament was not an act. He couldn't help but really want to befriend him.

Shopkeeper Chen waved his hand and laughed heartily, "Brother Bai, please don't underestimate yourself. With your calligraphy skills, you'll surely become a star sooner or later. It's truly a great honor for me to have a piece of your calligraphy today!"

"This, Manager Chen, you mustn't say that. It truly makes me ashamed..." Mo Bai shook his head repeatedly, not daring to accept the compliment.

So you see, people in this era are quite particular about how they conduct themselves.

Manager Chen praised Mo Bai so much that he wrote the poem.

Mo Bai, however, refused no matter what.

It may seem like a lot of formalities and extra effort, but in reality, it reflects the Chinese people's emphasis on etiquette, and this back-and-forth exchange is necessary.

If Mo Bai really didn't say anything and actually dared to write it down, Manager Chen might think to himself, "He's still a young man, and he's really not mature enough."

After much haggling, seeing that Mo Bai remained refusal, clearly determined not to put up the signboard no matter what, Manager Chen felt both helpless and increasingly impressed with Mo Bai. He thought to himself, "This young man must have come from a family with strict upbringing; he's undoubtedly from a prestigious background. I just wonder how he ended up in such dire straits..."

However, he wasn't just flattering him. Seeing that Mo Bai resolutely refused to write, he could only smile wryly and say, "Brother Bai, let me be honest with you. The reason I asked you for a piece of calligraphy today isn't without reason, but I'm really a little embarrassed to say it..."

Mo Bai's gaze sharpened on Manager Chen's face, but seeing that he seemed to have a real reason, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. He also gave a wry smile and said, "Manager Chen, it's really not that I'm being pretentious, it's just... sigh! Since you really need it, I have no choice but to swallow my pride. I'm just afraid that it might damage your restaurant's reputation, and I wouldn't be able to bear that!"

After saying that, Mo Bai clasped his hands in a fist salute to Manager Chen, dipped his brush in ink, and looked like he was doing it reluctantly.

"Very well, brother, hold on a moment. Since we've come this far, I might as well tell you the reason." Seeing Mo Bai's reluctance, Manager Chen was afraid that Mo Bai wouldn't be able to relax and would ruin his calligraphy, so he reached out to stop him. He looked at Mo Bai with a mix of embarrassment and sigh, saying, "Brother, we've hit it off right away. I just hope you won't laugh at me..."

"Brother, what are you saying? I am honored by your high regard. If you need anything, please just give the order, and I will never refuse!" Mo Bai's expression immediately turned serious, and he even gave him the respectful title he had always insisted on, officially starting to address each other as brothers. Instantly, the distance between the two closed, and they became absolute buddies.

Although Mo Bai didn't know what was going on with Manager Chen, he was naturally willing to take on this opportunity to have more help here.

Upon hearing this, Manager Chen felt a little better: "Brother Bai, please have a seat!"

It seemed that the conversation was quite long, and Mo Bai readily agreed, clasped his hands in greeting, and sat down next to Manager Chen.

After pouring tea and exchanging pleasantries, Manager Chen, with a bitter and helpless expression, said, "Brother, you may not know, but I've been working at He's Restaurant for almost ten years. I've been diligent and conscientious all these years, and fortunately, I haven't made any major mistakes. I've managed to keep the restaurant doing fairly well. Now that I'm fifty, I don't have many ambitions anymore. I just hope to work steadily at this restaurant for a few more years..."

Mo Bai did not interrupt him, letting him explain, and soon he understood the whole story.

If Manager Chen hadn't made any mistakes, he could have worked as the manager of the restaurant for another ten years, as long as the restaurant still existed.

The treatment here goes without saying, and Manager Chen certainly wouldn't be unwilling. However, things don't always go as planned. Not long ago, someone else took a fancy to his position. He heard rumors that a new assistant had joined the shop last month. Although it wasn't explicitly stated, Manager Chen was worried that the owner was planning to send someone to replace him.

According to Manager Chen himself, this was not because the owner was dissatisfied with him, but because there were villains around him causing trouble.

Although he did not explicitly state who his owner was, Mo Bai was secretly taken aback. Just from his tone, he knew that the owner of He Ji Restaurant was probably not a simple person.

According to Manager Chen, Heji Restaurant, which occupies such a luxurious area, was only visited once during his years as manager. Clearly, it was just a dispensable business to him.

Mo Bai's eyes flickered slightly, and he had a feeling that the owner of this restaurant might be an official.

"The reason I asked you for a piece of your calligraphy is that my boss is extremely fond of calligraphy, almost obsessed with it. When you saw your calligraphy today, you were immediately amazed. It is truly no less than that of a famous calligrapher..." Manager Chen continued.

Need I say more?

Needless to say, it's obvious that Manager Chen wanted to use Mo Bai's calligraphy as an excuse to ask his employer if the signboard could be changed. If the employer really liked the calligraphy he presented, then his position would be secure.

Even if you don't like it, it's fine. It's a good opportunity to show your face to your employer and leave an impression. It's better than having your position taken away and being helpless.

However, while that was the general idea, Manager Chen wouldn't say it that way. He looked at Mo Bai, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "If you can help me with this, I will remember this kindness and will not let you suffer any loss. Moreover..."

At this point, Manager Chen's eyes suddenly flashed with a glint of light as he looked at Mo Bai and said, "This matter will not do you any harm either. If the master really takes a liking to your calligraphy... your signboard might actually be able to be hung up!"

"Brother, why do you say that? I am deeply grateful for your kindness in giving me a place to stay. I have no way to repay such a debt of gratitude. If I had known the reason beforehand, I would have gone through fire and water for you if you would not have minded it. Come, let me start writing for you!" Mo Bai stood up abruptly, clasped his hands in a solemn manner, and said in a deep voice.

Shopkeeper Chen was deeply moved: "Then... I won't say any more, brother. I'll leave everything to you!"

The two brothers, being respectful and affectionate towards each other, returned to the table.

Seeing Mo Bai take a deep breath and concentrate, clearly very serious and not daring to be the slightest bit negligent, Manager Chen was even more pleased.

Then, Mo Bai found his rhythm and, without hesitation, immediately began to write, his brushstrokes flowing like dragons and tigers leaping.

The four large characters, imbued with extraordinary power, leap off the page.

"Good, good!" Manager Chen's eyes immediately lit up with a sharp light, and he clapped his hands in praise.

However, after finishing writing, Mo Bai's momentum remained undiminished, his brushstrokes unabated, and without raising his head to speak, he directly left the two characters "Chang Qing" at the bottom of the calligraphy.

Manager Chen saw that the writing had already fallen in an instant, but he did not interrupt. Instead, he glanced at Mo Bai and thought to himself that this young man had a very sharp mind.

Unexpectedly, Mo Bai's brush did not stop, and several more characters appeared in succession.

"A gift from Changqing Bookstore to Manager Chen!"

Shopkeeper Chen hesitated slightly, his expression pausing before he was about to speak: "This, Brother Bai... um?"

However, he stopped abruptly as soon as he spoke.

He clearly intended to present the calligraphy to his employer, but by leaving this inscription, it became obvious that he would not do so for his employer.

But in that instant, he understood Mo Bai's meaning. Indeed, leaving behind the name "Manager Chen" was the best way to help him.

That way, whether the employer likes it or not, they might remember the name "Manager Chen"...

"Brother Chen, please take a look and see if it's feasible. This is all I can do!" Mo Bai put down his pen, his face regaining some of its former seriousness.

"Wonderful, wonderful! This calligraphy by my brother is absolutely worthy of the title of a master... I have nothing more to say, I will never repay your kindness, brother, I will always remember your kindness!" Manager Chen looked at Mo Bai with deep affection.

........................

……

The sun had already begun to set in the west, but Mo Bai remained quietly seated at the table, observing the people coming and going on the street just as he had in the morning.

Undoubtedly, the Jishi Medical Clinic across the street was still incredibly busy, while he enjoyed another leisurely afternoon.

Mo Bai was clearly very patient. He sat quietly in the chair, waiting patiently, occasionally thinking about the calligraphy masterpiece.

He was quite curious about who the owner of Heji Restaurant was, but he didn't really think that he could do anything with just a piece of calligraphy.

Even if someone likes calligraphy, who would unconditionally do anything for you just because they like a piece of calligraphy?

This is undoubtedly wishful thinking. For the truly powerful and influential, even a life-saving favor might not guarantee their full support, as they have to consider the conflict of interests involved.

Even so, for Mo Bai now, finding a breakthrough and coming into contact with certain people would certainly be good for his current situation.

Aren't background relationships built up step by step?

As a doctor, there will always be times when I can help others, even if they are powerful or wealthy...

The sun was gradually setting in the west, and it seemed that we would be finishing up for the day.

The waiter from the restaurant came out to invite him, asking if the food and drinks were ready and whether he wanted them delivered to his room or to eat downstairs.

That's good. He doesn't need to go back to the inn today. Manager Chen has already reserved a superior room for him here.

Naturally, they were worried that if their employer needed to summon them at any time, they wouldn't have to search for people everywhere.

Mo Bai had no objections; in fact, living here was safer for him.

As for the things at the inn over there, Tie Xiong will take care of them.

Seeing that today's efforts were likely fruitless, Mo Bai prepared to pack up and leave. The tables and chairs, thanks to the restaurant, did not need to be cleaned up. According to Manager Chen, there was no need to worry, as no one would touch them.

All you need to do is roll up that flag.

"The number one medical clinic in the world? That's quite a reputation!" Just as he turned to raise the banner, he suddenly heard a voice coming from behind him.