Ouyang Zichen’s eyes widened in shock as he dropped the snow lotus and embraced Wuchen’s cold body: “Wuchen!”
Memories flooded his mind—planting herbs together, practicing stances, and sharing secrets. Wuchen always smiled and took the blame for him, insisting on punishment together. Those moments felt distant now.
Wuchen would come with a smile to bring medicine when he was injured, offer comfort when scolded, and secretly descended the mountain to treat him when he was crippled.
Feng Qingyin watched with tears blurring his vision, mouth opening but saying nothing. He quickly picked up the snow lotus, tearing off petals and stuffing them into Zero’s mouth, hoping for a breath—a chance for revival.
After a long time, nothing happened. Feng Qingyin’s heart went cold. He touched the now dried blood rose; it had no warmth, no heartbeat.
Panicking, he realized he was alone and needed someone to guide him. His gaze fell on Ouyang Zichen, still holding Wuchen. Crawling to his side, he discovered Zichen was completely stiff and ice-cold, like a sculpture. A frozen tear at the corner of his eye sparkled strangely.
Feng Qingyin noticed two black scars on Zichen’s hand, recalling earlier events—no wonder Zichen had frowned while picking the snow lotus and had been weak on the return journey. The snake hadn’t fled; it had bitten Zichen.
A creature in this freezing place was extremely cold; all the water in his body had turned to ice.
Covering her mouth, Feng Qingyin’s tears fell continuously. She was alone, abandoned.
After an indeterminate time, as the first ray of sunlight entered the cave and the snow stopped outside, Hua Xiaoxin’s eyelashes trembled. She opened her eyes and instinctively searched for her lovers: “Wuchen? Xiaozi? Qingyin?” She was relieved to see three men nearby.
Walking forward, she pushed Feng Qingyin: “Qingyin~ The sun is already high, wake up!” But horror struck as Feng Qingyin toppled over with her push. Rushing forward, she shook him: “Qingyin, Qingyin? Don’t scare me!” Her voice filled with unease, gradually turning tearful.
Feng Qingyin remained unresponsive. Trembling, Xiaoxin reached out her hand, but felt nothing—no breath! Tears burst forth as she quickly stood up, pleading, “Xiaozi, Zichen, you’re just playing a joke on me, right?”
