Chapter 22: If You Leave Now, When Will You Treat the Illness?
In Su Yu's impression, Qin Fei was a coward—weak and timid. Even when she had just argued with someone, Qin Fei hadn't come down to intervene.
Yet this so-called "coward" had disregarded his own safety to save a drowning girl.
"Mr. Feng, what happened here?" Qin Fei asked, pointing at the car.
Feng Xiangyang quickly wiped his tears and turned to Su Yu, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry; I didn't realize you were this hero's partner. Please forgive my rudeness."
Then he turned back to Qin Fei, explaining, "Hero, I meant no harm. Ever since the last incident, I've been particularly averse to people using their phones while driving."
Qin Fei smiled and replied, "I understand, but she wasn't using her phone—she and I were just having a minor disagreement, which distracted her. How much will it cost to fix this car?"
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiangyang's face turned pale with shock. He quickly waved his hands, saying, "Hero, aren't you slapping me in the face? You saved my daughter, and I'd dare to argue about this? That would make me less than human!"
It was clear that Feng Xiangyang was a person of integrity, someone who understood gratitude. From his attire, it was evident that he was both earnest and principled.
Qin Fei didn't press the matter further and chuckled, "Then let's not waste time here; we're blocking traffic."
"Sir, let me treat you to a meal," Feng Xiangyang insisted.
Qin Fei waved his hand, smiling, "No need; dinner is already prepared at home."
In the end, Feng Xiangyang and Qin Fei exchanged contact information before parting ways.
"Did you really save him?" Su Yu asked, a hint of color rising to her cheeks.
Qin Fei smiled, "Surprised?"
Su Yu opened her mouth, at a loss for words.
Indeed, this act had touched her; she could even feel her heart racing.
When they arrived home, Su Ziping and Zhao Ya had prepared a sumptuous feast, eagerly awaiting their return.
Seeing Qin Fei walk in, Su Ziping quickly stood up, awkwardly saying, "Xiao Fei, you're back! Wash your hands and come eat."
After sitting down, Su Ziping hesitated for a moment before quietly saying, "Xiao Fei, I know you've faced many grievances over the years. My dad has indeed been a bit harsh, but regardless, he is my biological father. Without him, there would be no me."
"Seeing him lying on the hospital bed, I feel terrible," Su Ziping sighed. "If my father were to pass, I might fall into depression myself."
Qin Fei smiled wryly, "Dad, no need for such theatrics. You saw for yourself today; it's not that I don't want to help, it's that there's truly no way, unless Su Zhengzhen can procure a hundred-year-old reishi."
Su Ziping looked a bit embarrassed as he said, "Could you find a way to ask Shen Gong for help? I know you two are on good terms."
"Though it's hard to say, I really can't help," Su Ziping chuckled awkwardly.
Qin Fei sighed, "Shen Gong won't give it, Dad. Let's just focus on dinner and not dwell on this any longer."
With that, Qin Fei stood up and headed to his room.
Su Ziping sighed repeatedly, his face turning pale as if he aged significantly in an instant.
Lying on his bed, Qin Fei slowly felt the energy within his body reviving.
He shook the thousand-year-old ginseng in his hand, softly sighing, "Such a treasure is of no use to me now; what a pity."
After failing to ascend, he had consumed far too many elixirs, including a considerable amount of thousand-year-old ginseng.
While he was lost in thought, there was a sudden knock at the door.
"Are you asleep?" Su Yu's voice came, cold and firm from outside.
Qin Fei sat up in bed and replied, "Not yet; the door's open."
Su Yu pushed the door open and walked in.
"Is there something you need?" Qin Fei asked.
Su Yu's gaze was fixed on Qin Fei, and she didn't say a word.
This made Qin Fei feel a bit anxious.
He awkwardly said, "Miss Su, what have I done to provoke you?"
"Are you not going to tell me the truth?" Su Yu pressed, her gaze intense.
She stepped closer, and they could hear each other's breathing.
"What truth?" Qin Fei feigned ignorance.
"Ever since you saw the dragon corpse, you not only inexplicably learned medicine but also understood feng shui, and even put others before yourself. The real Qin Fei wouldn't do these things."
"So who exactly are you?" Su Yu asked, intent on getting to the bottom of it.
Although Qin Fei felt a bit flustered, he maintained a smile. "So you don't like this version of me?"
Like? This question made Su Yu ponder.
Qin Fei's transformation over this time had indeed surprised her; he had become responsible and capable, and even his overall demeanor had changed dramatically.
It was impossible for her to say she didn't like him now.
But if this person standing before her wasn't Qin Fei, should she like him?
"I don't know," Su Yu said, feeling a bit confused. "Just tell me, who exactly are you?"
"I am Qin Fei," he said earnestly. "You all looked down on me before, calling me a useless waste, so I've been working hard, but it always came to nothing."
"Until that day, when I witnessed the fall of that azure dragon. Ever since then, it's like I suddenly became enlightened; I learn things quickly." Qin Fei bluffed, maintaining a calm demeanor.
Su Yu stared intently at Qin Fei; although she was somewhat skeptical, she found no evidence to the contrary.
The person before her was indeed Qin Fei, both in height and appearance.
"Perhaps it was a result of inspiration," Qin Fei feigned a sigh. "I've regained a new lease on life!"
Su Yu released a long breath and chose not to press the issue further.
She understood that this was an answer she could not ascertain.
"I want to discuss something with you," Su Yu shifted the topic.
"Is it about saving your grandfather?" Qin Fei smiled.
Su Yu was taken aback and then shook her head, saying, "No. Over the years, my grandfather has indeed treated you poorly. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't have intervened either. You've already done quite well."
This left Qin Fei astonished.
He smiled, "If you had asked, I might have helped."
"Really?" Su Yu's eyes widened. "But isn't there no reishi left?"
"I have a way," Qin Fei said. "But I have a condition."
"What condition?" Su Yu asked eagerly.
Qin Fei grinned mischievously and said, "You have to kiss me. How about that?"
Upon hearing this, Su Yu's face turned crimson.
She stood up from the bed and scolded playfully, "Pervert!"
With that, she turned to leave.
After taking a few steps, Su Yu suddenly turned back, rushed to Qin Fei, pecked him gently on the cheek, and hurriedly ran back to her room, locking the door behind her.
Qin Fei couldn't help but laugh.
In a way, he had helped this "Qin Fei" achieve a small life goal.
The next morning, Qin Fei left early.
Not long after he stepped out, Su Zichang arrived with the old master.
The old master looked extremely weak, pain etched on his face, making him appear quite haggard.
"Dad, why are you here?" Su Ziping quickly helped the old master to the sofa.
The old master spoke laboriously, "I came to plead with Qin Fei myself. If he refuses, I'll kneel and beg him!"
Su Ziping frowned, "Dad, what are you doing? Qin Fei isn't refusing to help; he truly has no way to do so. Let's think of another solution. If all else fails, I'll take you abroad for treatment!"
Hearing this, the old master looked sorrowful, "Doctor Qi said I only have a week left. There's no time!"
Tears streamed down his face as he spoke.
"Su Yu, I'm sorry for how I treated you all these years. Even if Qin Fei doesn't help me, I accept that it's my fault."
As the saying goes, "When a person is about to die, their words are kind." The old master's words now were indeed heartfelt.
"Let's go," the old master signaled for Su Zichang to help him up.
"Dad, we haven't seen Qin Fei yet," Su Zichang reminded him quickly.
The old master forced a smile and replied, "No need; I should maintain some dignity."
"Grandpa, if you leave now, when do you plan to treat your illness?" Just then, Qin Fei walked in with a smile.