CHAPTER 632: 243 QUIRKY_2

So it isn’t just a dream?

"What exactly is going on?"

Shen Qiunong laid everything out for him: "That girl from the Yu family wouldn’t lie to me about something like this. I have a strong intuition—she’s our granddaughter."

All of Yu Yisen’s focus was on Ali. A decade ago, he died during a firefighting mission, sacrificing his life to save others.

His resting place lies in the distant Qingzhou.

After waiting all these years, this is the result he has come to face.

The truth had been there all along; he had just been deceiving himself this entire time.

A star breaks from its orbit, falls, and becomes a meteor—but in the vast universe, there will always be new stars born.

Yu Yisen sat up, his hollow gaze gradually transforming into one of determination.

"Qiunong, we can no longer afford to remain weak."

Even if it’s for the sake of their granddaughter, they must summon their strength.

Shen Qiunong threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Separated only by a door, Shen You’an let out a quiet sigh.

The icy wind whistled past her. She stood beneath the eaves, her heart no warmer than the frigid air below zero degrees.

Returning to the kitchen, she began preparing a medicinal brew.

The herbs were gathered according to a prescription she had written, handed off to the guards at the entrance, who delivered them to Wei Lai. Wei Lai, in turn, sent the required herbs and other cooking ingredients up the mountain.

The Wei family never lacked in medicinal herbs, so whatever Shen You’an needed, it was never an issue for Wei Lai.

Shen You’an, holding a small bamboo fan in hand, squatted by the medicine stove and slowly fanned the tiny flame.

Before her were two medicine stoves, one to her left and the other right.

The bitter aroma of the brew gradually filled the air.

In the corner of the room, Guo Cui struggled like a worm bound at the wrists, writhing helplessly.

Her mouth stuffed with a rag, she could only emit muffled grunts, her gaze fixed on Shen You’an’s back—equal parts resentful and frightened.

When Shen You’an stood, Guo Cui instinctively flinched. Her fear was ingrained deep within her bones.

Shen You’an picked up a medicinal herb, added it to the stove, and then calmly sat back down.

Guo Cui secretly sighed in relief.

In the blink of an eye, two hours had passed, and the medicine was ready. Shen You’an strained out the dregs and withdrew a silver needle, pricking her middle finger. Crimson blood dripped into the bowl, seamlessly blending in a second later.

Carrying a tray with two bowls of medicine, Shen You’an left the kitchen and knocked on the adjacent door.

"Come in."

Shen You’an pushed the door open and entered.

She handed the bowls of medicine to Shen Qiunong and Yu Yisen. Without hesitation, both accepted. Shen Qiunong took a spoon and began drinking slowly, while Yu Yisen downed his in a single gulp.

He handed the empty bowl back to Shen You’an. "Dr. Zhu, you’ve worked hard."

"Qiunong already told me—these past days, we’ve been indebted to your care. For someone so young to have such remarkable skills, your future is promising. Might I ask which master you apprenticed under?"

"Leng Baizhu."

Zhu Keke’s doctoral advisor.

Also the deputy director of Jingzhou’s Mingren Hospital.

"Baizhu..."

A trace of reminiscence colored Yu Yisen’s gaze.

"So you’re his student."

Shen You’an asked, "Mr. Yu, have you met Professor Baizhu before?"

Yu Yisen shook his head with a faint smile. "That was a long time ago; best to leave it be."

Shen You’an glanced at him. "Mr. Yu, I’ll be heading down the mountain tonight—do you have any messages you’d like me to deliver?"

Yu Yisen suddenly raised his eyes, staring deeply at her, his gaze full of inquiry.

Shen You’an stood serenely, composed as she let him scrutinize her.

"Who are you, really?"

"Zhu Keke."

"Asen, why are you being so stern with Dr. Keke? She’s a kind girl; you’re not allowed to be mean to her."

Yu Yisen: ...

"Mr. Yu, please trust me—I won’t harm you or Mrs. Yu."

The woman’s skin was dark, her face ordinary, but her eyes were exceptionally clear.

Over the years, his experiences of betrayal had taught him lessons written in blood and tears. He had long since stopped trusting others lightly.

Especially this person before him—sent by that old witch with undoubtedly impure intentions. Trusting her would be a mistake.

Yet, inexplicably, as he looked into those eyes, he thought of Ali.

Ali, if your spirit watches over me, tell your father—should I trust her?

A coin slipped from his grasp, rolling towards Shen You’an’s feet.

The coin spun on the floor, Yu Yisen’s gaze fixed upon it, until at last, it stopped.

The side with the peony faced up.

Yu Yisen quietly stared at the coin lying by the woman’s foot.

It was fate.

Shen You’an crouched down and picked up the coin.

It had likely been handled often, its surface polished with use.

A coin from thirty years ago, long since retired from circulation.