“Chapter 40 [VIP] The Jianghu Saga (21)”

"Chapter 40 [VIP] The Jianghu Saga (21)"

"Xie Yu sought another doctor to treat Nan Yan, but the diagnosis was not promising."

"The young lady... might not have much time left."

"Upon hearing the doctor's diagnosis, Xie Yu felt a darkness envelop him, barely able to stand."

"His body trembled, almost collapsing. If he hadn't caught himself on a nearby table, he would have fallen to his knees."

"Yan Yan... showing signs of an early demise."

"Perhaps... only a few months left to live?"

"How could this be? His Yan Yan was fine just a while ago. How could she only have a few months left?"

"Xie Yu's chest heaved with surging emotions, his back wound reopening. The pain turned his complexion deathly white, soaking his clothes in blood, sweat dripping down his forehead as if he had been pulled from water, drenching his entire body."

"The old doctor, observing his severe injuries, deemed his condition even more critical than the girl lying on the bed."

"The girl was inherently frail and weak, with a feeble pulse. Such a constitution is most susceptible to emotional turmoil, where extreme highs and lows can trigger debilitating illness."

"Normally, with restorative medicines, she might have lived a few more years, but recently, she's endured some shock. Joy followed by profound grief has shattered her spirit."

"Such a state would be unbearable for a healthy adult male, let alone a fragile girl. This illness, marked by depleted energy and a sunken will, might be beyond recovery."

"After hearing this, Xie Yu, unsteady, stumbled to the bedside, gripping her pale, cold fingertips against his face."

"'It can't be…'"

"He thought the doctor was incompetent, spouting nonsense. How could his Yan Yan, who was just fine, be dying? Wasn't it just a bit of blood after an argument? He'd buy her delicacies to regain her health. How could she die?"

"Tears fell from Xie Yu's eyes as he clutched Nan Yan's hand, repeating, 'You'll be fine, I won't let anything happen to you…'"

"It seemed the only way to slightly ease the pain in his chest, to calm his panicked heart."

"The doctor, seeing this, shook his head in resignation and sighed. He prescribed some tonics for her and then left."

"When Nan Yan awoke the next morning, dawn was breaking, the sky a light blue tinged with brightness."

"Seeing her eyelids flutter and feeling her fingertips tremble, Xie Yu's face lit up with joy. He eagerly leaned in, asking, 'Yan Yan, are you awake? Do you feel better? Does your chest still hurt? Should I call the doctor?'"

"Bombarded by his questions, Nan Yan blinked in confusion, meeting his tear-reddened eyes, still wet at the corners."

"Touching his eye gently, she felt the dampness on her fingertips. As she was about to withdraw her hand, it was suddenly grasped."

"A faint, pale smile crossed her lips as she spoke, 'Brother Yu... have you been crying? Why are your eyes so red?'"

"Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible."

"Hearing her jest, Xie Yu's face softened considerably, holding her hand against his cheek, 'Of course, I cried. Brother Yu was almost scared to death by you.'"

“Do you realize, you vomited so much blood, Brother Yu was thinking about how many bowls of pig’s blood would be needed to replenish it?”

Nanyan seemed amused by this, a genuine smile appearing on her face. She shook her head and refused, “I don’t like that stuff…”

Hearing this, Xie Yu let go of her hand, picked up the medicine soup that had been kept warm on the table, and coaxed her, “It’s okay if you don’t like pig’s blood. Drink this medicine now, and when you're better, whatever you want to eat, Brother Yu will buy it for you, okay?”

The usually obedient Nanyan, however, didn’t comply this time. She lowered her eyelashes, tilted her head, and slowly leaned back, creating some distance from the porcelain bowl in his hand.

Xie Yu's gaze dimmed slightly.

He knew she was heartbroken, feeling as if her heart had turned to ash. He had never seen Nanyan so utterly devastated, not even when they broke off their engagement. She had never been this pained.

Xie Yu stroked her head, pondering that all these events were because of him. If he had never left her, never met Xiao Guanxue and Su Mo, and hadn't taken her out, would all this have been avoided? Would she not be suffering so much?

Xie Yu truly regretted his actions, filled with remorse, especially after learning that she only had a few months to live. He no longer sought anything…

As long as she could get better, let her love whoever she wanted. From now on, he would not pester her anymore. He would just be her brother, faithfully by her side. It wouldn’t hinder him from loving her.

Thinking this, Xie Yu felt a sting in his eyes, rubbed them gently, and then said with a smile, "How can your body recover without medicine? If you’re not well, how can we go home? Don’t you want to go home? We’ve been away for so many days, your parents must be worried."

"You eat the medicine obediently, and once you’re better, I’ll take you home. We’ll go to your parents to call off the engagement, okay?"

Upon hearing "call off the engagement," Nanyan was momentarily stunned, staring blankly at him, unsure how to react.

Nanyan wondered, could it be that her vomiting blood had been too great a shock for him?

Seeing her reaction, Xie Yu knew what she was thinking. He couldn’t resist flicking her nose, "Nanyan, that reaction could make Brother Yu think you can’t bear to part with me."

Nanyan’s eyes widened even more.

She maintained her composure outwardly but was mulling over in her mind that this man was indeed not acting normal.

Could it be that he was attempting to use reverse psychology?

Xie Yu took a deep breath, his smile growing warmer, “After the engagement is called off, Brother Yu will be just your brother from now on.”

“Brother knows that what you said that day was said in anger. Everyone speaks nonsense when they are upset. We just need to clear up the misunderstanding… Once it’s cleared, I will let him come to Mingyue Villa and properly ask for your hand. If he dares to bully you again, Brother will never let him off.” This 'he' referred to Xiao Guanxue.

Xie Yu mused, feeling petty and vengeful.

He wanted to take her home, hide her away, and keep her all to himself.

He had thought, if he just explained himself clearly, Yan Yan would come back to him and forgive him. But he had long lost that right. The person she loved wasn't him.

It was he who clung on, unwilling to let go.

Now, seeing her so pained over Xiao Guanxue, how could he bear it? How could he let her suffer again?

As he spoke, he suddenly laughed, wondering why the room seemed so windy. Was it why he felt like sand got in his eyes?

"It hurts so much..."

Nan Yan listened in a daze, a mist of tears clinging to her long lashes. After hearing his words, she smiled gently, tears instantly falling from her lashes.

Dropping onto his hand, the tears spread into a small patch, making Xie Yu's fingertips tremble.

Crying and smiling, she asked, "Really? If I explain things to him, will he forgive me?" Her voice sounded hoarse and anxious.

Indeed, her heart and eyes were full of him.

Xie Yu covered his eyes, powerless, with mist swirling between his fingers. He chuckled softly, quickly rearranging his facial expression, then said:

"Of course, it's true. You don't know, Xiao Guanxue always likes to put on airs. Besides, this matter isn't entirely his fault. When people are angry, they often act impulsively. Once the misunderstanding is cleared, he'll forgive you..."

Xie Yu gently stroked her head, comforting her.

As long as she was happy, he was willing to give up everything else. Her happiness was all that mattered to him from now on.

Nan Yan, reassured by his promise, displayed an even brighter smile, her joy mingled with tears. She obediently agreed, "Okay, I understand, Brother Yu. I'll diligently take my medicine. Once I feel a bit better, I'll go and explain everything to him. Give me the medicine now, I'll drink it right away..."

Xie Yu, witnessing this scene, felt a heart-wrenching pain yet managed to maintain a tender smile.

He gently helped her sit up and handed her the medicine bowl. Watching her drink eagerly, he quickly cautioned, "Take it slow, don't rush, you might choke."

Seeing her disregard his advice, he added, "Xiao Guanxue isn't going anywhere. Even if he runs, I'll catch him for you."

Nan Yan couldn't help but laugh at his words.

This laughter brought a hint of vitality to her previously pale face.

Her cheeks flushed with warmth, looking much more spirited than her sickly appearance the day before.

Xie Yu joined her laughter, even more elated than her. He stroked her head, thinking that with Xiao Guanxue's medical skills, her condition would gradually improve. As long as she was happy, that was all he needed; nothing else mattered.

He then used a napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth, saying, "After taking the medicine, have a good sleep. I'll keep an eye on Xiao Guanxue for you. Once you wake up, I'll take you to see him."

Nan Yan obediently nodded, lay down, and began to rest. Xie Yu watched her fall into a deep sleep before tidying up the empty bowl and leaving the room.

The next day, Nan Yan couldn't hold back any longer.

Her mission was urgent, and she suspected this body wouldn't last much longer. Besides, the task was nearing its end.

Nan Yan got up early, her face betraying a hint of nervous anticipation, as she prepared to clear up the misunderstanding with Xiao Guanxue.

When Xie Yu arrived with the medicine, she had already dressed and was sitting before the bronze mirror, meticulously adjusting every fold of her clothing.

Her movements were careful, as if eagerly anticipating the meeting ahead.

Hearing the door open, she instinctively turned, her expression anxious, "How do I look, Brother Yu? Am I not pretty anymore?"

The girl in the mirror looked pale, with almost no color on her cheeks or lips, clearly the appearance of illness.

Nan Yan frowned slightly, worried her looks were not up to par, her face showing her nervousness about meeting her beloved.

Xie Yu, momentarily stunned, then approached with a smile, handing her the porcelain bowl, "How could that be? My Yan Yan has always been the most beautiful. I've never seen a woman more beautiful than you in all my travels."

"But I look so sickly, who would find me attractive? What if Xiao Guanxue... despises me too?"

Nan Yan shook her head sorrowfully, not cheered by his words this time, her reflection in the mirror showing concern.

"He wouldn't dare. If he dares to despise you, I'll beat him up for you. His medical skills might be superior, but his martial arts are not as good as mine. He could at most stab me with a few needles. With me backing you, what's there to fear?"

He then produced a box of rouge he had just bought, comforting her with a smile, "Besides, it's just a bit of paleness. I just bought this rouge and was wondering who to give it to. Maybe if my Yan Yan calls me 'good brother' a few more times, I might be so happy I'll give it to her."

Nan Yan couldn't help but smile at this.

Her eyes fell on the rouge, and she sweetly called him a few times. Xie Yu, satisfied, handed her the box.

Once Nan Yan finished dressing, she turned to him, "Do I look good now?"

Xie Yu looked at her, seeing a girl with tender and charming eyes, her cheeks flushed with just a touch of rouge, no longer pale. She looked like a splendidly blooming begonia, radiant and captivating.

However, just as a flower is most vibrant before wilting, Xie Yu’s heartbeat suddenly quickened. He instinctively held her hand.

Nanyan looked at him quizzically, “What’s wrong, don’t I look good?”

Coming back to his senses, Xie Yu shook his head, his gaze resting on Nanyan's face. For some reason, seeing her like this stirred unease in his heart. He scrutinized her carefully, ensuring nothing was amiss.

Then he gently wiped her lips with his fingertip, removing some of the lipstick, and smiled, “The lipstick is too bright, it looks better a bit lighter.”

Nanyan then showed a delighted smile.

Meanwhile, Xiao Guanxue was not at peace these days; the more he tried not to think of her, the more her image haunted him. He felt both resentment and hatred – resentful for being used by her for Xie Yu, and hating that she had never liked him from the start.

His knuckles cracked from the grip, startling Su Mo, who instinctively asked, “Brother Xiao, what’s wrong?”

Hearing her, Xie Yu regained his composure, his eyes lowered, emotionlessly replying, “Sorry, I was just thinking about something…” He then reattended to the wound on her arm.

This injury was inflicted during an assassination attempt by the demonic sect; perhaps because the wound was too deep, it hadn’t healed despite several days.

Su Mo lifted her eyes to his profile, feeling her ears warm up. Learning about Xiao Guanxue’s feelings, she couldn't deny being moved, especially since she initially liked Brother Xiao. If it weren’t for meeting Xie Yu, they wouldn’t have missed their chance…

She knew he was upset, understandably so, as anyone would be distressed by being used so blatantly.

At this moment, she harbored some resentment towards Nanyan, unable to comprehend how there could be such a woman who manipulates emotions, calculatingly using another man to take revenge on her fiancé. Truly shameless.

If Brother Xiao hadn't already had someone in his heart, he would likely have been bitterly deceived by her.

No wonder in those few days after waking up, Brother Xiao’s attitude towards her seemed different. It was all because of her.

Thinking of this, her chest felt a bittersweet ache, “Brother Xiao, I’m sorry, if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have had to deal with her…”

Su Mo was interrupted before she could finish, by Xiao Guanxue, “Alright, your wound is treated now. You should head back quickly, a woman staying in my room isn’t proper.”

Xiao Guanxue put away the medicine on the table, his mood too soured to discuss anything else, his gaze turning colder.

Su Mo thought he was considering her reputation. Blushing slightly, she awkwardly said, “Brother Xiao, don’t worry about me, you know my nature, I’ve never cared about these things.”

After speaking, she remembered something else, “By the way, Brother Xiao, how’s the wound on your forehead?”

At this, Xiao Guanxue paused.

Recalling the incident, his eyes involuntarily drooped, he hummed noncommittally, “It’s nothing.”

The wound had indeed scabbed over, but every time he thought of that woman’s words, a sharp pain seemed to pierce his skin.

As he spoke, a knock on the door came from outside. Distracted, Xiao Guanxue’s medicine box tipped over, scattering its contents.

He frowned slightly, feeling irritated. Looking at the spilled bottles and jars, he didn’t immediately tidy them up, instead rubbing his forehead before turning to answer the door.

Su Mo, who had been sitting, started to clean up, picking up the scattered bandages and needles, and then noticed a palm-sized, exquisitely embroidered purse on the floor, with the character “Xiao” stitched on its corner.

Touching it, she found a beautiful jade pendant inside, likely something Brother Xiao had accidentally dropped.

Meanwhile, Nanyan stood at the doorway, glancing at Xie Yu as he left. He smiled at her, signaling her not to worry, then turned and walked away.

Xie Yu never imagined this scene would be so painful, feeling a twinge of ache in his chest, yet he still had to smile and comfort her.

He thought to himself, no wonder he felt an inexplicable hostility towards Xiao Guanxue the first time they met. It seemed destined that Xiao would take away the treasure he had cherished for years.

As Xiao Guanxue opened the door, he saw Nanyan standing outside. His gaze lingered on her carefully made-up face, pausing as he wondered why she was there.

"It's you."

Nanyan, hearing his voice, also paused, her gaze unintentionally falling on the wound on his forehead. Her eyelashes trembled slightly. Xiao Guanxue, sensing her thoughts, a flicker of mockery passed in his eyes, “What are you doing here?”

Was it because something had happened to Xie Yu? So she came to seek his help? Fine, if she really came for Xie Yu, he definitely wouldn’t assist her, even if it meant watching him die, unless...

Unless what? He didn’t know himself, just feeling increasingly irritated, always disturbed by this woman before him.

"That day, with Brother Yu..."

Before she could finish, Xiao Guanxue’s expression quickly turned cold. Hearing Xie Yu’s name, he abruptly interrupted her, “If you’re here for Xie Yu, leave now. I won’t help you again.”

He was about to close the door when Nanyan instinctively blocked it, urgently saying, “No, it’s not for him. I, I have something to tell you.”

Xiao Guanxue looked at her anxious demeanor, his face expressionless, coldly saying, “What else do you have to say?”

Nanyan bit her lip, recalling the recent events, her face showing tension, “I’m sorry, I admit I did use you, especially after learning that Brother Yu likes Su Mo. I was so blinded by anger that I thought of revenge. I initially used you to get back at Xie Yu…”

“Brother Xiao, who is it outside?”