CHAPTER 553: CHAPTER 285: HEARTACHE

This doctor was naturally an insider; after the diagnosis, he spoke ambiguously, not clearly stating anything positive or negative, only mentioning that the condition wasn’t as bad as before, but whether it could be fully cured was still uncertain. However, it was also not advisable for the patient to stay cooped up indoors all day; it would be beneficial for his health to get more outdoor time in the courtyard, to breathe fresh air and bask in the sun, as a cheerful mood could aid his recovery.

Thus, every day, besides urging him to take his medicine on time, Zhou Jingyi added another task, which was to have people move a soft couch to the courtyard. She then helped him to go out for walks and sit outside. She didn’t talk much; as he sat on the couch, she would stand not far yet not too close, gazing into the distance, her thoughts unknown.

With no other people in the courtyard, Shi Fengming had no one to talk to and could only stare blankly at the flowers and leaves in front of him, watching them sway gently in the breeze and occasionally catching whiffs of faint floral scents.

Logically, he should have found it boring and frustrating, but for some unknown reason, his previously restless heart gradually calmed down, feeling a sense of peace and contentment he had never experienced before, almost as if the passing years were blessing him with tranquility.

That day when Shi Fengju and Sang Wan arrived, they saw exactly this scene: Shi Fengming sitting under a tree on the couch, staring blankly at several pots of hibiscus flowers of different colors, while Zhou Jingyi stood by a pillar on the porch, staring into the sky, both seemingly lost in their own worlds yet somehow appearing exceptionally harmonious together.

Neither Shi Fengming nor Zhou Jingyi noticed the arrival of Shi Fengju and Sang Wan; they continued gazing at flowers and the sky.

Shi Fengju and Sang Wan looked at each other, and Sang Wan couldn’t help but laugh.

"Second brother, what are you daydreaming about!" Shi Fengju coughed slightly.

"Big brother! Sister-in-law!" The two dreamers finally regained their senses and noticed the couple.

Zhou Jingyi, smiling somewhat apologetically, hurried over to Shi Fengju and Sang Wan. Shi Fengming instinctively tried to get up, but upon receiving a stare from Shi Fengju, he sat back down, only smiling towards them.

"Big brother, sister-in-law, what brings you here!" Zhou Jingyi hurriedly smiled, "This courtyard is full of medicinal smells; sister-in-law, you better not stay too long!" Saying this, she took out a piece of clean gauze from her pocket and smiled, "This is clean, cover it for a bit!"

Sang Wan, holding the gauze, smilingly said, "It’s fine in the courtyard, you aren’t covering your face either, am I that fragile?"

Zhou Jingyi chuckled.

Shi Fengju took the gauze, carefully covered Sang Wan’s mouth and nose with it and tied it up, smiling, "It’s better to be cautious, you’re quite delicate!"

Sang Wan and he looked at each other tenderly and smiled, allowing him to do so without resistance. Shi Fengming watched, feeling somewhat bitter, thinking to himself, big brother, do you really have to be like this? You both clearly know I’m pretending, aren’t you two overacting a bit!

Zhou Jingyi watched Shi Fengju, his every move and expression filled with tenderness; their eyes smiled at each other with affection, as if nothing in this world could come between them. Glancing once more at her husband, who couldn’t even bother to look at her, she felt a wave of melancholy and smiled, "Big brother, sister-in-law, wait a moment, I’ll move two chairs out for you!"

"No need, sister-in-law!" Shi Fengju laughed, "The weather is nice, it’s good to stand and walk around in this courtyard!" Shi Fengju then turned and smiled at Sang Wan, "Miss Wan, are you tired? If you’re tired, take a seat!"

Sang Wan shook her head smiling, "I’m fine!"

For some reason, ever since their time in Hangzhou and on the way back from Hangzhou, Shi Fengju had always been extremely gentle and attentive towards his wife, taking care of her comprehensively, Shi Fengming initially even mockingly criticized his brother a few times secretly, but over time he got used to it. However, now, seeing the couple being so intimate in front of him, he felt an inexplicable discomfort, and coughed, smiling bitterly, "Big brother, sister-in-law, you’ve come all the way to see me, yet you hardly talk to me, just whispering among yourselves!"

Sang Wan gently chided Shi Fengju with a look, saying, "Look at you!"

Shi Fengju, good-naturedly smiled at her, then turned to Shi Fengming, "How are you feeling today? Any better?"

Shi Fengming snorted, grudgingly replied, "Somewhat better! Haven’t gotten moldy yet!"

Sang Wan then went over to talk with Zhou Jingyi, asking her a few questions and advising her to take care of her own health and not wear herself out.

Zhou Jingyi nodded repeatedly, her eyes reddening, and forced a smile, "Thank you sister-in-law for your concern, I will be careful!"