Huo Sining hadn't expected Huang Chengyi's mood to change so swiftly; she had only tentatively broached the subject, yet the old man's smile had vanished completely. Hearing Huang Chengyi speak so pessimistically, Huo Sining felt both anxious and frustrated. She wanted to say something more but was blocked by Huang Jialin.
Although Huang Chengyi appeared kind, his illnesses had tormented him for half of his life. The very topic of treatment that Huo Sining had brought up touched upon his greatest vulnerability; any mention of his illness would irritate him.
Huang Hongying, also worried that Huo Sining might feel embarrassed, hastily smoothed things over, "Dad, Sining is just trying to be kind. I see you seem a bit tired; why not let her give you a massage? Even if it doesn't cure the illness, it could at least relieve some fatigue."