Chapter 290: The New Year, Part II

Cheng Feng could feel the warmth and expectation in Jiang Feifei's eyes; it was a form of emotional exchange that required no words to be understood.

He tried to respond to this sentiment with a smile, only to find that the corners of his mouth had already lifted slightly of their own accord.

The women in his household all had some external factors involved to varying degrees, but Jiang Feifei was a flower that had slowly blossomed during Cheng Feng's process of studying medicine.

With the end of the year approaching, he still had many important matters to handle, including the planning of the Cheng Mansion, the development of the Hong Sect, and his personal cultivation, among others. All of these required him to invest a great deal of time and energy to address.

Now was not the time for romance, so he could only act as if he hadn't seen the look in Jiang Feifei's eyes, offered a word of thanks, and walked straight into the inner courtyard.

The expressionless Jiang Feifei muttered a silent reproach: "Blockhead."

Yet she followed him in, and Cheng Feng could only let it be.

After a brief conversation with Jiang Lao and Jiang Feifei, he took his leave directly.

Watching the way his granddaughter looked at Cheng Feng, how could Jiang Lao not know that his granddaughter's heart was already set on the man who had just walked out the door?

Yet, according to Jiang Lao's own inquiries, Cheng Feng already had over a dozen concubines in his household, which was not a match at all.

But his granddaughter was a person with her own ideas; he feared she might not necessarily listen to what he had to say!

Ignoring the thoughts of the Jiang grandfather and granddaughter, Cheng Feng brought his servants to the Lin Family.

The Lin Family was one of the prominent clans in Qingxi County and had deep ties with Cheng Feng.

First, he had saved Lin Wan'er, and then Lin Wan'er had stepped forward to sell him his current residence.

Later, the medicinal ingredients needed for the Dragon Bone Secret Medicine also had to be obtained through the channels of the Lin Family Merchant Caravan.

There had been quite a few back-and-forth dealings, and when facing Lin Wan'er, Cheng Feng felt a trace of restlessness in his heart.

Who wouldn't like the eccentric and spiritually gifted Lin Wan'er?

Cheng Feng had already visited Jiang Feifei, and with this visit to the Lin Mansion completed, his pre-New Year visits could be considered finished.

The development of the Hong Sect required allies; going it alone was not a long-term strategy.

The Martial Arts Hall counted as a powerful helper, and the medical clinic was part of healing the sick and saving lives; Cheng Feng was also thinking of turning Yonghe Hall into the Hong Sect's pharmacy.

The relationship with the Lin Mansion represented channels for certain goods, and grain prices had risen quite a bit this year.

Because of the needs of Hong Village, Lin Wan'er had sold about three thousand taels worth of grain to the Hong Sect at cost price, a loss that was by no means small, and Cheng Feng naturally could not take this matter lightly.

Therefore, Cheng Feng had specially prepared a generous return gift—two jars of wine infused with the bones of a red-scaled giant snake. He had spoken privately with Lin Wan'er before, and she had said she had also begun practicing martial arts.

This medicinal wine was definitely substantial enough; as a Martial Artist, who didn't need medicinal materials for nourishment? The better the nourishment, the faster the improvement.

In front of the Lin Family Mansion, Cheng Feng personally handed the gift to the Head of the Family, Lin Xiong, and expressed his deep gratitude to the Lin Family.

Lin Xiong naturally accepted the gift with a smile and invited Cheng Feng inside to chat, the two families looking forward to the new year together amidst laughter and joy.

Lin Wan'er was there to keep them company, watching the articulate and extraordinary Cheng Feng before her.

Yet, in her mind, Lin Wan'er still recalled the green, inexperienced Cheng Feng from when he had saved her on the road.

The appearances of the two merged at this moment, and Lin Wan'er's heart thumped incessantly like a little deer.

Facing Lin Wan'er's affectionate gaze, Cheng Feng was naturally moved.

Being able to see Lin Wan'er's eyes brimming with tenderness for him, Cheng Feng also felt proud of himself.

At the very least, Lin Wan'er was not without a shred of affection for him.

In that case, some things would be easier to talk about in the future.

In the warm atmosphere of the Lin Family Mansion, Cheng Feng's interaction with the Lin Family appeared exceptionally harmonious.

Every visit and cooperation was a deepening of the relationship between the two sides, as well as a paving of the way for future mutual development.

And Lin Wan'er's company added a special color to this exchange.

The relationship between him and Lin Wan'er was not just a simple cooperative one; there was also a deep emotional bond.

This emotion was both an appreciation and admiration for each other, as well as an expectation and longing for a life together in the future.

That's right, Cheng was indeed tempted, for reasons in every respect.

Hindered by Lin Xiong's presence, Cheng Feng could only say some polite pleasantries and drank a round with Lin Xiong.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, seeing that the time was about right, Cheng Feng naturally took his leave.

Lin Xiong used the excuse of being drunk and weak to have Lin Wan'er come out to see Cheng Feng off; anyone with eyes knew what that meant.

The legitimate daughter of the Lin Family taking the initiative to see a young man out—could this really be something done out of mere friendship??

The servants of the Lin Mansion, having learned their lesson before, kept their eyes straight ahead.

"Brother Cheng, your growth is truly impressive." Lin Wan'er's voice was soft and pleasant, interrupting Cheng Feng's thoughts. She looked at Cheng Feng with a smile, her eyes sparkling with a gentle light.

"Sister Wan'er, your support and help are what matter most to me. Without your help, I fear I would find it difficult to achieve such results in such a short time," Cheng Feng said sincerely, his tone filled with gratitude.

Hearing this, Lin Wan'er's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head shyly; her feelings for Cheng Feng were growing deeper, and everyone around could see it clearly.

Is Brother Cheng playing dumb while knowing the truth??

Cheng Feng, however, seemed to see through her thoughts, gently took her hand, and said softly: "Sister Wan'er, I have been busy with matters by my side these past few days and haven't had time to find you; it is my fault. But after the New Year, I will be free. Will you have time then to drink and chat with me?"

Feeling the warmth of Cheng Feng's palm, Lin Wan'er's face turned bright red. She hurriedly pulled her hand away and stammered: "Brother Cheng, you are drunk. But don't worry, I have time whenever."

Watching Lin Wan'er in this easily bullied state, the little devil inside Cheng Feng stirred, but he also knew now was not the right time. While regretting the missed opportunity in his heart, he said righteously: "Wan'er, you must practice well at home, otherwise your father might not let you come out to play with me then."

Lin Wan'er said firmly: "I won't, I will definitely have time then."

Cheng Feng naturally responded with a smile and left behind a remark that the medicinal wine was highly effective, telling Lin Wan'er to be careful when drinking it.

After bidding each other farewell, Cheng Feng breathed a sigh of relief; this round of New Year visits could finally be considered over.

For Cheng Feng, whether it was Jiang Feifei's warm expectation or Lin Wan'er's affectionate gaze, both would become the motivation and support for him to move forward.

There were emotional factors involved, and there were also interest factors; in the adult world, there was long since no such thing as pure.

Fortunately, Cheng Feng himself was a beneficiary, and he considered himself to have no regrets.

Smiling, he only wanted to get home quickly and cultivate diligently.

To reach Bone Refining Perfection as soon as possible, and then obtain that Thunder Blade Art from his master.

And then break through to Organ Refining; if he could do that, Cheng Feng would be able to feel a bit more at ease.

The feeling of lacking strength and being timid,

having it once is enough.