He couldn’t just let Xiao Xuan’er continue like that indefinitely. Some matters were about to be settled, and it wouldn’t hurt for Xiao Xuan’er to know them. In fact, he had already made arrangements to ensure that she would have no worries about food or clothing in her future life. While it may not be entirely carefree, it would still be comfortable and easygoing.

But to think, at this critical juncture, such a twist would occur…

Perhaps this is for the best: let Xiao Xuan’er believe that he truly died more than two years ago. At least she won’t have to be heartbroken all over again upon learning certain things.

However, despite being so close to her, he couldn’t approach her—just moments ago, he had almost exhausted all his willpower to prevent himself from appearing before her. He could no longer interfere in her life, and this overwhelmed him with immense reluctance and frustration.

In the past, even though it hurt to think of Xiao Xuan’er’s heartbreak, he accepted it as unavoidable. After all, he was her one and only—how could he not care about her? Heartbreak is but brief; she still has decades ahead of her in life.

But now? There’s a reason not to interfere…

In truth, compared to the Wenren family, he was never truly Xiao Xuan’er’s rightful match. His identity as Xue Tingyu existed, but it didn’t fully represent him, so calling it false wouldn’t be wrong. On the marital contract, it was Xue Tingyu and Lin Xuan.

When another path presented itself, he had to admit, while he claimed everything was for Xiao Xuan’er’s sake, there was always some level of selfishness hidden within. He wanted to leave an indelible mark on her life, even when he was no longer there—he wanted her to remember him for a lifetime.

But now, when his own death arrives, will he really be selfish enough to reveal everything to Xiao Xuan’er?

When Xiao Xuan’er first appeared before him, she acted like a little grown-up, her maturity heartbreaking for others to witness. Before, there may have been no other intentions, but day after day, as they spent time together, he held her in the palms of his hands, cherished her more than anything, pampered her, indulged her. Finally, she started to exhibit behaviors and words matching her age—playful and cheeky, sometimes mischievous, teasing him and “climbing over his head” to “bully” him.

That childishness disappeared completely with his “death,” and now it was nowhere to be found.

His Xiao Xuan’er, his dear Xiao Wangyou, was supposed to be happily studying her medicine, free of worries…

(TL: Xiao Wangyou means ‘Little Carefree One’.)

One devastating heartbreak is enough—a reunion followed by another loss would only lead to total despair…

More than two years ago, after his “death,” though he didn’t witness Xiao Xuan’er’s state firsthand, his subordinates provided detailed reports. During all the years they had known each other, Xiao Xuan’er never cried. Even her father, Miracle Healer Lin, said that as a child, Xiao Xuan’er rarely shed tears. But that time, she cried so hard she nearly fainted.

He still remembers how, upon first hearing this, his heart felt as if it were being wrung out, bringing him to the brink of suffocation. Yet, like some form of self-torture, he kept asking people to repeat her condition over and over again. What was his suffering compared to Xiao Xuan’er’s overwhelming grief?

How could he bear to let her go through it again? How could he…

Wei Shizi lowered his head, concealing all the emotions in his eyes. His fists clenched tightly, the veins on the back of his hands bulging with stress!

As his close confidant, Wen Xin naturally knew about the current Shizi’s wife, and she was indeed stunning—to the point where he almost didn’t recognize her at first glance. After all, compared to before, she was significantly different. However, upon closer inspection, there was no room for doubt. Although her appearance and attire had changed, her demeanor and presence remained the same.

To the Shizi, his wife was like a thorn plunged deep into his heart. Any slight touch would draw blood, a source of incredible pain—yet the Shizi treasured it dearly. Far from wanting to remove the thorn, he wished it would pierce deeper, fusing into bone and blood.

They were supposed to be a couple deeply in love, especially now that the Shizi’s wife was no longer a powerless and background-less little physician. The gap in status and position had been bridged, and they should have rightfully walked together, openly and with everyone’s blessings. But alas, the Shizi’s time is running out!

No one knew better than they did how exceptional the Shizi was. And yet, the heavens treated him so unfairly!

They were all aware of the Shizi’s wife’s exceptional medical skills. Even though it was likely beyond anyone to halt the Shizi’s illness, perhaps with her treatment, his life could be extended. And with her by his side, the Shizi would surely find some comfort. At least in these final days, he could still find some happiness.

However, the moment this suggestion was made, the Shizi immediately rejected it. Their kind and gentle Shizi even almost personally killed the person who brought it up.

While Wen Xin was lost in thought, Wei Shizi started coughing intensely. “Master…” Quickly, Wen Xin offered him a handkerchief and patted his back.

It took quite some time for Wei Shizi to recover from his coughing fit. He wiped his mouth with the handkerchief, and in a dazed moment, he seemed to glimpse a faint trace of red on it.

Wen Xin’s eyes narrowed with alarm, filled with deep concern. “Master…” He hurried to give him a pill.

Wei Shizi’s face turned even paler. He closed his eyes and swallowed the dark pill despite his exhaustion. “Let’s go back.” If they stayed any longer, he feared he might truly lose control.

Wen Xin immediately agreed. With a swift motion, he carefully lifted the wooden wheelchair, placed it on the path, and began pushing it away.

Without opening his eyes, Wei Shizi lowered his head slightly, appearing as though he were on the verge of falling asleep. The two maids standing not far away, attentive to every move, were clearly startled by his state, whispering to each other, “The master…”

“Tell your master that our Shizi’s health is declining, so we had to return to the estate.” Wen Xin stated flatly.

It was clear that Shizi had no intention of offering a personal farewell. As for the Han family members—ha, they were merely an excuse for Wei Shizi to visit the Wenren family. As for the so-called aunt, if it weren’t required for his plans, Wei Shizi probably wouldn’t even know such a person existed. After all, Wei Shizi seldom went out, so there were plenty of family members he had never even met.

This could undoubtedly be seen as rude behavior, but Wei Shizi cared little. His reputation was already far from good, and in his current health, all he wanted was to leave as soon as possible.

Little did he know, he would later be reprimanded by his father- and mother-in-law for his “lack of manners,” a regret he wouldn’t soon forget.

Upon returning to the Marquis of Pingyang’s estate, the servants treated them respectfully enough, though it was impossible to hide the disdain in their eyes.

Wei Shizi didn’t even bat an eyelid. These people—he had long since been too weary to care.

Wen Xin was different, though. Known for being taciturn and practically a silent stump among his peers, he could not stand others treating his master with disrespect. His eyes flared with a predatory gleam, akin to a beast on the verge of tearing its prey to shreds. The frightened servants immediately revealed their cowardice, and once the master and servant duo left, they spat venomously behind them—“Who do they think they are!”

Wen Xin, a martial artist, possessed keen senses. Using his strength, muscles on his arms bulged visibly, straining through his clothes, and his face twisted with rage as if ready to turn back and snap their necks.

Despite not seeing Wen Xin’s anger, Wei Shizi seemed to sense it. He opened his eyes and gazed at the verdant trees, saying calmly, “Wen Xin, I am a man with one foot in the grave. As for them,” Wei Shizi chuckled softly, “their future remains uncertain.”