Chapter 117
The second floor of the clinic was strikingly different from the first.
While the first floor was simple, every corner of the second floor exuded refinement. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the decor, and it indeed surprised everyone.
As the guests took their seats, He Auntie and the sister-in-law came up carrying copper kettles filled with freshly boiled water. They opened the teapots on the tables and slowly poured in the hot water, filling the air with the fragrance of flowers.
Someone, observing the floating flower petals, expressed surprise, "Is this tea made with flowers?"
Flower tea, originating in the Song dynasty, was rare at this time, with few people using flowers to brew tea.
Yu Ying explained, "Flower tea can invigorate blood circulation, beautify the skin, relieve depression, and soothe the mind. I've added honey to make the tea even sweeter."
The guests reacted with varied expressions, all finding it novel.
After a while, when the flower tea had steeped sufficiently, Yu Ying went to the magistrate's wife's table and poured tea for each guest, saying, "Ladies and young ladies, please have a taste."
Despite the appealing description, being far from the capital and thus out of the loop, the guests hesitated to take a sip, unfamiliar with the concept of flower tea.
"I've only heard of using flowers in bathwater or cakes, but never in tea," someone remarked.
The magistrate's wife was the first to pick up her cup, bringing it to her nose to gently inhale the sweet aroma of the tea, then slowly said, "Lady Yu came from the capital. Years ago, when I was in Yuzhang, I had heard that ladies in the capital infused their tea with flowers. I never thought I'd get to taste it here at Lady Yu's place."
After speaking, she took a sip.
Seeing this, Yu Ying realized that the magistrate's wife was supporting her.
As the magistrate's wife had already tasted the tea, the other guests felt no reason to refrain. Besides, the magistrate's wife mentioned that noblewomen in the capital also infused their tea with flowers, so it must be something special.
The guests then poured themselves tea, taking a tentative sip. To their surprise, the tea tasted quite pleasant, leaving a lingering fragrance in their mouths after drinking.
"This tea is really good!" exclaimed the lady of the Chen family.
Yu Ying added, "Feel free to try these pastries as well."
The fragrant, sweet flower tea helped to ease the awkward atmosphere, and the guests began to relax a bit more, starting to sample the pastries.
Apart from the Li family's young lady, there weren't many nitpicking. A lady laughingly asked, "I wonder if we'll be treated to such fine tea and pastries when we come here for massage and therapy in the future?"
Yu Ying replied, "Tea and pastries will certainly be available. However, the ingredients for these two kinds of pastries are a bit troublesome to procure. If the ladies and young ladies plan to visit, please send someone a day in advance to make an appointment, so I can prepare accordingly."
Yu Ying gestured towards the pastries topped with cream.
The Li family's young lady still wasn't convinced and muttered under her breath, "Why visit a clinic when you're perfectly healthy?"
The magistrate's wife glanced at her, prompting her to close her mouth.
Yu Ying didn't say much, only mentioning, "If you have discomfort in your shoulders, neck, or back, or feel overall fatigue, you can come to the clinic for a massage. It can be quite soothing."
She added, "The second floor is specifically for physical therapy and doesn't serve ordinary patients. Also, we don't allow men to go up there."
Hearing this, everyone seemed quite satisfied with the environment.
Yu Ying then brought out the price list that Fu Wei had copied for her the previous night and handed a copy to her sister-in-law to distribute to each table.
Some guests curiously looked at the list, and upon seeing herbal facials, one questioned skeptically, "What good can herbal facials do?"
Yu Ying explained, "It depends on the requirement. Some are for beautifying the skin, others for treating spots, and also for acne and rosacea."
Acne was commonly known as pimples.
Hearing her explanation, people's gazes fell on Yu Ying's face, with some thinking, given the size of the spots on her face, was she being overconfident in treating others?
But Madam Chen, who had seen Yu Ying a month ago, looked closely at her face and exclaimed, "Madam Yu, the spots on your face seem much lighter than before!"
Yu Ying replied gracefully, "I didn't have time to take care of them before, but I have started treatment now."
Intrigued, Madam Chen immediately showed interest, "Then reserve a herbal facial for me. I'll come over tomorrow afternoon."
A single facial session costing a hundred coins, the income was almost in hand.
Yu Ying's smile deepened, "Alright, I'll make a note of it."
Madam Zhou, too, was tempted. She wondered whether the spots on Madam Yu's face were deliberately put there or real, but it didn’t detract from her soft skin. Even her sister-in-law, who had reportedly spent almost three years at a mining site, exposed to harsh elements, had surprisingly smooth skin, even better than many ordinary women.
She discreetly glanced at the price.
It was within an acceptable range for her.
Madam Zhou then spoke up, "Since Madam Chen is coming tomorrow afternoon, I'll come in the morning."
Looking at Madam Yu, she added, "I’d like to make an advance reservation too."
Yu Ying smiled and replied, "I’ve noted it down, and I will look forward to hosting both ladies tomorrow."
With Madam Zhou and Madam Chen setting the example, two other ladies, who had previously had home visits from Yu Ying, also made reservations for the following days.
Yu Ying, being the host, had to attend to the guests. Since those on the second floor were familiar dignitaries, she didn’t need to overly engage there and went downstairs to welcome other visitors.
Just before the unveiling of the signboard, Fu Wei and Fu Zhen arrived, having just finished their duties.
The women present couldn't help but take several glances at Fu Wei's handsome and distinguished appearance.
In a small place like Yu County, it was rare to see a man of such striking looks and extraordinary demeanor, even if he was disabled. His appearance and bearing completely overshadowed those of able-bodied men.
When the ladies saw how Fu Wei smiled at Madam Yu, some young girls were utterly captivated.
Fu Wei looked at Yu Ying and, seeing her eyes curved in joy, caught her happiness and smiled warmly, "Are you this happy?"
Yu Ying bent down and whispered to him, "Just now, four ladies made advance bookings, each at a hundred coins."
With business support on the opening day, how could she not be happy?
Fu Wei, looking at her beaming face, also wore a smile.
His handsome face lit up with a smile so warm and welcoming that the young girls, with budding affections, blushed, forgetting that he was disabled.
It was only after unveiling the red cloth that Yu Ying heard from her sister-in-law about many girls and ladies eyeing her brother-in-law.
Hearing this, Yu Ying discreetly observed and indeed noticed several girls looking at Fu Wei, their cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, perhaps due to sneaking glances or fluttering hearts.
Though Yu Ying understood the natural inclination towards beauty, she couldn't help feeling somewhat uneasy and uncomfortable about it.
Withdrawing her gaze, she leaned in and whispered to Fu Wei, "Next time, I can’t let you come here."
Fu Wei paused, his smile faltering slightly as he looked at her, puzzled, "Why not?"
Yu Ying replied, "You’re too attractive." She paused, realizing her words sounded like what a husband might say to his wife, and corrected herself, "Too handsome. Even sitting in a plain carriage draws attention. Ever since you arrived, I don’t know how many young ladies have been staring at you."
Fu Wei was momentarily stunned before realizing, was Yu Ying feeling jealous?
The thought that he had finally made Yu Ying jealous brought a quiet joy to his heart.
A smile crept onto Fu Wei's face.
Seeing his gentle and clear expression, his soft and lingering smile, Yu Ying couldn't help but admire him.
Fu Wei's smile was indeed pleasing to the eye—no, that wasn’t what she wanted to focus on. Why did he have to smile so charmingly?
She reined in her admiring gaze and glanced around, indeed noticing some stunned looks directed at Fu Wei. She quickly cautioned him, "Stop smiling like that; you’re going to steal these young girls’ hearts."
Hearing this, Fu Wei immediately pressed his lips together, maintaining only his usual polite smile, but his eyes sparkled with mirth.
When the signboard was unveiled, Yu Ying looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar signboard, feeling a sense of consolation in her heart.
Having come to this world alone and spent a whole year here, she finally saw something familiar and had her own clinic, where she could continue doing what she loved.
Her heart was undeniably filled with joy.
She turned to Fu Wei, her smile gentle and warm.
Once unsure, she now felt it was time to settle her heart.
Maybe she could never return to her original world, or perhaps one day she might.
Regardless of the situation, Yu Ying no longer wanted to live in pretense or leave any regrets during this period of her life.
After unveiling the signboard, she invited everyone to a nearby restaurant for the opening banquet.
Fu Wei and Fu Zhen took a leave for a little over half an hour to attend the banquet before returning to their duties.
Following this meal, there was another one in the evening. Although Yu Ying couldn't be present, as Fu Wei worked at the government office, social obligations were necessary.
Her clinic needed the support of the government office, and Fu Wei's involvement was essential.
Since they could complement each other well, they would not only look after their own interests.
In the afternoon, after their shift ended, the other clerks from the government office also came to Yu Ying's clinic to congratulate her.
After the congratulations, they went to the restaurant for another meal.
As the attendees were mostly men, Yu Ying left for home after they had finished their meal and congratulations.
After bathing, not knowing when Fu Wei and her elder brother would return, she asked her sister-in-law to keep the water warm.
After a month of hectic preparation and rising early that day, Yu Ying was so exhausted that she fell asleep immediately upon touching the bed, unaware of when Fu Wei returned.
It was only at dawn that she noticed the person sleeping soundly beside her.
Even though he had washed up, there was still a faint smell of alcohol on him in the early morning.
Yu Ying propped herself up, resting her chin in her hand, carefully observing Fu Wei's eyebrows, nose, and thin lips.
In her high school and university days, she loved to stay up late reading novels, fantasizing about the elegantly described characters in white robes. She always imagined what a handsome, noble gentleman from ancient times would look like.
Now, looking at Fu Wei, she felt like the graceful gentleman from the novels had come to life.
Fu Wei was a true gentleman, both inside and out, not just a pretender wearing the guise of one.
He was the gentleman who gradually captured her affections.
Compelled as if by an unseen force, Yu Ying gently pecked Fu Wei's lips, only for him to suddenly open his eyes, looking at her in surprise.
Yu Ying: ...
In novels, the male lead always pretends to be asleep, and it seems Fu Wei is no exception.
Fu Wei suddenly laughed, his voice hoarse from the hangover: "Why did you stop kissing?"
Yu Ying rolled her eyes at him, then as she was about to lie back down for some more sleep, Fu Wei wrapped an arm around her, gazing at the canopy above, his chest vibrating with a chuckle, "Ah Ying, I’m very happy."
—"Happy that your affection for me grows day by day."
A smile appeared in Yu Ying's eyes, "Just a kiss, and look how happy it makes you."
Fu Wei responded with a smile, "How can I not be happy when my beloved reciprocates my feelings?"
Towards the end of his words, he said, "I'm becoming more and more dissatisfied with just this. I not only want to be with you, but I also want to marry you, to be together until we’re old."
"Then let’s get married."
Fu Wei sighed, about to say something, but then seemed to realize what she had said, his body suddenly stiffening.
He looked down at her, his eyes filled with hesitation.
—"Did he hear that right?"
But he had.
Yu Ying gave Fu Wei a bright smile, her eyes sparkling like the sun.
"I said, since you want to get married, let’s do it."
In the near future, with the world in chaos and uncertain what might happen next, since they were already together, they might as well get married during these peaceful times, to avoid any regrets.
Chapter 117
The second floor of the clinic was strikingly different from the first.
While the first floor was simple, every corner of the second floor exuded refinement. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the decor, and it indeed surprised everyone.
As the guests took their seats, He Auntie and the sister-in-law came up carrying copper kettles filled with freshly boiled water. They opened the teapots on the tables and slowly poured in the hot water, filling the air with the fragrance of flowers.
Someone, observing the floating flower petals, expressed surprise, "Is this tea made with flowers?"
Flower tea, originating in the Song dynasty, was rare at this time, with few people using flowers to brew tea.
Yu Ying explained, "Flower tea can invigorate blood circulation, beautify the skin, relieve depression, and soothe the mind. I've added honey to make the tea even sweeter."
The guests reacted with varied expressions, all finding it novel.
After a while, when the flower tea had steeped sufficiently, Yu Ying went to the magistrate's wife's table and poured tea for each guest, saying, "Ladies and young ladies, please have a taste."
Despite the appealing description, being far from the capital and thus out of the loop, the guests hesitated to take a sip, unfamiliar with the concept of flower tea.
"I've only heard of using flowers in bathwater or cakes, but never in tea," someone remarked.
The magistrate's wife was the first to pick up her cup, bringing it to her nose to gently inhale the sweet aroma of the tea, then slowly said, "Lady Yu came from the capital. Years ago, when I was in Yuzhang, I had heard that ladies in the capital infused their tea with flowers. I never thought I'd get to taste it here at Lady Yu's place."
After speaking, she took a sip.
Seeing this, Yu Ying realized that the magistrate's wife was supporting her.
As the magistrate's wife had already tasted the tea, the other guests felt no reason to refrain. Besides, the magistrate's wife mentioned that noblewomen in the capital also infused their tea with flowers, so it must be something special.
The guests then poured themselves tea, taking a tentative sip. To their surprise, the tea tasted quite pleasant, leaving a lingering fragrance in their mouths after drinking.
"This tea is really good!" exclaimed the lady of the Chen family.
Yu Ying added, "Feel free to try these pastries as well."
The fragrant, sweet flower tea helped to ease the awkward atmosphere, and the guests began to relax a bit more, starting to sample the pastries.
Apart from the Li family's young lady, there weren't many nitpicking. A lady laughingly asked, "I wonder if we'll be treated to such fine tea and pastries when we come here for massage and therapy in the future?"
Yu Ying replied, "Tea and pastries will certainly be available. However, the ingredients for these two kinds of pastries are a bit troublesome to procure. If the ladies and young ladies plan to visit, please send someone a day in advance to make an appointment, so I can prepare accordingly."
Yu Ying gestured towards the pastries topped with cream.
The Li family's young lady still wasn't convinced and muttered under her breath, "Why visit a clinic when you're perfectly healthy?"
The magistrate's wife glanced at her, prompting her to close her mouth.
Yu Ying didn't say much, only mentioning, "If you have discomfort in your shoulders, neck, or back, or feel overall fatigue, you can come to the clinic for a massage. It can be quite soothing."
She added, "The second floor is specifically for physical therapy and doesn't serve ordinary patients. Also, we don't allow men to go up there."
Hearing this, everyone seemed quite satisfied with the environment.
Yu Ying then brought out the price list that Fu Wei had copied for her the previous night and handed a copy to her sister-in-law to distribute to each table.
Some guests curiously looked at the list, and upon seeing herbal facials, one questioned skeptically, "What good can herbal facials do?"
Yu Ying explained, "It depends on the requirement. Some are for beautifying the skin, others for treating spots, and also for acne and rosacea."
Acne was commonly known as pimples.
Hearing her explanation, people's gazes fell on Yu Ying's face, with some thinking, given the size of the spots on her face, was she being overconfident in treating others?
But Madam Chen, who had seen Yu Ying a month ago, looked closely at her face and exclaimed, "Madam Yu, the spots on your face seem much lighter than before!"
Yu Ying replied gracefully, "I didn't have time to take care of them before, but I have started treatment now."
Intrigued, Madam Chen immediately showed interest, "Then reserve a herbal facial for me. I'll come over tomorrow afternoon."
A single facial session costing a hundred coins, the income was almost in hand.
Yu Ying's smile deepened, "Alright, I'll make a note of it."
Madam Zhou, too, was tempted. She wondered whether the spots on Madam Yu's face were deliberately put there or real, but it didn’t detract from her soft skin. Even her sister-in-law, who had reportedly spent almost three years at a mining site, exposed to harsh elements, had surprisingly smooth skin, even better than many ordinary women.
She discreetly glanced at the price.
It was within an acceptable range for her.
Madam Zhou then spoke up, "Since Madam Chen is coming tomorrow afternoon, I'll come in the morning."
Looking at Madam Yu, she added, "I’d like to make an advance reservation too."
Yu Ying smiled and replied, "I’ve noted it down, and I will look forward to hosting both ladies tomorrow."
With Madam Zhou and Madam Chen setting the example, two other ladies, who had previously had home visits from Yu Ying, also made reservations for the following days.
Yu Ying, being the host, had to attend to the guests. Since those on the second floor were familiar dignitaries, she didn’t need to overly engage there and went downstairs to welcome other visitors.
Just before the unveiling of the signboard, Fu Wei and Fu Zhen arrived, having just finished their duties.
The women present couldn't help but take several glances at Fu Wei's handsome and distinguished appearance.
In a small place like Yu County, it was rare to see a man of such striking looks and extraordinary demeanor, even if he was disabled. His appearance and bearing completely overshadowed those of able-bodied men.
When the ladies saw how Fu Wei smiled at Madam Yu, some young girls were utterly captivated.
Fu Wei looked at Yu Ying and, seeing her eyes curved in joy, caught her happiness and smiled warmly, "Are you this happy?"
Yu Ying bent down and whispered to him, "Just now, four ladies made advance bookings, each at a hundred coins."
With business support on the opening day, how could she not be happy?
Fu Wei, looking at her beaming face, also wore a smile.
His handsome face lit up with a smile so warm and welcoming that the young girls, with budding affections, blushed, forgetting that he was disabled.
It was only after unveiling the red cloth that Yu Ying heard from her sister-in-law about many girls and ladies eyeing her brother-in-law.
Hearing this, Yu Ying discreetly observed and indeed noticed several girls looking at Fu Wei, their cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, perhaps due to sneaking glances or fluttering hearts.
Though Yu Ying understood the natural inclination towards beauty, she couldn't help feeling somewhat uneasy and uncomfortable about it.
Withdrawing her gaze, she leaned in and whispered to Fu Wei, "Next time, I can’t let you come here."
Fu Wei paused, his smile faltering slightly as he looked at her, puzzled, "Why not?"
Yu Ying replied, "You’re too attractive." She paused, realizing her words sounded like what a husband might say to his wife, and corrected herself, "Too handsome. Even sitting in a plain carriage draws attention. Ever since you arrived, I don’t know how many young ladies have been staring at you."
Fu Wei was momentarily stunned before realizing, was Yu Ying feeling jealous?
The thought that he had finally made Yu Ying jealous brought a quiet joy to his heart.
A smile crept onto Fu Wei's face.
Seeing his gentle and clear expression, his soft and lingering smile, Yu Ying couldn't help but admire him.
Fu Wei's smile was indeed pleasing to the eye—no, that wasn’t what she wanted to focus on. Why did he have to smile so charmingly?
She reined in her admiring gaze and glanced around, indeed noticing some stunned looks directed at Fu Wei. She quickly cautioned him, "Stop smiling like that; you’re going to steal these young girls’ hearts."
Hearing this, Fu Wei immediately pressed his lips together, maintaining only his usual polite smile, but his eyes sparkled with mirth.
When the signboard was unveiled, Yu Ying looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar signboard, feeling a sense of consolation in her heart.
Having come to this world alone and spent a whole year here, she finally saw something familiar and had her own clinic, where she could continue doing what she loved.
Her heart was undeniably filled with joy.
She turned to Fu Wei, her smile gentle and warm.
Once unsure, she now felt it was time to settle her heart.
Maybe she could never return to her original world, or perhaps one day she might.
Regardless of the situation, Yu Ying no longer wanted to live in pretense or leave any regrets during this period of her life.
After unveiling the signboard, she invited everyone to a nearby restaurant for the opening banquet.
Fu Wei and Fu Zhen took a leave for a little over half an hour to attend the banquet before returning to their duties.
Following this meal, there was another one in the evening. Although Yu Ying couldn't be present, as Fu Wei worked at the government office, social obligations were necessary.
Her clinic needed the support of the government office, and Fu Wei's involvement was essential.
Since they could complement each other well, they would not only look after their own interests.
In the afternoon, after their shift ended, the other clerks from the government office also came to Yu Ying's clinic to congratulate her.
After the congratulations, they went to the restaurant for another meal.
As the attendees were mostly men, Yu Ying left for home after they had finished their meal and congratulations.
After bathing, not knowing when Fu Wei and her elder brother would return, she asked her sister-in-law to keep the water warm.
After a month of hectic preparation and rising early that day, Yu Ying was so exhausted that she fell asleep immediately upon touching the bed, unaware of when Fu Wei returned.
It was only at dawn that she noticed the person sleeping soundly beside her.
Even though he had washed up, there was still a faint smell of alcohol on him in the early morning.
Yu Ying propped herself up, resting her chin in her hand, carefully observing Fu Wei's eyebrows, nose, and thin lips.
In her high school and university days, she loved to stay up late reading novels, fantasizing about the elegantly described characters in white robes. She always imagined what a handsome, noble gentleman from ancient times would look like.
Now, looking at Fu Wei, she felt like the graceful gentleman from the novels had come to life.
Fu Wei was a true gentleman, both inside and out, not just a pretender wearing the guise of one.
He was the gentleman who gradually captured her affections.
Compelled as if by an unseen force, Yu Ying gently pecked Fu Wei's lips, only for him to suddenly open his eyes, looking at her in surprise.
Yu Ying: ...
In novels, the male lead always pretends to be asleep, and it seems Fu Wei is no exception.
Fu Wei suddenly laughed, his voice hoarse from the hangover: "Why did you stop kissing?"
Yu Ying rolled her eyes at him, then as she was about to lie back down for some more sleep, Fu Wei wrapped an arm around her, gazing at the canopy above, his chest vibrating with a chuckle, "Ah Ying, I’m very happy."
—"Happy that your affection for me grows day by day."
A smile appeared in Yu Ying's eyes, "Just a kiss, and look how happy it makes you."
Fu Wei responded with a smile, "How can I not be happy when my beloved reciprocates my feelings?"
Towards the end of his words, he said, "I'm becoming more and more dissatisfied with just this. I not only want to be with you, but I also want to marry you, to be together until we’re old."
"Then let’s get married."
Fu Wei sighed, about to say something, but then seemed to realize what she had said, his body suddenly stiffening.
He looked down at her, his eyes filled with hesitation.
—"Did he hear that right?"
But he had.
Yu Ying gave Fu Wei a bright smile, her eyes sparkling like the sun.
"I said, since you want to get married, let’s do it."
In the near future, with the world in chaos and uncertain what might happen next, since they were already together, they might as well get married during these peaceful times, to avoid any regrets.
