The moment they arrived back at Xing Manor, Xuan Zhi had already ordered the servants to prepare a clean room for the injured boy and the old man.

  A doctor was called immediately. The old man, however, did not make it through the night. His breathing became shallower, his fingers twitching in the bnkets, and by dawn, he was gone.

  Xuan Mei stood outside the room, her small hands clenched into fists.

  Inside, Xuan Zhi sat beside the unconscious boy. His fever was raging, and his breathing was unstable.

  The doctor, an elderly man with sharp eyes, wiped his hands with a cloth before shaking his head.

  "The boy’s condition is dire. He has lost too much blood, and his body is weak. Even if he survives, he may never fully recover."

  Xuan Zhi leaned back in his chair. "Is there a way to maintain his health?"

  The doctor hesitated. "It’s difficult, but if you keep feeding him medicinal soup, it may buy him time. However, I cannot guarantee his survival."

  Xuan Zhi exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Then do what you can to keep him alive for now."

  --

  Later that day, Xuan Mei appeared in his study.

  She fidgeted, clearly nervous, before taking a deep breath.

  "Brother…" she began, "can I take care of the boy?"

  Xuan Zhi, who had been flipping through some documents, froze mid-page turn.

  He gave her a ft look.

  "No."

  Xuan Mei pursed her lips. "Why not?"

  "Because," he said, "you are not a doctor. You are not a caretaker. And you do not have the time to look after some unconscious boy."

  "But I feel bad for him!" she insisted. "He has no one! At least let me stay by his side!"

  Xuan Zhi sighed. "Mei’er, he’s not a stray cat."

  Xuan Mei pouted. "He’s not a cat, but he’s suffering alone, and I want to help."

  "No."

  "Brother, please?"

  "No."

  "Brother—!"

  "Mei’er, I swear—"

  "If I don’t do anything, I’ll feel awful!"

  Xuan Zhi groaned, rubbing his forehead. He already had enough things to worry about.

  But Xuan Mei kept staring at him with those big, hopeful eyes.

  His only weakness.

  After a long pause, he exhaled and reluctantly agreed.

  "Fine," he muttered. "But only five hours a day."

  Xuan Mei beamed. "Thank you, Brother!"

  Xuan Zhi crossed his arms. "If I find out you’re neglecting your own health, I’ll throw you out of that room myself."

  Xuan Mei nodded eagerly.

  --

  Later that evening, Xuan Zhi sat in his study, deep in thought.

  If this boy dies, Mei’er will be heartbroken.

  And if she became attached, then there was only one way this could go.

  She’d grow up, take care of him, and then one day—

  She’d fall in love.

  Xuan Zhi gritted his teeth.

  "No," he muttered to himself. "I refuse to let my sister have a tragic, coma-ridden boy as her first crush."

  Determined, he decided to go buy the best herbs avaible.

  --

  The rgest medicine hall in the city, Yu Tang Apothecary, was famous for its high-quality herbs and renowned doctors.

  Xuan Zhi entered, dressed in simple robes to avoid attention.

  The apothecary smelled of dried roots and crushed leaves. Shelves lined the walls, filled with neatly packed herbs and rare medicines.

  As he approached the counter, his attention was drawn to a conversation between the head doctor and a tall man sitting across from him.

  The man had a domineering presence.

  He was tall, broad-shouldered, and exuded a cold aura that made others instinctively wary. His face was sharp and defined, with piercing dark eyes that held an unshakable authority.

  Xuan Zhi had met many powerful figures in his past life, and this man was dangerous.

  The head doctor let out a heavy sigh.

  "Sir, I have already told you. There is no cure for this disease. Even if you brought me the rarest herbs, it wouldn’t change anything."

  The man rolled down his sleeves and stood. "I understand."

  His voice was low and commanding.

  He turned to leave just as Xuan Zhi stepped forward to buy his herbs.

  For a brief moment, their gazes met.

  The man’s dark eyes swept over him, lingering for a second before he turned away and exited the apothecary.

  Xuan Zhi watched as the man stepped into an elegant, bck carriage.

  A high-ranking noble? A military general?

  Shaking the thought aside, Xuan Zhi paid for his herbs and returned to his carriage.

  Whatever that man’s problem was, it had nothing to do with him.

  His own problems have no solution at the moment.