I'm sorry

As she reluctantly opened her eyes, Xianyue awoke to find herself in a completely unfamiliar place. She lay by the window, and as the cool breeze from outside caressed her, a surge of joy washed over her. The refreshing air here was a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the death valley that had nearly claimed her life.

The room was dimly lit and sparsely furnished, bordering on the austere: a simple bed, a table, devoid of a wardrobe or vanity. Instead of serene landscapes, the walls were adorned with woven straw hats and a hodgepodge of farming tools. The bed frame was rigid, with a thick layer of straw underneath, making her feel uncomfortable even as she lay there.

They had finally escaped that dreadful place, and Xianyue was eager to share the good news with Lanyi Xuan. However, as she turned, her right hand grasped only emptiness; the scars on her skin were unmistakably marked by the water, yet there was no sign of Lanyi Xuan's hand in hers.

Suddenly sitting upright, she felt an ache throughout her body, as if she had been struck by a hammer—a residual effect from the powerful waves of the waterfall. Gritting her teeth, Xianyue pushed herself up from the rigid bed and made her way to the door. A blinding light streamed in, overwhelming her senses, causing her head to spin as she was met with a dazzling whiteness. She paused, leaning against the doorframe, eyes closed, taking a moment to gather herself.

Laughter and playful shouts of children reached her ears, and as she opened her eyes, she found herself surrounded by a group of young children, no older than six or seven, their innocent faces peering at her curiously, dressed in simple, rough-spun garments.

"Big sister, you're finally awake!" 

A little girl with a simple ponytail looked relieved, her laughter revealing a gap where her front teeth once were. It seemed as though she had been asleep for ages, yet to the children, six days and five nights felt like an eternity.

"Have you seen a big brother who was with me?" 

A small boy leaning against the door echoed a drawn-out "Oh," nodding his head, ready to respond, but was interrupted by a gentle voice, "The young lady has awakened."

"Mother." 

The children chorused in unison, giggling as they dashed to her side, completely forgetting Xianyue's earlier question.

The woman, young—no more than twenty-five—wore a coarse linen dress. She had a fresh yet slightly tanned complexion, lacking the smoothness of a noblewoman. A gentle smile adorned her face, softened by the affectionate kindness of a mother, making her presence comforting.

"Didn't I tell you to be quiet so you wouldn't disturb your older siblings?" 

Her slightly calloused hands tenderly stroked the children's faces, her brows furrowing slightly in displeasure, causing the children to lower their heads, pouting, silenced by her words.

From their conversation, Xianyue gathered that both she and Lanyi Xuan had been rescued together. But where was he?

"And the person who was with me?" 

Xianyue rushed to the woman, grasping her arm, her half-squinted eyes filled with urgency and anxiety as she fixed her gaze on her.

The startled expressions of those around her took a moment to register her distress, but the woman eventually swallowed hard and pointed down the corridor to the right. After thanking her, Xianyue released her grip and dashed toward the direction indicated.

The corridor stretched long before her, lined with rooms, leaving Xianyue uncertain of which one housed Lanyi Xuan. In her haste, she hadn't clarified anything, and now, without a second thought, she began checking each door. The woman followed closely behind, passing her by to push open a door, then turning to Xianyue, saying, "The young man you seek is here."

Stunned, Xianyue halted, retracting her hand from the door just as she caught a glimpse of the woman by her side. She hurried forward, gliding past the woman, and came to a standstill at the sight of Lanyi Xuan lying on the bed.

"Is this the young man you were looking for?" 

Never had she imagined that the typically fastidious Lanyi Xuan would find himself in such a state. He lay motionless, wrapped entirely in white bandages. His hair was tousled, his complexion unnaturally pale, and his lips a faint hue. His gentle eyes were closed, devoid of any vitality, while a stubbled chin hinted at neglect. If only he would open his eyes, she thought, she would have fetched a mirror for him to witness his disheveled appearance. In the absence of one, she would have gladly filled a basin with clear water to capture his current likeness as evidence for future jests. Yet, he remained unconscious, and she had no idea when he might awaken.

"I found you by the river while doing laundry. You were collapsed on this young man, who held you tightly in his arms. It took great effort from me and my husband to separate you two and bring you home. This young man is gravely injured, particularly on his left shoulder. The doctor warned that if the wound were even slightly off, it could have pierced his heart. Even the legendary Hua Tuo would be powerless in such a case. He appears very weak and has not woken for five days."

Her words were gentle yet laced with sympathy. Xianyue listened quietly, her eyes fixated on Lanyi Xuan, unable to tear her gaze away. Gradually, her clear vision became obscured, the world around her dissolving into a blur, as if engulfed by a brilliant white light, rendering everything indistinct.

In that moment of plummeting into the water, she had been knocked unconscious by the splashing waves. Beneath the surface lay many sharp and treacherous rocks. She vaguely remembered hearing muffled sounds, but lacked the strength to lift her eyelids. Lanyi Xuan must have sustained his injury while bearing her weight, leading to such a severe wound.

She couldn't catch what the woman behind her was saying anymore; icy tears streamed from the corners of her eyes, cascading down her cheeks with a soft patter. Step by step, she approached Lanyi Xuan, wiping her tears away before sitting beside him on the edge of the bed.

"Master Lanyi." 

She whispered his name softly, unsure of where to place her hands, as his entire body was swathed in white bandages. Fearful of causing him pain, she hesitated.

Her fingers gently brushed against the red wounds on his face—long, narrow scratches—and tears began to flow anew. The woman who had been standing behind her cast a worried glance at both Xianyue and Lanyi Xuan before quietly slipping away, carefully closing the door behind her.

"We have escaped that dreadful place in the Death Valley." 

Xianyue's lips curled into a strained smile as her voice trembled with emotion. "We were rescued by the locals. Please don't worry about me; I'm fine, just sore all over, as if I might explode. But it's alright; I should recover in a few days. Right now, I'm just waiting for you to wake up."

Her fingertips traced downward, resting gently on Lanyi Xuan's chin. She chuckled softly as tears slipped from her fingers, landing on his parched lips. "Master Lanyi, you look absolutely dreadful right now. If any other woman were to see you in this state, they would surely lament their past blindness. Just look at yourself—get up and see!"

Lying there, he remained undisturbed, leaving Xianyue to conduct her sorrowful monologue alone. "Your complexion is as pale as paper, and your lips are chapped and about to crack."

Gently, she pressed her fingers against Lanyi Xuan's lips, caressing them lightly. "And your chin is covered in stubble. You know, Master Lanyi, this is really quite off-putting. If you continue looking like this, I wouldn't want to marry you at all. If you're this ugly now, just imagine how much worse you'll be when you grow old."

Xianyue spoke directly to Lanyi Xuan, regardless of whether he could hear her, pouring out her heart as she had done before the man-eating tree, expressing everything she wanted to say. Eventually, feeling weary and daunted, she chose not to lean against Lanyi Xuan but rather sat down on the ground, her legs curled up, hugging her knees, and wept softly.

She was uncertain how long Lan Yixuan would remain in this state of unconsciousness—ten days, half a month, six months, or even longer. She disliked such uncertainty, mirroring her current mood, which was fraught with anxiety and worry. She longed for him to awaken immediately. 

Turning away, tears glistened on her eyelashes, and her pale complexion, coupled with the fatigue etched across her brow, rendered the usually poised Xianyue a picture of vulnerability. She gazed intently at Lan Yixuan's face, lost in her thoughts, unable to focus on anything other than that visage. She extended her right hand to rest lightly on his nose, feeling the warmth of his breath—subtle, almost ethereal, yet undeniably real. With her chin propped on her knees, she closed her eyes, allowing that gentle warmth to wash over her fingers, and gradually, her tumultuous heart began to find a measure of calm.

He had promised to take her safely away from that dreadful place. After enduring so much, he had fulfilled his vow. He had spoken of marrying her, and she believed he would keep that promise too. Why should she doubt Lan Yixuan? Such a confident and composed man never made promises lightly; once spoken, he would certainly see them through.

It was permissible to feel sorrow, to experience heartache, to cry, but she could not allow this to continue. He lay in a deep slumber, in need of care. He had fallen into the abyss of Death Valley alongside her and had suffered those grievous injuries for her sake. She must tend to him diligently until the day he awoke; all prior matters needed her attention first.

Seated on the wooden floor, she looked through the open window, watching the sunlight filter through the tree branches. Although it felt like an eternity, for someone with her resilient spirit, resolving to face the challenges ahead would allow her to quickly reclaim her composure, no matter the difficulty.

Rising to her feet, her legs tingled with numbness, and she rubbed her calves. Approaching the window, she pushed it open wider and gazed skyward. Through the dense foliage, she could still see the azure sky. Standing there, she lingered for a long time before returning to Lan Yixuan's side, smoothing his disheveled hair. "Lan Yixuan, you must wake soon. Once you awaken, you can fulfill your promise and propose to me in Feng Kingdom, with the most splendid of ceremonies. I will help you rid this world of Gong Shaohua. You desire dominion over this realm, and I will lend you my strength. But you will not stand alone; I will be by your side, always."

As Xianyue stepped outside, the group of children at the door jumped in surprise before flitting away like birds into the kitchen, rushing towards the woman busily preparing lunch at the stove. Xianyue followed them, observing the woman wielding a spatula amid the swirling steam, and smiled slightly, "Sister, when will we eat? I'm famished."

The woman, clearly taken aback by Xianyue's sudden shift from tears to a smile, momentarily lost her wits. Once she regained her composure, she nodded vigorously, laughing, "Miss, please wait outside a moment; the meal will be ready shortly." She then ushered the children out with her.

By the time the meal concluded, Xianyue had gained a clearer understanding of her surroundings. They were in a small village called He Village, located on the border of Chu, some distance from the nearest town. The village was relatively secluded, and its matron, Cui Ju, was now the mother of three children. Her husband was a merchant involved in small-scale trade, a common scenario for the village's men, who spent their lives traveling to provide for their families. Left behind were mostly women and the elderly. Cui Ju had discovered Xianyue and Lan Yixuan while washing clothes by the river and had sought help from fellow villagers to bring them home. Perhaps due to its remote location and untroubled existence, the people here retained a kind and simple heart; otherwise, they would not have been so welcoming.

"Miss, we have nothing in this little place, so please make yourself at home," Cui Ju said, placing a piece of meat into Xianyue's bowl. "Look at how thin you are; you must eat more to regain your strength."

Xianyue smiled and graciously replied, "Just call me Xianyue; thank you for saving us." Her gratitude was sincere, stemming from a deep well of appreciation. After encountering those wretched souls in Death Valley, perhaps anyone could be deemed good, especially someone as genuine and kind-hearted as Cui Ju.

"If it were anyone else, they would have done the same. Is that young man your beloved?" 

With the men away for extended periods, the household was predominantly female. Compared to women in other regions, those here exhibited a more straightforward and open demeanor. Though clad in simple cloth, Xianyue and Lan Yixuan appeared distinct from the ordinary villagers, piquing Cui Ju's curiosity.

Xianyue pondered for a moment before resolutely nodding, "Yes, we are mutually in love. Once we return, he will come to propose to my family, and then we will marry." 

Cui Ju smiled and nodded, refraining from probing further about how they ended up in this place or why they had fallen into the water.

"Cui Ju, is there a place to bathe around here? Could you lend me some clothes to change into?" 

She was unsure how long they had been in the water, but even after drying, her clothes felt damp and clung uncomfortably to her skin. As Xianyue spoke, Cui Ju's expression turned apologetic. When she had rescued Xianyue from the river, she had intended to provide her with a change of clothes but worried that the sight might upset her once she regained consciousness.

"There is a place; I'll fetch hot water for you right away. You are too thin, and I'm a bit plump, so my clothes won't fit you. Wait here; I'll borrow some from the Zhang family next door. Their daughter is about your size."

Xianyue had intended to decline the trouble, but Cui Ju had already risen and headed for the door. Suddenly, she backtracked. After all the kindness Xianyue had received, she felt a bit guilty. "There's no need; I can boil water myself."

She preferred to handle such matters herself.

"It's alright; your health isn't yet restored; you need to rest properly." 

"I always boil the water at home. Don't worry, Sister."

Xianyue could not refuse any longer and merely smiled, nodding in agreement.

After indulging in a warm bath and donning clean, comfortable garments, Xianyue felt a wave of relief wash over her. The fullness in her belly contributed to the gradual return of color to her pale complexion, invigorating her spirit. At this moment, however, weariness was absent; instead, her thoughts turned to Lan Yixuan, pondering the need to freshen him up as he lay uncomfortably in his bedraggled clothes.

Upon entering Lan Yixuan's room, she encountered Cui Ju standing at the doorway. Upon seeing her approach, Cui Ju smiled and came forward, saying, "The injuries on that young man were dressed by the town's physician. It's time to change his bandages, and there's fresh water and clean clothes in the room."

As Xianyue listened to Cui Ju's words, she was taken aback by the unexpected kindness. She hadn't anticipated that Cui Ju was waiting here to inform her of this. Compared to those outside who would stop at nothing for their own gain, such genuine warmth was truly heartening.

"Thank you, Sister Cui Ju, for your help," Xianyue replied, unsure of what else to say. Once Lan Yixuan recovered, she vowed to repay their life-saving hospitality generously.

Lan Yixuan lay on the bed, his clothes wrinkled from soaking in water. As Xianyue carefully unwrapped the white bandages from his body, she noticed that the wounds, possibly from prolonged exposure to water, appeared somewhat swollen. The bite marks on his shoulder were particularly gruesome, a jagged series of injuries blurring into one another, obscuring any semblance of the wounds she had previously seen. These injuries were all a result of her actions, and no matter how well he healed in the future, the scars would remain, an indelible reminder that she could never forget.

On his left chest, a deep gash, wide enough to fit her palm, bore the unmistakable signs of having been inflicted by a sharp object. The doctor had warned that if the wound had been even deeper, it could have cost him his life. The sight of such a deep injury was unsettling, and Xianyue felt cold sweat bead on her palms as she gently peeled back the bandages, her heart tightening with every inch that was revealed.

Tears streamed down her face as she carefully unveiled the bandages, though she couldn't fathom why she was crying. A profound ache gripped her heart, and despite her attempts to suppress it, her sorrow overflowed. She wished it were her lying unconscious on the boat, enduring this pain, so that Lan Yixuan could experience her anguish.

In this moment, she found herself pondering who among them was the greater fool. She had often criticized Lan Yixuan for being selfish, a hypocrite donning a mask of righteousness. Yet now, she struggled to define her own feelings. Lan Yixuan was a simpleton, undeniably foolish.

She was willing to sacrifice herself for her brother because he had always acted selflessly, without any ulterior motives. Initially, she had been the one to give, feeling his love and wanting to hold onto it at any cost—even if it meant sacrificing her life. Yet Lan Yixuan? She had always treated him with scorn, and they had often clashed. Why had he acted as he had? What could he possibly see in her?

With utmost care, Xianyue tended to his wounds, flinching at every brush of her fingertips against his injuries. Although the unconscious Lan Yixuan showed no sign of discomfort, she gasped in horror at the sight, her tears flowing more freely. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself not to dwell on the multitude of scars. After applying medicine, she rewrapped the bandages.

It had been quite some time, and the wounds showed no signs of healing. Why hadn't he woken up yet? This thought led her to contemplate Liu Xinyou, yet her previous intense resentment had dissipated, replaced by a lingering frustration. If only she had been allowed to study medical texts while at Pear Blossom Studio, she wouldn't be so utterly ignorant now; at least she could have examined Lan Yixuan instead of anxiously waiting with doubts.

The clear, pristine water was tainted with a vivid red, the blood swirling around the edges of the towel. After pouring it out, she fetched a basin of clean water from the courtyard outside.

Cui Ju's home was spacious, reminiscent of a traditional courtyard. At the center of the small yard stood an ancient well, surrounded by dense trees. The residents of this place were not limited to just Cui Ju's family; perhaps due to the men being away for extended periods, the neighbors had forged close bonds, mutually supportive and united. The children played together, their laughter ringing through the air, while the industrious women tended to their daily chores in the fields. Sun-kissed from their labor, the women bore darker skin and appeared sturdier than those in the urban areas of Chu. Meanwhile, the elderly remained at home, watching over the children or gossiping amongst themselves, creating a peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.

After returning with fresh water, Xianyue asked Cui Ju for a blade. Cui Ju handed over Lan Yixuan's snow-white clothing as well. Gently, Xianyue trimmed the stubble from his jaw and tidied his hair, changing him into clean attire. By the time she completed these tasks, evening had arrived.

The setting sun cast a stunning glow over He Village, rivaling the beauty of the Wangjiang Pavilion in Yanjing. If that place epitomized wealth and bustling activity, then the vibrant sunset here, though fiery in hue, brought a sense of tranquility—especially by the riverside.

The village was aptly named for the river that flowed through it, marking the boundary between Death Valley and this serene locale—a stark contrast between hell and paradise.

As twilight enveloped the river, the surface sparkled like stars in a summer night sky. The water was shallow, barely reaching her knees, and lined with rows of towering trees. With the arrival of spring, life began to flourish once more. The once-dry leaves gradually sprouted new buds, and the clear waters often revealed small fish darting about. Children from the village, barefoot with rolled-up trousers, eagerly fished in the river. With agile movements, they would splash through the water, triumphantly emerging with a fish clutched in their hands.

From her satchel, Xianyue retrieved a bamboo tube given to her by Nian Anba when she left Pan City. As she pulled it apart, a burst of colorful fireworks illuminated the darkening sky, casting brilliant sparks against the backdrop. The children still playing by the river flocked to her, curious about the spectacle and pleading for more. Xianyue smiled and waved her hand, indicating that she had none left to share.

Nian Anba had originally provided her with a token and a signal firework, intending to help her. Yet now, she realized she couldn't risk leading them into danger. They were safe now, but Lan Yixuan remained in a deep slumber. She hoped that in their arrival, they would bring along a skilled physician.

The children, realizing that Xianyue possessed no exciting new toys, recalled their parents' instructions and reluctantly left her side, disappointment evident on their faces.

Standing by the water's edge, she washed Lan Yixuan's soiled clothes. The fragrant aroma of cooking wafted through the air, and the once-bustling riverside became increasingly lively as the women returned home after a long day's work, calling their children to come inside for dinner. Hearing their mothers' calls, the children scampered home, the riverside soon enveloped in an unusual stillness.

As night descended, the area fell into darkness, the vast expanse of trees behind her offering no source of light. Yet the moon shone brightly, and the stars sparkled brilliantly. After finishing the washing, Xianyue found a spot to sit, leaning against a tree, gazing at the sky, and, perhaps due to exhaustion, she drifted off to sleep.

"Miss, how did you fall asleep here?"

翠菊 still habitually addressed her as Miss Xianyue; any other form of address would be instinctively altered. Initially, she intended to invite Xianyue for a meal, but after searching for a while without seeing her, she had heard from the village children that they had spotted her by the river, leading her to this spot. After searching by the riverbank without success, she turned and caught sight of a figure leaning against a tree. Approaching closer, she realized that Xianyue was sitting there asleep.

Xianyue rubbed her eyes, and when she opened them, her drowsy gaze seemed as if it had been washed clean, much like the clear sky above—free of any trace of sleepiness. She smiled at Cui Ju and said, "I must have dozed off while sitting here."

Cui Lan nodded in response. "You're still not well; the humidity in this place is quite heavy, which can easily lead to illness. You must be tired, so it's best for you to go back and rest properly."

Xianyue stood up and brushed off her clothes. With daily dangers and worries, she had no idea how long it had been since she had a good night's sleep; she truly felt exhausted. Suddenly, thoughts of Bai Ao and Bai Zhantang crossed her mind—he must have long since passed away.

Ahead, Cui Lan had already picked up the clothes of Lan Yixuan and walked ahead, while Xianyue followed, uncertain of when Luo Cheng and the others would arrive.

Everyone in the river village was easy to get along with and treated Xianyue with great kindness. Given that she reciprocated their goodwill, she quickly became familiar with the villagers. During her time here, although Xianyue's living conditions were less than ideal, she wore a smile; yet, her spirit appeared quite depleted. Coupled with her worries about Lan Yixuan, she seemed languid. Whenever a household prepared a delicious meal, they would invariably invite Xianyue to their home. If she declined, they would bring the food to Cui Ju's house instead. Xianyue, feeling somewhat embarrassed, graciously accepted. 

Recently, she found it strange why she felt embarrassed when these people treated her kindly, while she hadn't felt the same way when it came to Lan Yixuan. She pondered this many times but remained baffled.

Thanks to Xianyue's meticulous care, Lan Yixuan's shoulder wound had begun to scab over, yet it exhibited a puzzling tendency to reopen. Strangely, even without any activity, the wound would suddenly split open; when it did, he would inevitably spike a fever the next day. Xianyue was frantic, and the villagers, too, sought out a doctor. They were rather superstitious, and many elders brought talismans from the temple. Unable to reject their good intentions, Xianyue accepted them but never administered them to Lan Yixuan.

The high fever would not last long. By the time the village summoned a doctor from the town, Lan Yixuan's forehead was no longer hot to the touch, and his temperature resembled that of an ordinary person. The cycle of illness left Xianyue feeling frustrated and anxious. Moreover, Lan Yixuan still had not awakened, which further heightened her agitation. So much time had passed; why hadn't Luo Cheng and the others arrived yet?

"Lan Gongzi, it's been so long; why haven't you woken up? Don't you realize that I've grown so thin taking care of you that I'm nothing but skin and bones? Look at me, my face is devoid of any flesh."

This had become her daily routine—a soliloquy of sorts, speaking to Lan Yixuan.

As she spoke, Xianyue squatted beside him, taking his right hand and gently resting it against her face. "Isn't it just bones now?"

"I was already quite slender, but ever since returning from the Valley of Death, I've become even thinner. During this time spent caring for you, I've lost more weight. When I go back like this, my brother will surely be heartbroken. He might think it's your fault for not taking care of me, and when you plead for me, he could very well make things difficult for you, preventing our union. Lan Gongzi, as a man, you should be taking care of me! I've looked after you for so long, yet you still haven't awakened. You keep having these fevers; if you don't wake up soon, I might just have to sleep beside you."

"Your beard is growing again. If I hadn't been cleaning it for you every day, Lan Gongzi, you'd now look like a beggar."

Xianyue sat by the bedside, head lowered, her voice chattering incessantly, while her hands moved with utmost delicacy, shaving off the newly sprouted hairs on Lan Yixuan's chin.

"Miss, something's wrong!"

Just as Xianyue finished tidying up Lan Yixuan's chin, she noticed Cui Ju rushing in, breathless and pointing towards the door.

Xianyue jumped off the bed and approached her. "Sister Cui Ju, take a moment to catch your breath; speak slowly."

Cui Ju patted her chest and steadied her breath. "Miss Xianyue, you need to leave quickly."

Xianyue looked at Cui Ju, confused. What was going on? More importantly, Lan Yixuan was still here. After spending days together, she certainly wasn't the type to issue a dismissal.

Unbeknownst to Xianyue, Cui Ju was thinking that she and Lan Yixuan were a runaway couple. Xianyue, being the daughter of a wealthy family, had eloped with Lan Yixuan due to her family's disapproval and had been forced to leap into the water. Lan Yixuan had held her waist, keeping her close and safe, and as Xianyue held onto her hand, coupled with her careful attention to Lan Yixuan, Cui Ju's initial guess had morphed into a belief. The visitors today wore swords and knives, clearly indicating their noble origins, which Cui Ju automatically categorized as people come to take Xianyue back. This prompted her to urge Xianyue to pack and leave swiftly.

"Sister Cui Ju, let's clarify what's going on first."

Seeing Cui Ju's panic-stricken face, Xianyue remained calm, returning to her room and pouring herself a cup of tea. "Have some water first."

Cui Ju gulped down the entire cup. The commotion outside had reached Xianyue's ears. She glanced at Cui Ju, passed by her, and as she reached the door, Cui Ju blocked her. "Miss, you really should leave quickly. If they discover you, they'll certainly take you back."

Upon hearing this, Xianyue's mind raced, realizing the implications and guessing much of what Cui Ju was thinking. "Sister Cui Ju, you're overthinking. I sent for them."

At the entrance, two groups of people were in a standoff. Villagers of River Village, young and old, blocked the way, preventing the newcomers from advancing, while Luo Cheng's people, not wishing to harm the innocent, refrained from taking any action.

"You've arrived."

As soon as Xianyue's voice fell, the villagers turned to look at her, who had suddenly appeared. With a smile, she said, "I invited them here; they mean no harm."

No sooner had she spoken than the villagers parted to clear a path.

Initially, when Luo Cheng saw Xianyue, he did not recognize her, but as she approached, his face lit up with joy and excitement. "Miss Xianyue, you're safe! That's truly wonderful!"

Xianyue nodded and patted Luo Cheng on the shoulder, successfully observing the way his handsome face flushed with color.

"Feng Shidi, why are you standing there in a daze? Miss Xianyue is fine."

Xianyue looked up and instantly spotted Bai Zhantang amidst the crowd. He appeared to have lost a considerable amount of weight since their last encounter. His inky black eyes, when locked with hers, were filled with deep guilt and a multitude of complex emotions that were difficult to articulate, and he was unshaven, lacking the previous imposing presence.

Xianyue smiled and walked over to Lan Yixuan, while those surrounding Bai Zhantang made way for her.

"Bai Zhantang, look at you; you look worse than Lan Gongzi!"

Bai Zhantang remained silent, merely gazing at Xianyue with wide eyes, as though trying to engrave her image in his memory. He stood there, motionless, wanting to embrace her tightly to truly feel her presence, but he lacked the courage to do so. He felt unworthy and undeserving.

"Have you gone dumb? Don't you recognize me?"

Xianyue's lips curled into a smile as she pushed Bai Zhantang playfully, but she never expected this stoic man would tear up in front of her.

"I'm so sorry."

Bai Zhantang cried out, his voice trembling with guilt, and without a second thought, he enveloped Xianyue in his arms.