Father Zhu stood quietly to the side, looking at Liu Feng and Yu Jingya in front of him. They were both only eighteen or nineteen years old. The man was exceptionally handsome, and the woman was gentle and beautiful. Standing side by side, they looked like a pair of golden boys and jade girls, exuding youthful vigor and lively beauty.
A ripple of emotion stirred within him. He sighed to himself, no wonder his daughter was always so fond of him. Who wouldn't be tempted by such an outstanding young man?
Then, everyone went inside. What came into view was the simple furnishings; the paint on the old tables and chairs was peeling and full of scratches, but they were wiped spotless.
Zhu Shuang busied herself rummaging through the depths of the cupboard and pulled out a package of her treasured new tea. She carefully unwrapped it, clearly something she wouldn't normally enjoy, but had specially brought out today to entertain her distinguished guest.
She deftly poured tea for the two of them, then turned around and got some candy for Little Sweetie, saying apologetically, "These candies are wedding candies from your brother's house. I've been saving them and haven't been able to bear eating them, but now they're for you."
Little Sweetie took the candy, her eyes curving into crescent moons, her laughter as clear as silver bells. "Thank you, sister," she said, happily chewing the candy as she spoke, her sweet laughter ringing out from time to time, making her appear exceptionally lively and adorable.
Liu Feng took a sip of tea, his gaze sweeping over Zhu's father's legs before turning to the next room. Through the thin curtain, he could vaguely see a woman lying quietly on the bed, her face as pale as paper, devoid of any color. A few strands of hair were scattered messily on the pillow, and her weak breath seemed to waft through the curtain.
A wave of sorrow welled up in his heart.
Yu Jingya also keenly sensed Zhu Shuang's family's predicament. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes filled with concern, and asked softly, "How are your health, Uncle and Aunt?"
Zhu Shuang's expression dimmed slightly, a hint of loneliness and helplessness flashing in her eyes. But she quickly recovered, a smile returning to her lips, and said in a forcedly relaxed tone, "It's alright. My mother is just a bit frail and suffers from illnesses year-round, needing someone to take care of her at all times. My father, although his legs aren't very agile, can still help me out with some housework. We father and daughter support each other, so we manage."
After hearing this, Liu Feng said, "It's alright, your uncle and aunt will be fine soon."
Zhu Shuang thought this was just a consolation, and she still felt warm inside, after all, Liu Feng's arrival had already made her very happy.
After taking a couple of sips of tea, Liu Feng put down his teacup and walked over to Zhu's father. "Uncle, don't be nervous, let me take a look." As he spoke, he bent down, lifted Zhu's father's injured leg, placed it on a small stool, and gently patted it, indicating that Zhu's father should straighten it.
As everyone gathered around, Zhu Shuang looked nervous, but seeing Liu Feng's calm demeanor, she gradually relaxed.
Liu Feng seemed oblivious to the gazes of the crowd. He focused intently on extending one hand and firmly grasping Zhu's father's knee joint. In an instant, several crisp "crack" sounds echoed through the room, breaking the silence.
Strangely enough, Zhu's father did not feel any pain. Instead, he felt a warm sensation rising in his knee joint, as if the warm spring sun was shining on him, dispelling the cold and dampness deep in his joint. Then, an intense itching sensation came over him, making him want to move.
But Zhu's father endured it, clenching his teeth and not making a sound. His cloudy eyes were fixed on Liu Feng's handsome and composed face. Seeing Liu Feng's focused expression, a glimmer of hope gradually ignited in his heart.
He thought to himself that if his leg could be cured, he would be able to take care of himself in the future, and his daughter would no longer have to do all the chores at home, and he would no longer be a burden to his family.
As he thought about it, Zhu's father's lips unconsciously curled into a happy smile, completely immersed in his beautiful vision of the future, even forgetting that Liu Feng was treating his leg ailment at that moment.
Liu Feng's hand remained firmly on Zhu's father's leg. The room was quiet and everyone held their breath. Only the lively and active little Tian Tian occasionally made some slight noises, adding a unique touch of life to the tense atmosphere.
About fifteen minutes later, Liu Feng slowly withdrew his hand, straightened up, looked at Zhu's father with a calm gaze, and said directly, "Uncle, please get up and walk around to take a look."
"Ah!" Zhu's father seemed to wake from a dream, and looked at Liu Feng with a look of astonishment. Liu Feng smiled and encouraged him, "Uncle, you can stand up with this leg now, give it a try."
Zhu Shuang quickly stepped forward and gently helped her father up.
Yu Jingya also stared curiously at Zhu's father's straightened legs, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zhu's father took his first step, then his second…
Zhu Shuang released her father's hand and exclaimed excitedly, "Dad, your leg is healed! It's really healed!"
Overwhelmed with excitement, she instinctively opened her arms and hugged Liu Feng tightly, tears streaming down her face. "My dad's leg is really healed, Liu Feng, thank you, thank you!" Her voice choked with emotion, filled with gratitude.
Liu Feng froze on the spot, his face flushed with embarrassment, and dared not move.
This was the second time Zhu Shuang had hugged him like this. The last time was at their graduation dinner, when she and Li Yu, two girls, got drunk and hugged him without really thinking.
When Zhu Shuang noticed Yu Jingya's gaze, she shyly let go of Liu Feng: "I'm so happy."
At this moment, Zhu's father seemed to have been reborn. He threw his cane aside and strode into the yard, pacing back and forth, muttering, "My leg is healed, healed!" His hearty laughter echoed in the yard, dispelling the gloom that had been hanging over the house.
Then, he strode back into the house, came to Liu Feng, and made as if to kneel down to express his gratitude. Liu Feng reacted quickly and stopped him, saying, "How can I do this! Uncle, please don't do this."
With tears welling up in his eyes and his voice trembling, Zhu's father said, "Liu Feng, you saved my life and my whole family! I could never repay your kindness even if I knelt before you for three days and three nights."
Liu Feng quickly helped Zhu's father up and said sincerely, "Uncle, Zhu Shuang and I were classmates. It's only right that I help a classmate in need. Please don't be so polite. Aunt is still bedridden. Let me check on her condition."
Mr. Zhu nodded repeatedly, tears of gratitude streaming down his face, and said, "Alright, alright, then I'll trouble you to take a look. Thank you for your hard work, my child."
The group moved to the next room, and as soon as they entered, a strong smell of herbs filled the air.
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