lava

Chapter 51

After finding an inn and settling in, Han Le and Han Xiao strolled around the streets. Han Le, eager to celebrate Han Xiao's birthday, couldn't resist buying whatever she saw that looked nice. Han Xiao kept trying to stop her, laughing, "Oh dear, you're just reminding me that I'm an old maid."

Han Le chuckled, "Then sister, hurry up and find someone you like to marry!" He was just joking with his sister, but a young man nearby overheard him, glanced at Han Le, and smiled slightly. Han Le was displeased and pulled Han Le away. The two wandered around, eventually arriving at the entrance of what appeared to be a restaurant, whose name was surprisingly "Hanxiao Pavilion."

A burly man, just pushed out of the building, was throwing a tantrum in front of it, shouting and cursing: "Bah! I have money to pay, and you think you can refuse customers? Sick? That's a good excuse. I wish you're terminally ill. Bah, laugh, laugh at your mother, laugh your way to the afterlife!"

Before he could finish speaking, a basin of dirty water was suddenly splashed down, landing right on his head. A woman emerged from the doorway with three guards wielding clubs, pointing at the cursing man and shouting, "Get lost, or we'll break your legs!" Seeing that the woman had brandished her weapon, the burly man dared not curse any further, muttering a few curses before leaving. The woman made a face and was about to enter the building when Han Xiao hurriedly stepped forward: "Miss, wait!"

The woman turned her head, sized up Han Xiao a few times, and asked rudely, "What are you doing?"

"Young lady, you have poor blood circulation. Have you seen a doctor?"

The woman was taken aback, but quickly straightened her face: "What, do you think you can swindle money by making up a few words? I'm perfectly fine, no need for you to worry about me." With that, she quickly went inside.

Han Xiao frowned, looking worried. Han Le stepped forward, pulled her aside, and shook his head: "Sister, this place doesn't look like a legitimate business. Don't get involved." Han Xiao sighed: "Her illness needs to be treated soon. She's a young woman, and I'm afraid it will be harder to manage her health when she gets older."

The woman who entered the room listened through the door, then suddenly opened the door and asked Han Xiao, "You know medicine?"

"Yes." Han Xiao was also surprised that she had returned, but she still answered her question.

The woman extended her hand to Han Xiao and said, "Then please take my pulse and see if your description of my symptoms is accurate." Han Xiao took her pulse and described several ailments, which immediately convinced the woman. She said to Han Xiao, "My illness is minor, but my sister's illness is quite troublesome. Please take a look at my sister." With that, she tried to pull Han Xiao inside.

Han Le stopped her, saying, "Sister, you can't go in here." He then said to the woman, "If you're here for medical treatment, come to the Yuelai Inn to find us."

The woman objected: "My sister is sick and it's inconvenient for her to go out. We finally found a female doctor, so she can take a look at my sister's illness." Upon hearing this, Han Le understood and stepped forward to block her way: "We don't treat this kind of illness."

Hearing the disdain in Han Le's tone, the woman became angry. She waved for the guards to come over and said to Han with a smile, "Since you are a doctor, how can you be picky about your patients? Today, you must cure my sister's illness no matter what."

Several guards lunged at Han Xiao to grab her. In a panic, Han Le drew her dagger, ready to fight them, when a long whip lashed out, lashing out and whipping one guard aside. The other two froze, too afraid to move. A voice came from behind Han Xiao: "Try touching her!"

Han Xiao recognized the voice all too well. She didn't dare turn around, her heart pounding wildly.

“Sister…” Han Le knew who it was and nudged Han Xiao’s hand. Han Xiao shook her head at him. Han Le understood; even after all this time, she still refused to turn back. Han Le understood, grabbed Han Xiao, and ran. The two siblings turned into another street. Han Xiao secretly looked back and saw that no one was chasing them. She stopped and peered out from the street corner toward the “Hanxiao Building.” Nie Chengyan was still there in his wheelchair, also looking in Han Xiao’s direction. Their eyes met, and Han Xiao abruptly pulled her head back, turned around, and grabbed Han Le to continue running.

She gasped for breath, running as fast as she could, her heart filled with mixed emotions. He was here. Had he come to find her?

Author's Note: I don't seem to have much to say today. I'll keep writing and try to update daily until the end. Go go go!

How to continue the past life's bond

Han Xiao pulled Han Le back to the inn. Han Le, panting, patted his chest and said, "Sister, your leg strength has improved."

Han Xiao knew he was making fun of her, so she glared at him, peeked out the door, and seeing that no one was chasing after her, she locked the door, slumped into a chair, and kept panting.

"It's alright, it's alright. If he wanted to arrest us, he would have done it already. Look, he didn't chase after us just now."

Han Xiao thought about it and felt a little disappointed. Seeing her like that, Han Le finally couldn't help but say, "If you're unhappy, why make things difficult for yourself?"

"No, I was just worried about that young lady's illness. I wonder what's going on," Han Xiao said guiltily, her words half-truth and half-lie. She was indeed curious about the young lady's illness. In fact, judging from Han Le's attitude earlier, she had already guessed a bit. But everyone, regardless of status, has the right to seek medical treatment, so it was true that she was concerned. However, what she was concerned about was not just the patient.

Han Le opened her mouth as if to speak, but then remained silent. Han Xiao was getting restless. Her mind was in turmoil. Before meeting him, she could pretend that everything was fine and that everything would pass. But now that they were face to face, even without saying a word, she felt overwhelmed with emotions.

He seemed to be in good spirits, though thinner and a bit darker. What was he doing here? Which maid was taking care of him now? Was he still angry with her? Had the divine physician been found? And also, had he found a new sweetheart?

"Sister..." Han Le finally couldn't help but want to talk to her. Just as she opened her mouth to call out, there was a knock on the door, followed by He Ziming's voice: "Miss Han."

Han Xiao was startled and almost jumped off her chair. Could it be that he had finally come looking for her? Han Xiao's palms were cold with nervousness. How should she tell him? She couldn't go back. She and he were ultimately not meant to be.

Han Le didn't think much of it and went straight to open the door. There was no Nie Chengyan outside, only He Ziming and Ye Zhu. Han Xiao thought she should have breathed a sigh of relief, but she didn't. She heard He Ziming say, "Miss Han, would you like to see that female patient from today?"

Han Xiao certainly wanted to, and she guessed what the illness was. She had never seen such an illness before, and as a doctor, she really wanted to treat her. He Ziming then said, "If Miss Han wants to treat her, please come with me. That building isn't clean, so we've moved her to another place." Han Le exchanged a glance with He Ziming, understanding that they had made arrangements, and stopped trying to stop her. She took her medicine box and followed Han Xiao.

He Ziming led Han Xiao to a small courtyard at the end of Hanxiaoge Street. He Ziming explained on the way that Hanxiaoge was a brothel, and it was not a place for young women to enter. Therefore, the sick girl was moved to the courtyard at the end of the street.

Han Xiao nodded. He Ziming hadn't mentioned Nie Chengyan at all, but she really wanted to find out about him. However, she was afraid that asking would make her seem like she couldn't let go. She had already decided that they should go their separate ways, so it was best not to get entangled. So she suppressed her feelings and pretended to be nonchalant as she went.

Upon entering the courtyard, she saw Nie Chengyan sitting there, Huo Qiyang standing beside him, and a young woman setting up a worn-out little table, preparing to pour tea. As soon as Han Xiao entered, Nie Chengyan's gaze followed her. Han Xiao hurriedly looked away, then thought, why should she feel guilty? He was the one who had scolded her and driven her away, and he had even done that to her; he was the one in the wrong. Han Xiao rallied herself, glared at him, then straightened her back and calmly asked into the house, "Is the patient inside?"

The girl who had been there earlier ran out of the house and replied, "Yes, yes, my sister is inside." She then called out to the girl who was making tea, "Cui'er, quickly pour tea for our benefactor."

"No need, I don't drink tea. Just stay away from me," Nie Chengyan replied bluntly, leaving the two girls awkwardly frozen in place. Han Xiao, hearing this, turned back and glared at him again. How could this man still be so irritable after so long? After glaring at him, her heart pounded wildly, and then she strode into the house.

Han Le and He Ziming followed them inside. A young woman was lying in the room, looking unwell. When she saw Han Le enter, she scrutinized her for a while before asking, "Are you a doctor?"

Han Xiao had heard this question countless times. As she reached out to check her pulse, she answered, "Yes."

The girl asked again, "What's your name?"

"Han Xiao".

The girl smiled and said, "My name is also Hanxiao, I am Ji Hanxiao." Han Xiao was taken aback, and then heard Ji Hanxiao raise her head to the little girl who had just entered through the door and say, "This is my younger sister, Ji Hanyan."

Han Xiao nodded in agreement. She wasn't in the mood for conversation, so she began to carefully take Han Xiao's pulse. Ji Hanxiao didn't disturb her. After Han Xiao finished taking her pulse, Ji Hanxiao answered her questions about the symptoms in detail, and then asked, "Who is that young master outside to you?"

Han Xiao didn't answer, but took out a pen and paper and quickly wrote it down. Ji Hanxiao then said, "If there were a man who would do this for me, I would be willing to die for him."

Han smiled and said, "This illness is curable; she won't die." She gestured for Han Le and He Ziming to leave, and then asked Ji Hanyan to come over and help Ji Hanxiao undress so she could examine her condition. Ji Hanxiao continued, "I won't be mistaken; you mustn't miss it. He asked me to change the name of Hanxiao Pavilion and moved here so you could treat me. I can tell he doesn't care about my life or death; he just wants you to treat me. A female doctor is truly rare."

Han Xiao gritted her teeth, trying hard not to think about what she said. She concentrated on diagnosing patients, but for the first time in her life, she lost focus while treating someone.

Nie Chengyan sat quietly in the courtyard for a long time. As dusk approached, Han Xiao finally came out. She quickly glanced at him, then walked away with her head down. Nie Chengyan pushed her wheelchair closely behind her, while the others wisely slowed their pace and followed at a distance.

As Han Xiao walked, she sensed something was amiss. Passersby kept glancing strangely behind her and whispering among themselves. Han Xiao suddenly became angry and yelled at them, "What are you looking at? What's so interesting?" She turned around, strode heavily behind Nie Chengyan, pushed his chair aside, glared at the passersby, and then asked gruffly, "Where's your carriage?"

Nie Chengyan replied naturally, "We stopped far enough away." It was as if he and she hadn't been apart for long, as if they had just been talking a moment ago.

His calm and composed demeanor instantly extinguished her arrogance. Speechless, she pushed him along, not even realizing she should ask where he was going. It wasn't until they reached her inn that she came to her senses and said, "I'm here."

Nie Chengyan nodded: "I've arrived too."

Han Xiao didn't know how to respond, so she just said "Oh".

Nie Chengyan then said, "Are you hungry? Let's go eat." Han Xiao was about to refuse when Ye Zhu ran out to report, "The food is ready."

Han Xiao was led to a private room in the backyard, where a table was already set with dishes. Nie Chengyan pushed a chair inside. Han Xiao hesitated for a long time, but finally gritted her teeth and decided to make things clear with him. She turned around and saw Han Le wink at her and point to another private room next door, not expecting him to eat there. Han Xiao nodded, took a deep breath, and walked into the room with a look of grim determination.

While washing her hands, she pondered how to speak. Once seated, she decided her first words should be forceful, so she loudly proclaimed, "I will never go back!" Her voice was so loud it startled even herself.

She composed herself, coughed, and repeated in a normal tone, "I, I will never go back."

Nie Chengyan gave a soft "hmm," took out a piece of paper from his pocket, and handed it to her. Han Xiao didn't know what it meant, but she still took it. When she opened it, she found that it was her contract of indenture. She jumped up as if she had been stabbed: "I, I will earn money to pay it back. I won't go back. I will never go back again."

"This is a birthday gift for you." Nie Chengyan's attitude was calm, the opposite of Han Xiao's panic. He said softly, "You're twenty now, a young lady. I have nothing more to give you, and I don't think you'd care for anything I give you anyway. I'll return this indenture to you. From now on, you are no longer anyone's slave."

Han Xiao was stunned. She thought he had come to threaten her, she thought he had come to teach her a lesson, but he actually said so gently that she was no longer a servant.

"I..." Han Xiao bit her lip, suddenly feeling an indescribable sadness. She had clearly prepared herself to fight back, she had persevered for so long, and she felt that she could do it, so why did she suddenly feel weak and powerless?

"I want to be a good doctor." Han Xiao didn't know what she was talking about, but she had to say something, right?

"Now, the name 'Miss Han' has gained some fame. Many people recognize you as a highly skilled doctor. What you've always dreamed of doing, you can finally do now." Nie Chengyan started eating, picked up a piece of food for Han Xiao, and said, "You're no longer my servant, and you've become a doctor. Aren't you happy?"

Han Xiao's tears fell in a flash, landing on her indenture and blurring Nie Chengyan's name.

Nie Chengyan put down the bowl, took a handkerchief and wiped her tears: "You have everything you wanted, why are you still crying?"

Han Xiao shook her head. She didn't know either. She had everything she wanted, but why didn't she feel happy? The more she thought about it, the sadder she became.

“Xiaoxiao…” Nie Chengyan called to her, “Are you angry with me?” Han Xiao nodded, then shook her head.

"You don't want to be with me anymore, do you?" Han Xiao nodded again.

She waited for a while but didn't hear Nie Chengyan speak, so she turned to look at him. He was frowning, looking fierce. She pouted, tears still clinging to her eyelashes, looking pitiful. Nie Chengyan suddenly poked her forehead: "Look at how listless you are now. I still prefer the Xiaoxiao from before, so energetic, cute, brave, and cheerful. I don't love you like this now."

Han Xiao clutched her forehead, which was throbbing with pain, and shouted, "Then you're being unreasonable. You wronged me, cursed me, and used other women to upset me. I don't love you either."

Nie Chengyan glared at her, then suddenly shoved the chopsticks into her hand: "Eat quickly."

Han Xiao was dumbfounded. Weren't they arguing? How did they end up eating? Did this mean they were done talking? She carefully confirmed again, "I'm serious. I'm not going back. I want to live the life I want."

"Hmm." Nie Chengyan ignored her and started picking at his food. "I've already given you the indenture, so you can live however you want, right?"

Han Xiao stared blankly, then looked at him more closely. She felt he didn't seem to be lying to her, but everything about him felt strange and unsettling. After thinking for a moment, she decided to eat first, just like he had. She had only taken a couple of bites when she heard him say, seemingly casually, "Just live the life you want, go wherever you want, do whatever you want. But if one day you feel that your life can accommodate a man with a bad temper, a terrible personality, a limp, and who is lonely, then tell me."

Han Xiao almost choked on her rice. She swallowed it down with difficulty and exclaimed, "I don't want to. I'm fine with Lele."

Nie Chengyan paused upon hearing this, then forced a smile and replied, "I've thought about it seriously. This temper of mine is hard to change. It's true that I've hurt you. My legs will never be healed in this lifetime anyway, so all I can guarantee is that I will be devoted to you from now on."

Han Xiao bit her lip, that fear of getting hurt resurfacing. She murmured softly, "I've made up my mind, I don't want to change it."

The room was quiet. After a while, Nie Chengyan said, "Me too, I won't change my mind."

"I always think about those sad things."

"It's okay, I'll wait until you can forget about it."

"I... I'm not used to calling him Ayan. We're not a good match."

“You call me master, and I love it too.”

“Well, I’ve sworn a solemn oath. The divine doctor is right; he saw it very clearly.”

"Xiaoxiao." The emotion in his voice made her look up at him. He said, "Xiaoxiao, be brave."

Two people with complicated feelings looked at each other. She knew she couldn't be brave, and he knew things wouldn't be easy. But now that they had each other by their side, it seemed that nothing was so certain.

That night, Han Xiao fell asleep clutching the crumpled indenture. She dreamt of her parents, whom she hadn't seen in a long time. They smiled at her, and her father stroked her head, saying, "Xiao Xiao, be brave."

Feeling lost about the future

Author's Note: Okay, this chapter is complete. They still need to give each other another push. Also, Little Demon King updated an extra chapter, and the "Completed" tag has been added. Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a prosperous Year of the Rabbit, may all your wishes come true, may you have everything you want, and may everything you do go smoothly! Han Xiao stayed in bed for a while the next day before getting up. Although she had many dreams during the night, she unexpectedly felt light and refreshed, as if her long-lost energy had suddenly returned. After washing up, she bowed to the ancestral tablets of her parents on the small cabinet, and then found the crumpled indenture on the bedside table. She flattened it, looked at it again and again, stroked the three characters "Nie Chengyan" blurred by tears, gritted her teeth, lit a fire, and burned the paper.

After she finished getting ready, she went downstairs to find Han Le. He was practicing martial arts with Ye Zhu in the backyard. It seemed that Nie Chengyan and she had talked and hadn't fallen out, so he could openly talk to his brothers.

Han Xiao tried to greet He Ziming and the others in a normal manner, then called over Han Le and asked him to accompany her to see Ji Hanxiao from yesterday. They didn't see Nie Chengyan along the way, so Han Le explained, "Lord Nie went out on business; he said he was going to visit some old acquaintances."

"Oh." Han Xiao nodded, and after deliberately trying to understand it, she finally admitted that she felt a little more at ease.

Seeing that she wasn't nervous or flustered, and didn't seem to have reconciled with Nie Chengyan, Han Le finally couldn't help but ask, "Sister, what are you really thinking?"

"Hmm? I need to think about it some more. Let me think about it some more."

"Huh?" Han Le was a little confused: "Then what were you doing with your brain for the past year or so?"

Han Xiao rolled her eyes at him: "Lele..."

"Okay, okay, I knew I shouldn't have asked." Anyway, asking wouldn't have gotten any results. After examining Ji Hanxiao, the two came out and passed by the Hanxiao Pavilion. They saw that the plaque was gone. Hanxiao stood there for a while, looking at it quietly, and then continued walking steadily forward.

"Lele, for the past year or so, I've been trying to find myself again, to find the me who was fearless and carried you over mountains and valleys."

Han Le chuckled, "Now you can't carry me anymore."