Doctor and His Glamorous Sister-in-Law

Third Master Zhang wouldn't dare call himself a big shot, but he was at least well-connected in the town and the county. Even government officials had to show him some respect when they saw him. Moreover, anyone who heard his name would nod and bow, their faces a mask of fawning sycophancy.

But this young man before him was completely unfazed.

This is somewhat surprising.

However, Third Master Zhang's surprise was purely internal; his face betrayed nothing.

"Alright, let's sit down and eat!" Third Master Zhang said flatly.

Seeing Third Master Zhang's attitude, Li Dafa let out a long sigh of relief. It seemed the man had no major objections to Liu Ergou. He quickly arranged for Liu Ergou to sit next to Third Master Zhang, while he took the seat beside Liu Ergou.

This arrangement immediately drew complaints from the others present.

"Dafa, what's the meaning of this? You put this kid next to the Third Master? Are you saying he's better than all of us brothers?"

"Yeah, exactly! This kid looks like a complete greenhorn who just started out. What kind of skills could he possibly have?"

"That's right, Brother Dafa. No offense, but you've really bungled this one!"

The men chimed in one after another. Although their words were aimed at Li Dafa's supposed thoughtlessness, the real meaning between the lines was to belittle Liu Ergou, implying he was unworthy of sitting next to Third Master Zhang.

Despite the strong objections, Li Dafa felt the arrangement was perfectly appropriate. Aside from Third Master Zhang, Liu Ergou was the most capable person here, so it was only right for him to sit by the Third Master's side.

Li Dafa's expression turned cold as he looked at the grumbling crowd.

"All of you, shut up!" he snapped. "Don't blame me for being blunt, but what are any of you compared to my Brother Gou! If you're really not convinced, then step up and challenge him. If a single one of you can remain standing against him for more than ten seconds, you can have this seat!"

At these words, the men exchanged glances, momentarily at a loss for what to say. After a while, one of them finally spoke up, his tone skeptical.

"Is that for real? Is he as amazing as you say? I find that hard to believe, Dafa!"

Li Dafa puffed out his chest. "If you don't believe me, that's fine. Come over and try for yourself. You'll know soon enough!"

Hearing this, the skeptic immediately shut his mouth. After all, who would want to get beaten up for nothing? As he fell silent, the others also stopped their questioning.

The situation was gradually calming down. However, just then, someone else piped up, "Hmph, knocking someone down in ten seconds? Li Dafa, do you really think I don't know who he is? Isn't he just some barefoot doctor from Fengzhu Village? How skilled can he be? Be careful that big talk of yours doesn't blow up in your face! Hahaha!"

At these words, Li Dafa immediately bristled.

"Damn it, you bastard!" he roared. "If you're not convinced, let's take this outside and spar! If you can last more than ten seconds against my Brother Gou, I'll call you Dad from now on!"

Hearing all this, Liu Ergou couldn't help but frown. He had come here because Li Dafa had promised a meal as an apology, not to be ridiculed by a bunch of nobodies.

Just as Liu Ergou was about to lose his temper, Third Master Zhang, who had been sitting quietly at the head of the table, finally spoke.

"Alright, alright, that's enough out of all of you!" he commanded. "It doesn't matter who comes here; as long as they are here, they are my guest. You will all show some courtesy! Did your families not teach you how to treat a guest? If not, you can leave right now. I won't stop you!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the room fell silent.

Liu Ergou looked at Third Master Zhang, a flicker of surprise in his heart. He hadn't expected Third Master Zhang to actually step up and speak for him. This significantly improved Liu Ergou's impression of the man.

Finally, the storm subsided. Liu Ergou sat beside Third Master Zhang, waiting for the food to arrive.

Soon, a dazzling array of dishes covered the table. Looking at all these dishes, many of which he'd never seen before, Liu Ergou couldn't help but gulp. But seeing that no one else was moving, he stayed his hand as well, imitating the others and waiting patiently.

After another long moment, a waiter walked in carrying a large clay pot.

"This is our restaurant's specialty medicinal cuisine, Wild Ginseng Stewed Hazel Grouse! Please, enjoy!" he announced to everyone present. With that, he lifted the lid, and a rich fragrance instantly wafted out, causing everyone to take a few extra, deep sniffs.

Liu Ergou immediately recognized that the wild ginseng in the stew wasn't cultivated; it was the real, wild-grown article.

Just then, Li Dafa gently nudged him and whispered in an almost inaudible voice, "Brother Gou, that's the ginseng you sold! I heard Third Master was coming tonight, so I bought it back to have it stewed in this medicinal dish!"

Liu Ergou nodded in understanding, but then another question occurred to him. In an equally quiet voice, he asked Li Dafa, "By the way, didn't you say it was just going to be our own people tonight? Why did Third Master Zhang suddenly show up?"

Li Dafa quickly replied, "Don't worry, Brother Gou, the Third Master is one of us! He's my uncle! Rest assured!"

Realization dawned on Liu Ergou. He hadn't expected Li Dafa to have such solid connections; it was truly unexpected.

Once the main course was served, the men began toasting and drinking. The other four took turns raising their glasses to Liu Ergou, offering words of apology.

"Brother Gou, it's my fault. I was rude to you! Let this drink be my apology!"

"Yes, yes, our apologies to you!"

"Same here!"

Liu Ergou accepted every toast, downing one glass after another. With that round of drinks, their past grievances were washed away with a smile. Of course, he didn't leave out Li Dafa. After that, everyone had a few more cups, and even Third Master Zhang joined in for one.

Having had his drink, Third Master Zhang prepared to stand up and leave. For him, the necessary drinking was done. He'd made his appearance and given everyone enough face, so there was no longer any reason for him to stay. Besides, he had other matters to attend to and no need to linger.

However, as Liu Ergou watched Third Master Zhang get up to leave, he cracked a small smile.

"Third Master," he said suddenly, "has no one ever told you that you're sick?"