Naturally, after hearing Zhang Wan'er's words, Li Xiulan felt too embarrassed to ask her to leave again. It was too obvious, and others would see her as ungrateful, driving away a benefactor who had come to care for her with such coldness.
So Li Xiulan could only awkwardly rub the tip of her nose. Watching Zhang Wan'er fuss over her illness, she couldn't deny feeling moved.
"Auntie, this is a porridge I've prepared for you with the finest medicinal ingredients. After you eat this, get a good night's sleep. I'll wash these bedsheets and then leave. I do have some matters at the hotel that require my attention." Zhang Wan'er knew how to strike the right balance. Her actions didn't seem overly purposeful, making her appear like an ordinary junior caring for an elder.
The porridge was ready soon, and Zhang Wan'er handed it to Li Xiulan. She didn't insist on feeding her, which immediately put Li Xiulan at ease, as she wasn't actually that severely ill.
However, when she clearly saw the medicinal ingredients in the porridge, her pupils contracted. Then, with a look of surprise, she said, "If I remember correctly, Sister He has been eating these same medicinal ingredients these past few days, right? I heard these ingredients are very expensive, and most importantly, very difficult to obtain. Even Brother He couldn't get them. How did you get them to make porridge for me?
I only have a common cold, it's not that serious. How could you waste them? No, quickly take this bowl of porridge to Sister He. her condition is more serious, and these medicinal ingredients should be prioritized for her. I'll go to the hospital and get some ordinary cold medicine, and it'll be fine after taking it."
After speaking, Li Xiulan picked up the bowl and prepared to get out of bed to find Mother He. Zhang Wan'er quickly blocked her path, a helpless smile appearing on her face as she shook her head and said, "Auntie, I know you're sick. I brought these medicinal ingredients specifically for you. Please, just eat them!
As for Aunt He, please don't worry. I've already persuaded my friend to give a sprig of live medicinal herb to Uncle He. I believe with Uncle He's skill, he can cultivate more medicinal herbs! Besides, my friend has plenty of these herbs, so one more or less won't make a difference. Please eat with peace of mind!
Furthermore, if this bowl of porridge were taken to Aunt He, it would be of no use to her. Her medicine needs to be simmered over a low heat to maximize its efficacy. Half of the nutritional value of the herbs in this porridge has already been lost. This is mainly because I considered you only have a minor cold and don't need such tonics. Being overly tonified is not only bad for your health but will also overwhelm your body and trigger more ailments!"
Listening to Zhang Wan'er's rambling words, Li Xiulan actually felt a warmth in her heart. Perhaps illness makes people vulnerable, causing them to rely on someone with ulterior motives.
After finishing the porridge, Li Xiulan felt much better. She then looked at Zhang Wan'er, held her hand, and said, "You're a good child, and your family is of noble standing. I don't understand what it is about my son that attracts you.
Child, listen to your aunt. Don't waste your time on people and things that have no outcome. You deserve someone better. If you need it, Auntie can introduce you to some suitable matches, and I guarantee you'll find a husband you're happy with."
Zhang Wan'er didn't get angry listening to Li Xiulan's words. Instead, she smiled. Did this mean her impression in Li Xiulan's heart had deepened? She hadn't expected the favorability to be so easy to gain. Next, she just needed to find something to stimulate Li Xiulan, to make her realize the difference between herself and Chen Lishu. Then, the plan would be easier to execute.
Seeing Li Xiulan looking at her with confusion, Zhang Wan'er said softly, "Auntie, I think the way you were rambling just now was very similar to my mother. However, you don't need to worry about this matter anymore. My family has already made arrangements for it.
Oh, Auntie, you've always been in good health. How did you catch a cold? Perhaps the weather has turned cold and you're wearing too little? Why don't you get some rest, and after you wake up, I'll take you to buy some new clothes. Winter is coming soon, so you naturally need to pay attention to keeping warm."
Li Xiulan bypassed Zhang Wan'er's later words. After all, they weren't that close. As the saying goes, "He who eats from others' hands is short of his mouth." She wasn't lacking money, so she didn't need Zhang Wan'er to buy her clothes. What she was more interested in now was Zhang Wan'er's blind date.
Li Xiulan sat cross-legged, cleared her throat, and asked, "Did you just say your family has arranged a blind date for you? That's great. Your Zhang family is considered a prominent family in Kyoto. Finding a suitable man to marry is much more reliable than my situation.
So, has your mother found a suitable candidate? When do you plan to get married? On the day of your wedding, Auntie will definitely give you a generous gift, as a token of my gratitude for your care today!"
"Okay, Auntie," Zhang Wan'er readily agreed. Li Xiulan originally just wanted to test if Zhang Wan'er still had any inappropriate feelings for Gu Xingdong. Seeing her fearless demeanor, she couldn't help but feel relieved. It seemed this child truly intended to mend her ways and move on.
"Auntie, you should rest for a while. I'm going to chat with Aunt He and ask how she's doing," Zhang Wan'er said with a smile, then turned and left Li Xiulan's room.
As soon as she stepped out the door, Zhang Wan'er's expression instantly turned ugly. She muttered, "You old fossil, how dare you try to stop me from being with Gu Xingdong? When Gu Xingdong and I get married, the first thing I'll do is kick you out and let you die outside!"
After mumbling these words, Zhang Wan'er went to Meng Lei's room and saw Qin Yue admiring herself. She skillfully found a sofa and sat down, then said, "Someone with your character is indeed not suitable to speak up for me. I'll increase the favorability myself these days. You just behave yourself and don't cause me any trouble!"
Qin Yue felt like a burden hearing Zhang Wan'er's words and instantly became unhappy. "What are you saying? Have you already gained Li Xiulan's favor?"
"Yes, I'm almost there, but I still need the right moment to make Li Xiulan completely side with me!" Zhang Wan'er's eyes flashed with a calculating glint as she finished speaking.