Lian Manman’s mouth twitched involuntarily. Ever since Song Hailong arrived, Lian Huahua’s behavior, expressions, and the tone and choice of her words had all changed, making Manman feel strangely uncomfortable. How to describe it—if before Lian Huahua was like a city person with a hint of rural air, then after Song Hailong’s arrival, she seemed utterly out of place in the countryside.

City folks aren’t all this affected, Lian Manman thought to herself, her eyes sizing up Lian Huahua.

It was the same scalding injury, but Lian Huahua’s complexion and spirit were now worlds apart from when she was injured that day.

"This is Young Master Song worrying about you, if it weren’t inconvenient, he would have stayed right in this room," Lady Chiang said with a smile at that moment.

A small smile formed on the corners of Lian Huahua’s mouth.

"Sister-in-law, you do like to joke," she said.

"Sister Huahua, how are you feeling?" Lian Manman approached Lian Huahua, wanting to see her injuries. "Is the burn severe? Everyone is really worried about you."

"Manman, take a seat here," Lady Chiang seemed to unintentionally block between Lian Huahua and Lian Manman.

"Manman, go out and tell Brother Hailong not to worry so much," Lian Huahua said.

"Yes, Manman, you go quickly. Don’t let Young Master Song worry, and your Sister Huahua should rest too," Lady Gu added.

Lady Gu and Lian Huahua both deliberately avoided discussing the extent of the injuries and were eager to send her away. Lian Manman became even more suspicious at this point. Just then, voices from outside announced the arrival of Doctor Li from the village, invited by Lian Jizu.

Lian Huahua’s condition couldn’t be hidden from the doctor, Lian Manman thought.

"Manman, sister-in-law needs a favor. Could you help me brew a fresh pot of tea?" Lian Jizu had invited Doctor Li in, and Lady Chiang, busy with a forced smile, negotiated with Lian Manman.

Lian Manman blinked. Wasn’t there already a pot of tea on the table nearby? Why did Lady Chiang want her to help make tea again? Oh, was Lady Chiang trying to get rid of her? No, she didn’t want to leave; she wanted to see what Lian Huahua was up to.

"Manman, your sister-in-law is too busy; I’m really asking you for this favor," Lady Chiang pleaded, holding Lian Manman’s hand, a look of appeal faintly showing on her face.

"Alright, okay then," Lian Manman’s heart softened and she nodded in agreement seeing Lady Chiang like this.

"Manman, sister-in-law really thanks you," Lady Chiang expressed with a sigh of relief.

Lian Manman sighed quietly to herself and had to walk out from the west room, but she didn’t go far, just stood by the door, listening to the sounds inside.

"Please tell Mr. Li to go back. My injury isn’t for others to see," Lian Huahua’s somewhat cold voice came from inside the room.

"Huahua, your injury is serious; how can you not let the doctor examine it?" both Lady Gu and Lady Chiang were urging Lian Huahua.

"Mother, sister-in-law, please stop persuading me," Lian Huahua’s voice was heard again.

Sometime later, Lian Jizu accompanied Doctor Li out, and Lian Manman stepped aside a bit. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lian Jizu discreetly slipping a sizable piece of silver into Doctor Li’s hand.

"Mr. Li, I’m truly sorry. Who knew my sister would be so headstrong," said Lian Jizu, accompanying Doctor Li out while talking.

Doctor Li, holding the silver in hand and recalling a few meaningful words Lian Jizu had said on the way over, didn’t know what to say, and could only respond with noncommittal grunts.

"Mister," Song Hailong, who was in the courtyard, saw Lian Jizu and the doctor coming out and quickly approached to inquire.

Doctor Li’s step faltered; he hadn’t seen Lian Huahua’s injury and naturally couldn’t answer Song Hailong.

"Is Huahua’s injury serious?" Song Hailong exclaimed in alarm.

Doctor Li found himself unable to nod or shake his head. In the end, he simply bowed and said nothing, allowing Lian Jizu to escort him away.

"Manman, how exactly is Sister Huahua injured?" Seeing Doctor Li behave like this, Song Hailong assumed Lian Huahua was gravely injured and, noticing Lian Manman standing by the door, hurried over to ask.

Lian Manman naturally could not provide an answer either.

"Young Master Song, please come inside to talk," Lady Chiang popped out of the house, lifting the door curtain to speak to Song Hailong.

Song Hailong, who was anxious for just such an invitation, lifted the hem of his robe and strode into the west room.

"Huahua," Song Hailong hurried to Lian Huahua’s side as soon as he entered the room, saying with concern, "Huahua, how is your injury? Is it serious?"

"Ah, this child Huahua, says the injury is on her leg and refuses to let the doctor examine it," Lady Gu stated, dabbing at her tears.