Love and Desire in the Sea [Complete] - 23

Love and Desire (156)

Chapter 154

On their way back to Suzhou from Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui talked about seeking medicine at Tan Temple in Xiashan. Ouyang Yiming said, "I'll go, I should go."

Everyone understood what Ouyang Yiming meant. Yang Ping said, "I've already been once, I'll go too." Ouyang Mei said she would go with Yang Ping. Xu Hui said, "Why don't I go too?" Yang Ping looked at Xu Hui and said, "You, you should stay home." Xu Zhenming thought for a moment and said, "Well, it's not very meaningful for everyone to go. I'll go with your mother and Mei. Yiming and Xu Hui can stay home." Ouyang Yiming wanted to say something more, but Xu Hui looked at him with expectant eyes. Yang Ping observed carefully and said, "Yiming, you should stay home with Xiaohui. If Xiaohui's health is suitable, she should go to the temple. Let's not let her go through all that trouble." Yang Ping and Xu Zhenming both remembered that they hadn't gotten the medicine last time, and they didn't know the outcome this time, so they naturally didn't want Xu Hui to go to the temple.

Ouyang Yiming also thought of this in an instant, looked at Xu Hui and said, "Okay, Xu Hui and I will wait for you at home." Xu Zhenming said, "Let's eat something first when we get to Suzhou, then we'll go."

Ouyang Mei said, "We're not hungry." Xu Zhenming said, "We have to eat eventually, the driver needs to eat too." The driver hurriedly said, "It's alright, let's get on with the business. I'll just buy some biscuits or something at the convenience store near the temple entrance to tide me over." Yang Ping said, "How can that be? Let's eat something." The driver said, "No need, we're in a hurry." Ouyang Yiming looked at the driver and said, "That's fine, just eat something there." The driver agreed.

Upon arriving at Xu Hui's building, Yang Ping and Ouyang Mei hurriedly picked up some things they had brought from Shanghai. After going upstairs with the others, they didn't exchange many words. Yang Ping, Ouyang Mei, and Xu Zhenming drank some water and took some tea before bidding farewell to Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming. Xu Hui said, "Don't come back too late." Yang Ping replied, "We know. You stay home and be with Yiming. Don't worry, we'll all go together. Nothing will happen." Xu Hui nodded, her eyes filled with tears.

After Xu Zhenming, Yang Ping, and Ouyang Mei left, Xu Hui burst into tears, saying, "Yiming, look how many people I've burdened with this condition. I really can't bear to see them worry about me like this."

Ouyang Yiming, though heartbroken at Xu Hui's state, could only comfort her, saying, "Xu Hui, don't worry, you'll be alright. The medicine you've begged for will be just like it was when you were little; you'll get better after taking it. Don't talk about burdening anyone. They're all family; of course you should care for them wholeheartedly. Don't you care for your family members when they're sick? That's what family is all about!"

Xu Hui nodded, and after a moment, said sorrowfully, "Yiming, I couldn't say this in front of everyone." Ouyang Yiming looked at her and asked, "What did you want to say?" Xu Hui burst into tears. She said, "Yiming, I keep feeling... I keep feeling like I'm going to... I'm going to leave..." Hearing this, Ouyang Yiming was startled, his heart trembling. He glared at Xu Hui and hurriedly interrupted her, saying, "Xu Hui, I won't let you say that. Are you stupid? Why would you say something like that? Aren't you tearing my heart out?" He then hugged Xu Hui tightly, large tears streaming down his face, saying, "Xu Hui, please don't say that again, please don't say that, okay? You'll be alright, you'll definitely be alright. I'll take you all over the world to cure your illness. You'll get better, you'll definitely get better." As he spoke, his face rubbed against Xu Hui's, their tears mingling and streaming down their cheeks. Ouyang Yiming, of course, knew what Xu Hui meant by the second half of her sentence. Hadn't he himself had such thoughts? Not being able to eat meant... He dared not think further, and he was even more afraid of anyone saying such things in front of him. Such words would have thrown him into a panic, let alone coming from Xu Hui. Ouyang Yiming felt waves of fear, trembling, and sorrow coursing through his heart.

Seeing Ouyang Yiming's pained expression, Xu Hui felt even more distressed. As they embraced, Xu Hui suddenly thought, "I can't let Ouyang Yiming, or so many others, be sad and heartbroken for me like this. So what if I can't eat? Even if I do eat, I'll feel a little uncomfortable. But I have to eat for them! That way, everyone will be comforted." So she said, "Yiming, make me some porridge. I want to drink some." Ouyang Yiming was startled, then overjoyed, looking into her eyes and asking, "Are you hungry? Do you feel hungry?"

Xu Hui smiled and nodded. Ouyang Yiming's face instantly lit up with a smile. He said, "Xu Hui, if you want to eat, it means you're better! I told you you're fine. Wait a moment, I'll go make you something." Xu Hui nodded.

Ouyang Yiming took a few steps, stopped, and turned around to ask, "Xu Hui, did you throw up what you ate last night?" Xu Hui thought for a moment and said, "Yes, I did. But I didn't want to eat last night, but now I feel like eating." Ouyang Yiming smiled again and said, "That's good, that's good! Hehe, I'll go make you something." Xu Hui stood up and said, "Let's make it together. Let's cook a lot so you can eat too." Ouyang Yiming agreed, and the two of them went into the kitchen hand in hand.

Xu Hui rinsed the rice and put it in the pot, then turned on the gas and said, "You said you'd cook, but I don't think you can." Ouyang Yiming said, "I can. I helped my mom cook when I was little." Xu Hui said, "Then I'm in for a treat." Ouyang Yiming smiled and took her hand as they left the kitchen. After sitting down on the sofa, Ouyang Yiming stared at Xu Hui's face and asked, "Are you really hungry?"

Xu Hui nodded with a faint smile, but in her heart she was thinking, "I'm not hungry at all. I'm just worried you'll keep worrying about me. Little do you know, I feel very uncomfortable after eating." Ouyang Yiming asked, "What else would you like to eat? I'll go buy it for you." Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I can't eat too much at once." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

Xu Hui felt a pang of sadness as she thought about Ouyang Yiming's sudden shift in emotions after he mentioned wanting to eat. She was also touched by the care and love Ouyang Yiming and his family showed her. Looking at Ouyang Yiming, she said, "Yiming, you need to eat too. I noticed you barely ate last night. You can't stay here like this with me." Ouyang Yiming said, "To be honest, I don't feel hungry." Xu Hui said, "It's your mood; it's my influence." She paused, then said, "How about this, what do you want to eat? Let's go to the market together." Ouyang Yiming said,

"I don't really want anything." Xu Hui looked at him and said, "Let's go buy some things together; Mom and the others will need to eat when they get back." Ouyang Yiming thought about it and nodded. He looked at her and asked,

"Xu Hui, you haven't eaten for days. Are you sure you can walk around in the street?" Xu Hui said, "I feel a little weak, but not too badly. Don't worry, I'm fine." Ouyang Yiming said, "Eat some porridge when it's ready before you go." Xu Hui nodded and rested her head on Ouyang Yiming's shoulder.

Ouyang Yiming was much more relaxed now. After all, Xu Hui herself had said she wanted to eat, and her appetite meant that her condition was improving, which overjoyed Ouyang Yiming.

After the porridge was cooked, the two of them were in the kitchen together. Xu Hui served Ouyang Yiming a bowl, then served herself a little, and they each held their bowls on the table, looking at each other as they drank. After Xu Hui finished half a bowl of porridge, Ouyang Yiming looked into her eyes and asked, "How are you feeling?" Xu Hui smiled and said, "I don't feel uncomfortable." Ouyang Yiming quickly said, "Then eat some more, I'll get you some." Xu Hui smiled and said, "I can't eat much at once." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

After watching Ouyang Yiming finish his porridge, Xu Hui stood up to serve him more, but Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm not hungry." Xu Hui urged him to eat some more, but Ouyang Yiming replied,

"I'm just a little thirsty, I'm really not hungry." He then stood up to clear the dishes, and Xu Hui quickly said, "I'll do it." While clearing the dishes, she said, "How can I let a grown man like you do such housework?" Ouyang Yiming smiled. After Xu Hui came out of the kitchen, she said, "Let's go buy some groceries now." Ouyang Yiming asked, "Are you really feeling well?" Xu Hui smiled and said, "Very well."

At this moment, she truly didn't feel any discomfort. After saying this, she pulled Ouyang Yiming to his feet, took the shopping basket from the kitchen, and they went out the door.

Xu Zhenming, Yang Ping, and Ouyang Mei arrived at Tan Temple in Xiashan. The front hall of the temple houses a six-meter-tall white marble statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the lotus position, his left hand resting horizontally on his bare left foot (a gesture called "meditation mudra"), and his right hand forming a circle with his fingers bent upwards (a gesture called "preaching mudra"). He wears a kasaya (Buddhist robe), his face benevolent, gazing down upon all beings. The rear hall houses a white marble statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, flanked by eighteen Arhats. The Guanyin Bodhisattva statue is about four meters tall, wearing a kasaya-style robe with sashes hanging down in front, her face full and round like a full moon, her expression benevolent and dignified. The three went directly through the front and rear halls to the back courtyard. Instead of seeking the abbot, they inquired about the abbot's name and age from a monk, learning that the abbot of the temple was over seventy years old and his Dharma name was Huichan. Xu Zhenming then earnestly asked the monk to lead the way, saying he had important business to discuss with the abbot. Seeing Xu Zhenming's sincere words and expectant expression, the monk led the three towards the meditation room of Abbot Huichan. Entering a small courtyard around the corner, they found it clean and tidy, with two tall, lush pine trees and cypresses. Woody and herbaceous plants grew along the walls, some in bloom, their fragrance filling the air. The clear sound of a wooden fish drum emanated from a low, closed stone-tiled house.

The monk stopped in the courtyard, clasped his hands together, and softly told Xu Zhenming and the others to wait a moment, then quickly walked towards the meditation room. A short while later, the monk emerged, clasped his hands together, and chanted "Amitabha,"

saying, "Please follow me, benefactors." The three followed the monk into the meditation room, which was small and sparsely furnished. A large "Buddha" character was written on the front wall, almost occupying half the wall.

Below it was an incense table with an incense burner, burning sandalwood, filling the room with a light smoke. A wooden bed stood against one wall. Against another wall was a dark red square table, with several prayer cushions on it. Not far from the incense table, an elderly monk, over seventy years old, sat on one of the cushions. He had a kind face, white hair, a ruddy complexion, and long white eyebrows. The three knew this was Abbot Huichan.

Abbot Huichan looked at Xu Zhenming and the others and asked, "What brings you here, benefactors?" Upon hearing this, Yang Ping hurriedly knelt before Abbot Huichan, tears streaming down her face, saying, "Master, save my daughter!" As Yang Ping knelt, Xu Zhenming and Ouyang Mei knelt on either side of her. Abbot Huichan said, "Please rise, benefactors, and tell us the reason." Mao Yuqin cried, "Master, you must save my daughter! I'll be your servant in my next life if you can help me." Abbot Huichan said, "Please rise, benefactors, and speak slowly." Xu Zhenming pulled Yang Ping to her feet, and the group sat down on the prayer cushions at the tea table. Xu Zhenming said, “Master, my daughter Xu Hui has contracted a strange illness. The hospital can't diagnose the cause, and she can't eat or take any medication.

I've come to see you today to tell you something. My child also had a serious illness when she was ten. That summer, my mother braved the heavy rain to come to your temple to beg for medicine. The abbot at the time gave my mother a packet of medicine that cured my daughter's illness. I think you might remember that an old lady came here in the rain to beg for medicine. We have no choice but to come back to trouble you, Master.”

After listening, Abbot Huichan carefully observed Xu Zhenming and the other two, and said “Amitabha,” saying, “This old monk remembers, it's been more than ten years. An old lady came to beg for medicine to cure her granddaughter.” Yang Ping listened… Overjoyed, Yang Ping exclaimed, "Yes, yes, that old lady is my mother!" The monk clasped his hands together and said, "Excellent, excellent, Amitabha." Yang Ping said, "My child is also a devout Buddhist. Please, Master, save my child."

Abbot Huichan said, "The old lady came seeking medicine that time, which was given to her by my master. I do not know what medicine it was. Although I knew at the time, my master did not mention it afterward. Today you have come seeking medicine, and I truly do not know what medicine to give you. This temple has no medicine to give you either. My master planted two herbs in the garden outside, but he has not planted them since his passing. We do not know what kind of herbs they are or what illness they treat. Please forgive us."

Upon hearing this, the three of them felt a chill run through their bodies, as if all their hopes had been shattered by Abbot Huichan's words. Yang Ping rose in a panic, took two steps forward, and knelt down before Abbot Huichan, crying, "Master, please save my daughter! Please save my daughter! Only you can save her now. Buddha, you are merciful and compassionate! Please, Buddha, please save my poor daughter!"

While Yang Ping was kneeling before the monk, Ouyang Mei also rose and knelt before Abbot Huichan. She cried, "Master, please save my sister! Please!"

and kowtowed to Abbot Huichan. Abbot Huichan clasped his hands together and said, "Please rise, benefactor. A monk does not lie. I have not deceived you." Yang Ping wept bitterly, "Master, you saved my daughter when she was ten years old. You can definitely save my child! You must save my child!"

Yang Ping turned to look at Xu Zhenming, who sat at the tea table like a wooden statue, and cried out, "Zhenming, come quickly! Come quickly and kneel down before the master! Beg the master to save our daughter!" Xu Zhenming seemed to just realize what was happening at this moment. He hurriedly got up and knelt before Abbot Huichan, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Master, we only have this one daughter in our lives. She's getting married in a few days. Please, you must save my daughter no matter what! Please!"

Abbot Huichan sighed softly and murmured, "Amitabha." The monk said, “Please rise, benefactor. I understand your feelings, but I truly do not know what medicine I can offer you.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Ping burst into tears, looking pleadingly at Abbot Huichan. Suddenly, she knelt and moved a few steps to the Buddha table, kowtowed several times, and cried, “Buddha, did our Liu family commit some sin in our past life that we are being punished in this one? Buddha, punish me instead! Xu Hui is still a child, a good child. Xu Hui is not yet married, she is only in her twenties! Please, please save her, please help her recover. She and Yiming love each other so much, how can you bear to separate such a loving young couple? Buddha, please, please…” Ouyang Mei and Xu Zhenming knelt before the monk, sobbing.

Abbot Huichan was clearly moved by this scene. He moved his lips and said, "Please rise, benefactors. Allow me... allow me to think." Upon hearing Abbot Huichan's words, the three of them instantly stopped crying, and all eyes turned to him. Abbot Huichan sighed, murmured "Amitabha" a few times, and said, "The Buddha is compassionate, saving all sentient beings. Benefactors, please go outside first and wait for me." Xu Zhenming and the others exchanged glances. Yang Ping and Ouyang Mei kowtowed several times to the monk, stood up, and murmured "Amitabha" as they went out.

They stopped in the courtyard, turned around, and looked back at the meditation room. They saw Abbot Huichan get up and close the door. Their hearts felt as if they were locked up, unsure of what to do. Yang Ping couldn't help but kneel down again, followed by Ouyang Mei, and then Xu Zhenming. Yang Ping kept murmuring "Amitabha," and Ouyang Mei echoed her. Xu Zhenming silently pleaded,

"Merciful Buddha, please save my daughter this time! Our Xu family will be forever grateful for your kindness and will offer incense to you morning and night."

A while later, they heard the door of the meditation room open, and Abbot Huichan gracefully emerged. Xu Zhenming hurriedly stood up to greet Abbot Huichan. Abbot Huichan clasped his hands together and uttered "Amitabha," then extended his hand to hand over a yellow paper package, saying, "I don't know if this medicine can save your daughter. If not, it is fate, so please don't come again. Everything has a cause, and every cause has an effect.

Amitabha." Xu Zhenming accepted the package with both hands, repeatedly expressing his gratitude. He was about to kneel down when Abbot Huichan helped him up, saying, "Go back." He looked at the three of them, uttered "Amitabha" a few more times, turned, and went back into the meditation room, closing the door behind him.

Yang Ping and Ouyang Mei kowtowed several times towards the meditation room before hurriedly rising, tears streaming down their faces as they looked at the yellow paper package held by Xu Zhenming. Xu Zhenming, his lips trembling, said, "Let's go." Yang Ping then bowed to the meditation room and chanted "Amitabha" a few times. Ouyang Mei and Xu Zhenming followed suit, bowing and chanting "Amitabha" devoutly. The three of them then turned and left the courtyard. They

hurriedly returned via the same route, with Xu Zhenming and Ouyang Mei following behind Yang Ping. When Yang Ping passed the front hall, she stopped, took out her wallet from her pocket, donated all her cash, about two hundred yuan, to the incense offering, and then knelt before the Buddha. Xu Zhenming and Ouyang Mei bowed together, silently praying for Xu Hui's recovery. After getting up, they hurriedly left the temple.

For a moment, no one spoke, but they couldn't suppress their excitement.

Back home, upon seeing Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming, the three of them beamed with joy. Ouyang Yiming, sensing from their expressions that the medicine had arrived, was about to ask, his heart pounding, when Yang Ping hurriedly inquired, "Xu Hui, how are you feeling?" Xu Hui replied, "I'm fine." Since drinking that half-bowl of porridge, and after the two of them going to the market to buy some groceries, Xu Hui had been perfectly normal. Ouyang Yiming excitedly said, "After you left, she said she wanted some porridge, so she made some and drank a little." Xu Zhenming, Yang Ping, and Ouyang Mei were overjoyed. Yang Ping asked in surprise, "Really? Xu Hui?

Is this what you wanted to eat?" Xu Hui nodded. Ouyang Mei smiled, grabbed Xu Hui's arm, and shook it, saying, "Sister, you're not sick anymore, you're cured! Wanting to eat makes you healthy!" Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.

Xu Hui smiled, only then realizing that since drinking that half-bowl of porridge, she hadn't felt any discomfort whatsoever. She felt strange and quite surprised. Ouyang Yiming looked at Yang Ping and asked, "Did you get the medicine?" Yang Ping nodded and said, "Yes, I got it."

Ouyang Mei helped Xu Hui sit down on the sofa, her eyes fixed on Xu Hui's face, tears streaming down her face. After a moment, she sobbed softly. Xu Hui wiped Ouyang Mei's tears and said, "Meizi, why are you crying?" Ouyang Mei became even more upset by Xu Hui's question and said, "Sister, you scared me to death, you scared me to death..." As she spoke, she threw herself into Xu Hui's arms and began to sob. Xu Hui also shed tears and patted Ouyang Mei's back, saying, "Meizi, look, I'm alright now, aren't I?"

Xu Zhenming's red eyes were filled with tears. Looking at the two sisters, he was deeply moved by their friendship. He said, "Meizi, don't cry. Let your sister take her medicine."

Ouyang Mei cried as she got up.

Yang Ping took the yellow paper package from Xu Zhenming, walked to the table, poured a glass of water, and opened the package. Inside was a spoonful of powder resembling incense ash. She carefully poured it into a teacup, stirred it with a spoon, and presented it to Xu Hui, saying, "Xu Hui, this is medicine bestowed by Buddha." Xu Hui nodded, took it, and drank it down in one gulp. Yang Ping took the cup, poured some more water, returned, and handed it to Xu Hui to drink. Yang Ping took the cup, sat down on the sofa, and looked at Xu Hui.

Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui and asked, "Are you feeling better?" Xu Hui smiled and said, "I'm fine." Ouyang Yiming turned to Yang Ping and said, "After Xu Hui drank some porridge, we went to the market together and bought some groceries. I didn't know when you got back and we hadn't cooked. You must be hungry. Let Meizi cook something for you to eat first." Yang Ping said, "It's getting dark soon, let's eat together tonight. I haven't been home these past few days and haven't bought any groceries. It's good that you thought of me. It's good that you bought them. I'll cook in a bit." She turned to Ouyang Mei and asked, "Meizi, are you hungry? I'll go get some biscuits for you to eat first." Ouyang Mei shook her head and said, "I'm not hungry." Yang Ping

still turned around and went into the house, brought out two tubs of biscuits, and handed one tub each to Ouyang Mei and Xu Zhenming, saying, "Eat something to tide you over. You haven't eaten anything since early morning." Then she looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "Yiming, you should eat some too." Ouyang Yiming nodded, reached into the biscuit tub in front of Ouyang Mei, took a few pieces, and handed them to Xu Hui, but Xu Hui shook her head and said she didn't want any. Yang Ping looked at Xu Hui again, and said excitedly, "Why don't we just go out to eat later?" Xu Zhenming said, "Let's eat at home. Xu Hui can't eat anything greasy right now, and she can't eat too much either. Let's just make some porridge for her." Yang Ping nodded and said "Yes" repeatedly. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I'll go to the street and buy some longan and lotus seeds to make some porridge for Xu Hui." As she spoke, she stood up and looked at Xu Hui, saying, "Xu Hui, if you want to rest for a while, go and rest." Xu Hui shook her head.

Xu Zhenming suddenly remembered that the driver was still in the car downstairs. He looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "I'll go to the guesthouse to arrange rooms for you. I forgot to call the driver upstairs." Ouyang Yiming said, "Let him go directly to the guesthouse to rest. I'll call him over for dinner." Yang Ping and Xu Zhenming went out together.

After Xu Zhenming and Yang Ping left, Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui and asked, "Have you had any reactions after taking the medicine?" Xu Hui smiled and shook her head, saying, "No reactions." Ouyang Mei asked,

"Is it bitter?" Xu Hui said, "It doesn't taste like much, but my throat feels a little choked." Ouyang Yiming said, "See if you can eat more tonight." Xu Hui said, "It can't get better so quickly. I don't want to eat anything, I just want some porridge." Ouyang Mei said, "Your stomach has been empty for so many days, you can't eat a lot all at once. As long as you want to eat, you'll be fine."

Xu Hui nodded and then asked Ouyang Mei about going to the temple to ask for medicine. Ouyang Mei then recounted her experience of going to the temple to ask for medicine. She added, "When the monk said he had no medicine to give, I was terrified. My mind went completely blank." Xu Hui listened and tears welled up in her eyes. She said, "You've really gone through a lot." She thought for a moment, then got up, walked to the altar, lit three incense sticks, put her hands together, and chanted prayers to the Buddha.

During dinner, Xu Hui ate most of a bowl of the longan and lotus seed porridge that Yang Ping had carefully prepared for her. The whole family was very happy and didn't offer Xu Hui anything else.

While eating, after a few rounds of drinks, the driver said, "There are some folk remedies you just have to believe in. Some remedies can cure diseases that hospitals can't." Xu Zhenming said, "Yes, sometimes the effects of traditional Chinese medicine are incomparable to some Western medicines." The driver looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "There are some things you can't disbelieve. Dean Ou, I don't know if you've heard, but there's a village about 80 miles northwest of ours with a miracle doctor. I heard there's no disease he can't cure. It's truly amazing. A relative of one of our neighbors recently got esophageal cancer, supposedly in its late stage. He went to see this miracle doctor, and guess what? He recovered in no time. It's true. When he went back to the hospital for a checkup, everything was normal. The doctors were dumbfounded. I was going to tell you about this on my way here..." "I was afraid you'd criticize me, so I thought if I couldn't get the medicine at the temple, I'd tell you when I got back."

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "What you're saying is too incredible." The driver said, "My relative told me all sorts of things. You can't help but believe some things. That miracle doctor is a woman. She said she didn't know anything before she learned to cure illnesses. Last year, she was sick for over a week and didn't know anything. She went to various places to get treatment but couldn't be cured. Later, she woke up and said she was possessed by some kind of celestial being who came to earth to cure people and save the local people. She cured everyone. Can you not believe it?" Ouyang Yiming said, "That's just a legend. What kind of medicine does she use?" The driver said, "I heard she doesn't use any medicine. You just tell her your symptoms and she chants some incantations."

Ouyang Yiming shook his head, smiled, and didn't say anything. Xu Hui, however, said at this moment, "A mob, baseless, a fraud." The driver blushed. Xu Zhenming asked, "Do you need money?"

The driver said, "They don't need money, just a few packs of cigarettes will do. There's always a line of people there every day." Ouyang Mei said, "She collects a lot of cigarettes every day, why doesn't she exchange them for money?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I know about this. Don't mention the matter of us asking for medicine for Xu Hui at the temple when we get back to the unit." The driver agreed.

Love and Desire (157)

Chapter 155

After dinner, they talked for a while. Seeing Xu Hui's gradually returning to normal mental state, everyone was very happy. They also believed that Xu Hui could recover as quickly as she did when she was ten years old. Seeing that the family was talking, the driver tactfully went to the guesthouse to rest first. Yang Ping looked at Xu Hui and said, "Last time I went to ask for medicine, I was too anxious and didn't think to find an older monk. No matter how I talked to the abbot, he said he didn't have any medicine." Ouyang Yiming said, "You were also too anxious at the time and didn't think too much."

Yang Ping said, "Yes, my heart was burning with anxiety at the time. I thought I could just go to the temple and find the abbot. I figured the temple was only big enough for the abbot, so I went directly to him. I didn't know anything about abbots or presiding monks. Later, seeing that I couldn't get his help no matter what I asked, and worried that you wouldn't be able to get into the temple if you came, I rushed back." Xu Zhenming said, "Just think about it, that abbot is only in his thirties, and he was transferred from another temple. How could he possibly know about this incident from over ten years ago?" Yang Ping laughed and said, "How could I..." "I knew he was transferred from outside! I was just anxious at the time." She paused, then continued, "The abbot didn't even mention asking the elders. I was confused at the time, but the abbot shouldn't have been."

Xu Hui then said, "Nowadays, many abbots and monks are charlatans, what kind of top students from Buddhist academies are they?! Their Buddhist hearts are becoming increasingly impure!" Everyone was shocked. Yang Ping quickly said, "Xu Hui, we can't say that." Xu Hui wanted to say something more, but Ouyang Mei quickly pulled her back. Yang Ping said, "The Buddha cured our illness, so we must be devout to the Buddha and respect every monk in the temple."

Xu Hui couldn't help but say, "Of course we should be devout to the Buddha. But nowadays, there are many monks in the temple who aren't sincere in their devotion to the Buddha and are just seeking fame and fortune. These people use the Buddha's name to make money, which is simply blasphemy against the Buddha; they are the scum of the monks." Yang Ping was shocked, her face turned ashen, and she said in a trembling voice, "My dear aunt, could you please say less?" After saying this, she kept chanting "Amitabha." Ouyang Mei hurriedly whispered to Xu Hui, "Sister, please stop talking." Xu Hui then fell silent.

Xu Zhenming gave Xu Hui a reproachful look. Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui but didn't say anything. After chanting "Amitabha" for a while, Yang Ping got up and walked to the Buddha statue, put her hands together, muttered something, lit incense, and bowed several times. Xu Hui also stood up and bowed in front of the Buddha statue. After Xu Hui prayed, Ouyang Mei also prayed, and Ouyang Yiming, after thinking for a moment, went over and prayed as well. Xu Hui pulled Ouyang Mei aside and looked at Ouyang Yiming, saying, "Let's go for a walk." Ouyang Yiming asked, "How are you feeling now?" Xu Hui said, "I'm fine, I want to get some fresh air." Xu Zhenming said, "You can just walk around around here." Yang Ping said, "Don't walk for too long, you've been feeling quite weak these past few days." Xu Hui agreed. So Ouyang Yiming, Xu Hui, and Ouyang Mei went out together.

After going downstairs, Ouyang Mei and Xu Hui walked arm in arm. Ouyang Yiming thought about some things Xu Hui had said at home earlier. He wanted to scold her, but seeing that she didn't say anything, he asked, "Xu Hui, are you feeling alright now?" Xu Hui said, "I feel perfectly normal." Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, I truly believe in Buddhism now, from the bottom of my heart. But I have some doubts. We hadn't even gotten you the medicine yet, why did you want to drink porridge?" Xu Hui said, "Maybe Buddha knew you went to get medicine for me. One must be devout to Buddha." Ouyang Mei nodded thoughtfully, then thought for a moment and said, "What you said at home just now scared me to death." Xu Hui then said angrily, "It's true. Haven't you seen how many temples these days are only interested in making money?

Isn't that the work of those who seek fame and fortune? Buddha is meant to save people, but now it's become a way for some to make money. This is blasphemy against Buddha. These people will be punished by Buddha sooner or later." Ouyang Yiming said somewhat nervously, "Forget it, why talk about this? There are still many monks who are devoted to Buddha." Ouyang Mei felt a little flustered and shook Xu Hui's arm, saying, "Sister, don't say anymore." Xu Hui nodded. Ouyang Yiming thought to himself that Xu Hui's words were not without reason. Some actions of temples had indeed changed and violated the principles of Buddhism. But considering that Xu Hui had obtained the medicine from the temple, it was better not to say anything. So he changed the subject, saying, "Xu Hui, I'll stay with you another day tomorrow. If you're feeling alright, I'd like to go back the day after tomorrow. The wedding is coming up soon, so you can rest for a few days, and I'll come pick you up two or three days before the wedding." Xu Hui asked, "How many days until the wedding? I can't even remember the date." Ouyang Yiming said, "There's still a week left, it'll be quick. I have some things to prepare when I get back." Xu Hui lowered her head and thought for a moment, then looked up at Ouyang Yiming and said, "Why don't we just go back together? You'll have to come back in a few days, which will waste time on the road." Ouyang Mei said, "That's true, it'll delay the journey by two days."

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Isn't that a bit inappropriate? The original plan was that if you go two days before the wedding, two girls from your side would see you off, and two girls from our side would pick you up. This isn't quite in accordance with the rules." Xu Hui said, "Why are there so many rules? If I really need someone to see me off, I can go earlier. As for who picks me up, Meizi will be there." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "We can't decide this ourselves. Let's discuss it with Mom and Dad tomorrow." Ouyang Mei shook her head and said: "Getting married is such a hassle,"

Ouyang Yiming laughed. "It's such a big deal in one's life, of course it's troublesome. Meizi, your wedding will probably be even more troublesome. Lu'an is even farther from our home, and there are even more customs in the countryside." Ouyang Mei said, "I don't want that kind of trouble. I think when I got married, I just had a few tables at the school. Getting married like you two is really troublesome. A few years ago, didn't many couples just get their marriage certificates and have a few tables at their workplace? Now it's getting more and more complicated." Xu Hui smiled and said, "Getting married is a big deal, it should be taken seriously. I'm just worried about your brother running back and forth like this." "Meizi, from what you just said, it sounds like you've already made a deal with that teaching assistant." Ouyang Mei blushed and said, "That's just something I was saying casually." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "I only realized it after Xu Hui mentioned it. Meizi, from the tone you were talking, it seems like it's settled! Meizi, that's not right. Even if you didn't tell me and your sister-in-law, you should at least tell Grandpa, Dad, and Mom!" Ouyang Mei laughed and playfully hit Ouyang Yiming, saying, "Brother, you're getting naughtier and naughtier. I think I need my sister Hui to teach you a lesson."

The three of them laughed, attracting the attention of some passersby. Seeing this, Ouyang Yiming quickly whispered, "Okay, we're on the street. People will think we're crazy." Ouyang Mei and Xu Hui covered their mouths, laughing, and quickly walked away.

Ouyang Yiming said, "How about this, let's discuss it with Mom and Dad tomorrow. If we want to go back together, we can stay here for a couple more days. I'll call my workplace tomorrow to let them know. I don't know what Uncle said to your workplace in Shanghai. Xu Hui, are you really feeling better now?" Xu Hui said, "I'm fine. I just couldn't eat much to begin with, but now that I can eat, that's good. I felt uncomfortable after eating that little bit of porridge the night before last, but I don't feel uncomfortable at all today. I'm fine." Ouyang Yiming said, "Then let's talk to Uncle tomorrow and ask the school to process your discharge. Do you think you should go back to the research institute? Otherwise, we can drive there tomorrow." Xu Hui said, "Let Uncle talk to the institute again. I don't want to go back before the wedding." Ouyang Yiming said, "You should still talk to the institute leaders. If you don't want to go, you should call them tomorrow. You've just recovered, and your wedding is coming up soon. The institute leaders will understand." Xu Hui nodded.

Hearing Ouyang Yiming mention making a phone call, Ouyang Mei hurriedly said, "Call Mom right away and have my sister tell her. I told Mom yesterday, but she's still worried." Xu Hui said, "Okay, I'll tell Mom." After walking for a while, they came across a phone booth, and Xu Hui dialed the number. Ouyang Anping answered and asked Xu Hui what was wrong and if she was feeling better. Xu Hui told him she wasn't sick, saying that she hadn't had a good appetite recently, had been hospitalized for a few days, and was now back in Suzhou.

Immediately after, Mao Yuqin answered the phone: "Xu Hui, are you really feeling well?" Xu Hui said, "Mom, I'm really fine. My stomach wasn't feeling well a few days ago, but I was hospitalized for a few

days and I'm completely better. Meizi and Yiming are with me; you can ask them if you don't believe me." Mao Yuqin sighed and said, "Xu Hui, these past two days I've been so anxious, like my heart was on edge. If you hadn't called tonight, I was planning to go with your dad tomorrow."

Tears streamed down Xu Hui's face. At that moment, she felt another mother's tender love, and she said, somewhat moved, "Mom, tell Dad and Grandpa that I'm fine, I'm doing very well now." Mao Yuqin said, "Xu Hui, hearing your voice puts my mind at ease. Xu Hui, your wedding with Yiming is in a few days; you must take care of yourself. I think you're still troubled by your grandmother's passing. How can I be at ease with you like this? Child, you must try to think more positively. I won't say any more; just tell Yiming and Meizi to be careful when they come back."

Xu Hui was touched and said, "Mom, I was just talking to Yiming about going back together in a couple of days. Going a couple of days earlier is better than making Yiming keep running back and forth." Mao Yuqin said, "You need to talk to your parents about this. If they don't agree, Yiming should come back first. There are many things to do before the wedding, and he can't just come the day before the wedding." Xu Hui said, "Otherwise, I'll go back with Yiming the day after tomorrow." Mao Yuqin said, "Go home and discuss it with your parents. Call us immediately if anything happens." Xu Hui agreed.

After hanging up, Xu Hui called her uncle to tell him that she was feeling better now, had eaten lunch and dinner, and was feeling normal. She said she and Yiming had come out together to call him, so he could rest assured. Xu Hui's uncle was also surprised and asked if she had prayed for medicine at the temple. Xu Hui said yes. Xu Hui's uncle then murmured "Amitabha" many times in a trembling voice on the phone. Xu Hui asked him to go to the research institute the next day to handle his discharge procedures, and mentioned that she didn't want to return to her workplace before the wedding. Xu Hui's uncle said, "I'll go to the research institute tomorrow and talk to them first. They'll understand if you don't go to work now that you're feeling a bit better, and your wedding is coming up soon anyway, so I think the institute leaders will agree. It would be better if you called your workplace tomorrow."

Ouyang Yiming took the phone again and spoke a few words with Xu Hui's uncle before hanging up.

On the way back, Xu Hui said, "I'll talk to Mom and Dad when I get home. I still want to go back with you." Ouyang Yiming said, "I'd like to think about that too. I'll go back and hear Mom and Dad's opinions first. But we can't rush back. You're only feeling a bit better, and I'm worried about the bumpy ride. It'll be fine to observe you for a couple of days before going back." Xu Hui said, "That's fine too."

When they got back to the dormitory area, Xu Hui said she would see Ouyang Yiming off. Ouyang Yiming said, "Why would I need you to bring me anything? You've been feeling weak these past few days, and you've been traveling for quite a while now. Go back and rest well, you'll be very tired for your wedding in a few days." Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, go back. My brother and the driver live together, so it's not convenient for you two to have a private chat." She then chuckled. Ouyang Yiming said, "You little rascal, you're so cunning." Ouyang Mei laughed and pulled Xu Hui away.

The next morning, Xu Hui drank a bowl of porridge, and Yang Ping gave her some tonics. The whole family was overjoyed. If they were still a little worried after taking the medicine they had obtained from the temple yesterday, after a good night's sleep and eating more normally, everyone believed that Xu Hui was basically fine, just like she was during her serious illness a few years ago.

After breakfast, Yang Ping and Ouyang Yiming talked about Xu Hui coming home with him: "Xu Hui came home last night and discussed it with us. Your father and I think that since she's getting married in your area anyway, it doesn't matter if she gets married a day earlier or later. We've considered the same thing as you. Xu Hui's illness has only just improved, and she's still weak, so we're worried she won't be able to handle the journey. So you can stay a day later. Xu Hui will recover a bit in the next day or two, and then you can go back. As for whether her family should see her off, we won't discuss that anymore. It wouldn't be appropriate for anyone to stay with her for a few days. Xu Hui said that your two female classmates aren't married either, so they can represent their families to see her off." "You'll be having your wedding banquet here three days after you get married there. So you'll have to come here the day after your wedding. We're having our banquet at noon, so if you come early in the morning, you might not make it in time. We don't want people talking about us. It's just a bit tight on time." Ouyang Yiming said, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it's fine if it's tight, as long as people don't gossip." He turned to Xu Hui and said, "You need to eat more nourishing foods these next few days, it'll be quite a workout in a few days." Xu Hui smiled and said, "It's not like I can eat rice. Don't worry, I'm fine."

After talking for a while, Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui went to Xu Zhenming's office and called their respective workplaces. Xu Hui's supervisor told her not to come to work before the wedding and to take good care of her health, but she must return to the workplace with Ouyang Yiming after the wedding, as the workplace would be celebrating for them. Xu Hui thanked him. Two

days later, there were only five days left until the wedding. Xu Hui's health was very stable, and everyone was relieved. After breakfast on August 14th, Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei took Xu Hui back to Panzhou. At breakfast, Yang Ping picked up Xu Hui's bowl, tears welling in her eyes, but she smiled as she picked up the spoon, saying, "Xu Hui, our old custom here is that a girl is fed by her mother before leaving home, meaning she has to eat a meal at her parents' home before going to her husband's home. Your mother will feed you a couple of times too." Looking at her mother's expression, Xu Hui felt a pang of sadness and said, "Mom, why are we still talking about this?" Yang Ping, her eyes still red, scooped up a spoonful of porridge and said, "Here you go." Xu Hui opened her mouth, and tears fell as her mouth filled with rice.

Xu Zhenming felt a pang of sadness, looking at Yang Ping and saying, "It's not about being particular; there's no point in going through all the old customs. Let the children eat." Yang Ping, tears still on her cheeks, smiled and said, "Okay, it's not about being particular; let's eat." After the meal, Yang Ping asked Xu Hui, "Are you really not bringing any of the things we prepared for you?" Xu Hui said, "No, I'll be here in a couple of days." Turning back to Ouyang Yiming, she said, "Mom prepared some blankets and stuff, but I'm thinking of leaving them behind. If it were closer, we'd follow our local customs, but it's so far..." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's fine too, or you can just bring one blanket."

Xu Hui blushed, looked at Ouyang Yiming, and smiled, saying, "My mom even bought us a toilet; why did she buy that?" Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei laughed upon hearing this. Yang Ping smiled and said,

"You absolutely must bring this 'descendant toilet,' even if you don't intend to." Xu Zhenming said, "Let's bring it; there are some customs to observe." Ouyang Mei asked, "Is there any significance to this toilet?" Yang Ping explained, "The dowry toilet is called the 'descendant toilet' here. It contains five red eggs. The word 'egg' in 'egg' sounds like 'birth,' and eggs can hatch chicks. Placing eggs in the 'descendant toilet' symbolizes the wish for 'birth of a son' and 'five sons achieving high rank.' The toilet also contains lotus seeds, red dates, peanuts, longan, melon seeds, etc., signifying 'early birth of a son' or 'continuous birth of sons.' This 'descendant toilet' is a must-bring." Xu Hui blushed, looked at Ouyang Yiming, and turned to Yang Ping, saying, "Okay, we'll bring it." Xu Zhenming said,

"There are countless customs; it's just for good luck. We can't carry too much stuff anyway, so let's just bring a few simple things." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

Xu Hui understood why her parents insisted she bring the toilet. Xu Zhenming and Yang Ping only had one daughter, Xu Hui, after they got married. As Xu Hui grew up, they regretted not having a younger brother or sister; a single child is always too lonely. Therefore, they were very concerned about Xu Hui having a son.

Just before leaving home, Yang Ping hugged Xu Hui and burst into tears. Xu Hui then hugged her mother and cried too. Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei also felt a pang of sadness. Xu Zhenming, his eyes red, asked curiously:

"She'll be back in a few days. Look at you two."

Yang Ping and Xu Hui parted. Yang Ping wiped away her tears, glanced shyly at Ouyang Yiming, then smiled at Ouyang Mei and said, "My daughter gets married, and I can't help but feel sad." Ouyang Mei, her eyes red, said, "Auntie, don't worry, our whole family will treat my sister as our closest relative." Yang Ping said, "I know that. How could I not know how your whole family treats Xu Hui? I just can't help feeling sad." Ouyang Yiming said, "Mom and Dad, don't worry, I will be good to Xu Hui for the rest of my life." Xu Zhenming said, "Yiming, we know about your relationship. Your mother and I are at ease entrusting Xu Hui to you." Yang Ping said, "Yiming, Xu Hui can be a little temperamental sometimes, but please don't take it to heart. She has a kind heart, and she forgets things she said as soon as they're over." "You absolutely must forgive her," said Ouyang Yiming. "Dad, Mom, don't worry, nothing will happen between Xu Hui and me."

Xu Hui smiled and said, "Don't worry, Yiming wouldn't dare bully me. If he did, the old folks and Meizi over there wouldn't forgive him either." Ouyang Mei said, "I feel closer to my sister than my brother now. My grandpa, my parents, and I all love my sister the most." Yang Ping smiled and said, "I'm not worried, I'm not worried. It's Xu Hui's good fortune to be in your family."

Turning to Xu Hui, she said, "Xu Hui, when you're with them, you must know how to be polite and respect the elders. No matter what your temper is like, you can't act that way in front of the elders. If I find out you've been disrespectful to the elders, don't blame your father and me for not forgiving you." Xu Hui said, "No, I will respect the elders."

Yang Ping looked at Ouyang Yiming and said, "You all know we only have Xu Hui. She's been spoiled since she was little, so talk to your elders when you get back. Ask them to forgive her if she can't do something." Ouyang Mei said, "My aunt and my sister do everything very well, don't worry." Xu Zhenming said, "Alright, let's go quickly. Be careful on the road." The others agreed. Yang Ping's tears started flowing again. Xu Zhenming said to Yang Ping, "Don't go downstairs. People will laugh at you if they see you downstairs." Yang Ping nodded. Xu Zhenming saw them into the car. Xu Hui looked up at her balcony and saw her mother standing there, wiping away tears. Tears streamed down her face. She waved to her mother and got into the car. As

soon as they stepped out the door, Xu Hui said, "Yiming, I want to go to my grandmother's grave." Ouyang Yiming agreed. The day before yesterday, when she had nothing to do at home, Xu Hui said she wanted to go to her grandmother's grave. Yang Ping didn't agree, afraid that Xu Hui, who had just recovered from her illness, wouldn't be able to handle the grief at the grave. Before leaving the Xu family and officially entering the Ouyang family, Xu Hui insisted on visiting her grandmother. Ouyang Yiming understood Xu Hui's feelings for her grandmother, and although he knew Xu Hui would be very sad at her grandmother's grave and was worried about her health, he couldn't stop her from going. Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, please don't be too sad when you get there." Xu Hui nodded.

They stopped at a flower shop and bought a bouquet of yellow tulips. Nearby, they bought four kinds of offerings. Xu Hui had already packed a bouquet of incense in her bag before leaving. When they stopped at the cemetery entrance, Ouyang Mei helped Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming up the steps. Xu Hui, holding the flowers, walked slowly, her eyes already filled with tears. Before even reaching her grandmother's grave, Xu Hui began to sob. Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, please don't be too sad." Xu Hui remained silent. Upon reaching the grave, Xu Hui bent down to place the flowers and could no longer contain her grief, crying out, "Grandma, Xiao Hui has come to see you!"

She knelt before the grave, tears streaming down her face, her cries of "Grandma!" filled with anguish. Ouyang Yiming couldn't help but weep with her.

After Xu Hui cried for a while, Ouyang Mei comforted her, arranged the offerings, lit three sticks of sandalwood, and kowtowed to the tombstone. Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei also knelt down and kowtowed. Xu Hui cried,

“Grandma, I’m going to Yiming’s house today. In two days, I’ll marry you, Yiming. Grandma, I haven’t done anything to shame you. I’ve always remembered what you told me since I was little.

Grandma, Yiming is good to me, and his whole family is good to me. Grandma, I’ve never forgotten what you told me. I won’t shame you. I will be filial to my elders and loyal to Yiming. Don’t worry, Grandma, I won’t shame you wherever I go. Grandma, please bless Yiming and me from heaven!” Her pitiful cries made Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Mei cry again. After a while, they got up and helped Xu Hui up on either side, and the three of them left. The three burning sandalwood incense sticks swayed a few times and then floated straight up again… When they passed through Jinling, it was almost noon, so Ouyang Yiming told Xu Hui to have a simple meal there. Xu Hui said, "I don't want anything greasy, and I'm not hungry. You guys just eat whatever you like." Ouyang Yiming then suggested going into town to find a vegetarian restaurant. Xu Hui said, "That's too much trouble. I'll just have some porridge when I get home." Ouyang Mei said, "You can't not eat now." Xu Hui said, "I can't eat much anyway, I just want to get home quickly. How about this, you eat yours, and I'll just buy a bottle of milk." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "That's fine." They stopped at a restaurant, and Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei went into a store to buy milk. Ouyang Yiming went into the restaurant and ordered two simple dishes.

During the meal, Ouyang Yiming mentioned the relocation of the research institute to Jinling and said, "Xu Hui, our research institute has been upgraded to a provincial high-tech research institute, and we plan to move here."

Xu Hui was intrigued and excitedly said, "Really? That's wonderful! It will be much more convenient for you to go to Shanghai in the future." Ouyang Yiming said, "I forgot about it these past few days and didn't even think to tell you. A few days before I came, I spoke with Li Xuan on the phone and asked her to help us choose an address for the research institute. She said a bankrupt factory was for sale, but I wasn't home these past few days and don't know if she got back." Xu Hui said, "Li Xuan should have done her best to help. Even if you weren't home, she would have informed your unit if anything happened." The driver said, "I only knew that our research institute had been upgraded to a provincial research institute, but I didn't know that the institute was moving here. Dean Ou, if we move here, will you still bring me here? I'll drive you again." Ouyang Yiming said, "This matter hasn't been finalized yet, so don't talk about it when you get back to your unit." The driver agreed. Ouyang Mei said, "It will be much easier for Hui-jie and me to see you in Shanghai from now on."

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "That's right."

He glanced at the driver and then said nothing more. Xu Hui asked, "When did you and Li Xuan say they would come to our house?" Ouyang Yiming said, "We told them we would arrive two days early." Xu Hui said, "I really miss them." Ouyang Yiming said, "How about we go to Li Xuan's place now?" Xu Hui said, "No, going there will only waste time. I just want to get home as soon as possible."

The driver finished his meal and left the restaurant first. Ouyang Yiming said, "I didn't say this while the driver was here, but what I meant was that the research institute has moved here, so it will be much easier to go to Shanghai. I'm also relieved that you and Mei-zi are both in Shanghai. I think we..." "After the wedding, you two should inquire about housing. Buy two adjacent apartments in Shanghai, one for us and one for Meizi. That way, you two can look after each other when I'm not back in Shanghai." Xu Hui nodded and said, "I'll inquire about housing after the wedding when I return to Shanghai." Ouyang Mei stared wide-eyed at Ouyang Yiming and asked, "You mean buy one for me too?" Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "Why are your eyes so wide? As your brother, shouldn't I buy you an apartment? We can afford it." Ouyang Mei turned to look at Xu Hui, then back at Ouyang Yiming, her eyes red without saying a word.

Love and Desire (158)

Chapter 156

Ouyang Yiming, Xu Hui, and Ouyang Mei arrived home in the afternoon. As Xu Hui entered the gate, she saw the two pomegranate trees laden with fruit and exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, there are so many pomegranates!"

At that moment, Mao Yuqin came out. Upon seeing Xu Hui, she greeted her and then took her hand, looking directly at her face, asking, "Are you all better?" Xu Hui replied, "Yes, I'm fine. I wasn't sick to begin with. Mom, I'm sorry to have worried you." Mao Yuqin smiled and said, "That's good, that's good." The old man came out of the main room, and Xu Hui quickly called out, "Grandpa!" The old man looked at Xu Hui and said, "I heard you weren't feeling well?" Xu Hui beamed and said, "Grandpa, I'm all better." Ouyang Anping also came out at this time. Xu Hui called out, "Dad!" Ouyang Anping smiled and nodded in agreement, saying, "Come on in." Xu Hui smiled and agreed. Ouyang Mei took Xu Hui's hand and said, "Sister, come on, let's go to your new room." Xu Hui blushed and nodded.

Stopping under the pomegranate trees, Xu Hui exclaimed, "These two pomegranate trees are truly wonderful, bearing so many fruits!" The old man replied, "This year's harvest is plentiful; we can eat them in a month or so." Xu Hui asked,

"How can we possibly eat all of these?" Mao Yuqin said, "Everyone on this street has eaten our pomegranates. When they ripen, people will come over. Let them eat as much as they want." Ouyang Mei chimed in,

"It's free to eat, but not to take." Xu Hui laughed and said, "Yes, we can't possibly eat them all." As she spoke, Ouyang Mei took her hand and led her towards the west wing. The old man, Mao Yuqin, and Ouyang Anping followed.

Xu Hui entered the west wing, her face flushed, and looked around. Ouyang Mei smiled and asked her, "Take a look around first and see if you're satisfied. If not, let my brother fix it up some more." Xu Hui laughed and asked Ouyang Mei, "If this were your new house, would you be satisfied?" Ouyang Mei blushed and said, "I would be so satisfied if I had a new house like this." Xu Hui laughed and said, "Of course I'd be satisfied!"

As she spoke, she looked at the wedding photo hanging above the bed. Ouyang Mei asked, "Do you recognize those two celebrities?" Xu Hui raised her hand and slapped her, saying, "What celebrities? I have that photo too." Ouyang Mei and Mao Yuqin laughed.

At this moment, Ouyang Yiming and the driver brought the quilt and the toilet into the house. Mao Yuqin looked at the toilet with curiosity. Ouyang Mei then explained the symbolism to Mao Yuqin. Mao Yuqin listened and nodded. Ouyang Yiming said, "We prepared so many things, but we can't bring them all." Mao Yuqin said, "Your wedding is special, and it's inconvenient for you to live so far apart. Okay, just a token is fine." The driver put down his things and was about to leave when the old man, Mao Yuqin, and Ouyang Anping invited him to stay for dinner, which he thanked. As he was leaving, Ouyang Yiming told him, "Don't mention Xu Hui seeking medicine at the temple when you get to work."

The driver agreed.

The family sat on the sofa in the outer room, chatting. The old man, unaware of Xu Hui's illness and hospitalization, asked, "Xiao Hui, have you been feeling unwell these past few days?" Mao Yuqin replied, "I didn't dare tell you, afraid you'd worry. Xu Hui had an upset stomach a couple of days ago and was hospitalized for a few days." The old man asked Xu Hui, "Are you all better now?" Xu Hui said, "I'm all better." The old man said, "You don't mean something you ate, do you?" Xu Hui said, "It's related to the weather." The old man nodded and said, "That's good. I was wondering why Xiao Ming and Meizi came to your house so early these past few days." Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui just recovered from her illness, and she was worried that my trip back and forth to Suzhou would cause me trouble, so she came a couple of days early." The old man said, "No need for such formalities, it's fine if they came early."

Ouyang Mei turned to Mao Yuqin and said, "Mom, could you cook some porridge later? My sister didn't eat lunch either. She finds the food at restaurants too greasy." Mao Yuqin agreed and stood up. Xu Hui hurriedly said,

"I'm not hungry. It'll be dark soon, let's eat together." She then pulled Mao Yuqin to sit down. Ouyang Yiming said, "I'll just cook some porridge for you first." Xu Hui said, "I don't feel hungry this time either, let's eat together later." Mao Yuqin looked at Xu Hui and said, "It's no trouble at all." Xu Hui said, "Really, it's not necessary." Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui and said, "That's fine then, let's eat together later. I'll cook some porridge tonight." Mao Yuqin agreed.

They chatted about wedding matters, and Xu Hui said, "Getting married is really troublesome." The old man said, "It's much simpler now than before. Your wedding will be even simpler for you two, otherwise the wedding ceremony and welcoming the bride would be even more troublesome." Mao Yuqin said, "It's hard to compare. When your father and I got married, it was much simpler; conditions didn't allow for it back then." After talking for a while, it was getting late. Ouyang Dongdong returned from school, greeted Xu Hui upon entering, and Mao Yuqin went out to cook. Ouyang Dongdong seemed increasingly shy these days. Xu Hui then asked him some questions about his studies. Ouyang Dongdong blushed and answered them one by one.

For dinner, Xu Hui drank a bowl of porridge and ate two boiled eggs. Xu Hui didn't want to eat any vegetables, and Mao Yuqin tried to persuade her, but Ouyang Yiming said, "If she can't eat, then so be it. She's just recovered from her illness and shouldn't eat too much." Mao Yuqin said, "How about I buy you an old hen tomorrow and make some soup?" Xu Hui said, "No need, I'll just have some porridge. I don't want to eat anything greasy." Ouyang Yiming said, "Let Xu Hui recover slowly. If she doesn't want to eat, she won't feel comfortable." Mao Yuqin nodded.

After dinner, they talked for a while in the main room, and then Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui went into the west wing. After entering the room, Ouyang Yiming asked, "How are you feeling?" Xu Hui said with a happy face, "It's cozy." The two looked at each other and smiled. Ouyang Yiming then hugged her. Xu Hui struggled a little, saying, "Silly girl, the door isn't even closed! It'll look bad if people come in!" Ouyang Yiming said, "I'll go close the door." Xu Hui blushed and said

, "No, we just ate a little while ago, and everyone in the family is still awake. If we close the door now, they'll say something." Ouyang Yiming said, "It's alright."

Ouyang Yiming let go of her, quickly went over and closed the door. He turned back to Xu Hui, looked at her, bent down and picked her up, holding her legs so she could straddle his waist, and pressed his lips to hers. Ouyang Yiming held Xu Hui and kissed her for a while. He put her down, and the two sat on the edge of the bed. Ouyang Yiming asked, "Are you feeling alright now?" Xu Hui replied,

"I'm perfectly fine." Ouyang Yiming said, "You're slowly recovering. You really scared me to death the other day." Xu Hui smiled and said, "Actually, I was quite scared too. I didn't want to leave you."

Ouyang Yiming said, "Heaven will surely bless us." Xu Hui said, "No one can separate us."

Ouyang Yiming then stared intently at her face. Xu Hui's heart skipped a beat, and she blushed, scolding him, "What are you looking at? It's not like I haven't seen you before." Ouyang Yiming said, "I can't get enough of you." Xu Hui then rested her head on his shoulder. Ouyang Yiming reached out and put his arm around her waist, saying, "You must still be feeling weak." Xu Hui replied, "I am a little weak, but it's okay, I'll fully recover in a few days." Ouyang Yiming hugged her tightly and said, "After we get married, we'll buy a house in Shanghai. The research institute has moved to Jinling, and since I'm in charge of research, I'll definitely be going there. It will be much more convenient to go to Shanghai then; I can drive there in just over three hours. Then, Meizi and I will be able to take good care of each other." Xu Hui nodded and said, "Yes, that way we can see each other more often." She paused and added, "But I really want to live here; I really like..." "I love this courtyard. Do you know what I thought of when I first came in and saw these two pomegranate trees?" Ouyang Yiming asked, "What did you think of?" Xu Hui said, "As soon as I entered this courtyard, I felt like this is what life should be like. Seeing those two trees full of pomegranates made me think..." She blushed and said, "I won't tell you now." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "What else could you think of when you saw these two pomegranate trees?" Xu Hui said, "Guess?"

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and laughed and said, "I think you probably thought of the pomegranate's many seeds, so you probably want to have many children for me, right?" At this moment, Ouyang Yiming thought of the meaning Yang Ping had mentioned about the "offspring toilet." Xu Hui blushed and slapped him lightly, saying, "Don't talk nonsense! I don't want that many children. But I really want to have two for you, a boy and a girl, but the policy doesn't allow it!" Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "Yes, it would be perfect to have a boy and a girl, we'd both be satisfied." Xu Hui said, "If I had to have one, I'd want a son.

But you wouldn't be satisfied then, you want a daughter!" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "We can't control whether it's a boy or a girl, it doesn't matter, they're all our children." He paused, chuckled twice, and said, "With the 'offspring toilet' your mother gave you, plus these two pomegranate trees in our family, if you try your best, you can have twins, a boy and a girl, then we'll both be satisfied." Xu Hui She giggled and said, "If that were really the case, we'd have to pray to the Goddess of Fertility every day! We can't have all the good things in the world!" Ouyang Yiming said, "Yes, one shouldn't be too greedy." Xu Hui said, "I'm content just being with you in this life. Just now, I was thinking about what that pomegranate tree reminded me of. I was thinking about having children, and us standing under that pomegranate tree together. You pick pomegranates, and I feed the baby. What a heartwarming scene that would be! That's what life is all about!"

Ouyang Yiming chuckled, that enchanting image flashing through his mind. He felt a surge of emotion and said, "Then hurry up and give me a daughter." Xu Hui smiled and said, "It's a son." Ouyang Yiming said, "It's a daughter." They looked at each other and smiled. As he laughed, an irresistible emotion surged within him, and their lips met... After a while, their lips parted, and Ouyang Yiming, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, looked at Xu Hui and said, "Let's stay here tonight." Xu Hui, blushing, shook her head and said, "There are still three or four days. There are still three or four days until the appointed time, or..." At this moment, Ouyang Yiming's heart was ablaze with intense desire, his erection throbbing and burning. He gripped Xu Hui tightly and said, "I really want to, I really want to." Xu Hui looked at him without speaking, her heart also surging with an uncontrollable desire. She buried her head in Ouyang Yiming's chest, panting heavily, and whispered, "Just wait a little longer, just wait a little longer..."

Ouyang Yiming felt his mind becoming muddled. That primal urge had made him lose his reason, and he stammered, "I don't care, I don't care anymore, I really..."

As he spoke, he turned Xu Hui onto the bed, and as their lips met, his hand reached for Xu Hui's breasts. Xu Hui's mind went blank for a moment. She felt Ouyang Yiming's hand kneading her breast. She trembled slightly and felt a surge of heat... Suddenly, Xu Hui felt dizzy. This dizziness wasn't caused by what was about to happen, but by a sudden fear rising from the bottom of her heart. She grabbed Ouyang Yiming's hand that was pressing against her breast, pulled it away from her mouth, and said, "Yiming, I don't feel well."

Although the voice wasn't loud, it suddenly jolted Ouyang Yiming awake. Ouyang Yiming quickly stopped and asked, "W-where do you feel unwell?" Xu Hui said, "I feel dizzy."

Ouyang Yiming sat bolt upright, a jolt of fear washing over him as he recalled Xu Hui's collapse in the lab and subsequent hospitalization. All his previous enthusiasm vanished in that instant. He looked at Xu Hui anxiously and asked, "Are you feeling very dizzy?" Xu Hui closed her eyes and whispered, "Let me...let me rest for a while."

Ouyang Yiming grabbed Xu Hui's hand, suddenly feeling its icy coldness. He was startled again, his heart pounding wildly. He asked anxiously, "Xu Hui, what's wrong? Should we go to the hospital?" Xu Hui turned to her side, curled up, and closed her eyes, saying, "Wait a minute, I'll rest for a bit." Ouyang Yiming was in a panic. His mind went blank; he stared blankly at Xu Hui, his thoughts swirling, his body trembling. A moment later, Xu Hui opened her eyes and looked at Ouyang Yiming, saying, "I... I'm probably still weak. It's alright."

Ouyang Yiming instantly realized, thinking to himself, "Yes, Xu Hui's illness has only just begun to improve, and her body hasn't fully recovered. How could she withstand such a strong psychological shock?" A wave of guilt washed over him, and he silently berated himself, "Ouyang Yiming, you're such a jerk! Xu Hui's body is like this; she hasn't eaten much for many days. She's only just starting to feel better, and how could you treat her like this?!" He felt angry with himself as he thought this. Looking at Xu Hui, who was still in pain with her eyes closed, he didn't dare disturb her. After a while, he felt that Xu Hui's hands were warm.

Xu Hui opened her eyes and smiled at him.

Ouyang Yiming asked anxiously, "How... how are you feeling now?" Xu Hui said, "Much better. Just now, I was so dizzy." Ouyang Yiming breathed a sigh of relief, his face full of shame, and said:

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I should have thought about your current physical condition, I... I'm so sorry..." Xu Hui sat up, her face flushed, and said, "Don't say that, I understand. I've been feeling very weak these past few days, so... can we wait a couple more days?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I'll never do that again. When you're fully recovered, we... I... I was just too excited, don't blame me..."

Xu Hui said, "I don't blame you, I understand." She buried her head in his chest and said, "Actually, actually, just now I really wanted to... really wanted to give it to you, I wanted to... but I... but I just felt dizzy." Ouyang Yiming said, "It was my fault, I should..." Thinking about all this…” Xu Hui looked up at him and said, “Don’t blame yourself, you’re fine, my body is fine now…”

Ouyang Yiming then hugged her tightly… After a while, Xu Hui nestled in Ouyang Yiming’s arms and asked, “When will Li Xuan and the others arrive? I really miss them.” Ouyang Yiming said, “They’ll definitely all arrive in a couple of days. Everyone’s very busy, and we haven’t seen each other since graduation. I miss them very much too.” Xu Hui said, “Actually, although Li Xuan is doing very well now, I’m always worried about her. I want to talk to her this time.” Ouyang Yiming was a little suspicious and said, “Li Xuan’s abilities are beyond doubt.” "Her current success is entirely due to her abilities," Xu Hui said. "I don't know why, but among our classmates, she's the one I worry about the most."

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "There's nothing to worry about. If you ask who among us is the most intelligent, I think it's Li Xuan." Xu Hui sighed and said, "That's precisely what I worry about most.

Every time I correspond with her, I have to say things to make her feel grounded, and I wonder if she gets annoyed." Ouyang Yiming said, "Don't do that anymore. She's an adult now, why do you have to say these things all the time? I'm a little worried that Li Xuan is picky when choosing a partner. She's older than all of us, and she's still..." "No word yet. You should have a good talk with her about this this time." Xu Hui nodded and said, "I should talk to her, otherwise I don't know when we'll meet again." Ouyang Yiming said, "Jiang Yuqi and Wu Yingying both brought their partners this time. I told them on the phone. I also told Ge Guangcheng I'd bring his wife, but I don't know if he will." Xu Hui laughed and said, "Our group is getting bigger and bigger." Ouyang Yiming also laughed and said, "Yes, it will be even more lively if we can get together in a few years, since everyone will bring their children! If you can give me twins, that would be another one." They both laughed. Xu Hui said, "I'll try my best." After saying that, she laughed again, and their lips met again.

Ouyang Yiming's body reacted without him realizing it, and this time Xu Hui also felt it. Feeling flustered, she said, "I'm leaving. I'm going to take a shower and get some rest." Ouyang Yiming nodded and escorted her to the westernmost side room of the main house, where he saw Mao Yuqin talking to Ouyang.

Seeing Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui enter, Mao Yuqin and her daughter stood up. Mao Yuqin said, "Xu Hui, go take a shower. Shower with Meizi." Mao Yuqin was worried about Xu Hui's health, so she wanted Ouyang Mei to shower with Xu Hui. Xu Hui thanked Mao Yuqin. Ouyang Yiming said, "Then you two go take a shower. I need to shower after you're done." Ouyang Mei said, "Don't you always take cold showers?"

Ouyang Yiming said, "I need to wait until you're done before I can shower." Ouyang Mei said, "Then you go first. My sister and I will wait a bit." Xu Hui had been watching Ouyang Yiming ever since she heard Ouyang Mei say he took cold showers. Now she asked, "You always take cold showers?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I always do." Xu Hui said, "How can you stand it?"

Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "I'm used to it. Cold showers are good for your health." Xu Hui scolded him, "You're really something." Mao Yuqin laughed and said, "It's okay. He's so healthy, what's there to be afraid of? Dongdong has learned from him now, he only takes cold showers." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said: "You two talk, I'll go take a shower first."

After Ouyang Yiming left, Mao Yuqin thought for a moment and chased after him, calling out to him. She walked up to him and whispered, "Yiming, use hot water to shower." Ouyang Yiming was taken aback and said, "I always use cold water, why do you want me to use hot water today?" Mao Yuqin looked at him and said, "You don't understand, you can't take cold showers after you're married." Ouyang Yiming didn't understand for a moment and said, "Why can't I? Aren't we still waiting two days for the wedding?" Mao Yuqin didn't want to be blunt, thinking about how they had been locked in the room for a while, she said anxiously, "I told you to use hot water, so use hot water, listen to me." Ouyang Yiming looked at her in confusion, then suddenly understood, his face flushed red, and he lowered his head and said, "It's nothing." After saying that, his heart pounded and he hurriedly walked away.

Mao Yuqin smiled and stepped into the house. Seeing Ouyang Mei and Xu Hui laughing, she asked, "What's making you so happy?" and sat down. Ouyang Mei said, "We were talking about the chamber pot that Sister Hui brought with her as part of her dowry. We were just saying we wanted Sister Hui to have a whole bunch of kids for our family." Mao Yuqin laughed and said, "You think you can just have as many kids as you want? That's not something we can decide." Ouyang Mei said, "People in the past were really something, having children so early and so frequently. What's the point of having so many children? They're a burden on the country and individuals." Mao Yuqin laughed and said, "For thousands of years, having many children and grandchildren has been considered a blessing. It's not something that's been around for just a year or two." Ouyang Mei pouted and said, "A blessing? It's a sin! Adults and children are both sins." Mao Yuqin stopped talking to her and turned to look at the smiling Xu Hui, asking, "Xu Hui, don't you feel any..." "Are you feeling unwell?" Xu Hui nodded and said, "No, I'm perfectly fine." Mao Yuqin said, "You haven't been eating properly for many days, so you must still be quite weak. I told you I'd buy you an old hen tomorrow to make some soup, but you said you couldn't eat it. How can you say you can't eat if you haven't eaten anything? I'll go to the market early tomorrow morning to buy one, add some goji berries and red dates to make soup, and you'll recover faster." Xu Hui said, "No need, I'm just a little weak right now, but I'll be fine in a few days, don't worry. Even if you buy it for me, I might not be able to eat it." Mao Yuqin said, "I won't listen to you. I'll buy it and make it tomorrow morning. If you can't eat it, your grandfather can have it." Xu Hui nodded.

Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, I'm so jealous of how much Mom dotes on you." Mao Yuqin said, "It's all the same, all of you are loved by your mothers." Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, I really believe in Buddha now. How can this medicine be so miraculous? So many nationally renowned experts consulted on the case but couldn't diagnose the illness, yet this medicine from the temple cured it." Mao Yuqin asked, "So many experts went to consult?" Ouyang Mei said, "Mom, I didn't dare tell you there. You don't know how worried they were. My sister stayed in the hospital for several days but they still couldn't diagnose the illness..."

Xu Hui interrupted Ouyang Mei, saying, "Meizi, don't tell Mom." Ouyang Mei said, "Even if it's something, you're better now, aren't you?" Mao Yuqin said, "It's okay, tell me." Ouyang Mei said, "The hospital can't diagnose the illness, my sister can't have an IV drip, she can't even have intravenous nutrition. My aunt went to the temple when she came back to Suzhou from Shanghai to pick up my brother and me, but she couldn't get any medicine. The next day, the specialists consulted, but still no results. Can you believe how anxious people are?" Mao Yuqin took a breath and said, "That serious?" "I thought it was just a stomach issue,"

Ouyang Mei said. "If they could really diagnose the illness, I wouldn't be in such a hurry. Even with expert consultations, they couldn't find the cause, and who knows if they could even get the medicine from the temple. You can't imagine how I felt.

I was terrified. As soon as I got back to Suzhou, I rushed to that temple. When I arrived, I went straight to the abbot, who was over seventy years old. I told him about my sister's illness when she was ten, where she sought medicine. The abbot knew about my grandmother seeking medicine when my sister was sick as a child. But the abbot said that the original abbot who gave my sister the medicine had long since passed away. All that was known was that he cultivated two medicinal herbs while he was alive, but stopped cultivating them after his death. My aunt, uncle, and I knelt before him and begged. After a long time, the abbot told us to leave, saying we could come back in later. He said he wanted to get the medicine. After a long wait, the abbot opened the door and gave us a packet of medicine. He told us to give it to my sister when we got home, and she would be fine. What kind of god is this?"

Mao Yuqin's heart pounded. "How could I have imagined it would be like this?" "Oh, that's how it is." Ouyang Mei said, "How could I dare tell you? You'd be worried sick at home!" Mao Yuqin said, "Anyway, it's good that you're better. Remember to burn incense for Buddha every day from now on." Xu Hui had just learned the details of seeking medicine from Ouyang Mei, and she was very moved. With tears in her eyes, she said, "It's really been hard on you all." Ouyang Mei said, "As long as your illness can be cured, we'll beg for the medicine no matter what. I saw how anxious my uncle and aunt were; it was heartbreaking to see them like that." Xu Hui's tears flowed freely.

Mao Yuqin said, "Xu Hui, you're married into our family now, but you must always remember the love your parents have for you. They only have you, and you can understand their feelings for you. You and Yiming must take good care of your parents." Xu Hui nodded with tears in her eyes. Mao Yuqin stood up and said, "I'll go burn incense for the Buddha." Xu Hui said, "I already burned some before dinner." Mao Yuqin said, "I'll burn another stick." Turning to Ouyang Mei, she said, "Meizi, don't tell anyone about going to the temple to ask for medicine." Ouyang Mei agreed.

Ouyang Yiming finished showering and changing his clothes and went to Ouyang Mei's room. He told them to take a shower and then left. Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei took their clothes to change. When they went outside, they saw Ouyang Yiming, the old man, and Ouyang Anping sitting in the courtyard enjoying the cool air. A small square tea table was set up there, with a teapot, several small teacups, a dish of sunflower seeds, and a dish of watermelon seeds on it. The old man sat on a folding recliner, fanning himself with a banana leaf fan in one hand and smoking a pipe in the other. Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Anping sat on stools by the small tea table, drinking tea, eating melon seeds, and talking. Xu Hui's heart stirred as she looked on, thinking to herself, "What is the joy of family life? This is it!" A family sitting together, enjoying the cool air, drinking tea, chatting—it's in such an environment that you can truly appreciate it.

She then thought about having children with Ouyang Yiming, the children gathered around the grandparents, laughing and talking—that would be even more heartwarming.

After showering, she returned to her room and tidied herself up before going to the table with Ouyang Mei. There was an empty stool, and Ouyang Yiming stood up to offer them a seat. Ouyang Mei said, "I'll go get two more stools." Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui sat down. A cool breeze caressed their faces in the courtyard, making them feel refreshed and relaxed. Xu Hui ate some melon seeds and looked at the old man, saying, "Grandpa, it's so nice living here. You look like an immortal." The old man laughed heartily and said, "This old immortal is with you little immortals. I can't leave this place. You're all busy with work, so you can't stay here permanently. I wish you could all live here." Xu Hui said, "Yes, I really want to stay here with you every day."

Ouyang Mei brought over a stool and smiled, "I do want to stay here with Ouyang Yiming every day." Everyone laughed. Ouyang Yiming said, "You talk too much. It's none of your business who lives here. You

'll be kicked out in a few years!" Ouyang Mei snorted and said, "You wish! I can come and live here whenever I want, right, Grandpa?" The old man laughed and said, "Come whenever you want. You can come and live here too." Ouyang Mei reached for a handful of melon seeds, looked at Ouyang Yiming, and said, "You're not keeping your word yet." Xu Hui laughed and said, "Even when he keeps his word, he wouldn't dare not let you live here. You'll always have a share in this house." Ouyang Mei giggled and said, "How about that, Ouyang Yiming? You'll have to listen to the Party Representative someday. The Party leads everything." Everyone laughed. Ouyang Yiming said, "You two are forming a clique, and I'm outnumbered. I admit defeat." Everyone laughed again.

After chatting and laughing for a while, Mao Yuqin brought over a washed watermelon and called Ouyang Dongdong, who was studying inside, to come out. Ouyang Yiming picked up a knife and cut it open. The family ate the watermelon and chatted.

As they walked to the door, Ouyang Mei opened it. Xu Hui shivered as she looked at the slightly lit outside. She quickly grabbed Ouyang Mei's arm and followed her out.

The summer morning breeze was hot, yet Xu Hui felt a chill deep within her. For some reason, Xu Hui involuntarily looked up at the sky and saw countless stars, with a bright orange-red full moon hanging in the western sky.

At that moment, a genuine fear made her body tremble slightly, and her legs seemed too weak to lift. After taking a few steps, Ouyang Mei noticed Xu Hui's trembling and stopped, looking at Xu Hui's face. She asked, "Sister, are you feeling unwell?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "No." Ouyang Mei looked at Xu Hui suspiciously for a few moments, then followed her.

After urinating, Xu Hui stood up and suddenly felt dizzy. As she left the bathroom, she grabbed Ouyang Mei's arm. After a few steps, she felt nauseous again, a strong urge to vomit making it impossible for her to go any further. She said, "Meizi, I don't feel well," and squatted down. Ouyang Mei was startled and quickly squatted down, grabbing Xu Hui's arm. She asked anxiously, "Sister, what's wrong? Where do you feel unwell?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "Meizi, go call your brother." Ouyang Mei stood up, then hurriedly squatted down again, asking, "Sister, can you squat down?" Xu Hui said, "Yes, just don't disturb anyone." Ouyang Mei stood up and ran towards the west wing. She stopped at the window and whispered, "Brother, get up, get up!" Ouyang Yiming scrambled to his feet, looked out the window, and asked, "Is that Meizi?"

Ouyang Mei said anxiously, "Brother, get up quickly! My sister isn't feeling well, she's in the bathroom." She then turned and ran towards Xu Hui.

Ouyang Yiming's heart tightened suddenly, a strong sense of foreboding washing over him. He quickly pulled on his t-shirt, grabbed his glasses, and ran a few steps to open the door. He rushed to the bathroom. Seeing Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei squatting together, his head throbbed. He hurriedly knelt down, grabbed Xu Hui's arm, and asked repeatedly, "Xu Hui, what's wrong? What's wrong?"

Xu Hui looked up at Ouyang Yiming and said, "Yiming, I... I feel like throwing up." Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yiming began to tremble, speechless for a moment. Xu Hui said, "Quick, help me to the bathroom." Ouyang Yiming agreed and went to help Xu Hui. Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, just throw up here." Ouyang Yiming quickly said, "Yes, just throw up here." Xu Hui shook her head and said,

"Quick, help me to the bathroom." Ouyang Yiming said nothing more, and helped Xu Hui to the bathroom.

Xu Hui squatted down by the toilet stall and began to vomit. Ouyang Mei gently patted Xu Hui's back. Xu Hui hadn't eaten much these past few days, and after vomiting a few times, nothing came out. After a short pause, she looked up at Ouyang Yiming and said, "It's okay." Ouyang Yiming asked, "Are you feeling better now?" Xu Hui nodded, stood up, and said, "It's okay." Turning to Ouyang Mei, she said, "Meizi, rinse yourself off." Ouyang Mei responded. Ouyang Yiming helped Xu Hui out of the restroom. Just as they stepped out of the bathroom, Xu Hui said again, "Yiming, I feel dizzy." Ouyang Yiming barely hesitated, bent down, picked her up, and carried her away. After a few steps, Xu Hui said, "To the west wing." Ouyang Yiming responded and ran towards the west wing with Xu Hui in his arms. Once inside, he placed Xu Hui on the bed, sat beside her, and took her hand. Ouyang Mei then ran over and asked Xu Hui, who was lying on the bed, "Sister, how are you now?" Xu Hui replied, "I'm fine." Ouyang Mei looked at her for a moment, then hurried out of the inner room, poured some cooled boiled water, and said, "Sister, rinse your mouth." Ouyang Yiming helped Xu Hui sit up, rinsed her mouth, and spat into another cup. Xu Hui lay down and said, "I'm much better now, don't disturb the old folks." After saying this, she closed her eyes. Ouyang Yiming

sat on the edge of the bed, holding Xu Hui's hand tightly and watching her, while Ouyang Mei stood by the bed watching Xu Hui. For a moment, no one spoke. After a while, Xu Hui opened her eyes, smiled, and said,

"It's alright now, don't be afraid." At this moment, besides feeling no more discomfort in her body, Xu Hui's fear and panic seemed to have subsided considerably. As she spoke, she sat up and leaned against the headboard. Ouyang Yiming asked, "Are you feeling better and not dizzy anymore?" Xu Hui replied, "I'm fine now." Ouyang Mei stared blankly at Xu Hui, then suddenly twitched her nostrils a few times, burst into tears, and said with trembling lips, "Sister, you scared me to death." She sat down next to Xu Hui, hugged her, and sobbed. Xu Hui hugged Ouyang Mei, tears streaming down her face, then pushed her away, saying, "Meizi, why are you crying? I'm fine." Ouyang Mei's shoulders trembled as she frowned, "Sister, everything was fine last night, wasn't it?" Xu Hui smiled and said, "It's alright, don't worry. Go back and get dressed quickly." Ouyang Yiming then noticed that Ouyang Mei was only wearing a t-shirt and underwear, and said, "Go on, go get dressed." Ouyang Mei wiped her tears and went out. Xu Hui said, "It'll be dawn soon, don't disturb the elderly." Ouyang Mei nodded.

Ouyang Yiming asked Xu Hui, "Why are you feeling unwell again all of a sudden?" Upon hearing this, Xu Hui's face instantly showed panic again. She grabbed Ouyang Yiming's hand and said,

"Yiming, I had a dream, but I can't remember it after I woke up. But I'm still scared, still scared. Then I started feeling unwell." Ouyang Yiming looked at her and listened, feeling a chill run down his spine. Goosebumps suddenly rose on his skin, and a shiver ran through him. Startled, he asked, "You can't remember anything at all?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "It's strange. After waking up, I couldn't remember anything, and I couldn't fall back asleep. I just kept feeling panicked and scared. Then I felt uncomfortable." Ouyang Yiming felt uneasy and immediately panicked as well. He calmed himself down and asked,

"How about now? Are you still panicked and scared?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I don't feel that way anymore, and I don't feel uncomfortable. I just want to be with you now." Ouyang Yiming said,

"It's fine here."

Xu Hui thought for a moment and said, "I'll go fix my hair. I must look terrible like this." As she spoke, she looked up, gathered her hair, and moved her legs to get out of bed. Ouyang Yiming said, "I'll go with you to the bathroom." He then helped Xu Hui out the door. A while later, the two of them finished washing up and returned to the west wing. Ouyang Mei was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the ground. When she saw Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui come in, she hurriedly stood up and went over to help Xu Hui sit down on the edge of the bed. Xu Hui smiled at Ouyang Mei and said, "Meizi, I'm fine. Go wash your face." Ouyang Mei looked at Xu Hui and asked, "Sister, how are you feeling?" Xu Hui said, "I'm fine now. Go ahead and wash your face." Ouyang Yiming nodded to Ouyang Mei. Ouyang Mei went out the door.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Go lie down on the bed for a while." Xu Hui nodded and got into bed. Ouyang Yiming covered Xu Hui's stomach with a towel, then turned the fan down a bit and sat down beside her, saying, "Close your eyes and rest for a while. I'll sit right next to you." Xu Hui said, "I feel much better now." She reached out and took Ouyang Yiming's hand, saying, "I don't want you to leave me now." Ouyang Yiming looked at her and said, "I won't leave you, I won't leave you." He felt a heavy weight in his heart.

Xu Hui's current condition still worried, alarmed, and even terrified Ouyang Yiming, but he couldn't show it in front of her. He wondered to himself, could Xu Hui's illness have relapsed? Or was it caused by the nightmare she mentioned? A nightmare causing such a strong physical reaction is incomprehensible and inexplicable. So, Xu Hui's illness has relapsed! What should he do? How could it relapse after only a few days of improvement? Panicked, he asked, "Xu Hui, are you really not feeling unwell?" Xu

Hui replied, "I'm not unwell." Ouyang Yiming thought he'd see if she could eat some breakfast later; if she could, it was something else. If she couldn't eat, it meant she was having a relapse, which greatly terrified and frightened Ouyang Yiming.

Xu Hui stared blankly at Ouyang Yiming, her tightly clenched hands trembling, tears streaming down her face. She said, "Yiming, I shouldn't have come to your house so early." Ouyang Yiming was startled, staring at her and saying, "What are you saying? This is your house too!" Xu Hui said, "Yes, it's our house, it's my house. But I shouldn't have come at this time, shouldn't have come to have our wedding at this time. Seeing me like this will make everyone in this family worry about me." Ouyang Yiming felt a pang of sadness, his eyes reddening, but at the same time, a growing fear gripped him. He said, "Xu Hui, why are you saying these things? You're part of this family!" Xu Hui closed her eyes briefly, then opened them again, tears streaming down her face. She choked out, "Yiming, I have a premonition... I... I might be... leaving you."

Ouyang Yiming's head buzzed. He bent down and picked Xu Hui up, saying, "Xu Hui, don't say that, don't talk nonsense, you can't say that, how could you say that!" Tears streamed down his face as he spoke. Xu Hui hugged him tightly and said, "Yiming, it's just the two of us now, that's why I... I'm saying this. Yiming, I feel like I have a premonition, a very strong premonition, I can't not tell you!" Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yiming burst into tears, then abruptly stopped crying, turned Xu Hui's head, looked at her face, and said, "Xu Hui, I won't allow you to say that, I won't allow you to say that! You're not sick, you're not sick at all. Xu Hui, I'll go get you medicine, I'll take you all over the world to get you treatment, you'll get better, you'll be alright."

Ouyang Mei entered the room at this moment, and upon hearing the conversation between Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui, she burst into tears. Xu Hui quickly stopped crying, broke free from Ouyang Yiming's embrace, and reached out to take Ouyang Mei's hand, saying, "Meizi, don't cry, don't let the elders at home hear." Ouyang Mei lowered her voice, tears welling in her eyes, and asked, "Sister, why are you saying this? How are you feeling now?"

Xu Hui said, "I'm fine, I'm fine, I was just chatting with your brother." Ouyang Mei said, "But why are you saying that! You're not sick, you're all better." Xu Hui said,

"Yes, I'm not sick, I'm all better, don't worry." Ouyang Yiming wiped away his tears and said, "Xu Hui, don't think too much, nothing will happen to you." Xu Hui looked at him and said,

"I already said I'm fine, look at you." As she spoke, she winked at him.

Just then, Mao Yuqin hurriedly entered the room. Ouyang Mei's loud crying startled Mao Yuqin, who was already awake and getting ready to get out of bed. She panicked and nudged Ouyang Anping, who was also awake and seemed not to believe her ears. Ouyang Anping, who was listening intently to the noise, said, "Get up quickly, I can hear Mei crying." Ouyang Anping sat up abruptly and said, "I think I heard it too, but I thought I was mistaken."

Mao Yuqin hurriedly dressed, got out of bed, and ran outside in her slippers. Hearing voices coming from Ouyang Yiming's room, she rushed in. As soon as she entered, she asked, "What's wrong? What's wrong, Meizi?" Ouyang Mei, seeing her mother enter, jumped to her feet, crying, "Mom, my sister, my sister threw up! She just threw up!" Mao Yuqin rushed to the bedside, took Xu Hui's hand, and asked in a trembling voice, "Xu Hui, what's wrong? Are you feeling better now?" Xu Hui smiled and said, "Mom, I'm fine. It's probably from the bumpy car ride yesterday." Mao Yuqin asked, "Were you uncomfortable all night?" Xu Hui said, "No, I just felt a little uncomfortable towards dawn. Don't worry, I'm fine."

Mao Yuqin looked at her intently, thought for a moment, and turned to Ouyang Yiming, saying, "Yiming, quickly take Xu Hui to the hospital to get checked out." Xu Hui quickly said, "Mom, no need, I'll be fine after a rest."

Ouyang Yiming understood. Taking Xu Hui to the hospital might be pointless, but they still wanted to take her to see if the vomiting was caused by something else. Seeing that Xu Hui hadn't spoken yet, she said, "No need, Yiming, no need to go to the hospital." Ouyang Yiming turned to Mao Yuqin and said, "Mom, Xu Hui isn't feeling unwell right now. Let's wait a bit and let her rest." Mao Yuqin looked at Ouyang Yiming without speaking, then asked Xu Hui, "Are you really feeling better now?" Xu Hui said, "Yes, I am." Mao Yuqin thought for a moment and said, "Then you should rest for a while." Turning back to Ouyang Yiming, she said, "Okay, have Xu Rui come and check on Xu Hui when I'm at work later." Ouyang Yiming nodded. Mao Yuqin asked Xu Hui, "Do you want to eat anything?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "Mom, I just vomited, I don't want to eat now, I want to rest for a while." Mao Yuqin quickly said, "Then you should rest quickly." Ouyang Yiming bent down and helped her lie down.

Ouyang Mei, who had been standing silently beside her mother, now sat down next to Xu Hui, watching her silently as she closed her eyes. Mao Yuqin gave Ouyang Yiming a wink before leaving.

Ouyang Anping had already followed Mao Yuqin in. He entered the west wing and glanced at Xu Hui lying on the bed, seemingly unharmed. Thinking that as the father-in-law, he shouldn't enter his daughter-in-law's room, he sat down on the sofa in the outer room, listening intently to the sounds inside. Seeing Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Yiming emerge from the room one after the other, he hurriedly stood up. Seeing Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Yiming point towards the door, the group headed outside. Just then, the old man came from the main house and greeted them as they came out of the west wing.

Standing by the pomegranate tree, Ouyang Anping asked, "What exactly happened?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui might have had another attack." The old man, upon hearing this, asked anxiously, "What happened to Xiao Hui?"

Mao Yuqin said, "Dad, don't worry, Xu Hui is fine now." Ouyang Anping asked, "Was it just a little while ago?" Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "It was just a little while ago. Meizi and Xu Hui went to the restroom together. When they came out, Xu Hui felt nauseous. After vomiting, Xu Hui felt dizzy again, so Meizi quickly came to call me. I carried Xu Hui to the bed and let her rest for a while; she felt much better." Too weak. Mao Yuqin said: "How can I not feel weak if there is nothing in my stomach?" The old man said: "I saw she was fine last night." Ouyang Yiming said: "I have been able to eat something since I came out of the hospital in Shanghai, and my body is getting better day by day. Who knew that I would vomit again today?" Ouyang Anping said: "Don't worry, Xu Hui's vomiting this time may have nothing to do with her illness, or it may be other reasons, catching a cold or something." I'll have to go to the hospital later. The old man said, "Yes, I need to go to the hospital." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said,

"Let's do this. Wait for a while, Xu Hui takes a rest and see if Xu Hui can eat something. If she can eat something, it means she is either ill or has other reasons. Then go to the hospital for a checkup."

Mao Yuqin said: "In this case, I will go and cook some porridge for Xu Hui right away." Ouyang Anping nodded and said, "Go ahead and cook some porridge for her." Mao Yuqin responded and left. Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm going to see Xu Hui." "The three of them walked towards the west wing.

The three of them tiptoed in. Ouyang Anping and the old man stopped and looked inside. Ouyang Mei turned and subtly waved to them, signaling them not to come in. Ouyang Anping and the old man walked to the sofa and sat down. Ouyang Yiming walked straight into the room. Xu Hui opened her eyes and asked, "Who's here?" Ouyang Yiming, afraid she would get up again if she knew her grandfather and father were in, said,

"Just me. You rest for a while." Xu Hui nodded. Ouyang Yiming said, "Mom's going to make you some porridge. Drink some after you've rested." Xu Hui frowned slightly, then nodded and closed her eyes. Ouyang Yiming really hoped that Xu Hui would be able to drink some porridge later; if she could eat, it meant that Xu Hui wasn't having a relapse but something else. Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui for a while, and seeing that she didn't say anything, he thought for a moment and then walked towards the door. Just as he turned around, Xu Hui asked, "Where are you going?" Ouyang Yiming turned back and said, "I'll sit outside. You rest. Meizi is with you." Xu Hui nodded and closed her eyes.

Ouyang Yiming went to the outer room and sat down on the sofa. He leaned close to Ouyang Anping and the old man and whispered, "If Xu Hui really can't drink the porridge later, I have to go to Suzhou." Ouyang Anping and the old man looked at him. Ouyang Yiming said, "If Xu Hui really can't eat, then she's having a relapse. The hospital can't cure her; only the medicine from the temple will work for her." Ouyang Anping said, "You won't be back until tonight at the earliest. Why don't you call Xu Hui's parents and ask them to go to the temple to get the medicine and bring it over quickly? That would be faster. Didn't her parents and Meizi go to get it together last time?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I just thought about it, and Xu Hui is probably fine now. I believe in everything now. Although I'm a Party member and a highly educated person, Xu Hui's illness makes me believe in Buddhism." "I think Xu Hui should already be considered a member of the Ouyang family, one of my people, Ouyang Yiming's person. It's only sincere of me to go and beg for the medicine. Last time I planned to go, but Xu Hui wouldn't allow it. When Xu Hui was little, she was so seriously ill, and her grandmother got medicine and cured her. Why did she only get better for two or three days this time before relapsing? I now genuinely believe that Master Buddha can cure Xu Hui's childhood illness, so I must go personally to beg for the medicine for Xu Hui." The old man nodded and said, "That's right. Our family matters should be handled by our family members. There are some things you have to believe. I heard about Xu Hui's treatment last night, so this is the only way to do it now." Ouyang Anping nodded.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Let's see if Xu Hui can eat anything later. Whether she can eat or not, I want to go to Suzhou to get some more medicine. I also want to wait until Xu Rui goes to work and have him bring a specialist to examine Xu Hui. If I go early later, you can go to the hospital to find Xu Rui." Ouyang Anping said, "I'll go." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Dad, Grandpa, when you're sick, you'll try anything. Now I believe in that too. My driver mentioned something the day before yesterday, saying there's a village in the Northwest with a miracle doctor or something. I'm thinking of having the driver take you there to invite her over. Let's see if it works." The old man said, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten. The other day when I was walking the birds..." "I've heard about this; it's a woman," Ouyang Yiming said. "That's right. Let's bring some money; I think we can get her to come."

The old man said, "I heard this divine doctor doesn't make house calls." Ouyang Yiming said, "Let's try. If she really doesn't want to come, we'll wait until I get back from Suzhou. Right now, our biggest hope is the medicine we got from that temple."

Ouyang Anping thought for a moment and said, "Okay, later your mother will go find Xu Rui, I'll go find the divine doctor, and you go to Suzhou." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's fine. You can use my car and the driver to go to the divine doctor's place; the driver knows the location. I'll use another car to go to Suzhou." Ouyang Anping and the old man nodded.

The old man thought for a moment, then frowned and said, "There's something I have to say. Given Xu Hui's condition, your wedding is the day after tomorrow, four days from today. Can we still hold the wedding?" Ouyang Yiming's heart tightened, and he said, "We'll see." The old man said, "It's like this, if we really have to postpone the wedding, we need to tell our relatives. Otherwise, if all the relatives come and Xu Hui's health deteriorates, it won't be good. Besides, the hotel needs to start preparations tomorrow, and your great-uncle's family will arrive the day after tomorrow; there are some formalities to be done. If we really have to postpone the wedding, we need to inform them today." "How can we possibly wait?" Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Okay, let's put these things aside for today. I'll go to Suzhou and come back today no matter what. Whether the wedding can be held as scheduled depends on Xu Hui's condition today. I think the medicine I got from Suzhou will help Xu Hui. It's best to hold the wedding as scheduled and not postpone it, as that would have a bad impact. Xu Hui is a little weak right now, so I'll have a few people take care of her. If Xu Hui's condition really doesn't work out, then I'll have Xu Rui ask a few of our high school classmates to go and inform them first thing tomorrow morning." Ouyang Anping said, "Let's do it that way." The old man nodded.

Just then, they heard Ouyang Mei ask Xu Hui something. They hurriedly got up. Ouyang Yiming walked a few steps to the inner room door and saw Xu Hui had already gotten out of bed. He quickly went over to help her and asked, "Why did you get down?" Xu Hui said, "Grandpa's here, right? I'm going out to talk to him." The old man stood at the door and said, "Xiao Hui, you rest. I'll sit outside." Xu Hui smiled at the old man and said, "Grandpa, I'm fine, don't worry." She then broke free from Ouyang Yiming's support and went outside. She greeted Ouyang Anping and sat down on the sofa. Xu Hui said, "Grandpa, Dad, I'm fine. I was just a little dizzy, but I'm better now." The old man nodded and smiled, saying, "That's good. I wasn't worried." Xu Hui said, "Actually, I'm fine. Don't worry." Ouyang Anping said, "Just rest for a while. We see you're alright." They exchanged a few words of mutual comfort. They all knew they were just trying to reassure each other.

A while later, Mao Yuqin came over and, seeing Xu Hui, said, "Xu Hui, why are you up? Go to bed and rest." Xu Hui said, "I'm fine now, Mom, please sit down."

Mao Yuqin stared at Xu Hui's face and, seeing that her expression was normal, said, "I won't sit down. You two keep talking. I'll make you some porridge, it'll be ready in a bit." Xu Hui nodded. Mao Yuqin looked at Ouyang Anping and the old man and said, "You should all go wash your faces." Turning to Xu Hui, she asked them, "Have you washed?" After they answered, the old man and Ouyang Anping got up and left. Mao Yuqin sat down on the sofa, took Xu Hui's hand, and said, "It's probably from the bumpy ride in the car yesterday. You're already weak, and then you sat for several hours." Xu Hui said, "I think so.

Look at me, I gave the whole family a fright." She blushed as she spoke. Mao Yuqin said, "Why are you saying that? Aren't we all family? Besides, it's time to get up." Xu Hui's eyes reddened, and she said, "Mom, look, I've come to this family just... just to cause you trouble." Ouyang Mei said, "Sister, don't say that. We've never treated you like an outsider. I treat you like my own sister." Mao Yuqin said, "Yes, Xu Hui, ever since you first entered the Ouyang family, we've always treated you like one of our own. You can see that. Don't say that."

Xu Hui said, "I know, I can see that, but... but I'm just so useless." As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.

Ouyang Mei saw Xu Hui crying, and her own tears fell. Mao Yuqin's eyes welled up with tears. "Child," she said, "you can't say that," she said. "You can't think like that. Everyone gets sick sometimes. We all eat grains, so it's inevitable to get sick. You seem to be doing well; you're fine." Xu Hui, realizing she was losing control, smiled and said, "Mom, I know." Turning to Ouyang Mei, she took out a tissue and wiped away her tears, saying, "Look at me, I scared Mei quite a bit." Ouyang Mei pouted, about to cry again, but Mao Yuqin stopped her with a look, saying, "Mei, go to the kitchen and see the porridge I made for your sister." Ouyang Mei agreed, got up, and went out. It

was already broad daylight. Ouyang Mei entered the west wing from the kitchen and said, "Sister, the porridge is ready. Shall I bring it to you?" Xu Hui frowned slightly but quickly relaxed, saying, "I'll go eat." She stood up. Ouyang Yiming hurriedly went to help her, but Xu Hui said, "I'm fine." After going out the door, Xu Hui stopped and looked at Mao Yuqin, saying, "Mom, I want to talk to Yiming." Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei walked away first. Xu Hui turned to look at Ouyang Yiming and frowned, saying, "Yiming, I really can't eat." Ouyang Yiming's heart sank, and he asked, "Don't want to eat?" Xu Hui nodded and said,

"I don't want to eat at all. Just thinking about it makes my stomach uncomfortable." Ouyang Yiming stared at her blankly, unable to speak. Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I'll try." Ouyang Yiming really wanted Xu Hui to try; if she could eat some food, he would be relieved. Thinking of her expression, he said, "If you really don't want to eat, then... then go back and rest." Xu Hui said, "Go ahead, otherwise I won't be able to rest easy." She took a step forward.

Ouyang Mei had already ladled half a bowl of rice porridge for Xu Hui and placed it on the table. Xu Hui sat down at the table, glanced at Ouyang Yiming, picked up a spoon, scooped a spoonful, and put it in her mouth. Seeing Xu Hui's strained expression, Ouyang Yiming felt a pang of sadness. He turned to Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei, who were watching Xu Hui intently, and said, "Mom, you two go out. I'll stay here with Xu Hui." Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei nodded and left. Ouyang Yiming looked at Xu Hui and said, "If you really don't want to eat, then forget it." His eyes were red as he spoke.

Tears streamed down Xu Hui's face. She looked up at Ouyang Yiming and whispered, "I really can't eat." Ouyang Yiming felt a heavy weight in his heart, but he knew he had to comfort Xu Hui at this moment, so he said, "Xu Hui, if you don't want to eat, then don't. You just vomited a while ago, so you probably can't eat anyway." Xu Hui looked at Ouyang Yiming, tears streaming down her face, and said, "Yiming, I, I now..." Ouyang Yiming

said, "Don't say anything more, Xu Hui. I want to go to Suzhou right away to get medicine for you from the temple." Xu Hui softly called out, "Yiming..." Tears fell like a never-ending rain.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui, don't be sad, it will be alright, I believe it will be alright." Tears streamed down his face as he spoke. He thought for a moment, then picked up the bowl in front of Xu Hui, took several large gulps, but found it very difficult to swallow. He put the bowl down and said, "Let's go, go to your room and rest." He then went to help Xu Hui. Xu Hui wiped her tears and said, "Don't let Mom and the others see." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

After they went outside, Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei greeted them. Ouyang Yiming said, "I drank some, but I can't drink too much. Let's wait a bit." Mao Yuqin's face lit up with joy, saying, "You only drank a little, go inside and rest." Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming walked towards the west wing.

After entering the room and helping Xu Hui lie down on the bed, Ouyang Yiming said, "I can't delay any longer. I want to go to Suzhou immediately." Xu Hui looked at him and shook her head, saying, "Yiming, I feel it's useless. I don't want you to leave me." Ouyang Yiming said, "I will be back soon. I will be back today no matter what." Xu Hui said, "Just call my mother and ask her to come." Ouyang Yiming said, "No, this time I must go myself. Perhaps it was because I didn't go in person last time that you fell ill so quickly. You are my wife, Ouyang Yiming's wife, and I must go in person." Xu Hui then burst into tears. Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui, don't think too much. You will get better, you definitely will." As he spoke, tears streamed down his face.

He glanced at his watch; it wasn't even seven o'clock yet. He stood up, went to the outer room, picked up the phone, and dialed the company's vehicle fleet. After the call connected, he told the duty officer to contact his driver immediately and have him drive to his house.

The duty officer agreed. Ouyang Yiming then asked if any other drivers lived nearby, and asked the duty officer to call them as well, saying he needed to go to Suzhou immediately and needed two cars. The duty officer said there were, and Ouyang Yiming said it had to be done quickly. After hanging up the phone, Ouyang Yiming returned to Xu Hui's side and sat down, saying, "Xu Hui, don't overthink things at home. This is my plan: after the cars arrive, I'll go to Suzhou immediately. After Xu Rui goes to work, have Mom or Meizi go to the hospital and have Xu Rui find a specialist to examine you again. We have to try everything, whether it works or not. The key is that I'm going to Suzhou to seek medicine; I think the medicine from that temple is still effective. We can try other things too; people say that when you're sick, you'll try anything! Don't worry, you'll definitely be fine." Xu Hui choked up and said, "Yiming, I... I don't know what to say now. Even if I told you not to go, you wouldn't listen to me. I understand how you feel about me. Okay, go then. Be careful on the road. Bring my parents with you this time."

Ouyang Yiming understood Xu Hui's implication that he should bring his parents over, and his heart ached. He said, "Okay, I know. But Xu Hui, you must listen to me and not overthink things. Your serious illness from childhood was cured, and I now have complete faith in the medicine at the temple. It will definitely cure you." Xu Hui looked directly at Ouyang Yiming and said, "Go ahead, I'll wait for you at home. I'll get better, I will, don't worry too much." Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm not worried, I have confidence." At this moment, Ouyang Anping and the old man entered the room, and Xu Hui greeted them. Ouyang Yiming went over and said, "It's alright, I've had some porridge." He then left the inner room. At this moment, Ouyang Mei came into the inner room.

After Ouyang Yiming, Ouyang Anping, and the old man sat down on the sofa in the outer room, Ouyang Yiming said with a somber face, "I have to go to Suzhou. Xu Hui can't eat, so just do as we just discussed. I've already contacted the convoy, and the car will be here soon." Ouyang Anping and the old man's expressions turned serious. The old man said, "I heard from your mother that Xiao Hui drank half a bowl of porridge." Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui was afraid you'd worry, so I drank a few sips." He paused and said, "Don't worry, Xu Hui just vomited this morning, so she might just not be able to drink." Ouyang Anping and the old man nodded. Ouyang Anping said, "Be careful on your way to Suzhou. Don't be too hasty. Tell the driver not to go too fast." Ouyang Yiming lowered his head and said, "I know." He then looked up and said, "Dad, tell Mom later not to give Xu Hui any medication easily after Xu Rui comes." He thought for a moment and became a little irritated, saying, "Forget it, don't let Xu Rui come. It's useless. We've seen so many doctors in Shanghai, and nothing has worked.

Let me talk to Xu Rui when I get back." Ouyang Anping agreed.

Ouyang Yiming looked at his father and Ouyang Anping, then stood up and went into the inner room. He saw Xu Hui lying on her side on the bed with her eyes closed, and Ouyang Mei sitting beside her. As he approached, Xu Hui opened her eyes and looked at Ouyang Yiming, asking, "Yiming, are you really going to Suzhou? I think, I think I should let Mom and Dad go instead..." Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui, I must go. I must go myself." Tears streamed down Xu Hui's face again.

At this moment, Xu Hui was overwhelmed with emotions. How could she not want her body to recover quickly? In a few days, it would be her wedding with Ouyang Yiming. She thought about how her parents had still managed to get her medicine, which she had taken herself, expecting it to cure her like it had when she was a child. But now it seemed that wasn't the case. What was the point of Ouyang Yiming going to the temple again for medicine? She knew she couldn't stop him. She hoped for a miracle, but it seemed unlikely. While Ouyang Yiming was talking to Ouyang Anping and the old man in the outer room, she kept her eyes closed, trying to recall the dream she'd had the night before, but she couldn't remember it. She was horrified; why did that dream cause her such intense fear? After waking up, she felt unwell and eventually vomited up her food. What was all this for? Was her life really coming to an end? The thought made her feel terrible.

But she knew it wasn't good to tell anyone except Ouyang Yiming about the nightmare; she couldn't describe the dream, and it would only worry them more. She regretted telling Ouyang Yiming earlier.

Xu Hui said, "Yiming, don't worry on the way. I'll be fine at home. When you get home, come with my parents. Don't tell them anything about me; just say my appetite isn't very good and I need some medicine to help me recover faster." Ouyang Yiming agreed, saying, "Don't worry at home either; everyone is here with you." Xu Hui nodded. Just then, Mao Yuqin came in and asked Xu Hui, "Are you feeling better now?" Xu Hui nodded and said, "Much better." Mao Yuqin said, "You should eat more. I'll buy an old hen and make you some soup." Ouyang Yiming was startled and said, "Mom, Xu Hui's health isn't good for meat right now. Let's talk about it tomorrow." Mao Yuqin said, "Chicken

soup is very nourishing; why can't she drink it after she's sick?" Ouyang Yiming didn't want to say this directly to Xu Hui, but he thought to himself, "If I go to Suzhou and Xu Hui insists on drinking it out of politeness, wouldn't that be even more dangerous for her?" So she said, "Mom, I said I'll wait one day, and I will. Don't force Xu Hui if she doesn't want to eat." Mao Yuqin looked at him suspiciously and said, "Didn't Xu Hui drink some porridge just now?" Xu Hui continued, "Mom, I'll tell you when I want to eat. Yiming is right, I don't want to eat, it doesn't feel good in my stomach."

Mao Yuqin looked at Xu Hui and then turned to look at Ouyang Yiming and nodded. Ouyang Yiming said, "I just told Grandpa and Dad outside that I need to go to Suzhou in a while when the car comes. I want to go to the temple to ask for some more medicine for Xu Hui, so that her condition will improve faster." Mao Yuqin's heart began to sink, and she nodded without asking any more questions. She thought to herself that Ouyang Yiming must have left something unsaid.

It wasn't a good time to ask now. So she said, "I just bought some fried dough sticks and soy milk on the street, you should go and eat." Ouyang Mei shook her head and said, "I'm not hungry either." Xu Hui said, "Meizi, listen to your sister, go and eat." Ouyang Mei nodded and stood up. Mao Yuqin asked, "Xu Hui, can you still drink some soy milk?" Xu Hui said, "I don't want to drink it, you all go and eat." Looking up at Ouyang Yiming, she said, "You go and eat too, it's such a long way, eat more." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Mom, everyone go and eat. If Xu Hui doesn't want to eat, let her rest for a while." Mao Yuqin nodded and stood up. She also wanted to avoid Xu Hui and ask about the doubts that Ouyang Yiming's words had raised in her.

She called Ouyang Anping and the old man from the outer room. After sitting down at the table, Ouyang Yiming told Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei again about Xu Hui not eating and his idea of going to Suzhou to seek medicine. Mao Yuqin finally understood, and tears streamed down her face. She said, "Then you should go to Suzhou quickly. Be careful on the road, don't rush." Ouyang Yiming agreed. After taking a couple of sips of soy milk and explaining to Xu Hui not to be afraid of the divine doctor, Ouyang Anping said, "Don't worry about things at home, we know what we're doing." Ouyang Yiming nodded, put down his rice bowl, and went to the west wing.

No one in the family ate much for breakfast; the fried dough sticks they bought were barely touched. Everyone felt heavy-hearted… (Chapter 158 of "Love and Desire" - Chapter 160) Ouyang Yiming entered the west wing, sat down next to Xu Hui, and took her hand. Xu Hui looked at him and said, "You definitely haven't eaten anything." Ouyang Yiming said,

"I ate, I ate." Xu Hui asked, "What did you eat?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I drank a bowl of soy milk and ate a few fried dough sticks." Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I don't believe you." Her eyes reddened and tears fell. She said, "Yiming, I really feel sorry for you, sorry for your whole family. Didn't I come to your house just to cause you trouble?" Ouyang Yiming put on a stern face and said,

"Xu Hui, I won't allow you to say such things anymore. We're husband and wife, you're a member of this family. Why do you always say things like that? Don't say it again." Xu Hui nodded with tears in her eyes. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Yiming, hurry up and pack your things." Ouyang Yiming said, "Don't bring anything, just some money. I'll definitely be back tonight."

Xu Hui wanted to say something more, but after thinking for a moment, she didn't say anything. Ouyang Yiming said, "I'm just a little worried about you. I just talked to my family, and no one will force you to eat. I'm afraid you'll suffer from the food. Xu Hui, there's one thing: if you really want to eat anything, you have to eat it. Just tell us what you want to eat, don't feel embarrassed. That will only make your family happier. Do you understand?" Xu Hui said, "I understand." Ouyang Yiming said, "Meizi will stay home with you, and your family will all be home with you." Xu Hui nodded with tears in her eyes. Ouyang

Yiming considered it for a moment and decided to tell Xu Hui about hiring the miracle doctor, so that she could be mentally prepared. So he said, "Xu Hui, do you remember that miracle doctor the driver mentioned the other night?" Xu Hui glared at him and asked, "You don't mean I should go see her for treatment, do you?" Ouyang Yiming said, "People say when you're sick, you'll try anything. Xu Hui, we're going to believe everything these days.

You understand how I feel. I'm thinking, let's not go to her. I want the driver to pick her up. I think we can get her here for a little money. Anyway, we won't take any of her medicine. Let's try it, what if it works? What do you think?" Xu Hui said, "I know that kind of person is a fraud." She glanced at Ouyang Yiming and said, "Alright, let's bring her here. I understand your intentions." Ouyang Yiming said, "I was afraid you'd be scared of her, so I wanted to tell you first." Xu Hui said, "Don't worry, I won't be afraid of someone like that."

Ouyang Yiming said, "That's good."

Just then, two drivers entered. Ouyang Yiming gestured for them to sit on the sofa in the outer room, took his briefcase, and went out into the inner room. After sitting down, he looked at one of the drivers and said, "Go out for a moment, I need to talk to him about something." The driver left. Ouyang Yiming then explained the matter of hiring the miracle doctor to his driver, concluding, "Don't tell anyone about this, you understand what I mean?" The driver said, "I understand, you're the boss." Ouyang Yiming grunted and said, "My father will go with you; he hasn't experienced many things like this. When you get there, you decide how much it costs, as long as you can get him. How much do you think it will cost?" The driver said, "I think a couple hundred yuan would be enough." Ouyang Yiming opened his briefcase and said,

"Not necessarily. How about this, I'll give you two thousand yuan, you can decide based on the situation." The driver said, "It won't cost that much, five hundred yuan at most." Ouyang Yiming took out two stacks of cash and handed them to him, saying, "Take whatever you want, these two thousand yuan, take as much as you need." The driver nodded and accepted them. Ouyang Yiming said, "Go to the east wing and find my father." The driver agreed and got up to leave.

At that moment, Ouyang Mei entered, and Ouyang Yiming went with her to Xu Hui's side. Ouyang Yiming said, "Meizi, I'm going to Suzhou. You must take good care of your sister at home." Ouyang Mei said, "Brother, don't worry about my sister." Ouyang Yiming nodded, then looked at Xu Hui and said, "Xu Hui, rest well at home. I will definitely get you medicine to cure your illness." Xu Hui nodded and said, "I'll wait for you at home. Be careful on the road." Ouyang Yiming said, "Don't worry. I'll leave now and come back soon." Xu Hui said, "Go ahead." She

started to get up. Ouyang Yiming quickly pressed her down and said, "Don't move. I don't need you to see me off." Tears streamed down Xu Hui's face, and she stopped moving.

Ouyang Yiming left the west wing and spoke to the old man and Mao Yuqin at the door of the east wing. He said to Ouyang Anping, "Dad, you should go too." Ouyang Anping agreed. Ouyang Yiming gave the driver a few more instructions and then walked towards the gate. The old man and Mao Yuqin saw him to the gate, telling him not to drive on the road and to be careful. Ouyang Yiming agreed.

Not long after leaving Panzhou, Ouyang Yiming said to the driver, "Stop the car, I'll drive." The driver slowed down and said, "Dean Ou, it's not that I don't want you to drive, but Aunt and Grandpa told me many times before we came that I absolutely shouldn't drive for you. Dean Ou, I know your business is urgent, I will try to be as fast as possible. Dean Ou, please forgive me for not being able to hand the car over to you. Think about it, wouldn't it be even more troublesome if something really happened?" Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said to himself that with his current mindset, he really shouldn't drive, so he said, "Try to be as fast as possible." The driver agreed and sped up.

Arriving in Suzhou before 1 p.m., Ouyang Yiming didn't want the driver to know too much. After parking the car downstairs at Xu Hui's building, Ouyang Yiming said, "Wait for me downstairs for a moment, I'll be right back. I'm sorry, my business is really urgent, I don't have time to eat right now, you can grab something to eat when we get to the temple." The driver repeatedly said that business was urgent.

Ouyang Yiming ran upstairs, stopped at the door, took a breath, and felt his hand trembling as he raised it. After knocking on the door several times, Yang Ping's voice came from inside: "Who is it?" Ouyang Yiming answered breathlessly, "Mom, Mom, it's me, it's Yiming." Yang Ping's surprised question came from inside: "What? Yiming?" The door was quickly opened, and Yang Ping's expression froze the moment she saw Ouyang Yiming. Her eyes, filled with fear and confusion, looked at Ouyang Yiming and asked, "Yiming, you, how did you get here? Why are you here now..." Ouyang Yiming asked, "Is Dad home?" Yang Ping looked at him and nodded. Ouyang Yiming entered the room, and Yang Ping hurriedly said, "I'll go call your father." Xu Zhenming's voice came from inside the room: "Who is it?"

Yang Ping frantically called out, "Zhenming, Zhenming, get up quickly, it's Yiming, it's Yiming..." She turned and grabbed Ouyang Yiming's arm, her eyes wide with fear as she asked, "Yiming, why are you here?

Why are you here at this time? Where is Xu Hui? What happened to Xu Hui?" Ouyang Yiming's heart trembled as he said, "Mom, don't worry, Xu Hui is home, she's fine. Mom, sit down." He helped Yang Ping sit on the sofa.

Xu Zhenming ran out of the room and immediately asked, "Yiming, what happened?" Ouyang Yiming quickly stood up again and said, "Dad, nothing's wrong, sit down and tell me." Xu Zhenming watched Ouyang Yiming sit down on the sofa. Ouyang Yiming said, "Mom and Dad, don't worry, it's like this. Xu Hui vomited again this morning, and I... I came to the temple to ask for medicine for her."

Yang Ping gasped in shock, trembling all over, staring blankly at Ouyang Yiming, speechless. Ouyang Yiming quickly grabbed Yang Ping's hand and said, "Mom, don't worry, don't worry, it's alright."

Xu Zhenming asked, "How is Xu Hui now?" Ouyang Yiming said, "After vomiting this morning, Xu Hui is the same as before, except... she can't eat. My mother made her some porridge this morning, but she can't eat it..." As he spoke, he couldn't help but shed tears. He had been trying to control his emotions in front of Xu Hui's parents, but in front of his own parents, he still couldn't suppress his emotions. Yang Ping hurriedly stood up and said anxiously, "Then let's go quickly, let's go to the temple to ask for medicine." Xu Zhenming said, "Okay, let's go now, we'll talk as we go." He stood up as he spoke. Ouyang Yiming wiped away his tears and helped Yang Ping up.

The three of them sat in the back seat on the way. Ouyang Yiming recounted Xu Hui's situation that morning, and then said, "Dad, Mom, I believe in everything now. I was thinking, is it because I didn't come to ask for medicine for Xu Hui in person last time? Is Buddha angry that my heart wasn't sincere? So... so I came in person this time. Since Xu Hui had such a serious illness when she was ten years old and it wasn't cured by the medicine given by Buddha, then her current illness can be cured by Buddha." Yang Ping said repeatedly, "Yes, yes, that's it. No wonder the abbot said he had no medicine to give, but then he gave it. It's also my fault for not being able to leave Xu Hui alone at home that day and having you stay with her. Does the abbot know everything? Even that you two got your marriage certificate?" Xu Zhenming said, "You did mention it that day, you mentioned that Xu Hui was getting married in a few days." Yang Ping said, "Really? I forgot. Then the abbot must be blaming Xu Hui and Yiming for not going in person."

Although Xu Zhenming instantly thought that it wasn't entirely true, he was willing to believe it was. Immediately, he firmly said in his heart, "That's it, that's it." Ouyang Yiming said, "Xu Hui's health really isn't suited to the bumpy ride, otherwise I would have brought her along." Yang Ping said, "Yes, yes, let's explain this to the abbot when we see him. I think the merciful Buddha will understand." Xu Hui and Zhenming nodded.

They stopped the car at the temple entrance. Ouyang Yiming told the driver to find a place to eat, and then he, Xu Zhenming, and Yang Ping hurriedly walked into the temple. At the entrance of the main hall, Yang Ping stopped and said, "Yiming, let's pray to the Buddha here first before going in." Ouyang Yiming nodded. Yang Ping said, "We came in a hurry and didn't bring any money." Ouyang Yiming said, "I brought some." As he spoke, he opened his purse, took out a wad of cash, and asked, "Is one thousand yuan enough?" Xu Zhenming was about to open his mouth when he quickly closed it. Yang Ping looked at the wad of cash in Ouyang Yiming's hand and said, "Okay, that's all." As she spoke, she took the money, and the three of them entered the main hall. Yang Ping donated the 1,000 yuan as incense money, received the incense, and the three of them knelt devoutly before the Buddha statue, silently praying for the Buddha to heal Xu Hui's illness. Just as Xu Zhenming and Yang Ping were about to get up, they heard Ouyang Yiming look up at the Buddha statue and say, "Merciful Buddha, please heal Xu Hui's illness. If Xu Hui's illness can be cured, I will take out my savings of one million yuan to have your statue recast, and I will never break my promise.

If I break my promise, I will accept any punishment from the Buddha." Xu Zhenming and Yang Ping were stunned, and tears instantly streamed down their faces. Yang Ping said, "Buddha, this is Xu Hui's husband. Please grant this loving couple your blessing, and please bless this loving couple with a peaceful life!" After saying this, the three of them bowed and kowtowed before getting up. They entered the back hall and burned incense and prayed before the Guanyin Bodhisattva statue. Only then did they get up and go to the meditation room where Abbot Huichan was located.

Upon entering the courtyard, they heard the sound of a wooden fish being struck coming from Abbot Huichan's room. The three men were filled with anxiety, wondering if they would be able to obtain the medicine they had begged for. In their hearts, they all believed this medicine was Xu Hui's life-saving remedy. They tiptoed to the door, but before they could knock, the wooden fish sound abruptly stopped, followed by Abbot Huichan's loud voice: "Please come in, benefactors." Yang Ping opened the door, and the three entered. Abbot Huichan looked at them, closed his eyes slightly, and murmured "Amitabha," then said, "Please sit, benefactors." The three didn't sit; Yang Ping went first and knelt before Abbot Huichan, followed by Ouyang Yiming and Xu Zhenming. Yang Ping said, "Master, we've troubled you again." Abbot Huichan said, "Please rise, benefactors, sit down and let's talk." Yang Ping rose, followed by Ouyang Yiming and Xu Zhenming.

The three sat down at the tea table. Abbot Huichan said, "Please have some tea, benefactors." The three thanked him. Yang Ping said, "Master, do you still recognize us?" Abbot Huichan replied, "Yes, we do."

Yang Ping pointed to Ouyang Yiming and said, "Master, this is my son-in-law. He came all the way from Panzhou today to ask you for help. I should have had them come to see you in person last time, but it was all my fault. I was worried about my daughter's health and didn't let them come. They were going to come..." Abbot Huichan asked, "How is your daughter's health?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Master, Xu Hui is very weak and can't withstand the bumpy journey. I came all the way from Panzhou today to beg you to have mercy and save Xu Hui. It was our fault that Xu Hui and I didn't come in person last time; please forgive us." Abbot Huichan said, "Sincerity is key. Buddha won't mind." Ouyang Yiming... They said, "Xu Hui recovered very well for a few days after taking the medicine you gave her last time. I didn't expect her to relapse this morning. I beg you to save her again." Abbot Huichan said, "I already made it clear last time. If the medicine can cure your illness, it's the Buddha's compassion; if it can't, it's your fate. This humble monk has no more medicine to give."

The three panicked upon hearing this. Ouyang Yiming anxiously said, "Master, it was all my fault for not coming last time. Master, I beg you to save Xu Hui one more time." Xu Zhenming said, "Master, our whole family begs you." Abbot Huichan shook his head and said, "Everything has a cause, and every cause has an effect. I'm sorry this humble monk is powerless to help." Yang Ping panicked upon hearing this, tears streaming down her face. She cried, "Master, Yiming rushed here from Panzhou early this morning..." "He and my daughter are so close, you wouldn't want them separated, would you? Please, for the sake of the two children's love, save Xu Hui." Abbot Huichan said, "A monk doesn't lie. I'm truly powerless." Yang Ping burst into tears, saying, "Master, you gave me medicine last time, and Xu Hui has been better for several days. If the two children have done anything wrong, please blame me, punish me, please don't hold it against them." After saying this, she got up and knelt down in front of Abbot Huichan, crying and saying, "Master, our whole family, everyone in Xu Hui's husband's family, is hoping for your life-saving medicine. You must save Xu Hui."

Ouyang Yiming and Xu Zhenming also knelt down in front of Abbot Huichan. Ouyang Yiming said through tears... “Master, all our hopes are now pinned on you. You must save Xu Hui. Master, I also made a vow to the Buddha in the main hall. If the Buddha can save Xu Hui's life, I will take out one million of my savings to have the Buddha's statue recast. I will never break my promise.” Abbot Huichan chanted “Amitabha” and said, “I know your intentions, benefactor. I told you this last time.” Xu Zhenming said, “Master, we know that too, but Xu Hui has been fine for the past few days after taking the medicine you gave her. It was only this morning that she became like this.”

Abbot Huichan closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment. He opened his eyes and looked at Ouyang Yiming, saying, “This benefactor, please stay. You two wait outside.” Yang Ping and Xu Zhenming exchanged glances and quickly got up and left. Abbot Huichan said to Ouyang Yiming, “Please rise, benefactor.” Ouyang Yiming got up and sat down at the tea table. Abbot Huichan said, “I understand your feelings, benefactor. Now I will speak frankly with you. My master was a highly accomplished monk who has attained enlightenment and passed away peacefully. Before his passing, he left no medicine to give away. The medicine I gave to your wife last time was because I couldn't bear to see your wife's family crying like that. After they left, I begged the Buddha, then crushed some tea leaves and grabbed some incense ash to give to them. As a compassionate monk, I had no choice but to do it; please forgive me. I truly had no medicine to give; I am truly ashamed.”

Ouyang Yiming felt a chill in his heart upon hearing this. This ending was something he had never expected. For a moment, he felt utterly hopeless. He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly thought of Xu Hui's indifference… He had drunk what the man had given him, and indeed, he had recovered for several days. So he said, "Master, the medicine you gave me has truly made Xu Hui feel normal and well-recovered for several days. Please, Master, speak to the Buddha again and save Xu Hui." Abbot Huichan pondered for a moment, then sighed and said, "I cannot compare to my master. He is a highly accomplished monk who has attained enlightenment; naturally, he would save your wife's life when she was ten years old. Amitabha! I will recite scriptures and chant Buddha's name again, praying for medicine for your wife. If your wife can be saved, it is the Buddha's mercy; if not, it is her destiny in this life.

Amitabha."

Ouyang Yiming's heart instantly surged with hope again, and he thanked him repeatedly. Abbot Huichan stood up and said, "Please kneel and worship the Buddha, benefactor." Ouyang Yiming hurriedly stood up, knelt before the incense burner, and bowed several times. Abbot Huichan said, "Follow me in bowing." Ouyang Yiming nodded in agreement.

Abbot Huichan offered incense before the incense burner, clasped his hands together, and chanted a prayer for a while, then said aloud: "Medicine Buddha, King of Longevity, grace our Water Moon Temple with your presence, bringing compassion and joy to relieve suffering and bestow blessings, averting calamities and obstacles, repenting for the sins of all beings in the three lifetimes, praying for long life and blessings, that auspicious stars shine upon us, bathing us in your grace, and that we may enjoy peace and health. Auspicious stars shine upon us, bathing us in your grace, and that we may enjoy peace and health." He continued: "Medicine Buddha, radiant with lapis lazuli light, your radiant net of light is unparalleled. Your boundless vows benefit all sentient beings, fulfilling all their desires without wavering." He then said

: "Namo Medicine Buddha, radiant with lapis lazuli light of the Eastern Pure Land of Lapis Lazuli."

He then chanted: "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha," and bowed three times. Ouyang Yiming immediately followed, chanting: "Namo Shakyamuni Buddha," and bowed

three times. Abbot Huichan then chanted: "Namo Medicine Buddha, the Buddha of Longevity and Disaster Relief," and bowed twelve times.

Ouyang Yiming followed, chanting: "Namo Medicine Buddha, the Buddha of Longevity and Disaster Relief," and bowed twelve times.

Abbot Huichan recited again, "Namo Suryaprabha Bodhisattva," and bowed three times.

Ouyang Yiming followed, reciting, "Namo Suryaprabha Bodhisattva," and bowed three times.

Abbot Huichan then recited, "Namo Bhaisajyaguru Buddha Bodhisattva," and bowed three times.

Ouyang Yiming followed, reciting, "Namo Bhaisajyaguru Buddha Bodhisattva," and bowed three times.

Abbot Huichan paused, then recited again, "I take refuge in the Buddha, may all beings understand the Great Way and awaken the supreme mind; I take refuge in the Dharma, may all beings deeply penetrate the scriptures and attain wisdom as vast as the ocean; I take refuge in the Sangha, may all beings lead the masses and be free from all obstacles. Namo Holy Assembly." Ouyang Yiming couldn't keep up with Abbot Huichan's words, but assuming he didn't need to recite along, he bowed several times.

After Abbot Huichan chanted "Namo Amitabha Buddha" several times, he turned to Ouyang Yiming and said, "Please rise, benefactor."

Ouyang Yiming was unusually calm at this moment. After standing up, he heard Abbot Huichan say again, "Please wait outside. I'll call you in a bit." Ouyang Yiming put his hands together and chanted "Amitabha Buddha" before leaving the room.

Yang Ping saw Ouyang Yiming leave and hurriedly asked, "How is it?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Master is helping us get medicine. Let's wait a bit." Xu Zhenming breathed a sigh of relief. Yang Ping then put her hands together and chanted "Amitabha Buddha," unconsciously kneeling on the ground and bowing towards the closed door of Abbot Huichan's room. Ouyang Yiming and Xu Zhenming then knelt down after her.

A moment later, the door opened, and Ouyang Yiming hurriedly got up and rushed forward, taking the yellow paper package from Abbot Huichan's hand. Tears streamed down his face as he repeatedly said, "Thank you, Abbot, thank you, Abbot."

Abbot Huichan whispered, "After your wife takes this medicine, if she doesn't get better, it's fate. Please don't come again." After saying this, he put his hands together, chanted "Amitabha" twice,

and turned to go inside.

Ouyang Yiming was taken aback, but he understood the meaning behind Abbot Huichan's words. Thinking of how devoutly Abbot Huichan had chanted sutras and prayed for medicine for Xu Hui, he secretly believed that the medicine they obtained this time would surely cure Xu Hui's illness. He knelt down at the doorway and kowtowed several times. After standing up, he turned to Yang Ping, who was kneeling, and said, "Mom, get up." He helped Yang Ping up. Xu Zhenming also stood up. The three of them left the courtyard.

After entering the main hall, they bowed to Shakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva before leaving. Yang Ping hurriedly asked, "Yiming, what did the master say to you in the room?" Ouyang Yiming said, "The abbot led me in chanting sutras and praying for medicine." Yang Ping excitedly said, "It's all my fault. I should have let you and Xu Hui come last time. The abbot didn't let us chant sutras with him. You came at the right time; your coming to pray for medicine for Xu Hui shows our sincerity towards the Buddha." Xu Zhenming looked at Yang Ping without speaking, clearly also very excited. Ouyang Yiming was extremely excited. From Yang Ping's words, he knew that she hadn't accompanied the abbot in chanting and worshipping last time. He thought that perhaps it was because he hadn't come in person last time that the medicine they obtained this time would surely cure Xu Hui's illness.

Ouyang Yiming said, "Dad, Mom, you should both come with me this time. Xu Hui told me to come with you both." Yang Ping said, "We'll go, we'll go." Xu Zhenming nodded. How could the couple be at ease about Xu Hui's condition after taking the medicine? They couldn't care less about anything else now, not even the customs of their daughter's marriage. As long as Xu Hui's illness could be cured, they didn't care about anything else... When they parked the car downstairs at Xu Hui's building, Xu Zhenming said to Yang Ping, "I'll go to the office to make some arrangements and also tell your workplace. When you get home, quickly pack some things. We'll leave as soon as I get back." Yang Ping agreed.

Love and Desire (161)

Chapter 159

Ouyang Yiming and Ouyang Anping did not mention to Mao Yuqin that Fan Xurui had come to their house, and Mao Yuqin did not think to tell Fan Xurui either. However, Fan Xurui arrived at Ouyang Yiming's house after a while. As soon as he entered the gate, Mao Yuqin asked, "Xurui, did Yiming send you?" Fan Xurui said, "Yes, a few days ago Yiming said that he would pick up Xu Hui in the next two days. I called his office just now but no one answered. I thought he must be at home. I was going to call first, but I thought I was coming anyway, so I came directly. Is Yiming at home?"

As he spoke, he looked towards the west wing. Mao Yuqin whispered, "Yiming went to Suzhou." Fan Xurui stared and asked, "went to Suzhou? Didn't you say I went with him? Why didn't you call me?"

Mao Yuqin pulled Fan Xurui and said, "Keep your voice down. Come on, let's go inside and talk." As she spoke, she pulled Fan Xurui's arm and went into the east wing. Fan Xurui looked at Mao Yuqin with suspicion and asked,

"What's wrong?" Mao Yuqin said, "Sit down." Fan Xurui sat down, and Mao Yuqin poured a glass of cold water and placed it in front of him. She then sat on the sofa next to him and told Fan Xurui in detail about Xu Hui's illness.

After listening, Fan Xurui asked, "Why didn't Yiming mention this?" Mao Yuqin, with a bitter face and red eyes, said, "Xu Hui's mother only sent Yiming to Suzhou last time, without mentioning Xu Hui's illness. She just got home yesterday afternoon, and this morning Xu Hui vomited again, so Yiming rushed off to Suzhou again." Fan Xurui said, "I always felt that Yiming going to that temple to beg for medicine wasn't a good idea." Mao Yuqin said, "But what if the hospital can't diagnose the illness? Xu Hui's childhood illness was cured by medicine obtained from that temple." Fan Xurui thought for a moment and said, "It's really hard to say. Did you bring Xu Hui's medical records?" Mao Yuqin said, "I didn't ask. But I heard the test results were all normal." Fan Xurui... "Which hospitals' experts participated in the consultation?" asked Mao Yuqin. "I heard that several hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai sent experts, but none of them could diagnose the illness. Xu Hui just can't eat anything and can't take any medication." Fan Xurui thought for a moment and said, "I'll go ask Xu Hui if she brought her medical records. I want to take them back to the hospital so our hospital's experts can take a look." Mao Yuqin said, "That's fine. Xurui, when you see Xu Hui, don't say anything. Just say it's nothing. I was just worried you'd say anything to her, so I told you beforehand." Fan Xurui said, "I know."

Mao Yuqin and Fan Xurui entered the west wing and saw Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei sitting on the edge of the bed talking. Xu Hui quickly stood up, called out "Brother Xurui," and walked towards the door. Fan Xurui smiled and responded.

Xu Hui then warmly invited Fan Xurui to sit on the sofa in the outer room. After they sat down, Fan Xurui looked at Xu Hui and said, "I was supposed to go to Suzhou with Yiming to pick you up, but I just found out you were sick.

Xu Hui, you seem to be in pretty good spirits." Xu Hui smiled and said, "I'm alright." Ouyang Mei said, "You were fine the past few days, but this morning you vomited again for some reason. Hey, Brother Xurui, aren't you in internal medicine too?" Fan Xurui smiled and said, "Yes, but my medical skills aren't good enough yet." He turned to Xu Hui and asked, "Xu Hui, I heard from Aunt Mao that you also had expert consultations in Shanghai?" Xu Hui said, "Yes. Yiming told me that the expert consultations haven't yielded results yet, I think it's because they haven't made a diagnosis." Fan Xurui said, "Some cases are very special.

Xu Hui, did you bring your medical records?" Xu Hui thought for a moment and said, "Meizi, bring me my bag, let me see if I brought it."

Ouyang Mei responded and went into the inner room, took Xu Hui's bag and came out. Xu Hui took it and opened it, saying, "Thank goodness, it's in this bag." As she spoke, she took it out and handed it to Fan Xurui. Fan Xurui was very surprised after reading the diagnosis. He thought to himself, "The diagnosis is anorexia. I've never heard of a case where someone can't receive intravenous nutrition." It seemed very serious, but he didn't dare show any unusual expression. He asked, "Xu Hui, how are you feeling now?" Xu Hui said, "I don't feel anything special, just very weak." Fan Xurui looked at Xu Hui's face and said, "You look fine, and you don't seem to have lost any weight. Don't you want to eat anything now?" Xu Hui said, "After being discharged from the hospital in Shanghai a couple of days ago, I felt like eating for two days and could even eat. But since vomiting this morning, I haven't wanted to eat anything. I have no appetite."

Fan Xurui thought for a moment and said, "Well then... " "Xu Hui, I'll take your medical records to our hospital and have the senior doctors take a look, see if there's any solution." Xu Hui said, "That's fine." After a pause, she said, "Brother Xu Rui, to be honest, I really don't want to go to the hospital for any tests. I've had all the tests done at the hospitals in Shanghai, and everything is normal." Fan Xu Rui thought for a moment and said, "I know, you should rest more and drink more water. Hey, can you eat some fruit?" Xu Hui said, "I couldn't eat much when I was hospitalized in Shanghai, but I ate some last night." Mao Yuqin quickly said, "We have watermelon at home, I'll go cut some and see if you can eat it." Xu Hui said, "I don't want to eat anything right now." Fan Xu Rui said, "Give it a try." Mao Yuqin hurriedly went out.

A while later, she brought back a sliced watermelon. Ouyang Mei handed a piece to Xu Hui, and Mao Yuqin then invited Fan Xu Rui to eat some as well. After taking two bites, Xu Hui said, "I really don't want to eat." Fan Xu Rui looked at her and said, "If you really don't want to eat, then don't." Xu Hui felt particularly embarrassed. After eating a piece of melon, Fan Xurui said, "I'm going back to the hospital to have the specialists look at my medical records." He stood up, and Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei saw him out of the west wing, while Mao Yuqin saw him to the door.

At the gate, they met the old man returning from outside. After greeting him, the three stopped to talk. The old man asked, "Did you see Xu Hui?" Mao Yuqin replied, "Xurui did." The old man asked, "Xiaorui, how is Xiaohui's condition?" Fan Xurui frowned and said, "Now we'll see if the medicine Yiming brought from Suzhou can cure Xu Hui's illness. Xu Hui's condition is really special. Generally, anorexic patients can't eat solid food but can receive intravenous nutrition. Even if they can receive nutrition, it's not sustainable for a long time. Not eating is indeed a very troublesome problem. I'll take Xu Hui's medical records back to the hospital for them to look at. However, Xu Hui's condition seems quite good now, which is strange. Let's wait for Yiming to return before discussing it further." Fan Xurui knew he couldn't say much in front of them, but he understood that continuing like this could have serious consequences. So, after saying a few more words, he took his leave.

Fan Xurui returned to the hospital and consulted a specialist about Xu Hui's medical records. The specialist was also very puzzled by Xu Hui's condition. Fan Xurui was also surprised to hear that Xu Hui had recovered from her illness after taking medicine given to her by a monk at a temple when she was a child. He only said to wait until Ouyang Yiming returned from Suzhou and tried the temple's medicine to see the results. Fan Xurui felt heavy-hearted. He still doubted the effectiveness of the medicine Ouyang Yiming had obtained, and of course, he knew what would happen to Xu Hui if the medicine Ouyang Yiming brought back from Suzhou didn't work… Ouyang Anping and the driver went to the village of the "miracle doctor." The village was nestled at the foot of a hill. It was small, with about twenty or thirty households. The dilapidated houses indicated that the people here were not wealthy. Upon reaching the village entrance, they saw a dozen or so cars of various kinds parked in a courtyard.

Seeing the cars entering the village, two men in their fifties stood on the road waving at them. The driver stopped the car and leaned out of the window to ask what was going on. One of the men said that cars couldn't enter the village; they all had to park in this courtyard. The driver glanced at the cars in the yard, but without asking why, he drove in and parked. Two women in their thirties or forties came to collect parking fees. Only then did the driver and Ouyang Anping understand the real reason why cars couldn't enter the village. They paid five yuan as instructed by the women, got out of the car, and inquired about the woman's story of the "miracle doctor." Indeed, her story was very remarkably accurate. This "miracle doctor," surnamed Li, was uneducated, nearly forty, and basically as the driver had heard. One day last year, she suddenly fell ill for a week, unaware of anything. When she awoke, she claimed to have been possessed by "Eight Immortals of the Monkey King," who came to the "mortal world" to cure all kinds of illnesses. She also said that everyone she cured was cured, and people from hundreds of miles around came specifically to see her.

The driver then asked if this "miracle doctor" made house calls. One woman shook her head and said, "I can't even finish seeing all the patients at home, how could I have time to make house calls!" The driver asked, "You've never made house calls before?" Another woman said, "I have. A while ago, a leader from the Pancheng Municipal Committee took me to see a doctor." The driver and Ouyang Anping were relieved; since there was such a precedent, things would be easier.

One woman said, "Go get a number quickly. We only see one hundred patients a day; we don't see more than that." The driver asked why. The woman looked at him irritably and said, "Even gods need rest." The driver then asked where to get a number. Sure enough, they found a small shop in the village. At the sales window, a young woman in her twenties took a piece of white paper, wrote number 52 on it, stamped it with a small stamp, and then took two packs of cigarettes and a bundle of incense, collecting ten yuan.

Ouyang Anping and the driver followed the saleswoman's directions into the village. From afar, they saw groups of three or five people standing in front of a house on the hillside. The driver said, "If it weren't effective, why would so many people come to see the doctor?" Ouyang Anping nodded. Approaching, he saw men, women, and children, with city dwellers making up the majority of the group. Ouyang Anping walked to the three dilapidated, closed-off tile-roofed houses. The driver asked a middle-aged woman from the city how many numbers she had seen. The woman said she had seen numbers in the thirties. The driver then chatted with her and learned that her mother had diabetes, and she was there to see the doctor on her behalf. Ouyang Anping listened to the various discussions among the people, mostly praising the doctor's miraculous healing abilities, saying there was no disease he couldn't cure.

After about an hour, they reached number fifty-two. Ouyang Anping and the driver entered the house, and the door was closed. A 25-watt light bulb cast a dim yellow light from the ceiling. An old eight-immortal table stood against the front wall of the house, with an incense burner in the center, containing three burning incense sticks. Above the table on the wall was a portrait of Hua Guofeng. A woman in her thirties sat at the east end of the octagonal table, a cigarette between two fingers of her right hand. Ouyang Anping placed the cigarette on the table first, then picked up the bundle of incense, about to light it, when the woman said, "Just leave it on the table."

Ouyang Anping placed it on the table.

The driver approached the woman and said, "Master, we've come to discuss something with you." The woman looked up at him, her face expressionless. The driver said, "It's like this, I'm here on behalf of my boss to ask you to come. We're in Panzhou, and it's inconvenient for him to come, so he'd like you to come to his house." The woman took a puff of her cigarette and said coldly, "I don't make house calls." The driver smiled and said, "My boss said he'd drive you there and back, plus two hundred yuan as a tip." The woman blinked twice, then said, "Gods come to earth to save people, how can you talk about money?" The driver said, "You still have to give a tip. Here's what I'll do: three hundred yuan, Master, what do you think..." The woman closed her eyes and thought for a moment, then opened them and said, "Saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda. But I have many patients here, so if you want to come, you'll have to wait until I've seen them all." The driver quickly said, "Okay, we'll wait." He paused and asked, "About how long?" The woman said, "Around noon." The driver said, "Okay, we'll wait outside until you're done." The woman

grunted through her nose and then asked the patients what was wrong. Ouyang Anping said a few words briefly, and the woman said, "Wait outside. I'll go with you after I've seen these patients." Ouyang Anping and the driver thanked her and went out.

As noon approached, the number of patients decreased. Ouyang Anping and the driver waited for a while, and the last elderly woman and the young girl who had accompanied her left. The two doors, which only opened when people were entering or leaving, finally opened. The woman stood in the doorway, looking outside with a satisfied smile. She glanced at Ouyang Anping and the driver approaching and quickly stopped smiling. She turned and went back to the octagonal table to sit down.

As Ouyang Anping and his driver approached, the woman said, "I'm tired today, let's go tomorrow." Ouyang Anping was startled. The driver quickly said, "Master, you are a living bodhisattva who saves people from suffering. Please come with us. We'll eat at a restaurant along the way, and after the consultation, we'll take you back to rest immediately." He then took out three hundred yuan from his pocket, which he had prepared beforehand, and offered it with both hands, saying, "This is a token of our respect to the Master, please accept it." The woman glanced at it, her face expressionless. The driver placed the paper-wrapped money on the octagonal table. The woman lit a cigarette and said,

"Wait for me outside for a while." Ouyang Anping and his driver hurriedly agreed. As they turned to leave, a man of about forty years old entered, glanced at Ouyang Anping and his driver, and said nothing. After a while, the woman came out and said, "You came by car, right?" The driver hurriedly said yes. The woman said, "Wait for me in the car, I'll be there soon." Ouyang Anping and his driver agreed and left.

After waiting in the car for a while, the woman, having changed her clothes, hurried in carrying a black faux leather zippered handbag. The driver quickly got out to open the door for her. The woman got into the back seat, and after the driver was settled, she said, "I don't usually make house calls, but seeing how sincere you are, I couldn't refuse. Saving lives is my duty. Let's go." The driver and Ouyang Anping thanked her.

They found a restaurant on the way, ate, and then headed to Panzhou. The woman remained mostly silent, leaning against the backrest

with her eyes closed the whole way. A little after 2 p.m., the "miracle doctor" entered the Ouyang family's old house. Upon entering, his eyes scanned the surroundings, a hint of envy and surprise on his face. The old man and Mao Yuqin hurriedly greeted him, escorting the "miracle doctor" to the west wing.

Xu Hui had already seen the rural woman through the window and knew that this was the "miracle doctor" Ouyang Yiming had told her about that morning. Before the group in the courtyard reached the west wing, Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei walked out of the inner room and stood at the door of the west wing, watching.

The woman stopped a short distance from the west wing and said, "Don't send so many people, just one will do." Mao Yuqin said, "I'll go, you all rest in the main room." Mao Yuqin and the divine doctor continued walking towards the west wing, while the rest of the group turned and walked towards the main room.

Ouyang Mei smiled and nodded at the divine doctor as a greeting. Xu Hui, however, looked at the divine doctor with a blank expression and remained silent. After entering, Mao Yuqin warmly invited the divine doctor to sit on the sofa and then poured him some cool boiled water. Ouyang Mei also helped Xu Hui sit down.

Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei sized up the divine doctor, noting that the woman had a long face, small eyes, and a pair of small, darting eyes that gleamed with a cunning light. She had a low nose, thick lips, and a pair of large, yellowed front teeth covered in tobacco stains. At this moment, she took out a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, lit one, glanced at Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei, then bent down, struck a match, lit her own, took a puff, and exhaled two puffs of smoke from the nostrils of her bulbous nose. Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei both felt disgusted. Mao Yuqin quickly said, "I didn't know you smoked, and I wasn't prepared." The woman smiled and said she had some, then turned to Xu Hui and Ouyang Mei and asked, "Tell me, what's wrong?" Xu Hui looked at her and suddenly asked, "Excuse me, doctor, which of us is ill?"

A fleeting, almost imperceptible look of panic crossed the woman's face. Her eyes darted around, then she chuckled, "Young lady, you're the one who's ill. Do you think I can't tell?" The group was startled. Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Mei looked at the woman and then at Xu Hui. They thought, judging from Xu Hui's appearance, an ordinary person wouldn't be able to tell she was ill, but she could immediately tell. She must have real skills. They quickly said, "She truly is a divine doctor; it's her who's ill." Xu Hui asked, "Then what's wrong with me?" The woman said, "Young lady, you can't eat, can you?" Ouyang Mei hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, I can't eat." The woman smiled smugly and said, "It's alright, after I examine you, you'll be back to normal in a day or two." Mao Yuqin quickly thanked her with a smile. The woman said, "It's inconvenient for me to make house calls. You don't even have an incense burner; you can't invite the gods without incense." Mao Yuqin quickly said they had some and turned to tell Ouyang Mei to go to the main room to get some. Ouyang Mei ran out the door.

After a short while, she returned and placed the incense sticks on the coffee table. The woman stood up, walked to the opposite side of the table, picked up the three incense sticks that Ouyang Mei had brought, lit them, and turned to look at Xu Hui, saying, "I'll invite the gods to your aid now.

All of you, close your eyes." The group closed their eyes as the woman instructed. The woman knelt down, bowed several times towards the incense burner, and chanted incantations. After a while, she stood up and said, "Alright, open your eyes now." Everyone opened their eyes, and the woman sat down on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and said, "The Eight Immortals have cured your illness. Do you feel any warmth in your chest now?" Xu Hui shook her head and said, "I don't feel anything." The woman said, "Your illness didn't just happen overnight; it takes time. Here's what we'll do: after dinner, light three incense sticks like I have, kneel down, and bow. I'll know, and I can cure you at home." Mao Yuqin hurriedly agreed and turned to look at Xu Hui, asking, "You really don't feel anything now?" Xu Hui shook her head. Mao Yuqin turned to look at the woman again and asked, "Is that all?"

At this moment, Ouyang Mei entered.

Fan Xurui said, "Xu Hui, you should rest. Let's go to the main room to talk." Mao Yuqian then asked Ouyang Mei to stay there with Xu Hui.

The group entered the main room and sat down. Fan Xurui said, "I think, no matter how well the medicine Yiming brought from Suzhou works, it's not suitable to hold the wedding now. In this hot weather, even Xu Hui's body, which is still recovering, can't withstand such an ordeal!" Ouyang Anping said, "Before Yiming left this morning, your grandfather and I also talked to him about this. Yiming said it would be best if the wedding could be held as scheduled, but holding it during the recovery period might have a negative impact." Fan Xurui said, "The wedding ceremony is just a formality. You can't force yourself to be sick. Yiming and Xu Hui are taking the wedding ceremony too seriously. Actually, once they get their marriage certificate, they are already husband and wife. Why be so particular?" Mao Yuqin said, "Xu Hui takes the wedding very seriously. Xu Hui and Yiming have been married for over two years, but she has never lived with Yiming. Xu Hui seems to value this wedding very much."

Fan Xurui was somewhat surprised and shook his head, saying, "I really didn't expect Xu Hui, who has received so much higher education, to be so closed off." He thought to himself, with Xu Hui's personality, he didn't know whether to admire her or reject her. Would Ouyang Yiming feel happy living with such a closed-off woman? But isn't Xu Hui's closed-off nature a model of purity?

Who can criticize her icy innocence? What man wouldn't want his woman to be this pure version? Yet, it's something too many men can't accept, at least not him.

He instantly thought of the cheerful, generous, and elegant Liu Yan—that was a truly passionate and sunny woman. So, which of these two women should Ouyang Yiming be with to have a better quality of life? He thought to himself, "Considering Liu Yan now is really foolish; she'd probably have a child by now." But now Xu Hui has contracted this strange illness. Could she really be cured by taking that temple's medicine? If not, what fate awaits Ouyang Yiming! He then thought of Xu Hui's earlier statement that she really didn't want to have a wedding right now, and realized that Xu Hui's thoughts must be very complicated and painful. Of course, he also understood the meaning behind Xu Hui's unfinished "I'm afraid." But now he couldn't say anything in front of the elders.

Fan Xurui couldn't help but lament in his heart: Liu Yan and Xu Hui were both exceptional women, both encountered by Ouyang Yiming, both passionately loved by him, and both likely to leave him, leaving none behind. This was Ouyang Yiming's greatest tragedy as an equally outstanding man!

Mao Yuqin said, "Whether the wedding will proceed as scheduled or not should be decided after Yiming returns. I heard from Xu Hui that her parents came with Yiming this time, arriving tonight. Let's discuss it after they meet." Everyone nodded. Fan Xurui

then recounted how he had taken Xu Hui's medical records to the hospital, shown them to some specialists, and found no good treatment options. Wei Liao said, "But since Xu Hui's childhood illness was cured by that temple's medicine, I think this time should be fine too. Don't worry too much." Mao Yuqin said, "I think so too, but how come it relapsed?" Fan Xurui thought for a moment and said, "There could be many reasons. Different doctors prescribe different medicines. Even if Yiming brings the medicine this time and she gets better, it would still be best if she went to the hospital for further rehabilitation treatment. Our hospital's experts hope that Xu Hui can go to the hospital for further examination. I just talked to Xu Hui, and she said she doesn't want to be hospitalized again." Mao Yuqin said, "But I heard that Xu Hui cannot be treated with medication while hospitalized in Shanghai." Fan Xurui said, "If she gets better after taking the medicine Yiming brought from Suzhou, I think going to the hospital for some rehabilitation treatment shouldn't be a problem." Mao Yuqin said, "That would be best if that were the case. We'll try to persuade Xu Hui then."

In fact, everyone knew what the consequences would be if Xu Hui took the medicine Ouyang Yiming brought from Suzhou and it didn't work, but no one was willing to say it out loud. Thinking about all this, Mao Yuqin felt overwhelmed with emotion, a wave of sorrow washing over her. She stood up, went outside, and wept. Everyone felt heavy-hearted. Now, all their hopes rested on the medicine Ouyang Yiming had brought from Suzhou. That evening, after dinner, Mao Yuqin had Xu Hui offer incense as instructed by the divine doctor. Although after the doctor left, Mao Yuqin learned from Ouyang Anping that Xu Hui's condition had been discussed at the doctor's house, it was still a glimmer of hope.

Around 10 p.m., Ouyang Yiming, Xu Zhenming, and Yang Ping arrived in Panzhou.

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