Chapter 20

Chapter 20

That was given to me by Mr. Shen, you can't take it away!

He stopped in his tracks. A flicker of astonishment passed through his dark eyes, his Adam's apple bobbed silently, and his brows furrowed slightly as his gaze swept over the young man's skin beneath the thin robe. A faint, lingering fragrance wafted to him, its panicked, sweet quality seeming to ease some of his weariness.

Cen Lin immediately turned to leave the room, but he heard hurried footsteps behind him, followed by a pair of long arms wrapping around his waist, holding him tightly.

Lian Sheng pressed his head against Cen Lin's back, his voice low and muffled: "Doctor Cen... husband, just come to bed with me—"

The man suddenly turned around, grabbed his hands, and pushed him back. "No. Go to sleep properly. I'll sleep on the sofa."

"No, don't!" Lian Sheng panicked upon hearing this.

If they couldn't even share a room, wouldn't it be even harder to conceive a baby again?

Absolutely not!

"I won't do anything, can't you just stay?" Lian Sheng said, pursing his lips.

Cen Lin didn't speak. His footsteps paused slightly.

**

The two slept on the large bed with a clear boundary between them, reminiscent of their initial arrangement. Lian Sheng reached out several times after that, wanting to touch the hem of Cen Lin's clothes, but withdrew his hand each time.

It seemed another approach was needed.

Speaking of which, the letter he had sent to Elder Grandpa earlier should have arrived by now. Why hadn't the reply come yet?

Filled with doubt and unwillingness, Little Lotus Pod drifted into an uneasy sleep.

He woke the next day at dawn. Cen Lin was still asleep. Lian Sheng was about to get up to use the bathroom when he noticed a leaf, faintly shimmering with spiritual energy, resting on the windowsill.

He hurried over and picked it up.

Elder Grandpa's aged voice came from within: "Bring the child back to the clan's sacred land for recuperation. There is a way to wake him."

After listening, Lian Sheng finally showed a trace of a smile.

Great! He knew Elder Grandpa would have a way!

Fortunately, Cen Lin was off duty today and didn't have to work. After Lian Sheng mentioned it in the morning, Cen Lin only hesitated for a moment. "Are you sure it will work?"

"Yes, they have millennia of cultivation, they know a lot, and they won't lie to me!" Lian Sheng quickly nodded.

Hearing this, Cen Lin looked up and carefully studied Lian Sheng's earnest expression. After a moment, he finally nodded. He quickly went to the hospital to retrieve the child, then set off with Lian Sheng.

Lian Sheng sat in the passenger seat, holding the small child in his arms. He gently stroked the child's cheek with his finger. "The baby is so beautiful, so fair, with such big eyes. He'll definitely be the most beautiful child in the clan."

Cen Lin didn't speak, focusing on driving, but his fingers unconsciously tightened on the steering wheel. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at Lian Sheng holding the child, his furrowed brows not yet relaxed.

Upon arriving at the valley where the clan resided, Lian Sheng eagerly got out of the car.

Before his eyes was the lotus pond he had seen last time, though now, compared to a few months ago, the water's color had deepened further, looking more like a bottomless black abyss.

Lian Sheng immediately channeled his spiritual power, transporting the three of them inside.

After a moment of dizziness, they finally reached the depths of the clan.

He handed the child to the Elder who had been waiting. The old man, upon seeing his child, teared up, repeatedly saying "good" three times. "I will take the child to the sacred land for seclusion these next few days. I will definitely wake him."

Lian Sheng's eyes reddened slightly. "Okay, I believe you, Elder Grandpa..."

He glanced again at the Clan Leader lying on the bed nearby. His temples were streaked with white, his appearance withered and haggard, now merely sustained by medicinal broth.

Seeing Lian Sheng arrive, the Clan Leader quickly grabbed his sleeve tightly. "Lian... Sheng..."

"I'm here! Lian Sheng is here!" Lian Sheng hurriedly replied.

"Don't forget the clan's task of... procreation... That child might not necessarily..." The Clan Leader took another heavy breath. "Take care of yourself... go..."

Hearing this, Lian Sheng's heart sank, his fingers abruptly clenching the hem of his clothes, his eyes reddening even more.

"Might not necessarily? The baby might not necessarily wake up?" Lian Sheng immediately asked again.

The Clan Leader patted his hand. "It's just... a precaution. The clan must have several completely healthy children. Otherwise, this generation is finished. If the clan's millennia-long legacy breaks in our hands, what face do we have to meet our ancestors... Do you understand?"

"Lian Sheng understands! Lian Sheng will definitely complete the task!" Lian Sheng said, wiping away his tears.

After leaving the clan, Lian Sheng's steps were somewhat unsteady.

Suddenly, everything went dark before his eyes. He couldn't see the path ahead, only felt something under his foot, and stumbled to the ground unprepared. "Ah!"

Cen Lin quickly supported him. The concerned voice of Doctor Cen sounded by his ear: "What's wrong?"

"Why is it so dark? Did it suddenly become overcast?" Lian Sheng asked, staring straight ahead without looking around.

Cen Lin looked up at the bright, sunny sky, then waved his hand in front of Lian Sheng's eyes. Lian Sheng showed no reaction.

"I'll take you to the hospital immediately," Cen Lin said.

Without any delay, he quickly drove to the hospital.

**

Staring at the diagnosis sheet, the doctor frowned. "Let's observe a bit more. Do a detailed physical examination. There might be something missed."

Thus, Lian Sheng was taken for a complete set of examinations, finally collapsing on the bed from exhaustion, refusing to get up and acting spoiled, not wanting to continue.

"Get up. There are two more items," Cen Lin frowned, staring coldly at Lian Sheng who was clinging to the hospital bed.

Lian Sheng hugged the pillow and shook his head. "No, unless you do it with me tonight..."

"You—" Cen Lin's brow twitched slightly. "Is that all that's left in your brain?"

As soon as the words fell, Lian Sheng's mouth drooped, the unfocused redness in his eyes becoming more obvious, his voice softening: "I'm scared... I can't see and they can't find the problem. I'm also scared the baby won't wake up. The clan can't afford to gamble. We need healthy children to support the family. Clan Leader Grandpa doesn't have many days left."

Seeing his tearful, red-rimmed eyes, Cen Lin finally didn't say anything harsh, only stating, "Get checked first. We can discuss everything else."

"Really?" Lian Sheng lifted his head, asking emptily. "You said that yourself, Doctor Cen."

Little did he know, it was precisely this statement that allowed Little Lotus Pod to seize a loophole.

After the evening examinations were completed, Cen Lin brought him home. "Don't move around. I'll get your slippers."

He helped Lian Sheng sit on the shoe-changing stool, putting on the soft slippers for him. When he touched Lian Sheng's ankle, Cen Lin instinctively froze for a moment.

Lian Sheng was particularly sensitive at that moment and immediately asked, puzzled, "What's wrong, Doctor Cen?"

"Nothing." Cen Lin slipped the shoes on him and helped him to the sofa to sit. "Wait a moment. I'll go cook."

Unexpectedly, although the youth's eyes were temporarily blind, his nose was remarkably sharp. Following the scent, he found his way to the kitchen on his own.

After eating, Little Lotus Pod was immediately full of energy, the lotus pod on his head standing straight up like a proud white swan.

Cen Lin had just finished showering, his hair still dripping, his bathrobe hanging loosely over his shoulders. He looked up to see Lian Sheng groping his way toward him, hand outstretched in his direction, the lotus pod on his head sticking straight up.

He really had become a little blind guy.

Cen Lin shook his head, walked over, and grabbed him by the collar. “What are you doing on the balcony? Go back to sleep.”

“The signal is better here, talking to Xiao Zhi doesn’t lag.” Lian Sheng looked up. “Have you finished showering?” he asked again.

Cen Lin gave an indifferent “Mm.”

Lian Sheng immediately clung to Cen Lin, wrapping himself tightly around him and refusing to let go. “Then I want it! You promised me today!”

“You… don’t twist my words. I only said that so you’d rest and recover properly!” Cen Lin said.

“Beep—” With a sound, Lian Sheng instantly produced an extra-large, extra-thick lotus leaf and pulled Cen Lin tumbling into it.

The lotus leaf emitted a faint, fresh fragrance. It wasn’t as cool to lie on as one would think; instead, it was like a large bed, very soft.

Suddenly being pinned down by Lian Sheng, Cen Lin was inevitably annoyed. Just as he was about to lose his temper, he saw Lian Sheng’s fluffy head lean in again, his blind hands fumbling around.

What was most infuriating was that wherever he touched instantly grew hot—that tiny spark had the potential to start a prairie fire. The boy’s unique lotus fragrance rose again, lingering at the tip of his nose.

“Cen… husband… don’t push me away anymore.” Lian Sheng lifted his head, groped for Cen Lin’s face, and clumsily kissed him without a care. “Do you like this?”

Cen Lin didn’t speak, raising his hand to push him away.

Lian Sheng suddenly lowered his eyes. “Earlier, I was chatting with Mr. Shen. He said his injuries have all healed—that’s really great. He’s so kind and gentle; it must be God blessing him. What about me? Will I get better soon too? Is God still blaming me?”

Hearing Shen Yunqing’s name, Cen Lin’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. “You will recover. Don’t overthink it.”

Hearing this, Lian Sheng lifted his gaze, revealing eyes already reddened and glistening with tears. “Really?”

Cen Lin sighed. “Mm.”

Little Lotus Pod immediately seized his moment of softening, wrapped his arms around his neck, and kissed him. As their lips and tongues tangled, he was soon pressed against the bed by the man. “Doctor Cen…”

Cen Lin abruptly reversed their positions, pinning down his restless hands. “If you mention someone else again—”

But this was exactly the result Little Lotus Pod wanted. He tilted his head back slightly, his pupils already somewhat unfocused, boldly accusing him first. “I didn’t! It’s clearly you who didn’t keep your word!”

Cen Lin’s palm gripped Lian Sheng’s wrist, his knuckles pale, the force not heavy but impossible to break free from. His scorching breath fell on Lian Sheng’s flushed ear, making him flinch.

“Stop moving.” The man’s voice was hoarse, heavy with arousal. As he lowered his head, the loose collar of his bathrobe slipped halfway, revealing his pale chest.

Water droplets from his hair dripped along the strands onto Lian Sheng’s collarbone, chilling him with a shiver before instantly evaporating.

Lian Sheng couldn’t see, relying only on touch to grope. His fingertips brushed randomly, clumsy and uncertain, yet precisely teasing the man’s nerves.

Pinned against the soft lotus leaf, his back pressed against the cool leaf veins, a slight chill seeping through the thin fabric, while in front of him was Cen Lin’s burning body heat.

The interplay of cold and heat made him tilt his head back, his fluffy head rubbing against Cen Lin’s chin, unconsciously whimpering, “Doctor Cen…”

Lian Sheng drifted in and out of consciousness. When he woke again, it was already late at night. Though familiar aches lingered on his body, he was clean—clearly tidied up by Cen Lin—and lying comfortably in the bedroom’s large bed.

“Awake?” Cen Lin, beside him, asked upon seeing him stir.

“Doctor Cen, you’re so good. I… I love you!” Lian Sheng rolled his eyes, cleverly spouting a string of pick-up lines he’d learned online. “Then, can I sleep with you again tomorrow?”

After all, doing it more often increases the chances of pregnancy.

Cen Lin frowned.

He didn’t believe this little creature, so fixated on having a child, truly understood what “love” meant. It was probably just another tactic to get what he wanted, wasn’t it?

But his inner thoughts remained unknown to Lian Sheng.

Suddenly, Lian Sheng closed his eyes, his brow slightly furrowing.

Cen Lin immediately noticed his unusual expression. “What’s wrong?”

Lian Sheng blinked his large, jade-green eyes, misty as if veiled in water. “N-nothing. Doctor Cen, you were just too rough earlier… it hurts a little.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell silent. Cen Lin was left speechless. Though his expression couldn’t be seen, he was silent for a moment before coughing lightly twice and saying, “Then I’ll help you bathe later…”

“Great! Doctor Cen, this is the first time you’re helping me bathe. I’m so looking forward to it!” Lian Sheng said. “Doctor Cen, you’re so good!”

“Shut up.” Cen Lin frowned and coughed twice more. “Keep talking nonsense and you’ll bathe yourself.”

“I was just praising you…” Lian Sheng tugged at his sleeve, his voice soft. “You’re even prettier than the sunflowers in the mountains.”

“How so?” Cen Lin asked flatly.

“Hmm…” Lian Sheng thought for a moment, his eyes sparkling as he confidently spoke again. “Just as… big!”

As he spoke, he tilted his head, scratching his cheek with his fingertip, clearly unaware of how ridiculous his words sounded.

Cen Lin’s frown deepened, though a faint blush crept up behind his ears. “Shut up!”

Lian Sheng didn’t respond. He suddenly paused, raised his hand to touch his lower abdomen, and his eyes lit up. “Doctor Cen, my belly feels warm… Is the baby coming?”

Cen Lin didn’t answer him, only saying, “Don’t overthink it. Focus on recovering first. I’ll take you for a follow-up eye exam tomorrow.”

Lian Sheng hugged him tightly, taking the chance to feel his waist. “I’m not talking nonsense. You really are very pretty!”

Little Lotus Pod didn’t bring up wanting a child again. Instead, he lifted his gaze, staring blankly at the corner of the wall, “affectionately” saying, “Doctor Cen, do you know? You’re the person I like the most in my life.”

Cen Lin was somewhat speechless. He pressed Lian Sheng’s head, turning it thirty degrees. “I’m over here.”

“Yagho migo wh!” Lian Sheng blurted out in a panic, speaking in Lotus language before realizing it.

“Oh, oh, I can’t see! Doctor Cen, you can’t blame me for that!” Lian Sheng quickly corrected himself.

After speaking, he blinked. Though he couldn’t see, he judged the man’s precise location based on faint air currents and the sound of his breathing. Then he reached out, wrapped his arms around Cen Lin’s neck, and kissed him.

“Doctor Cen… I can’t see. I’m scared being alone at home. Can you stay with me a little longer before going to work?” Lian Sheng immediately put on a pitiful expression.

Recently, he’d discovered that Doctor Cen seemed quite susceptible to this pitiful act. Though he didn’t fully understand why, nor why humans had so many intricate and complex emotions, he instinctively felt this was something he could use.

Are all humans like this?

Little Lotus Pod didn’t understand, nor did he want to.

His cram school teacher had once taught him to use anything that could aid learning.

As Little Lotus Pod thought of this, he cleverly smacked his palm: That’s it! Smart!

Cen Lin looked at the boy pressed so close to him. He wanted to push him away but was held in place by those clear, limpid eyes like a cool spring. His Adam’s apple bobbed silently, a faint, ghostly flame finally igniting in the depths of his dark pupils as he stared intently at those beautiful eyes. In the end, he didn’t push him away.

"Doctor Cen... I want to..."

"Doctor Cen..."

"..."

Little Lotus Pod's body temperature suddenly spiked. He arched his neck uncontrollably, his hands pinned apart at his sides. A cascade of soft, delicate sensations followed, landing on his lips, face, and neck, imprinting rose-colored marks on his jade-white skin.

At that moment, the half-withered bud on top of Little Lotus Pod's head cracked open a sliver, releasing a faint, sweet, and warm lotus fragrance that gently seeped into his heart and lungs.

Sometime later, Lian Sheng lay panting softly on top of Cen Lin, the fine hairs on his forehead damp and clinging to his temples. He held onto Cen Lin for a while longer to regain his strength. "Doctor Cen..."

He was too sore to think about anything else. Later, even when Cen Lin carried him to clean him up, Lian Sheng remained listless and unresponsive, quickly falling asleep.

All he felt was comfort. The warm water flowed over every inch of his skin, enveloping his entire body, washing away the fatigue of the day.

By the time Lian Sheng woke up, it was already the next day.

He had actually slept for a whole day!

Lian Sheng hurriedly got out of bed, fumbling to find the pregnancy test he had bought earlier. He groped his way into the bathroom, took the test, and waited for the result.

"Xiao Zhi, Xiao Zhi," Lian Sheng said, holding his phone towards the test stick.

"I'm here."

"Can you tell me how many red lines are on this?" Lian Sheng asked nervously.

"One!" Xiao Zhi replied.

Hearing these words, Lian Sheng couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. There was already spiritual energy in his belly, so why hadn't he conceived a baby yet? Could it be that they... hadn't done it enough times?

Lian Sheng nodded.

That was possible.

He needed to find Doctor Cen again soon for a second try...

At noon, Cen Lin returned to take him for his eye re-examination. Seizing the opportunity, Lian Sheng put on a pitiful act again, tears welling up as he hugged his waist. "Doctor Cen, I'm scared, I feel really terrible inside... Will I be blind for the rest of my life?"

Cen Lin's voice was deep, unconsciously laced with a hint of gentle reassurance. "No, our doctors will do everything they can to treat you."

While walking, Lian Sheng also instinctively clutched his sleeve tightly, always leaning close to him.

When crossing a narrow path, Cen Lin proactively raised a hand to shield his shoulder, avoiding an electric scooter.

Lian Sheng looked up with a soft laugh. "Doctor Cen, you're like my eyes."

Cen Lin didn't respond, guiding him upstairs. They had just settled in the office for a brief rest when Lian Sheng's "sinful hand" tried to slip into Cen Lin's collar. Suddenly, a call came through to the hospital, and Cen Lin's phone immediately rang with a "ding-a-ling" sound.

Cen Lin answered the call. "What is it?"

Whatever the person on the other end said caused Cen Lin's brow to furrow slightly.

Little Lotus Pod sensed something off in Cen Lin's tone and quickly asked, "What's the matter?"

"My colleague has proposed a new treatment plan that might be able to cure your eyes," Cen Lin said, pushing away the little head that had pressed against him. "Get ready, we're going to the building next door."

Although the news of a treatment plan did make Lian Sheng happy, having his important life matter interrupted left Little Lotus Pod feeling a bit displeased.

After the re-examination that day, Cen Lin took Lian Sheng to the adjacent building for a series of tests. They finally determined the final surgical plan, adopting a two-pronged approach and prescribing Lian Sheng a whole pile of medication.

Carrying two large bags of medicine home, Lian Sheng felt utterly despondent.

Many of the medicines needed to be crushed before taking. He knew those were the bitterest kind. There were also several particularly large pills—he had just felt them... How awful would that be!

Little Lotus Pod's protests were in vain; he was still forced to take the medicine under supervision.

For the entire afternoon, he lay resentfully on the bed, staring at the ceiling, bored out of his mind waiting for Cen Lin to come home, only occasionally chatting with Xiao Zhi.

"It's so boring. If only I could chat with someone," Lian Sheng said.

Xiao Zhi immediately popped up. "WeChat has been opened for you."

Hearing this, Lian Sheng's eyes immediately lit up. "Help me find Doctor Shen!"

**

Cen Lin had just changed out of his white coat and stepped out of his office when he ran into someone at the corridor corner.

That person was clearly on night duty, still wearing his white coat and carrying a shopping bag, evidently planning to pull an all-nighter.

"It's you, Teacher Cen. I'm Shen Yunqing, newly transferred to the dermatology department. Hello!" Shen Yunqing extended his hand.

Cen Lin gave a slight nod and shook hands politely, then immediately moved to leave.

"Wait!" Shen Yunqing caught up.

"Wait!" He took a small bag from his shopping bag, smiling warmly. "I heard Lian Sheng is sick. I bought these osmanthus cakes earlier. He said he likes sweet things. Could you please take them to him?"

The man in casual clothes didn't turn around. Hearing this, his footsteps paused almost imperceptibly. He only glanced slightly to the side but didn't take the bag. After a few seconds, he finally spoke. "No need, thank you. He has cavities and can't eat them."

Then he left without looking back, leaving Shen Yunqing alone behind him, tilting his head in confusion and muttering to himself, "That's odd. Why did he call me this afternoon saying he wanted something sweet then?"

He shook his head and left.

Meanwhile, Cen Lin had just walked out of the hospital building. After driving off, his dark eyes stared intently ahead, yet he couldn't seem to focus no matter what.

He rolled down the window to clear his head, but his peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of a pastry shop by the street.

As if guided by some unseen force, Cen Lin stopped the car.

Again, as if compelled, he got out and walked into the shop, buying a bag of osmanthus cakes.

Lian Sheng had been fighting sleepiness, waiting at home, but eventually couldn't resist visiting the dreamland of Duke Zhou, mumbling incoherently in his sleep.

This was the scene Cen Lin encountered upon returning.

The young man had somehow found his way to the living room sofa on his own and had fallen asleep there at some point.

Standing before the sofa, Cen Lin let out a soft sigh, then reached out with a hint of helplessness to pick up Lian Sheng, intending to move him to the bedroom to sleep.

But the young man was like a mimosa plant, stirring immediately upon touch. He slowly opened his eyes, rubbing his sleepy face. Seeming to sense Cen Lin's presence, he exclaimed joyfully, "Doctor Cen, you're back!"

"Mn," Cen Lin replied.

Having endured the torment of bitter medicine, Lian Sheng immediately felt his way up and clung to Cen Lin. "I took my medicine obediently. Can I have a reward?"

"I bought osmanthus cakes," Cen Lin said.

"Not enough, not enough..." Lian Sheng added, "I want it tonight too."

Cen Lin fixed him with a two-second stare. "No, it's been too much lately. You can't take it."

"I'm fine!" Lian Sheng patted his chest. "I'm the toughest little lotus pod of this generation! I'm fine, Doctor Cen. Go ahead!"

"There's only you in this generation," Cen Lin shot back mercilessly.

Lian Sheng pouted, muttering, "Still am strong."

Finally, Lian Sheng got what he wanted.

Cen Lin couldn't resist the barely concealed anticipation in his eyes. He brushed his fingertips against Lian Sheng's soft cheek, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. "Don't move around."

Lian Sheng immediately became like a kitten given the go-ahead, obediently nestling against Cen Lin's chest. His warm breath brushed Cen Lin's neck, carrying a faint bitterness mixed with a subtle, almost imperceptible sweetness.

Unable to see, Lian Sheng could only rely on touch to find and wrap his arms around Cen Lin's waist. He could feel the other's warm body temperature. His fingertips unconsciously brushed against the fabric at Cen Lin's waist, betraying a hint of unconscious dependence.

"Tell me if it hurts."

...

Lian Sheng had no idea how long it lasted. Even when he grew sleepy in the latter half of the night, he clung to Cen Lin's shoulders, saying he didn't want to stop.

As the hazy light faded, the sky outside the window gradually brightened. The morning sun shone through the glass, spilling onto the quilt, warm and cozy.

The warm light roused Lian Sheng from his sleep. He frowned and slowly sat up. His waist and abdomen ached slightly. With effort, he raised a hand to rub them, feeling a bit better. His throat was extremely dry, as if it were lined with sandpaper.

Footsteps sounded from outside. With a creak, the door was opened. The person's voice carried a hint of fatigue but seemed softer than before. "Since you're up, don't laze around. Drink the soup."

Cen Lin brought over the nourishing soup and placed it in his hands. "Drink it all. It'll help you recover. I have things at the hospital today and need to go early. Call if you need anything."

Then, he hurriedly left the room.

Lian Sheng smiled as he held the warm bowl of nourishing soup, then slowly began to drink it.

Delicious!

After finishing, he immediately remembered to go to the bathroom to test. He put down the bowl and, feeling his way with practiced ease, walked to the bathroom.

A few minutes later.

Upon hearing Xiao Zhi announce "one line," Lian Sheng frowned again. He raised a hand to stroke his lower abdomen, sensing the flow of spiritual energy within.

Clearly, after last night, the spiritual energy in his abdomen had increased. So why... was the baby still not coming?

Was it really that he had a problem, leading first to a miscarriage, then to giving birth to a sick child, and now even being unable to conceive at all?

The spiritual energy in his abdomen grew increasingly active, as if reminding Lian Sheng that he wasn't a total failure. This also gave Lian Sheng his only sense of comfort and hope.

The third time, it was in the bathroom.

The fourth time, Lian Sheng used the osmanthus cakes as a pretext to pull him in again, wanting more. Cen Lin finally stopped indulging him and couldn't help but refuse. "No. Starting today, memorize the Heart-Clearing Mantra. I'll check the day after tomorrow."

Little Lotus Pod finally lost his temper too. "You're a bad guy!"

After treatment, his eyes had just begun to see a little, though not clearly enough to make out specific images. Ignoring his emo state, Cen Lin insisted on taking him to the hospital for an eye re-examination.

After the check-up, during a gap in Cen Lin's busy schedule, Lian Sheng wandered idly down the corridor.

"...Lian Sheng?" A familiar voice came from behind.

Lian Sheng immediately turned around, delighted. "Mr. Shen! You're here too! It's so good to see you!"

Unable to see his appearance clearly, Lian Sheng slowly moved closer to take a look. "Are your injuries healed?"

Shen Yunqing nodded. "All healed. How are you? How are your eyes? Also, last time I asked Teacher Cen to pass on some osmanthus cakes to you. He told me you had a bit of a toothache lately..."

Lian Sheng tilted his head, confused. "Huh? What toothache?"

"Wasn't that it?" Shen Yunqing frowned in puzzlement. "But that's what he told me last time."

Just as someone's scheme was about to be exposed, Lian Sheng's hand was suddenly tightly grasped from behind. Then, a force swiftly pulled him away.

"What are you doing?"

A wave of icy pressure suddenly descended from behind, as if capable of freezing someone solid in an instant. Lian Sheng couldn't help but shiver, slowly looking up at the man who had pulled him away.

"Author's Note"

After calming down and reflecting for a long time, I learned some things I didn't know before. Looking back, I was shocked to realize that the character settings for this story actually weren't well done from the very beginning. Completely rewriting it isn't very realistic either. This isn't the 80,000+ words everyone sees; the backend actually has 160,000 already. After a few more days of writing 10,000 words daily, it can basically be finished. I thought about it later. What I can do now is just make appropriate revisions to the unpublished drafts and then wrap it up smoothly. Since I started this book, I must finish it completely. Maybe there will be a miracle after it's finished...

I'll just keep pushing myself like this to finish it properly (somehow it feels like dangling a carrot on a stick to make a donkey go to the market...).