Chapter 99: Luo Susu

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy/Tehrn

Ye Mo, despite attempting to refuse demanding conditions, saw his clinic, Hui Chun, steadily gain popularity. This was partly due to local word-of-mouth, but primarily because many patients found their ailments cured after a single visit—a stark contrast to the multiple hospital visits often required. However, Hui Chun's prices were higher. A child's treatment at a hospital, typically involving over-the-counter medication or acupuncture, might cost around $100; the same ailment at Hui Chun cost $200. Yet, the single dose of Chinese medicine often resulted in faster recovery than a week of hospital treatment.

Many appreciated the clinic's speed and effectiveness, along with the perception that Chinese medicine was gentler on the body than Western medicine. Initially, the clinic barely broke even, sometimes incurring losses. However, its remarkable success led to a surge in popularity. Fortunately, the local population was relatively small; otherwise, the clinic wouldn't have been able to handle the patient volume.

Ye Mo, having planted and secured his Silver Heart Grass in preparation for his desert trip, frowned at his clinic's unexpected success. He had hoped for modest profitability, preferring a low profile. However, Ye Mo would never accept payment without providing treatment—it wasn't in his nature.

After considerable thought, Ye Mo informed Yu Erhu that his herbal supplies were limited, restricting the number of daily patients. Others would need to wait until the next day. Ironically, this restriction further boosted the clinic's popularity; Ye Mo, lacking marketing experience, hadn't anticipated this outcome.

Unable to dedicate himself fully to the clinic, Ye Mo taught Yu Erhu basic medicinal techniques and recipes, and hired additional help to free up his time.

When Chi Wanqing and Ning Qingxue arrived in Luo Cang, Ye Mo was still there. Sometimes, the most sought-after things are found unexpectedly close.

Ning Qingxue and Chi Wanqing spent nearly two weeks preparing, while Ye Mo cultivated his Silver Heart Grass. They had already departed for the desert by the time he finished preparing food and equipment.

Chi Wanqing's cousin, aware of her prolonged estrangement from her family following a marital incident, was alarmed by news of their desert expedition. While military connections offered some support, the Taklimakan Desert—known as the "sea of death," a place "where one can enter, but not exit"—presented immense dangers. Chi Wanqing's cousin questioned their sanity.

Immediately after Chi Wanqing and Ning Qingxue departed, she contacted Chi Wanqing's mother, Tang Qianping.

Yu State:

Ning Qingxue's mother, Lan Yu, was speaking with a veiled woman in her twenties, dressed in an antiquated pale yellow gown, starkly different from modern styles. Her long black hair was loosely secured with a light blue clip, giving her an ethereal air.

"Susu, Qingxue was critically injured, nearly dying, but miraculously recovered overnight. That's why I contacted you. I know how difficult it is for you to leave," Lan Yu regretted the intrusion, knowing the woman's reclusive nature. However, her daughter's severe injury had prompted her to reach out. Now, with Qingxue's recovery, she wouldn't have to confront the Song Family.

"It's alright, Sister Yu. Without your past kindness, I wouldn't be here. Though I've joined the Hidden Doors, I remember your generosity. I can help you again, especially for Qingxue. As for the Song Family, I'll investigate." The veiled woman's voice was both charming and spiritual.

Before Lan Yu could dissuade Luo Susu from confronting the Song Family, Li Mumei rushed in, announcing, "Aunt Yu, Qingxue went to the Taklimakan Desert! She'd already arrived when I called, and refused to reconsider, saying she knew what she was doing before hanging up."

Lan Yu exclaimed, "What? The Taklimakan Desert? Why?"

"She said it was an adventure with a friend, another girl. Two girls in the Taklimakan," Li Mumei was speechless.

Lan Yu sank back into her chair, sighing, "The Taklimakanso many have been lost there. Qingxue, why must you worry me so? She was so sensible in Beijing, but changed so much since moving to Ning Hai. Sigh"

Li Mumei shared her concerns. The former Ning Qingxue was opinionated but not impulsive. Her transformation since marrying Ye Mo was dramatic and baffling. Who would risk their life for a blade of grass? It seemed inconceivable that she would live alone in a remote house, or venture into a dangerous desert.

Had she fallen in love? People say love makes women foolish, but Li Mumei doubted even that. She was unaware of Ning Qingxue's visit to Flowing Snake; otherwise, she might have been even more distressed.

"Sister Yu, don't worry, I'll bring her back," Luo Susu said softly.

"No, Susu! The Taklimakan is the 'sea of death'! You can't go! Even your skills won't protect you against the dangers of nature. I'll contact her father and send professionals," Lan Yu protested.

"Trust me, Sister Yu, I can find and bring her back," Luo Susu stated confidently.

Before Lan Yu could reply, Luo Susu left.

Lan Yu knew Luo Susu: few words, but unwavering action.

"Aunt Yu, is that Aunt Susu?" Li Mumei, having only heard of this aunt, had never met her.

Lan Yu nodded. She had found Luo Susu as a child and raised her like a sister. At age five, however, a family friend recognized her potential and took her to the Hidden Doors. Luo Susu, quiet and strikingly beautiful, was taken despite Lan Yu's reluctance. Their contact was severed after her father-in-law's death.

Twelve years later, Luo Susu contacted Lan Yu, offering help in times of need.

Lan Yu only contacted Luo Susu out of necessity, understanding the difficulty of maintaining contact. The situation with Ning Qingxue compelled her to reach out. Luo Susu bore Lan Yu's surname.

Luo Susu, wearing a thick white scarf that concealed most of her face, still attracted attention with her unique attire and bearing.

With no direct flight to the Taklimakan Desert, Luo Susu flew to Ürümqi and then transferred.

At the Kuerle Airport, Ning Qingxue and Chi Wanqing were stopped. Ning Qingxue instinctively recoiled, remembering Flowing Snake.

"Dad!" Chi Wanqing's surprise at seeing her father after three years melted his anger. His stern expression softened as he said, "Wanqing, come home with dad."