Chapter Nine: You Can Have the Buffet

Qin Yang was momentarily stunned, then saw Tao Caijie’s cold sneer. Instantly, he understood, patting his forehead and saying, “Sister Tao, I’m not speaking carelessly. I have studied traditional Chinese medicine, so I’ve researched these matters a bit—of course, only limited to reading facial features and such, not anything involving your personal privacy.”

Tao Caijie frowned, the flush that had faded now covering her cheeks once more. Seeing this, Qin Yang continued, “This is our first meeting, we don’t know each other well. You must realize these matters are your private affairs; in the whole world, only you know of them. Don’t underestimate these symptoms, and don’t think they’re just normal bodily reactions. If—”

“Stop right there,” Tao Caijie interrupted, glaring at him with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. She turned back inside, then came out holding a box of pills. “These were given to me by a friend.”

Qin Yang took the box, opened it, and was surprised. He pulled out a pill, tasted it lightly at his lips, then spat a few times, his expression solemn. “The main ingredient is astragalus, mixed with cornelian cherry, schisandra, and fragrant dragon herb. Especially the dragon herb—its scent can induce certain physiological responses. Together with the effects of cornelian cherry and schisandra, it increases the body’s yang energy, making it easy for the body to feel a strong desire late at night. This isn’t something good. A few pills over a few days might be harmless, but if taken over a long period, the medicinal properties seep into the bones. Although it can keep your skin youthful, your body’s desires will grow stronger and stronger, with unimaginable consequences.”

“This—this can’t be…” Tao Caijie’s complexion turned a bit pale.

“It absolutely can,” Qin Yang affirmed.

He knew this because Yang Rui had made the same thing before, tricking people as he went. He’d concocted medicines for men, and once made this sort of thing for a wealthy man who wanted to turn a woman into his exclusive plaything. The promise of skin care and beauty is the most tempting lure for women. The effects were indeed remarkable at first, but Yang Rui’s version was potent—after only three months, the woman was completely transformed, reduced to a tool of insatiable craving.

“How long have you been taking it?” Qin Yang asked, noticing the unhealthy flush of excessive internal heat on her face.

“More than three months,” Tao Caijie replied, now frightened by his words.

Qin Yang frowned. “It’s not too late. Stop taking it, eat lighter foods, exercise more and sweat every day, avoid alcohol, and drink plenty of water. The medicine’s effects will soon be eliminated. I’m not trying to harm you; those who know about wellness all do this. Try it—it won’t hurt you. But I truly advise you to stop taking that stuff. Aging and illness are natural laws; as long as your mindset is healthy, a woman can maintain youthful skin without relying on medicine, which can easily lead to negative consequences.”

“Will I really be okay now?” Tao Caijie asked anxiously, her patient’s worries surfacing as she compared his words to her own experience.

Qin Yang smiled and shook his head. “You’ll be fine. Just stop taking them. Another thing—I suggest you be wary of the friend who gave you these pills. Even if they didn’t know, perhaps someone behind them wants to harm you. Be cautious.”

Tao Caijie nodded blankly.

“It’s alright, you really don’t need to worry. It’s only been a short while, the medicine’s effect is weak. Just stop for three days, and I believe those inappropriate feelings at night will disappear,” Qin Yang said confidently.

Hearing this, Tao Caijie felt a bit shy again.

Seeing this, Qin Yang quickly changed the subject: “Sister Tao, let’s discuss the rental. There’s nothing scary about this house, it’s all in the mind. I really want to rent it. Plus, if you want to get rid of the medicine’s effects quickly, I can guide you.”

“But…” Tao Caijie still looked worriedly at the house behind him, but Qin Yang was unconcerned. Seeing his determination, Tao Caijie finally gritted her teeth and said, “Alright, since you’re so sure, you can move in first. If nothing happens in a few days, it’s not too late to pay the rent then.”

“How could I?” Qin Yang laughed. “The rent should be paid. Don’t worry about me.”

******************

It was still fifteen hundred for the rent, with no deposit required. Tao Caijie originally asked for a thousand, but Qin Yang refused. He wanted a bargain, but fifteen hundred was already a huge discount. Besides, he had enough money to last a while. Tao Caijie was a single mother, caring for her child, her parents, and the parents of her late husband—a difficult life. Qin Yang had thought about increasing the rent or paying a deposit, but Tao Caijie firmly refused.

Having helped Tao Caijie with her embarrassing problem, she was very grateful to him. After chatting for a bit, the earlier awkwardness faded, and they became increasingly comfortable, so she invited him to dinner that evening.

Qin Yang gladly accepted. The house was tidy and didn’t need any cleaning, so he went out to buy clothes and necessities. Liu Fatty’s hundred thousand yuan had already been transferred—clearly terrified—so Qin Yang planned to visit Gao Jinfeng’s home in a few days to inquire about matters. Perhaps it was his fondness for Xiao Mei, but as he passed toy and anime shops, Qin Yang bought a lot of toys. When he brought them home, Xiao Mei showered him with sweet praise, while Tao Caijie grumbled.

Everything was soon settled, and dusk approached.

Letting Xiao Mei play with her toys alone, Qin Yang went to the kitchen to help. Seeing him enter, Tao Caijie said, “You can just keep Xiao Mei company outside. She hasn’t been this happy in a long time. I can handle the kitchen by myself.”

“Xiao Mei is very well-behaved,” Qin Yang rolled up his sleeves and smiled. “Let me help. I might not cook well, but I can handle chopping.”

Seeing the washed vegetables by the sink, Qin Yang grabbed the knife and began chopping expertly. Tao Caijie looked surprised, smiling, “There aren’t many young men like you who can cook these days.”

“When I lived alone, I often cooked for myself. Even a fool learns after a while,” Qin Yang chuckled.

Seeing his skill, Tao Caijie stopped trying to dissuade him. As she stir-fried, she asked, “Where’s your family from? You don’t sound local.”

“I’m from Jianghai City,” Qin Yang replied honestly. “My family thinks I lack ambition, so they sent me out to make my own way. That’s how I ended up here in Haitan. Tomorrow I’ll look for a job.”

“It’s hard being alone. Come visit often, I’ll cook for you. Also, I’ll lower the rent,” Tao Caijie said warmly. “You don’t even have a job yet.”

Qin Yang quickly shook his head. “Sister Tao, that won’t do. Fifteen hundred is already a bargain. My family gave me some money, so even if I can’t find work right away, I’ll manage for a while. And once I find a job, I’ll definitely be able to pay rent. If you keep mentioning it, I’ll feel awkward and just leave without a word.”

“Alright, alright, I won’t mention it again,” Tao Caijie said with a helpless smile. After a pause, she said, “Let me keep an eye out for jobs for you. What’s your specialty? What are you good at? That way I can help.”

“Hmm?” Qin Yang was troubled by her question.

Specialty? He really had none. As an orphan, Qin Yang left the orphanage and dropped out after sophomore year, always working odd jobs—security, repairman, street vendor—mostly manual labor. Nothing he could claim expertise in. As for the privileged Qin Yang, well, he was an expert at keeping starlets, street racing, gambling—almost a master at all the arts of a playboy. But those weren’t proper careers, and no sane boss would hire him to ruin their company.

“I dropped out in high school, so I don’t really have a specialty,” Qin Yang admitted with a wry smile. “I’ll look for work myself. Sister Tao, you focus on Xiao Mei.”

“I’ll still ask around,” Tao Caijie said with a smile. “Sometimes I have spare time, so I can help you look. You’re young—what you don’t know, you can learn. You’ll find a good job.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

Qin Yang laughed heartily.

When they finished, several dishes were ready, and Xiao Mei, feeling hungry, put aside her toys and sat at the table.

“You two eat plenty.”

“You too, Sister,” Qin Yang smiled.

The three of them shared a pleasant meal.

Qin Yang controlled his appetite, ensuring the other two ate their fill before he finished off the leftovers. Still, he estimated he was only about thirty percent full. Not wanting to trouble Sister Tao, he patted his belly and pretended, “I’m full. It’s been ages since I had such a good meal.”

“Come often, I’ll cook for you,” Tao Caijie said, pleased by his compliment.

Xiao Mei blinked and asked, “Mom, you call big brother ‘little brother.’ Should I call him ‘uncle’?”

“Haha, no, no, just call me big brother,” Qin Yang laughed. “You’re such a good girl, Xiao Mei. Just call me big brother.”

Tao Caijie didn’t object. She hadn’t seen Xiao Mei this happy in a long time, and her gratitude toward Qin Yang grew even deeper. After dinner, it was already past eight. Xiao Mei stood up and said, “Mom, big brother, I’m going to bed now. School starts early tomorrow.”

Qin Yang felt he should head out to fill his stomach more, so he said, “I won’t disturb you. I’ll go for a walk. Tomorrow’s Monday; you should rest early, Sister.”

...

Leaving the complex, Qin Yang hurried to a nearby restaurant.

“I’ll have five bowls of rice—big bowls. And a plate of tomato and egg, moo shu pork, braised pork, braised eggplant…”

He ordered seven or eight dishes in a row. The waiter assumed he was expecting friends, so didn’t find it odd. But as soon as the rice arrived, Qin Yang began eating. The waiter thought perhaps his friends were close and didn’t mind starting early. But when all the dishes were served, Qin Yang was still alone, and had already finished three bowls of rice!

“What kind of stomach does this guy have?”

Other patrons swallowed nervously. One person, one table loaded with dishes, eating alone? That was intense.

Some even put down their chopsticks just to watch him. Qin Yang didn’t mind, finishing five bowls of rice under their stunned gaze, then calling out, “Waiter, another five bowls of rice.”

Clink.

Someone dropped their wine glass in shock.

Was he a reincarnated starving ghost? These were big bowls—no one usually orders that much rice in a restaurant.

The waiter’s hand trembled as he carried the rice. My goodness, this guy eats so much.

After Qin Yang polished off ten bowls of rice and eight dishes, he contentedly patted the table. Everyone thought he was finally full, but to their surprise, he mumbled to himself, “Can’t eat too much at night, seventy percent full is enough.”

...

...

Everyone was speechless. Qin Yang went to the counter to pay, his face unchanged, while the waiter looked at him strangely. “Two hundred yuan, please.”

Qin Yang nodded, handed over the money, but felt a bit frustrated. He’d just spent two hundred on a single meal—no matter how much money he had, he couldn’t keep up this pace. He’d never been this hungry before. Ever since gaining his special abilities, his appetite was bottomless. This wasn’t good.

“Sir, you should try eating at a buffet.”