Hu Lei had some free time before she had the appointment that Doctor Shui had set up. So, she decided to go back to Cauldron Street. She wanted to thank the grandpa for the tea. At the same time, she was a bit curious about him, especially if he was the Zhong Elder"s old friend.Therefore, after the meal with Song Yin, she had Beatrice drive her to the Apothecary.
Like the last time, she knocked persistently on the door before the grumpy old man opened up. However, he did not show the same reluctance towards her as he had before. In fact, there was a certain glint in his eyes that betrayed a little pleasure.
"What are you doing here?" He still asked in a somewhat tsundere manner.
However, Hu Lei knew that he did not want her to leave. In fact, he was holding the door open for her, even as he spoke. He seemed to be beckoning her inside, but he did not want to show too much initiative.
"It seems that you are too busy. I will leave immediately." She made a movement to turn away from the medicinal shop.
The old man panicked because he had been waiting for this girl to return. He had hoped that she was not the type to forget things and move on without a glance. His impression of her was quite good. But he had still been nervous about her return.
Who knew that she would show up after just a day or two? He felt incredibly gratified.
"Since you are here, you should at least come in." He spoke up to stop her from leaving.
When she turned her face back to him, he realised that she had only been messing with his head. She had a mischievous twinkle which showed that she had seen through him. He huffed and went into the shop with annoyance.
"Grandpa, can"t you admit that you are happy to see me?" Hu Lei did not mind and entered happily behind him.
The old man"s eyes watered when he heard the cute girl call him grandpa. He felt overwhelmed but happy. However, he did not want to reveal unnecessary things.
"Have you brought me any gift?" He asked.
"Didn"t I bring myself?" Hu Lei said shamelessly.
"Peh! Are you money that everyone will like you? If you have not brought anything of value, you should put yourself to use." He said grumpily, but his turned face had a look of happiness.
He felt that this was the perfect way to trap Hu Lei in the shop. He took a lab coat from a hook and pa.s.sed it to Hu Lei. She unhesitatingly put it on. This place felt a bit nostalgic. It reminded her of a simpler time when she could spend time peacefully with her father.
In the past, Hu Ming had been interested in traditional medicines around the world and had even published numerous papers about his findings. Life had been uncomplicated because traditional medicine always had a holistic approach to health. There were no shortcuts.
Unfortunately, the allure of futuristic advances had been too much. It was not that Hu Lei was against advances in medicine. However, she knew that everyone was looking for a quick solution for problems which could only be handled step-by-step.
Moreover, there were no good intentions attached to the desire to find the solutions to modern health problems. It was only a desire to monopolise the key to human life. If anyone had the cure to the most dangerous diseases, they would own the world.
"Why are you standing over there with a stupid expression on your face? Quickly wash your hands and help me clean up and organise these cabinets." The grandpa spoke out in his usual manner.
Hu Lei followed the orders. She did not find the task unpleasant. She took out jars filled with dried herbs and other materials and wiped them. She wiped the interior surfaces of the cabinet and dried them before replacing the jars.
"Grandpa, is your surname Huo?" She asked suddenly to the man who seemed to be grinding seeds using a ceramic pestle and mortar.
The old man paused in his actions and turned to her. Surprise was evident even though he had a mask on. Then, he resumed his work. He was afraid for a moment that she had discovered something unusual. However, after a moment, he realised that it was impossible.
"You are a clever girl." Elder Huo commented as he focused on his task.
Hu Lei laughed lightly.
"Don"t give me any credit. I only met your old friend by coincidence." She responded.
"Who is this old friend?" He knew a lot of people, but few would mention him by name and even call him a friend.
"It is the elder of the Zhong family. He seemed to recognise your tea." She did not hide her curiosity.
"You know that old fox?" This time, Elder Huo turned completely to her.
He definitely knew which Zhong family Hu Lei had mentioned. More importantly, he did know that old man. They could be counted as friends even if their relationship had begun in a somewhat turbulent way. If he had known that his tea would have ended up in that man"s hands, he would have found him to demand payment.
"It can"t really be counted as knowing." Hu Lei did not want to say anything more about her connection to the Zhong family.
It was not that she felt that the Apothecary grandpa was not to be trusted. She felt that it was important to keep some information confidential. After all, walls had ears. She had heard a lot of secrets when she was travelling because people would always let down their guards behind closed doors.
"You do not need to be cautious with me. You already call me grandpa. There is no need to overthink anything right now." He felt a little pained when he realised that she was holding back and putting a line between them.
If certain things had not happened back then, perhaps it would be different. She would not have her walls up against him. But again, if the fates had allowed them to meet, there was hope. It was only right for him to take advantage and bring this granddaughter closer.
"Oh, it is not that. It is just a delicate matter." Hu Lei smiled with a little tinge of red.
Elder Huo remembered what she had said the first time they met. She was getting tea because she was going to meet some important elders. His face darkened as he grasped the possibilities. Could it be that his new cute granddaughter was involved with the grandson of that old fox?
He felt sick at the thought. No, it had to be something else. If he lost to that old man once again, he would not be able to experience peace. That shameless fox was probably already preparing to come over to his shop to gloat.
He shook his head inwardly. That was obviously impossible. No one knew anything about Hu Lei except himself. The situation was still salvageable. His eyes took on a fired-up quality as he thought about introducing his wonderful granddaughter to eligible men.
There had to be someone better than the Zhong brat.