Capítulo 1400: Chapter 1374: Setting Up a Stall to Practice Medicine

“Make money by selling calligraphy and paintings? No way, no way, this poor scholar hasn’t even passed any exams. Whether it’s writing, painting, or reciting poetry, they’re all trash. Trying to sell these would probably just invite ridicule.”

“Make money by performing? Right now, I barely have the strength to hold a bowl, let alone perform. Even if I tried to sell myself, no one would want me.”

“Make money by working? This kind of frail scholar is probably not even wanted as a tea server in a restaurant.”

…

Every single idea seems unworkable, leaving Tangyu really conflicted, feeling a bit trapped.

Suddenly, a light bulb went off: “Right, I can practice medicine! I, Tangyu, am after all the Divine Doctor. The Great Luo Realm is quite similar to Earth, so my acupuncture skills could really come in handy here. Traditional Chinese medicine is also accessible in this world. Haha, yes, that’s it, and it costs nothing. Silver needles are easy to come by. Even though it’s been years since I last used them, my hands might be a bit rusty, but that’s okay, I’ll get the hang of it quickly.”

Thinking of a way to make money, Tangyu felt much better. He immediately started searching for silver needles in the broken house. Fortunately, they weren’t hard to find, and he quickly gathered a few—enough to use.

With a growling stomach, Tangyu, dragging his frail body, went out the door. Before long, he arrived at a bustling, lively main street. On both sides of the street were all kinds of shops with an array of goods. Cloth shops, tea houses, inns, salt shops, and the like.

The street was also bustling with traffic and people, showcasing its prosperity.

The waiter at the restaurant vigorously called out at the entrance, inviting passersby to come in and eat.

Meanwhile, in some corners by the roadside, there were people in rags setting up street stalls, fortune-telling, storytelling, selling calligraphy and paintings, peddling antiques to fool people, and even beggars putting out bowls to elicit sympathy. This kind of life was somewhat amusing.

Tangyu found a spot to stand. Immediately, an unfriendly gaze swept over him, glaring fiercely: “This is my turf, get out of here, don’t block my money-making path.”

This was a dirty beggar whose appearance reminded Tangyu of the Beggar Gang disciples he had seen on TV, quite similar indeed. Clearly, beggars here also had organizations and territories. Currently, there’s no way Tangyu could afford to offend a beggar, so he could only shake his head and move away.

“What a disgrace, I, an existence at the Ninth Layer of the Zifu Realm, am bullied by a beggar. How can I face anyone after this?” Tangyu chuckled self-mockingly in his heart. This game of the Supreme really knows how to torment oneself.

A burst of fragrance wafted into his nostrils.

Gurgle—

Tangyu’s stomach grumbled again, feeling unbearably hungry. Standing here made him feel dizzy. If he didn’t eat soon, he really feared he’d starve to death. The spot where he stood happened to be beside a bun shop, and the steaming buns aroused Tangyu’s appetite. Nearby were also some restaurants, and the aroma wafting from them filled the street with a delicious smell, enticing passersby to go in and eat.

Having been used to a life of fighting and killing, returning to such calmness felt inexplicably strange.

Such a life, now seemed pretty good to Tangyu. Peaceful and ordinary was a kind of happiness too. Striving for some things often led to losing others.

Collecting his thoughts, Tangyu shouted: “Ladies and gentlemen, don’t miss this opportunity if you pass by. My family-inherited acupuncture can cure all kinds of difficult and miscellaneous diseases. If it doesn’t work, you don’t pay. It’s my first day open, offering great promotions, not for 998, not for 98, but just for 9.8. For 9.8, you won’t suffer a loss, and you won’t be cheated. It’s a one-time offer, and if you miss it, it’s gone forever. Whether you’re experiencing qi deficiency, kidney weakness, or have a backache or twisted ankle, I guarantee immediate results with a single needle, honest treatment for all ages.”

The currency in the Great Luo Empire was much like the one on Earth, called the Luo Currency. It circulated in paper form, supplemented by some gold, silver, and copper coins.

The equivalent value of 9.8 was probably about the same as on Earth.

All for the sake of a meal, Tangyu was practically selling his medical skills at a loss. But there was no choice; as a frail scholar and a new face, without a big draw, no one would pay him any attention. The most important thing now was to get some business going. Once his reputation got out, things would get easier. Ultimately, he had to make a strong first impression. Even if it was for free, Tangyu was willing.

With Tangyu’s lively and engaging sales pitch, quite a few people gathered around. Of course, they were primarily there to spectate, eyeing Tangyu with skepticism. Naturally, no one would easily believe that this frail scholar in his twenties could have any real ability.

“Poor scholar, I bet you can’t even eat and are just babbling here, right?”

“Exactly, looking at how skinny you are, face so sallow, how many days haven’t you eaten? Truly a poor scholar, can’t even pass an exam, just a parasite.”

“With the time you have to shout here, why not find a job to earn a meal instead?”

“Scholar, stop frightening people, here’s a dime for you.” A domineering old man directly tossed a dime in front of Tangyu and arrogantly threw out a remark.

The crowd’s chatter suddenly turned Tangyu into the target of everyone’s attacks. After a bout of humiliation, the setup was utterly ruined.

However, Tangyu wasn’t angry, nor did he have the energy to be angry. He looked at the domineering old man and said, “Sir, haven’t you been experiencing frequent pain in your waist recently? The episodes should occur about ten times a day, each lasting about a quarter-hour, and this has been going on for about two months, right?”

“What do you mean? You could tell?” The old man, who had thrown a dime to humiliate Tangyu, suddenly changed his expression, as everything Tangyu said was spot on. He had consulted many doctors and taken many medicines, but to no avail.

Tangyu nodded, “Naturally, I said I’m a doctor, and my medical skills are handed down through my family. Traditional medicine emphasizes observing, listening, questioning, and feeling the pulse. Just by looking at your complexion, I could figure out your issues.”

“Is it really that amazing? Hehe, young man, I misunderstood you earlier. Can you cure me, then?” The old man’s attitude immediately changed.

The waist pain over the past two months had tormented him greatly.

Tangyu said, “Since I can identify your condition, I can certainly cure it. It’s just a minor ailment; all it needs is a single needle, and it will be cured immediately with no recurrence. If you agree, I’ll give you the treatment, and it’ll only cost you 9.8. Consider it a good start for me.”

“Is it really that cheap?” Hearing Tangyu say it’s only 9.8, the old man hesitated. These days, even registering for a doctor’s appointment costs more than that. Could this young man really cure his illness for just 9.8? Such a good thing is often met with skepticism.

Tangyu smirked, “If it’s not cured, you don’t have to pay. With so many people watching, do you think I dare to scam you? Besides, I’m just a weak student and don’t have that ability.”

The old man looked at Tangyu and found sense in it, feeling reassured, he nodded, “Alright, young man, let’s see if your medical skills are really that great. If you can cure my ailment, never mind 9.8, I’d be willing to give you 980.”

Tangyu said no more, pulling out a needle, he asked the old man to lift his upper clothing, and began the treatment in front of everyone.

The surrounding onlookers also quieted down, all eyes focused on the scene here. Many whispered among themselves. Evidently, everyone maintained a skeptical attitude towards this affair. Some even suspected that Tangyu and the old man were acting together in a charade. Such a possibility was not out of the question.

Even though 9.8 may not sound like much, if you can deceive a hundred people, that’s quite a substantial income.

Nowadays, scammers have such advanced tactics, one cannot be too careful.

Even a few beggars on the roadside were craning their necks to watch.

Tangyu’s needling was quick, totaling only around ten breaths, then he withdrew the needle, saying to the old man, “Alright, your ailment is eradicated, and it won’t flare up again in the future.”

“Ah? That quickly? It’s done just like that? But I don’t feel any difference,” the old man looked at Tangyu in disbelief.

Tangyu smirked, “Indeed, it’s cured. You don’t feel anything because it’s not acting up right now, so you can’t feel the pain. Just wait half a day, and you’ll know if my needling works. If you’re still worried, you can give me the money a bit later.”

“This—” The old man hesitated. Though he still had doubts in his heart, considering it was just 9.8, falling for a scam at this point wouldn’t seem too stingy. So, he took out a ten and handed it to Tangyu, “Alright, young man, I’ll trust you this once. If my pain acts up again, I’ll come back for you.”

“Hehe, it won’t. You’ll return to thank me,” Tangyu said with confidence.

The old man left the money and walked away shaking his head.

This only made the surrounding onlookers more skeptical.

“Is there a doctor? Please save my grandpa! Anyone kind enough, help me call a doctor, my grandpa is in critical condition, I beg you!” Having pocketed the ten yuan and made his first business deal, Tangyu felt even more confident. He was about to find his second patient when a tearful voice called out. The voice, pleasant and obviously from a girl, attracted attention.

Upon hearing it, many turned their heads.

Not far down the road, an elderly man in his sixties lay on the ground, foaming at the mouth, eyes rolled back, and limbs twitching. Beside him was a young girl in her twenties. Her attire was decent, suggesting she came from a well-off family.

Moreover, she was indeed beautiful and captivating, a single glance could lift one’s spirits. Such a beauty inevitably attracted many unsavory gazes from men.

The girl cried out, yet no one dared approach, for this was a matter of life and death.