Chapter 16: Wavering

Zeng Xiaofan gazed at Xiao Changgui’s sorrowful face, his heart filled with sympathy. The agony of losing one’s manhood was something he could only imagine, never truly understand. Yet every man could envision that feeling of powerlessness—a profound sadness that could not be overstated.

Amid his pity, Zeng Xiaofan was puzzled: Why had Uncle Changgui waited until now to confide in him? Did he somehow know about the secret of his inheritance from the legendary healer? Was he seeking his help to cure his condition?

Truthfully, even with the inheritance, Zeng Xiaofan felt helpless in such a situation. The organ was gone—it was not a simple case of illness or injury. The only possible remedy would be transplantation, but every man only possessed one; who would willingly donate such a thing? Besides, with his current level of cultivation, Zeng Xiaofan knew he could not perform such a complex procedure. It would require immense magical power, and his training had only just begun. Perhaps in the future…

In a flash, Zeng Xiaofan formulated his response and smiled, “Uncle, so you know everything about me now?”

Xiao Changgui smiled with a hint of meaning, “Yes, I know it all. Your Aunt Yao has told me everything.”

“What?” Zeng Xiaofan furrowed his brows slightly. “Aunt Yao told you? How did she know?”

“She saw it with her own eyes—how could she not know? Besides, I wasn’t planning to blame you. There’s no need to hide it anymore,” Xiao Changgui said seriously.

Zeng Xiaofan assumed Aunt Yao had seen him practicing his skills earlier and accepted it, replying calmly, “So you know about me and came to ask me for help, right?”

“That’s right. You’re clever; surely you know what I want from you now?” Xiao Changgui looked at him with a half-smile.

Zeng Xiaofan nodded. “I understand, Uncle. I never intended to keep it from you both, but I worried you wouldn’t accept it right away… You’d think I was mad, so I didn’t tell you. Now that you know, I’m willing to give it a try, though I can’t guarantee success. Of course, if it doesn’t work this time, I’ll keep trying other methods…”

Xiao Changgui exhaled deeply, surprised at how readily Zeng Xiaofan agreed.

“Good, good! With your word, I’m at ease. It’s normal if it doesn’t work the first time. Even though you’re healthy, there’s always a chance… It’s fine—all family here, plenty of opportunities. If it doesn’t work once, we’ll try again,” Xiao Changgui nodded, then glanced toward Bai Qingyao, his feelings mixed.

Zeng Xiaofan didn’t notice the change in Xiao Changgui’s expression and said quietly, “Alright, then take off your pants, and I’ll examine you.”

“Huh?” Xiao Changgui was momentarily stunned. “What do you mean?”

“Take off your pants,” Zeng Xiaofan repeated. “You want me to treat your problem, right? How can I treat it without seeing it? At least let me check the condition.”

Xiao Changgui was completely bewildered. “Nonsense! What do you know about treatment? Who said I wanted you to treat me? What I want is… I want you and your Aunt Yao to… to be together, so we can have a son!” As he spoke, Xiao Changgui made a suggestive gesture at Zeng Xiaofan.

The words thundered in Zeng Xiaofan’s mind, leaving him utterly stunned. “What?! Uncle, what are you saying? Didn’t you say you knew about my abilities? I thought you meant my medical skills, and you wanted me to treat you!”

Xiao Changgui was equally confused. “Come on, Xiaofan, are you joking at a time like this? What medical skills? You didn’t even finish medical school—what would you know? What I know about you is what your Aunt Yao told me: you took her underwear and… pleased yourself.”

“What! I did not! That’s a lie! How could I ever do such a thing!” Zeng Xiaofan was completely thunderstruck. Only now did he realize that both he and Xiao Changgui had misunderstood each other, each speaking about their own concerns.

Xiao Changgui gradually understood, feeling embarrassed. “I wondered why you agreed so quickly—it’s not like you. I thought you were eager for your Aunt Yao and that’s why you consented… Well, never mind everything else. You promised me one thing: I want your help in giving me and your Aunt Yao a son.”

Zeng Xiaofan’s mind was buzzing. “Uncle! Are you crazy? How is that possible? That’s my aunt! I’ve always regarded her as my godmother! Absolutely impossible…”

Xiao Changgui frowned, his voice serious. “Godmother? Who reacts to their godmother like that… Enough, I won’t argue. Xiaofan, how have I treated you all these years?”

“Uncle, you’ve been very good to me, but I really can’t help with this… Even if I agreed, Aunt Yao would never consent!”

“No! She’s already agreed,” Xiao Changgui replied without hesitation, a sly glint in his eyes.

“What?” Zeng Xiaofan’s mind exploded at the news. “Aunt Yao… she agreed…”

“No… absolutely not… That’s Aunt Yao…”

Zeng Xiaofan shook his head repeatedly, stumbling as he tried to flee from this shocking scene. But Xiao Changgui grabbed his arm firmly, his voice grave, “Xiaofan, I’ve never asked you for anything before! Can’t you help us with just this one thing? Or do you think your aunt is too old, too unattractive?”

“No, no! Aunt Yao isn’t old—she’s the most charming woman I’ve ever met! To me, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world! I’d gladly die for her, but to desecrate her like this… I can’t do it!”

With that, Zeng Xiaofan shook off Xiao Changgui’s hand, grabbed two clean garments, and rushed into the bathhouse. He didn’t even close the door, turning on the faucet and letting cold mountain spring water pour over his head.

Only the icy water could bring him a measure of calm, soothe the turmoil in his heart.

After who knows how many minutes under the frigid water, Zeng Xiaofan finally regained his composure. He recalled Uncle Changgui’s request, remembered that Aunt Yao had agreed, and at that thought, the taut string in his heart began to loosen ever so slightly…