“Smooth talker,” Xue Baihua said, releasing her hand and dusting off her dress. “Ah Fu is my medicine person and should naturally stay with me. I let her out for some air that day, but now that she’s back, how can I let her escape again? Are you so heartless, Miss Shi, that you want to see her die from poison?”
Hearing this, Shi Cuiyan slammed the table, causing the wine pot to topple over. “Xue Baihua, you’re despicable! You promised to detoxify Ah Fu! How can you go back on your word?”
“I did detoxify two poisons, but the Frost Flower is a poison routinely taken by my medicine person and wasn’t part of the deal. How can you call me despicable?” Xue Baihua’s once beautiful face suddenly twisted into a sinister smile, like a seductive demon.
“I am poisoned with Gui Po Gu and was ordered to deliver Ah Fu safely to Wu Xun Peak. Only after the task is complete can I get the antidote. Now you insist on keeping her, which means you’re opposing me. Divine Doctor Xue, it’s not good to ruin our relationship over this,” Shi Cuiyan said, calming her emotions.
“I can also detoxify Gu poison. Why not let me try?” Xue Baihua said, retracting her sinister smile.
“I appreciate Divine Doctor Xue’s kindness, but I’m not ready to gamble with my life. Gui Po comes from the Miaojiang lineage, and Gu poison is formidable. How can it be easily resolved?” Shi Cuiyan said, squinting her eyes.
Xue Baihua nodded and called for the Caomu Sisters. Cao Er burst through the door, followed closely by Mu Er. Shi Cuiyan glanced at Cao Er, sensing her hostility, and playfully threw a few flirtatious glances her way, only to see Cao Er frown in horror, her face turning dark.
“Cao Er, go to the Dai family on Huang Xi Mountain to get the cowbell flower. Mu Er, go to the Luo River to find the dust furnace flower,” Xue Baihua instructed. The Caomu Sisters were momentarily stunned, and Cao Er couldn’t help but ask, “If we split up, who will serve Master?”
“I will go with Shi Cuiyan and Ah Fu to Wu Xun Peak. Once you find the herbs, meet me there,” Xue Baihua said decisively.
“Master!!” the Caomu Sisters exclaimed in unison, but Xue Baihua was determined.
“Miss Shi, is that alright with you?” Ignoring the Caomu Sisters’ concerns, Xue Baihua turned to look at Shi Cuiyan.
Tapping her fingers on the table, Shi Cuiyan smiled and pulled Xue Baihua onto her lap, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. Cao Er, furious, was about to step forward to teach this frivolous person a lesson, but Mu Er quickly held her back, keeping a close eye on Shi Cuiyan.
“With a beauty like Divine Doctor Xue accompanying me, how could it not be?” Shi Cuiyan teased, locking eyes with Xue Baihua.
“Miss Shi,” Xue Baihua said, prying open the arm and standing gracefully. She ran her fingers over Shi Cuiyan’s cheek, suddenly spreading her fingers as if to grip her neck, but Shi Cuiyan countered, stopping her. Seeing this, Xue Baihua smiled seductively and said, “If you don’t change your habit of hugging and teasing, I won’t hold back.”
“Oh?” Shi Cuiyan laughed, pulling them closer and said, “What kind of teasing, Flower?”
“Shi Cuiyan, don’t go too far!!” Cao Er shouted angrily before Xue Baihua could respond.
Shi Cuiyan found Cao Er’s reaction amusing and intriguing. She smiled mischievously, and Xue Baihua saw it all. Pushing Shi Cuiyan away, she stepped back a few paces, glaring at her. Mu Er stepped forward to protect Xue Baihua, wary of Shi Cuiyan’s disrespectful behavior.
“I’m tired. Cao Er, watch Miss Shi and don’t let her run around,” Xue Baihua said, turning to leave, leaving behind a shocked Cao Er and an indifferent Shi Cuiyan. How could she possibly keep an eye on Emerald Exquisite? Cao Er was on high alert, but fortunately, Shi Cuiyan didn’t intend to make a move on her. She shrugged and went to sleep.
Meanwhile, Xue Baihua sent Mu Er to rest and returned to Xi Fuhong’s room. Seeing her sleeping soundly on the bed, Xue Baihua sighed. She removed her outer clothing and climbed onto the bed, lying against Xi Fuhong’s chest, her fingers tracing her smooth collarbone with a smile.
“Ah Fu…” she whispered softly, closing her eyes to listen to her steady breathing. Despite her fatigue, she wanted to stay with her a little longer. She entwined her fingers with Xi Fuhong’s, gazing contentedly at her peaceful profile.
Ah Fu always called Shi Cuiyan “Sister Cui,” but she always addressed her as “Divine Doctor” with utmost respect…
Feeling a pang in her chest, Xue Baihua was inexplicably displeased. She recalled Shi Cuiyan’s teasing call of “Flower” and raised an eyebrow.
“Ah Fu… would you call me Hua’er?” she asked.
Xi Fuhong’s eyelashes fluttered, her body moved slightly, then settled. Xue Baihua watched her with a smile, persistently whispering in her ear until Xi Fuhong’s lips moved, softly calling her “Hua’er.” Only then did Xue Baihua smile and sit up. She nodded in satisfaction, unexpectedly finding the name “Hua’er” sweet when Xi Fuhong said it, even though it had sounded so grating when Shi Cuiyan said it.
“Good girl… from now on, call me Hua’er, and I’ll take care of you,” she said, closing her eyes and curling up beside Xi Fuhong, enjoying the most restful night of sleep in three days.
