Curing the old lady was a stroke of luck, and curing Dong Guowen was another. But could spotting the hidden illness in Dong Weiguo's body at a glance also be put down to luck?
One had to know that even Wang Chuanshu from the First People's Hospital held him in the highest regard and was even eager to take Xiang Feng as his master.
Who was Wang Chuanshu?
The honorary president of the First People's Hospital and the undisputed master of traditional Chinese medicine in Xianhai City.
Could someone like him fail to recognize Xiang Feng's true capabilities?
And then there was Xiang Feng's martial prowess, which was equally unfathomable.
Dong Weiguo was a formidable five-star general, commanding several thousand men under his banner, with terrifying combat strength.
Yet just moments ago, in their brief exchange, Dong Weiguo hadn't even managed to graze the corner of Xiang Feng's clothes.
"It was presumptuous of me, but I truly meant no disrespect. Please don't take it to heart."
Tang Wan'er apologized repeatedly, and with that, she poured another cup of wine for Xiang Feng as a toast.
This time, however, Xiang Feng made no move to pick up his glass; instead, he stopped Tang Wan'er in her tracks.
"You're not willing to forgive your sister?" Tang Wan'er asked, looking somewhat surprised.
"Sister-in-law, wine can be drunk anytime. But I have a suggestion: both you and Brother Dong are still young. Why don't the two of you put in a little more effort, extend the family line for the Dong Family, and have a few more children? That way, the old man will have some joy in his twilight years—after all, having only one granddaughter is a bit lonely."
With a beaming smile, Xiang Feng turned to look at Dong Guowen. "Am I right, sir?"
"Are you saying your sister-in-law can still conceive?"
Hearing this, Dong Weiguo's eyes instantly turned red.
He wanted a son far too badly.
As a soldier, the desire to pass down the family line was deeply rooted in his bones.
More than that, he desperately wanted someone to inherit his burning passion and ideals.
Daughters were sweet and considerate, but the battlefield would always belong to men.
"Brother Xiang Feng, doctors have told me my constitution is different from most people's—I'm far too prone to miscarriages. Back when I had Nini, I had to take countless prenatal medicines and recuperate abroad for over half a year before she was successfully born. Do, do you really have a way to condition my body?"
Tang Wan'er was equally emotional.
"Of course. Why else would I dare call myself the little divine doctor of Qingyun Mountain?"
Xiang Feng raised an eyebrow, looking immensely proud.
"I must ask Brother Xiang Feng to lend a helping hand. I am endlessly grateful..."
"Think nothing of it. In a moment, I'll leave a prescription for you to rest and recuperate for half a month. After half a month, you can start your family-planning project." Xiang Feng was full of confidence. Treating illnesses was as simple as eating and drinking to him.
What was truly difficult was not knowing when his beautiful wife would finally give him a child...
***
Chapter 18: Wife, Give Me a Kiss
It was past three o'clock in the afternoon by the time they came down from Genting Mountain.
"Xiaofeng, why didn't you accept Sister Wan'er's help? Don't you know this was the best opportunity to build connections?"
As soon as they stepped out of the Dong Family villa, Liu Ruyun felt a lingering sense of dissatisfaction.
Liu Ruyun was not the type of person to cozy up to the powerful.
However, in order to gain a foothold in society, connections were exceptionally crucial.
She couldn't understand why Xiang Feng had clearly been handed a golden opportunity to reach the highest circles, yet deliberately chose to let it slip.
In the end, he had only accepted a property gifted by Tang Wan'er.
And even that was only because Tang Wan'er had forcefully shoved it upon him.
"Why should I accept anyone's help? Is there any problem I can't solve myself?"
Xiang Feng looked thoroughly bewildered. "Why would I need to build connections? Shouldn't they be the ones scrambling to curry favor with me?"
"..."
Liu Ruyun was left somewhat speechless by these words.
She hadn't expected her young husband to be so thick-skinned despite his youth.
"Wife, think about it: I'm a doctor, and not just any doctor, but the greatest, most earth-shaking divine doctor in the entire world. Tell me, which is more important—money, or life?"
"..."
Liu Ruyun opened her mouth, only to find herself utterly powerless to refute him.
"Oh right, Wife, didn't you say before that you were going to give me a son? Do you like boys or girls?" Xiang Feng's train of thought leaped abruptly, his eyes sparkling at the mere mention of having children.
He was indeed a bit of a flirt, his gaze direct and burning, yet what surprised Liu Ruyun was that she didn't feel repulsed at all—only shy.
A flush of peach blossom red bloomed across her pretty face, as alluring as the rosy clouds of sunset.
"Wife, I asked you a question. When on earth are we having a child?"
Xiang Feng pressed on.
"I..."
"Beep-beep... beep-beep-beep..."
Before Liu Ruyun could answer, her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen and immediately frowned.
"Hello, Auntie..."
"Alright, I know. I'll return to the company right away."
Whatever was said on the other end of the line made Liu Ruyun's expression turn rather grim.
"Wife, what's wrong? Is your aunt giving you a hard time too?" Seeing this, Xiang Feng's face instantly darkened. "Don't be afraid. I said it before: you are Xiang Feng's woman, and nobody is allowed to bully you!"
His tone was slightly immature, yet it carried an undeniable undercurrent of dominance.
"No, absolutely not!"
Liu Ruyun hurriedly said, "Xiaofeng, you don't understand. Auntie married early, but aside from Grandpa, she's the relative who's been the best to me. When I was studying, she would often drive to come see me, take me to amusement parks, and treat me like her own daughter. So, no matter how terribly Auntie treats you, you must not get angry or cross her, okay?"
By the end of her sentence, Liu Ruyun's tone carried a hint of pleading.
She knew her young husband's temper all too well.
Clearly, he was a matrilocal son-in-law living off his wife, but that didn't stop Xiang Feng from acting tough in the Liu family.
Take yesterday in the Liu family courtyard, for instance: Wang Huilan and Liu Tianlong, mother and son, had taken two resounding slaps from Xiang Feng with their own faces.
Given her aunt's fiery personality, she most likely wouldn't give Xiang Feng a pleasant expression.
If those two started going at each other...
Liu Ruyun genuinely feared her aunt would end up on the losing end.
"But I've never been one to take grief from others. You're my wife—you can hit me or scold me all you want, but nobody else can." Xiang Feng looked troubled. "Besides, I'm the little divine doctor of Qingyun Mountain; I can't afford to lose face."
"Xiaofeng, I'm begging you..."
"Call me husband."
"Husband."
"Hey!"
Xiang Feng nodded in satisfaction, then pushed his luck by poking his fair cheek.
"Give me another kiss. Kiss me and I'll listen to you."
"Husband, you're going too far."
Liu Ruyun was both embarrassed and exasperated.
Though he had given her artificial respiration before, that had been her passive first kiss.
If she initiated this one, her true first kiss would be gone.
"Wife, am I going too far? Is it going too far for me to like you?"
"Then close your eyes."
Liu Ruyun was teased until her face burned crimson and her little heart fluttered wildly.
"Alright."
"Pop!"
Soft lips pressed gently against the man's cheek for a fleeting second.
Yet Xiang Feng reacted as if struck by a bolt of lightning.
"Ah..."
Xiang Feng let out an exaggerated cry.
"What is it?"
Liu Ruyun asked, bewildered.
"Is this what love feels like? It's wonderful. I feel like I have the whole world in my hands. Wife, your kiss is truly magnificent..."
"Alright, alright, stop messing around. Aren't you embarrassed by how cheesy you sound?"
Liu Ruyun's teeth nearly ached from listening to him, yet her heart was bubbling with joy.
"Not at all. It was sweet and pure. Oh, and your lips are so soft..."
"You're incorrigible."
Liu Ruyun blushed so deeply she looked ready to bleed.
With time pressing, the two headed straight for Yunshang Group.
Around three-thirty in the afternoon, Xiang Feng and Liu Ruyun appeared at the entrance of Yunshang Group.
Yet Liu Ruyun's face was etched with worry.
Because she spotted her aunt, Liu Huijun, waiting for her with a darkened expression.
Liu Huijun was a woman in her forties. Despite her age, she was impeccably maintained, looking more like a woman in her thirties—charming yet full of vitality.
Liu Huijun was in a terrible mood right now, especially upon seeing Xiang Feng step out of the car.
A grown man, in broad daylight, wrapping his arm around her eldest niece's slender waist with a foolish grin plastered across his face.
And that outfit of rough burlap—how was it any different from a peasant's?
How could he possibly be worthy of her eldest niece?
"Auntie, why didn't you tell me in advance you were coming? I could have gone to the airport to pick you up."
Sensing trouble, Liu Ruyun played on the fact that her aunt adored her, quickly stepping forward to link her arm through Liu Huijun's and act coquettishly.
"Hmph!"
However, this tactic failed.
Liu Huijun let out a heavy snort.
Her sharp gaze shot a glance at Xiang Feng before finally landing on Liu Ruyun.
"I heard you married him?"
"Mm."
Liu Ruyun nodded in admission.
"Do you even have me as your aunt in your eyes? Not only did you not consult me about something as major as marriage, but you couldn't even bother to make a phone call to let me know?"
Liu Huijun demanded rhetorically.
"Auntie, there were extenuating circumstances. I, I had no choice..."
"No choice?"
Liu Huijun was both angry and heartbroken. "No choice and you cheapen yourself like this? Look at the man you picked! Slouching and sloppy, like some wild bumpkin from the hills—is he worthy of you?"
"Hey, hey, hey, Auntie, don't look down on people. I'm actually very capable..."
Xiang Feng felt his feelings were hurt and chimed in with a retort.
"Did I ask you? Did I give you permission to speak? And you're already calling me Auntie? Have I acknowledged you as my niece's husband?"
Liu Huijun erupted like a powder keg, unleashing a rapid-fire barrage of scolding.
"Auntie, Auntie, calm down, please calm down."
Seeing that the two of them were about to go at it, Liu Ruyun immediately stepped between them and forcefully dragged Liu Huijun into her office.
"Auntie, let's not argue just yet. Wait until I've explained everything, and you can lose your temper then. Besides, you can't judge a book by its cover. Do you really think your eldest niece would cheapen herself?"
Liu Ruyun shot Liu Huijun a meaningful look, then turned back to soothe Xiang Feng with her eyes.
Sure enough, Liu Huijun calmed down considerably as she followed Liu Ruyun into the office.
As for Xiang Feng, he leisurely trailed along behind the two women...
***
Chapter 19: My Dear, I Suggest You Swap Husbands
"What on earth do you see in him?"
Still consumed by lingering anger, Liu Huijun cast a vicious glare at Xiang Feng, who was sitting near the edge of the sofa.
"Auntie, do you share the same thoughts as Grandma and the eldest uncle? Are you all just dying to push me into a fiery pit and turn me into a sacrifice for Yunshang Group and the Liu family?"
A bitter, desolate smile flickered across Liu Ruyun's fair face. "Everyone in Xianhai City knows what kind of person Li Donghao is. I do owe a debt of gratitude to the Liu family for raising me, but over the years, I've worked myself to the bone and poured so much into Yunshang Group—can't any of you see that?"
"Besides, Xiang Feng saved my life, and he saved Grandma's life as well. I see nothing wrong with marrying him, even if he is just a country boy."
"He isn't worthy of you."
Liu Huijun knew everything Liu Ruyun said was true, but she simply found Xiang Feng utterly repulsive.
"There are millions of men in this world, and plenty of talented young men right here in Xianhai City. Why him?"
Right in front of Xiang Feng, Liu Huijun showed zero mercy, her face twisted in deep disgust.
"Is he a business elite? A scion of an influential family? A member of a prestigious clan? None of those—he's just a broken Chinese doctor. Ruyun, listen to your aunt: divorce him..."
"There are many ways to repay a kindness; why must you give yourself to him in marriage? What if this was all a trap he set up in advance? Even the old lady's illness was probably just a coincidence."
"Ruyun, you're kind-hearted and generous, but don't let your kindness hurt you. Listen to your aunt, and you won't go wrong. Do you really think I'd try to harm you?"
"Auntie, Xiang Feng and I..."
Liu Ruyun knitted her delicate brows, but just as she opened her mouth, her secretary walked into the office.
"Director Liu, Wansun Company's representatives are here again to press for payment. They said if we don't clear the balance today, they'll not only cut off our raw material supply but also pursue legal action against us. What do you think..."
"Auntie, have a seat first. I'm going to handle some company business—this can't be delayed."
Liu Ruyun's expression immediately darkened. Before heading out, she shot another look at Xiang Feng, knowing her husband's temperament all too well.
This fellow looked harmless on the surface, but in reality, he was arrogant and proud to a fault.
Leaving Liu Huijun and Xiang Feng in the same room was no different from matching needle points to the finest awl.
"Name your price. To leave Ruyun—is fifty thousand enough?"
Sure enough, the moment Liu Ruyun stepped out, Liu Huijun pulled a bank card from her Hermès handbag, tossed it right in front of Xiang Feng, and said loftily, "Ruyun is not someone you can touch. You aren't worthy of her, and you can't give her the life she wants. I hope you know what's good for you and take the money and leave."
"No, I won't leave my wife. Don't waste your effort."
Xiang Feng shook his head. Could their relationship ever be measured by mere money?
"Oh? You think it's too little?"
"Heh, I've never cared about money." Xiang Feng shook his head.
"So you're saying you're very wealthy? When you and Ruyun registered your marriage, did you provide a bride price? Did you buy her a luxury car or a mansion?"
"Uh, I have no money. Not a single cent."
Xiang Feng looked slightly embarrassed. "Currently, I'm living in my wife's apartment..."
"Hah, men!"
Hearing this, the mockery on Liu Huijun's face deepened. "So it turns out you don't 'not care about money'—you simply have none at all. As a man, don't you feel like an utter failure?"
"Not at all."
"Huh?"
"I have a gorgeous wife that the whole world envies, you see."
"..."
Liu Huijun moved her lips, completely rendered speechless.
Yet Liu Huijun was far from ready to give up.
"For a man to sink so low that he needs a woman to salvage his pride is the ultimate failure. Case in point: right now, Ruyun has trouble at work and needs money to solve it, but as her man, you can only stand idly by and watch, completely powerless to help. Don't you feel pathetic?"
"A man who lacks all sense of responsibility has no right to talk about loving his wife."
"I..."
Xiang Feng's face turned ugly. Just as he was about to defend himself, Liu Ruyun returned.
Recalling Liu Ruyun's previous warnings and hints, Xiang Feng held back and swallowed his retort.
As long as his wife knew how awesome he was, that was all that mattered. Let everyone else think what they wanted.
With that thought, Xiang Feng's face resumed its expression of absolute nonchalance.
"Look at the kind of man you've chosen!"
Seeing Xiang Feng's "lying flat" attitude of living off a woman, Liu Huijun grew even more infuriated.
"Auntie, it's getting late. How about we call it an early day? Come on, I'll treat you to dinner."
As she spoke, Liu Ruyun forcefully pulled Liu Huijun toward the door, turning back to signal Xiang Feng to follow.
Liu Huijun couldn't say much more. After all, she had watched Liu Ruyun grow up.
Among the three younger generation members, even though Liu Ruyun was adopted, she was by far the most lovable.
Liu Huijun had to give her niece a bit of face.
Besides, having traveled back from another province, gone straight to the hospital, and then rushed directly to the company without a single drop of water touching her lips, she was indeed rather hungry.
However, once in the car, upon learning that Xiang Feng not only couldn't drive but didn't even have a driver's license, she subjected him to another round of scathing mockery.
"A car is a man's pride, a warhorse for conquering the world. At best, you're nothing more than a common foot soldier—a pawn meant to be sacrificed at the front lines."
"..."
Remaining silent, Xiang Feng sat in the back row, simply admiring his beautiful wife's peerless visage.
"Auntie, how come Uncle didn't come back with you? Come to think of it, it must have been two years since I last saw him. By the way, aren't you two planning on having children?"
Liu Ruyun cleverly changed the subject.
"Your uncle is busy with work and travels constantly. When would he have time for kids?" In the rearview mirror, a trace of sorrow flashed across Liu Huijun's delicate brows.
Not having children was her deepest heartache!
"Ahem, if I may, I suggest you change husbands."
Xiang Feng finally seized his opportunity.
"You brat, what do you mean by that?"
"Xiaofeng, stop talking nonsense. Auntie and Uncle are a loving couple." Liu Ruyun hurried to smooth things over. "Hurry up and apologize to your aunt."
"Apologizing is fine, of course. But if Auntie wants a child, I really do suggest you change husbands."
Xiang Feng continued, "If I'm not mistaken, he should be infertile. To put it commonly, he has azoospermia."
"You're talking nonsense..."
Liu Huijun's pretty face turned deathly pale. Though she looked furious, her heart felt as if it had been completely hollowed out.
The softest part of her soul had been ruthlessly pierced by a needle.
"Am I talking nonsense, Auntie? Don't you already know? You two must have gone for checkups years ago. No one else can cure this illness, but I can, you know."
Xiang Feng grinned, his spring-breeze smile exceptionally charming.
Yet to Liu Huijun, this scoundrel was simply rubbing salt into her wound, mocking her misery!
"Hmph, you're overthinking things."
Liu Huijun sneered. "Neither of us likes children, which is why we never had any all these years."
"Fine, then you don't have to take my advice."
Xiang Feng shrugged indifferently, leaned back into the comfortable seat, and turned to gaze out the car window.
Liu Ruyun wisely kept her mouth shut as well, though her expression shifted with uncertainty.
***
Chapter 20: Does Your Husband Have the Qualifications to Dine Inside?
For dinner, Liu Ruyun chose a fairly renowned courtyard restaurant named the Prince's Mansion Hotel.
The Prince's Mansion Hotel was actually known by its true name, Seven Stars Tower, named after the seven stars of the Big Dipper. Rumor had it that the threshold for dining at Seven Stars Tower was exceptionally high. Without a membership card, no matter who you were, how high your official rank, or how much money you had—even if you were the richest person in the world—you simply lacked the qualifications to step inside and dine.
What truly propelled Seven Stars Tower to fame happened three years ago. A high-ranking regional official had come to dine, but because he lacked a membership card and a reservation, he was turned away. The official had flown into a furious rage and immediately began launching a frantic crackdown on Seven Stars Tower upon returning.
Yet in the end, Seven Stars Tower emerged completely unscathed, while that high-ranking official was reassigned from his post a month later and had vanished from the public eye ever since.
From then on, Seven Stars Tower earned its reputation as the Prince's Mansion Hotel.
"I'm sorry, but all our private rooms are currently occupied. If you don't mind, you can wait in the main hall for a short while."
As bad luck would have it, having arrived rather late, Seven Stars Tower had no remaining private rooms.
"Then how long do we have to wait? Having to wait just to eat a meal is going a bit overboard, isn't it?" Xiang Feng muttered with a dark expression.
"I'm terribly sorry."
The waitress's smile was polite and formulaic. "How long you'll have to wait depends entirely on our guests' dining speed. Until they leave, we cannot seat anyone else."
"Isn't that Tianshu Pavilion over there empty?" With his sharp eyesight, Xiang Feng spotted that Tianshu Pavilion was unoccupied from afar and immediately began walking toward it.
"I'm sorry, sir."
The waitress stepped in to block Xiang Feng's path. "Tianshu Pavilion has already been reserved. The guests will be arriving shortly."
"So many rules just to eat a meal?" Xiang Feng's face grew increasingly gloomy.
This scene, as it played out before Liu Huijun, only served to lower her impression of Xiang Feng even further.
A man who couldn't even secure a table at a dining establishment—what kind of future could he possibly have?
"Should we try somewhere else?"