Chapter 57 : Come Over

When Song Ying heard that the third shopkeeper wanted to see her, she ignored Chen Hong, who was still on the ground, and got up to leave.

Chen Hong: …

‘Where’s the brotherhood you promised me? Aren’t you going to invest? At least help me up’

The third shopkeeper saw Song Ying approaching and got straight to the point. “Since entering Wucheng, many people have been suffering from acclimatization. Our transportation mission is complete, so I plan to take everyone back to the capital and leave two doctors behind to help out.”

“I can see you have your own matters to attend to on this trip. But I still wanted to ask first, do you want to stay, or return to the capital with us tomorrow?”

Song Ying replied, “Don’t worry about me. The Third Shopkeeper can take everyone back. I’ll return to Beijing after I’ve taken care of my business.”

The third shopkeeper nodded. “Alright. Since you’re staying, I have an uninvited request. I know you’re well-versed in pharmacology, please assist the two doctors if needed.”

Song Ying: “If they need help, I’ll do what I can.”

The third shopkeeper: “Many thanks.”

Song Ying returned the courtesy: “You’re welcome.”

Deal done.

When Song Ying returned to the guesthouse and saw that Chen Hong was still there, he asked, “Did the Third Shopkeeper tell you about returning to the capital tomorrow?”

Chen Hong replied, “You told me this morning. I wanted to bring it up, but you didn’t say anything because you wanted to sleep.”

Song Ying: “So, are you going back?”

Chen Hong asked in return, “Are you going back?”

Song Ying: “I want to stay until things are settled.”

Chen Hong lightly slapped the table and made his decision. “If you’re staying, then I’ll stay too. We’re business partners, after all. I can’t just leave you behind.”

Faer cut in, “Boss Chen, how exactly are you going to help my young master?”

Chen Hong declared, “Brother Fang, just tell me what you need, I won’t say no.”

Song Ying smiled faintly. “Since Boss Chen has offered, I won’t be polite. The barracks are short-staffed, I’ll be heading there soon. I’ll have to trouble you to look after my two servants.”

Chen Hong blinked. “What did you say?”

Faer echoed, “Boss Chen, we’ll be counting on you these next few days.”

Chen Hong shook his head in disbelief. “No, no, no, that’s not right. Brother Fang, did you just say you’re going to the military camp?”

Song Ying nodded. “Time is tight, I won’t chat any longer.”

As she busied herself packing, Chen Hong watched her and asked, “What are you going to the camp for? Take me with you, I can help.”

Song Ying: “No need to trouble yourself, Boss Chen… Xiaofa, pass that over… Boss Chen, just help me take care of Xiaofa and Xiaomi.”

Chen Hong: “But I want to go with you. I really can help!”

Seeing that he was determined, Song Ying stopped trying to dissuade him. “Alright.”

After finishing packing, Song Ying left Xiaomi and Faer behind, then took a carriage with Chen Hong to the military camp.

—

Meanwhile, in the camp, Huo Zhen was waiting for Song Ying.

After returning to the barracks, not only did he shave his beard, but he also changed into clean clothes.

Fu An, standing nearby, was still in shock, he felt like he’d seen a ghost.

The rough, scruffy big brother he knew now looked like a completely different man.

And it wasn’t just his appearance he was pacing anxiously back and forth at the entrance of the camp.

Who could he be waiting for?

Then Fu An suddenly recalled, Master Ji Yuefang.

When Huo Zhen heard that name yesterday, he had rushed off, saying he’d settle scores with him later.

But now, it seemed like he’d completely forgotten about that and was only focused on tidying himself up.

‘Oh my god…’

Fu An felt a chill and instinctively clenched his butt.

Big Brother went to see that Ji Yuefang last night and didn’t return until morning, now he’s like this?

This, this, this, this, this…

Fu An’s teeth chattered as he nervously glanced Huo Zhen up and down.

Huo Zhen noticed his stare and asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”

He touched his clean-shaven chin. “Did I miss a spot?”

Fu An quickly shook his head. “No… Brother, can I ask you something?”

Huo Zhen stood tall and replied sternly, “Call me General.”

Fu An swallowed. “Yes, General. That future sister-in-law you mentioned… could it be…”

A soldier came running to report, “General, two young masters who claim to be from the Capital Chamber of Commerce are here to see you.”

Huo Zhen was overjoyed. “Haha, they’re here!”

Fu An followed closely behind, and when he saw Huo Zhen personally helping the visitors out of the carriage, completely disregarding how it looked to others he was now certain: ‘Big Brother has gone off the rails.’

Fu An covered his forehead with one hand, took a deep breath, and decided to play blind for now. He couldn’t believe his brother’s taste had sunk so low.

But then again… as the saying goes, ‘after three years in the army, even a sow looks like Diao Chan’. Maybe, perhaps, probably… Big Brother really did… sigh…

At that moment, Huo Zhen had eyes only for Song Ying. He didn’t notice his subordinate’s strange expression, nor did he even glance at Chen Hong.

“Your medicine is amazing. I feel like I could retake the stronghold today,” Huo Zhen said.

Song Ying replied, “Don’t push it. You’re not fully recovered yet. Come back later so I can check on it again.”

Huo Zhen: “Okay!”

Hearing this, Chen Hong asked curiously, “What medicine? When did you apply it, Brother Fang?”

Huo Zhen’s gaze suddenly turned cold as he stared at Chen Hong. “Who are you?”

Chen Hong, trying to get friendly after seeing how close they seemed, casually threw an arm around Song Ying’s shoulders. “I’m Chen Hong from the Chamber of Commerce, Brother Fang’s good friend.”

Huo Zhen’s eyes practically bulged out of his head. ‘He dared to touch Song Ying!’

He roared, “Chen Hong? Never heard of him. Fu An, throw him out!”

Realizing the situation was turning dangerous, Chen Hong quickly ducked behind Song Ying. “Brother Fang, save me!”

Song Ying raised a hand and waved lazily. “Stop fussing. Boss Chen saw the doctor was busy and offered to stay and help.”

Huo Zhen narrowed his eyes. “You know medicine?”

Chen Hong shook his head. “Nope, not at all.”

To smooth things over, Song Ying said to Chen Hong, “I’m worried about Xiaofa and Xiaomi. Could you go back and check on them for me?”

Chen Hong could sense Huo Zhen’s animosity and figured there was no point in staying. “Alright, I’ll head back. What about you? Want me to save you some food?”

Before Song Ying could reply, Huo Zhen cut in, “Boss Fang and I will handle it. No need to trouble yourself.”

Chen Hong was annoyed but didn’t dare show it. He pulled Song Ying aside and whispered, “What’s with General Huo? Did I offend him somehow? He’s furious.”

Song Ying replied, “Soldiers are like that, straightforward, no nonsense. I’m fine. You go ahead.”

Chen Hong frowned. “I’m worried about you. He’s only being nice because he thinks you can help. If you can’t cure him, what if he drags you out and has you shot?”

Song Ying stifled a laugh. “You’re overthinking. Just take care of Xiaofa and Xiaomi for me.”

Chen Hong sighed, “Alright then. Be careful.”

Seeing them still whispering, Huo Zhen called out, annoyed, “Are you done talking?”

Chen Hong bit back his irritation and left.

Inside the tent, Song Ying asked, “Why were you so mean to Boss Chen?”

Huo Zhen’s eyes widened in frustration. “He touched your shoulder! I haven’t even touched it yet.”

Song Ying chuckled, sat down on his couch, and patted the empty spot beside her. “Come here.”