Elder Ye, though he had no intention of making another move, still shot Ji Xingmi a glare, a huge eye-roll accompanying it.
"Grandpa Hua, to tell you the truth, your body has suffered a lot in the past few years and needs slow recuperation. As for lung cancer, I can't guarantee a cure. I can only try my best to control it and prevent it from worsening. As for other ailments, I will find ways to help you recover, though it may take some time. And, of course, you absolutely cannot smoke."
"This..."
"Grandpa Hua, although I'm afraid of being charged with treason for administering medication, I have many non-toxic remedies. Would you like to try?"
"Yes, Xing'er also has those 'poop pills,' you should give him those and see if your little Deng despises you!"
Hua Qingming's eyebrows twitched. Seeing their serious expressions, especially the little girl's thoughtful look, and hearing the name of the pill, he decided against it.
"Alright, I'll listen! If I can't smoke, I can't smoke!"
"Mm, when I have time, I'll make you some small snacks. If you feel like smoking, you can have some snacks instead. That should help a bit. And quitting smoking is quite fast, it just requires a bit of willpower."
"Little Xing'er, is the treatment troublesome?" Elder Ye asked.
"A little. Acupuncture is a must, and you'll also need medicinal baths and medicinal meals."
"I'll arrange all of that! You should stay here tonight, Little Xing'er. I'll have your Grandma Deng come over to stay for a while too, so you can say you're here to accompany her!"
"Mm, I'm fine with anything!"
"What medications do you need? Give me a list so I can prepare them. I'll have Little Deng bring them in tomorrow."
"Okay!"
"Grandpa Hua, how many pills did Grandpa give you?"
"What, you're feeling sentimental? He gave me three, and I've taken one!"
"Then you're not really sentimental. Although refining them is troublesome, it's not like I can't do it anymore. I just wanted to know how many you have and how many you've taken so I can plan accordingly!"
"I thought you were feeling for him?"
"Not at all, not at all. I'm always generous with my own people. You can ask Elder Ye if you don't believe me, did I charge him any money?"
"Are you asking me for money now?" Elder Ye teased. "Then how much do you think is a suitable medical fee?"
"I say, Old Man, are you trying to pick a fight with words? Aren't you bullying me?"
Ji Xingmi was speechless. How could such an old man be so bullying? Now, not only did she have Uncle Gu, that fox, trying to fleece her, but now she had two more. Thinking that this was something her own grandfather had orchestrated, she had nothing to say. She could only mutter, "What a spendthrift old man."
Hua Qingming and Ye Yi secretly chuckled at Ji Xingmi's expression. They had finally managed to get one back. Seeing the little girl frowning and complaining, they pretended not to notice. It wasn't until they heard a "rumble~" that their gazes shifted to Ji Xingmi, the source of the sound.
"Heh heh!" Ji Xingmi smiled sheepishly. It was her stomach growling. It was lunchtime, after all. She had been busy in the alchemy room all morning. Just as she was about to find something to put in her stomach, Elder Ye had pulled her out, and she hadn't eaten since. Of course, she was hungry!
The two men smiled but were careful not to laugh too much, fearing the girl might get embarrassed. Then, they led her to the side. Ye Yu and the others had already finished eating and, not wanting to disturb them, had been sitting there. By the time they arrived, the table had been reset with new dishes – a simple meal of three dishes and one soup. After Ji Xingmi served a bowl of soup to each of the elders, she began to eat. She was too hungry; filling her stomach was the priority.
Since Ji Xingmi was staying, Ye Yu and Ji Haoqi would also be staying to avoid making it too conspicuous. After lunch, Elder Ye didn't stay long before he left, saying he would have Little Zhang send their belongings over. Ji Haoqi went to a room with Ye Yu. Both of them felt more at ease staying in their rooms.
Ji Xingmi followed Elder Hua into the study. She didn't treat him today but was in a good mood to make tea for Elder Hua. Of course, the main purpose was to sneak some spirit spring water to nourish Elder Hua's body.