Sheng Xinhao watched Sheng Zexi’s retreating figure, his face darkening.
To be honest, Sheng Xinhao had indeed entertained that idea initially.
When it came to his grandchildren—those with Sheng family blood—he naturally wanted to protect them.
But as for that country bumpkin of a woman? He couldn’t care less.
He had been thinking of ways to keep the two children while getting rid of her.
Yet, he hadn’t expected Sheng Zexi to see right through him.
Sheng Xinhao had to admit, his eldest son was just like him—in ability, temperament, and personality. In fact, he had even surpassed his father.
This was also why, despite having a younger son, Sheng Xinhao still wanted to funnel all the family’s resources to Sheng Zexi.
The biggest reason was that he believed only Sheng Zexi could sustain the Sheng family’s glory after his passing—perhaps even elevate it to greater heights.
Originally, he thought there would still be plenty of time to lay the groundwork and slowly persuade Sheng Zexi.
But then he thought of his illness…
And that sense of urgency grew stronger.
Sheng Zexi needed to be persuaded, and doctors still had to be found.
Before he could convince his son, the Sheng family still relied on him to hold everything together.
Though Sheng Zexi now swore that he would only ever have that one woman, now and in the future, Sheng Xinhao didn’t take it seriously.
He was a man, and he understood men.
No man remained devoted to just one woman for a lifetime—because life was too long, and the temptations around them were too many.
Take himself, for example. Back then, he had been deeply in love with Sang Yuwan.
That affection, even now when he recalled it, still felt sweet and beautiful.
But so what?
That didn’t stop him from marrying Fang Wanrong after Sang Yuwan’s death.
Even if he didn’t have much affection for Fang Wanrong, it didn’t stop him from having children with her.
…
After paying their respects at Sang Yuwan’s grave, Sheng Zexi left the cemetery with Gu Jianing and his grandparents, leaving Sheng Xinhao alone inside.
“Aren’t you going to ask what he just said to me?” Sheng Zexi asked Gu Jianing.
Gu Jianing smiled faintly. “No matter what he said, and whether it has anything to do with me, it won’t affect me anyway. So why should I bother knowing?”
Sheng Zexi was momentarily stunned. After processing her reasoning, he suddenly laughed.
“You’re right. There’s really no need to know.” Saying it out loud would only add unnecessary worries.
“Ningning, are you tired? Do you need to rest for a bit?” Sheng Zexi asked.
Gu Jianing studied him for a moment and said, “I’m not tired. Why don’t we go to your comrade’s house now? I imagine they must be getting anxious.”
In truth, it wasn’t just the Hua family who were anxious—Sheng Zexi himself was eager as well.
Hua Zhenrong held a special place in his heart.
Sheng Zexi hadn’t expected Ningning to see right through his thoughts.
“Alright, let’s go now. But if you feel tired at any point, you must tell me. Ningning, remember—to me, you are the most important,” Sheng Zexi said solemnly.
“Okay, I understand.”
Since they were heading to the Hua family’s home, they didn’t return with Grandpa and Grandma Sang.
When the elderly couple learned that Sheng Zexi was taking Gu Jianing to treat Hua Zhenrong, they immediately approved.
“You two go ahead. We’ll head back on our own.” The old couple knew the relationship between Hua Zhenrong and Sheng Zexi, so they naturally hoped Hua Zhenrong could be cured.
That young man… he was still so young. He shouldn’t have to suffer like this.
After bidding farewell to his grandparents, Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing to the military compound where the Hua family lived.
Just as the two were going through the entrance registration and security check, a car drove out from inside.
Seated in the car was Li Tingxuan.
Li Tingxuan’s transfer application to the Northwestern Military District had been approved. In a few days, once the handover was complete, he would be on his way.
He knew the person he was searching for was in the Northwestern Military District!
Lost in thought, Li Tingxuan glanced out the car window.
That was when he caught sight of a young couple, their backs turned to him.
They seemed to be husband and wife.
But…
Li Tingxuan’s gaze lingered on the woman’s silhouette.
For some reason, her figure struck him as vaguely familiar.
As the car slowly moved forward, however, his line of sight was soon blocked.
In the end, he withdrew his gaze, brushing off the fleeting sense of doubt that had crossed his mind.
Meanwhile, Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing both noticed the scrutinizing gaze from the car but paid it no mind.
Soon, after completing the registration and security check, the two made their way to the Hua residence.
“Zexi, you’re here,” came a voice as Sheng Zexi led Gu Jianing into the Hua family home.
The Hua family—whether it was the high-ranking Father Hua, the gentle and elegant Mother Hua, or Hua Zhenrong’s eldest brother and his wife, along with the second brother and his wife—all came out to welcome the couple.
Especially Mother Hua. When she saw Sheng Zexi, her eyes were filled with nostalgia and hope.
Back in the day, her third son never got along with anyone—except Sheng Zexi.
Mother Hua had always known that Sheng Zexi was a good kid.
“And this must be your wife,” Mother Hua said warmly, her gaze shifting to Gu Jianing. The entire Hua family brightened upon seeing her.
Earlier, Sheng Zexi had called the Hua family to inform them that during this Qingming Festival, he would bring his wife to visit—and that she might be able to treat Hua Zhenrong’s “madness.”
That’s right—in this era, PTSD wasn’t widely understood, so it was simply called “madness.”
The Hua family knew Sheng Zexi had always been deeply concerned about Hua Zhenrong’s condition.
So when he said his wife could help, they trusted it wasn’t baseless—there had to be some real hope behind it.
They were aware Sheng Zexi had gotten married, though they didn’t know much about his wife’s background.
Later, Father Hua conducted a brief investigation and learned that Gu Jianing was currently a doctor at the Northwest Military District Hospital. Her acupuncture skills and surgical abilities were extraordinary—she could perform operations that even seasoned doctors in the Northwest couldn’t handle.
She had even developed a treatment for tuberculosis. Many infertile couples sought her help, and there were already reports of significant success.
Moreover, she had been taken in as a disciple by Old Master Chen.
They knew exactly who Old Master Chen was.
Anyone he accepted as a disciple had to be exceptional.
In the past, they had even invited Old Master Chen to examine Hua Zhenrong. Unfortunately, this wasn’t his area of expertise, so he couldn’t help.
Even though Gu Jianing was his disciple, different fields required different specialties—so how could she succeed where he couldn’t?
But with Sheng Zexi’s strong recommendation, the Hua family held onto hope.
They had already consulted many doctors for their third son, all ending in disappointment.
Yet, as long as there was even a sliver of hope, they refused to give up.
That’s why, upon hearing Sheng Zexi would bring Gu Jianing today, even Father Hua—despite his busy schedule—and the eldest and second brothers with their wives all made sure to be present.
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