C65 Medicine Order Request

Westley watched Dilan devour his meal and couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Web novelists really had it tough, scraping by to the point where they were nearly indistinguishable from beggars.

It seemed no job was without its hardships.

"Have you had enough, or would you like another basket of soup dumplings?" Westley asked, his voice warm with concern.

"Brother Westley, I'm full," Dilan replied, wiping his mouth shyly before hesitantly adding, "Could I possibly take some extra food for lunch and dinner?"

"Of course you can."

Westley rose and approached the counter, requesting the server to pack up an additional portion of potstickers, soup dumplings, and a serving of fried rice.

After settling the bill, Westley discreetly slid a 200 yuan note under the packaged food.

"There, that should tide you over for the day," he said, handing the bag to Dilan.

"Thank you, Brother Westley. I'll treat you to a meal when I can afford it," Dilan said, his cheeks flushed with gratitude.

"Don't worry about it. Just keep at it. Fortune favors the diligent," Westley reassured him, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Brother Westley, I'll leave you to it. I've got to get back to work."

With the food in hand, Dilan hurried off, his pride intact.

"He's got a strong sense of pride, that one," Westley mused, shaking his head as he stepped out of the restaurant into the bright sunlight.

He was due at the office, but today, he had more pressing matters to attend to—buying medicine.

Crafting a basic spiritual medicine would not only speed up the recovery of his Spiritual Energy but also significantly aid in the strengthening of his cultivation.

"Nowadays, it's mostly pharmacies selling Western medicine. It's rare to find one that stocks medicinal herbs. What to do?" Westley pondered as he walked.

Passing by Wood's Noodle Shop, he noticed a bustling crowd inside. Youths with wildly dyed hair were coming and going.

Among them was Tafari, busy directing workers in repainting walls and moving in new furniture, all engrossed in the flurry of activity.

Witnessing the scene before him, Westley couldn't help but smile.

"Chen Hao."

At the sound of his name, Chen Hao turned around.

Upon spotting Westley, he quickly trotted over and greeted him with respect, "Westley, good morning."

"Did you come over first thing this morning to help with Uncle Wood's renovation?" Westley asked, his smile warm.

"Yes! Westley, isn't it odd? Early today, Mr. Baldie sought me out. He significantly upped the compensation and insisted I do a serious job on Uncle Wood's shop renovation," Chen Hao explained, clearly baffled.

Baldie was notoriously tightfisted, typically having his underlings foot the bill while he seldom reached for his own wallet.

What got into him today?

Westley, however, had a clear understanding of Baldie's sudden change of heart.

The event from the previous night had left a lasting impression on him, prompting him to straighten up.

But Westley chose not to divulge this insight, instead inquiring, "How's Uncle Wood doing now?"

"He's not too bad, but I've arranged for him to be admitted to the hospital, in the best ward available. I assured him money wasn't an issue. Once the shop's renovation is complete, he'll be ready to leave the hospital. Then we can have a grand reopening," Chen Hao reported.

"You've handled this situation well," Westley commended.

Chen Hao, scratching his head and looking somewhat sheepish, responded, "Westley, please, no compliments. The previous troubles were my fault."

"Recognizing your mistake is commendable," Westley said, still smiling.

"Also, Westley, I took care of the task you gave me last night. I'm sending it to you now."

Chen Hao pulled out his phone and transferred a video file to Westley.

Westley opened the video and was immediately met with jarring sounds.

Passersby mistook his actions, thinking Westley was brazenly watching an adult film in public, casting disdainful glances his way.

Westley quickly lowered the volume and after a short while, he couldn't bear to watch any longer.

The video was appalling!

He pocketed his phone, a grin spreading across his face. This video was poised to be quite profitable for him.

Seeing Westley's grin, Chen Hao's spirits lifted.

That smile was Westley's seal of approval!

"By the way, I wanted to ask you something."

"Go ahead, Brother Nan," Tafari prompted.

"Do you know where I can find a place that sells medicinal herbs in Lindzac?" Westley inquired.

"What's up? Brother Nan, are you feeling ill?" Tafari asked with concern.

"No, it's not for me. A friend of mine needs a specific herb that I can't seem to find at the regular pharmacies," Westley fibbed.

Tafari pondered for a moment before suddenly exclaiming, "Actually, Brother Nan, I do know a place. Over at Square Bridge in the northern district, there's an herbal market. It's been around for nearly a century, so I bet they'll have what you're looking for."

"Square Bridge?" Westley's spirits lifted.

A market that's been in business for over a hundred years would likely have a vast selection of herbs due to its size and longevity.

After getting the details from Tafari, Westley made a beeline for the location.

Square Bridge was situated in the northern district of Lindzac.

The area was part of the old town, characterized by its ancient houses, quaint bridges, and meandering streams, reminiscent of an old Jiangnan village.

Upon his arrival, it felt as though time itself had slowed down.

Westley asked around and eventually located the herbal market.

Tucked behind a bustling food market, the herbal market was a hive of activity, with people coming and going, and large trucks loaded with herbs occasionally passing through. Small shops selling an array of medicines lined the streets, brimming with local charm.

As soon as Westley stepped into the market, vendors eagerly hawked their wares.

"Looking for some medicine, young man?"

"We've got the freshest dendrobium, powdered notoginseng, and Angelica sinensis, all freshly air-flown."

"Over here, I've got a special lepidium meyenii blend that'll keep you energized and boost your kidney function."

Westley remained silent, continuing to walk deeper into the market.

The further he ventured, the fewer the shops became, and the air grew thick with the scent of medicinal herbs.

The establishments here appeared much more reputable, some with cauldrons set up at their storefronts, brewing concoctions in plain view.

Westley arrived at a pharmacy known as Revival Hall.

Through his observations, it was clear that this pharmacy was the largest around, bustling with a steady stream of customers, each carrying bundles of medicinal herbs wrapped in leather paper. By all accounts, this shop was also the most popular.

Revival Hall's windows gleamed, spotless and inviting. Along the furthest wall stood several rows of towering medicine cabinets.

A number of individuals clad in white lab coats bustled about, exuding an air of professionalism.

After a moment's hesitation, Westley decided to step into the pharmacy.

Before he could fully enter, however, a young man blocked his path.

"Hey, what's your business here?" the young man inquired.

"Hello, I've come to purchase some medicine," Westley replied courteously.

"Do you have an appointment to buy medicine?" the young man asked, his voice trailing off suggestively.

"An appointment? To buy medicine?" Westley's brow furrowed in confusion.

"Absolutely. Revival Hall isn't just any pharmacy; it's a storied establishment with a century of history. Without an appointment, I'm afraid you'll need to seek out another shop. I'm quite busy at the moment and can't afford to spend my time idly chatting," the young man responded with a hint of impatience.