Chapter 12: It Ended Before It Even Began

After leaving the lotus pond, Su Qingwan no longer followed her, but his burning gaze remained fixed on her gradually retreating figure.

When she was out of sight, he finally withdrew his gaze, looking pensively at the folding fan in his hand.

Since that day, he had never parted with this folding fan. If he hadn’t forgotten to bring it this morning and Xiao Yuan hadn’t just delivered it to him, he probably wouldn’t have encountered General Liu’s attempt to strike up a conversation.

Or perhaps… even if he had it with him today, given her attitude just now, even if she had seen this fan at the lotus pond this morning, she wouldn’t have mentioned saving him.

His father had once told him that this world is full of all kinds of people – some seek fame and fortune, power and influence, but there are also kind people who help others without expecting anything in return.

At first, when he was young, he didn’t understand. How could there be such people in this world? Wanting nothing in return? But he thought that if his father said so, then it must be true.

Because his father was such a person.

But since he grew up, he saw that “the whole world bustles in pursuit of profit; the whole world is in turmoil for the sake of profit.” He had encountered countless such people around him. Those who flattered and tried to please him were only looking at his status, currying favor, and seeking benefits.

Now, as his father had said, he had truly met such a person. Or perhaps this was the reason he had been so persistent in searching for her.

Fortunately, in the end, as he had wished, he knew she was safe and healthy. Yet his heart felt empty and unsettled.

Before knowing the truth, he had countless times in his dreams imagined the scene of meeting her, always feeling disappointed because he couldn’t see her face clearly.

Until today, when he suddenly learned from General Liu that the person who saved him was actually her, he didn’t know why the joy was several times stronger than before, and he felt extremely ashamed of his rudeness towards her.

The spring light was at its peak, a gentle breeze lightly brushed Su Qingwan’s hair tips, stirring up waves of memories in his mind, overwhelming him. Every scene of his encounters with Lu Yuner reappeared, suddenly becoming clear and bright.

His eager gaze fixed on the folding fan in his hand, a faint shimmer rippling in the depths of his eyes. In just a moment, a new idea suddenly sprouted in his mind.

Back in the empty Doctoral Hall, Lu Yuner put the food box aside, pushed open the window next to her desk, then rested her head on her arms and lay sideways on the desk to take a nap.

This was her usual habit. If she didn’t rest for a while, she would lack energy in the afternoon. Although it was not early, even closing her eyes for half a moment could relieve quite a bit of fatigue.

Soon, her eyelashes fluttered lightly, her breathing gently rising and falling as she gradually fell asleep.

The soft, bright spring sunlight shone through the window onto her exquisitely beautiful profile. Her skin, smooth as jade, seemed to be bathed in a clear radiance, soft and enchanting.

At this moment, a pair of slender jade hands gently placed a light white outer garment over her. Sheng Qingzi’s eyes, full of tender affection, fell on that bright and vivid face. He stood there silently gazing at her tenderly, his every movement revealing the considerate charm of a mature man.

Suddenly, the sleeping person stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Seeing this, Sheng Qingzi immediately concealed his tender thoughts, standing to the side with unwavering affection, his eyes smiling as he said, “You’re awake.”

“Mm, you’re here.”

Lu Yuner’s eyes were still drowsy, her fair face tinged with a faint blush, her husky voice carrying a hint of languor.

Ever since the nightmares began plaguing her a month ago, her sleep quality had been deteriorating, becoming lighter and easier to disturb.

At this moment, Sheng Qingzi’s eyes flickered slightly, instantly captivated by her dazed look upon waking, like a gorgeous water lily, its beauty enchanting the heart and intoxicating.

Lu Yuner’s clear gaze fell on the white outer garment covering her, and she asked, “What’s this?”

Sheng Qingzi came to his senses, his face slightly reddening with embarrassment, “When I came to the Doctoral Hall, I saw you resting on the desk with the window open. I was worried you might catch a cold.”

“Thank you!” Lu Yuner smiled slightly, not thinking much of it, and politely returned the garment to Sheng Qingzi.

At this moment.

“Oh my! Looks like we’ve come at an inconvenient time.” Zhu Miaomiao walked in with a strange smile on her face, followed by Wen Qing and Liu Bing.

Liu Bing returned to her position expressionlessly, while Wen Qing and Zhu Miaomiao approached them.

Zhu Miaomiao’s gossipy gaze darted back and forth between the two, a mysterious smile on her face, “What were you two secretly cuddling about?” Then she fixed her gaze on Sheng Qingzi, winking exaggeratedly at him, “Little brother Qingzi, how are you feeling now?”

Ever since Sheng Qingzi had deliberately sent them away, she knew what he was up to – he wanted to cultivate a relationship with Doctor Lu.

Beside her, Wen Qing also wore an unusually curious expression, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

Faced with Zhu Miaomiao’s teasing this time, Sheng Qingzi clearly didn’t resist as he had before. Instead, he lowered his eyes shyly, looking embarrassed.

But from her perspective, Sheng Qingzi might have been constrained by courtesy. At first, he had tried to stop the jokes from his close friends, but later he just let them continue unchecked.

In social interactions, good-natured jokes can liven up the atmosphere, but if they cause awkwardness and discomfort, they should stop.

…If he really did have feelings for her, then she should also make her stance clear, so as not to waste his time.

In the year since her soul had transmigrated, living under the original owner’s identity, although she had been cautious in court affairs, her daily life had been quite comfortable, occasionally attending gatherings and listening to music.

Moreover, having possibly experienced life and death, she had come to view these matters of love very lightly, especially after that nightmare…

Lu Yuner stood up, her expression serious, and said solemnly, “Although I have only known Doctor Sheng for a few days, in my heart, Doctor Sheng is a very good man.” As she spoke, she glanced at him, her gaze pure and filled with admiration.

In just a few short days, he had been of great help to her, taking her to the dining hall, helping her resolve teaching questions. He was indeed a very fine man.

Sheng Qingzi’s pupils seemed to receive a huge shock, reflected in Lu Yuner’s peach blossom eyes sparkling with tiny lights. A flash of delight passed through the depths of his eyes.

However, with Lu Yuner’s next words, the smile on his face instantly froze, then disappeared completely, leaving a hint of desolation floating in his dimmed gaze.

Lu Yuner continued, “There is no romantic relationship between Doctor Sheng and myself. We are simply good friends, just like all of you. As he is a man, I hope you won’t make such inappropriate jokes anymore, as they could damage his reputation and good name.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Zhu Miaomiao instinctively glanced at Sheng Qingzi’s expression, while Wen Qing, coming to her senses after that speech, tried to ease the atmosphere by saying, “Doctor Lu, don’t worry, we won’t make such jokes in the future.” She nudged Zhu Miaomiao with her elbow.

Zhu Miaomiao withdrew her gaze, finally realizing that this was clearly a case of unrequited love. Seeing that her mouth had caused trouble, she scratched the back of her head and immediately let out a silly laugh, “Haha! My bad, I won’t make such jokes again in the future.”

Lu Yuner also noticed the change in Sheng Qingzi’s expression, but still smiled politely at him, “Doctor Sheng, is what I said alright?”

Although it might seem a bit cruel, such matters needed to be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

“Mm.”

Sheng Qingzi forced out a bitter smile, his voice devoid of any emotion. The hand hidden under his white outer garment was clenched tightly, his fingernails digging into his palm, leaving deep red marks.

Seeing this, Wen Qing, understanding the situation, quickly changed the subject, “I heard you saved a female student in the dining hall today.”

“How did you know?” Lu Yuner’s surprise lasted only a moment before she regained her composure, believing in the speed of information spreading between people.

Zhu Miaomiao also became interested, excitedly saying, “It’s all over the men’s and women’s academies! Oh! But where did you learn that abdominal thrust method? It’s so effective! Have you studied medicine?”

As for where she learned it, she certainly wouldn’t tell the truth. Lu Yuner smiled faintly and said, “I haven’t studied medicine. I saw this in an ancient text I collected from folk sources some years ago. When I encountered a situation exactly as described in the text, I just followed what it said.”

“Clap clap clap—” Suddenly, a few loud applause sounds were heard.

Everyone turned to look at Liu Bing, puzzled.

“Publicly defying the intentions of the Chief Steward, taking responsibility upon yourself, promising to bear the consequences, not being a doctor yet daring to save someone based solely on an ancient text – Doctor Lu, your courage is truly admirable!” Liu Bing gazed at Lu Yuner expressionlessly, her deep eyes conveying an inscrutable mystery.

With Liu Bing’s words, Zhu Miaomiao and Wen Qing looked at Lu Yuner in disbelief, realizing that what seemed to be a praiseworthy act was actually a precarious situation with both advantages and disadvantages.

If it had succeeded, that was fine, but if it hadn’t… Zhu Miaomiao and Wen Qing instantly drew a sharp breath, realizing that this indeed required great courage.

Sheng Qingzi was clearly also shocked, his stunned eyes filled with worry…

Lu Yuner’s eyes focused, seeing that she spoke so clearly, it seemed she had been present at the time of the incident.

However, what surprised her was that this was the first time she had actively spoken to her. Or perhaps it wasn’t that she didn’t want to speak, but that she would speak when she wanted to, with a formidable insight that hit the nail on the head.

Lu Yuner pondered briefly, then said in a relaxed tone, “Although I’m not a doctor, such an incident occurred in my household before, so I do have some experience with this. Besides, a life is more important than anything else, so I couldn’t consider other factors.”

She wondered if this explanation would satisfy her.

After their gazes met, Liu Bing suddenly gave her a fleeting smile that disappeared instantly, then looked away expressionlessly.

Lu Yuner came to her senses, the corners of her eyes curving up in a smile. It seemed she wasn’t easy to fool!

Zhu Miaomiao nodded in sudden understanding, immediately looking at her with admiring starry eyes, drawing out her words, “So that’s how it is.”

At first, she had thought Lu Yuner was alright, seeming proper and refined, but now she saw that this person quite suited her taste.

She patted Lu Yuner’s shoulder without restraint, saying cheerfully, “In the future, if there’s anything I can help with, just say the word!”

Lu Yuner had a sudden inspiration. Lifting her long, curved eyelashes, she smiled and continued along with Zhu Miaomiao’s words, “Actually, there is something right now. In a few days, the women’s academy will hold a polo match. General Liu wants to compete with me, and I could use your help.”

“Huh?” Zhu Miaomiao frowned upon hearing this, muttering discontentedly under her breath, “It’s with her!” She tried to make excuses, saying, “I’m afraid… I won’t be free that day, my household…”

Before she could finish speaking, Wen Qing saw right through her and immediately exposed her, “She’s making excuses!”

Sheng Qingzi also noticed her attempting to back out. He glanced at her coldly and said in an unfriendly tone, “Doctor Lu is one of us from the men’s academy, representing our men’s academy in the polo match. No matter what, you must help.”

“Fine!” Zhu Miaomiao said weakly. Who told her to be so loose-lipped earlier!

“Doctor Lu, don’t worry, I will bring the male students to watch your match!” Sheng Qingzi said with a beaming smile.

At this moment, he had already adjusted his emotions. Although Lu Yuner’s words were like a stone thrown into the lake of his heart, causing quite a few ripples and shattering the beautiful expectations in his heart.

But so what? As long as she wasn’t married, he still had a chance.

Lu Yuner’s eyes curved into a smile, “Thank you!”