After I Am died, You Tell Me This Is A Life Simulation? -
Chapter 10 - Herbal Gathering
Chapter 10: Herbal Gathering
As he saw who it was, Fang Han smiled and called out,
“Brother Li!”
He rose to greet the visitor. At the door stood Li Ergou, appearing slightly flustered, glancing around until he recognized Fang Han’s voice. The moment their eyes met, his face lit up—part delight, part nervousness.
“Aiya! Master Fang, it is you!”
Fang Han chuckled.
“It’s only been a month—what, don’t recognize me already?”
Li Ergou hurried to explain,
“Recognize you? Of course I do! Just that… well, the messenger said it, but I couldn’t quite believe it. Someone as capable as you… still remembering someone like me. Haha…”
And indeed, capable he was.
It had only been a month since he’d arrived in Linshui City. Not only had he settled down, but he’d already built such a solid foundation. Most importantly, the villagers Fang Han treated during his charity clinic visit were now either cured or significantly improved.
Every villager who benefited held deep admiration and gratitude.
This was no ordinary man.
Fang Han smiled warmly. The people of Li Family Village had deep ties with his past life—honest, simple folk. He welcomed Li Ergou inside, gesturing for him to sit.
“Those two sets of clothes I promised—did they fit?”
Li Ergou grinned sheepishly.
“Fit perfectly! Thank you again.”
Fang Han laughed,
“I try to keep my word. I’d planned to deliver them myself, but things got busy. Didn’t want to delay, so I sent someone else.”
Li Ergou was moved. This man didn’t look down on humble peasants like him, and even remembered a small promise.
“You’re a busy man, Master Fang. No one would expect you to go out of your way.”
Fang Han could sense his unease and quickly turned the conversation.
“Brother Li, I invited you here to discuss something. I’d like to ask for a favor.”
Li Ergou slapped his thigh.
“Just say the word! Whatever you need, I’ll get it done!”
Then, realizing how bold that sounded, he added awkwardly:
“Although… I’m just a farmer. Not sure how useful I can be.”
Fang Han poured him tea and said,
“Nothing complicated. The clinic’s open now, and as you know, medicine is key. I might have the skills, but even a skilled cook can’t work without rice. I need help sourcing herbs. Nothing rare, just common ones. When you or the villagers are free, could you collect some for me?”
Li Ergou looked troubled,
“It’s not that I don’t want to help… I just don’t know herbs! I’d be afraid to gather the wrong ones and ruin your medicine.”
Fang Han reassured him with a smile,
“I’ll give you samples. They’re all common—you’ll recognize them once you see them.”
Only then did Li Ergou relax, breaking into a grin.
“Alright! If it’s for you, I’ll do it!”
Fang Han led him to the herb cabinet and pulled out a few common medicinal plants. He explained their features and how to identify them. Li Ergou visibly relaxed.
“Ah, it’s these! I’ve seen these before. I didn’t even know they were medicinal herbs. Don’t worry, I’ll collect a big batch as soon as I get back.”
Fang Han nodded.
“I’ll pay you the standard rate for them. You won’t be doing it for nothing.”
Li Ergou froze. He hadn’t expected payment—he only wanted to help the man who had treated the entire village.
“Master Fang, that’s not necessary…”
He wanted it… But I was too embarrassed to say so.
Fang Han chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder.
“Brother Li, even among family, accounts should be clear. This isn’t a one-time favor. Herbs are something I’ll need regularly. You can’t keep doing this for free, right?”
Li Ergou scratched his head.
“That’s true…”
He finally agreed, still shy about it.
They chatted for a while longer. As villagers started peeking into the clinic from outside, Li Ergou didn’t want to get in the way.
At the door, Fang Han added:
“Brother Li, if others in the village want to help collect herbs, I’ll pay them too. Just let them know—I’ll buy everything useful.”
Li Ergou nodded firmly and left.
Fang Han watched him go, then returned inside and picked up a medical text he’d recently bought.
This whole herb-collection idea wasn’t just for convenience.
In his simulated life, Li Family Village had helped him immensely. He remembered that kindness. This was a way to repay them while also giving them a chance to earn extra income.
People like Li Ergou were honest and hadn’t yet grasped the deeper benefit. But in time, they would understand.
This would deepen trust, build roots in the community, and ensure long-term support.
Fang Han had been through this before—he knew how to build a reputation, how to embed himself in a place.
In his past life, he didn’t claim to be some legendary figure. But in Linshui County and its surrounding areas, his reputation was second to none.
When he called, the people answered.
It all started from humble actions like this.
He glanced at the medical book again but sensed someone at the door.
Several townsfolk were watching from outside. When they saw him look up, they seemed startled, muttered among themselves, and walked away.
Fang Han didn’t mind.
The clinic was only recently opened. It was normal for things to be quiet at first.
He was prepared for one or even two months without patients.
This time, unlike the simulation, he hadn’t joined an established clinic. Back then, he had trained under an old doctor and gained a reputation over the years.
Now, he was a complete outsider.
Who would trust a brand-new clinic with a young man as the attending physician?
“No mustache, no trust.”
He looked too young. His age worked against him.
It would take time to prove himself.
But Fang Han wasn’t worried.
If this were about survival, he’d have to work hard to attract patients.
But now? He had money, skills, and patience.
He was in no rush.
He would simply wait.
Footnotes:
- 李二狗 (Lǐ Èrgǒu)
Literally “Li Second Dog.”
In rural Chinese naming customs, names like “Ergou” were common among peasant families, especially for second-born sons. Though it might sound odd today, it was often used affectionately and practically, without derogatory meaning.
- 泥腿子 (ní tuǐ zi)
“Mud-legged.”
A colloquial term used to describe rural farmers or peasants, emphasizing their work in muddy fields. Often used with humility or modesty.
- 巧妇难为无米之炊 (qiǎo fù nán wéi wú mǐ zhī chuī)
Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice.”
Classical idiom meaning even the most capable person can’t accomplish much without the necessary resources. Fang Han uses this to explain why he needs herbs to practice medicine.
- 投桃报李 (tóu táo bào lǐ)
“You give me a peach, I return you a plum.”
– A poetic idiom from The Book of Songs, symbolizing reciprocating kindness with kindness.
- 一呼百应 (yī hū bǎi yìng)
“One call, a hundred respond.”
Describes someone with high respect and influence—when they speak, many are willing to follow or assist.
- 嘴上无毛，办事不牢 (zuǐ shàng wú máo, bàn shì bù láo)
“Without facial hair, you can’t handle serious affairs.”
A traditional Chinese saying implying that young, inexperienced people are not trustworthy. Common bias in ancient (and sometimes modern) Chinese society.
- 郎中 (láng zhōng)
A traditional term for a physician or doctor, especially one practicing herbal or Chinese medicine. Often respected, but reputation must be earned through experience and community trust.
- 坐堂 (zuò táng)
“To sit in the hall” – Refers to the role of a lead physician in charge of consulting patients in a clinic or medical hall. A position of prestige that commands trust and authority.
- 医书 (yī shū)
Medical texts or treatises.
In historical China, learning medicine often involved studying revered medical classics, such as the Huangdi Neijing, Shennong Bencaojing, or Treatise on Cold Damage.
- 十里坡剑神 (shí lǐ pō jiàn shén)
“Sword Saint of the Ten-Mile Slope.”
A modern Internet meme turned motivational phrase. It refers to someone who stays in a low-level area of a game or story, tirelessly training for years, becoming overwhelmingly powerful despite humble beginnings. Often used humorously to describe grinding or overtraining.
If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Report