45 45_

After they were done, Ji Haishan helped Bai Yulin wrap another clean bandage on her head. He was so careful with her that she secretly felt happy and giddy inside.

While he was focusing on the dressing, Bai Yulin was staring at him for who knows how long. Her eyes at this moment, only saw him and his gentle action.

Bai Yulin wasn't a stupid woman, so she knew there must be a reason why Ji Haishan was so kind to her. She wanted to get to know him more. She realized she liked him so much already. She wouldn't be able to handle it once they completed all the tasks and went their own separate ways.

"Done. Are you feeling hurt somewhere?" he asked, causing Bai Yulin to notice her surrounding once again.

"No. I'm fine." she replied with a grateful smile.

Ji Haishan noticed this earlier but ever since they left the hospital, Bai Yulin was acting more softer than usual. She also always had a subtle smile on her face. He didn't know why but he felt so glad that she didn't take the incident with his uncle negatively. She was so strong mentally.

"Come, I'll make congee for you." Ji Haishan said as he stood up.

Bai Yulin immediately held the hem of his sleeve and stopped him. He looked at her with confusion.

"Um.. I'm feeling sore on my feet because of the bath.." Bai Yulin said cutely, wanting to see how he would react.

"Really? Where does it feel sore?" Ji Haishan swiftly crouched down to see her feet with a worried expression. It made Bai Yulin smile widely because he was genuinely concern.

"Here, let me help you to the dining table." he said as he reached out his hand.

Bai Yulin saw his hand and took it, then she stiffled a laugh which broke out eventually at the end. Ji Haishan didn't know why she suddenly laughed.

"What?" he asked.

"How can you help me when you're so frail and thin yourself? Don't you know that this huge body of yours is so hard to carry?" Bai Yulin giggled cheekily but Ji Haishan wasn't offended. Instead, he smiled with mischief in his eyes.

"Then how do you think I carried you from the bathtub to the bed when you got a fever before?" he smirked.

Bai Yulin remembered that time when she got a fever and she instantly knew that his words were a form of counterattack.

"Geez you.. I got it! You're a woman outside but still a man at heart!" she gave up laughing. Instead, she patted his arm as a means to give him motivation.

Ji Haishan shook his head, feeling amused and then he helped her stand up and said "Come now."

Bai Yulin refused to sit at the dining table because she wanted to see him cook so he helped her to the kitchen counter. Bai Yulin sat on the stool and propped her arm, putting her chin on her palm.

Ji Haishan then began cooking the congee and made orange juice for her. Bai Yulin watched him intently as if she wanted to capture his every movement into her brain. The corner of her mouth lifted into a smile.

At this moment, the two of them were already convinced that they should chase after the other in silence until they finally confessed their feelings. But for now, all they wanted was their upcoming beautiful days to continue without changing.

*

Toronto, Canada.

Ji Ke Mu was pacing back and forth in the study where his twin sister was busy typing furiously on the keyboard. He sighed depressingly as he looked at her. A clear expression of annoyance was etched on his face.

"Come on, Athena. Do it faster! You're a goddess of wisdom, not just a simple student anymore! Can you type a bit faster?" he told her.

Ji Xia didn't spare him a glance as she continued typing, she then said "Shut up, Hephaestus. Do you think my being a goddess of wisdom can help? I'm nothing but a mortal without any power now. So sit tight and wait!"

Ji Ke Mu heaved up a frustrated sigh. He frowned as he replied "Don't you know that your stupid thesis is hindering us to go back home? When are you going to finish it? Next year perhaps?!"

"Oh, shut your trap! You're making me lose focus!"

"Geez Athena.. you have to make it quick or we'll never go back to China at this rate! Why are you even continuing with your research when you already got your memory!" Ji Ke Mu complained.

"Damn it, Hephaestus! I'm losing my idea!" Ji Xia turned to face her brother. Her face a depiction of anger.

After a moment, she continued with a calm voice "Listen, I'm Athena but at the same time I'm also Ji Xia. We're two different people with two different lives! So I have to complete my thesis as Ji Xia as a form of respect to myself who lives this life, don't you understand??"

Ji Ke Mu looked like he was contemplating something and he later nodded forcefully.

"Fine then.." he sighed again.

Then he said "I'm just worried.. about the game.. and the bet. What if something happens? What should we do then? How long do you think time flies differently between this world and the land of Eden? We don't have much time.."

Ji Xia didn't say a word as she listened to her brother. She tried so hard not to think about the consequences and the repercussions. She tried her best not to get anxious. She was a goddess of wisdom, Athena. She always looked at things differently.

But Ji Ke Mu was different.

He was always worried, always on edge. Even if he hid it well, he couldn't last for long. He was a god of fire, it was normal for him to always get anxious and act rashly and brashly.

Ji Xia got up from her seat and she walked towards Ji Ke Mu. Then she gave him a hug. Silently, without anything to say, he hugged her back. His head lay on her shoulder.

"Do you remember what our mission is?" Ji Ke Mu nodded at her sudden question although it was unexpected.

"Do you know we can do nothing to alter their fate in this world?" he nodded again. This time, very painfully slowly.

"We're just spectators, Hephaestus. We're here to guide, not to lead. Everything that will happen is bound by the guidance of Fate. You know that, right?" persuaded Ji Xia.

Ji Ke Mu was still frowning but his feelings were back on track. He then said "Sorry, Athena. I just can't help.. getting restless.."

"It's okay. I understand. They're important to you and the same goes to me." Ji Xia smiled softly.

If only things would be fair in love and war.. then the incarnation of Ji Haishan and Bai Yulin wouldn't suffer under the maddening grasp of the thing they called Fate.

The two of them wouldn't have to pay a huge price and by the same time lost their two sons along the dark path of destiny. And the one who was left behind was only Harmonia..