As for that so-called century-old wild ginseng, it’s just something to talk about; even if it really exists, it won’t end up in their hands.

Moreover, wild ginseng is now a protected plant, and most of what’s on the market are ginseng grown under the forest.

Jiang Yaoting doesn’t know the difference between the two either, but sometimes, older wild ginseng does have some use. He’s seen an old Chinese doctor use wild ginseng to bring someone at death’s door back to life.

As for whether it’s a psychological effect, there are too many opinions on that. Isn’t the vast majority of things in the world just psychological effects?

Li Yang took a risk to bring something home this time, and if I don’t accept it, wouldn’t that just break his heart?

Besides, the dinner was already eaten; the result won’t change just because I take some things or not.

...

When Li Yang returned home, he found something different about the house.

Messy.

Although it seemed clean, the chaos in the house was visible to the naked eye.

It’s all because Xue Ning isn’t here.

The old couple had nothing to do at home. They didn’t want to travel anymore, and with no one to accompany them, they started living a retired life early. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Dull, boring, not much interest in many things.

They probably aren’t even as happy as when they used to work on the construction site.

"Mom and Dad, why don’t I take you out for some fun during the summer holiday? Anyway, I’m free during the holiday."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Likun waved his hand and said, "Aren’t you dealing with that car thing? You’ve invested so much money; you can’t just go everywhere. Besides, we are also tired after traveling for more than a year. We can just relax at home; I’ve gained six pounds in the last six months."

Li Likun seemed to be boasting through his words.

He’d been living differently these past two years, especially after his son became successful; the pressure in his heart suddenly disappeared.

Although it wasn’t much before, he always felt that he was the one holding up this family, with a sense of responsibility and also a sense of honor.

Last year, having Xue Ning around, he was happy just seeing the beautiful landscapes of the country, without thinking too much.

This year, however, Xue Ning left with her boyfriend, and the old couple is idle every day.

They’re used to working, not like the retired old folks in the city.

Besides, they’re still young, just over forty.

People their age are all working tirelessly. They only meet a few familiar idlers on visits back home for brief chats, but in the county, they hardly know anyone.

Jiang Yaoting and the others have jobs. They can’t even find an excuse to meet regularly.

When Xue Ning was there, they could bring things from home, like an old hen, an old duck, or some wild fish, and have Xue Ning deliver them.

Of course, Li Likun wants Li Yang to take them out, but they know Li Yang is busy with many things.

Even if they want to, they force themselves not to say it.

Wang Cuiping chimed in, "We can just wait at home for Ningning to come back, we can’t delay your matters."

Nominally, the money Li Yang spends belongs to Jiang Banxia, and the old couple doesn’t want to delay Li Yang and Jiang Banxia’s matters.

In two years’ time, they would be getting married.

Li Yang quickly asked, "Did Ning say when she’ll be back?"

Wang Cuiping said worriedly, "She didn’t say when she’d be back. She said her boyfriend took her abroad, but I’ve recently seen a lot of unsafe news abroad."

She was really uneasy, as she didn’t know what Xue Ning’s boyfriend looked like, his name, or where he was from from the start to finish.

Now, Xue Ning left home suddenly for such a long time. Besides calling back every other day, they knew nothing else.

Li Yang said, "Then why don’t you video call her?"

"She’s abroad, her phone can’t access the internet. Haven’t you noticed she hasn’t posted on social media for half a year?"

"Well... there’s that too..."

Li Yang felt that Xue Ning either didn’t want to come back or something was up.

After chatting with his parents for a while about things in the Capital City and giving them a shoulder massage,

after dinner, he found an excuse to say he needed to livestream and went back to his room.

He found Xue Ning’s WeChat and sent her a message: "Are you available for a video call? If not, forget it."

After sending, and not getting a reply for almost ten minutes, he simply started the livestream.

After playing games with a few fans for about an hour, he finally got a reply from Xue Ning.

"Not available."

Just three simple words.

Then, Li Yang ended the livestream and called directly.

Informing her is out of respect.

Calling her directly is an obligation.

Li Yang wasn’t afraid that Xue Ning would run away; neither of them owed the other. He could even send a gift if she really left.

The call was soon rejected.

Li Yang called again, only to be rejected again.

He got angry and sent a message: "If you hang up again, I’ll search all over China to find you, believe it or not?"

After waiting thirty seconds to make sure Xue Ning saw the message, he called again.

It was answered this time, but Xue Ning’s face didn’t appear on the screen.

Xue Ning said with a grievance, "Why are you video calling? The data here is expensive..."

Li Yang laughed and said, "No matter how expensive, I can afford a video call. Honestly, where are you now?"

"In... the Maldives."

"Haha... Who still goes there these days? You’re either in Jiangbei or Sanya. What’s really going on?"

Xue Ning hesitantly said, "Nothing."

Li Yang: "Alright then, in a few days I’ll take mom and dad to Jiangbei first, and if I can’t find you, we’ll head to Sanya. Anyway, you must be staying in one of my properties, I have all the addresses."