“And then you see Ning Yuan covered in blood, protecting you, right?”
Tears welled up, and Ruofeng nodded again.
Situ Jin stroked her face, confirming what the doctor had said – that horrific scene had left a heavy psychological shadow. “Ruoer, the next time you dream of it, remember the flames will soon die out; second brother will come to save you, and Ning Yuan,” he paused, “when he left, there was a frozen smile on his lips.”
Ruofeng traced Qifeng’s hand, “Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”
“I know you will. Our Ruoer is the bravest,” Qifeng said in a hoarse voice.
Despite the reassurance, Ruofeng remained unwell, unable to speak.
Until one day, when Situ Jin and Qifeng were feeding Ruofeng, the door opened softly. Situ Jin looked up in surprise, “Situ Qixu?”
Ruofeng looked up to see Situ Qixu, ethereal and elegant in white with black hair. He nodded to the others before approaching Ruofeng and leaning down, “Long time no see!”
Ruofeng smiled slightly, finding it hard not to smile at such a warm person.
She cried for a long time, almost silently. Qi Feng crouched down, picking up Ruofeng from the ground. “It’s okay now.”
Qi Wu stepped forward, sighing at the tombstone, “Ning Yuan, she once swore as a phoenix woman that her love with you would never continue through lifetimes. You are destined to never have a marital fate again. Now that the cause and effect of past lives are resolved, you should have a new beginning.”
He smiled at Ruofeng, “Go say goodbye to him!”
Ruofeng moved her lips and said, “Brother Ning Yuan, farewell.” Although extremely softly, it made Qi Feng ecstatic, “Wind’er, you can speak now.”
Ruofeng nodded, “I’m sorry, second brother, for making you worry.”
“It’s okay, as long as you’re fine,” Qi Feng hugged her excitedly.
Si Tu Jin’s expression was complex, “Thank you, Situ Qi Wu.”
Qi Wu withdrew his gaze from the pair and looked into the distance, pain flickering across his face.
After a while, Ru Feng stepped out of Qi Feng’s embrace and looked at Qi Wu. “If everything is cause and effect from past lives, what about second brother? Did he suffer torment because of me? How should I repay?”
Qi Wu said nothing.
Ru Feng continued, “Did the elders say I’m a disaster star? I only know that second brother suffered because of me, Ning Yuan lost his life because of me, and you…” Her voice gradually lowered, “Do I owe you a debt of love?”
“So you’re feeling guilty because people around you have suffered for you?” Si Tu Jin said, finally understanding her thoughts.
“Silly girl,” Qi Feng said, “We treat you well and suffer for you because of love. Love isn’t about exchange. Even if you can’t repay others’ sacrifices, you don’t need to feel indebted. Love is a right. Others can choose to love you, and you can choose to love or repay.”
Ru Feng stared at him blankly. Qi Feng kissed her eyes, “I love you, so I’m willing to do anything for you. This is my right and my happiness.”
Qi Wu slowly lowered his eyes.
My love has nothing to do with you; it is related to karma and is still my right, my happiness.
In the courtyard, green grass and red flowers were surrounded by morning mist.
Si Tu Qi Wu stood with his back to the window, looking outside. In the morning light, his features were elegant and handsome.
When Si Tu Jin entered, he was momentarily stunned by the sight and felt a hint of pride that his daughter could remain composed before such beauty.
“You have something else in mind, right?” Si Tu Jin stood beside him with a confident smile.
Si Tu Qi Wu turned his head, saying nothing.
Si Tu Jin continued, “Just tell me directly.”
Si Tu Qi Wu smiled faintly, “I know about your agreement with the elder.” His casual tone concealed a clenched hand.
“With Si Tu Qi Wu’s pride, you would disdain such an agreement.”
Qi Wu gazed steadily at him, his eyes bright, “No, I want a child. A child with her.”
“You?” Si Tu Jin was shocked, pausing before continuing, “You should know this is absolutely impossible.”
Neither Ru Feng nor Qi Feng would allow this to happen.
Qi Wu looked back out the window, his eyes misty. “So, it’s enough that you and I know. I don’t mind how I obtain this child, and I won’t affect her in any way.”
I don’t want to discuss the tribe’s difficulties or disrupted fates. I’m acting out of selfish desire. Loving but unable to obtain, I reluctantly admit I appeared too late, so I want a child.”
Si Tu Jin pondered silently.
Qi Wu said, “Qi Feng’s forbidden spell was to have her reborn in another world. But she’s now beside you, and it would be easy to guide everything back on track.” Si Tu Jin understood immediately, his heart shaking.
After a long time, Si Tu Jin slowly raised his head, “They’re planning to get married anyway. I’ll have the hospital do a checkup, and you can take what you want at that time.”
Walking a few steps, he turned back, examining the elegant man. “With your conditions, you won’t lack for a child. You’re young and have only known Ru Feng for a month. You still have time to find a suitable woman. I don’t want you to miss your life because of meeting Ru Feng.”
Si Tu Qi Wu understood the implication, lowering his eyes to hide his emotions. “Having a child won’t affect my life.”
“How will you let this child live then?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll treasure him. He’ll definitely be the family head and won’t lack care and attention. Moreover,” he smiled gently, “how could a child of hers not be lovable!”
“Don’t let her know.” Si Tu Jin pushed open the door and left.
Qi Wu stood quietly, a smile lingering at the corner of his mouth.
For Ru Feng, having resolved her inner turmoil, her body was recovering rapidly. Qi Feng noticed the pink blush on her cheeks, feeling tenderness and love. Unable to resist, he lingered before being pushed away by Ru Feng, her face flushed. “Second Brother, this is a hospital.”
“I know,” he replied.
Ru Feng glared, “You’re still touching me?”
Qi Feng raised his eyebrows, “In the hospital, I’m your fiancé. Everyone knows, what’s wrong with being affectionate? Besides,” he leaned closer, smiling cheerfully, “I need to confirm that this delicate woman is indeed my fiancée. The pale, prickly one before was definitely possessed by someone else.”
“You confirm this by kissing?”
“Yes!” He nodded seriously. “Verifying identity, no mistake.”
Ru Feng rolled her eyes, “So when forensic experts verify a deceased’s identity, they just need to kiss, no scientific methods required.”
Qi Feng touched her lips, then pointed to his own. “Only my Feng’er can kiss me.”
Ru Feng’s face turned dark red, her eyes sparkling, “Shall we do an experiment?”
“What experiment?” Qi Feng asked.
“Go kiss other women and let me see how you can’t kiss them.”
“…”
“…”
A chilling voice filled with anger responded, “You’re dead!”
“Ah!”
A sharp scream, then a blurry pleading voice, “I won’t talk nonsense anymore…”
Everything fell silent. After a while, Qi Feng said breathlessly, “See if you dare to talk nonsense again.”
“I won’t, never again,” came an aggrieved voice.
Qi Wu stood outside the door, took a deep breath, leaned against the wall, and stared fixedly at the ceiling, which had some dust lingering despite the hospital’s emphasis on cleanliness.
Qi Feng opened the door and saw Qi Wu standing at the entrance, momentarily stunned.
Qi Wu smiled, “I’m here to say goodbye.”
Qi Feng nodded, “I’ll handle the discharge procedures. Take your time to talk.”
As they passed each other, Qi Wu softly said, “You must live longer than me.”
Qi Feng stopped, raising an eyebrow.
Qi Wu smiled, “If you’re gone, I’ll love her for you.”
Qi Feng also lifted the corner of his mouth, their gazes meeting, “She’s mine. I’ve already told you.”
After their conversation, they walked in different directions.
