Lanterns of Friendship

Zi Qian found himself in the academy's clinic, and he couldn't help but be taken aback by the surroundings. Despite being within the confines of an academy, the clinic was surprisingly pristine and luxurious. It exuded an air of grandeur, almost as if it was furnished with every medical resource possible. Wooden shelves lined the room, holding a mesmerizing collection of rare and effective medicinal herbs. The herbs emitted a sweet and soothing fragrance that filled the air, creating a calming atmosphere. On a wooden table, there lay a set of acupuncture needles, hinting at the skilled healers who worked here.

The room was filled with a soft and calming lavender scent that wafted from an essence stick placed in a corner. This fragrance created a serene and tranquil atmosphere, soothing the minds of those within the room and enhancing the sense of relaxation and healing. But something particularly intriguing stood on one of the shelves - a small glass jar. Within it were two fireflies, their tiny bioluminescent bodies casting a soft, ethereal glow. Zi Qian couldn't resist the allure and fetched the jar from the shelf to get a closer look at the mesmerizing fireflies. A radiant, crescent smile graced his face as he whispered to the glowing insects, "Hey there, little ones."

Yet amidst this enchanting scene, he couldn't forget the true reason he was there - to visit Wei Yang, who had valiantly returned from the treacherous Forest of the Dead. Wei Yang's body was wrapped in bandages, covered in bites from the otherworldly creatures of the forest. His one visible eye met Zi Qian's with a warm smile when he sensed his presence." Young Master, are you okay?" Wei Yang's concern was palpable as he tried to rise to check on Zi Qian's well-being. Zi Qian, though, urged him to remain lying down, a smile playing on his lips. "Wei Yang, I'm perfectly fine. I can even walk properly now."

His one visible eye scanning Zi Qian's body for any signs of injury. " What about you Wei Yang, are you okay?" Zi Qian asked with concern, although he couldn't hide the happiness in his voice upon seeing his friend alive. he noticed the state Wei Yang was in. A pang of regret struck Zi Qian as he gazed at his injured friend. "But look at you! Why did you take such a risk?" Zi Qian's voice quivered, and a tear welled up in his eye. He punched Wei Yang's chest gently, then harder, his emotional turmoil apparent. "It was the only way to save you, Young Master," Wei Yang explained, a shadow of guilt crossing his face. As a bodyguard, he had been trained not to show emotions or be overfriendly, but he had always been deeply attached to Zi Qian, who was like a brother to him. He often protected Zi Qian from the consequences of his childish actions, taking the punishments in his place when Zi Qian broke the family rules or skipped lessons.

Zi Qian sighed, his eyes moist, and hugged Wei Yang tightly. Wei Yang winced in pain due to his injuries, but he smiled and accepted the hug. "Don't do that again," Zi Qian said softly, his face buried in Wei Yang's neck. Wei Yang's eyes glistened with gratitude as he gently patted Zi Qian's back, thankful for his young master's forgiveness. Wei Yang simply smiled, acknowledging Zi Qian's affection and concern. "I won't, Young Master." Zi Qian's mood shifted as he eagerly presented a basket of food that he had brought. He uncovered the contents, revealing a plate of delicious osmanthus cakes, another plate with strawberries, and steamed buns. Additionally, there was a bowl of rice porridge that Zi Qian had prepared with utmost care.

The rice porridge was a hearty concoction, filled with tender chunks of chicken and slices of shiitake mushrooms. The rice grains had been cooked to the perfect level of tenderness, blending seamlessly with the rich broth. The dish was garnished with finely chopped cilantro and a dash of freshly ground black pepper, adding both fragrance and a mild spiciness to each spoonful. As Zi Qian inhaled the fragrant aroma of the rice porridge, he closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the enticing scents that wafted from the bowl. Zi Qian's smile broadened as he muttered, "Ah, it smells delicious,"

Zi Qian boasted, "I made these cakes and this porridge for you. They're incredibly delicious." He eagerly fed Wei Yang a steamed bun, watching for his reaction. He was well aware that cooking was one of the skills he had inherited from his mother, and he had often used it to soothe both his own and Wei Yang's worries and woes. Basically whenever he used to be sad, he would cook food for himself and for Wei Yang also to relieve his stress and overcome his sadness. In other words, cooking was a stress therapy for him. Wei Yang raised the chopsticks to his mouth and took a bite of the rice porridge. As he chewed slowly, his facial expressions underwent a subtle transformation, and his gaze remained fixed on Zi Qian. "Tell me how you like the porridge," Zi Qian insisted, his eyes filled with anticipation. His thumbs-up gesture and his hearty meal affirmed that the porridge was a culinary delight.

Zi Qian used the opportunity to address another matter with Wei Yang. "About Xiao Yang... you once advised me to stay away from him, but he's not a threat. He's saved me multiple times." Wei Yang paused,setting down his chopsticks, and swallowed his food, the realization sinking in. "I guess I was wrong, Young Master. I apologize."

"No, it's perfectly fine," Zi Qian reassured him, patting Wei Yang's head. However, their moment was interrupted by the creaking of the door, which revealed a plump girl. The plump girl was dressed in a charming attire that combined shades of pink and white. Her dress was a delightful mix of soft pink and crisp white fabrics, creating a harmonious and pleasing visual contrast. Her hair was styled in a single long braid that fell gracefully down her back. It was meticulously woven with delicate ribbons, creating a charming and intricate pattern in her hair. She had soft and wispy bangs that framed her round face, adding a touch of sweetness to her appearance. Upon seeing Zi Qian, she greeted him with a graceful bow. "Greetings, Young Master Xue." Then, she turned her attention to Wei Yang, offering him a warm smile. "Ah, you're awake now, that's good." She approached Wei Yang and gently touched his forehead with her hand, checking for any signs of fever. "You don't have a fever now. Here is the herbal soup I made; please drink it," she said as she sits and put some tea in a cup for Zi Qian.

With a graceful and polite demeanor, she extended the tea to Zi Qian, her movements smooth and precise. After offering the tea, she bowed once more in a display of respect and courtesy. Zi Qian, his curiosity piqued, asked her name. "Ah, beautiful lady, who are you?" He asked as he laughed in embarrassment." My name is Yu Qingxin, and I'm the youngest daughter of the Yu family from the western region. I serve as the assistant to the supreme healer at Ling Tian Academy. Currently, I've been in charge of the clinic while the healer is away, but he'll be back soon," she explained with a pleasant smile, her eyes fixed on Zi Qian. Zi Qian rose from his seat, picked up the plate of osmanthus cakes, and offered it to her. "Thank you for taking care of Wei Yang in my absence. Please accept this cake as a token of my gratitude," he said, extending the plate. Yu Xingxing accepted it with a surprised but grateful expression.

Zi Qian turned to Wei Yang, speaking in a hushed tone, "You don't mind if I share the cake with her, do you?" Wei Yang simply nodded and smiled in response. Yu Xingxing then moved to the wooden shelves, retrieved two herbal pills from a jar, and handed them to Zi Qian. "These are two herbal pills that can aid in restoring and enhancing your Qi," she explained. With a cheerful tone, she mentioned, "The entrance exams are scheduled for tomorrow. I'll see you there!"

Zi Qian was curious and asked, "You'll be taking the entrance exams? I thought you were a healer." Yu Xingxing chuckled, "I've always aspired to become a demon hunter since i am an orphan and my parents were killed by a ruthless demon. That's actually why I came here a few months ago. Then, when the supreme healer discovered my medical skills, he asked me to be his assistant."

"I'm very sorry about your loss. I wish that you succeed in your objective and I believe we'll make great friends, don't you think?" Zi Qian said with cheerfulness, elegantly opening his fan. With a nod, the girl and Zi Qian left the room, leaving Wei Yang to rest.