Chapter 9: with translation of chapter title

Bu Sha paid no attention to Zi Xuan's accusation, lightly saying, "If you want to know, go ask Qi Ran yourself."

After saying that, he turned and walked into the house. I gritted my teeth in anger behind him, damn it, what an attitude! Cold-blooded monster, assassin!

Qi Ran laughed and shook his head, saying to me, "You've just recovered from a serious illness; don't linger in the rain, go inside quickly."

I was about to agree when I saw Miss Zi Xuan staring at my face with a wary and disdainful expression, asking, "Young master, who is this ugly freak?"

I was speechless. "Grandma, what did I do to offend you? You're picking at my scars!" Rolling my eyes, I'm exhausted; I might as well go back to sleep.

Qi Ran's voice turned cold as he snapped, "Xuan, if you keep being unreasonable, go back to Bing Ling City yourself!"

Zi Xuan's little face fell, and she hurriedly begged in a low voice, "I know I was wrong, young master. I finally found you after great difficulty—let me stay and serve you."

"Bing Yi." Qi Ran called out to me, who had already walked halfway, his eyes somewhat uneasy, "Xuan didn't mean it on purpose."

I gave a faint smile and said, "I know. I'll go in first."

I turned and left.

My heart felt as if a thousand-jin weight pressed down, making it hard to breathe. I knew he was an overzealous do-gooder, desperately trying to keep everyone around him unharmed, desperately taking on others' faults as his own.

At that moment I really wanted to shout at him, living like this, living for others every moment—don't you feel exhausted?

The place we're living in now is a grand manor with excellent feng shui layout and scenery; what's more terrifying is that there's also a large lake with willows brushing its shore. It's practically a step above my family's luxurious mansion!

I used to wonder why Qi Ran and Bu Sha could afford to live in such a luxurious place. Normally I saw them spending money lavishly, not minding my free food and lodging, yet they never seemed short of cash. Now I finally understand—I've latched onto a big spender, a prince of a nation! I could never drain him in a lifetime.

Speaking of the country, what exactly is Bing Ling? There's no country called Bing Ling around! I originally had no interest in such gossip, but after Bu Sha provoked me like this, I now feel I must know. No, I'll definitely ask Qi Ran properly another day.

Lost in thought, a knock sounded at the door; I dazedly got up to open it. I never expected a slender jade palm to come straight at me; even though I'm agile, I stepped back immediately but still couldn't dodge. A burning pain flared across my face.

As expected, it was the great beauty Zi Xuan, her eyes wide open and glaring at me. I thought if looks could kill, I'd have died seven or eight hundred times by now.

"You ugly freak, what right do you have to stay by the young master's side? Don't think that because he treats you a little better you can climb the branches and become a phoenix! I tell you, Bing Ling's harem will absolutely not tolerate someone as vulgar as you."

The harem? Qi Ran's harem? Although I knew I shouldn't laugh at such a moment, I couldn't help letting out a soft chuckle that grew louder, until I bent over and even tears came out.

Zi Xuan stared at my strange behavior, somewhat bewildered and at a loss for what to do.

What nonsense is this? I'd almost forgotten—Qi Ran is going to be a king someday! What's so strange about having a harem?

"Hey! Did you understand what I said?"

"Understood." I stopped laughing and replied concisely.

Zi Xuan blinked, then sneered, "At least you have some self-awareness. So you know what to do, right? People like you simply shouldn't stand beside the young master—doing so would only tarnish his status."

"Oh." I replied nonchalantly, my face feeling hot, then turned to find Qi Ran for some medicine. That medicine last time was great—applying it gave a cool, refreshing feeling. Next time I'll get the prescription and make it myself. After all, I'm practically half his disciple now; even if I end up wandering the streets, I could at least make a living as a doctor.

Elder Sister Zi Xuan obviously wasn't satisfied with my perfunctory attitude, she said hatefully, "You understand but still won't leave? Just seeing you for another minute makes me nauseous."

"Well, that really is trouble—you're the one seeking disgust." My face turned cold as I said flatly, "Whether you want to see me is your business; whether I leave is mine. I'm going to rest—please go."

I slammed the door shut with a "bang—", and from outside came her pained groan and furious, exasperated cursing.

If a tiger doesn't show its might, do you take me for a sick cat? At last I've avenged that slap.

As soon as I turned around, I jumped in surprise—Bu Sha's cold face flickered with a half-smile, half-sneer mockery, and he stood there arms crossed, staring at me coldly.

I glared at him angrily and said, "Is scaring me fun? You don't use the proper door—you always come in through the window!"

"Qi Ran asked me to give you your medicine." Bu Sha placed a small green bottle on the table.

I nodded and said, "How come he's busy attending to his personal maid, even having you deliver the medicine?" This tone—even I find it a bit sour hearing myself say it.

Bu Sha's expression remained calm as he glanced at me and then leapt out the window.

I dipped my fingertip in some medicine and smeared it on my slightly swollen left cheek. The cool, stinging sensation instantly cleared my head. I couldn't easily treat the wound on my shoulder myself, because that sword had pierced my body back then, and Qi Ran clearly knew that.

I blinked, wondering what had come over me today. I, who usually dislike stirring up trouble, why have I suddenly become so sharp-tongued? Is it because of Zi Xuan's aggressive pressure? Or because of Qi Ran's universal love? Or because I suddenly realized his status is so lofty it's out of reach?

Good heavens! What a mess all this is? I flopped onto the bed—might as well sleep; thinking more won't help.

In a daze, I heard noisy, chaotic sounds from outside.

It sounded like someone was shouting anxiously, with hurried footsteps and the sound of stumbling into walls. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and got up to open the door, thinking to myself, How come even a nap isn't allowed to be peaceful?

I flung the door open; a slender figure darted past before my eyes, and I quickly seized him, asking, "Who are you? What's happened?"

After collecting myself, I realized it was a neat-looking little boy. He impatiently shook off my hand gripping his shoulder, gave me a contemptuous glance, and said, "You're the ugly freak that Zi Xuan sister mentioned, right?"

Then suddenly, as if something had occurred to him, his expression changed and he muttered, "Young master! Young master!" before darting off like an arrow.

Young master? My heart jolted—could Qi Ran have met with trouble? Without time to think further, I sprinted after that slender figure.

Even though I consider myself unmatched in long- and short-distance running, I still had to exert immense effort to catch up with that little boy. In the end I could only stand outside the crowded doorway, gasping for breath.

Looks like I ought to learn some lightness skills from Bu Sha later; otherwise, escaping for my life will be impossible.

Suddenly a wail came from inside the house, ranging from choked sobs to loud cries, with indistinct shouting mixed in; I could barely make out: "Young master, and also Your Highness."

Afterwards several already hoarse female voices turned resentful, as if they were shouting loudly; because it was so noisy I could only catch a few phrases.

"……It's not you, the young master simply wouldn't die……"

Dead? My heart clenched suddenly, so tight I couldn't breathe, unable to tell if I was still alive.

I gritted my teeth and steadied myself. Summoning some unknown strength, I shoved through the crowd of panicked martial artists inside and outside the house, managing a few steps before a cold metal object pressed against my throat, sending a sharp pain.

I didn't have time to see who was blocking me, nor hear what he was shouting at me. In a panic I shouted loudly, "Bu Sha!"

Soon after, the crowd involuntarily split into two lines, though the people in each line trembled as they gripped their swords, their eyes brimming with pain and hatred that seemed almost tangible, ready to burst forth.

I saw Bu Sha's lone, frail figure, holding the already lifeless Qi Ran in his arms, walking toward me step by step.

His eyes were full of panic and unease as he looked at me, as if suddenly a cold-blooded killer had become a lonely, helpless child.

"Put Qi Ran down." I said. I didn't understand why my voice could still be so calm.

Bu Sha's grip on Qi Ran tightened instead, his lips pressed firmly together in stubborn resolve.

I fought back the urge to tear up and said softly, "Maybe he still has a chance. My medical skills were taught by him—please, let me try."

I must seize every moment—if, if Qi Ran is merely in temporary shock, then he can still be saved.

Bu Sha finally lowered Qi Ran, I lifted my head and glanced at the crowd eager to intervene, then said coldly, "Bu Sha, anyone who interferes with my treatment—kill—no—mercy——"

I'm no saint, but to save Qi Ran's life, uttering a few harsh words is necessary.

Qiran's face was pallid and translucent, even whiter than when he had rescued me from injury before; his lips were an astonishing purple, set against his peerless appearance, making him look especially alluring and eerie.

Was this the outbreak of the blood worm? I plucked a black hair from my head and placed it under his nose; after a long while, there was not the slightest movement.

My heart clenched—had he lost all breath? There was no time for panic; I leaned over, pressing my ear to his chest to listen, while the anxiety and despair flooding my mind overwhelmed me.

I closed my eyes and quickly reviewed the CPR technique my brother had taught me and that I had learned in health class.

Qiran, hold on! I will definitely not let you die!

I placed my hands one on top of the other on his chest and pressed down rhythmically, then took a deep breath, opened Qiran's mouth, and pressed my lips to his.

Behind me came the sound of someone sucking in a cold breath, whispers, and curses, but I paid them no heed.

Qiran's lips were icy cold, yet still soft, melting my heart like water.

I rose, continued compressing his chest, then leaned down again to give artificial respiration.

Qiran, please! You must come back to life!

It felt as if a thousand years had passed, though in reality only a few minutes had elapsed. Qiran's finger twitched, then he coughed up a mouthful, and his purple lips finally returned to a faint red.

My clasped hands were slick with cold sweat as I watched him weakly open his eyes. Those icy-blue eyes, clear as an autumn pool, seemed to have appeared after an eternity, yet they were still alive and fixed on me.

The tears I had held back for so long finally slipped down silently. Qiran, you're still alive, you're still alive!

"Young Master! Your Highness!" The delighted crowd surged forward, pushing me aside; I wiped the tears from my eyes and rose silently.

Seeing Bu Sha coldly staring at me from the corner, I gave a light smile, walked over, extended my palm, and said, "Give me five!"

Bu Sha certainly couldn't understand what I was saying, yet he instinctively stretched out his big hand to bump palms with me in celebration; his eyes were filled with the joy and relief of having survived.

"You stay here, I'm going back to nap—I'm exhausted!" I stretched, waved my hand, and turned to leave.

Hearing someone call me from behind, I knew without turning that it was Qiran's voice.

"Bing Yi... thank you..." he said, looking at me while being supported by a throng of maids that dazzled my eyes, his expression complex and hard to read, but I didn't want to probe further.

I chuckled and said, "No need to thank me—haven't you saved me several times as well? We're even. Go rest quickly."

I spoke while smiling, waved while smiling, and turned to leave while smiling.

Just moments ago our lips had met; why do I now feel that the distance between Qiran and me is growing ever greater?

(End of chapter)