Tian Yang'en nodded. "It is indeed true. There are always extraordinary people in this world; medicine and martial arts are interconnected. That is an absolute certainty. Just like when I train in martial arts, I learn precise pressure points, simple methods for healing injuries, and where the fatal points are..."
Having trained in both ancient martial arts and modern Chinese martial arts, Tian Yang'en naturally knew more than Yuen Mui and So Ah-sai. Training in martial arts can indeed strengthen the body. Those who master inner energy and understand the techniques can also prolong their lives. Cleansing the marrow and cutting the bones may not be as miraculous as described in martial arts novels, but it certainly has those effects. Furthermore, those who master these techniques can truly maintain a youthful appearance. Tian Yang'en had even heard of sixty-year-olds who looked like they were in their thirties.
"Then... can I learn martial arts?" So Ah-sai's eyes lit up the moment she heard this. She looked at Lok Yu-chen with bright, expectant eyes, much like a little girl waiting for a treat.
Lok Yu-chen shook his head. "You could try, but you wouldn't achieve much. Your bone structure is already set, and you've missed the prime age for training."
"Huh? Is that so?" So Ah-sai immediately pouted, looking dejected.
"However, it’s not set in stone. If you have this strengthening serum, you can cleanse your marrow and strengthen your bones to improve your physical condition," Lok Yu-chen said with a smile.
"Then... then... then hurry up and ask your master for another bottle! No, make it two—little En needs one too..." So Ah-sai’s mood instantly brightened again. Everyone has a dream of becoming a heroic fighter, and while the modern underworld is different from the novels, the importance of physical prowess is self-evident.
Lok Yu-chen tapped her on the head and said crossly, "Do you think this is cabbage you can just buy whenever you want? Just wait. You won't be left out; you'll get yours eventually. You have to give the old man some time, don't you?"
"Okay... fine. I'll wait as long as I get it," So Ah-sai nodded eagerly.
At that moment, Yuen Mui could no longer stand the smell of the grime and hurried off to wash up.
"It's settled then... get two bottles for me and little En as soon as possible. I want to be a master!" With Yuen Mui gone, So Ah-sai’s demeanor changed. Even with Tian Yang'en watching, she stepped up to hold Lok Yu-chen’s arm and acted coy. Tian Yang'en’s eyes flickered, but she pretended not to notice.
Lok Yu-chen chuckled, flicked her nose, and said, "Alright, you won't be left out. What Mui gets, you get, and little En won't be forgotten either." Tian Yang'en beamed at that; it was enough to know he was thinking of her.
"I’m so excited..." So Ah-sai began to imagine her future as a martial arts expert. Lok Yu-chen and Tian Yang'en exchanged a look and couldn't help but laugh; they were both helpless against this silly girl who had already started dreaming.
"Ah!" A moment later, Yuen Mui’s exclamation of surprise rang out.
"Sister Mei, what happened?" Hearing the cry, So Ah-sai wanted to run over to see.
Lok Yu-chen held her back. "It’s nothing, she’s just surprised. When you see her, try not to let your jaw hit the floor."
"What are you talking about?" So Ah-sai had no idea what he meant—until she saw for herself.
Yuen Mui emerged from the bathroom looking like a different person from head to toe. Her facial features and height remained the same, but her skin—what had happened to it? Yuen Mui had always been fair, but it was an unhealthy kind of pale, likely due to her long-term struggle with congenital heart disease, which had always left a vague, shadowy air about her. Now, however, she was startlingly fair—the only words to describe her were crystal clear and flawless. It was impossible to find even the slightest blemish. She looked years younger, like a high school student, leaving everyone in awe. If she put on a school uniform, no one would doubt her age.
So Ah-sai circled her, clicking her tongue in amazement and feeling a deep sense of envy. Her skin was just too good! So Ah-sai admitted she was jealous. She often stayed up late, and while she still looked young, she knew her skin was nowhere near as good as it used to be. Even Tian Yang'en, a tomboy who didn't usually care much about her looks, watched with shining, envious eyes.
"Believe in the power of cleansing the marrow now? Mui has purged the toxins from her body, which is why she looks younger and more beautiful, as if she’s returned to her teenage years," Lok Yu-chen explained with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, you’ll all have what Mui has. In the near future, you’ll reach a state of frozen age, perhaps even the 'rejuvenation' described in novels—just like Mui."
"Rejuvenation? You... do you think we're ancient demons?" So Ah-sai rolled her eyes, but her face was beaming. If she could be a beautiful "ancient demon," she wouldn't mind. After all, what woman doesn't love beauty? If a demon is prettier than a young girl, it’s just a testament to her natural grace.
Yuen Mui chuckled softly. "You two are exaggerating more and more."
"Who’s exaggerating? You were the one screaming in surprise just now!" So Ah-sai teased, forgetting her status as the younger sister.
"Uh..." Yuen Mui was speechless. She suppose she had overreacted. But then again, who wouldn't be surprised by such a miracle?
"Lok Yu-chen, should we go to the hospital for a check-up? Just to be sure... I’m not doubting you, I just want everyone to have peace of mind," So Ah-sai suggested. Yuen Mui looked at Lok Yu-chen, clearly deferring to him.
Lok Yu-chen shrugged. "That’s fine. Once it’s confirmed, everyone can rest easy. Get ready, we’ll head to the hospital soon."
They went to the Ren Ai Hospital in Kowloon Tong, the most famous facility near Sham Shui Po. Sham Shui Po’s medical services were nothing to write home about, but Kowloon Tong was a wealthy district with top-tier care. Ren Ai was one of the most famous private hospitals in the region. Since most public hospitals were lacking, the reputable ones were all private. While their standards were world-class, they were expensive, so the poor generally couldn't afford them—especially for serious illnesses.
The results of the professional check-up were exactly as Lok Yu-chen expected: there was nothing wrong. Yuen Mui’s heart was healthier than the average person’s. Anything produced by the System was guaranteed to be top quality. As instructed, Yuen Mui hadn't mentioned her congenital heart disease to see if the doctors would find it. The doctor simply said, "You are healthier than the average person." Assuming she was just a rich girl getting a physical, the doctor thought nothing of it.
Leaving the hospital, Yuen Mui let out a long sigh, a genuine smile gracing her face. She was finally fine—even if it was only temporary, not having to suffer day after day was a massive blessing. The sunlight felt extraordinarily bright today, and even the summer heat seemed less daunting.
"Sister Mei, now that you’ve been checked and you're fine, you can rest easy. We’re all relieved," Tian Yang'en said sincerely. Yuen Mui nodded, glancing at Lok Yu-chen with eyes full of gratitude and affection.
"Silly, it’s what I should have done. Come on, let’s go back and have the breakfast you made. It’s still breakfast time," Lok Yu-chen laughed, waving his hand.
After a warm breakfast, Lok Yu-chen’s phone rang. It was A Zha. "Brother Chen! The twenty thousand pairs of bell-bottoms are all finished! We’re having the boss ship them over now!"
Lok Yu-chen’s face lit up. "Don't bring them to our base. Have them sent directly to the shop at 34 Fuhua Street. Find the landlady and have her help you move them to the warehouse."
"Got it, we’re heading out now!"
After hanging up, Lok Yu-chen instructed, "Mui, call the landlady and tell her to get ready." They had already made a deal with the wholesaler: Lok Yu-chen would give her a margin, and she would handle the distribution.
"I’ll call her right now!" Yuen Mui was thrilled.
"Finally done! Ahead of schedule by half a day. Not bad," Lok Yu-chen noted, smiling. The time to witness a miracle was coming. Bell-bottoms were about to take the local market by storm and even reach the mainland.
"I still think your pricing is too high," Yuen Mui mused. "You’re giving the landlady a wholesale price of 168 per pair. She’ll have to sell them for at least 188. Will people actually buy them at such a high price?"
Lok Yu-chen smiled. "With the right marketing, I could sell a pile of dung for a fortune, let alone a pair of bell-bottoms!"
"Ew! That’s disgusting!" So Ah-sai and Yuen Mui cried out in disgust, while Tian Yang'en couldn't help but giggle.