FID – Chapter 650

Chapter 650: This… What Are You Trying to Do?

If one’s heart was free of worries, how could they not exude such a strong and vibrant spirit?

“Who are you? What brings you to our Xinghua Village?” Under the ancient pagoda tree, an elderly man had already stepped forward to question them.

There was curiosity and inquisitiveness in his tone, but no wariness or suspicion.

So simple and pure.

“Elder, we have come seeking the Liu family of Xinghua Village. Could you kindly point us in the right direction?” Among the young women as beautiful as flowers, one stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and asked.

“Looking for Brother Liu’s family, huh? Oh! That old fellow is right here! If you need to go to their house, just have him take you!”

Grandpa Liu happened to be among them. At this moment, he had already stood up, scrutinizing the three visitors up and down multiple times before finally fixing his gaze on the young man’s legs.

“Young master, you’ve come seeking medical help from our little girl, haven’t you? Our home is further inside the village; it’s a bit of a walk. Follow me—I’m heading home to prepare for a meal anyway.”

“Thank you, sir.” Duan Ting nodded slightly in gratitude, a faint smile on his face.

He, too, was observing the old man.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe him as an elder with the vitality of a young man. Among the elderly, his energy and spirit were the most robust—his voice was loud and full of life.

“If I may ask, sir, looking at you, one wouldn’t think you’re even fifty.” As they walked, Duan Ting smiled and struck up a conversation.

Grandpa Liu let out a hearty laugh and waved his hand. “You’re joking, young man! This old man is over sixty! I just look younger because our Xinghua Village has good land and water that nurture people well.”

“You do look young. If you hadn’t said so, I never would’ve guessed you were past sixty—you look no different from a man in his prime.”

“Growing older only makes me stronger! Don’t be fooled by my age—I can still work the fields as well as anyone!” the old man said, completely immodest.

Hearing this, the smile on Duan Ting’s lips deepened. This man was quite interesting. He wondered if the rest of the Liu family was the same.

A short while later, the group arrived at the entrance of the Liu family’s courtyard. Before they even stepped inside, Grandpa Liu was already calling out.

“Wife, boil a pot of tea! We have guests! Is our Nannan at home?”

“Why are you hollering before the guests have even come in? She’s in the backyard—just call out in the courtyard!” came an equally loud voice from inside the house.

As the elderly couple bickered lightly, Duan Ting had already taken in the entire Liu family courtyard with a single glance.

Gray bricks and black tiles adorned the courtyard, with a small vegetable garden off to one side just outside the walls. From a corner of the courtyard, branches of lush green trees stretched over the wall, filling the scene with greenery.

Here, the presence of autumn was almost imperceptible—everywhere, life thrived, not just in the surroundings but in the people as well.

Grandpa Liu invited the guests inside and raised his voice toward the inner courtyard and called out, “Nannan, Nannan! Come out for a moment, someone has come seeking medical treatment.”

A flicker of interest crossed Duan Ting’s eyes as he focused intently. Not long after, a crisp voice rang out from the inner courtyard, “Grandpa, I’m coming!”

Her voice was like an oriole emerging from the valley—sweet but not overly delicate, clear with a soft, slightly husky undertone. It was pleasant to the ear, without any sharpness, carrying an effortless comfort.

Before long, a slender and graceful figure appeared at the ornamental hanging flower gate leading to the inner courtyard.

She wore a green dress, her willow-like brows framing almond-shaped eyes. Her long hair was not styled into an elaborate bun but was simply tied back with a loose ribbon.

Simple, elegant, and exuding a quiet purity.

But what stood out most were her eyes—clear and limpid, like a pristine spring. One glance, and it felt as if all the noise and restlessness of the world melted away, leaving only a sense of peace and tranquility.

It was a calmness that emanated from deep within her bones.

“Are you the one seeking medical treatment?” As soon as the young girl stepped out, her gaze fell on him, and a faint smile naturally graced her lips as she spoke.

“You must be the Little Divine Doctor, Liu Yusheng—Miss Liu?” Duan Ting asked with a smile of his own.

“That’s me,” the girl nodded, gesturing toward a small room on the side of the courtyard with her delicate hand. “This way, please.”

Duan Ting didn’t move. “Miss Liu, you haven’t even asked if I’m actually here for medical treatment.”

“If you’re not here for treatment, then why are you looking for me?”

“Couldn’t it be for something else?”

“What else?”

“For example, just to catch a glimpse of the renowned miracle doctor.”

The girl nodded. “Well, now you’ve seen me. Are you here for treatment or not? Our family is about to have dinner soon. If you’re not here for that, you’d best leave quickly—nightfall is approaching.”

Duan Ting’s lips twitched slightly. “Of course, I’m here for treatment.”

“You’re seeking medical treatment, yet yapping so much. Are you deliberately teasing our Nannan?”

Grandpa Liu hadn’t even stepped inside but had been listening to their conversation from start to finish. With hands on his hips, he strode over and glared at Duan Ting, his eyes finally showing a hint of vigilance.

“Let me tell you, our Nannan is already betrothed. If you’ve got no serious business, don’t go getting too close—you’ll ruin her reputation!”

“…”

From the old man’s expression, Duan Ting clearly read two words: Troublemaker.

After a brief pause, he rubbed his nose and said, “I’m a good man.”

Unfortunately, he seemed to have said it a little too late.

Before his words had even settled, a loud commotion erupted. From the kitchen, the main hall, and even the backyard, a whole ten people rushed out in unison, all glaring at him with open hostility.

On the farthest end, three women stood clutching a ladle, firewood, and tongs. He even spotted a young girl holding a needle for embroidery.

What… are they planning to do?

Behind him, the two maids turned away, struggling to stifle their laughter, their faces flushing red from the effort.

It was rare to see their master at a disadvantage. Even rarer was seeing him completely outmaneuvered by an old man and a young girl.

Finally, under the watchful and threatening gazes of the Liu family, Duan Ting spoke with utmost sincerity, “Little Divine Doctor, I request a consultation.”

The consultation was uncomfortable, to say the least. 

As Duan Ting stepped into the small room filled with the rich scent of herbs, the crowd at the door remained unwavering in their vigilance.

It wasn’t until the young girl got fully absorbed in checking his pulse and diagnosing him that a burnt smell wafted in from the kitchen. Only then did the old lady, along with two other women, hurriedly rush off to save their meal.

Finally, the onlookers began to disperse—slowly.

Yet, Duan Ting still felt like he was sitting on needles.

Because right next to the focused Little Divine Doctor, one particular girl—the one clutching the embroidery needle—had not left. 

She stared at him without blinking, as if ready to stitch his lips shut the moment he dared to utter anything inappropriate.

Never underestimate rural folk.

“Actually, I was just making a harmless joke earlier.”

The girl with the needle smiled at him, the sharp tip gleaming coldly as it flickered dangerously before his eyes.

“Our Nannan is quite skilled with needlework. I’ve learned a thing or two from her. With a bit of anesthetic, the needle slides right into the flesh—doesn’t hurt at all. You might just get to experience it firsthand during the treatment.”

“……”

“There’s no need to be nervous. I was just making a harmless joke.”

“……”

Liu Yusheng withdrew her hand after finishing his pulse check, a hidden smile flashing across her lips.

Ever since Liu Muqiu started sticking close to her second brother, even this delicate Little White Lotus had learned how to openly throw barbs at people. Progress.

“Young Master’s legs… have been weak for many years, haven’t they?”

Duan Ting was slightly surprised. “You can tell just from taking my pulse?”

“Your legs are unable to function, but the problem isn’t with your legs themselves. There’s something growing inside your brain. To cure you, we’d need to open up your skull, remove the extra growth, and then stitch it back up. Only then would there be a chance of recovery.”

S-Split open his skull?!

A shiver ran down Duan Ting’s spine, every hair on his body standing on end. No matter how easygoing he usually was, this was absolutely unacceptable. His smile turned rigid and forced.

“Miss Liu… are you kidding me?”

“……”

Liu Yusheng nodded. “Indeed, I was making a small joke.”

Little devil.