"Since you want to get customized equipment, then let me bring you the Bai family's craft shop. In Hibiscus town, if they say they are number two in crafting, no one else will dare say they are number one." Crazy Li said.
I then said to Li Min," I will be back as soon as the equipment is ready, but before that, let me give you some relief for your pain. I will need you to sit up straight with your back facing me. I will need your permission to put and my move my hands all over your back. During this time, I need your cooperation and no matter how awkward you may feel, you cannot resist because I will be washing your organs, stomach and meridians with my healing water element. Not only will this process reduce the pain, but it will also help with alleviating your condition. Pity, it doesn't treat the root cause otherwise this could have been very simple. I will also ask your father to stay in the room during the process so that no unnecessary rumors will start. After all a dashing young man like myself alone in a room with you, people may start thinking that I was being coerced or seduced by you" I said all this with a straight face.
"Pffttt.. hahaha, me seduce you? In your dreams."
"Hey, what's wrong me? I'm handsome,suave, a genius healer..hmmph, you are lucky if I give you the opportunity."
I can tell that she is less nervous now. Earlier, when I said that I would need to move my hands all over her back, her face changed. There was a mixture of nervousness as well as indignation.
"Healer Xu, please start when you are ready." Crazy Li was literally going crazy at the ongoing banter. He did not seem to realize that I was teasing his daughter to help her relax. Zzz, I unexpectedly offended him now. I'm sure he won't say anything now as he needs me to treat his daughter but I'm pretty sure he will not forget this. Guess I have to watch my words with Li Min around him from now.
I started the procedure and it took me a good two hours before I finally finished. Li Min looked so much better now. Her cheeks have a tinge of red, possibly it's because it's the first time a guy has touched her or because through my healing, I replenished her lost blood. Maybe even both.
At this point, I looked at Crazy Li and said, "Uncle, is there a place I can rest for a few hours? I need to replenish my energy and strength." After all I'm just a Dust Warrior at stage 5. My energy reserves are minimal.
"Sure, I will arrange it for you, We will head to the Bai family's craft shop later in the afternoon then."
One of the house servants led me to a guest villa. The place is spacious and extremely luxurious. One day I will have a mansion like for my own. I will surround it with beautiful female servants and I will live like a king. Could not help myself from indulging in some fantasies. I am alone now and I decided to meditate. I did not summon Sia as I believed myself to be extremely safe here in he Li mansion Hours went by and I have now completely recovered from the previous exhaustion.
Crazy Li came to get me and asked, "would you like to take a carriage or would you like to walk?"
Let's walk I said and on the way perhaps you can tell me more about the Bai family.
"Hahaha, nothing much to share except what everyone knows already. The Su family looks after internal security here at Hibiscus Town. They also manage the gambling houses. The Bai family has a lot of mines and they own the surrounding forest here. They are a family who controls all the crafts here including blacksmithing, capentry, masonry and tailoring. The Guo family deals in trade. If you need to source precious ingredients that's whom you look for. They also own the largest auction house here in Hibiscus Town. As for my Li family, we just deal with real estate. If you are looking for real estate, come to us."
I could tell that this information was what the general public knew. Crazy Li was definitely hiding a lot of information from me. But I can't blame him I'm just an outsider he met today.
"Oh, can Uncle Li then help me find a place where I can open a clinic. How much to rent or buy. Location is important to me though."
"Hahaha, lad, if you really manage to cure my daughter, not only will my Li family be your best friends here in Hibiscus Town. I'll even gift you a place to open your clinic. You can take that as your payment."
"That can't do Uncle Li, you already protected me from Young Master Su Jin and the Su family. For that I'm more than grateful. I can just rent ilthe clinic." Outwardly I was trying to say no, this is too much, but inwardly I was certainly more than happy to accept.
Soon we reached a huge store. The sign read 'Bai' Crafts' there was a sigil next to the sign that depicted a tree, hammer and needle. Looking at the sigil, I could tell that it was exquisitely crafted. "Let's go in". I said.
We were greeted by an attendant and before he could welcome us, Crazy Li interrupted him said, "Go get Bai Feng here. Tell him Crazy Li has come to visit him."
As soon as the attendant heard the name Crazy Li, there were fear in his eyes. " please wait a moment esteemed guests, I will inform Patron Bai of your arrival."
Shortly, a maniacal laughter was heard,"Is that really you Crazy Li? I remembered long ago when I beat you in chess here, you accused me of cheating and swore you will never step foot in my store again. So did you come to apologize to me now that you have grown old?
Crazy Li's face went red with embarrassment and said, "Brother Bai, I said those words out of anger, we were young then. Surely you need not embarrass me in front of our young healer here."
Bai Feng then looked at me and I could tell that he was enjoying this and wanted to tease Crazy Li more. I immediately greeted him, Greetings Uncle Bai, I have long heard of your amazing skill in crafting. In fact on our way here, Uncle Li was telling me that there is no better crafter in all of Hibiscus town. He said that if you called yourself number two, there will be no one who will dare say that they are number one."
Crazy Li looked at me gratefully. He perhaps knew that Bai Feng will surely tease him more but because of me telling him that Crazy Li praised him behind his back, he will find it awkward to tease Crazy Li any further.
"Such a young healer" Bai Feng exclaimed.Crazy Li, I have heard about your daughter, did he heal her?"
Crazy Li exhaled and said." So far he is the only one who managed to diagnose her condition and he has helped her feel much better. But in order to completely heal her is actually the reason why we are here. He needs for you to craft some specialized equipment."
Bai Feng then said, it's good that your daughter is on the road to recovery. We were once as close as brothers but because of a stupid chess match and our pride, we disdained to speak to each other all these years. Hmmm. It could be said that fate has brought this young man to us. First he helps your daughter and now he has helped both us. Hahaha.. let's forget the past and not bring it up."
The old men then grinned at each other and Crazy Li then said," after Min'er is cured, let's have wine at 'Whispers and Dance'. We drink till one of us drops. Loser foots the bill."
"Bai Feng also laughed then said, ok let's bring this lad as well. It will be considered as us adults teaching the new generation."
He then looked at me and asked,"so what sort of equipment do you need."
I then gave him a list of items from Acupuncture needles to a salpel, bone saw, scissors , forceps,clamps, retractors, suction tubes and tips,a cannulas and lastly a stethoscope.
Both Crazy Li and Bai Feng looked at me weirdly. Alot of the items I mentioned, they have never heard before. I had to carefully explain what each item was used for and I also had a make a sketch of the items. Thank goodness my drawing is not bad. After also explaing what materials were needed to make the items, Bai Feng then said he will first create a mould for most of the items. He asked me to come back again in three days so I can input my ideas and suggestions to him while he creates.
After everything was arranged. I said my goodbyes and left the shop. When I reached home, I summoned Sia and told her to protect the hut while I rested.
While I was deep in sleep, I was nudged awake by Sia. She was giving out low growls alerting me that there was an intruder. I immediately jumped up.