“In that case, Miss Ling Chuxi, I can confirm that you are definitely related to that expert, our Xia family benefactor. Aside from her and her descendants, there wouldn’t be anyone else able to refine this pill,” said Xu Rulin with a steely sense of confirmation.
Ling Chuxi frowned, totally confused by Xia Rulin’s words. How was this possible?
“Perhaps there are matters I am unaware of, and perhaps there are also matters you are unaware of. You might not understand it now, but I believe you will one day. You will find your own truth, Miss Ling Chuxi,” affirmed Xia Rulin with a smile on her face. She included this encouraging statement after seeing Ling Chuxi’s lost and doubtful expression. Xia Rulin continued, “Given this development, I will have to trouble you to treat my eyes. For I too do not wish that the fate of living in darkness’ despair haunts me for the rest of my days.”
Perhaps it was because she now knew her eyes were treatable, but Xia Rulin’s face had lit up with hope and happiness, as though she had come to some kind of decision.
“Of course, Aunty Xia. Thank you so much for giving me such a precious pill formula,” said Ling Chuxi with a nod of her head.
…
When Xia Rulin and Ling Chuxi returned to the hall, they saw the anxious Xia Zhuoyi and the fifth princess pretending to be calm. After all, both Xia Rulin and Ling Chuxi had been talking privately in Xia Rulin’s bedroom for such a long time that neither Xia Zhuoyi nor the fifth princess could truly remain calm anymore. At the sight of both Xia Rulin and Ling Chuxi walking out of the room with calm expressions, both Xia Zhuoyi and the fifth princess breathed out a sigh of relief and felt rest assured.
“Chuxi, I hope to cure my eyes as soon as possible. Is this something I can indeed hope for?” asked Xia Rulin hurriedly after she sat down.
“Of course. Once the herbs are completed, I can begin your treatment tomorrow,” replied Ling Chuxi as she made calculations in her heart. In a short while’s time, she would pay the Lan family a visit to extort some herbs.
“That’s great! Oh, mother, that is really just too great!” exclaimed Xia Zhuoyi excitedly as he rushed forward to hold both of Xia Rulin’s hands. Xia Rulin held on to Xia Zhuoyi’s hands in return as a determined smile appeared on her face.
“Ling Chuxi, I, Xia Zhuoyi will follow you for the rest of my life. I most definitely will not change my mind about this,” announced Xia Zhuoyi as he suddenly stood up and walked over to Ling Chuxi and dropped into a half kneel. He said each and every word clearly, as though he was pledging this oath with his life.
Xia Rulin didn’t seem to have any intention of stopping Xia Zhuoyi’s actions, instead she wore an assured expression that showed she agreed.
“Zhuoyi, you don’t need to do this. I did not decide to help you and your mother in hopes of claiming repayment.” Ling Chuxi felt a little uneasy at the sight of Xia Zhuoyi pledging an oath to her so seriously and made a gesture to reject the notion.
“Please do not reject this offer, Miss Ling Chuxi. I am very clear on what kind of person my son is. Regardless of whether or not you accept his oath, he will pledge loyalty to you with a one-track mind,” said Xia Rulin with a laugh.
Ling Chuxi was astounded. When she saw the determination in Xia Zhuoyi’s eyes, she involuntarily nodded her agreement.
…
The three of them didn’t eat at the Xia family home in the end as Ling Yichen was still waiting for them at Bao Qing Restaurant. Although Xia Rulin and Zhong Xingkai didn’t join them for dinner, they invited Ling Chuxi over to dine at their house in the future.
After enjoying a good meal, the matters that followed seemed a lot simpler. That night itself, once Ling Chuxi got people to send word to the Lan family, all the herbs she needed were quickly brought over without any excess discussion. The Lan family was indeed a rich little fat goat!
The medicinal pill needed to cure Xia Rulin’s eyes wasn’t difficult to refine. The night wasn’t yet as deep when Ling Chuxi had already refined it. Early the next morning, Xia Zhuoyi was waiting outside the courtyard of Ling Chuxi’s accommodation. There was a bag of meat buns in his hand. He had bought them as per the fifth princess’ suggestion.
After eating the meat buns on her way over, Ling Chuxi was in a pretty good mood. Once she arrived at the Xia family home, she found that Xia Rulin was already waiting.
Zhong Xingkai sucked in a cold breath when he saw Ling Chuxi lay out a row of gold needles which were all longer and thinner than usual. They were such fine gold needles… How skillful did one’s technique have to be in order to use them?