Chapter 334: Aftermath

Watching the old Shopkeeper depart from this world so peacefully, Cheng Feng's heart was like a churning sea, with various emotions intertwined. Grief, reluctance, reverence... such feelings were beyond words.

Yet amidst these complex emotions, Cheng Feng also realized that as the old Shopkeeper's apprentice in Medical Skill, he shouldered an inescapable responsibility—that was to properly handle the old Shopkeeper's funeral arrangements and allow the old man to rest in peace.

Cheng Feng took a deep breath, striving to calm the waves within his heart. Now was not the time to be immersed in personal emotions, but rather a time to face the matters ahead with calmness and reason.

He quickly adjusted his state of mind and began to set about preparing for the old Shopkeeper's funeral.

Although Jiang Feifei had long been mentally prepared, she still could not help but burst into tears upon hearing the news. Cheng Feng held her tightly, providing her with the most solid support and comfort.

Cheng Feng methodically contacted the local mortuary, booked a hearse, cremation, and other matters; then he contacted relatives and friends, notifying them of the old Shopkeeper's passing and the funeral arrangements.

During this process, Cheng Feng displayed a maturity and steadiness beyond his years, causing everyone to look at him with new eyes.

At the funeral, Cheng Feng, as the old Shopkeeper's apprentice in Medical Skill, bowed deeply to every person who came to pay their respects.

And as the only family member, Jiang Feifei wore mourning clothes and wept until she was a tear-stained mess.

After the funeral ended, Cheng Feng did not leave immediately. He wandered alone before the old Shopkeeper's grave for a long time, silently praying in his heart that the old Shopkeeper could rest in peace.

As for Jiang Feifei and Yonghe Hall, Cheng Feng prepared to grasp both.

Even if it was somewhat shameless, Cheng Feng still stated his plan.

"What, you want to merge my grandfather's Yonghe Hall into the Hong Sect?

And you want me to teach disciples and pass on my grandfather's Medical Skill?

You, you even want to marry me???"

Facing Jiang Feifei's shock and confusion, Cheng Feng took a deep breath, attempting to make his tone more peaceful and firm. He understood Jiang Feifei's reaction; after all, this involved family heritage, personal futures, and the relationship between the two of them—every decision was of great significance.

"Feifei, don't be anxious, listen to me explain slowly." Cheng Feng gently soothed Jiang Feifei's emotions. "First, regarding the matter of merging Yonghe Hall into the Hong Sect, I don't want to swallow it up or change it, but rather want Yonghe Hall to receive better development.

The Hong Sect has deep resources and influence in Qingxi County; if Yonghe Hall can cooperate with the Hong Sect, not only can we expand our influence, but we can also allow more people to benefit from the old Shopkeeper's Medical Skill."

"As for you teaching disciples and passing on my grandfather's Medical Skill, this was actually the old Shopkeeper's dying wish." Cheng Feng continued, "He once said that Medical Skill is used to save people and should not be left to gather dust on a shelf.

He hoped that we could pass down the Medical Skill, let more people learn it, and benefit more patients. Moreover, I believe you have the ability and the responsibility to take on this inheritance."

Speaking to this point, Cheng Feng paused slightly, his gaze toward Jiang Feifei filled with sincerity and anticipation. "As for marrying you, this is not just because of my feelings for you, but even more because I want to give you a promise, a future. I hope we can face the storms of life together, manage Yonghe Hall together, and carry forward the old Shopkeeper's Medical Skill."

Listening to Cheng Feng's explanation, Jiang Feifei's mood gradually calmed down. She looked at Cheng Feng's firm eyes and felt the sincerity and determination in his heart. Although she was still somewhat hesitant and worried, she also understood that what Cheng Feng said was not nonsense, but something he had thought through carefully.

"Cheng Feng, let me think about it some more." Jiang Feifei finally said, "These things are all too sudden; I need time to digest and accept them. However, I thank you for these considerations and plans you have made for me and for Yonghe Hall. I believe that as long as we think in the same direction and work toward the same goal, we will definitely be able to overcome the difficulties and let Yonghe Hall radiate new vitality."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Feng held Jiang Feifei's hand tightly and said gently, "Alright, Feifei, I will give you time. But please remember, no matter what your decision is, I will always be by your side, supporting you and protecting you."

Jiang Feifei hurriedly shook off Cheng Feng's burning palm and ran out with a slightly flushed face, her heart feeling as if a stone had been thrown into it, causing ripples to spread. All of this was too sudden and too shocking for her, leaving her unable to digest it for the moment.

As she ran, she thought, her mind constantly replaying Cheng Feng's words from just a moment ago. Merging Yonghe Hall into the Hong Sect was not just a business decision, but one that concerned family heritage and honor;

Teaching disciples and passing on Medical Skill was both a responsibility and a mission, but she had never imagined herself standing on a platform, becoming someone else's teacher; and Cheng Feng's proposal to marry her caught her even more off guard, leaving her heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

Running to a deserted corner, Jiang Feifei stopped, bracing her hands on her knees, gasping for air. She closed her eyes, trying to calm her mood.

But whenever she thought of Cheng Feng's eyes, filled with sincerity and anticipation, her heart would involuntarily beat faster.

Even though she knew that she had, unknowingly, already imprinted this junior brother, Cheng Feng, into her heart.

Born into humble circumstances, yet relying on his own brains and wrist, he had risen abruptly in Qingxi County, until now, when he had retreated behind the scenes.

Cheng Feng had laid out everything about himself, which left Jiang Feifei both shocked and feeling that it was so matter-of-fact.

Just like when he first came to study medicine, it was also Cheng Feng who, relying on his outstanding talent, had thoroughly grasped the medical books her grandfather gave him in a short time.

With such powerful talent, it was naturally no surprise that he could do these things.

"But, I had originally thought about going through hard times with him.

Now you tell me that his family isn't short on money? There are plenty of women, and he even has children..."

Jiang Feifei muttered, covering her burning face.

She needed time to think, to sort out these complex emotions and decisions.

She did not want to make any choice rashly, and even less did she want to regret it for the rest of her life because of a momentary impulse.

And during this time, Cheng Feng also gave Jiang Feifei enough space and freedom. He did not force her to make any decision, but silently waited by her side, using his actions to prove his love and commitment to her.

When Jiang Feifei returned to Yonghe Hall again, her gaze was firmer, and her steps were more composed.

She knew she had made her choice and was prepared to meet the challenges of the future. And all these changes stemmed from the courage and strength Cheng Feng had given her.

"I, Jiang Feifei, will not be weaker than other women."