Chapter 92 -

Chapter 92: Chapter

The next morning arrived with an icy frost.

The air outside was freezing, and a thin layer of white frost covered the courtyard stones. Yimei pulled her heavy fur cloak tight around her shoulders and walked straight into Zhengyu’s room, carrying her medical case.

Inside, the room was warm from the burning charcoal. Zhengyu was sitting up in bed, his loose robe open at his chest.

Without wasting time, Yimei set her case down and pulled out her silver needles. "Time for your acupuncture. Stay still."

Zhengyu watched silently as Yimei leaned in close. Her hands were gentle, steady, and precise as she placed the silver needles into key points along his legs to warm his body and heal his strength.

For two full hours, Yimei stayed by his side, carefully checking his pulse and his skin. When the time was up, she cleanly removed each needle and packed them away.

"Your blood flow is getting better," Yimei said, wiping her forehead. "Stay warm."

Qinqin and Liu Feng soon brought in a tray of hot breakfast. Yimei served Zhengyu his bowl of warm porridge, making sure he finished every bite before eating her own.

Once the dishes were cleared, Yimei placed her hands on her hips, looking down at Zhengyu with a clever smile.

"Alright, Young Master Bai," Yimei said, tilting her head. "As promised, I am spending the whole day with you. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you ask of me, I will do—no complaining, no bad attitude, and no sharp mouth."

Zhengyu looked up at her, a slow, clever smirk spreading across his handsome face. He leaned back in his wheelchair and crossed his arms.

"Whatever I ask?" Zhengyu asked smoothly, his voice deep and calm.

"Whatever you ask," Yimei replied with a confident smile. "I keep my promises."

Zhengyu nodded slowly, his dark eyes shining with quiet joy. "Then first, put on your warmest cloak, wife. Today, we are leaving the Bai house."

Yimei looked at Zhengyu in surprise. "Leaving the house? In this cold weather?"

"Command number two," Zhengyu said smoothly, leaning back in his wheelchair. "No asking questions. Go put on your cloak."

Yimei bit back a sharp reply, letting out a small, quiet sigh. She went to her room, wrapped her thick plum-colored winter cloak tightly around her shoulders, and returned to his side.

Liu Feng led them out through a quiet side gate, where a private, plain carriage was waiting in the alley. He carefully helped Zhengyu into the carriage before helping Yimei inside.

As the carriage wheels began to roll over the frozen cobblestones, Yimei looked across at Zhengyu. He sat tall and broad, his dark fur-lined robes making him look powerful and mysterious.

"So," Yimei said, her dark eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Where are we going, Young Master Bai?"

Zhengyu kept his eyes fixed on the small window curtain, his face completely calm and quiet. "You will see when we get there."

Yimei leaned back against the cushions, crossing her arms with a light huff. "Playing secretive now, are we?"

Zhengyu didn’t answer, but a tiny, hidden smirk touched the corner of his lips.

The carriage rode through the city for nearly half an hour, gradually moving into the loud, bustling noise of the East Market. Shouts of street vendors, horses’ hooves, and crowds of people filled the cold air outside.

Finally, the carriage came to a stop in front of a busy, crowded street. Liu Feng opened the door and wheeled Zhengyu out, while Yimei stepped down onto the frost-covered stone path beside him.

Yimei looked around, her eyebrows pulling together as her eyes landed on the massive structure standing directly before them.

It was a huge, two-story building. Though it was currently old, dusty, and clearly abandoned, its grand wooden pillars, wide carved windows, and high arched roof showed its former glory. If it were cleaned up and restored, it would easily be the grandest pavilion building in the entire capital.

"What is this place?" Yimei murmured, looking up at the dusty sign hanging loosely over the double front doors.

Zhengyu didn’t answer right away. "Walk inside with me."

They walked further toward the entrance. Before Yimei could ask another question, an elderly shopkeeper holding a heavy set of brass keys rushed over from a nearby store.

The old man bowed low to the ground with deep respect. "Young Master Zhengyu! Everything is ready for you!"

"Open the doors," Zhengyu commanded quietly.

The old man quickly unlocked the heavy brass padlock and pushed the massive wooden doors open with a loud, deep creak. Dust danced in the pale sunlight as the grand interior was revealed, a wide, high-ceilinged hall with broad wooden staircases, elegant private rooms on the second floor, and plenty of space for a grand main stage.

Yimei stepped inside, her sharp eyes taking in the entire structure. Her mind instantly began racing with ideas for counter spaces, private tea rooms, and seating layouts. ℯℯ𝘭.

She turned back to look down at Zhengyu, who sat in his wheelchair right behind her, watching her reaction with dark, steady eyes.

"Zhengyu... why did you bring me here?" Yimei asked, her voice full of genuine confusion.

Zhengyu remained quiet for a long moment, looking at her bright, curious face. Slowly, a low, smooth tone left his lips.

"This will be your new East Market tea house," Zhengyu said softly, his dark eyes locking onto hers. "Or... you could say a pavilion."

Yimei stared at him in total shock. Behind her, Qinqin gasped, covering her mouth with wide eyes.

"What are you talking about?" Yimei asked, looking between the grand building and her husband.

Zhengyu sat calmly in his wheelchair. "Since your old tea house was burned down by the Second and Third Branches, I am giving this building to you."

Yimei frowned, her eyes narrowing with sharp suspicion. "Why are you giving this to me? What do you want in return, Zhengyu?"

The mood instantly froze.

Zhengyu’s jaw tightened in sudden anger. His dark eyes turned icy cold, making Qinqin step back in terror.

He leaned forward in his wheelchair, his voice dropping into a dangerous growl. "What do I want from you? You think everything I do comes with a price? You think I am trying to make a deal?"

Yimei stood her ground, but her heart sank at the anger in his eyes.

"I gave you this place because you are my wife," Zhengyu said bitterly, gripping his wheelchair hard. "Not because I want a reward."

He turned his face away, sneering coldly. "You take help and make business deals with Xiao Jun without a problem. But when your own husband gives you something, you treat me like an enemy."