Chapter 172

Emily Johnson paused thoughtfully before explaining, "Rheumatism pain is worst in winter—it feels like icy wind seeping into your bones. Warmth is the only relief."

"My grandma suffers the same way!" The girl's eyes reddened. "She stays up all night in pain. With my brother away, I wanted to buy her medicine in town."

Chronic rheumatism wasn't easily cured.

"I have some medicated plasters that can ease the pain." Emily turned toward the house. "Wait here."

She quickly retrieved Yunnan Plaster from her system, removing the packaging to reveal the medicinal patch.

"Sorry for the wait." Emily returned with the plasters. "Soak her feet in warm water before bed, then apply a hot towel to the painful area. Heat the skin before applying the plaster—dry it thoroughly, or it won't stick properly..."

As she spoke, she demonstrated how to peel off the backing.

"Emily, how much do these cost?" Amy Bright inhaled the strong herbal scent, certain they must be expensive.

"Nothing. They've been sitting too long—their potency is half gone anyway." Emily waved her off. "Hurry and take them to your grandmother."

Amy thought of her grandmother's pained groans. Now that their family's situation had improved, her brother even sent food from the city.

"Thank you!" Clutching the plasters, she sprinted home.

She immediately boiled water, washing and warming her grandmother's feet. Before Grandma Bright could react, the plaster was already on her knee.

"Amy, what's this?"

Amy repeated Emily's instructions verbatim.

"A plaster?" Grandma Bright touched her knee. "It stings a little... but there's warmth, like something seeping into the bone..."

It was working!

Ten plasters would last five applications. Amy carefully wrapped the extras in newspaper, afraid the medicine would lose its potency.

......

"Michael, the goods are all here!" Daniel River's eyes gleamed with excitement. "We'll make a huge profit flipping these!"

This time, Michael must have emptied his savings—with more capital, they secured better wholesale prices.

"We'll sell elsewhere," Michael Stone calculated. "The price gap will be wider."

Charles Clark grunted, "I'll follow your lead."

"Stay sharp." Michael scanned the three of them. "After New Year's, I'll have to leave once my wife starts university."

"I'm coming with you!" Daniel declared instantly. As a bachelor, he'd follow Michael anywhere.

Samuel Bright hesitated. He still had his grandmother and sister to care for.

Charles scratched his head. "I'm sticking with Michael too." Farming couldn't compare to the quick money of business.

"It's still early." Michael cut them off. "Let's focus on selling this batch first."

With policies loosening, they no longer had to hide from inspectors. The four crouched in the warehouse, eyeing their stacked merchandise with eager anticipation.