Four, green plums

"Oh?" Qingmei strangely set down her wine cup: "Are you really going to do business?"

After some discussion to get rid of the Yellow Sea, Zhu Tong said: "You should go home and take a look, or get busy with your work; I cannot drink now, nor do I enjoy nightlife, I just want to go back to the hotel and sleep. This time I will stay in Shanghai for ten days, and I still have some matters to attend to. Can you really accompany me every day?"

Su Juan still hoped that this fake doctor, who was intent on escaping, would treat her sister's illness, so she did not insist on the unnecessary hospitalization. The outcome of their discussion was that Zhu Tong would leave the hospital immediately and check into a three-star hotel. This time, Zhu Tong intended to pay with his own credit card, but Huang Hai took out his identification first, and Su Juan held Zhu Tong's hand, so he did not insist any further

In the room hung an oil painting, which was Ye Er's work from those six days. Zhu Tong did not understand painting, yet upon seeing the tranquil Tuo River, the serene Diaojiao Tower, the still jumping stones, and the gossamer-like thin mist, he felt a sense of peaceful emotion. Although he had never been to Fenghuang City, nor even to Xiangxi, he could still grasp Ye Er's feelings at that time through this oil painting imbued with the essence of Chinese landscape.

The Black man suddenly began to cough violently, and his body shrank by half. Zhu Tong applied pressure to the Zhangmen acupoint; exerting force on this point would impact the liver or spleen, damaging the diaphragm and obstructing blood flow, injuring vital energy

As the windows of the building across the street lit up one by one, Ye Er stepped out of her room. Tonight, she was no longer tormented by nightmares; Zhu Tong breathed a sigh of relief, as it seemed that his remedy had taken effect

Zhu Tong was naturally blocked back to the ward. Su Juan's tone was sharp, and even Huang Hai received a scolding. With a wry smile, he said to Zhu Tong: "Doctor Li, wherever you go, I will accompany you. Please don't let Sister Juan say anything about me again"

"It's nothing serious. Please schedule an appointment with Director Wang for me; you can decide the time, but it must be within three days. I want to have a talk with him; it's been half a year, and it's time to sit down and discuss things properly." After Zhu Tong finished speaking, he observed Qingmei's expression. She didn't seem surprised and smiled as she replied, "No problem, I'll just say you are my cousin. Boss, are you about to lay your cards on the table?"

To express her gratitude to Doctor Zhu Tong, Ye Er went to a corner of the living room to brew tea. Her slender yet curvaceous figure was enveloped in a snow-white sweater, complemented by a pair of form-fitting leggings of the same color. Zhu Tong had encountered many women, but this was the first time he had seen such a delicately beautiful woman with such an aesthetic appeal.

The three people from the inner room came out again, and the Shanghai man obediently took his son to another room, while Su Juan pushed an envelope in front of Zhu Tong.

Zhu Tong looked at the once third-rate model before her, imagining the scene of Qingmei and Dean Wang rolling in bed, a faint smile playing on her lips. The stable and affluent life had made her even more charming; in the past, the skin beneath Qingmei's neck was not as fair and tender as it is now

The light suddenly dimmed, and Zhu Tong looked up to see a tall shadow standing in front of the table, exuding a strong sense of oppression.

Huang Hai smiled warmly, stopping the car to drop Zhu Tong off at the hotel before leaving

Zhu Tong burst into laughter, the birthday of Qingmei is in March, she probably knows that it's time to reap the rewards, looking for opportunities to gain some benefits.

The clock in the living room points to 9:00, and Ye Er's classmate has arrived

The ordinary domestic scene of the Su family made Zhu Tong somewhat envious. His childhood was a long period of suffering, and as for his parents, they had never appeared in his memory. His master said that Zhu Tong was picked up from a gutter. Once, when he was drunk, he claimed that Zhu Tong was stolen from the mountains and even showed him a silver bracelet, which bore only a few numbers.

With a hand resting on the slender waist resembling a green plum, one can still feel the firm texture even through a layer of obstruction. Zhu Tong twisted her on the green plum's backside and pushed her away: "Save your energy to deal with your clients."

However, at that moment, facing Ye Er's clear eyes, Zhu Tong suddenly wanted to act nobly and declined, saying: "I merely helped out a bit; I didn't exert much effort. Besides, Ye Er's illness isn't completely cured, and I have no face to accept your reward. Just getting to know you is already the best for me." The mention of the name Ye Er warmed Zhu Tong's heart.

"Kent, I’m sorry, I have someone with me." Qingmei displayed a stiff smile and turned her head away from him

A needle was inserted into the wrist, and the medicine bottle hanging high was empty. Huang Hai was slumped on another bed, asleep and lightly snoring. It seemed that he was not the only one who was tired

"These minor injuries are nothing serious, but I do not wish to stay in the hospital. I came to Shanghai this time to relax and to avoid this unpleasant atmosphere." Zhu Tong insisted on being discharged, even presenting the doctor's certificate to assert that his injuries were not of any concern.

Zhu Tong pressed hard with his fingers, managing to reach Xiao Xinmei's pulse through that layer of soft fat. After some consideration, he said: "Miss Xiao, you can live to be one hundred years old. However, you will have to endure two days of suffering each month, but it will get better after you get married"

It is said that a beautiful person's friends are not necessarily beautiful, yet Ye Er's friend is a radiant beauty from Jiangnan. Unlike Ye Er, this girl named Xiao Xinmei represents a different type; she is tall and voluptuous, with an oval face resembling a goose egg, her features are exquisite yet carry a hint of wildness. Her large, dark eyes are full of intensity, and the slightly heavier makeup suits her slightly rounded face.

Six months ago, Zhu Tong acquired a medical device company in Shanghai. Although it was referred to as a company, it was essentially just an office in a single office building. Qingmei was appointed as the vice president of this shell company. Her sole task was to find an opportunity to establish a relationship with Director Wang of the Ocean Hospital and to infiltrate his circle.

As the sun was about to set, the orange clouds spread across the sky, tinting the Huangpu River red. Zhu Tong and Huang Hai casually grabbed a bite to eat on the street before hurrying to the home of the Su Juan sisters

The thoughts of women are often enigmatic and difficult to decipher. My master once said: in this world, women are the most changeable, especially those who have a fondness for jewelry

Indeed, Xiao Xinmei's health is quite good; however, due to an excess of vital energy and blood, she experiences some pain during her menstrual period. This is quite normal and cannot be treated with medication

Zhu Tong felt a sense of comfort throughout his body. He got up, pulled out the needle, and relieved himself in the bathroom, expelling the liquid he had been holding for a long time. He shivered twice in relief, having been awakened by the urge to urinate.

The sun shone through the curtains, and Zhu Tong felt a bit hungry, estimating that it was already afternoon. Sitting on the hospital bed, he thought for a moment about the main reason for coming to Shanghai. He quickly put on his outerwear and packed his belongings, adjusting his glasses in front of the mirror: the light yellow adhesive bandage was likely a brand-name product, meticulously applied and closely matching his skin tone; unless one looked closely, the injury on his forehead was hardly noticeable.

As night falls deeply and the lights twinkle faintly, the nights in Shanghai are even more splendid than the days. The shimmering neon lights present a different charm, with each street harboring a subtle strangeness, mingled with a strong scent of perfume. In a quiet bar on Huaihai Road in Shanghai, a long-haired singer cradles a wooden guitar, softly singing an old song.

Only one thing caught Zhu Tong's attention: during their ten-day journey, they stayed in Fenghuang, Xiangxi for six days. Ye Er, with her sentimental nature, enjoyed painting and became enchanted by the poetic and picturesque scenes of the small town of Fenghuang as depicted by Shen Congwen, lingering by the banks of the Tuo River and forgetting to return.

When the messenger rushed over, Qingmei was laughing so hard that she collapsed onto the table, gasping for breath, while Kent had already curled up on the ground, moaning in pain. Zhu Tong felt a bit regretful, wondering if he had been too harsh. He reached out and patted Kent on the back, and only then did Kent stop vomiting, looking at Zhu Tong as if he were a devil, before getting up and running away

"She has said that she is not interested in you." Zhu Tong stood up, his hand brushing under Kent's ribs, the edge of his fist grazing the firm muscle

The Black man appeared to be half-drunk, his hand holding the wine glass swaying as he reached out to pull the green plum: "We will be very happy, miss, I noticed you when you walked in."

When Ye'er brought a cup of fragrant tea to his side, their fingers lightly brushed against each other, and Zhu Tong momentarily became entranced

The air in Shanghai has always been humid, which makes Zhu Tong, who is accustomed to the dryness of the north, feel uncomfortable all over. The damp lips of Qingmei have already removed the black lipstick, shining with a brilliant red hue, slowly approaching.

It was a relief to come out of Su Juan's house, and Zhu Tong seemed to exhale deeply, while Huang Hai appeared to have shed a heavy burden of a thousand pounds: "Doctor Li, do you have any further instructions? How about we find a place to drink?"

"Is it business, or big business?" Zhu Tong chuckled twice, feeling even more uneasy about Qingmei. However, he still did not believe that the situation had gone beyond his control, and Qingmei's knowledge was also limited. There are risks in any endeavor, especially in what he is currently engaged in, which is essentially a precarious way to make a living; having no risk would be abnormal.

Xiao Xinmei is half a head taller than Ye Er, and it seems she has just gotten off work, still wearing a neat business suit. With just a glance, Zhu Tong deduces that she is a straightforward and lively woman. Upon entering, she does not mind the presence of others and loudly jokes with Su Juan and Huang Hai.

After the nurse administered the injection, Zhu Tong unexpectedly fell asleep. Upon waking, he found himself lying in a high-end hospital room

"Boss, what do you mean? Last month was my birthday, and I had no friends in Shanghai. It was only the old man who took pity on me and gave me this sole birthday gift." Qingmei grabbed a cigarette from the boy in front of her, took one out and lightly held it at the edge of her lips; the waiter brought a glass of red wine and she took out a lighter to light it.

Zhu Tong murmured, "So it turns out that black people are also human." He had just exerted almost all his strength; this black man named Kent was relatively tall, and before making his move, Zhu Tong had little confidence.

Xiao Xinmei smiled as she playfully punched Zhu Tong, whispering a few words to Ye Er, which enlivened the atmosphere in the room. She was a newcomer in the industry, constantly emphasizing her English name, Lily

"Boss, I have always been a lady." She turned around and took off her leather jacket, revealing a low-cut camel-colored sweater that exposed the upper curves of her snow-white bosom; in fact, Qingmei stood at 1.72 meters tall, her slender figure boasting a pair of long, straight legs. Wearing exquisite high heels accentuated her ample chest, making her a captivating sight wherever she went. It is said that she won the crown at a modeling competition five years ago.

"Why do you always dress like a young lady?" Zhu Tong cast a dissatisfied glance at the lips painted in a dark purple hue, and the expectations that had once existed were instantly dashed.

Zhu Tong ascended to the second floor, took a seat in a corner, and picked up his phone to dial a number. After finishing his second beer, Zhu Tong's nerves finally relaxed, and a fragrant breeze wafted by as a stunning woman sat down across from him

Zhu Tong's half-joking, half-serious explanation made Ye Er laugh. In the living room, the topic shifted as Huang Hai and Ye Er talked about their trip to Xiangxi a few months ago, detailing even what they ate each day. Zhu Tong listened attentively, but still found no clues. They traveled independently, without a tour group, and Ye Er was accompanied by a classmate, yet only Ye Er fell ill upon returning.

Miss, you are very beautiful and attractive, may I buy you a drink? Please.

"She has something to attend to." Zhu Tong responded briefly, while his mind began to rapidly assess the current situation of the woman before him. Intuitively, Zhu Tong sensed that something was amiss. The slender right hand of Qingmei bore a cat's eye jade ring on her ring finger. With a considerable knowledge of jade, Zhu Tong estimated that the glimmering green jade alone was worth at least over 100,000.

The young woman has a voluptuous and soft figure; although her appearance may not be stunningly beautiful, she possesses a myriad of charms. She instinctively knows how to showcase her allure, from her attire to her demeanor, exuding a mature and sweet temptation. Such a woman holds a lethal appeal for a fifty-six-year-old man. At their age, intimacy is not merely a senseless clash or release; it requires the enjoyment of the process's sweetness, something that inexperienced young girls cannot provide.

It should be said that the charm of Qingmei is a perfect remedy for Director Wang; the situation progressed very smoothly, and before summer arrived, Director Wang had become a regular guest at the upscale apartment rented by Qingmei. In July, Zhu Tong and Yan Zi installed video equipment in the upscale apartment where Qingmei resided, and also, through Qingmei, gifted Director Wang an expensive mobile phone; this way, Zhu Tong could know what Director Wang was busy with every day from Shandong. In July, Zhu Tong and Yan Zi installed video equipment in the upscale apartment where Qingmei resided, and also, through Qingmei, gifted Director Wang an expensive mobile phone; this way, Zhu Tong could know what Director Wang was busy with every day from Shandong

It is estimated that there are five thousand yuan in the envelope. As a person of the underworld, he is willing to accept any money as long as there is an opportunity

A young girl at the bar replaced the despondent male singer, softly singing an English song. Qingmei moved closer to Zhutong, reaching out to touch the wound on his forehead: "Boss, did you get caught cheating? Does it still hurt?"

Zhu Tong avoided the hand of Qingmei, yet could not escape the allure of her sweetness; the pressure on his chest and shoulders was palpable. Yanzi had been gone for fourteen days, a passionate and exuberant girl, especially in bed. After nearly half a month of celibacy, the mature temptation emanating from Qingmei escalated from level three to level one.

"What confrontation?" Zhu Tong drank the wine in his cup, waved his hand, and asked for another cup: "The green plums, the preliminary arrangements should come to an end. We have received the batch of medicine, and we need Dean Wang to take care of it; rest assured, your benefits will not be lacking."

Before long, Su Juan was discussing something with Huang Hai and Ye Er in the inner room, while Su Juan's husband eagerly conversed with Zhu Tong, trying to understand Zhu Tong's situation; this was truly troublesome, as women from Shanghai were more straightforward, yet how could this big man be so talkative

The voice was awkward. As soon as Zhu Tong opened his mouth, he saw two rows of pristine white teeth and finally located the person's head, which belonged to a tall Black man. He was indeed tall, standing there like a wall. Zhu Tong estimated that he was at least 1.9 meters tall.

From Zhu Tong's perspective, he could roughly estimate Su Juan's financial background; taking out this sum of money was by no means easy for them. Zhu Tong had a bottom line in his "business" and did not consider ordinary people as "business" targets. This five thousand yuan was, for him, a trivial amount that he could easily do without. When Huang Hai spoke, he naturally clarified his position: "In traditional Chinese medicine, we emphasize fate; encountering such a medical case is a stroke of luck for anyone. As long as I can cure Miss Ye's illness, it is also a learning opportunity for me. How could I accept money? It would already be embarrassing not to pay you for the books and materials."

Ye Er is different from when she was on the train; her carefully combed long hair falls down, black, shiny, and soft, accentuating her fair, youthful, and delicate features. The pain is no longer in her eyes; they are deep like a tranquil pond, embodying the serene beauty of an Eastern woman. When Ye Er converses with her sister, the unique soft dialect of Jiangnan, Wu Nong, although not fully understood, is a pleasure to listen to simply for its gentle tone.

This is an ordinary apartment, a three-bedroom unit of about one hundred square meters; Su Juan is in the inner room placing eggs for Ye Er as instructed by Zhu Tong, while Huang Hai is chatting with Zhu Tong in the living room, waiting for the outcome from inside. Su Juan's husband is a chubby civil servant, engaging in socializing while guiding their three-year-old chubby son with his homework.

Dr. Li, you are the godsend of our family. Without you, Ye'er would surely still be suffering. I know that doctors do not lack money, but this is a token of respect for your hard work; please do not think it is too little.

What one fears often comes to pass. As Tong Gang just stepped out of the hospital building, he saw Su Juan approaching with a lunchbox, swaying her hips. Having changed out of her uniform, the train conductor was now a charming young woman full of allure.

Her wrist was also quite fleshy, and Zhu Tong placed three fingers on it. Xiao Xinmei unexpectedly smiled at him charmingly: "Doctor, could you take a closer look and tell me how many years I have left to live?"

Su Juan and Ye Er insisted on giving the money to Zhu Tong, which made him even more embarrassed, and he firmly refused. Huang Hai's father, being from the north, had a more straightforward temperament. Seeing Zhu Tong's reaction, he patted his chest and said: "Since Dr. Li doesn't want it, it's troublesome to keep pushing it back and forth. Let's wait until Ye Er recovers before giving it. At that time, you must not refuse."

Qingmei chuckled softly, returning to her seat and reaching for her glass of red wine: "I knew you wouldn't dare. Forget it, how could I compare to Sister Yanzi? Boss, she is a true beauty. Why didn't she come this time?"

Zhu Tong walked out of the ward and gently closed the door behind him. He was self-aware; the likelihood of his identity as a fake Dr. Li being exposed in a regular hospital was almost 80%. If the Ye sisters arrived, that probability would rise to 100%. More importantly, Zhu Tong had another identity in front of Director Wang of this hospital, and Huang Hai seemed to know a certain Director Lin from this hospital, which was the real reason Zhu Tong was anxious to leave.

In the large mirror in front of the sink stands a young man with a dazed expression, a band-aid affixed to his forehead, suggesting that he has indeed undergone a minor procedure

"Are you American or African?" asked the mature Qingmei. Zhu Tong smiled, but the Black man honestly replied: "My home is in Africa, and my name is Kent"

"There are gains again; it seems you have been doing well these past two months." The young woman wore a string of sparkling diamond necklaces, which estimated to be worth at least five figures, while the Vacheron Constantin watch on her wrist was a counterfeit, a mere facade provided by her boyfriend.