Qin Liu Xi declined Mr. Qian's invitation, and though disappointed, he knew better than to insist. He handed her a box containing the consultation fee, but before doing so, he asked another question.
"Doctor Qin, your reputation precedes you. I've dealt with many doctors in my business travels, but I've never encountered one as young and skilled as you."
"That's because you haven't met enough people, Mr. Qian. Not to mention the vastness of Dafeng and the neighboring countries like Shangguo and Yuguo, as well as the exotic lands. There are many talented individuals out there, far beyond my capabilities," Qin Liu Xi replied with a smile as she accepted the box of consultation fees and handed it to her attendant, Chen Pi.
Mr. Qian smiled and said, "Perhaps I just haven't had the chance to meet them."
Qin Liu Xi noted Mr. Qian's smooth words as a businessman.
"Doctor Qin, I know many wealthy businessmen with hidden illnesses that have plagued them for years. If they wanted to consult you, where could they find you? Rest assured, they can offer substantial consultation fees," Mr. Qian asked, subtly inquiring about how to locate Qin Liu Xi.
Making friends with a skilled Daoist doctor would benefit Mr. Qian, providing reliable medical care for his family while potentially indebting others to him for arranging such connections. Thus, his apparent deference to Qin Liu Xi served his own interests. In business, profit was paramount.
Qin Liu Xi saw through his intentions but wasn't bothered. She had no shortage of patients, especially wealthy ones. Whether she treated them or not depended on her mood, not on someone else's connections.
"Well, since you know I come from Qingping Temple, you can find me there. However, Daoist doctors like me are different from ordinary physicians. Especially in my case, I can't cure those with heavy karmic debts. No amount of money can change that," Qin Liu Xi explained.
Mr. Qian felt a chill.
"Kind deeds will bring blessings, not only to oneself but also to one's descendants. Even if a person amasses great wealth for their descendants' prosperity, if they commit sins, their good fortune will vanish. No matter how much money they earn, it will be in vain," Qin Liu Xi continued.
Mr. Qian hurriedly bowed. "Thank you for your guidance, Doctor Qin."
Qin Liu Xi waved her hand and then asked, "So, what business are you in?"
"I started out trading goods from the north and south, like general merchandise. We have all sorts of things from our travels. These are items used by ordinary people," Mr. Qian replied.
"Do you have silk and cotton fabrics?" Qin Liu Xi inquired.
"Yes, we have plenty of those. They're bulk items," Mr. Qian confirmed.
"I'll have someone from your shop select some fabrics. They don't need to be fancy, just practical. Can your store manager handle that?" Qin Liu Xi said.
Mr. Qian exclaimed, "Doctor Qin, you're too kind! Just let me know what you need, and I'll have it delivered to your home. You don't need to spend money."
"No, there's no such thing as a free lunch. Even if it's free, I won't take it. And don't mention anything about saving lives. You've paid the consultation fee, so we're even. If we're doing business, it's a matter of exchanging goods for money. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare to do business with you," Qin Liu Xi insisted.