“What illness?”
Su Wanyin disliked his interrogative tone the most. She stopped in her tracks and turned around, only to suddenly notice a faint trace of concern between the man’s brows.
Suppressing the strange feeling in her heart, she replied casually, “Just a normal cold. The rest are tonics and medicinal tea—for Uncle Fu and the others.”
Fu Shimo’s expression shifted slightly. He hadn’t expected she was preparing them for his parents.
Su Wanyin noticed his odd reaction but didn’t ask. She simply turned and walked toward the exit.
Fu Shimo followed. His throat moved unconsciously as he said awkwardly, “I’ll take you to the bus stop.”
Su Wanyin had just been worrying about how to get back, so she didn’t refuse. After all, under this scorching sun, walking all the way back to the Fu residence would likely be too much for her current body.
The two walked along the asphalt road, one in front and one behind.
At one point, a mischievous boy accidentally bumped into Su Wanyin. Fu Shimo quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her to his side, preventing her from falling.
Su Wanyin felt the rough, firm hand around her wrist. She stiffened for a moment before he let go. Curious, she looked up at him.
His jawline was tight. Even after noticing her gaze, he didn’t look at her—only stared straight ahead, appearing calm and proper.
Yet beside his trousers, his fingertips were slightly warm and restless, unconsciously rubbing together, as if still remembering the soft touch.
After a moment, Su Wanyin looked away.
Not far away, two young women were watching.
“She changed into such a plain outfit?” Fu Ya said in shock at first. Then, noticing the tall man beside Su Wanyin, she gritted her teeth. “That shameless girl hasn’t even married into our family yet and she’s already flirting around!”
Song Zhishu, however, looked less angry. After a brief glance, she smirked faintly and said meaningfully, “Seems like she’s found someone more suitable. Isn’t that better for your brother?”
Fu Ya’s eyes lit up instantly.
Right—if Su Wanyin ended up with some countryside man, she wouldn’t cling to her brother anymore.
Perfect.
…
Su Wanyin got off the bus near the Fu residence, then walked the rest of the way carrying several bundles of medicine.
In the living room, Father Fu was already home reading the newspaper. Qin E and Fu Ya were sitting on the sofa eating fruit.
“You’re finally back,” Father Fu said, putting down the paper. “I was about to send people to look for you.”
Su Wanyin handed over the medicinal packages and explained gently, “Sorry for worrying you. I caught a bit of a cold on the way, so I went to the pharmacy for medicine.”
She added, “I also saw that your legs and joints don’t seem very well. I know a folk remedy that helps with joint pain, so I had the doctor prepare some herbs for you.”
Father Fu’s heart warmed immediately.
Fu Ya, however, snapped, “My dad’s legs are fine! Don’t talk nonsense!”
The room instantly went quiet.
Then Father Fu suddenly slammed the newspaper down in anger. “You ungrateful girl!”
Fu Ya hurriedly hid behind her mother, protesting loudly, “I didn’t know! You never told us!”
Qin E stepped in to stop him, smoothing things over.
At that moment, Su Wanyin calmly brought a glass of warm water and said softly, “Uncle Fu, don’t be angry. I learned a little from a rural doctor, so I could tell. It’s normal that Sister Fu Ya didn’t notice.”
The tension eased immediately.
Father Fu took the water, his expression softening as he looked at her.
Su Wanyin then handed Qin E two small packets of medicinal tea.
Qin E took them politely, then casually set them aside without even looking.
Fu Ya, still dissatisfied, suddenly said sharply, “Are you sure you really went to buy medicine, or was that just an excuse to do something else?”
Everyone froze.
Su Wanyin widened her eyes in shock. “Sister Fu Ya, what do you mean by that?”
Fu Ya raised her chin. “Let me ask you—did you go alone to buy the medicine?”
Su Wanyin’s eyes flickered for a moment before she calmly nodded.
But Fu Ya caught that hesitation immediately, as if she had grabbed her weakness.
She pointed at her and declared loudly, “You’re lying!”