The Self-Cultivation of a Reborn Massage Therapist

Chapter 255 is a bit...

Inside the Hongqi car.

The car windows rolled up again, shutting out all the noise from the outside world.

Yu Xiaoning glanced at the dispersing crowd in the rearview mirror, rubbed her temples, and said:

"This scorched-earth tactic will inflict heavy casualties on both sides. Is it really necessary to sacrifice the entire store for a few clowns?"

Zhao Xiaochui had already learned about the origins of those bathrobe-clad guests through the back-end system. He shook his head: "They're not guests; they're coming through the international reservation channel with a mission to cause trouble. Take it easy, we don't need this kind of trash."

“There’s no need to close the store directly.” Yu Xiaoning’s tone carried a hint of anxiety that she herself didn’t realize.

This anxiety stems not only from his friend, but also from his own impending recovery and the career he relies on Zhao Xiaochui.

Zhao Xiaochui seemed not to grasp the deeper meaning in her words, and replied with a gloomy expression:

"Because two of our technicians... have lost their composure."

"What?!" Yu Xiaoning's body trembled, almost unable to believe her ears. "Two?!"

Zhao Xiaochui nodded, his back teeth grinding together: "They're rich, aren't they? Fine. The legal department will settle accounts with them, one by one, and make them understand what the consequences are. This isn't over until they're bankrupt!"

Yu Xiaoning immediately fell silent.

She had originally intended to remind Zhao Xiaochui that those people had impressive backgrounds, and that it would be best to downplay the incident.

And losing money? Those people have plenty of money!
If money can solve the problem, why would they bother with the hassle of taking it easy and slow?

If Zhao Xiaochui were just an ordinary massage therapist, those people would definitely be successful if they followed the old methods.

But is Zhao Xiaochui... ordinary?

Yu Xiaoning's heart sank, and she became completely pessimistic about the two "communications" that were to come today.

She now only hoped that this 19-year-old lion, who had been thoroughly enraged, would not take his anger out on her.

"Three more treatments... just three more sessions, and I'll be able to have the surgery..."

…………

Twenty minutes later.

Under the blazing sun, as the Hongqi car, braving the sweltering heat, drove across a white marble bridge, Zhao Xiaochui's gaze was drawn to the reflection in the water not far away.

A small, white tower stands quietly on the island, its spire bathed in the afternoon sunlight, peaceful and solemn.

He suddenly remembered that old song, and a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips. He even hummed it softly in his heart: "Let us row our oars, the little boat pushes through the waves..."

Hmm, I should find some time to bring a girl here for a boat ride; it would be really fun.

My thoughts were still drifting on the blue waves of Beihai Park when the car turned at a fork in the road and continued along a tall red wall.

Finally, the car stopped at an inconspicuous small door. After a brief inspection, the door slid open silently, and the Hongqi drove inside.

It was as if I had passed through an invisible membrane, completely shutting out the noise and heat of the outside world.

Zhao Xiaochui couldn't help but feel awkward—was this a place he could come in?
The car slowed down further, as if cruising through a vast classical garden. Outside the window, the lake shimmered. Weeping willows lined the lakeshore, and several ancient courtyards with upturned eaves were nestled among the lush greenery.

As the car passed a simple courtyard, Yu Xiaoning subconsciously sat up straight.

It was a well-preserved former residence. Through the spotless glass windows, you could even see the old-fashioned desk lamp on the desk inside.

Zhao Xiaochui seemed to have thought of something as well, and his body trembled involuntarily.

Along the way, there was no splendor or luxurious decoration, only meticulously maintained vegetation, simple and ancient buildings, and a deep-seated solemnity.

Finally, the Hongqi car stopped in front of a gray two-story building.

There were no eye-catching signs here, just a simple administrative building. He exuded a calm composure that came with long-term authority. There were no unnecessary pleasantries; he only gave Yu Xiaoning a barely perceptible nod. When his gaze shifted to Zhao Xiaochui, it lingered for a moment on Zhao Xiaochui's slightly ostentatious, luxurious business attire, and the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

"plz follow me."

Yu Xiaoning stayed where she was, while Zhao Xiaochui followed the middle-aged man into the quiet office building where only her own heartbeat could be heard.

The office was extremely simply furnished, even somewhat outdated. The most prominent decorations were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on all four walls.

The leader was working at his desk, with a lunchbox next to him that had long since lost its warmth. Through the transparent lid, one could see the nutritionally balanced dishes inside, but he hadn't touched it.

The windows were tightly closed, and the air conditioner wasn't on. The slight coolness in the room came entirely from the lobby outside.

Fear of wind and cold are typical signs of blood and qi deficiency, compounded by long-term mental stress...

Zhao Xiaochui's gaze swept briefly over the leader, and he sketched out a health chart in his mind.

He noticed that during breaks from reviewing documents, the leader would unconsciously turn his stiff neck, habitually rub the back of his neck with his right hand, and when moving his body, his left hand would always support his waist first.

Cervical spondylosis, lumbar muscle strain, and... a history of neurasthenia.

Although the leader hadn't given any instructions, the middle-aged cadre gestured for him to "make himself at home" as he entered, so he didn't stand on ceremony.

The place felt too restrictive; every breath of air seemed to carry a weight. He just wanted it to end quickly and leave as soon as possible.

He tiptoed, sneaking up behind the leader like a raccoon.

After standing still, Zhao Xiaochui closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, feeling the familiar warm current within his body.

The reaction is normal.

Yes, this leader is competent.

A sense of absurdity arose in Zhao Xiaochui's heart.

Managing a portion of the affairs of a country spanning 9.6 million square kilometers and with a population of 1.4 billion may seem like a daunting task, but this leader has managed to be 'competent' in it.

Looking at myself, I'm struggling to manage even a small massage parlor, with people constantly leaving, being fired, or being poached.

It's really irritating to see people compare to each other.

He had a plan in mind, and slowly extended his right hand.

However, just as his fingertips were about to touch the leader's shoulder, he suddenly stopped, quickly took two steps back, and stood up straight.

He discovered that no matter what angle he stood at, he could catch a glimpse of the documents spread out on the table out of the corner of his eye.

"Go ahead and look, there's nothing secret about it."

The leader finally spoke, his voice slightly hoarse from not speaking for a long time.

Zhao Xiaochui immediately shook his head, as if he had been burned, and moved away from the desk, standing in the center of the office: "I'm not looking."

“What’s wrong with looking at it? If you can understand it, it’s a good opportunity for you to see the difference between what we do every day and what ordinary people care about.”

Zhao Xiaochui stood solemnly, his attitude resolute: "I don't understand it, but I can remember it. I won't look at it."

He uses that heat to do his "eye exercises" every day, and now his memory and reading speed are extraordinary. In such a place, one must know how to avoid it.

The leader seemed somewhat helpless, but he was too lazy to get up. He simply unfolded a newspaper and covered the work documents with it, making sure it fit snugly.

“Come on, kid.” He leaned back in his chair and sighed wearily. “You know, we had an appointment for you to let me see your skills and have a good chat about my old ailments.”

"As a result, you throw a tantrum over every little thing that happens outside. You can't do that anymore. Many people's livelihoods depend on you."

This leader... seems a bit talkative?
(End of this chapter)