Chapter 64: Is This Your Husband?

“Of course, you can take a look,” Madam Leng said, motioning for her maid to place the package on the table.

Ye Xin Ran opened the package, revealing a pile of medicinal herbs inside.

Upon closer inspection, the contents were only dried tangerine peel, hawthorn, uncaria, and light bamboo leaves.

Seeing Ye Xin Ran studying the ingredients intently, Madam Leng remarked:

“If you like it, I’ll give this to you.

When you get home, boil it in water for an hour, let it cool, and add some sugar for the children to drink. They’ll definitely enjoy it.”

“Thank you, Madam Leng, but there’s no need. This “Double Star Tea” is hard to come by, so you’d better save it for your child.

However, if I come up with other cooling and heat-relieving teas in the future, I’ll be sure to bring some for you to try.”

Looking at the “Double Star Tea”, an idea sparked in Ye Xin Ran’s mind.

She knew many recipes for cooling teas, and perhaps this could be an opportunity to explore further.

“Wonderful, wonderful!”

For some reason, Madam Leng found herself liking Ye Xin Ran more and more.

But as she observed her more closely, something caught her attention.

Earlier, she had been too agitated to notice the change in Ye Xin Ran’s appearance.

Now that Ye Xin Ran tilted her head slightly, Madam Leng suddenly realized that the scar on her left cheek had faded significantly compared to the last time they met.

Women, especially young ones like Ye Xin Ran, often care deeply about their appearance.

During their last meeting, Madam Leng had refrained from asking about her scar out of politeness.

This time, however, she couldn’t help but ask:

“Miss Ye, your scar seems to have improved since the last time I saw you?”

“Yes, it has!”

To Madam Leng’s surprise, Ye Xin Ran showed no hesitation about the topic.

She even turned her face slightly to give Madam Leng a better look.

“Madam, do you think it’s lighter now?”

“Yes, indeed!”

Madam Leng leaned in to examine it more closely and asked, “Have you been using some kind of medication?”

“Yes,” Ye Xin Ran nodded. “It’s a salve I came up with myself. Once I’m sure it works, I’ll bring you a jar.”

“Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly accept that!”

Madam Leng waved her hands in polite refusal.

“Why not? Madam has helped me so much, it’s just a small gesture of thanks!”

Ye Xin Ran smiled warmly at Madam Leng, her large eyes narrowing into crescent moons.

Seeing her cheerful demeanor, not only did Madam Leng feel a wave of affection, but even the maid by her side couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

After laughing for a while, Madam Leng hesitated and asked, “May I ask how you got the scar on your face?”

“Burn.”

The smile on Ye Xin Ran’s face instantly disappeared.

“When I was five, my mother sent me to the kitchen to ask Old Chen for some steamed egg custard. But Old Chen was boiling water, and when she turned around, the hot kettle landed right on my face.”

“Ugh!”

Madam Leng felt a chill run down her back, her fingers unconsciously brushing against her own cheek.

Just imagining that scene was painful enough.

How much pain could a five year old have endured?

Seeing the deep sympathy in Madam Leng’s eyes, Ye Xin Ran comforted her gently: “It did hurt a lot back then, but it’s been so long that I don’t really remember it anymore.

You don’t need to feel sorry for me, Madam. After all, I’ve left that home and things are getting better for me now.”

“Good, good!”

Madam Leng wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes.

She then asked with concern, “Good girl, you had such a difficult time at home. Who did you learn your medical skills from?”

“Ugh!”

Ye Xin Ran was still lost in her anger and resentment towards the Ye family, but unexpectedly, Madam Leng’s question left her stunned.

Oh right!

Who did she learn her medical skills from?

Her parents certainly didn’t teach her.

Did she learn it from studying medical books herself?

Hmph!

She couldn’t even believe such a thing herself.

Fortunately, Ye Xin Ran had read many strange and unusual stories, and her mind reacted quickly.

She immediately came up with a perfect answer:

“It’s actually quite a coincidence!”

She began telling the story:

“When I was little, I didn’t have anyone watching over me, so I often snuck out to play.

One time, while crawling out through a dog hole, I happened to find an unconscious old man outside.

The old man had fainted from hunger, so I just went home to grab some food and water for him. When he woke up, he insisted on teaching me his medical skills.

I told him I wasn’t interested, but he threatened to kill himself if I didn’t learn!

Sigh…”

Ye Xin Ran let out a dramatic sigh and continued,

“After that, I studied diligently with him for three years.”

“Three years later, he said I had learned all his skills, and the next day, he disappeared without a trace.”

“Wow! Such an incredible story?”

Madam Leng was astonished.

The world was indeed full of strange things.

“However, this seems to be your fate. Now you have these medical skills, which not only help you heal others but also solve your own problems. Perhaps the heavens took pity on you and compensated you for it!”

Ye Xin Ran smiled faintly, “My medical skills are different from orthodox medicine, they are just some unconventional methods.

So, healing people and saving lives is out of the question.

Unless it’s someone like you, Madam, who truly believes in me, then I might give it a try.”

Madam Leng understood.

Ye Xin Ran’s medical skills were indeed different from those of other doctors.

But medicine, like knowledge, was something that should have its own unique strengths, right?

Even though there are those who are masters in the field, they are rare.

“Everyone has their own ambitions. If you don’t want to practice medicine, that’s fine,”

Madam Leng reassured her. “While you’re young, do something you enjoy. If there’s anything I can help with, just ask.”

“Thank you, Madam!”

After their heart to heart conversation, Madam Leng insisted on buying two outfits for Ye Xin Ran upstairs.

One was a light blue waist-hugging, gold-thread embroidered floral long dress, and the other was a pink and white flower-patterned skirt that swept the ground.

“Your skin is fair and delicate, these dresses would highlight your elegance.”

Madam Leng admired her, pleased.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have a daughter, and my sister’s daughter won’t get close to me. If only she could be as close to me as you are, I’d buy her every beautiful dress in the world.”

“But I… I can’t accept these without doing something for you in return,” Ye Xin Ran politely refused.

“How is it unearned? You healed me, which is the same as saving my life.

It’s only natural for me to show my gratitude!”

Madam Leng insisted that Ye Xin Ran accept the dresses.

Her current lively manner was a stark contrast to the quiet and reserved person she had been on the sick bed.

Ye Xin Ran found Madam Leng’s words amusing.

Although they were of different generations, they got along very well.

Little Six excitedly helped them wrap the dresses and was very respectful to both of his esteemed patrons.

“Whenever you need anything, feel free to find me. I’ll make sure to reserve the best dresses for you.”

He then followed them downstairs with the wrapped dresses.

As Ye Xin Ran turned around the corner of the stairs, she saw Xiao Huai’an in the corner, accompanying the three children.

Madam Leng followed her gaze, nodded slightly, and asked, “Is that your husband?”