CHAPTER 109: CHAPTER 109: I WANT TO RADIANTLY APPEAR AT THE WEDDING BANQUET (2)

"Is... is what you’re saying true?" Miss Chai stared at her with wide eyes, filled with disbelief.

"It’s true." Li Yuzhu nodded, "When I was at the market, I heard people talking about your broken engagement. Some said it was because of your health issues, others said it’s because the Luo Family found your dowry too lacking."

"..."

"On the way back from the market that day, at the corner heading towards the village, I even encountered Mr. Luo."

"..."

"I intentionally mentioned your illness to my brother and sister, saying that you just fainted again and might not live for two more days, but he walked past us, seemingly oblivious to what was being said. This shows that you don’t hold a place in his heart at all."

To be honest, whether Miss Chai’s childhood sweetheart, Mr. Luo, shifted his affections to Miss Chai because of a change in the Chai Family’s fortunes or because Eldest Young Master Chai had known long before that Mr. Luo had become neglectful, opposing his sister’s entanglement and supporting Miss Chai all along, these things were no longer that important.

What’s important is that she needs to let Miss Chai know that Mr. Luo is a complete scoundrel.

There’s no need for her to dwell endlessly on past emotions.

Miss Chai is still young, only fifteen or sixteen years old. She can’t let her life descend into chaos over a man who doesn’t love her, making a scene as if it’s life or death.

It’s an outcome that can’t be resolved through commotion.

The hardest blow for someone heartbroken is realizing that the other half is already happy with someone else, that they themselves no longer have feelings, yet the reason for the failed love is being pinned on the victim.

In modern terms, this kind of false love is called PUA.

How they hide their scoundrel behavior by disparaging the failure, attacking relentlessly with words.

Miss Chai’s worsening condition is closely linked to Mr. Luo’s behavior.

Thus, it is necessary to remind Miss Chai that the failure of love stems not from her health but from her family background.

In ancient times, if a woman couldn’t bear children due to poor health and was abandoned by a man, people considered it normal, saying the woman committed one of the seven outcasts.

But if a woman was abandoned due to a change in her family circumstances, people would condemn the man for being opportunistic and ungrateful, questioning his character.

Instead, people would sympathize with the woman.

Miss Chai undoubtedly made a wrong move; she shouldn’t have neglected her health, giving the scoundrel an excuse to attack her.

"He... he doesn’t have me in his heart? This... no, no, no, I don’t believe it." Miss Chai shook her head, her expression both shocked and angry, "I don’t believe it. Just last month, he sent a servant to deliver tonics to me..."

Li Yuzhu looked at her, "I told you, he did that to silence public opinion, to show people he’s not an ungrateful man. It’s your own health issues, and he doesn’t want the Luo Family to have no heirs, so he’s choosing not to marry you."

"..."

"But in reality? The reality is that he hasn’t liked you for a long time. Everything he’s doing now is to save face for himself."

"..."

"Miss Chai, if a man truly loves someone, he wouldn’t care if his beloved couldn’t have children or suddenly became poor."

"..."

"Throughout history, there are many tragic love stories. Does your Mr. Luo resemble the sentimental men in operas or storybooks?"

Miss Chai quietly listened to Li Yuzhu’s words, her breathing gradually calming down.

"He doesn’t! Not at all!" She suddenly smiled bitterly, "From beginning to end, I’ve lived like a fool!"

She began to sob softly.

But soon after, she wiped away her tears and looked up at Li Yuzhu, "Why should I live like a fool? I won’t!"

Has she come to her senses?

Li Yuzhu nodded at her, "Yes, that’s exactly how you should think!"

The anger in Miss Chai’s eyes gradually subsided, replaced by calmness and a touch of mockery.

Having come to terms with it, the young lady changed significantly, repeatedly asking Li Yuzhu to ensure she recovers within two days.

She said she wanted to be radiant, to return home for the banquet.

To offer her congratulations.

If she managed to sit calmly at the wedding banquet and eat, it would prove she had overcome her inner turmoil.

Instead of always avoiding it, it’s better to let her face it bravely.

Li Yuzhu did not oppose her idea.

The old servant in the mansion fetched the medicine, and after Li Yuzhu checked it, she instructed the old woman to prepare it.

Once the medicine was ready, Li Yuzhu personally supervised Miss Chai taking it.

Seeing her quietly taking the medicine, talking calmly, the old servant and old woman were very pleased.

They thanked Li Yuzhu repeatedly.

"This medicine only temporarily stabilizes her condition. Two days later, she must undergo intensive treatment," Li Yuzhu said, "If not, she might faint again from agitation."

"Alright, in two days, come back here," Miss Chai said, then called for the old servant to fetch the consultation fee, "Uncle Gui, bring ten taels of silver."

The old servant was surprised, wondering why this extravagant spending habit of Miss Chai hadn’t changed?

But he dared not speak up, fearing Miss Chai might faint again from excitement.

"Yes, Miss Chai."

In no time, the old servant brought two shiny ingots.

But Miss Chai only handed one to Li Yuzhu, "This much should cover your consultation fee and the cost of the medicine pills earlier, right?"

Li Yuzhu blinked. Five taels of silver, not too much, not too little... it seemed reasonable.

As a doctor without an official title, she felt she couldn’t complain about the amount.

"Is Miss Chai planning to pay in installments? Afraid I won’t be able to treat you?" she joked.

Miss Chai looked at her, "The day after tomorrow, early morning, I will return to my family home in the countryside. You will accompany me, and I’ll give you the other ingot. If you don’t come, I won’t give it."

What a sly girl.

"Why do you want me to accompany you?" Li Yuzhu asked her.

Miss Chai replied, "I’m afraid I might faint suddenly again, and be laughed at by the guests. You must ensure I’m in good spirits that day, and after the banquet, I’ll give you the other ingot."

This girl was meticulous.

"Alright, I’ll accompany you."

"Remember to dress nicely," Miss Chai appraised her, "You will attend the banquet as my good friend, so don’t embarrass me by wearing that old dress."

Li Yuzhu was speechless.

So particular, though this dress, given by someone in the village, was still ninety percent new!

Fortunately, she had one new outfit left.

"I have one new set of clothes," Li Yuzhu said.

Miss Chai nodded, "Good, then it’s settled. The day after tomorrow, at dawn, you come to this house, and we’ll take the mule cart together to the Chai Family Mansion."

As Li Yuzhu walked out of the bedroom, Li Xing’an immediately approached, quietly asking how much the consultation fee was.

"I’ll tell you outside." Li Yuzhu winked at him.

"Sneaky girl, what’s with the secrecy?" Li Xing’an was puzzled.

Because it was a young lady’s bedroom, Li Xing’an sat far away, so he couldn’t hear the conversation inside at all.