What did you say? Do you know what you are saying? Do you know who you are talking to?" Zhu Guifu’s voice rose sharply.
Zhu Shun Yao sneered coldly. "I certainly know what I am saying." His expression then darkened. "Father, let me be honest with you. Ani is my daughter. Even if she were not, I would not easily interfere with her destiny. Ani will decide for herself what she wants to do in the future. Now that she has chosen to become a medical Buddha girl, I support her. So, please do not trouble yourself on our behalf. After all, we have already divided the family."
Zhu Shun Yao did not wish to speculate too much on Zhu Guifu’s intentions. However, he knew his father was a man who never acted without profit. The fact that Zhu Guifu had brought up Zhu Yanyi meant he had a plan in mind—a plan that benefited him and his circle.
Usually, Zhu Shun Yao could ignore such matters. Because Zhu Guifu was his father, he could pretend not to know. But he had his own bottom line. That line was his wife and children. He absolutely would not allow anyone, including his own parents or relatives, to scheme against his family.
Once the family was divided, they were no longer one household. They were merely relatives. Zhu Shun Yao understood this principle, so he reminded his father again. Zhu Guifu understood it too. Yet, at this moment, he felt a hint of regret. If he had known this would happen, he would not have divided the family. But the deed was done. It was unlikely they could change it now. So, he could only say, "You have guts. You have the ability. Make sure you never come to us for help in the future."
"Rest assured," Zhu Shun Yao said, forcing a smile that looked worse than crying. "From the moment my wife gave birth to An’ni and you refused to help, I never expected to need your assistance."
Zhu Guifu was so angry that he turned and walked away directly. Watching his father leave, Zhu Shun Yao’s expression grew weary. Xie Xinlian had been standing by his side. Seeing him like this, she felt heartache. "Are you alright?"
Zhu Shun Yao shook his head slightly. "I am fine. It is just that we may have fewer relatives from now on."
"If we have fewer, so be it. We can invite fewer tables during the New Year," Xie Xinlian said, not caring at all.
Zhu Shun Yao paused slightly, then laughed. "Yes, you are absolutely right. We can indeed invite fewer people during the New Year." The couple smiled at each other. It did not matter if they had no other relatives. They had each other, and that was enough.
Compared to the noise of the Xie family and the disputes of the Zhu family, Zhu Yanyi felt very relaxed hiding with Old Man Yao. "Grandpa Yao, is this the right way to process these herbs?"
Old Man Yao was very happy. In her old age, she had gained such a final disciple. Learning traditional Chinese medicine required more talent than anything else. After discovering Zhu Yanyi’s talent for photographic memory, she felt even more fortunate for her decisive action earlier. "Let me see." She came over, took a quick look, and nodded. "Good, very good. You have processed these medicinal materials excellently."
Zhu Yanyi smiled too. "I knew I didn’t make a mistake. Then, Grandpa Yao, do you want to reward me?"
"Stop trying to get your hands on my medicinal supplies," Old Man Yao said. She understood Zhu Yanyi’s thoughts well. A few days ago, she had discovered the Rou Zhi (flesh mushroom) she had hidden away, and she had been eyeing it ever since.
"Grandpa Yao, that is wrong. Hiding treasures and not using them makes them useless," Zhu Yanyi said. "Aren’t medicinal herbs created to benefit humanity? Hiding them won’t make an extra flower bloom.