How could this happen?
Serena Feng stood frozen in place, not moving a muscle.
She had imagined hundreds of possibilities, but never considered this one.
This was no ordinary trouble.
Serena's brows knitted tightly, her face clouded with worry.
Because of her expression, Caleb Wang (Seventh Young Master) also furrowed his brows, a flicker of hope and despair crossing his face. He wanted to ask Serena Feng what the outcome was, but with William Wang Jinling present, he couldn't speak up and could only anxiously wait for Serena to say something.
"Serena..." William Wang Jinling waited a long time, but Serena Feng still hadn't withdrawn her hand from his face. Feeling a bit awkward, he finally spoke up.
"Ah... Jinling, I'm sorry." Serena snapped out of it and quickly pulled her hand back.
It turned out that while she was lost in thought, the hand that had been lifting William's eyelid had somehow slid down to his face. Combined with her leaning posture, it really did look quite intimate.
Fortunately, William couldn't see her expression—otherwise, it would have been truly awkward. She had indeed overstepped.
In modern times, this kind of close proximity during a medical eye exam is perfectly normal—how else could you see clearly? But in ancient Eastlyn, such behavior is a serious breach of etiquette, especially for a woman. The risk of being seen as improper could ruin someone’s reputation for life.
Fortunately, William Wang Jinling isn’t the sort who’s shackled by rigid etiquette. If he were, Serena Feng would never be allowed to set foot in the Wang clan again after today’s scandal.
A woman whose conduct is deemed improper has no place in this world. The rules here are unforgiving, and a single misstep can mean lifelong disgrace.
William Wang Jinling shook his head lightly. "Serena, you’ve examined me for so long—shouldn’t you finally tell this patient of yours what’s really wrong with my eyes?" His tone is gentle, touched with subtle humor, as if he already understands more than he lets on.
He lifts his head, an insightful smile on his face, as if he can see straight through everything happening in the room.
"Big Brother..." Caleb Wang springs to his feet, unable to hide his anxiety and deep concern for his sibling.
His movements and expression make it clear to Serena Feng: Caleb never told William anything in advance. She instantly deduces that William is hearing all this for the first time.
"Are you wondering how I knew?" William Wang Jinling smiles, a hint of gentle teasing in his voice.
Serena Feng quickly figures it out. "It must be the medicinal scent on me, right?" Her mind shifts gears instantly—years of medical work have trained her to pick up on such details.
After treating Second Madam Hsieh today, she came straight here; some of the medicinal scent must still cling to her clothes. Most people wouldn’t notice, but William’s senses are unusually sharp—he picks up on details no one else can.