Hua Lao directly countered Ji Xingmi's wishful thinking: "You're dreaming too big. Once you get involved, you'll definitely be doing experiments."
"I'm just exploring the possibility, seeing if it can be realized. I'll just be a designer!"
"Then why do you need the design drawings?"
"Heh heh, I want to know what stage their research has reached, and also understand the progress of our craftsmanship. What if my design is too advanced for the current technology?"
"What do you want to draw? Are airplanes not enough for you to reach the sky?" Hua Lao was so exasperated he felt like he would sprout a beard and glare, if only he had one.
Ji Xingmi retorted softly, "Didn't the great men say, 'We must be able to grasp the moon in the sky and capture the jade-colored turtles in the sea'!"
Hua Lao rolled his eyes and said, "Go on, draw it first. I can't promise you this. You know it's not something I can decide alone!"
"I know, you need to discuss it with Number One. Hurry up! Do you need me to prepare anything to bribe them?"
"Get out! Go read your book!" As Ji Xingmi turned to walk towards her small desk, she heard him call out from behind, "Prepare some of your health pills, and do you have any more life-saving medicine? Prepare some."
"That's too much! They're difficult to make, five pills at most!" Ji Xingmi exclaimed dramatically.
"Alright, then go prepare them!" Hua Lao saw through her little trick and readily agreed.
"I've been tricked! I should have said three pills!" Ji Xingmi was a little annoyed when she realized she'd lost again. Damn, this old man is the real fox! I always get tricked by him!!
Ji Xingmi huffed and stomped out of the study, retreating to her room and shutting herself inside. Hua Lao watched her leave with a smile, then sat in the study for a while, lost in thought, before picking up the phone on his desk and making a call. Little did anyone know, this call would usher in a glorious era for the nation of Hua.
By the time Ji Xingmi emerged again, Deng Caiyun had already returned. Ji Xingmi didn't go to the study, but headed straight for the kitchen to brew wine. This time, she was brewing with purple reishi mushrooms. The one she'd found last time had grown quite a bit, so she picked one with good quality, brewed a jar, and planned to bury it in the yard.
When Hua Lao came out, he saw Ji Xingmi digging in the corner of the yard under a tree. Wondering what mischief she was up to, he walked over to watch.
"What are you doing?"
"Ah? I'm digging a hole. I brewed some wine, and burying it underground will help it mature faster!"
"Is that so? You don't need to dig it yourself, though. You don't have much strength! And look at your face, it's covered in dirt!" Hua Lao gently brushed away the dirt from her face.
"Heh heh, I thought it was fun!"
"You, always acting on whims! Spider, come here and help this silly girl!" Hearing the command, Spider came over, took the tools from Ji Xingmi's hands, and began to dig.
"Uncle Spider, remember to dig deep," Ji Xingmi said happily, now that she didn't have to do the work herself, occasionally issuing instructions.
"Alright! Miss Xing'er, step aside a bit."
"Oh~ okay!"
Ji Xingmi stood by, watching Spider dig the hole, while Hua Lao observed from the side. It wasn't until Ji Xingmi told Spider to stop, placed the jar inside, and covered it with soil that the digging was complete.
"Go wash your hands, dinner will be ready soon."
"Okay!"
During dinner, Ji Xingmi saw Secretary Sun. She hadn't seen him for a while.
In the afternoon, after she had finished boiling the herbs for the medicinal bath, Hua Lao went to take his bath. Ji Xingmi, meanwhile, was engrossed in the books that Secretary Sun had brought back at noon. Secretary Sun had brought quite a few things, all placed on her desk. She randomly picked one and sat in the yard reading.
Ji Xingmi read at a remarkable speed. In no time, she had finished more than half of a book. Someone unfamiliar would have thought she was just casually flipping through it, but everyone in the yard knew her capabilities and didn't dare to disturb her.
When Hua Lao emerged, she had already finished one book and was about to go to the study to get another. However, seeing the old man had come out, she wasn't in a hurry to switch. She first went to take his pulse.
The old man's health had improved significantly compared to when she first met him. He was no longer in such a dire state. However, due to the prolonged nature of his old injuries, he still needed time for a full recovery. The most critical issue was his lungs. For now, she could only offer gentle nurturing; any more forceful acupuncture would be too much for Hua Lao's body to bear.
Seeing her frown, Hua Lao asked, "How is it?"
"Have you been resting well lately? Tell me the truth!"
"I can sleep soundly through the night now!"
"Although your body is better than before, it still can't withstand too much exertion. You'll need to rest for a while longer!"