Chapter 7, if desire stems from love, it should not be contemplated

This is the first time I have cried in front of anyone other than Xiao Wu, not even under the starlight have I ever cried in front of him

Wen Jinliang looked at me in surprise and said: "Leave? Why?"

Wen Jinliang brought me to a guest room, closed the door properly, and helped me sit down on the bed in the guest room

I looked at the unreserved worry on Wen Jinliang's face, and my heart ached once more. I sniffed and said, "Alright, I will tell you everything..."

Do you like this flavor now? Then I will prepare it this way in the future said Starlight as she sat down beside me, speaking softly

"Not at all," Xiao Wu shook her head and replied quickly, "There are only a few as capable as Xiao Qi and me, the others..." Her words trailed off, and her expression gradually darkened.

Hmm? What have you noticed? Is there something off about Mr. Crane? I looked at Xiao Wu in confusion, not understanding why she would say that

The days in the castle pass quietly, with starlight appearing only during mealtimes. Many times, I find myself alone in this castle, and in solitude, memories of my moments with Wen Jinliang continuously surface in my mind. The more I reminisce about the beautiful past I shared with Wen Jinliang, the more lonely I feel

I came to my senses and looked back, only to find that He and Xiao Wu had already stopped their actions

Xiao Wu choked on her milk tea because of Wen Jinliang's question. I immediately interjected, "Yes, only daughters. Although it sounds incredible, we only have sisters, no brothers."

Both Wen Jinliang and I laughed upon hearing this, and then I packed some clothes, food, and books before going to find the starlight

Is that true? That is truly wonderful! I exclaimed. Compared to the bitter potion, I still prefer the sweet taste.

"Xiao Qi, the illness you have is called love, and the symptoms arise simply because you like me. Just like how you initially wanted to possess the little black bear in your hands, you have a love for me that runs deep to the marrow of your bones." Wen Jinliang stood before me, wearing a smile as gentle as a spring breeze. His voice was so tender that almost no one could resist it.

I stared blankly at Wen Jinliang with tears streaming down my face, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed. I turned my face away and wiped the tears off my face with force.

I was only sobbing and did not pay any attention to the conversation between Wen Jinliang and Xiao Wu just now. Therefore, when he pulled me out, I had no reaction at all

Xiao Wu ignored me, instead shaking off my hand and leisurely taking a few steps before speaking: "Do you have something you want to tell me?"

"It is all in the past now, there is nothing left to discuss." Xiao Wu's voice revealed no emotion, yet I knew she remained immersed in that bygone era

"I apologize, it seems I have spoken out of turn," Wen Jinliang astutely realized that he had misspoken and immediately offered his apology

"Xiao Qi, your illness is truly severe. As long as you remain by my side, your illness will never be cured." Wen Jinliang said to me, not blinking as he handed me the little black bear.

I looked up at Wen Jinliang, and he seemed to want to say something more, but I suddenly stood up and pushed him away, trembling all over as I ran out.

Wen Jin's cool lips curled into a slight smile as she asked me, "Do you still want it now?"

"Xingguang, why do you also frown like Wen Jinliang when you eat something sweet? Do you really find it hard to swallow?" Seeing Xingguang's reaction, I blurted out.

After listening, Wen Jinliang indeed did not question anything further, as my and Xiao Wu's abilities were evident. He curiously asked, "Does your family have many other capable girls like you and Xiao Qi working as bodyguards for others?"

Hmm. I nodded heavily at Wen Jinliang. As long as he is here, all the hardships are worth it.

What astonishes me is that this castle is indeed a very old structure; however, apart from its dilapidated exterior, there are still traces of human use within. It is as if someone has cast a spell on the interior of the castle that can halt the passage of time

After returning to the apartment, I found that Wen Jinliang had not yet come back, so I decided to tell him tomorrow about Xiao Wu replacing me. Since there were no extra rooms for Xiao Wu to rest, she could only sleep with me tonight.

I silently gave a thumbs up to Xiao Wu's clever response, which was simply flawless; even I had to believe this statement myself

Wen Jinliang did not answer me directly, but instead stood up, walked in front of me, and leaned down to place a kiss on my face

Upon hearing my words, Xingguang's eyes briefly flashed with sadness. However, he quickly smiled and said, "It must be an illusion. Perhaps you have mixed up a scene from some movie with this one."

I slightly lowered my gaze and let out a soft sigh in my heart

Xiao Wu looked at me with a bewildered expression and whispered, "Could it really be my illusion?"

Several bodyguards surrounded me, accusing Xiao Wu of various misdeeds in a cacophony of voices, causing me to break out in a cold sweat

Is he planning to have me stay in this castle? But can people actually live here?

I walked briskly to her side and said softly, "I hope you can temporarily protect Wen Jinliang for me."

"I remember, it is the little black bear that I like." My gaze was unwilling to leave the little black bear in Wen Jinliang's hand for even a moment. Even after such a long time, my fondness for it has not diminished at all; instead, it has only increased.

I listened calmly to Xiao Wu's lengthy nonsense; if the content were not about me, I would truly believe it. Although the content is somewhat fantastical, according to my bodyguard's character, Wen Jinliang should also be able to accept this nonsense.

Although Xiao Wu's words are mostly false, I have indeed grown up under strict training alongside her. During this time, we have also done a lot of unimaginable hard work, and there were many times when I thought I would die.

Xiao Wu noticed my gaze, coughed lightly, and explained: "Well, Xiao San and Xiao Si are the daughters of my uncle. They are both a bit older than me and Xiao Qi, so they are our older sisters. Our family members are not very educated, and we name our children according to their generation. Names like Xiao Yi, Xiao Er, Xiao Liu, and Xiao Qi are quite normal."

I never expected that in just a few months my skills would deteriorate so much. What I could normally complete in half a day took me an entire day, and I ended up exhausting myself. Fortunately, I didn't spar with Xiao Wu before; if she knew how much my skills had declined, she would definitely make me train like crazy, which would be nothing short of hell

"Did you not sleep well last night? I can see dark circles under your eyes." Wen Jinliang stood up to pour me a cup of warm milk tea and then sat down again.

"Fortunately, it has all passed. Moreover, I have met you now, which makes me feel very content." I looked at Wen Jinliang with a smile, not wanting him to sense my feelings of sadness

"Wen Jinliang, I no longer wish to continue treating my illness." I looked at Wen Jinliang gloomily, feeling a sense of suffocation in my heart

I could not bear to wake him, so I quietly sat down on the vine beside him

After getting out of bed, I walked to the bathroom and found that the bathing supplies here were still usable. I immediately took off my clothes and enjoyed a comfortable shower. After finishing my shower, I climbed back into bed and fell into a deep sleep. I am really tired today

Xiao Wu furrowed her brow and continued speaking without blushing or her heart racing: "Yes, more children mean more blessings. That's why the adults in our family are determined to have many, and having a bunch of older sisters and younger sisters is really annoying."

Wen Jinliang calmed down a little, he released my wrist and asked, "How long do you plan to be away?"

"Because your sleeping posture is truly terrible, it has kept me from sleeping well all night." I put down the teacup in my hand, rubbed my somewhat sore forehead, and muttered, "Now I finally understand why the mistresses are unwilling to sleep with you."

Xiao Wu interjected, saying: "Xiao Qi, what do you mean by saying that I easily get into trouble? Also, I don't need to be taken care of."

I abruptly opened Xiao Wu's hand, not knowing where this surge of anger in my heart came from: "I heard your question, no need for you to remind me."

The starlight took a bite of the bread from my hand and slightly frowned, saying, "It's too sweet." After saying this, he no longer continued to eat.

The starlight indeed remained in that abandoned greenhouse, where he lay asleep with his eyes closed on a rocking chair to one side. Sunlight filtered down in fragmented rays through the broken roof, casting a cool glow on his handsome features

Well, that would be troublesome. Hearing Xiao Wu say this, I felt a bit relieved in my heart

With her protection over Wen Jinliang, there is indeed nothing for me to worry about. I still do not believe that there is anyone in this world who can kill the person she is meant to protect right under Xiao Wu's nose

Just when I thought that Xiao Wu and I might stand until dawn, Xiao Wu slowly began to speak: "Since he wants you to stay away from Wen Jinliang, you should stay away. During the time you are away, I will take good care of him for you, so you can focus on your recovery."

Wen Jinliang, I know that Xiao Wu is very capable, she is much more useful than I am. Do you think I am no longer of any use and that I don't need to come back? I widened my eyes and looked at Wen Jinliang, feeling a sense of bitterness in my nose

"Hmm, have you had breakfast yet?" I took out fresh bread from my backpack and handed it to Xingguang, saying earnestly, "This is really delicious."

"Can't be cured? What does this mean?" Wen Jinliang grasped my shoulders tightly, and his expression suddenly became tense

"Xiao Qi, what’s wrong?" Wen Jinliang turned to look at me, his expression as gentle as ever

"Xiao Qi, what are you watching?" The voice of Xingguang suddenly rang out

He brought me to the second floor, which has two corridors on the left and right, with several rooms evenly distributed on both sides of the corridors

Has it been too long living a life of ease? I cannot help but think of Wen Jinliang's gentle face, and recall his attentive care, causing my heart to skip a beat

Is that so? Then it's really boring. I stood up and walked a few steps, turning to look at the starlight. "Starlight, can this really cure my illness? Do I not need to drink any more potions or anything?"

I asked the starlight beside me: "Starlight, we won't have to live here, will we? There is no place to bathe or sleep here..." Ever since I started following Wen Jinliang, my food, clothing, and living conditions have never been lacking. Unconsciously, I find it difficult to adapt to such a poor environment again. In the past, I would have been able to make do with the dilapidated greenhouse in front of me.

If leaving you is the only way for my illness to be cured, then I would rather remain sick forever. I took a deep breath, revealing a sad smile as I looked at Wen Jinliang

I finally managed to calm down this group of bodyguards and then proceeded to the hall on the second floor. According to what they just said, Xiao Wu and Wen Jinliang stay here when they have no classes, and He left for other matters the day after I left, and has not returned since.

Wen Jinliang has taken me to see many films of this style, perhaps I have truly confused a certain scene with this place. It is impossible that I have ever been to this location.

Xingguang ascended the stairs without looking back, and I hurriedly followed.

It is said that I am quite similar to Xiao Wu, and in fact, she is even more attractive than I am, and she excels in every aspect compared to me

That is how things are. After I had explained everything, I felt much better inside, and even my chest no longer felt so tight.

I pushed open the door to the hall and walked in, seeing Wen Jinliang sitting in a corner, intently staring at a photograph in his hand, while Xiao Wu stood beside him, chattering away about something. Wen Jinliang smiled as he conversed with Xiao Wu, both of them wearing broad smiles on their faces. At a glance, their harmonious interaction resembled the way I usually interacted with Wen Jinliang.

Xiao Wu did not speak, continuously pulling me out of the villa, walking forward without any destination. I finally couldn't take it anymore, stopped in my tracks, and grabbed Xiao Wu, asking: "Do you know where I live? Just pulling me along like this."

Perhaps... I replied softly

Upon waking up, I found that Xiao Wu was no longer beside me. I rubbed my eyes, got up, and after washing up, I walked out of the room. Wen Jinliang was sitting on the sofa talking to Xiao Wu, and the atmosphere of their conversation was quite peaceful.

Wen Jinliang did not speak, seemingly still immersed in the narrative I had just shared. Moreover, judging by his earlier reaction, he should have an understanding of the peculiar illness I am suffering from

"Sick?" Wen Jinliang was taken aback. He immediately grabbed my wrist and asked, "Is it a serious illness? I know a few good doctors; I will take you to see them right away."

I could roughly guess what Wen Jinliang was about to say, but I could not bear to listen, so I chose to escape

"Little Seven Sister?" Yu walked in from the doorway, looking at me and saying, "You are back"

Wen Jinliang smiled and said, "So that means the name of your family elder is quite down-to-earth, making it easy to distinguish the generation. However, it sounds like there are quite a few people in your family."

Although the castle appears dilapidated from the outside, the interior is very clean and new, as if someone had lived there not long ago. I looked at the tidy second floor and said to the starlight beside me

Several bodyguards on the first floor were conversing. Upon seeing me, they all displayed expressions of terror and immediately exclaimed, "Sister Xiao Wu, we are not feeling well today, so please do not ask us to spar with you."

I took a deep breath, calmly looked at Wen Jinliang, and said: "I have developed a very strange illness and must be temporarily isolated from you for a period of time, which is why I must leave you."

I let out a sound of "hm" and immediately said to Wen Jinliang, "Wen Jinliang, I have something important to tell you"

I immediately took the bottle, drank the potion inside in one gulp, and looked up at the starlight, saying: "This potion is much more palatable than the previous one that was so bitter it made me nauseous."

I took out the book from my backpack, placed it on my knees, and became completely engrossed in reading. I do not know how long I read, but the rocking chair beside me creaked, and Xingguang sat up from the chair.

I listened in a daze, and suddenly something in my heart shattered

I did not speak, merely staring blankly at Wen Jinliang. The person before me seemed unchanged, still possessing an unparalleled handsome face, with the corners of his lips forever blossoming with the gentlest smile.

I need to leave you for a while, during which Xiao Wu will take my place to protect you. I hope you can allow me to leave. I quickly said this to Wen Jinliang and then nervously watched his reaction.

The gaze of the starlight grew cold the moment it touched the painting on the wall, he said nothing, but silently took my hand and said: "Let's go have breakfast"

"Is that person referring to the crane? What happened to him?" I casually responded as I continued walking towards the apartment with Xiao Wu after she suddenly said this.

Watching the two of them move in such perfect harmony, I felt as if something had stabbed me forcefully in the chest, and the subtle pain gradually spread throughout my entire body

"How do you think I got here? I found your place a long time ago; I just ended up here because I couldn't find you," Xiao Wu glanced at me, stopped in his tracks, and said lazily

He sat beside me, gently wiping the tears from my face with his hand, and softly said: "Xiao Qi, this is the first time you have cried in front of me. Does this mean that in your heart, I am someone you can let go of everything and cry freely in front of?"

I know that. "Wen Jinliang smiled faintly.

The three of us fell silent at once. After a moment, Wen Jinliang spoke to me, saying: "No wonder, Xiao Qi, that as a girl you would take on such a difficult job as a bodyguard. Over the years, you must have endured a lot of hardship, right?" His gaze towards me was filled with deep compassion

"Xiao Qi, what illness do you actually have? I hope you can tell me everything in detail, because I am really worried about you." Wen Jinliang softened his tone, gently supporting my shoulder, "I will definitely cure your illness, so don't be afraid."

Strange, I have already left his side, so why am I still unwell? I pondered gloomily while covering my flushed cheeks

"Wen Jinliang, you need not worry about Xiao Qi. She has indeed found a way to heal, but she needs to be away from you for a while," Xiao Wu also helped to say.

"How can that be?" Wen Jinliang looked at me seriously, "You must recover from the illness before anything else."

Xiao Wu came to Wen Jinliang's side, and she reached out her hand to pinch my cheek hard: "What are you thinking about? Wen Jinliang is asking you a question."

I looked at the serious expression on Xiao Wu's face and knew that she was genuinely worried about me, so I told her everything about my conversation with Xing Guang in detail, after all, she was also an old acquaintance of Xing Guang.

Starlight walked in from outside and, after coming to my side, handed me a bottle of new blue potion: "Here you go."

I stared blankly at Wen Jinliang, who was worried about me, and the nameless anger in my heart suddenly vanished completely. I couldn't help but reach out and grasp the hem of Wen Jinliang's clothes, feeling an indescribable mix of emotions within me

Wen Jinliang and Xiao Wu greeted me together with a "Good morning." I walked in front of them and sat down, responding, "Good morning!" as I let out a big yawn.

That is a small black bear plush toy

I closed the book in my hands, placed it back in my backpack, and looked up at the starlight: "Starlight, you said that as long as I leave Wen Jinliang, my illness will gradually improve. I have already left him, so what else should I do to recover more quickly?"

I was taken aback and immediately cast a pleading glance at Xiao Wu, feeling a surge of anxiety. I did not expect that an unintentional remark of mine would attract Wen Jinliang's attention. If the explanation is not handled well, it is likely to lead to trouble

I have contracted a strange illness and must temporarily distance myself from him, so I have no choice but to ask for your help

I glanced back at Wen Jinliang and reminded him, "Remember to have He take you back after the discussion, I will head back first." Anyway, with He by his side, I felt very at ease.

Little Seven? Because of Yu's cries, Wen Jinliang and Little Five both noticed my presence. The two stopped their laughter and turned their gazes towards me

Ah, it's Xiao Qi! One of them recognized me and immediately grabbed my arm, crying out, "Xiao Qi, you finally came back! Oh, I'm begging you! Please take your sister away! Ever since she moved in here, we haven't had a single good day.

The two individuals appeared emotionless on the surface, merely staring at each other. Suddenly, Xiao Wu strode over to me and forcefully grabbed my arm, saying, "Let's go, let's head back."

"Wait a moment!" Wen Jinliang hurriedly walked between the two of us, blocking my way. He looked at Xiao Wu and said, "Xiao Qi is still unwell, can't you be a little considerate?"

I recalled that the starlight did not provide me with an exact healing time, so I could only shake my head at Wen Jinliang and say: "I am not sure about this either, but rest assured, I will cure the illness as soon as possible and return to your side"

I walked into the room and found it to be a delicately arranged young lady's boudoir. The decor style of the 17th and 18th centuries, with exquisite furniture and charming doors and windows, made me feel as though I had returned to that bygone era

Xiao Wu remained silent for a long time after hearing my words, and we stood there in the dark alley, looking at each other, neither of us speaking.

After Wen Jinliang listened to Xiao Wu's words, she fell silent for a moment, displaying a look of confusion, and asked: "With so many sisters, does your family only give birth to daughters?"

Xiao Wu blinked and said: "This ... ... "

"Xiao Qi, have you arrived?" The voice of Xingguang carried a hint of hoarseness

The starlight lowered its head and looked at me seriously for a few seconds, then said softly: "There is nothing you need to do, this is enough."

Wen Jinliang's expression softened: "With me here, you won't have to work so hard in the future."

"He is a friend of Xiao Qi. I have not yet clarified his specific situation, so I cannot provide you with detailed information. I only know that he is an elusive character, not an ordinary human being." After quickly mentioning some characteristics of Xingguang, Xiao Wu continued, "Xingguang is Xiao Qi's favorite person, and he understands Xiao Qi very well. Therefore, Xiao Qi often confides his troubles to him, and whatever he says, Xiao Qi will take to heart and act upon it"

Wen Jinliang's smile gradually froze upon hearing my words. He looked at me deeply and said in an extremely calm voice: "Xiao Qi, promise me that no matter how your condition progresses, you will ultimately return to my side. I will always wait for your return"

I wanted to answer without the slightest hesitation, but after responding, I found myself hesitating.

Wen Jinliang quietly listened to me for an hour, during which he did not interrupt my narration. He listened attentively from beginning to end, and his expression changed from initial concern to surprise, and now to a face full of smiles

I seem to have been here before I walked to the bedside and sat down, feeling inexplicably melancholic. Although it was clearly my first time seeing these things, I felt a sense of familiarity.

Seeing the anxiety and worry that could not be concealed on Wen Jinliang's face, I hurriedly said: "There is no need for that, I have already found a cure. As long as you allow me to temporarily leave your side..."

"What is going on with that person...?" After a moment of silence, Xiao Wu suddenly asked me a question

I remember Wen Jinliang once told me that my desire for the little black bear stems from love, so I should not continue to think about it

However... I still wanted to say something when Wen Jinliang, with a beaming smile, interrupted me: "Are you worried that the treatment will take too long and that you can't trust my safety? You don't need to worry; I still have the little Wu you left for me by my side. She is truly strong; the bodyguards here at He are no match for her. There were two groups of assassins that came before, and she drove them all away. Moreover, she even tracked the scent of the assassins and uncovered the mastermind behind it. She is really impressive; the bodyguards here at He are no match for her. There were two groups of assassins that came before, and she drove them all away. Moreover, she even tracked the scent of the assassins and uncovered the mastermind behind it. That is truly remarkable."

The starlight did not speak, but silently watched me as I prepared to leave the greenhouse in search of an open space to exercise

I was completely stunned, losing all ability to react in an instant

One day, in a dream, I saw Wen Jinliang. In the dream, he smiled at me and then gradually walked away with a strange girl. I was so frightened that I woke up from the dream, drenched in cold sweat, unable to suppress the urge to see Wen Jinliang any longer. I hurriedly changed my clothes and walked down the mountain under the moonlight, finally arriving at the apartment where Wen Jinliang and I lived after dawn.

Wen Jinliang smiled with satisfaction and said, "Tomorrow I will have someone send you the information about the crane." After saying this, he took my hand and led me out of the hall

I stood in the living room, momentarily taken aback, wondering why they were not present. Since today is the weekend, they should logically still be at the apartment at this hour. After a moment's thought, I turned and walked towards Crane's villa, directly bypassing the library, as Xiao Wu dislikes places filled with books the most

There is not a glimmer of light in the castle, making it even more indistinct when viewed at night. However, this does not hinder my observation of the interior, as I possess excellent night vision

Why? I looked at Wen Jinliang in confusion

I was momentarily taken aback, just as I was worried that Wen Jinliang might have been frightened by me, when he returned as instructed, holding something in his hand. Upon seeing what he was holding, my eyes instantly lit up.

Wen Jinliang did not expect me to say this, and was momentarily taken aback. He quickly replied, "Of course not, how could you think that? I just hope you can focus on recovering from your illness."

I was taken aback by Xiao Wu's tug and followed her for a few steps. Wen Jinliang said behind me: "Xiao Qi, you and Xiao Wu go back first. I have something to discuss with He."

The starlight turned to gaze at the hanging painting on the wall, which was a portrait of a person from the past. The figure in the painting had a handsome Western face, with deep blue eyes staring into the distance, slightly furrowed brows, and a cold expression

"Hmm, I am back." I looked at Yu.

It seems that I have never heard Xingguang mention the cause of the illness; he merely concluded that I was ill, yet never explained to me why my symptoms only manifested in the presence of Wen Jinliang

I stared blankly at Wen Jinliang, what does he mean by this? Is my illness only curable by leaving him?

Wen Jinliang listened to my words, his expression shifting from tension to confusion and then to calmness. After a moment of silence, he turned to Xiao Wu and asked, "Who is Xingguang?"

My heart was suddenly pierced by this unexpected thought, leaving me momentarily speechless with discomfort. I clutched my chest, and all of a sudden, I felt a bit reluctant to approach the two of them.

If it were in the past, I would have absolutely refused Xiaowu's challenge, because I could not win against her. However, the current me suddenly feels a strong desire to give it a try; perhaps, as she said, I need to vent that nameless anger inside me

The castle before me is likely a structure from the 17th or 18th century, with its outer walls having crumbled, shedding layer upon layer of dust. As for the interior of the castle, it is undoubtedly in an even worse state.

That is true. Ever since I became Wen Jinliang's bodyguard, I have been living quite comfortably. It has been a long time since I properly exercised myself; if this continues, my skills will become rusty. I stretched my arms and decided to take advantage of this free time to train my skills. The stronger I become, the less danger Wen Jinliang will face.

Little Seven

I don't have any problems, anyway I've been quite free lately. Xiao Wu replied readily, smiled, and then asked me, "Why do you suddenly want me to protect Wen Jinliang? What's wrong with you?"

"Xiao Wu, please speak clearly." I said, gripping Xiao Wu's arm, "Leaving things half said makes me very uncomfortable!"

After I opened the door, I first went to the room to look for Xiao Wu, but found that she was not there. I then went to Wen Jinliang's room to look for him, but discovered that he was also not present

The spacious hall on the first floor is furnished with a few pieces of furniture. A thick red carpet is laid on the floor at the entrance, extending all the way to the staircase.

I was taken aback and took a few steps in their direction: "You have mistaken me; I am not Xiao Wu."

As for Wen Jinliang, he was certainly in a room studying when he heard the sounds of fighting, which is why he appeared in the hall. Therefore, he must have also witnessed the terrifying nature of Xiao Wu

But my illness can no longer be cured! I can no longer hold back, and tears began to fall from my eyes in torrents

By nightfall, I returned to the greenhouse after a day of exercise. I sat on the vines, feeling as if my body had been completely drained. I tapped my sore shoulders, inwardly lamenting my own ineptitude

Rest assured. I will take good care of Xiao Wu, after all, she is an important family member to you." Wen Jinliang said with a smile

Starlight tightened his grip on the bread and took another bite: "No, it's just that I'm not used to it." After saying this, he slowly finished eating the bread

I was still immersed in the sudden wave of pessimistic thoughts, and the sounds of the two people fighting in the distance had ceased at some unknown point in time

"Little Three, Little Four?" Wen Jinliang chuckled softly, "Is she your sister? Your family certainly has a simple naming convention"

Starlight said that my illness only flares up when I face you, so as long as I leave you, my condition will improve quickly. However, having been away from you for so long, my illness has not improved at all; in fact, it has worsened... This means I will never be able to see you again... I sobbed intermittently, not caring whether Wen Jinliang could understand, "So I don't want to continue the treatment anymore... Otherwise, I really will never see you again..."

"This is all to blame on Xiao Wu." I took a sip of the warm milk tea and felt my whole body warm up.

I turned my head and found that the starlight had come to my side without my noticing. He looked at me gently, with a faint smile at the corners of his lips

"What is the matter?" Wen Jinliang noticed the change in my expression and became serious.

Immediately afterward, I recounted to Wen Jinliang everything that had happened with Xingguang and his diagnosis of me in detail. Although I hesitated about whether to mention my strange reaction to him, I ultimately decided to share everything so that he could understand, including my changes in feelings towards him

Starlight nodded slightly and said, "It's late, you should rest soon." After saying this, he got up and left, also helping to close the door for me.

I suddenly feel that leaving Wen Jinliang was a wrong decision. Compared to the helplessness during my illness, the inability to see his loneliness makes me feel even more suffocated and difficult to endure. After spending more than ten days with this indescribable feeling, I even began to doubt the starlight, questioning whether my illness would never be cured. If that is the case, then I would never be able to see Wen Jinliang again

The starlight did not speak, but silently cast a glance at me. He led me to a room deep in the left side of the second floor, opened the door, and said to me: "You can sleep here from now on"

I looked at him with some nervousness: "Wen Jinliang, is my illness really that serious?"

"Why blame me?" Xiao Wu pointed at himself and grunted twice, "Why don't you explain why you blame me? I am quite innocent."

I soon arrived at the small villa of the crane, pushed open the unlocked door, and walked straight in

Xiao Wu suddenly stopped in her tracks, grasped my wrist, and looked me up and down: "Strange illness? You look perfectly fine to me. Which quack diagnosed you with an illness? Why did you leave Wen Jinliang because of your sickness? What exactly is going on? Hurry up and explain this matter to me in detail."

I was taken aback for a moment; Xiao Wu's perception is still so keen.

Starlight opened the door and walked in. He looked at me and stopped, gesturing for me to come in. I had no choice but to follow him inside

I looked at Wen Jinliang and nodded heavily, saying: "I will definitely return to your side. During this time, please take good care of Xiao Wu. She tends to get into trouble easily, so I hope you can be more understanding for my sake."

You mentioned to me yesterday that you wanted information about cranes

Starlight turned to look at me for a moment, then suddenly stood up: "Let's go, I will take you to where you will stay"

Wen Jinliang sat down beside me with the little black bear and held it up in front of me, saying: "Xiao Qi, do you still remember this?"

Xiao Wu squinted at me for a second and said, "You seem very angry." She pulled me to the center of the hall and said, "Come on, let me help you vent your anger." As she spoke, she assumed a stance as if preparing to spar.

Starlight's expression was calm: "I am still preparing the new potion for you." After a pause of two to three seconds, he continued, "If you find it boring, you can take this time to practice your skills. Strength is the most important assurance for you to stay by his side."

My heart also sank, as only a few can truly give their master hope and survive... The other sisters... I am unwilling to recall that nightmarish reality again

Wen Jinliang stood up and quickly walked to my side, the smile on his face not completely fading: "Is your health a bit better?"

Wen Jinliang softened his gaze upon hearing my words. He looked at me and said, "Xiao Qi, do you know why you only have episodes with me?"

Xiao Wu glanced at me, then at Wen Jinliang, and cleared his throat forcefully: "Xiao Qi, don't you have something to say to Wen Jinliang?"

The next day, I woke up early and took the opportunity, while the starlight was absent, to explore the castle thoroughly. However, the deeper I delved into my investigation, the more I realized that I had an inexplicable sense of familiarity with this castle. Yet, I could not recall why.

Wen Jinliang suddenly stood up: "Wait for me a moment, I will get something for you." After saying this, he turned and left the room

The interior of the castle is not as terrible as I had imagined. Although it appears to be completely deserted, the architecture and furniture inside are very clean, unlike the dilapidated exterior walls.

Xiao Wu has already recovered from the state of choking. She made a quiet gesture to me and continued speaking to Wen Jinliang: "Our family has been specialized in protecting wealthy individuals like you for a long time. However, at a certain point in time, our family offended a terrifying figure. Our clan was cursed, and the males in our family have been dying off one after another since our ancestors, and by our generation, we have completely become extinct. Yet, our family members do not wish for our lineage to decline like this, so even though Xiao Qi and I are girls, we have been subjected to rigorous training since childhood."

I obediently followed the starlight out of the greenhouse with my backpack, accompanying it all the way to a mountain on the outskirts. After walking with it through the woods for several hours, we arrived in front of a castle.

As I listened to Wen Jinliang's praise for Xiao Wu, my heart suddenly tightened. Something in my mind suddenly exploded, and a wave of fear instantly engulfed me

The starlight did not respond, but quietly gazed at the greenhouse before it. I glanced around the greenhouse and suddenly became aware of a very serious issue that pertains to my upcoming life

After having breakfast, I began my new day's exercise. When night fell, the starlight provided me with a new potion. After two days of such a routine, I started to feel a hint of loneliness

Xiao Wu furrowed her brows and did not respond, seemingly deep in thought. Then, with a strange expression, she looked at me and asked, "Xiao Qi, did you really not notice anything at all?"

Upon hearing Xiao Wu's words, I understood. She first followed my scent to the apartment but did not find me there. Then, she traced the scent to Crane's small villa. By coincidence, she encountered the ten practitioners who were training together, and in a moment of excitement, that led to the scene we just witnessed

Oh, I am looking at this painting. I pointed at the portrait on the wall, showing a look of surprise, and said, "The person in this portrait, after looking at it for a while, actually resembles Wen Jinliang a bit, it is truly incredible"

I gazed in bewilderment at the castle hidden among the jungle. Because Wen Jinliang has a fondness for certain aspects of Western culture, I have also followed him to gain a slight understanding of this knowledge

Xiao Qi? Wen Jinliang saw that I had not responded for a long time and waved his hand in front of me