Chapter 183: The Hua Family

Sheng Xinhao watched Sheng Zexi’s departing figure, his face darkening.

To be honest, Sheng Xinhao really did have such intentions at first.

When it came to his grandchildren—children with Sheng family blood—of course Sheng Xinhao wanted to protect them.

But as for that country woman, he didn’t care at all.

He had even considered ways to keep the two children while getting rid of the woman.

He hadn’t expected Sheng Zexi to see right through him so quickly.

Sheng Xinhao had to admit, his eldest son really was just like him—in ability, personality, and temper, even surpassing him in some ways.

That was why, even after having a younger son, he still wanted to give all the family’s resources to Sheng Zexi.

The biggest reason was because he believed only Sheng Zexi could carry on the Sheng family’s glory after he was gone, maybe even take it to greater heights.

Originally, he thought he still had plenty of time to lay the groundwork and slowly persuade Sheng Zexi.

But then he thought of his illness...

And that made him feel even more urgency.

He needed to persuade Sheng Zexi, but he also needed to find a doctor.

Before he could convince his son, the Sheng family still depended on him to hold things together.

Even though Sheng Zexi now swore up and down that, both now and in the future, there would only ever be that one woman for him—

Sheng Xinhao didn’t believe it.

He was a man himself; he understood men.

No man would truly stay faithful to just one woman for a lifetime. Life was too long, and there were too many temptations.

Take himself, for example. Back then, he’d been deeply in love with Sang Yuwan.

He still remembered those feelings fondly, even now.

But so what?

That didn’t stop him from marrying Fang Wanrong after Sang Yuwan died.

Even if he didn’t have much affection for Fang Wanrong, it didn’t stop him from having children with her.

—

After paying respects at Sang Yuwan’s grave, Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing and her grandparents and left the cemetery, leaving Sheng Xinhao behind.

“Aren’t you curious what he just said to me?” Sheng Zexi asked Gu Jianing.

Gu Jianing smiled, lips pressed together. “Whatever he said, it doesn’t concern me. It can’t affect me anyway, so why should I care?”

Sheng Zexi was taken aback, but after understanding her reasoning, he couldn’t help but laugh.

“You’re right. There’s really no need to know.” If anything, knowing would just bring unnecessary trouble.

“Ningning, are you tired? Do you want to rest for a bit?” Sheng Zexi asked.

Gu Jianing looked him up and down. “I’m not tired. Why don’t we go to your comrade’s house now? I imagine they must be getting anxious.”

Actually, it wasn’t just the Hua family who was anxious—even Sheng Zexi was.

Hua Zhenrong meant a lot to him.

Sheng Zexi hadn’t expected Ningning to see right through his thoughts.

“Alright, let’s go now. But if you get tired at any point, you have to tell me, Ningning. Remember, to me, you’re the most important.” Sheng Zexi said seriously.

“Okay, I know.”

Since they were heading to the Hua family, they didn’t go home with Grandpa and Grandma Sang.

When the two elders learned that Sheng Zexi was taking Gu Jianing to treat Hua Zhenrong, they were fully supportive.

“Go ahead, we’ll head home ourselves.” The old couple knew about the relationship between Hua Zhenrong and Sheng Zexi.

Naturally, they hoped Hua Zhenrong could be cured.

That child was still so young; he shouldn’t have to suffer like that.

So, after saying goodbye to her grandparents, Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing to the Hua family’s compound.

While the two of them were registering at the compound’s entrance, a car drove out from inside.

Inside the car sat Li Tingxuan.

Li Tingxuan’s transfer order to the Northwest Military District had already come through. In a few days, after he finished handing over his duties, he would be heading there.

He knew the person he was looking for was at the Northwest Military District!

With that in mind, Li Tingxuan glanced out the car window.

He caught sight of a young couple with their backs to him.

They looked like husband and wife.

But...

Li Tingxuan’s gaze lingered on the woman’s back.

For some reason, he felt her figure looked strangely familiar.

But as the car moved on, his view was blocked.

In the end, he withdrew his gaze, dismissing the fleeting doubt from his mind.

Meanwhile, Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing had both sensed someone in the car watching them, but they didn’t pay it any mind.

Soon, after registering and passing inspection, they headed toward the Hua family home.

“Zexi, you’re here!” Sheng Zexi entered the Hua house with Gu Jianing.

The Hua family—whether it was the high-ranking Hua father, the gentle and beautiful Hua madam, or Hua Zhenrong’s eldest and second brother and their wives—all came out to greet the couple.

Madam Hua, in particular, looked at Sheng Zexi with deep fondness and anticipation.

She remembered how, back then, her youngest son never got along with anyone—except Sheng Zexi.

She’d always known Sheng Zexi was a good kid.

“And this must be your wife.” Madam Hua and the rest of the family’s eyes lit up when they saw Gu Jianing.

Earlier, Sheng Zexi had called to tell the Hua family that he’d be bringing his wife to visit during Qingming, and that she might be able to treat Hua Zhenrong’s “madness.”

At that time, PTSD wasn’t well understood, so it was simply called “madness.”

The Hua family knew Sheng Zexi had always been concerned about Hua Zhenrong’s illness.

So, if Sheng Zexi said this, he must have some confidence.

They also knew about Sheng Zexi’s marriage.

They just didn’t know anything about his wife’s background.

Later, Father Hua did some checking and found out that Gu Jianing was now a doctor at the Northwest Military District Hospital, skilled in both acupuncture and surgery—capable of operations that even some of the hospital’s own doctors couldn’t perform.

She’d even developed a treatment for tuberculosis, and many people struggling with infertility had sought her help, with reportedly good results.

She’d also been accepted as a disciple by Elder Chen.

They knew what kind of person Elder Chen was.

Anyone he accepted as a disciple was bound to be extraordinary.

In fact, they’d previously invited Elder Chen to treat Hua Zhenrong, but unfortunately, Elder Chen wasn’t familiar with this kind of illness and couldn’t help.

Even though Gu Jianing was Elder Chen’s disciple, medicine is a broad field—could she really treat it?

But with Sheng Zexi’s recommendation, they were full of hope for Gu Jianing’s arrival.

Even though they’d already tried countless doctors for their third son, all to no avail.

But as long as there was a sliver of hope, they weren’t willing to give up.

So, when they learned Sheng Zexi would be bringing Gu Jianing today, even Father Hua and the eldest and second sons and their wives came home from work to greet them."