(Note: To match the published version, Song Zi and his son Song Qiang will be changed to Song Gang.)
Chapter Nine: The Mysterious Woman (1)
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For chronic illnesses and illnesses suffered by the elderly, the key is to preserve the stomach's vital energy. Preserving the stomach's vital energy depends on diet, not medicine; one must never rely solely on medicine, lest it interfere with eating. If one's strength allows for eating, it is better to discontinue medicine for the sake of food, rather than discontinue food for the sake of medicine. — *Youyuzhai Medical Talks*
Inside that European-style villa.
"What did you say? That assassin from Tianyi Group was sent by my second brother!" Qi Yannian was shocked after hearing Gu Xiaofeng's report.
"Furthermore, yesterday the second young master met with Song Hao privately under the pretext of seeing a doctor. I don't know what he said to him, but Song Hao left in a very agitated state," Gu Xiaofeng continued.
"What does he want to do?" Qi Yannian asked, frowning.
"It seems it's time to explain everything to this child," Qi Yannian sighed.
"Brother Gu, please send someone to keep a close watch on my second brother, Qi Yanfeng. If he takes any further actions that are detrimental to Song Hao, deal with him immediately without having to report to me first." A chilling murderous intent flashed in Qi Yannian's cold eyes.
Gu Xiaofeng was taken aback upon hearing this, then nodded and replied, "Understood!"
That morning, Song Hao and Tang Yu boarded the train back to Penglai.
Seeing Song Hao sitting there dejectedly, Tang Yu felt a pang of sadness. She knew that if he returned to Penglai and his grandfather confirmed that he was indeed a member of the Qi family of the Heavenly Medicine Sect, Song Hao would be unable to face his grandfather, Song Zihe. In the Heavenly Medicine Sect's plan, Song Zihe's only son, Song Gang, had lost his life. This cruel reality was unbearable not only for Song Zihe but also for Song Hao. Although Song Zihe couldn't know the full truth, the impact it would have on Song Hao, and the consequences, were unpredictable. The choice Song Hao faced was far more difficult than protecting the supreme medical treasure, the Heavenly Saint Acupuncture Bronze Man. His life might be forever changed because of it.
"Song Hao!" Tang Yu couldn't help but tighten her grip on Song Hao's hand, afraid that the man she loved would be lost in this unexpected and complicated turn of events.
Song Hao sensed Tang Yu's worry, secretly tightened his grip on her hand, and said with a reassuring smile, "I'm fine!"
At that moment, Song Hao and Tang Yu were suddenly struck by a beautiful and dignified middle-aged woman sitting down opposite them. She wore a white short-collared suit skirt and a round pearl necklace, simple and natural, yet exuding a noble air.
As soon as the woman sat down, she looked at Song Hao with a strange surprise, clearly suppressing her excitement.
Song Hao felt extremely uncomfortable under the woman's gaze and quickly turned his head to look at the scenery outside the car window. But he couldn't help but glance back at the woman. Because at that moment, Song Hao actually felt a strange sense of familiarity with the woman towards him.
"Auntie, is something the matter?" Tang Yu also sensed something was wrong with the woman's gaze and asked from the side.
"Ah! I'm sorry, your friend looked familiar just now." The woman realized her lapse in composure and quickly smiled apologetically.
The woman then glanced at Tang Yu again and noticed that she and Song Hao were still secretly holding hands, which surprised her unexpectedly.
"Where are you all going?" the woman asked Tang Yu with a kind smile.
Tang Yu realized something and quickly pulled her hand away from Song Hao's. Her face flushed, showing a girl's shyness, and she lowered her head to reply, "Penglai!"
"Oh! We're going the same way, I'm also going to Penglai." The woman then asked, "My surname is Du, what's your name?"
"Oh, it's Aunt Du! My name is Tang Yu," Tang Yu replied. She secretly found it odd; this woman was being rather overly enthusiastic.
However, Tang Yusui also noticed that the woman's expression when looking at Song Hao, besides surprise and excitement, also showed a kind of maternal love.
"Who is she?" Tang Yu wondered, already on guard. She glanced around, but there was nothing unusual in the carriage; most of the passengers were ordinary people.
"Young man, what's your name?" The woman seemed unable to contain herself and took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Song Hao.
"My name is Song Hao," Song Hao replied. He thought to himself, "Why does this woman look so familiar? I wish I had a mother like her."
"Song Hao!" The woman forced back the tears that were about to spill from her eyes and smiled, saying, "What a wonderful name!"
Tang Yu was surprised to find that the woman raised her hand to touch Song Hao's face, but immediately realized her inappropriate behavior and quickly touched her hair to cover it up.
"Auntie, where are you from? What do you do for a living?" Tang Yu sensed the woman's incredulity and asked.
"I'm from Shanghai and work for a company," the woman replied flawlessly.
"Going to Penglai on business?" Tang Yu sensed the other person's experience and asked again.
"Yes! To see my son." The woman looked at Song Hao with loving eyes, a look of happiness in them.
"What does Auntie's son do for a living?" Tang Yu asked casually. She already realized something.
"Him? He's a... " The woman turned to look at Tang Yu, seemingly understanding something, and smiled, saying, "He's still studying."
"Oh! Still a student." Tang Yu couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.
At this moment, a very capable-looking young man in a suit walked up to the woman, bent slightly at the waist, and respectfully whispered, "Madam, the restaurant is ready."
The woman raised her hand and waved, the young man nodded, and turned to leave.
"Song Hao, Tang Yu, it's noon. I've booked a table in the restaurant's carriage. Would you do me the honor of joining me for lunch? I'm lonely on the journey, and I'd love to chat with you," the woman invited.
Tang Yu then realized that the woman opposite her was not a simple person, and her suspicions rose again. She quickly said, "Thank you, Auntie, but no need. We brought food."
The woman listened without saying a word, then looked at Song Hao with pleading eyes so sincere that one couldn't bear to refuse her.
Song Hao couldn't explain why he felt an unusually warm and friendly feeling towards this woman. He really didn't want to refuse her kindness, so he smiled and said, "Okay! Then thank you for your hospitality, Auntie!"
"Thank you! It's my honor to have you here!" the woman said with delight.
Tang Yu tried to stop Song Hao, but it was too late. She gave Song Hao a reproachful look. She could clearly sense that this mysterious woman was someone of great importance.
Seeing Tang Yu's hesitation, Song Hao assumed she was afraid of encountering a situation similar to Dou Haiqin's last-minute request for help on the train, and reassured her with a smile, "Let's just have a meal with Aunt Du, it's alright."
"Then please!" The woman seized the opportunity to get up and leave first, fearing that Song Hao might change his mind again.
"How could you so easily accept an invitation from a stranger!" Tang Yu gave Song Hao a reproachful look and whispered from behind.
"I don't know either. Anyway, it was a sincere invitation, and refusing would embarrass her. It's just a meal, nothing will happen," Song Hao replied softly.