Chapter 25: Culinary Inferno

 "This is a method I learned from a deceased old professor to address acute respiratory obstruction caused by foreign objects. I call it the 'Heimlich Maneuver' because that old professor's name was Heimlich. In fact, at this time, Professor Heimlich hadn't even been born yet. He formulated this emergency procedure in 1974. The application of this maneuver is widespread, including instances where it was used to save lives, such as former US President Reagan and renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor. Therefore, it is also known as the 'Embrace of Life.'"


"Do you have any scientific basis for your emergency method?"


"This method involves applying an abdominal thrust — striking the soft tissue beneath the diaphragm. The sudden force creates an upward pressure, compressing the lower parts of the lungs, which drives residual air in the lungs to form a forceful airflow. This forceful, directed airflow travels directly into the trachea, capable of dislodging foreign objects blocking the trachea or throat, ultimately saving a person's life."


"In simple terms, imagine the lungs as a balloon, and the trachea as the balloon's nozzle. If the nozzle is blocked by a foreign object, you can squeeze the balloon to push the air upward, dislodging the obstruction in the nozzle. This is the physics behind the Heimlich Abdominal Thrust," explained Monet calmly.


As Monet was explaining, Nicole slowly walked over with her husband's support. While her complexion was still somewhat pale, her overall condition had improved significantly. She reached Monet's side and expressed her gratitude, "Mr. Monet, thank you so much for just now. If it weren't for you, I might have..."


Before she could finish, Monet quickly interjected, "Mrs. Dodge, you don't need to say that. I was indeed too impulsive earlier, making some rather impolite gestures without your consent."


Nicole waved her hand, saying, "You're a doctor. Naturally, you don't need to worry about such things when treating patients. Moreover, I could tell that all your actions were very gentlemanly."


Monet felt a bit embarrassed by this compliment. Although he hadn't had any ulterior motives earlier, he did touch areas on Nicole's body that he shouldn't have. Looking back on it, she had a really nice figure – slender where she should be, ample where she should, and curvaceous where appropriate. He almost had a reaction to it.


While Monet was lost in thought, Nicole continued, "Mr. Monet, do you happen to have time tomorrow evening? My husband and I would like to host a dinner to express our gratitude!"


Honestly, if it were just Nicole alone and if she were single, Monet would readily accept. However, the thought of facing a couple made him a bit uncomfortable. He shook his head and said, "Mrs. Dodge, you're too kind. This was just a small effort on my part."


At this moment, Mr. Dodge chimed in, "Mr. Monet, please give us the chance to show our gratitude. Otherwise, we would feel deeply indebted!"


Monet declined a few more times, but finally realized he couldn't refuse any longer. With a resigned nod, he agreed. Since Nicole had been frightened earlier, after inviting Monet, Mr. Dodge bid farewell to Mann, and they went home to rest.


As Monet gazed absentmindedly at the departing Dodge couple, Mike patted his shoulder teasingly and asked, "Still not giving up, huh?"


"What are you talking about? Am I that kind of person?" Monet replied, slightly irritated.


Although he said that, Monet was still somewhat distracted afterward. He felt his thoughts were jumbled and bothersome, so he also took his leave. However, on his way home, he suddenly spotted a familiar silhouette on the roadside. He asked the taxi driver to slow down as they passed by. (Note 1)


Upon closer inspection, Monet was astonished. The person with the familiar silhouette turned out to be Jack, the very same Jack who should have perished. Although his hairstyle, demeanor, and attire were different from when he was on the Titanic, Monet recognized Leonardo DiCaprio's distinctive appearance at a glance. After all, Jack Dawson was his idol – in terms of reaping golden-haired supermodels.


Originally, Monet intended to approach Jack and inquire about how he survived. Unfortunately, at that moment, Jack had already boarded a taxi, heading toward the "Hell's Kitchen" club. Hastily, Monet instructed his driver, "Follow that car ahead!"


Little did he expect that Jack's car would lead them to the Blinz Nightclub in "Hell's Kitchen."


The so-called "Hell's Kitchen" is actually officially named the Clinton District. It covers nearly the entire Midtown West of Manhattan, extending from 34th Street in the south to 58th Street in the north, and from Eighth Avenue in the east to the Manhattan River in the west. In today's perspective, this area lies north of Central Park and Columbus Circle, and it connects to Times Square and Broadway in the east. Its geographical location is highly advantageous.


However, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this place was renowned as New York's most notorious slum and a gathering spot for gangs. Even the name "Hell's Kitchen" came from the mouth of a police officer. It is said that a rookie cop exclaimed during a riot here, "This is simply hell!" The veteran officer beside him corrected, "This is worse than hell – it's Hell's Kitchen!"


Blinz Nightclub is a well-known entertainment venue in the Hell's Kitchen district. Inside, you'll find not only beautiful women, but also delicacies, fine wines, gambling, and all sorts of things to pass the time.


Originally, the premises of Blinz Nightclub were a large warehouse. After the Hell's Kitchen gang took over, they made some simple modifications, turning it into the current structure with upper and lower sections, along with a pool garden at the back.


Warehouse, well, no, it's a nightclub. The main part of the nightclub's first floor is a small theater. Every night, there are song and dance performances here, largely inspired by Broadway shows. Of course, along with the inspiration, there are also some minor adjustments, mainly involving more intimate content.


P.S.: In 1912, the United States already had over ten thousand taxis. However, during this time, taxis were electric cars. You read that right – electric cars. Because the functionality of gasoline-powered cars back then was far from what it is today, especially during winter. It sometimes took up to 45 minutes to start them up.


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