Chapter 52: The Loneliness in His Eyes

Leaving the hospital room, Shen Chutang could tell that Lu Beiqin was deeply troubled.

“Can I smoke a cigarette?”

Shen Chutang nodded. “Alright.”

Lu Beiqin leaned against the car window, lowered his head, and lit a cigarette. White smoke slowly drifted from his lips. As Shen Chutang gazed at his back, she felt an unexpected sense of loneliness emanating from him.

She said nothing, simply keeping him silent company.

Lu Beiqin took a deep drag, the strong taste of tobacco suppressing the bitterness in his mouth and steadying his wavering thoughts.

Halfway through, he stubbed out the cigarette and said to Shen Chutang, “Where are you going? I’ll take you.”

“I need to find someone. No need to drive me, I’ll head to school myself later.”

Seeing her insistence, Lu Beiqin didn’t argue further and drove off.

He had to hurry and find the remaining medicinal herbs.

Shen Chutang hailed a cab and went straight to the supermarket to buy a bottle of Erguotou, then set out for her uncle Yin Yunfeng’s house.

Yin Yunfeng was now living in seclusion in the city, settled in a small farmhouse. The front yard bloomed with various little flowers and herbs, while the back housed chickens and ducks. With free time, he’d wander down to the nearby river to fish for shrimp and trout, enjoying a leisurely life.

Shen Chutang was certain that at this hour, Yin Yunfeng would be sipping his wine, listening to music, and then taking an hour’s nap after a full meal.

Yin Yunfeng heard the knock at the door and ambled over. “Who is it?”

“Uncle~”

Shen Chutang called sweetly, and in the next instant, the door slammed shut.

Helpless, Shen Chutang shouted through the door, “Uncle, it’s Tangtang! I bought you the finest Erguotou!”

The next moment, the door flew open again. Her uncle snatched the Erguotou from Shen Chutang’s hand and slammed the door shut once more.

Twice refused, Shen Chutang refused to give up.

She walked into the yard, stepped back a few paces, then climbed up the large tree beside the wall and vaulted over. As she landed inside, she saw Yin Yunfeng already pouring himself a small cup of the Erguotou, savoring it in contentment.

Seeing her climb over the wall, Yin Yunfeng wasn’t surprised; he simply stayed silent.

Shen Chutang said nothing either, heading straight to the kitchen. Soon, the sound of oil sizzling rose from within, and before long, she emerged carrying two small dishes.

“Limited ingredients, Uncle. Please don’t mind.”

Yin Yunfeng gave her face, picking up a piece of meat and eating it. “That brat Xiao You told you I live here, didn’t he?”

Shen Chutang eagerly massaged Yin Yunfeng’s shoulders. “Uncle, it’s rare for you to settle down in the capital, and now I’m here too. We must have some fate between us.”

Yin Yunfeng exposed her directly. “You little rascal, still hung up on the matter of the Marrow Cleansing Pill?”

Shen Chutang explained, “Uncle, I know that those afflicted by the demon mist have little time left. It would be kinder to let them depart peacefully, and even with the pill, they might not endure the agony that follows.

But everyone understands life differently. Even with a one percent chance, I believe he’d want to try.”

Yin Yunfeng asked, “Who do you want to help?”

“My brother-in-law.”

Yin Yunfeng nearly spat out his wine, incredulous. “Who did you say?”

Shen Chutang continued, “You don’t know yet, Uncle. The reason I came to the capital is that Master sent me down the mountain to marry. My brother-in-law got infected by the demon mist, and since I already boasted about it, I have to at least try, right?”

Yin Yunfeng immediately marched into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and declared, “Your old master, that stubborn fool, actually made you marry at random? Come, let’s go and set him straight!”

Shen Chutang quickly grabbed his knife and whispered, “My current marriage is fake. Master doesn’t know. Uncle, please don’t expose me!”

Hearing this, Yin Yunfeng tossed the cleaver aside.

Shen Chutang continued to plead, “Uncle, please help me.”

Yin Yunfeng sighed helplessly and spoke earnestly, “I can help you, but you must be prepared. Your efforts may not be appreciated. You might start out with the intention to save, but end up becoming his executioner. Do you understand?”

Shen Chutang nodded. “Uncle, I understand. But I still want to try.”

The real reason Yin Yunfeng had resisted giving her the herbs was fear that Shen Chutang would end up living with the same lifelong guilt as he did.

But hearing her determination, Yin Yunfeng finally relented. “The herbs you still need—I’ll have someone deliver them to you in a couple of days.”

“Thank you, Uncle! You’re the best!”

Seeing the little girl so happy, Yin Yunfeng couldn’t help but smile too. After all, he had watched her grow up and couldn’t bear to truly stand aside.

Just then, Shen Chutang’s phone rang. She glanced at the unfamiliar number.

“Hello?”

“Teacher Shen, please come quickly! The students from Class Z have gotten into a fight with kids from another class!”