Chapter 182 Without a Single Blame
His words were like a warm current flowing through Ye Wanning's heart. She turned her head and met his gaze. His deep eyes were full of tenderness and understanding, without a trace of blame.
Ye Wanning's heart seemed to skip a beat, and she quickly looked away, a hint of shyness in her eyes. She took a step back, creating half an arm's length distance between them, still not daring to get too close.
Seeing that she was deliberately keeping her distance, Pei Zhi's eyes flashed with a hint of loneliness, but then softened: "It's almost dawn. You haven't slept all night. Go back and rest. I'll have someone keep an eye on the child."
"No need, I can do it myself, it'll be fine soon." Ye Wanning shook her head. "You're tired too, go back and rest."
After saying that, she turned and left, not daring to look at him again, and went straight into the house. Pei Zhi watched her retreating figure, feeling a little sad.
He knew Ye Wanning's heart was beginning to waver, but it just needed time. That was alright; he could wait, until she completely let go of the past and was willing to accept him.
Ye Wanning stayed at the Zhang family's house all day, and only returned to the branch hospital after confirming that the child could eat and talk normally and that there was nothing seriously wrong.
As soon as she entered, Chun Tao greeted her: "Miss, you're finally back! Lord Pei sent some breakfast, it's still warm!"
Ye Wanning looked at the breakfast on the table—red bean paste cake and millet porridge, which were her favorites—and felt a warmth in her heart. She knew Pei Zhi must have sent them.
"Leave it there, I'll eat it in a bit. You go back and rest first." Ye Wanning sat down in the chair and closed her eyes wearily.
Pei Zhi's image in the Zhang family kept flashing through his mind: his focused concentration when brewing medicine, his worry when looking after the children, and his gentle tolerance towards her.
She had to admit that she was becoming increasingly dependent on Pei Zhi. But the shadow of her past life acted like a curse, preventing her from taking that step easily.
"Miss, are you still angry with Lord Pei?" Chun Tao asked cautiously. "Actually, I've found out about Miss Jiang's matter. She did it on purpose, and Lord Pei completely ignored her."
“I know,” Ye Wanning said softly.
How could she not know? Jiang Ruoyan's provocation was too obvious, and Pei Zhi's reaction at the time was also very clear. But she just couldn't control her suspicion and defensiveness. The betrayal in her past life made her afraid to trust anyone easily again.
“Miss, Lord Pei is truly good to you.” Chun Tao sighed. “Look, when the child was critically ill, he rushed over with medicine without hesitation, brewing the medicine and keeping vigil all night. He cares for you more than anyone else. Where can you find someone like that?”
Ye Wanning fell silent. Chuntao was right; Pei Zhi's kindness towards her was genuine and palpable.
But she was afraid, afraid that if she gave herself completely, she would be hurt again.
This conflicting feeling caused her great distress.
In the following days, Ye Wanning visited the Zhang family to see the child every day, and Pei Zhi would also visit occasionally. When the two met, they were no longer as indifferent as before, and would exchange a few words to discuss the child's condition.
However, Ye Wanning deliberately kept her distance, avoiding spending time alone with him and not bringing up personal topics.
Pei Zhi was also sensible and didn't pressure her. He just silently watched over her and appeared in time when she needed him.
That day, Ye Wanning had just returned from the Zhang family when she saw Pei Zhi standing at the entrance of the branch hospital, holding a medicine bag in his hand.
"This is some conditioning medicine that I had prepared to help strengthen the child's body." Pei Zhi handed her the medicine packet. "The herbs inside are all of the highest quality, so you can use it without worry."
"Thank you." Ye Wanning took the medicine packet, her fingertips accidentally touching his hand. A warm sensation came from her, and she pulled her hand back as if she had been electrocuted, her cheeks flushing.
Seeing her shy expression, Pei Zhi couldn't help but smile: "How is the baby?"
"I'm much better now, I can run and jump again." Ye Wanning lowered her head, not daring to look at him. "Thanks to you."
"You're welcome," Pei Zhi said softly. "Wan Ning, I know you're not ready yet, but I hope you know that my feelings for you have never changed. I will wait for you, until the day you are willing to believe in me."
Ye Wanning's heart raced, pounding like a rabbit inside. She looked up, meeting his gentle gaze, wanting to say something but unsure what to say, and could only nod softly.
Seeing her reaction, Pei Zhi's eyes lit up, as if he had seen hope: "Then I'll go first. Take care of yourself."
After saying that, he turned and left, his steps much lighter.
Ye Wanning watched his retreating figure, clutching the medicine packet tightly in her hand, unsure of what to do.
She knew that Pei Zhi was slowly plucking the strings in her heart, one by one.
Can she really balance her emotions and give him and herself a chance?
But just then, more bad news arrived. Jiang Ruoyan began spreading rumors that Ye Wanning could only treat minor illnesses, and that her recovery from tetanus was entirely due to Pei Zhi's efforts.
They also said that Ye Wanning had previously treated tetanus, and that someone had died from it.
The bad news spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of Jiangnan.
Some ignorant people began to doubt Ye Wanning's medical skills, and the number of patients at the branch hospital gradually decreased.
When Ye Wanning learned of this, she didn't really hold a grudge; instead, a cold smile appeared on her lips.
Jiang Ruoyan thinks she can defeat her like this? How incredibly foolish.
She's been through a lot; she's not the weak woman anyone could bully back then!
If you doubt her medical skills, then prove her wrong with your real abilities!
Ye Wanning immediately decided to set up a "public consultation platform" at the entrance of the branch hospital and invite people to watch.
By publicly diagnosing difficult and complex diseases, the facts have refuted Jiang Ruoyan's rumors.
The news sparked great curiosity among the people, who eagerly awaited the spectacle.
When Pei Zhi found out, he also came to cheer her up, saying, "Wan Ning, I believe in you. Just tell me what you want me to do, and I'll follow you."
Looking into his determined eyes, Ye Wanning felt a warmth in her heart: "No need, just look at me."
She wanted everyone to know that her medical skills, Ye Wanning's skills, were her own and based on genuine ability!
On the day of the open clinic, the entrance to the branch hospital was packed with people. Jiang Ruoyan also sent a henchman to mingle in the crowd, intending to cause trouble.
Ye Wanning sat behind the examination table, calm and composed, but her eyes were filled with determination.
She wanted to silence all the rumors and let everyone see that she relied not on others, but on her own abilities, the abilities her mother had taught her!
The first person to come to our door was an elderly man who had been paralyzed in bed for three years.
The old man's son said, "Madam Ye, my father has been paralyzed for three years. The imperial physicians have treated him countless times, but it's all been ineffective."
Can you please save him?
After careful examination, Ye Wanning discovered that the paralysis was caused by a stroke, with blocked meridians and stagnant blood and qi.
She took out silver needles, inserted them into the old man's body, and then massaged him.
Half an hour later, Ye Wanning removed the silver needles and said to the old man, "Grandpa, try moving your feet."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com