Chapter 24
As soon as the two stepped out, they were surrounded by people in the family compound.
Today is a day off, and most people in the compound are at home. You can see that the pavilions and the shaded areas under the trees are almost full of people.
When the people in the compound spotted Gu Xi and Shen Mingzheng walking side by side, they all cheered and came over to greet them.
The people in the compound were very curious about Gu Xi's fiancé. The night before last, when Shen Mingzheng brought Gu Xi back, it was dark and they couldn't see him clearly. Now that it was broad daylight, they found that he was indeed a very handsome young man. Moreover, he was very tall, and his aura matched their impression of military officers.
The two walked together; the man was handsome and the woman was pretty, a pleasing sight to behold.
An older woman asked, "Xixi, where are you all going?"
They looked at the engaged couple, assuming the young people were going out on a date, and their faces showed knowing expressions.
People are quite open-minded about these young people who are already engaged.
Gu Xi honestly replied, "To the hospital."
"Going to the hospital? Are you going to visit your father?"
"No, I went to the hospital for a checkup." Gu Xi scratched her face, a little embarrassed. "I haven't been feeling well lately, and Aunt Feng has been telling me to go to the hospital for a checkup."
If it were her alone, she definitely wouldn't go.
Unexpectedly, Aunt Feng actually asked Shen Mingzheng to come and pick her up directly, so she had no choice but to go.
Everyone scrutinized Gu Xi's face, especially those who were observant, who had already noticed that her complexion was not good.
Although not everyone can eat their fill these days, most young girls, especially those from the city, who come from well-off families, are full of vitality. Someone like Gu Xi, with her pale complexion, is obviously not getting enough nutrition.
It seems the Gu family really doesn't care about her enough; they didn't even think to take her to the hospital for a checkup.
"Your complexion is indeed not good. Your skin is pale and bluish, which looks like you have insufficient blood and qi. Go see a doctor and ask them to prescribe some medicine to replenish your blood and qi."
“I think it’s because she didn’t have a good life when she was in the countryside, and her health is really bad. She still needs to take good care of herself.”
"But Xixi is much better than when she first came back. Back then, she was thin and short, and you could tell at a glance that she hadn't had enough to eat in the countryside."
"That's right! The Gu family raises other people's daughters so well, but their own daughters are raised like this. It's really heartbreaking!"
"There's nothing we can do about it; I've heard that's how it is in the countryside."
"Nonsense! Even in the countryside, girls aren't treated too badly. Gu Xi was mistreated terribly before!"
"..."
After inquiring about Gu Xi's health, the older women started asking about their marriage, all feeling that Shen Mingzheng's presence here meant their wedding was imminent.
"Hey, when are you two getting married?"
Gu Xi: "..."
Shen Mingzheng, who was standing nearby, said, "We're planning to get married next month."
"Really? Congratulations!"
"Then we'll have to have a few of your wedding candies!"
"..."
Gu Xi swallowed the words she was about to say, feeling a sense of powerlessness as she looked at the group of middle-aged women offering their congratulations.
After finally saying goodbye to the group of enthusiastic aunties and grandmas, the two left the family compound.
Not far from the family compound, a jeep was waiting. Shen Mingzheng led her into the car. Gu Xi looked at the young soldier driving in front of her, swallowed all her words, and sat quietly.
The jeep drove directly to the military hospital.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Shen Mingzheng got out of the car first, glanced at the person inside who was clearly in a daze, and called out, "Gu Xi?"
Gu Xi suddenly came to her senses and realized that they had arrived at the hospital, so she quickly got out of the car.
After registering, they only had to wait a short while before it was their turn.
When Gu Xi went in, she saw the familiar old doctor sitting there. She was a master of traditional Chinese medicine with excellent medical skills. She was very good at acupuncture and conditioning people's bodies. In the past few years, every time she came to the hospital for a check-up, she would come to see this old doctor.
The old doctor was an elderly woman with gray hair, wearing reading glasses, and she looked very energetic.
Upon seeing Gu Xi, she first smiled and said, "It's been a long time since you've come here. What have you been busy with lately?" Suddenly, she exclaimed in surprise, adjusted her glasses, and looked at Shen Mingzheng, who had come in with Gu Xi, "You are... Feng Min's son—Mingzheng?"
This old lady had some connection with Feng Min; she was a distant relative of Feng Min's maternal family. Shen Mingzheng and the others all called her "Great-Aunt."
Shen Mingzheng nodded slightly to her, "Great-aunt, it's been a long time."
The old lady smiled kindly, gesturing for them to sit down. While taking Gu Xi's pulse, she said, "The last time I saw you was several years ago. Mingzheng hasn't changed much; I recognized him immediately." Then, with a smile, she asked, "You've really gone to the trouble of accompanying your fiancée here. Are you planning to get married?"
In the past, Feng Min always accompanied Gu Xi, but seeing that someone else had come this time, she knew that good things were about to happen.
Shen Mingzheng nodded with an honest expression, "I'm getting married next month. My great-aunt can come over for a visit and a meal whenever she has time."
Congratulations! Your mom must be so happy!
The two continued talking to each other, and Gu Xi couldn't get a word in edgewise, nor did she know how to join in.
It felt like ever since she vaguely agreed to marry him yesterday, the whole world knew they were getting married, and she hadn't had a chance to back out.
After exchanging a few words, the old lady focused on taking the pulse and then withdrew her hand after a while.
She stared at Gu Xi's face for a moment, and after Gu Xi looked somewhat frightened, she said, "Xi Xi, have you not been resting or eating properly lately?"
"No!" Gu Xi quickly replied, "I've been eating well and sleeping for more than ten hours every day."
She was afraid that the old lady would think her health was bad and then prescribe a bunch of medicines for her to take care of.
Over the past few years, she has become ill from drinking so many medications. What she fears most is coming to see the old lady for a check-up, so she avoids coming whenever possible.
The old lady could easily see her fear. No patient is unafraid of a doctor. She smiled and said, "Your health still needs further treatment. You can't be careless."
Gu Xi obediently responded.
The old lady talked about her health again, and what she said was similar to before: she was deficient in qi and blood, and needed to continue to regulate her body, as well as keep up with her nutrition. She was also advised not to worry too much and to get plenty of rest...
The old lady said a lot, and Gu Xi listened perfunctorily; it was pretty much the same thing every time.
She knew her own physical condition. Insufficient blood and qi and malnutrition were one reasons, and another reason was probably affected by certain factors. It might take some time to recover. No matter how good the old lady's medical skills were, she was powerless to do anything about some situations that current technology could not explain.
Gu Xi turned her head absentmindedly and found Shen Mingzheng sitting to the side, listening very attentively and taking notes of some of the precautions the old lady mentioned.
She stared, somewhat stunned.
This is the second person besides Aunt Feng who cares so much about her health.
Uncle Shen and Aunt Feng arranged their marriage without his consent.
She had always thought that for him, this marriage was perhaps just a responsibility, nothing more. As a responsible man, he wouldn't easily break off the engagement, but would take it seriously and fulfill his duties.
But it was indeed this marriage that bound him to the union, leaving him no other choice.
Her desire to break off the engagement might also be an attempt to give him another option.
**
When I left the hospital, I carried large bags of medicine with me.
Shen Mingzheng took her back to the car and had the driver take them to the military compound.
"Mom said you should come home for dinner today. Aunt Wang made you some chicken soup to help you recover." Shen Mingzheng said, glancing at her face and frowning slightly.
Even without anyone pointing it out, he could tell that she didn't look well.
I heard that she had a tough childhood and her health suffered as a result. Even after several years of trying to improve her health, she was still unable to recover.
Gu Xi obediently said "oh" and looked at the medicine packet placed next to her. She could already imagine the scene of taking medicine every day for the next half month.
Before I even drank it, my mouth started to taste bitter.
When the car arrived at the Shen family's house, the two entered and saw Mr. and Mrs. Shen sitting in the living room talking. Aunt Wang was busy in the kitchen, and the aroma of food wafted through the air.
Seeing them, Feng Min smiled and said, "You've come back just in time; it's almost time to eat."
Shen Mingzheng took the medicine prescribed by the hospital and put it away. Gu Xi obediently called someone to go to the bathroom to wash her hands.
Shen Mingrong ran downstairs, first throwing herself into Gu Xi's arms and calling out sweetly, then running to her older brother, chattering incessantly, "Big brother, big brother, are you going on a date with Sister Xi today? Where are you going? Next time you go on a date, you have to take me with you, I'm so bored at home alone..."
Shen Mingzheng reached out and grabbed the lower half of his face with his large hand, physically suppressing his nagging.
Shen Mingrong made muffled noises, shaking his head back and forth, unable to shake off his brother's large hand.
Feng Min found it amusing and burst out laughing. While helping to put the medicine in, she asked, "Xixi, how were today's test results? What did your great-aunt say?"
Gu Xi said, "As before, we need to continue with the treatment."
"Really?" Feng Min glanced at her face and felt that it was still a bit pale and bloodless.
Although I was a little worried, I still chose to trust my great-aunt's medical skills. Since she said there was nothing wrong, then it should be fine.
"Then Xixi can stay here for the time being. Aunt Wang can make you your medicine," Feng Min said, then turned to ask, "Mingzheng, are you leaving tonight?"
Shen Mingzheng lifted up his underlings who were climbing on him and nodded in response.
Feng Min was a little reluctant to part with him, but she also knew that he still had tasks to complete and couldn't stay at home for too long.
After lunch, Shen Mingzheng went out.
Gu Xi originally wanted to talk to him some more, but seeing that he was in a hurry, she didn't want to bother him, so she gave up and decided to wait until he came back.
She felt very comfortable at the Shen family's house; after dinner, she would take a nap.
After waking up from her afternoon nap, Gu Xi played chess with Shen Mingrong.
The two played and chatted, while Aunt Wang sat to the side mending clothes. The room was filled with Shen Mingrong's chattering voice.
In the evening, Shen Mingzheng returned home and had dinner with his family.
He was going to leave after dark, and before that, he had to clarify his marriage with Gu Xi with his parents.
Since neither of them had any objections, they decided to set a date.
After the meal, the group sat on the sofa and drank tea.
Shen Mingzheng sat upright with his back straight and said, "Dad, Mom, Gu Xi and I have already discussed it and we will get married next month."
Gu Xi was eating fruit when she heard this and suddenly the fruit in her mouth didn't taste sweet anymore.
She looked up and saw the happy Feng Min and Aunt Wang, the relaxed and heavy-hearted Shen Zhongshan, and Shen Mingrong jumping up with cheers. She could feel their anticipation and joy for the marriage.
They were very much looking forward to her marrying into the family.
Feng Min smiled broadly, secretly giving her son a "well done" look, then turned to ask, "Xixi, have you really discussed it?"
Nowadays, marriage is based on mutual consent. Even if the two people have already made an engagement, they still need to ask the woman's wishes before they can get married.
She believed that Gu Xi wouldn't dislike her son, but she still had to ask him anyway.
Shen Mingzheng looked over, his eyes fixed on her face, as if he wouldn't allow her to refuse.
Not only him, but everyone in the room was looking at Gu Xi.
Gu Xi opened her mouth and, under their gaze, slowly hummed in agreement.
She didn't want to let them down!
However, she still felt somewhat apprehensive and uneasy...
Feng Min enthusiastically pulled them together to discuss the wedding arrangements, and emphasized that they needed to find an auspicious date first.
"Luckily, we still have a month to prepare. By the time Mingzheng comes back next month, we'll be almost ready." She said happily, "Don't worry, Mingzheng, I'll prepare everything you need for the wedding. You can just come back then."
Shen Mingzheng nodded slightly, "Thank you for your help, Mom and Dad!"
After finishing this matter, it was already dark, and Shen Mingzheng prepared to leave.
This time, Feng Min didn't feel any reluctance, since her son would be back next month to get married anyway. Seeing Shen Mingzheng about to leave, she said to Gu Xi, "Xi Xi, go see Mingzheng off."
Since they're getting married anyway, the young couple should spend more time together and nurture their relationship.
Gu Xi responded and stood up to see Shen Mingzheng off.
Shen Mingrong also wanted to see his brother off, but his mother stopped him, gave him a task, and then sent him back to his room. The child could only pout and turn to look at his brother with a wronged expression.
To his surprise, his brother ignored him completely, standing there with his luggage, looking directly at Gu Xi.
The two walked out one after the other.
Upon entering the courtyard, Gu Xi suddenly reached out and tugged at his clothes. Shen Mingzheng stopped and turned to look at her.
It was already dark, and the streetlights were dim, unable to penetrate into the courtyard; only the outline of her face could be vaguely seen.
Faint voices could be heard coming from the living room, along with the sounds of the neighbor's children playing and laughing, which only made the quietness of the place seem even more pronounced.
Gu Xi bit her lip hard, the pain making her more alert. She whispered, "Big brother, are we really going to get married?"
Shen Mingzheng hummed in agreement, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You want to back out?"
It seems that what I did today was not enough. I need to push her a little harder, otherwise she will regret it and want to become the adopted daughter of the Shen family even more.
"It's not that..." Gu Xi hesitated, "It's just that there's a sense of unreality, like..."
She was actually a little scared, afraid that if she died one day, she would be a burden to him for the rest of his life.
She was afraid she would regret it, and that it would be more painful than seeing him remain single for the rest of his life after she died in her previous life.
Although Shen Mingzheng couldn't see the expression on her face clearly, he could sense the unease emanating from her, as if she was afraid of something.
He didn't know why she felt uneasy, or what it was that made her uneasy, but none of that could shake his decision.
From the moment she came of age, he made up his mind that she would be his wife!
"Gu Xi." Shen Mingzheng reached out and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, as if to reassure her. "Don't overthink it, I'm here for you!"
Gu Xi looked up at him. The warmth of his palm seeped through the thin fabric of her clothes, slightly warming her skin and calming her heart.
All the unease and hesitation seemed to disappear in his firmness, and a sense of security suddenly welled up in my heart.
Just like that day by the lake, he pulled her back, making the world noisy again, and keeping her away from death.
Shen Mingzheng was ultimately different for her.
They were originally engaged, but in his previous life, he remained unmarried out of guilt, leaving her with a profound regret.
Although she was afraid of delaying him again, how could she bring herself to call off the engagement and make everyone unhappy if he wanted to marry her?
Feeling her body gradually relax, Shen Mingzheng withdrew his hand, staring intently at her blurred face in the dim light, and said, "Gu Xi, wait for me to come back!"
Gu Xi felt a slight itch in her throat and responded softly.
Shen Mingzheng glanced at her again, then turned and walked out.
The car was already waiting at the door.
As he got into the car, he saw her standing at the door through the window, watching him leave, as if she were hoping for his return.
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