Ling Wan offered her explanation, feeling a sense of relief in her heart. Ling Muzhu's appearance was perfectly timed, helping her out of an awkward situation.
"Muzhu, you keep Mr. Sheng company here for a while. I'll go check on the small kitchen."
"Mr. Sheng, please wait here for a moment."
Having transferred the hot potato, Ling Wan hurried away, not wishing to linger any longer. It was truly too embarrassing, and she didn't know how she would ever face Sheng Xubai again.
Ling Muzhu's gaze fell upon Sheng Xubai as he examined him. He didn't look like the critically ill person rumored to be, but rather quite energetic, even capable of coming to his home.
"Sheng Xubai, when did my sister-in-law save you? And what were you talking to my second sister about just now? Why was her face so red?"
As soon as he sat down, Ling Muzhu began questioning Sheng Xubai. He had clearly seen Ling Wan's flushed and flustered state, and he was determined to get a clear explanation from Sheng Xubai, unwilling to let Ling Wan be bullied without cause.
This question stumped Sheng Xubai. After thinking it over, he realized he hadn't actually done anything to Ling Wan.
"I really don't know. I just had a sip of tea..."
Sheng Xubai was almost willing to recount his every action to prove his innocence.
"Is that so?"
Ling Muzhu raised an eyebrow, his tone full of suspicion. The more he looked, the more suspicious Sheng Xubai seemed.
"Truly!"
Ling Muzhu stared intently at Sheng Xubai throughout the entire meal.
"Eat your own food. Why are you just 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 and hadn't said anything. But as he became more brazen, almost staring directly into Sheng Xubai's face, it was fortunate that Sheng Xubai had a good temper and didn't react.
If it were someone with a fiery temper, they would have dragged Ling Muzhu out and beaten him soundly.
"Sister-in-law..." Ling Muzhu started to retort, but after receiving a sharp look from Feng Jin, he quickly shut his mouth, not daring to say another word.
"My apologies, Mr. Sheng. This child is still immature and has made a spectacle of himself."
"It's nothing. I actually find Muzhu to be straightforward and simple-minded."
Feng Jin offered a false smile in agreement. Simple-minded, or to put it simply, foolish, but it did suit Ling Muzhu.
"By the way, Mr. Sheng, are you married?"
The moment this question was asked, everyone present, except for Feng Jin himself, was stunned. Sheng Xubai almost dropped his chopsticks.
"My health has been poor for a long time. Marrying would have been a disservice to any lady, so I have remained unmarried."
Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Feng Jin's worries subsided. As long as he was single, everything could be discussed.
"How about I introduce you to someone?" Feng Jin was not one to beat around the bush, cutting straight to the chase, almost as if she were pushing Ling Wan towards Sheng Xubai.
Ling Muzhu, with a mouthful of soup, nearly choked. Only Feng Jin could pull off such a forceful matchmaking attempt.
If nothing else, Sheng Xubai's embarrassed expression was enough to make the scene incredibly entertaining. Ling Muzhu watched with great relish, as such opportunities were rare.
"This... this matter..."
Sheng Xubai stammered, unable to articulate clearly. This made Feng Jin quite anxious. It was normal for a man to be forthright about marriage, as men reach marriageable age and women reach their marrying age.
Why did it become so difficult when it came to these people? They couldn't even make themselves clear after a long time, which was truly agonizing.
"Mr. Sheng, please speak clearly?"
Feng Jin could no longer bear it and asked again.
"Forgive me, Madam, for my frail health. Although I was saved by your treatment and my life preserved, I do not know what the future holds. Furthermore, years ago, I vowed to remain unmarried before Buddha. I no longer pay much attention to matters of marriage."
From the moment he learned his lifespan was limited, he had decided to live a solitary life, unburdened by attachments. He had long since forgotten about romantic relationships.
Only towards Feng Jin did he feel a strange, inexplicable emotion. In his rigidly disciplined, dull, and dim life, Feng Jin's appearance was like a saving light, guiding him forward.
Upon learning that she was already married with children, his admiration was sealed in his heart. As long as he saw her happy, he was content.
Ling Wan listened intently to Sheng Xubai's words, her heart trembling. If his health had been sound, his life would have been different. He would have been the most radiant young man in the entire capital.
It was a pity that he had suffered from illness for so many years, enduring unbearable pain for twenty years. How had he endured it? Ling Wan's heart felt as though it were being clutched, a slight ache spreading through it.
"Mr. Sheng, what you're saying is not right. As the saying goes, filial piety is paramount, and continuing the family line is the greatest of all. You are still young, how can you not marry? Moreover, your health has now recovered, and you should be focusing on marriage..."
Feng Jin earnestly advised him, afraid that Sheng Xubai might have a change of heart and lose faith 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 remained unspoken. Sheng Xubai ultimately agreed in a roundabout way.
"That's right." Feng Jin's triumphant smile was too obvious to conceal.
"Mr. Sheng, has your health improved? Are you still experiencing heart palpitations?"
"After Madam's treatment, I have greatly improved. I haven't experienced them for a long time."
After Feng Jin's treatment last time, his health had indeed improved significantly. Previously, after any strenuous activity, even walking a few more steps, he would feel short of breath. In the past few days, his body had been unusually light, and the oppressive feeling in his chest was gone.
"That's good. Last time, Ling Wan was a great help in saving you. If Ling Wan hadn't stayed up all night to take care of you and give you medicine, your illness wouldn't have recovered."
Suddenly being mentioned, Ling Wan appeared somewhat at a loss, denying it with a slightly dazed expression: "No... no, it's all my sister-in-law's credit. I just helped out on the side."
"Thank you, Second Miss, for your assistance. Sheng Xubai will remember this great kindness."
Feng Jin watched with satisfaction. This was the effect she wanted. A life-saving favor, of course, must be remembered well. With this connection, feelings could develop.
"Mr. Sheng, to completely cure your heart condition is not difficult. It only requires acupuncture at specific points, along with medicinal assistance. Within a month, you should be fully recovered. However..."
The sentence trailed off, piquing Sheng Xubai's curiosity: "Madam, please speak your mind directly."
His heart condition had always been a great concern to him. If it could be cured, he was willing to give everything he had.