This time, after hearing Fu Yan's words, Zhang Yuehong didn't take offense. She silently ate the food before her as if Fu Yan had said nothing at all. This abnormal behavior didn't concern Fu Yan; he just assumed she had taken his words to heart and decided to keep quiet.
Fu Ya, however, keenly sensed that something was not quite right with Zhang Yuehong. Don't ask how she knew—it was a woman's intuition.
"Zhang Yuehong, weren't you very arrogant before? Why are you suddenly so quiet?" Fu Ya taunted. "You're like a mouse!"
Zhang Yuehong heard Fu Ya's provocative words but still ignored her. She shot her a fierce glare before lowering her head to continue eating.
At that moment, Zhang Yuehong's emotions were a complex tangle that couldn't be described with words. Regarding Liu Ergou, she didn't know if she hated him or felt something else entirely. Her feelings were a mess. Most importantly, she couldn't stop thinking about what had happened in the bathroom and even wanted it to happen again. But her reason told her she shouldn't.
Seeing that Zhang Yuehong remained silent, Fu Ya thought for a moment and decided not to say anything more, simply shutting her mouth and continuing to eat.
The rest of the meal passed in silence, just like the last time.
However, as they were finishing, Fu Yan suddenly looked up and saw Liu Ergou.
"Ergou!"
The call made Liu Ergou, who had been engrossed in his meal, look up at Fu Yan in confusion.
"What is it, Uncle Fu?"
Fu Yan laughed heartily at Liu Ergou's bewildered expression. "Don't be nervous," he said. "I just want to talk to you about something."
"I believe a man as capable as you shouldn't be buried in obscurity. You ought to step onto a larger stage!
"The day after tomorrow, there's a gathering. I want you to join me to broaden your horizons and meet more people!
"Your miraculous medical skills shouldn't remain unknown. You should let more people know just how powerful and extraordinary they are!"
After hearing Fu Yan's words, Liu Ergou nodded in agreement.
Liu Ergou wasn't a fool. He naturally understood what Fu Yan meant.
Under normal circumstances, he would have felt obligated to help after such a request, but the situation had changed. Zhang Yuehong had already been... because of him. So, there was no way he could agree to this. Of course, he couldn't say no outright. He had to find a tactful excuse.
After thinking for a couple of seconds, Liu Ergou replied, "It's like this, Uncle. You see, your cancer isn't cured yet; it still requires many more treatments!
"That is to say, your body is quite weak. In such a frail state, I wouldn't recommend you dissipate your yang energy.
"Once your yang energy is depleted, evil qi will invade, which will only complicate your illness. If you trust me, then listen to me. For this period, you should rest and not think about... these things.
"After some time, once the cancer is completely resolved, I will naturally help you with recuperation!
"How does that sound?"
Liu Ergou had explained it all so clearly. Fu Yan was no fool, and he cherished his life—after all, a man only gets one. He promptly agreed with Liu Ergou's advice.
"Oh, so that's how it is, Ergou!"
"Alright then, I understand. You go rest, I won't bother you any further," Fu Yan said, sounding somewhat dejected.
Liu Ergou said nothing more, simply turned, left the study, and returned to his room.
「In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.」
That evening, Fu Yan came home a full hour earlier than usual. Once home, he went to his dressing room and changed into a very respectable suit.
Dressed, Fu Yan was about to call the others to set out when he turned and caught sight of Liu Ergou in his plain clothes. Seeing his outfit, Fu Yan couldn't help but start persuading him.
"Ergou, that outfit is far too plain. It's simply not suitable. If you go dressed like that, no one will pay any attention to you. The trip would be a waste!
"Listen to Uncle. I have a high-end suit in my wardrobe you can wear. It might be a little small, but you can definitely fit into it!
"When we get back, I'll have one custom-tailored just for you. How about it?"
Hearing Fu Yan's words, Liu Ergou flatly rejected his kind offer.
"No need, Uncle. Let's just forget about wearing a suit."