Chapter 333: Passing Away

Cheng Feng had just settled Da Hei in Hong Village and had not yet had a moment to enjoy the peace when he received an urgent message from Jiang Feifei—the old Shopkeeper of Yonghe Hall, Jiang Feifei's grandfather, had suddenly fallen ill. This news was like a bolt from the blue, causing Cheng Feng's heart to sink instantly.

Yonghe Hall was a renowned pharmacy in the South District of the county, and the old Shopkeeper had won the respect and love of countless people for his exquisite Medical Skill and noble medical ethics.

As the old Shopkeeper's granddaughter, Jiang Feifei had learned Medical Skill by her grandfather's side since she was young and held deep affection for him. Now that her grandfather had fallen ill, she was naturally burning with anxiety.

Cheng Feng knew this matter was no small thing; he immediately put aside all his current affairs and decided to go to Yonghe Hall to visit the old Shopkeeper and provide whatever help he could.

He knew that in Jiang Feifei's heart, nothing was more important than the health of her family.

When he arrived at Yonghe Hall, he saw that the inside and outside of the pharmacy were busy, but the atmosphere was unusually heavy. Cheng Feng walked quickly into the inner hall and saw Jiang Feifei guarding her grandfather's bedside, her expression anxious and worried.

The old Shopkeeper lay on the bed, his face pale and his breathing weak, yet those eyes that had seen the vicissitudes of life still revealed perseverance and unyielding spirit.

Cheng Feng stepped forward and gently patted Jiang Feifei's shoulder to comfort her: "Feifei, don't worry, we will definitely find a way to heal Master."

Jiang Feifei looked up and saw Cheng Feng, a flash of surprise and gratitude in her eyes: "Cheng Feng, you're here! Grandfather, he... he suddenly became like this, I..."

Cheng Feng interrupted Jiang Feifei's words, signaling for her to remain calm: "Feifei, now is not the time for self-reproach. Let us first check Master's condition, then think of a way together."

Saying this, Cheng Feng sat by the bed and began to carefully examine the old Shopkeeper's condition. Relying on his Master-level Ghost Doctor Book skill, diagnosing the cause of the old Shopkeeper's illness was a simple task.

Upon making contact with the old Shopkeeper's pulse, Cheng Feng's expression instantly turned grave.

This pulse was neither wind-cold-damp-heat, nor internal injury or external affliction, but rather presented a kind of irreversible weakness and decay.

Cheng Feng's heart sank; this could not be explained by a simple illness, but rather that the old Shopkeeper's fire of life was about to burn out—his time had come.

He slowly lowered his hand and looked at Jiang Feifei with a deep gaze, his voice low and heavy: "Feifei, Grandfather, he... is not sick, but rather..."

Seeing this, Jiang Feifei already had an ominous premonition in her heart, but she still held onto a sliver of hope and asked with a trembling voice: "Cheng Feng, just tell me, I can handle it."

Cheng Feng took a deep breath and struggled to spit out the words: "His time has come."

This sentence was like a bolt from the blue, causing Jiang Feifei's face to turn pale instantly.

Jiang Feifei herself possessed considerable Medical Skill and had also diagnosed her grandfather's pulse; she simply did not want to accept this cruel reality.

But the sincerity and helplessness in Cheng Feng's eyes forced her to face this unchangeable reality.

In the following days, Cheng Feng and Jiang Feifei did their best to provide the old Shopkeeper with final care and companionship.

They knew the old Shopkeeper did not have much time left, and every moment spent together seemed especially precious.

Although the old Shopkeeper was physically weak, his mind was unusually clear; he clearly knew his own fate and viewed life and death with great detachment.

He held Jiang Feifei's and Cheng Feng's hands and exhorted them earnestly: "In this life, there is always a time for parting. You need not be too sad."

"In this life of mine, to have descendants and disciples like you is already enough. Remember, no matter what the future holds, always keep a kind and resilient heart to help those who need help."

Although the old Shopkeeper's words were soft, they struck Jiang Feifei's and Cheng Feng's hearts like heavy hammers. They nodded through their tears, carving this entrustment deep into their hearts.

"Feifei, you go out first, I have something to say to Cheng Feng." Seeing the old Shopkeeper still had things to entrust to Cheng Feng while on his deathbed,

Jiang Feifei cried until her face was covered in tears, but she had no choice but to go out first.

Watching Jiang Feifei gently close the door to ensure the noise outside would not disturb them, the old Shopkeeper slowly turned his head, using his hands—covered in the traces of time yet still warm and strong—

to tightly grasp Cheng Feng's hand. His eyes were filled with trust and expectation, as if in this moment, he was entrusting all his hopes to this young junior.

"Cheng Feng," the old Shopkeeper's voice was low and resonant, carrying a hint of imperceptible trembling, "In this life, I have practiced medicine and saved countless people, seen too many partings of life and death, and tasted all the bitterness and sweetness of the human world."

"But what brings me the most comfort is having young people like you and Feifei who are willing to inherit my mantle and continue walking on this path of giving people hope."

The old Shopkeeper paused, as if recalling bits and pieces of the past, then continued: "I know you do not come from a family of medicine, but your talent and effort have shown me the infinite possibilities within you."

"I also know you are quite busy, and the medical path is just one of your choices, not your only one."

Speaking to this point, a hint of imperceptible worry flashed in the old Shopkeeper's eyes: "However, I must also remind you: although Medical Skill can save people, the human heart is more complex; you must think and consider things more."

"And another thing, Cheng Feng," a hint of worry flashed in the old Shopkeeper's eyes, his voice becoming more gentle and earnest, "Feifei, that child, she is smart and kind, but sometimes her temper is as stubborn as a bull."

"She grew up by my side since she was young and received much pampering, which may have caused her to develop some willful habits. Although I feel for her, I also know that such a personality is prone to suffering outside."

Speaking to this point, deep love flowed in the old Shopkeeper's gaze; he sighed softly and continued: "I am just afraid that if, if one day I am gone, she will not be able to withstand those storms alone."

"I hope you can take care of her as much as you are able. You don't have to go along with everything she says, but it is enough if you can give her some guidance and support when she is lost or encounters difficulties."

Upon hearing this, a warm current surged in Cheng Feng's heart. He subconsciously looked toward the door in Jiang Feifei's direction, imagining that lively yet somewhat stubborn and cold girl, and a sense of protectiveness could not help but arise in his heart.

He nodded solemnly and promised the old Shopkeeper: "Old Shopkeeper, please rest assured. Feifei is like my younger sister; I will always care for her and look after her. No matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, I will face them with her and will not let her be alone and helpless."

Hearing Cheng Feng's promise, a gratified smile appeared on the old Shopkeeper's face. He seemed to have unloaded a heavy burden from his heart, and his whole person looked much more relaxed. He patted Cheng Feng's shoulder and said with emotion: "With your words, I can rest easy. I believe you two will surely support each other and walk through the future storms together."

After saying this, the old Shopkeeper seemed somewhat exhausted; he slowly closed his eyes and began to enjoy this rare, peaceful time. Cheng Feng sat quietly to the side.

In the end, the old Shopkeeper departed from this world in peace and tranquility.