Ling Wan offered an explanation, feeling a sense of relief. Ling Muzhu’s timely arrival had saved her from an awkward situation.
“Muzhu, you stay here and chat with Young Master Sheng for a while. I’ll go check on the small kitchen.”
“Young Master Sheng, please wait here for a moment.”
Having passed the hot potato, Ling Wan hurried away, not wanting to linger for another second. The situation was too embarrassing, and she didn’t know how she would face Sheng Xu Bai in the future.
Ling Muzhu’s gaze swept over Sheng Xu Bai, appraising him. He didn’t look like the dying man he was rumored to be. In fact, he seemed quite energetic, even able to come to their house.
“Sheng Xu Bai, when did my sister-in-law save you? And what were you saying to my second sister just now? Why was her face so red?”
As soon as he sat down, Ling Muzhu began interrogating Sheng Xu Bai. He had clearly seen Ling Wan’s flushed and flustered expression and insisted on getting an explanation from Sheng Xu Bai. He wouldn’t let Ling Wan be bullied without a reason.
His questions completely stumped Sheng Xu Bai. After thinking it over, he realized he hadn't actually done anything to Ling Wan.
“I really don’t know. Just now, I merely took a sip of tea…”
Sheng Xu Bai was practically willing to recount his every move to prove his innocence to Ling Muzhu.
“Is that so?”
Ling Muzhu raised an eyebrow, his tone full of suspicion. The more he looked, the more suspicious Sheng Xu Bai seemed.
“Truly!”
Ling Muzhu stared fixedly at Sheng Xu Bai throughout the entire meal.
“Eat your own food. Why are you staring at him? Could it be that you know you’re ugly and are jealous of his good looks.”
Feng Jin had noticed Ling Muzhu’s behavior for a while but had said nothing. Who knew he would become even more blatant, practically glaring into the man’s face? Fortunately, Sheng Xu Bai had a good temper and didn’t say anything.
If it had been someone with a more fiery temper, they might have dragged Ling Muzhu out and beaten him up.
“Sister-in-law…” Ling Muzhu started to argue, but after receiving a sharp glare from Feng Jin, he immediately shut his mouth, not daring to say another word.
“My apologies, Young Master Sheng. This child is not sensible and has made a spectacle of himself.”
“It’s nothing. I actually think Muzhu is straightforward and simple-minded.”
Feng Jin offered a fake smile, agreeing. Simple-minded, in simpler terms, meant foolish, but it did suit Ling Muzhu.
“By the way, Young Master Sheng, are you married?”
At these words, everyone present, except for Feng Jin herself, was shocked. Sheng Xu Bai’s chopsticks nearly fell from his hands.
“I was unwell for a long time, and it would have been unfair to a lady if I had married, so I remained unmarried.”
Upon receiving a positive answer, Feng Jin’s heart was put at ease. As long as he was single, everything could be discussed.
“Perhaps I can introduce someone to you.” Feng Jin was direct and cut to the chase, almost pushing Ling Wan towards Sheng Xu Bai.
Ling Muzhu, with a mouthful of soup, nearly choked. Only Feng Jin could pull off such a forced marriage arrangement.
Regardless of anything else, Sheng Xu Bai’s flustered expression at that moment was already a spectacle. Ling Muzhu watched with great relish, as such opportunities were rare.
“This… this matter…”
Sheng Xu Bai stammered, unable to articulate his thoughts. This made Feng Jin anxious. It was normal for a man to get married and a woman to get married.
Why did it become so difficult for these people? They couldn't explain themselves after a long time, which was truly exasperating.
“Young Master Sheng, please be clear about this.”
Feng Jin could no longer stand it and asked again.
“I apologize for making Madam laugh. My health is poor. Although Madam’s treatment saved my life, I don’t know what the future holds. Moreover, I vowed before Buddha long ago not to marry, and I no longer care about marriage.”
From the moment he knew his lifespan was limited, he had decided to live a solitary life, unburdened. He had long since forgotten about romantic relationships.
Only towards Feng Jin did he feel a strange emotion. In his monotonous and bleak life, Feng Jin’s appearance was like a ray of salvation, guiding him forward.
When he learned that she was already married and had children, his admiration was buried deep in his heart. As long as he saw her happy, it was enough for him.
Ling Wan listened to Sheng Xu Bai’s words intently, and her heart trembled. If his body had been healthy, his life would have been different. He would undoubtedly have been the most radiant young man in the capital.
It was a pity that he had been tormented by illness for so many years, suffering unbearable pain for twenty years. How had he endured it? Ling Wan’s heart suddenly felt as if it were being squeezed, a faint ache spreading within her.
“Young Master Sheng, you’re mistaken. As the saying goes, filial piety has three aspects, and the worst is to have no descendants. You are still young, why can’t you marry? Besides, your health has improved, so you should prioritize finding a wife…”
Feng Jin earnestly persuaded him, fearing that Sheng Xu Bai might have a change of heart and lose confidence in marriage.
“Thank you for your concern, Madam. I will consider this matter.”
The words of polite refusal that were on the tip of his tongue were not spoken. Sheng Xu Bai ultimately agreed indirectly.
“That’s right.” Feng Jin’s triumphant smile was too obvious to hide.
“Young Master Sheng, is your health better? Do you still suffer from heart palpitations?”
“After Madam’s treatment, I have greatly recovered. I haven’t experienced them for a long time.”
After Feng Jin’s previous treatment, his health had indeed improved significantly. In the past, any strenuous activity, even walking a few steps, made him feel breathless. In recent days, his body felt unusually light, and the pressure in his chest was gone.
“That’s good. We owe a lot to Ling Wan for saving you last time. If Ling Wan hadn’t taken care of you all night and fed you medicine, you wouldn’t have recovered.”
Suddenly being mentioned, Ling Wan appeared somewhat helpless and denied with a dazed expression, “No… no, it’s all Sister-in-law’s credit. I just helped out a little.”
“Thank you for your assistance, Second Miss. Sheng Xu Bai will remember this great kindness.”
Feng Jin watched with satisfaction. This was exactly the effect she wanted. A life-saving debt must be remembered. With a connection established, the relationship could develop.
“Young Master Sheng, it’s not difficult to completely cure your heart condition. It only requires acupuncture and medication. Within a month, you should be fully recovered, but…”
She trailed off, piquing Sheng Xu Bai’s curiosity: “Madam, please speak directly.”
His heart condition had always been a major concern for him. If it could be cured, he was willing to give everything he had.