Chapter 42: It Can't Be Done

Upon hearing these words, a gentle warmth bloomed in Bai Qingyao’s heart. She looked up at Xiao Changgui in some surprise and whispered, “Gui, you… you really don’t mind?”

“I’m sorry… I might have been a bit too emotional this morning…”

Xiao Changgui gave a slight smile. “Why would I mind? I’m thrilled, if anything! You’re doing all this for my son’s sake, after all. My only worry is whether your body can bear it. After all, Xiao Fan is still young and inexperienced—he might not know how to cherish a woman…”

At these words, Bai Qingyao finally let out a long sigh of relief. “Now that you’ve said that, I’m at ease… I was worried you would feel uncomfortable…”

Xiao Changgui suppressed a bitter smile deep in his heart and could only force a show of magnanimity. “It’s fine… truly, it’s nothing…”

He hesitated, then asked, “But to be honest, is Xiao Fan really that incredible? This morning, you were… well, let’s just say the way you were shouting, it sounded like the roof was about to come down. And you completely lost control—calling out all sorts of things, ‘godmother,’ ‘temptress,’ and so on…”

“Ah!” Bai Qingyao covered her face in shame. “You… you heard all of that?”

“Please, don’t ever bring that up again, will you? It’s so embarrassing…”

Her eyes sparkled as she went on, “But to be honest, I truly lost control then… I just couldn’t help but shout those forbidden words. Maybe… maybe he drew out some secret part of me…”

A blush once again suffused her cheeks, her gaze burning. “I can promise you, no woman could resist Xiao Fan’s prowess… Before, I worried there might be something wrong with his health, but I was completely mistaken—absurdly so! Not only is his body without fault, he’s extraordinarily strong—almost frightening…”

Xiao Changgui’s expression grew increasingly complicated, but he still harbored a few doubts. “Is it really that exaggerated? He’s only just begun, yet already so impressive? Maybe it’s just that you don’t have much experience, so you think he’s extraordinary?”

“No!” Bai Qingyao declared solemnly. “That’s absolutely not it! Xiao Fan is extraordinary. I may not have tasted everything, but I know what I’ve seen. I’ve watched plenty of films—he’s truly gifted… Oh, it’s no use trying to explain it to you…”

She bit her lip, then said, “Let’s put it this way: I was like a chronic invalid before, weak and languishing. Xiao Fan, though, is like a miracle-working healer—he brought me back to life in an instant! To put it plainly, all the happiness I’ve had in my life doesn’t compare to the two times I’ve been with Xiao Fan…”

Her face flushed even deeper as she spoke, while Xiao Changgui’s became suffused with sorrow and regret. His only grievance was that the man who could bring such joy to Bai Qingyao was not himself, and that he lacked the ability to make her radiant with happiness.

Bai Qingyao noticed the change in his expression and hastily pressed her chest, now heaving with excitement, bowing her head. “I’m sorry, Gui… I shouldn’t have told you all this… How foolish of me—of course it makes you unhappy…”

“No, no, it’s all right…” Xiao Changgui forced a smile. “If Xiao Fan is really that impressive, I’m happy for him too. But remember, both of you—never lose sight of your original intentions. Don’t get so caught up in pleasure that you forget what’s important!”

“Whatever you do, you have my support, but remember, never use protection—ever.”

Bai Qingyao blushed so deeply she nearly bled. “Enough already… Please, stop talking about this! You’re going to embarrass me to death… Why are you even discussing these things with me…”

Just then, Zeng Xiaofan’s voice called out from the kitchen, “Uncle Gui! Aunt Yao! Dinner’s ready! Come and try the goji leaf and pork offal soup—it's so delicious, even sweeter and fresher than usual!”

Zeng Xiaofan urged them eagerly.

“We’re coming!” Bai Qingyao answered, then turned to Xiao Changgui. “Don’t mention any of this in front of Xiao Fan, all right? He’s shy—if you embarrass him, he might not come back next time, and that would be a problem!”

She sounded a little anxious, as if she very much looked forward to the next time.

“I know, I’m not that foolish…” Xiao Changgui grumbled, heading for the kitchen.

The three of them enjoyed their meal heartily. Xiao Changgui patted his belly and belched contentedly. “Xiao Fan! This is amazing! I’ve never had such delicious soup and rice with goji leaves before!”

Bai Qingyao gave Zeng Xiaofan a big thumbs up. “It really is delicious. I feel like my aches are gone after drinking it! The nourishing effects must be incredible. At first, seeing how big the leaves were, I worried about safety, but I never expected it would be so invigorating! Xiao Fan, you’re remarkable!”

Zeng Xiaofan gave a shy smile. “Auntie, please don’t praise me any more… You’ve said enough today—if you keep it up, I’ll get a big head…”

Bai Qingyao understood the hidden meaning immediately and, beneath the table, gave Zeng Xiaofan a discreet kick. But Zeng Xiaofan, as if he had eyes on his feet, deftly dodged and then caught her foot between his own.

“Ah~” Bai Qingyao gave a soft gasp, sending shivers down one’s spine.

“What’s wrong?” Xiao Changgui asked with concern. “Are you feeling unwell again?”

“Ahem… no, no, I’m fine…” Bai Qingyao quickly waved her hand and changed the subject. “Xiao Fan, since you can make such a miraculous medicine, do you have any plans? Maybe you should apply for a patent?”

Zeng Xiaofan smiled calmly. “Auntie, Uncle, I’ve already made up my mind! I won’t be applying for a patent. Instead, I want to lease some land in the village to grow medicinal herbs and lead everyone to prosperity! Too many kids here can’t afford university—I know that hardship too well. So I want not only to make money for myself, but also to do something for my hometown, for our people! I want to help everyone out of the mountains!”

His words were passionate, his eyes shining with determination.

But Xiao Changgui and Bai Qingyao both frowned slightly. Xiao Changgui spoke up directly, “Xiao Fan, it’s great to have ambition when you’re young! But I don’t mean to discourage you… I’m afraid this plan just won’t work…”