A Shocking Dream

Chapter 178

Xie Yuan was slightly stunned, and a trace of embarrassment flashed across his face. "Doctor, do you think this place is too simple? I hope you won't refuse this kind gesture from me." He originally wanted to win over Lin Wunian with a banquet and a good residence, but he never expected to be rejected.

Lin Wunian raised her eyes slightly, with a hint of coldness in her eyes, "I appreciate the good intentions of the Marquis. But I have always liked quietness and don't want to be disturbed too much. The Marquis's hospitality makes me feel uneasy." She deliberately emphasized the word "hospitality", and any smart person could hear the sarcasm in it.

Zhou Junze, who was standing by, noticed the tension and quickly tried to smooth things over. "Doctor Wu Nian, the Marquis only wants you to rest comfortably, and he has no other intentions. If you really don't like the noise, we can make other arrangements."

Lin Wunian didn't want to pay any attention to them. She knew Xie Yuan wasn't sincere and that behind this seemingly warm attitude, there must be ulterior motives. She would never be fooled by Xie Yuan's false feelings, nor would she forget the injustice Lu Yao had suffered.

"I appreciate the Marquis's kindness, but would it be unreasonable for me to say I won't go?" Lin Wunian looked directly at Xie Yuan, his eyes cold and firm, without any fear or intention of retreat.

Xie Yuan was stunned. In all his memories, she was the only woman who had dared to look him in the eye so openly. The first was the Wu Nian Mechanic Master, who once mastered the art of mechanical engineering. But now, Lin Wu Nian's direct gaze held a different charm. Her eyes lacked the Wu Nian Mechanic Master's domineering airs, but instead held a calming power that came from deep within, as if the world she saw had its own unique order and principles, unaffected by external interference.

A subtle mix of emotions surged through Xie Yuan's heart: anger, surprise, and a subtle admiration. He was angry at Lin Wunian's disrespect, surprised by her courage and composure, and admired her unwavering resolve, unmoved by power. He stared at Lin Wunian, trying to find a trace of hesitation on her face, but all he saw was a cold, resolute expression like frost and snow.

After a moment, Xie Yuan raised a faint smile at the corner of his mouth and said slowly: "The doctor is really a man of temperament. In that case, I will not force you. But if you have any needs, just tell me, and I will do my best to help you." His voice returned to its former grace, but in his heart he had secretly regarded Lin Wunian as a special existence that could not be ignored. He was thinking about how to regain control of the situation during her stay, to resolve the threats she might bring, and to use her influence for his own benefit.

Lin Wunian nodded slightly, "Thank you, Lord, for your understanding." Then, turning away, he ignored Zhou Junze and Yang Zishi and headed upstairs with Kankan. Her back was straight, her steps light yet imbued with an unbending dignity. The three of them stood there, staring at her as she retreated, each lost in thought.

"She is truly a rare and stunning beauty. Wunian, Wunian," Zhou Junze muttered to himself as he watched Lin Wunian depart, a hint of melancholy and reluctance in his eyes. He knew that a woman like Lin Wunian was like a meteor in the sky, brilliant yet unpredictable. Her heart was filled with the world's patients and justice, not the petty world of sentimental love.

Xie Yuan heard Zhou Junze's murmurs and snorted softly, "Don't be fooled by her appearance. The influence and purpose behind this woman are still unknown. We can't take it lightly." Although he reminded him like this, his thoughts were also a little confused by Lin Wunian's appearance.

Zhou Junze came back to his senses and replied, "My Lord, you are absolutely right, but her grace and talent are truly unforgettable." There was still a trace of nostalgia in his words.

Xie Yuan frowned, thinking to himself, "This Zhou Junze must have been seduced by Lin Wunian." He paced in thought, thinking about Lin Wunian's actions during the Linzhou epidemic. That required not only superb medical skills, but also strong organizational and leadership abilities. If such a woman couldn't be used to her advantage, she would become a hidden danger.

"It's rare for a woman to catch the eye of our Brother Zhou." Yang Zishi saw the look Zhou Junze gave Lin Wunian just now and teased with a bit of joking.

Zhou Junze was slightly embarrassed and coughed lightly, trying to cover up his gaffe. "Brother Yang, don't talk nonsense. I just respect this doctor who saved people from the epidemic." Having said that, his gaze still involuntarily drifted towards the direction where Lin Wunian left, and her cold and elegant face and calm and composed temperament kept appearing in his mind.

Xie Yuan watched the two of them with a half-smile, pondering inwardly. He knew Zhou Junze was always calm and reserved, but to have him so distraught, Lin Wunian must be no ordinary person. If he could exploit Zhou Junze's special interest in Lin Wunian, perhaps he could achieve his own goals in some matters.

Yang Zi was relentless and continued to tease, "Respect? Brother Zhou's look doesn't seem to be just respect. I think ripples have already appeared in his heart."

Zhou Junze shook his head helplessly. "Brother Yang always makes fun of me. Why don't you see me being so polite and courteous to other women? Doctor Wu Nian has made great contributions to Linzhou. Her medical skills and moral character are both admirable. As children of the Jianghu, we should look upon heroes with a different eye."

Yet, he knew in his heart that his feelings for Lin Wunian were indeed somewhat complex. A sense of familiarity had gripped him since their first meeting, and as they talked, he became even more captivated by her talent and wisdom. But he also understood that Lin Wunian's mind seemed entirely focused on her medical practice and her own affairs, so perhaps he could only keep these feelings to himself.

"Wunian, her name really sounds like a person. It's a pity that the person has grown old and may have already returned to dust." Xie Yuan recalled the mechanical master Wunian, and a complex look flashed in his eyes, with nostalgia, regret, and a trace of unspeakable guilt.

"My Lord, are you talking about the Wunian Mechanic who is a master of mechanical arts? Her name is similar to that of Doctor Wunian, but the current Doctor Wunian is slightly more beautiful, right, Brother Zhou?" Yang Zishi did not forget to tease the silent Zhou Junze. He winked at him while speaking with a mischievous look on his face.

Zhou Junze glanced at Yang Zishi helplessly and cleared his throat twice to hide his embarrassment. "Brother Yang, please stop teasing me. You two are both rare women in the world. How can you compare us so casually?" Although he said this, he couldn't help but compare the faces of the two in his mind.

He had heard many rumors about Wu Nian, the mechanical engineer. In those stories, she was an extraordinary woman with courage and wisdom. In her hands, the mechanical arts were like magical magic that could change the situation of a battle and protect the peace of an area.