Chapter 20

The medicine was slowly injected into the foreigner's vein. Qi Huishen and Chen Ke had been on many house calls and had seen injections many times. Wang Qinan's technique was much more proficient than Chen Ke's. As the injection was completed, Qi Huishen subconsciously looked at the foreigner's face. Chen Ke always "observed" this way. What he saw was a rough, freckled, and hairy foreign face. This face already violated Qi Huishen's aesthetic standards, and the pustules all over his face made Qi Huishen's stomach tighten. Suppressing his discomfort, Qi Huishen quickly walked out of the ward.

Pushing the screen printing machine, watching the leaflets print out one by one, Qi Huishen felt extremely refreshed. In the past, the unshakeable anxiety always led to fatigue and worry when printing leaflets, but now there was no such problem. Public lectures, opening schools and hospitals, and the factories Chen Ke mentioned to be built in the future. The future was not yet clear, but there were some outlines. For Qi Huishen, this was a pleasant feeling he had never experienced before. Plus, Chen Ke seemed to have overcome the temporary confusion and was ready to make a big move. Qi Huishen believed that he would definitely see great changes.

While brushing the leaflets, he heard a faint argument. The sound grew louder, coming from the ward.

Qi Huishen rushed to the ward and saw several foreigners gathered around the bed. The treated foreigner's face was waxen yellow, and he was groaning. The interpreter was shouting at Wang Qinan. Qi Huishen had always been very dissatisfied with the interpreter. Seeing his arrogance, Qi Huishen felt a surge of anger. Before Qi Huishen could ask, the interpreter shouted at him, "You quacks, you are trying to harm people."

After saying that, the interpreter spoke in English to the foreigner, "Sir, they made you sign that agreement first because they knew their medicine was problematic."

Suppressing his boiling anger, Qi Huishen asked Wang Qinan, "Doctor Wang, is the patient having an adverse reaction?"

Wang Qinan's face was grim, "According to the adverse reactions Mr. Chen mentioned, it seems the patient's liver can't handle it."

Chen Ke had explained in detail the precautions for using 914 to both of them. This medicine had significant toxic reactions, and patients might experience facial flushing, burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, sweating, difficulty breathing, dermatitis or rash, even exfoliative dermatitis, toxic hepatitis, jaundice, anemia, acute purpura, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Qi Huishen and Chen Ke had treated dozens of patients together, and he had personally seen a few patients with toxic reactions. This foreigner probably had jaundice. In the absence of other methods, Chen Ke usually used the most primitive method: injecting physiological saline to dilute the drug concentration in the body and promote urination. Qi Huishen didn't know how Doctor Wang Qinan would handle it, and since he was a professional doctor, Qi Huishen thought it best not to speak too much and at least show some respect.

"Mr. Qi, what are the main components of this medicine?" Wang Qinan asked, still with a grim face.

Perhaps Wang Qinan hoped to understand the components of the medicine himself to solve the problem according to his medical knowledge. But to Qi Huishen, it sounded like prying into a secret.

"This medicine is toxic, and Mr. Chen always uses the method of injecting physiological saline to alleviate the symptoms," Qi Huishen answered.

"Is it toxic, and you still use it on people? Is it toxic, and you didn't tell us first?" The interpreter shouted after hearing Qi Huishen's words. Qi Huishen suddenly understood the interpreter. When his "master" encountered a problem, the interpreter didn't try to help but first tried to clear his own responsibility. Then he blamed the hospital. Qi Huishen had already told these people that the medicine was toxic, and the medical contract had been signed. Such meaningless accusations were very harmful to Qi Huishen.

In the past, Qi Huishen rarely got angry because he had never really been angry. The family business belonged to his father, and the things outside were others'. Qi Huishen wouldn't get angry over others' things. This hospital and these medicines were the results of his and his comrades' hard work. The interpreter's attack made Qi Huishen feel a deep, genuine anger, a very strange feeling. All his thoughts flew away at that moment, leaving only a pure and intense emotion in his chest, spreading throughout his body, an impulse that couldn't be suppressed.

The interpreter took another step forward, ready to shout again. Qi Huishen slapped him hard across the face. This was one of the gains from participating in the revolution. Learning that Hua Xiongmou was a martial arts champion, Qi Huishen had asked him for lessons. Hua Xiongmou, based on Qi Huishen's physical condition, taught him a few moves for fighting: slaps, heart punches, and stomach kicks. After using the first move, the other two came naturally. The interpreter was stunned by the slap; he didn't expect this seemingly gentle young man to strike directly. Fighting is like this; once you take the initiative, it's hard to turn the tide. The interpreter was knocked to the ground by Qi Huishen's punch and kick.

Anger directly triggered a narrowing of vision. Now, Qi Huishen could only see the interpreter. Seeing the interpreter fall, Qi Huishen felt an immense pleasure, and this pleasure made his anger double. The edge of his distorted vision caught the chair, and he picked it up, ready to hit the interpreter.

Qi Huishen felt a pair of strong arms tightly grab him from behind, and he heard some muffled sounds. When the anger suddenly dissipated, Qi Huishen felt weak all over, and the world returned to its usual state.

Everyone in the room was staring at Qi Huishen in shock. The interpreter, seeing Qi Huishen raise the chair, curled up, raising his hands instinctively to defend against the chair that seemed about to fall.

"Mr. Qi, why go so far? A beating is enough; you're going to kill someone," Wang Qinan hurriedly advised.

Qi Huishen, breathing heavily, put down the chair. The foreigners, who were used to the interpreter's usual behavior, had never seen anyone dare to beat him like this. Not just the foreigners by the bed, even the patient on the bed stared at Qi Huishen.

Qi Huishen sat down in a chair, starting to think. It would be best to call Chen Ke, as he developed the medicine and should be the most familiar with it. Qi Huishen should have gone to call Chen Ke himself, but Wang Qinan wasn't very reliable, and more importantly, he had just arrived and had no reason to take charge.

"Doctor Wang, could you please go and call Mr. Chen?" Qi Huishen said.

"Can you handle it alone here?" Wang Qinan asked in a low voice.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. Just come back quickly."

Wang Qinan patted Qi Huishen's shoulder and turned to leave.

"You came to our place because you believed we could treat you, right?" Qi Huishen asked the foreigners in English.

The foreigners looked at each other, and the one who seemed to be the leader answered, "Yes."

"You are our patients once you come to our hospital. We have no ill intentions towards you, and we will do our best to treat everyone. I hope you have confidence in this."

The foreigners nodded slightly.

Qi Huishen pointed to the interpreter who was getting up from the floor, "This person is talking nonsense. He does nothing but interfere with the doctors. That's why I hit him. I hope you can understand."

The leading foreigner smiled, "Mr. Qi, we can understand your anger. Let's forget about this and treat our friend quickly."

The interpreter, holding his face, heard the conversation and glared at the foreigners with an angry look, but he didn't dare let them see. Then he glared at Qi Huishen with a deep hatred. Qi Huishen didn't care. At this moment, he didn't regret it at all. Anyone who dared to insult his hospital deserved a beating. Qi Huishen even wanted Wu Xingchen to find someone to take care of this interpreter. He had seen his father deal with people who tried to harm him; they were tied up and dragged away, never to be seen again. Thinking about this, Qi Huishen believed this matter should be handled with his father, and anyone like the interpreter should be dealt with mercilessly.

After a short while, hurried footsteps were heard outside, and Chen Ke and Wang Qinan rushed back. Wang Qinan started examining the patient as soon as he entered, then began to hang the physiological saline. After a series of emergency treatments, the patient's condition gradually stabilized, and the waxen yellow on his face began to fade.

Chen Ke explained the situation to the foreigners. This patient had a significant physiological reaction, and the dosage would be reduced in the future, or treatment might be temporarily stopped. If the patient was unwilling to continue, a full refund could be given.

Seeing Chen Ke and Wang Qinan handle the situation professionally, although the foreigners felt uneasy, they did not choose to stop treatment. Chen Ke, seeing the doubtful looks and the crosses on their necks, had an idea. He said solemnly, "If you continue treatment, whatever happens to this patient is God's will." Then he made the sign of the cross, "God does not give us trials we cannot bear. Amen."

At least three of the foreigners made the sign of the cross and said, "Amen."

Chen Ke's actions unexpectedly gained the trust of the foreigners, and two of them even requested treatment. This bold behavior was incomprehensible. Chen Ke didn't refuse; this time, he didn't mention the cost and had Wang Qinan inject the medicine.

After that, Chen Ke and Qi Huishen couldn't leave. They stayed in the hospital with Wang Qinan. The foreigners were given separate beds, and the three of them took turns checking on them. The two patients had no toxic reactions and were normal after the injection.

"I didn't expect Mr. Qi to be so passionate," Wang Qinan said with a smile when the three gathered.

"I heard you beat that interpreter pretty badly," Chen Ke also smiled.

Thinking about it, Qi Huishen still felt angry, "Anyone who opposes our cause deserves a beating," he said through gritted teeth.

"Beating is one thing, but he's just trying to make a living. Although he's despicable, we should understand him a bit. Most importantly, we need to know our limits and not get ourselves into trouble," Chen Ke couldn't help but advise.

"I understand, Brother Wenqing."

"I'm not criticizing you; I'm worried about you. Those foreigners don't have much connection with the interpreter. If they fight you, and you get hurt, I'll be heartbroken."

Qi Huishen really laughed, "I'm a bit scared now, too. Fortunately, it didn't escalate."

"Exactly, there's no need to get yourself hurt over such a scoundrel," Chen Ke said, then turned to Wang Qinan, "Doctor Wang, Huishen has no fighting experience and can't control his strength. Check on the interpreter, make sure Huishen didn't really hurt him. If he's injured, I'll give him some medical fees."

Wang Qinan was surprised by Chen Ke's actions, "Mr. Chen, is that really necessary?"

"We've already made money, so it doesn't matter. This is his own fault, but Huishen was too impulsive. Compensating him will settle the matter. Of course, if he doesn't know his place, he won't get off so easily next time."

"Since Mr. Chen says so, I'll go," Wang Qinan said, standing up.

"Thank you, Doctor Wang."

The next day, the medicine took effect, and the foreigners' conditions improved. They all paid their medical fees. Chen Ke privately gave the interpreter two silver dollars, but the interpreter still glared at Chen Ke with hostility, making Qi Huishen, who was behind him, want to hit him again. But Chen Ke just said a few simple words, a mix of coaxing and threats, and took Qi Huishen back to the workshop.

"Huishen, what do you think of Doctor Wang?" Chen Ke asked on the way.

"He specifically asked about our formula last time. I'm a bit suspicious," Qi Huishen said.

"I understand. Let's see. The formula must not be leaked."

"Brother Wenqing, I have something to discuss. This time, I want my father to be involved in the medicine business. What do you think?"

"Let's discuss this at the party meeting. We can't decide privately."

"You're right."

Chen Ke patted Qi Huishen's shoulder, "Huishen, you got angry for the party's cause. Getting angry is wrong, but I'm glad about your emotions. This is our revolutionary cause, and I feel very happy."

"We are comrades, I didn't think much, I just couldn't control myself at the moment."

"I know, I know," Chen Ke said repeatedly.

After walking for a while, Chen Ke asked, "Huishen, you come from a comprador family. If I make a lot of money from this business, what could happen to me?"

"Would the British dare to openly rob?" Qi Huishen asked angrily. After saying this, he had to be silent.

Chen Ke smiled, "There are other ways. Now we need to see if we can find a powerful ally. It's cooler under a big tree. But to use this as a boost for the revolution, we need a very reliable comrade to handle it. Besides you, Huishen, we don't have such a comrade." Chen Ke smiled bitterly.

"Will the British definitely try to seize the medicine?" Qi Huishen still had some illusions.

"Why wouldn't they? Can you give me a reason? I remember teaching you 'Das Kapital.' Marx said, 'Once there is a suitable profit, capitalists become bold. With a 50% profit, they dare to take risks; for a 100% profit, they dare to trample all human laws; with a 300% profit, they dare to commit any crime, even risking the gallows.' The initial profit of this medicine is 600%. Forcing out the formula and eliminating me is no big deal for the British. They can make hundreds of thousands, even millions of pounds. I can't find a reason for the British to let me go," Chen Ke said with a bitter smile.

"Then we won't treat the British anymore," Qi Huishen said angrily.

"No, we must. If we don't treat them, how will we make money? I want to make as much money as possible before things get worse, then convert it into dollars and gold to gather funds for our revolutionary cause," Chen Ke said calmly, "Huishen, what do you think of Wu Xingchen?"

"He's still a bit hard to read, but I don't think he's a revolutionary," Qi Huishen answered.

"Revolution doesn't require everyone to be a revolutionary. The revolutionary party doesn't make people serve the revolution; the revolutionary party serves the people," Chen Ke said with a hint of frustration.

"Where do we find these people?" Qi Huishen asked bitterly.

Chen Ke was delighted; this was what he most wanted to hear. "Huishen, let's hold a party meeting today. We'll notify everyone and invite Wu Xingchen."

In the evening, besides the five members of the party cell, Wu Xingchen attended the meeting as a representative of the special medicine cooperation. Chen Ke and Qi Huishen reported the recent situation. You Gou sighed helplessly, Hua Xiongmou sighed deeply, Wu Xingchen's face was grim, and he closed his eyes without a word.

"Comrades," Chen Ke said, "If anyone wants to leave now, I won't stop you. This is our first test. If you want to leave, I absolutely won't stop you."

No one moved or spoke. The other four, except Chen Ke, looked at Wu Xingchen. After a moment of silence, Wu Xingchen spoke, "Brother Chen, do you have any plans?" The other four became more alert after hearing Wu Xingchen's words. Wu Xingchen remained unaffected, "If there's anything I can help with, please let me know."

Before Chen Ke could speak, Hua Xiongmou said, "Brother Wu, you're also Chinese, and the brotherhood values loyalty, right?"

"Zhenglan, don't say such useless things," Chen Ke interrupted Hua Xiongmou, "If the revolution can't save itself, it shouldn't talk about other grand things. We have no right to ask Brother Wu to risk his life for us. I always say that the revolution is to save everyone, not to drag people into death."

Hua Xiongmou was silent, his eyes burning as he looked at Chen Ke, a look that made Chen Ke very pleased.

"In my estimation, we have three months left. The British will likely make their move in November," Chen Ke said, "Now, we need to make money as quickly as possible. We should try to appease the British and make them feel we still have hopes for their recognition."

"What if the British act now?" You Gou asked.

"That's impossible. The British look down on the Chinese and aren't very confident in this medicine. They probably still believe we desperately want British recognition. So, we can buy three months," Chen Ke answered.

Everyone found this reasonable.

"We can't give up the opportunity to open a school. Huishen, no matter what, the British won't dare to touch you, so I require you to stay away from the medicine production process," Chen Ke continued.

"Why? Does Brother Wenqing not trust me?" Qi Huishen was a bit angry.

"Huishen, I don't distrust you," Chen Ke explained, "When I talk about chemistry with You Gou, I can't help but use chemical terms. If the other party understands, they'll know what we're doing. I'm not scaring you, but you will definitely be taken by the British and interrogated. Not knowing anything is actually a good thing."

This explanation made sense to Qi Huishen, "Don't worry, Brother Wenqing, I won't reveal anything."

"The British might only have a fifty percent chance of acting against us, and the other fifty percent is from other comprador families. If I fall into British hands, I might survive if I really surrender. But if I fall into Chinese comprador hands, I'm dead for sure," Chen Ke said, turning to Wu Xingchen, "Brother Wu, if other comprador families act against me, I'll be unprepared. Can you help me?"

"I can call some people from Hebei; they are very skilled," Wu Xingchen answered.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Brother Wu," Chen Ke replied.

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