novelraw Chapter 148 : Massage for Old Jiang
Chapter 148 : Massage for Old Jiang
Chapter 148: Massage for Old Jiang
“Take it off!”
“No!”
“I told you to take it off!”
“No way, I’m a doctor now!”
“Doctor, my ass. Even if you wear a white coat, I can still recognize you, Xiao Black Dog!”
“Please call me Doctor Lin now, thank you!”
At this moment, on the living room balcony, the two young people were bickering. Unlike Liu Rushuang, who had a fondness for uniforms, Miss Yuan wanted to rip Lin Mo’s white coat right off him the moment she saw it.
She always felt that the white coat on him was as unpleasant as a dung pot gilded with gold trim.
But thinking about it carefully, wasn’t this also a kind of hobby? After all, many men had the urge to tear off certain types of uniforms too—like, for example, Balenciaga.
Though Lin Mo had never actually torn one off before, that sort of instinct seemed to be imprinted in his genes—it surfaced every now and then.
Just as Miss Yuan’s hands were about to rip at his clothes, her face was suddenly pinched.
“Ouch, ouch, Mom—gentle, gentle!”
It turned out that Mrs. Jiang had come out and witnessed the scene. This wouldn’t do at all.
Her husband’s family was quite reputable in Jiang City, and most of her own relatives worked in the public sector. How was her daughter’s behavior any different from indecency?
If the old neighbors in the courtyard saw this, their Jiang family would become the talk of the town, and she’d be laughed at every time she went out for a stroll.
“You’re a grown woman now, why are your hands so naughty? You even dare to tear off someone’s clothes—don’t you feel ashamed? Go sit over there!” Mrs. Jiang pinched her daughter’s cheek and pushed her aside. Only then did she turn to Lin Mo, smiling as she said:
“Xiao Lin, it’s such a hot day—why are you still wearing that thing? Hurry up and take it off, cool down a bit!”
Lin Mo:
These two really are mother and daughter—their goals were identical; only their methods differed, one soft and one forceful. Truly blood relatives.
Fortunately, he had clothes under the white coat, otherwise, he’d have been bare-chested by now.
Still, out of respect for Mrs. Jiang’s goodwill, he took the coat off. To be honest, it really was hot. There was air conditioning inside, but in the height of summer, even being half-naked could feel too warm. If it weren’t for playing a role, who would want to wear that thing?
Now that everyone present was familiar, there was no need to worry about anyone questioning his identity.
“Here, Xiao Lin, have a piece of chilled watermelon. Usually, it’s just the old folks living here, so we don’t have the drinks you young people like. Make do with this!” Mrs. Jiang smiled as she handed him a slice.
Lin Mo hurriedly took it. “Thank you, Auntie, I can manage myself.”
“What are you thanking me for? No need to be so polite.” Mrs. Jiang chuckled.
The more she looked at Lin Mo, the more she thought he was a good kid. It was just a pity that her daughter was hopeless—she didn’t even want to date, treating him like one of her buddies. She really didn’t know whom her daughter inherited that intelligence from—definitely not her.
At first, she had thought her daughter had finally opened up, that things were going well—but this? She’d given her a good university boy, and still, it was wasted!
At this moment, Mrs. Jiang watched Lin Mo eating watermelon and playfully competing with her daughter. The corners of her eyes crinkled with amusement, but her mind was busy turning over thoughts.
No wonder Lin Mo carried such a composed air—he clearly had a good upbringing. And to be able to produce such an effective secret formula? Coupled with Doctor Li personally calling him her “disciple,” everything began to make sense.
She didn’t know much about the inner workings of traditional Chinese medicine, but she did know that many skilled doctors had their own secret recipes.
Some had patents and were marketed as common medicines, but others were never sold publicly—those were family secrets.
Sometimes it was because the herbs were rare and couldn’t be mass-produced, or because one of the ingredients couldn’t be legally purchased. In any case, these formulas usually only circulated in small circles.
Given the Yuan family’s connections, Mrs. Jiang had indeed come across some excellent, unofficial remedies over the years. Naturally, their effects were impressive, and thus, it was easy for her to fill in the blanks about Lin Mo’s background in her mind.
Being Doctor Li’s “disciple” made perfect sense.
In fact, even Liu Rushuang had thought the same when she learned of it.
“Alright, Yuanyuan, no more fooling around, you hear me?” Mrs. Jiang scolded her daughter, then smiled at Lin Mo and said:
“Xiao Lin, how’s school lately? I heard Yuanyuan rented a place near your campus. You two should go out and have some fun now and then—she can’t stay idle.”
“It’s been alright. When Sister Yuan’s around, my roommates often invite her to play games together—it’s quite lively.” Lin Mo smiled, setting down his watermelon rind.
He had to admit, the watermelon from a leader’s household was indeed sweet—thin rind, thick flesh, seedless, fresh from the fridge, crisp and juicy. The very image of a dream melon.
“That’s good. You young people should socialize more. I heard from Yuanyuan that you drove an excavator to save people the other day—I didn’t believe her at first! But it turned out to be true, the school even commended you. That’s wonderful, but also dangerous. Next time you encounter such a thing, think twice. Your safety comes first.” Mrs. Jiang sat upright, smiling as she spoke.
Of course, she knew Lin Mo had done a good deed, but decades of life experience had taught her that good deeds weren’t always easy. It was fortunate nothing went wrong this time; otherwise, even good intentions could backfire.
“I understand, Auntie, I’ll be careful.” Lin Mo nodded.
He wasn’t someone who couldn’t take advice—he understood Mrs. Jiang’s words well.
At that moment, Miss Yuan’s eldest uncle walked out from the inner room, having overheard them. “Saving people? Who saved someone?”
“Well, didn’t you hear? Xiao Lin here drove an excavator the other day and rescued a mother and daughter trapped by a fire. It even went viral online—it’s in the Jiangning Daily! The school gave him an award.” Mrs. Jiang explained with a smile.
Hearing this, Jiang Jianguo—who worked as a leader in the Jiang City Public Security Bureau—was stunned, then smiled in delight. “Oh? I didn’t expect Xiao Lin to be a hero! That’s impressive. But was it just the school that commended him? The city also has awards for acts of bravery.”
“Yes, my teacher’s spouse, who is also my teacher, knows our principal and said she’d ask him to apply for it. I’ll be notified when there’s news.” Lin Mo explained honestly.
The incident had only happened a few days ago—of course, it would take time. Lin Mo didn’t think much of it.
Besides, he hadn’t saved those people for recognition or rewards anyway.
Most importantly, the more honors, the more trouble. He’d seen enough videos online of students being endlessly interviewed after performing brave acts—school interviews, media coverage, even arranged meetups with those they rescued. It was exhausting and awkward. He really didn’t want that, and he wholeheartedly agreed with Professor Mu’s approach.
“I see. Well, I’ll ask around at work tomorrow—good deeds deserve proper recognition. You’ll get whatever rewards you’re owed.” Jiang Jianguo smiled, looking at Lin Mo with newfound admiration.
Besides, he’d soon need Lin Mo’s help massaging his father. And since Lin Mo was also friends with his niece, it was only fair to return the favor—after all, it cost him nothing to ask around.
“That’s great. Xiao Lin, you might not know—Yuanyuan’s uncle works in the Public Security Bureau in Jiang City’s South District. With him around, just wait for the news.” Mrs. Jiang smiled, briefly introducing her brother’s job without mentioning his specific position.
“Then thank you, Uncle. But please, keep it simple—I’d rather focus on my studies quietly without constant interviews.” Lin Mo thanked him, feeling a little embarrassed.
Hearing this, Jiang Jianguo liked Lin Mo even more. A good kid—modest after saving lives, focused on his studies, and with his own principles. Excellent.
“No problem. I’ll just make a few inquiries. Oh, right—Doctor Li says it’s about time for you to come in.” Jiang Jianguo said.
Hearing that, Lin Mo quickly stood up, and everyone followed him toward the bedroom.
When Lin Mo entered, Old Jiang was already lying shirtless on the bed, eyes closed, brow furrowed from time to time. Clearly, old injuries and ailments kept him in constant pain.
It was hard to imagine that this same old man had been chatting and laughing with them in the living room just moments ago.
Now, however, his shoulders, arms, and head were all lined with gleaming silver needles.
The old man was gaunt—after removing his shirt, “skin and bones” would not have been an exaggeration. His skin sagged, and a large scar stretched across his shoulder—clearly an old wound.
“Teacher.” Lin Mo greeted as he entered.
Professor Li nodded. “The medicine’s taken effect. I’m almost done here—get ready.”
“Okay, Teacher.”
After speaking, Lin Mo went to wash his hands, then returned as Professor Li was removing the needles.
“Come here, I’ll explain the condition. Pay attention—you’ll need to gauge your strength. You’re better at massage than I am anyway. Xiao Pan, you assist, and step in if needed,” Professor Li instructed.
The others stepped aside as Lin Mo approached. By then, the needles had just been removed.
“The old leader was shot before—there’s still shrapnel inside his body pressing on a nerve.”
Professor Li began explaining the patient’s condition and what precautions to take.
Lin Mo’s task was simple—control his strength, relax the muscles, improve circulation, and relieve the tension in the neck and head.
After all, massage could only provide temporary relief. The best results came from combining it with acupuncture and herbal medicine.
“Understand?”
“Yes, Teacher.”
Lin Mo nodded. With Senior Brother Pan’s help, Old Jiang turned over and lay face down.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Mo pressed his palms onto the old man’s back. The moment he made contact, he could feel the bones beneath the skin—sharp enough to almost hurt his hands.
He moved gently, afraid the old man couldn’t handle much pressure.
“You kid, why so careful? Go on, don’t be afraid! You think you can break me?”
Feeling Lin Mo’s caution, Old Jiang chuckled from where he lay.
Lin Mo looked toward his teacher, who nodded silently.
Seeing that, Lin Mo slowly increased his strength and began the massage.
It truly was a high-level skill—one he’d earned only after studying three books. Once he calmed his mind, he could feel the hidden bruises and blockages beneath the old man’s skin, even the stiffened meridians.
His palms moved with steady rhythm, pressing and kneading. Before long, Old Jiang let out a few groans.
From the head and neck down to the back—within ten minutes, Lin Mo’s forehead was beaded with sweat.
But the effect was immediate—Old Jiang fell asleep, even beginning to snore softly.
Perhaps the sudden relief from pain, combined with the exhaustion, had lulled him into deep sleep.
Seeing this, Professor Li gestured for everyone to stay quiet and step out.
Outside the room, Mrs. Jiang gently closed the door, and Jiang Jianguo couldn’t help whispering excitedly, “Doctor Li, that’s amazing! My father’s been sleepless for days, and now he’s out cold after one massage.”
“That’s right. My husband’s always been stubborn—he never complains unless the pain is unbearable. Sometimes, when it’s bad, he even gets up and walks around at night,” said Yuan Meng’s grandmother, beaming now that her husband was finally resting.
“Of course. The medicine he drank earlier promotes sweating and has both sedative and analgesic effects. Combined with my acupuncture to relieve pressure on the meridians—and Xiao Lin’s massage to activate circulation and enhance the drug’s effects—the body finally relaxes, like a tense machine suddenly at rest.” Professor Li explained simply.
Lin Mo’s massage had its own rhythm—an expression of his personal skill.
“Then maybe let Xiao Lin come out now, don’t wake my dad—let him sleep longer,” Mrs. Jiang suggested.
After all, it would be a shame to wake him now.
Professor Li shook his head. “If Xiao Lin stops now, the old leader will wake up immediately. As long as he keeps pressing, he’ll sleep longer.
The old leader’s body has gotten used to the massage rhythm. Stop suddenly, and he’ll react right away.”
It was like how the sound of rain or a teacher’s lecture could lull someone to sleep—it wasn’t about the sound, but the rhythm. Once the body got used to a rhythm, it could fall asleep, even during a massage.
Hearing this, Yuan Meng said, “Mom, go buy groceries and cook dinner later. Let Mo stay the night—if he massages Grandpa all night, Grandpa will definitely sleep well.”
Everyone:
Mrs. Jiang: つ﹏⊂