Chapter Thirty-Three: Lord Fan’s Favor

Fan Yongfeng showed not the slightest hint of arrogance; when he was with Yan Yuanqing, anyone unaware of their backgrounds might have mistaken them for brothers, so close and familiar were they.

"Master Fan, there’s really no need for this. If you need anything, just tell me directly—I won’t refuse to help you," Yan Yuanqing said, certain of his own inclinations and quickly putting some distance between himself and Master Fan.

After all, some space brings beauty, even between men. Being too close is never quite appropriate.

Fan Yongfeng laughed heartily. "Master Yan, you’re truly straightforward! Actually, the main reason I came today was just to see you. You’re always so busy with work, and there’s never a chance for you to visit my house for a chat."

"Are you implying I’m not welcome here?" Fan teased.

Yan Yuanqing could only smile wryly. "How could that be? Master Fan, your presence here in our humble traditional medicine hall brings us nothing but honor!"

Fan burst out laughing. "Master Yan, you flatter me!"

Yan Yuanqing quickly arranged for a physician from the Shi family to fill in for him, and followed Fan Yongfeng to a more private area in the back. Many in the waiting line were visibly displeased—they had come specifically for Yan Yuanqing’s expertise. But with Master Fan right before them, no one dared to complain. To do so would be courting disaster.

"Master Fan, what is it you actually want? Just say it plainly. There’s no need for all this beating around the bush. Do you think I can’t see through you?" Once they were alone, Yan Yuanqing no longer stood on ceremony and spoke bluntly.

Fan Yongfeng laughed. "Master Yan, you truly are formidable. How did you know I had something to ask?"

Yan Yuanqing rolled his eyes. "How could I not know? You might as well have written 'seeking a favor' across your forehead. Why don’t you look in the mirror and see if those words aren’t written there? Maybe splash some water on your face while you’re at it!"

Fan Yongfeng hadn’t expected to be seen through so easily. Since that was the case, there was no point pretending further.

"To be honest, Master Yan, I’m not here begging a favor so much as proposing a business deal—or rather, a partnership."

"I wonder if you’d be interested?"

Yan Yuanqing raised an eyebrow; this was certainly not the outcome he’d anticipated. Business? What kind of business could a poor physician like himself possibly discuss?

"Don’t misunderstand," Fan Yongfeng continued. "This deal requires not a penny from you. Your skills alone are already invaluable capital. This is called a technical partnership. Surely you understand?"

Yan Yuanqing nodded slightly.

Fan went on. "I hope to collaborate with you and the Shi family’s clinic. I’ll provide the funds, you contribute your labor and expertise, and together we’ll expand the Shi Family Traditional Medicine Hall, making it bigger and stronger. In the future, it might even rival the Cangzhou Central Hospital!"

"How does that sound? Isn’t the prospect exhilarating?" Fan finished, but he could already see his hopes were dashed—Yan Yuanqing didn’t look interested at all.

"You should take this up with Shi Tianhe, not me. I’m just a son-in-law here with no voice and no status. How could I possibly make such a decision?"

Fan Yongfeng smiled faintly. "Come now, Master Yan. Who still thinks of you as just a son-in-law? With the talent you’ve shown, any family would be fighting to have you as their own!"

Yan Yuanqing gave a cold laugh. In truth, not a single person in the Shi family had any faith in him.

"I’ve heard you out. If there’s nothing else, please leave. For business matters, speak to Shi Tianhe—I really have no say here. If you can persuade Shi Tianhe, I’ll have no objection. Is that clear?"

"Please, see yourself out."