Chapter 30: If I Deem It Worthwhile, It Is Not a Waste of Time

"I've heard of him." After recovering the memories of her past life, Wen Ran had a burning desire to bring Elder Yan back and find an opportunity to continue learning from him.

Elder Yan was a living treasure trove of medical knowledge.

In her past life, after being diagnosed with infertility, she had tried every possible method to no avail. She had sought out Elder Yan, but by then, he had already perished in the harsh conditions of his exile.

With a look of regret, she added, "I've heard people mention him at the hospital. They say his medical skills were exceptional; it’s a great pity they were lost."

Factory Director Wei also looked regretful. "It is indeed a great pity. My burns were once so severe, yet he managed to heal them completely. In truth, aside from practicing medicine, Elder Yan had no real political agenda; he was simply implicated by his family."

"If that’s the case, then Elder Yan was truly wronged," Shen Nanzheng chimed in, also feeling the urge to find a way to bring the old man back to the city.

In her previous life, he had accompanied Wen Ran to search for Elder Yan, but they hadn't been able to find him. Wen Ran had been heartbroken for a long time afterward, and she had eventually lost all hope of ever having children.

His wife had such a high passion for learning medicine that having Elder Yan’s guidance would surely make her happy. If he could manage to bring the old man back early, it would make everything much easier.

He didn't state his intentions immediately—he was not one for empty words, preferring instead to take action. He wanted to do this quietly and give her a surprise.

Wen Ran observed their attitude toward Elder Yan calmly. She felt reassured that their impression of him was decent, and she felt a flicker of joy in her heart.

However, given her current relationship with Factory Director Wei and Shen Nanzheng, she couldn't simply make any requests yet. She sighed and said, "If Elder Yan's medical skills could be passed on and flourish, it would be a tremendous treasure for us all."

Factory Director Wei felt the topic was becoming too sensitive and brushed it off. "Let’s not talk about that for now. Try the tea I’ve brewed."

The tea was no longer hot, and Wen Ran let the subject drop.

If she wanted to achieve her wish, she would have to continue working toward it; it wasn't something that could be accomplished with a few casual words.

Fortunately, the awkwardness had been diffused.

The fact that Shen Nanzheng was the match introduced to her was simply unbelievable. How could they have introduced her to him? Did Shen Nanzheng truly not know that she was the one Teacher Liu had intended to introduce?

Her gaze remained fixed on her teacup, fearing that the Factory Director might bring the topic up again. But staring at the cup wouldn't stop him. She completely failed to notice Shen Nanzheng signaling the Factory Director with his eyes.

Factory Director Wei cleared his throat. "Well, Little Song, you and Nanzheng should talk more. You’re both young, and it’s perfectly fine to get to know each other. None of us are feudal-minded; we encourage free and independent romance. Your Auntie Liu is a first-time matchmaker and lacks experience, so please bear with her."

Wen Ran was calmer than before. "Thank you and Auntie Liu for your kindness. As you know, I’ve just started working, and my parents have just divorced. I want to spend more time with my mother and focus on my job."

She didn't finish the rest of her sentence. After all, she was a guest in their home and couldn't be too blunt with her rejection. Being tactful was better for everyone.

Shen Nanzheng naturally heard the rejection in her words and felt a pang of disappointment, yet he deeply understood her current situation.

Before the Factory Director could speak, he interjected, "I can accompany you as you grow."

Wen Ran’s heart skipped a beat. This was clearly a confession of affection. But in this life, they had only met once or twice! To call it "love at first sight" would be an exaggeration.

In her memories, although Shen Nanzheng had been her husband, he was never good at expressing his feelings. She hadn't been very good at it either. As a result, two people who struggled to communicate spent their life together mostly by guessing. When they guessed right, everyone was happy; when they guessed wrong, they were both left in sorrow.

The Shen Nanzheng before her was so unexpected—he was being so direct! Could it be because he was seven years younger than when she knew him in her memories? Youth was truly wonderful; it even brought passion to one's approach to romance!

However, she didn't have the courage to be with him again. She couldn't even feel her own pulse; whether she would live a long life was still a question. In this lifetime, she didn't want to waste her limited time on how to conceive a child.

Even though Shen Nanzheng’s words were moving, for the sake of letting him have a complete life, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, it's better not to waste your time."

"I think it's worth it, so it's not a waste!"

Factory Director Wei was anxious for both of them, but as someone who had been through it all, he wisely stayed out of it. He stood up silently to check if the food in the kitchen was ready.

In the kitchen, Teacher Liu had confessed to Lu Meiqin that Shen Nanzheng was the suitor she intended to introduce to Wen Ran. Lu Meiqin was more than willing; Shen Nanzheng was essentially the top-tier candidate that matched every standard she had for a son-in-law.

However, despite her approval, she didn't agree on the spot. Wen Ran was her only daughter, and as long as Wen Ran was willing, she had no objections. Otherwise, even the most perfect son-in-law would be useless.

Teacher Liu persuaded her patiently, "Master Lu, it's not as if we're asking Wen Ran to marry Nanzheng right this second. You can let them get to know each other first. I think they are a perfect match; if you don't believe me, ask Old Wei."

Factory Director Wei glanced at the two still standing in a stalemate outside and nodded. "A perfect match indeed!"

Lu Meiqin was also quite tempted. "If Ranran agrees, getting to know each other is fine."

Her attitude was very clear, which gave Teacher Liu and the Factory Director a sense of relief. The other half of the uncertainty still lay with Wen Ran, but this seemingly gentle girl had a mind of her own!

The three of them turned into spectators, secretly watching the two from the kitchen.

Shen Nanzheng and Wen Ran neither spoke; both were looking at the teacups in their hands, lost in thought. Even without saying a word, they looked exceptionally well-matched.

Shen Nanzheng’s tall, handsome frame and Wen Ran’s graceful, slender figure looked like a custom-made oil painting—warm and beautiful. One could not bear to break this brief moment of peace. While it was a pleasure to behold, one could also catch a hint of an elusive sweetness. It was a romantic scene that even the most excellent author could not fully describe.

Suddenly, a burnt smell wafted over. Lu Meiqin sniffed the air and cried out, "Oh no!"

Wen Ran ran over, and it really was a disaster! Lu Meiqin had intended to show off her skills, but she had failed. The braised pork was scorched. If one didn't already know it was braised pork, it would be hard to tell what the dish was at a glance.

Teacher Liu, fearing she would feel embarrassed, quickly comforted her, "It's fine, burnt food is good for cooling off the body."

"That's right, Cuiping often makes me eat things to cool off!" Factory Director Wei chimed in.

The couple’s banter helped alleviate Lu Meiqin’s guilt. Wen Ran’s positive impression of the Factory Director and his wife grew even deeper.

At the dinner table, Shen Nanzheng was especially considerate of Lu Meiqin, specifically picking out the burnt pieces of braised pork to eat. He ate so much that both Wen Ran and Lu Meiqin felt embarrassed.

After he picked up yet another charred piece of meat, Wen Ran couldn't help but say, "Stop eating that, or you'll get a stomachache tonight."