"Shopkeeper, this child may have been kicked in the stomach before, and all his organs have suffered internal injuries. He may not survive."

The physician shook his head helplessly and withdrew his hand from Xiao Jiu's wrist.

"Doctor Wu, can you think of any other way? This child is so pitiful. He has never had a good day. No matter how expensive the medicine is, I can afford it. Please save him..."

I grabbed Doctor Wu's sleeve, speaking incoherently, but he advised me to accept the reality.

Why?

Am I destined to be alone in this life, with everyone close to me leaving?

I fell into deep self-loathing and prepared to carry Xiao Jiu and search for another medical clinic.

Although I knew deep down that Doctor Wu was the best doctor in this capital city.

"A Yue, what happened? Why are you crying? Whose child is this?"

A pair of warm hands lifted me up and took the child from my back.

It was Fu Xianze.

Perhaps he had just returned from a long journey. He looked dusty, bloodshot eyes, and his chin was unshaven.

"Fu Xianze, I beg you, please save him."

I held his wrist, treating him as my last lifeline.

"Hmm, don't cry. I will definitely save him."

He comforted me softly and lifted me and Xiao Jiu onto a tall horse.

"You sit in front and protect the child. I know there is a formidable military doctor in the army. We'll ride to find him."

I nodded vigorously and galloped into the night with Fu Xianze.

Indeed, that military doctor was extraordinary. He administered a stick of incense worth of acupuncture and fed Xiao Jiu a black pill. Finally, his breathing gradually stabilized.

"His life is saved, but he needs to rest in bed for two months. Acupuncture should be administered every three days, and the medicine should be taken on time."

That's great, truly great.

Upon hearing this good news, my heart finally found solace.

A deep sense of exhaustion washed over me, my legs went weak, but I fell into a sturdy embrace.

"It's alright, A Yue. Don't worry."

Fu Xianze patted my back gently and handed me a bowl of warm ginseng soup.

We haven't been this close in many years.

As if we could fill those irretrievable moments.

After calming down, I looked at Fu Xianze's busy figure, lost in thought, and asked out of the blue:

"What did you mean by that statement when you were drunk that day?"

He paused, turned around, and looked at me with intense eyes.

"What do you think it meant?"

The answer was obvious at that moment.

I turned my head, covering my pounding heart, but I didn't pursue this dangerous topic any further.

Because now, I have long lost the courage to love again.