Chapter 12 (1/2)

If Hua Ming Zi is really the 'her' he met in Qingcheng Mountain Villa then Xue Wen's marriage with her would be out of the question.  She actually made him feel concern for her, made him miss her and made him constantly think of her.  He had even thought of changing the conditions he had set for his future wife just to accommodate her.

Initially, he did not want a capable wife because of the painful lesson he learned in the past.  But he feels she is different from his ex-wife because she treats people with gentleness and she is flexible.  Or perhaps she would willingly allow him to take responsibility for the Hua Ji Restaurants on her behalf while she takes care of the internal affairs of the Ying Family.  Isn't this a lot easier for a woman?

Anyway, regarding her Father's illness, he had made up his mind to help her!

When Hua Ming Zi barged into her Father's bedchamber, she saw the doctor, who was staying in Hua Mansion for the past month, in the process of administering acupuncture treatment on her Father.

She pulled down her veil and looked at the gray face of her Father with his cloudy eyes half-closed.  Immediately, she felt the feeling of fear surged up in her heart.

She grabbed her Father's clothes and asked in a low voice.  ”Father, I am Ming Er*.  Can you hear my voice?”

(Ming Er is the intimate way her Father calls her.  The word 'Er' is used by parents to address their child regardless of whether the child is a son or daughter.)

Hua Guang Ren who is unable to move could only quiver his lower lip.

”Just now Old Master is supposed to take his meal and medicine but I couldn't wake him.  So this slave immediately went to fetch the doctor........”  The maidservant, Qiu Xiang, who was a.s.signed to take care of Hua Guang Ren said.

Hua Ming Zi gave the doctor a questioning look.

The doctor returned her look and shook his head.

A cold sweat broke out on her back.  Although Doctor Cen had told her a few months ago that her Father was very weak and could leave at any time, she always hoped he would still be able to stay for a little longer.......and did not think the day would arrive so soon........

”Father!......”  Hua Ming Zi gripped his hand and choking on her words, she cried.

”I am Ming Er....... can you hear me?  Do you have anything to say to me?  Father.......wake up!  I want to tell you........ about today's recruitment.......”

Hua Ming Zi kept on calling until finally, her Father forced his eyes to open slightly.

”Father!”  She tightened the hold on his hand.

”.......marry......Ying Family......”  Hua Guang Ren squeezed out a few words.  He could only remember the Ying Family she had mentioned before.

”Father, stay for a bit longer.  The Ying Family is outside and in a little while, I will go out and discuss the marriage.”  She forced out a smile and said.

”Ying Family......really?.......”  Hua Guang Ren widened his eyes and his breathing became rapid.

”It's true!  If you don't believe me, you can summon Cui Yu and ask her.  Initially, I wanted to settle everything before I tell you the good news.  So, you have to rest well......”

Hua Guang Ren squeezed out a slight smile.  ”........tell Father how he looks like......”

”He is a head taller than your daughter and his figure is slender.  His face is elegant and regardless of temperament or momentum, he is extremely outstanding.”

Without thinking, she described the features of Ying Yan Long's appearance.

”Alright......”  With a faint smile, Hua Guang Ren nodded weakly.  ”Tell him to come in. I want to take a look at him........”

”Alright, I will look for him immediately.......”

At that moment, Steward Wu entered the bedchamber and after nodding at Hua Ming Zi, he whispered into her ear what Ying Yan Long had told him.  She nodded in understanding and her heart knotted tightly.

Perhaps, her Father can still be saved!

After all, Ying Yan Long has the legendary 'One-Day Immortal' magical pill with him during this time of emergency.  Furthermore, the Ying Medical Halls have many types of medicines in their possession that they do not sell nor trade with riches.  In addition, there is the Ying Family's imperial doctor's presence...... perhaps, her father can really be saved!

”........Ying Family.......Son-in-law......”  Hua Guang Ren held his daughter's hand tightly and said in a feeble voice.

For the first time in the last few days, Hua Ming Zi felt her Father's strength.  Instantly, her eye rims turned red.  ”I will call him right away!”

”Quick, quick.......call him.......I want to see him........”  Hua Guang Ren looked at her and his face had turned a little livelier.

Quickly, Hua Ming dashed out of the bedchamber and lifting her skirt, she broke into a mad run towards the main hall.

She rushed into the main hall and ran up to Ying Yan Long who had his back facing her, then she said breathlessly.

”Ying Dangjia......I......have two favors to request from you!  First, Steward Wu said you are willing to offer the Ying Family's magical pill 'One-Day Immortal'......”

Ying Yan Long turned around........

It is her?  It is really her!  She is the woman he fell in love at first sight in Qingcheng Mountain Villa!

”Ying Dangjia.......”

Hua Ming Zi looked at the smile on his lips and nearly lost her temper.  She pursed her lips and glared at him.  Then from the astonished look on his face, she suddenly became aware.......

She had forgotten to put on her veil!

”No wonder the people I sent out to check on your background were unsuccessful.”  Ying Yan Long could not take his eyes off the anxious face of the beautiful Hua Ming Zi.

”It's not important who I am!  What is important is.......”

”You don't have to repeat what you just said.  I already heard you, so what is the second matter?”  He asked directly.  His quick reaction made her paused momentarily and then she remembered where she left off.

”My Father is only concerned about my marriage.  He thought I was in the midst of discussing my marriage with the Ying Family........”  She paused and swallowed.

”You can speak frankly with me.”

”I am willing to take your younger brother as my husband.”  Hua Ming Zi looked long and hard at him.

Suddenly, Ying Yan Long's thick eyebrows knotted and a fierce light flashed in his black eyes.