Chapter 161: The Culinary Tycoon

The Sound of Happiness

With the names decided, it was almost time for the feast.

Since everyone was familiar with each other, they didn’t pay much attention to formalities. They all sat on the first floor and happily enjoyed the banquet.

After the banquet, Dr. Xue and Dr. Ye specially called Chang Le’s family to the storage room.

“Dr. Xue, do you need something from us?” Yu Qingze asked.

Dr. Xue looked at Chang Le and said, “I want to ask you something. Previously, Baizhu and Brother Chang mentioned that on the day Baby Yu had an accident, Brother Le spoke. Is that true?”

Yu Qingze glanced at Chang Le and nodded, saying, “Yes, he got anxious and spoke that day.”

After the incident, Yu Qingze had mentioned it to Grandpa Chang because they had consulted doctors before. The doctors said there was no way to treat it, so they didn’t talk to Chang Le about it, fearing that it would touch upon his sorrowful memories.

Only now did Chang Hao and Jiabao learn about it, and they both looked at Chang Le in astonishment.

At this moment, Yu Qingze noticed Chang Le’s lack of surprise and asked, “Brother Le, did you know this time that you made a sound?”

Chang Le raised his head and nodded gently.

He did hear his own voice this time, but it sounded unpleasant. Moreover, he had been busy during this period and didn’t mention it to Yu Qingze and the others, fearing that it couldn’t be cured and would only disappoint them.

Translated on ho lo lo novels dot com.

However, when there was no one around, he would practice with Baobao, trying hard to speak again, but the results were minimal. It seemed that unless he reached a state of despair, he couldn’t speak, and he didn’t know why. This situation was similar to the previous two times, so he didn’t plan to tell Yu Qingze and the others.

Yu Qingze saw him nodding and knew that this time was somewhat different from before. Previously, Chang Le wasn’t even aware that he had spoken; he only found out when they mentioned it to him. Moreover, upon recollection, Chang Le had said it more than once this time, although each time he could only utter a single, “Baobao.”

“What’s going on? Tell me,” Dr. Xue said.

Yu Qingze’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly explained the situation to Dr. Xue, including the fact that Chang Le coughed up blood when he made a sound. After finishing, he asked, “Dr. Xue, are you asking because you have a solution?”

When Dr. Xue asked this question, did it mean he had a solution? Thinking about this, Yu Qingze felt a surge of excitement. Chang Hao and the others also looked at Dr. Xue with anticipation.

Dr. Xue asked Chang Le to sit down, then took his pulse and said, “When I came back that day, it was Baizhu who examined you. I didn’t know about it. A couple of days ago, Xiao Chang couldn’t hold it anymore and told me about the situation, so I wanted to ask you. This situation is indeed rare, something I haven’t seen or treated before.”

Upon hearing this, disappointment flashed across the faces of Yu Qingze and the others.

“Don’t make that expression. Although I haven’t seen it before, I know someone who has,” Dr. Xue said with a smile.

As soon as they heard that, they all looked up at him eagerly and asked in unison, “Who?”

Dr. Xue smiled and replied, “My junior master, Dr. He you know. After he stopped being a court physician, he traveled around as a wandering doctor and encountered many strange illnesses. He has also cured numerous difficult and complicated cases. He mentioned a similar case to Brother Le’s before, so maybe you can seek his help.”

“Really?” Yu Qingze asked excitedly.

Dr. Xue nodded and said, “It’s worth a try.”

“Brother! That’s fantastic, brother! Did you hear that? Dr. Xue said your throat can be cured!” Chang Hao’s eyes turned red with excitement as he grabbed his brother’s arm, expressing his joy.

Chang Le also nodded enthusiastically. If his throat could really be cured, he would be able to speak and call his baby and his family.

“Brother Le!” Yu Qingze turned to look at Chang Le and then turned to Grandpa Chang, saying, “Grandpa, I’ll take Brother Le to Yunzhou immediately to find Dr. He. Can you please take care of Baobao, okay?”

At that moment, Grandpa Chang was also extremely excited. He immediately nodded and said, “You go ahead, leave the baby to us.”

“Yes, yes, leave Baobao to us. Big brother, you can go with peace of mind,” Jiabao nodded and said.

Dr. Xue glanced at Dr. Ye, and the two exchanged a smile. Dr. Xue said, “There’s no need to go to Yunzhou. We received a letter from my junior master recently, and he mentioned that he would come for a visit soon. We can have him take a look then.”

“When will he arrive?” Yu Qingze asked eagerly.

“In about two days. When he arrives, I will have someone notify you,” Dr. Xue replied.

“Alright, thank you, Dr. Xue.”

This was truly good news. For the past two days, the family had been anxiously waiting for Dr. He to come to Tongshan, feeling as if time was passing slowly.

On the third morning, they finally received the notification from the Xue residence, and Yu Qingze immediately took Chang Le and went over.

“Oh, Xiao Yu, Brother Le, I heard that your baby just turned one hundred days old. Why didn’t you bring him along for me to see? I even prepared a gift for him,” Dr. He said with a joyful expression. Despite not seeing each other for two years, Dr. He still had a cheerful demeanor.

During these two years, on every festive occasion, Yu Qingze would have gifts sent to Dr. He’s residence through the Cai family. Dr. He and his family also remembered them, and they maintained contact, albeit not very frequently.

“We were afraid of disturbing you, so we didn’t bring him along. Dr. He, how long will you be staying here? How about having lunch at my restaurant? My grandpa can take care of the baby while we eat,” Yu Qingze replied.

“Hahaha, I’ll be staying for a while. Then let’s have lunch at your restaurant. I’ve been longing for the taste of the dishes you make. It has lingered in my memory for two years, hahaha…” Dr. He laughed.

They chatted for a while, catching up on old times, and then they got down to business.

Dr. He examined Chang Le’s pulse, asked detailed questions about the previous incidents, and even inquired about Chang Le’s childhood. Yu Qingze shared everything that Grandpa Chang had told him with Dr. He.

“Brother Le, can you still make any sound now?” Dr. He asked.

Chang Le shook his head and gestured, indicating that he couldn’t. He could make the sound ‘ah’ the next day, but now whenever he tries to speak, his throat hurts severely.

Yu Qingze translated for Dr. He and then asked, “Dr. He, can Brother Le be treated for this condition?”

After thinking for a moment, Dr. He said, “When he was young, he experienced trauma to his throat, which was not promptly treated. And for so many years without speaking, the condition has become quite severe. However, I can try. When I was traveling outside, I encountered a similar case, and that patient was able to speak afterward. However, the voice became hoarse. You need to be mentally prepared for that.”

Upon hearing this, the two looked at each other and felt a glimmer of hope.

A hoarse voice was not a problem. Being able to speak would already be a significant improvement.

Chang Le gestured, asking what he needed to do.

Dr. He listened to Yu Qingze’s translation and then said, “You just need to cooperate with my treatment. It primarily involves acupuncture combined with internal medication. I just examined your pulse, and when you said that you coughed up blood after calling for the baby a few days ago, that blood you coughed up was not the usual heart blood from emotional distress. It was the accumulated stagnant blood around your throat that got dislodged when you tried to force your voice. Your current throat condition is similar to when you were injured as a child, so it’s a good opportunity for treatment.”

Upon hearing this, Yu Qingze asked, “Dr. He, does that mean you’ll reopen the scar and then treat it again?”

“Yes, that’s more or less what it means. I need to make some preparations. We can start the treatment in about two days, and then I will assess the situation,” Dr. He looked at Dr. Ye and asked, “Xiao Man, can I borrow your pharmacy?”

Dr. Ye smiled and said, “Feel free to use it, but do you need my assistance?”

Dr. He nodded and said, “That would be great, just what I was thinking. So, starting from the day after tomorrow, Brother Le, you can come to Xue Mansion for treatment. Come at the hour of Chen in the morning, punctually.”

Chang Le nodded.

Afterward, they chatted for a while. Around noon, they went to House of Prosperity, and Yu Qingze personally went to the kitchen to cook and entertain Dr. He and the others.

Chang Le found Grandpa Chang and told him about the situation.

Grandpa Chang was thrilled upon hearing that Dr. He said he could treat Chang Le. He went upstairs with Chang Le and asked the same question again. Upon hearing Dr. He’s confirmation, he finally felt relieved and sat together to chat and play with Baby Yu.

At noon, Yu Qingze, Chang Le, and the others enjoyed their meal together. Dr. He praised the food and openly expressed that he didn’t want to go back to Yunzhou.

Everyone burst into laughter.

After the meal, Dr. He took the opportunity to check Grandpa Chang’s pulse again. He noticed that his old ailment had indeed improved compared to two years ago, which reassured him. He also prescribed a tonic formula to help him regulate his health.

“Old brother, now that the conditions at home are better, take good care of your health and enjoy the happiness of family. Don’t worry too much,” Dr. He advised.

Grandpa Chang nodded and said, “There’s nothing to worry about now. I don’t even have any land to cultivate. If it wasn’t for the baby being born, I would be getting moldy from idleness!”

Dr. He and the others laughed. Someone like Grandpa Chang, who had worked the fields his whole life, would indeed find it somewhat uncomfortable to suddenly have so much free time.

“Well, now you have a baby to take care of. Enjoy the pleasure of having grandchildren. Oh, this is a great-grandchild! Not many people are as fortunate as you,” Dr. He chuckled.

Grandpa Chang also laughed and said, “Yes, we’re fortunate to have Baobao, and it’s all thanks to the skilled and compassionate Dr. Ye that Brother Le could have this baby. Our whole family is so grateful to Dr. Ye.”

Dr. Ye smiled and replied, “It’s just my duty as a physician. You don’t have to keep thanking me every time we meet.”

Everyone laughed.

Meanwhile, Dr. He spent the entire day preparing.

On the third day, Chang Le and Yu Qingze arrived at the Xue residence on time for their treatment. In response to Brother Chang’s request, Grandpa Chang also accompanied them, bringing the baby to play with Baby Muhua at the Xue residence.

Baby Muhua was about two months older than Baby Er Dan, now around five months old. Compared to Baby Er Dan, who was just over three months old, Baby Muhua was much more lively. He had already learned to actively reach out and grab things. Whenever he saw Baby Er Dan, he liked to touch his face and try to grab him.

At first, Baby Er Dan would curiously stare back, but eventually, he would get frightened and cry. This little brother was too rough. He would extend his tiny paw and slap him, often hitting his body and sometimes even his face. It hurt!

Every day, the treatment lasted for one hour. Dr. He prescribed medications that were beneficial for the throat and specifically emphasized that during this period, Chang Le must eat light and avoid spicy and stimulating foods, especially chili peppers.

Yu Qingze carefully noted Dr. He’s instructions. He felt sorry for Chang Le, who had to take medicine all these years. His whole body had become thin, and even pregnancy couldn’t make him gain much weight. Yu Qingze sought advice from Dr. He and prepared special medicinal meals for Chang Le every day, incorporating nourishing herbs to help him strengthen his body.

The treatment lasted for a long time. During the Lunar New Year, Dr. He didn’t even return home and stayed at the Xue residence.

With another year of spring blossoms, when Baby Er Dan learned to flip over and crawl, Chang Le’s treatment finally came to an end.

“Now, open your mouth and say something,” Dr. He removed the silver needles and said to Chang Le.

Yu Qingze clenched his fists, nervously and expectantly watching Chang Le.

Throughout these months of treatment, Dr. He hardly had Chang Le try to speak. Sometimes he would have him produce simple monosyllabic sounds like “ah,” “oh,” or “ya.” But now, Dr. He said Chang Le could speak.

Chang Le looked at the people present—Yu Qingze, Grandpa Chang, Baobao, Brother Chang, Dr. Ye, and Dr. He—and suddenly became nervous.

If it didn’t work, how disappointed would they be?

Dr. He said, “Don’t be nervous. Based on my diagnosis, he should be able to speak now. Trust me. Give it a try.”

Chang Le swallowed and looked up at Yu Qingze, clutching his clothes with both hands. He opened his mouth and kept trying until his face turned slightly red. Finally, he called out, “Husband.”

His voice was still hoarse and rough, unlike Brother Chang’s pleasant and melodious voice. But upon hearing the words “Husband,” Yu Qingze couldn’t help but tear up.

He took a step forward, embracing Chang Le tightly in his arms, choked with emotion. “Brother Le, my wife, I heard it. You called me, called me ‘Husband’…”

Everyone was overjoyed. Grandpa Chang shed tears directly and almost couldn’t hold the chubby Baby Er Dan. It was Dr. Ye who quickly took the baby in his arms, preventing a disaster where Baby Er Dan would get close to the floor.

Chang Le was also filled with excitement. He wiped away his tears, pushed Yu Qingze away, and stood up. He went to Grandpa Chang’s side, grabbed his hand, and called out, “Grandpa.”

Tears flowed down Grandpa Chang’s face as he nodded repeatedly. “Ah, Xiao Le, I heard it, I heard it!”

He hadn’t heard his grandson call him “Grandpa” for twenty years. Now, finally hearing the words “Grandpa” again, he felt a sense of fulfillment.

The grandpa and grandson were once again filled with excitement and tears.

Then, Chang Le turned to Brother Chang and called out, “Brother Chang.”

“Yes!” Brother Chang was overwhelmed with emotions, crying and laughing at the same time. He grabbed Chang Le’s hand and said, “That’s great, Brother Le, that’s wonderful!”

Chang Le expressed his gratitude to Dr. He and Dr. Ye, and finally, he turned to Baby Er Dan and called out, “Baobao.”

Baby Er Dan, upon hearing his name, initially curiously tried to distinguish the voice. But soon, he straightened his body from Dr. Ye’s embrace and reached out his chubby hands towards Chang Le, wanting a hug. He loudly exclaimed, “Ma, ma!”

Everyone paused for a moment upon hearing this.

Translated on ho lo lo novels dot com.

Did he just hear correctly? Is his baby calling him?

“Baobao?” Chang Le quickly took the baby into his arms and said, “Say it again.”

“Baobao can call people now!” Yu Qingze was overjoyed as well. He playfully coaxed Baobao, saying, “Say it again, say it again, ‘Ma,’ ‘Ma,’ say it again, come on, ‘Ma’…”

During this period, they had been teaching Baobao to call people, and the first word they taught him was “Ma.” The baby had never said it before, but unexpectedly, he called out today. It was truly a double joy!

Baby Er Dan hugged Chang Le’s neck, turned his little body, listened to his father’s words, watched his father’s mouth, and then said, “Ma, ‘Ma’!”

(Note: Ma is short for mother in Chinese).

The word “Ma” was still a bit unclear, especially the initial sound of “Ma” was very soft, as if it passed by quickly. But everyone heard it clearly, he did indeed say “Ma.”

Chang Le hugged the baby and excitedly kissed his cheek, saying, “Yes! Baobao, ‘Ma’ is here, right here!”

(End of the main text)

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