Sweet Rebirth: The Little Healer

”Sigh. When taking on a disciple, character is indeed the most important thing,” Gu Qingyu said slowly after a moment of contemplation. ”I’ve even been betrayed by friends who went through thick and thin with me. Perhaps they thought betraying me would bring them greater benefits. But is personal gain all there is to this world? What about loyalty and friendship?”

”Indeed. What value did they place on loyalty?” Sun Haoran sighed. ”Even though I was betrayed by one of my apprentices, I have many others who are good people. So while I was disappointed, I never fell into despair. Now I’ve taken Nuanyue on as my final disciple. If I teach her well, she can become a renowned doctor one day.”

Hearing this, Gu Qingyu’s respect for Sun Haoran grew. He said, ”Exactly. We can be disappointed, but we must not despair. After all, we are still surrounded by many loyal people. If we were to give up in despair, we would be failing not only ourselves but also those who have stood by us.”

”Thank you, Gu.” Sun Haoran wiped the tears from his eyes. ”To think we can still talk like this late into the night, even under these circumstances... it’s exhilarating!”

”Haha, I’m delighted as well. To find a kindred spirit like you in a place like this... it proves that hardship reveals true friendship,” Gu Qingyu chuckled. ”Alright, we’ve been on high alert all day. We should get some sleep.”

”Alright, I’ll be on my way.” Sun Haoran nodded and left, feeling much more cheerful.

After leaving the Dragon King Temple, Hua Yusen took Zhao Nuanyue’s hand and said softly, ”Nuanyue, I can’t go up the mountain with you tomorrow. You, Zhao Nuan Yang, and Little Red Carp need to be careful on the road.”

”Mm, I know,” Zhao Nuanyue nodded. ”Elder Gu’s safety is what matters most. We’ve worked so hard for so long and are on the verge of success. We can’t let it all fall apart now. And right, we don’t just have to protect the elders, we also have to be careful with their food. We can’t afford a single mistake.”

”Okay, I’ll remember that,” Hua Yusen nodded. Now that he no longer had to fear being seen, he could openly show his care for the elders.

Hua Yusen wrapped his arms around Zhao Nuanyue’s slim waist, unwilling to let go.

’This was the woman he loved; he could never look at her enough.’

”It’s... it’s getting late,” Zhao Nuanyue whispered. ”You should get some rest!”

”I miss you!” Hua Yusen said, pulling her closer and tightening his grip on her slim waist. ”I can’t wait for the future. Once I get to Jincheng City, I’ll arrange for your transfer there too. After my engagement is broken, I’ll be able to be with you openly.”

Zhao Nuanyue rested her head on Hua Yusen’s chest, feeling the powerful beat of his heart and breathing in his fresh, minty scent. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

’In her past life, Hua Yusen had been her man. Now that they had met so much earlier in this life, she had to seize this chance to make him hers again and ensure he would never forget her.’

”I miss you, too,” Zhao Nuanyue said softly. ”Even though we see each other every day, my heart feels empty the moment you’re out of my sight. I have no idea how I’ll get by when you and Elder Gu leave at the end of the year.”

Hua Yusen gently kissed her forehead. ”We could take you with us when we leave, but Jincheng City is too dangerous. Even Elder Gu won’t be completely safe, let alone you and me. That’s why before I go, I’ll ask Uncle Miao and Aunt Li to look after you. You’ll actually be safest right here in Nianqiao Village.”

”I know, I agree,” Zhao Nuanyue said. ”I don’t have any great skills to help you, so by staying here, at least I won’t hold you back or become a burden.”

’Besides,’ she thought, ’even after Elder Gu gets to Jincheng City and has his position restored, he might still face danger. He has powerful patrons to protect him, and heaven helps the virtuous, but I’m just an ordinary woman with a hard life, a younger brother, and a little sister to look after. I can’t afford to take such risks.’

’The fortune I sought is already more than enough for my needs. Since I lack the power to navigate that world, I’ll choose to stay in Nianqiao Village.’

’Only when Hua Yusen has settled everything will I return to the city with my brother and sister.’

’As for Wang Dadan and Li Siming, those two are nothing to worry about.’

’As long as Miao Dahai and Li Guihua are around, those two scoundrels can’t stir up any trouble.’

”I love you, Nuanyue,” Hua Yusen murmured, his voice soft but unshakeably firm.

”I love you, too.” Zhao Nuanyue looked up, rising onto her tiptoes to kiss his chin. ”I really, really love you. I’ll love you for all eternity.”

”Eternity is too long,” he replied. ”All I want is this lifetime with you.”

That night, as Zhao Nuanyue lay in bed, she had another incredibly sweet dream.

In her dream, Hua Yusen was rowing a boat while she sat in the stern.

A gentle breeze rippled across the surface of the river, which reflected the images of a man and a woman. Their gazes were full of sweetness, and their voices were clear and beautiful as they sang. The surrounding scenery was nothing more than a backdrop for them.

It existed only to frame their perfect moment.

That was the life she had always dreamed of, the life she was tirelessly pursuing.

「The next day」

Hua Yusen was at the livestock brigade, helping the elders. They could already handle their usual chores on their own, but Miao Dahai wanted to make repairs to the buildings, which gave Hua Yusen a legitimate reason to stay there.

With Hua Yusen present, Gu Qingyu could rest easy.

’I can’t go up the mountain with Nuanyue,’ Hua Yusen thought, ’but with Zhao Nuan Yang along, she probably won’t get too tired.’

’Sigh. That Little Red Carp they’d taken in... Nuanyue had fed her until she was adorably chubby. She’s a sweet-talker that everyone dotes on, but she’s always stuck to Nuanyue’s side, acting as a third wheel and being a little hostile toward me.’

’Today, Nuanyue and Zhao Nuan Yang are taking that chubby little girl up the mountain with them. Nuanyue will probably have to carry her the whole time and get exhausted. Then again, Little Red Carp is so lovable; everyone adores her.’