In the northern military camp, the cold wind howled. An'an's medical skills became increasingly refined, and the title of "Little Divine Doctor An" spread even more widely throughout the army. She remained aloof and taciturn, rarely engaging in deep relationships with anyone except for necessary medical treatments, especially avoiding the young master Lu as if it were the last thing on her mind.

However, Lu Xiao's "illness" seems to have worsened.

"Dr. An! The young master says... he feels tightness in his chest and can't breathe properly. Could you please come and take a look?" Lu Xiao's personal guard captain appeared outside An An's tent once again, his expression showing a mix of embarrassment and helplessness. This was the third time this month.

Inside the tent, An'an was grinding medicinal powder. Upon hearing this, she paused, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly. A tightness in her chest? Last time it was a headache, the time before that it was soreness from an old injury… This young master, he certainly has many tricks up his sleeve! She sneered inwardly, but her face remained impassive. She put down the pestle, her voice calm and even: “Understood. Wait a moment, I'll prepare this medicine and then go.”

The captain of the personal guards retreated as if granted a pardon. An'an stared at the powder in the medicine mortar, her expression complex. She knew Lu Xiao was doing it on purpose. That probing gaze, carrying a certain heat she couldn't understand, was always palpable, even when she tried to avoid it. What was he trying to do? Had that chest-binding belt not made him give up? Or… had he discovered something?

An An took a deep breath, packed her medicine box, and steeled herself as she walked toward Lu Xiao's tent.

Inside the tent, Lu Xiao leaned against the couch, his face... well, it did look a bit unnaturally tense? When he saw An Ping enter, his eyes flickered, then he coughed twice, feigning composure: "Thank you for making the trip, Doctor An."

An'an walked over expressionlessly: "Is the young master feeling unwell?" Her voice was as flat as if she were reciting a text.

"It's just... a tightness in my chest, like a stone is pressing on it, and sometimes it beats really fast..." Lu Xiao described it earnestly, his gaze fixed on An Ping's lowered eyelashes and slightly rough profile. He didn't know what was wrong with him. He knew the other person was a "man," he knew this behavior was childish and shameless, but only with this lame excuse could he openly call him over, could he take a few more glances, could he... feel that lingering, unsettling aura emanating from the other person.

An'an washed her hands, put on gloves, and said in a businesslike manner, "Please, Your Highness, loosen your shirt so I can listen to your pulse and check you out."

Lu Xiao froze, his ears instantly turning bright red. Unbutton…unbutton his shirt? Even though they were both men…but…his Adam's apple bobbed, and he was at a loss for words: “No…is that really necessary? Just…just taking his pulse is enough?”

An'an raised her eyes, her clear gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny and a touch of mockery: "Young Master, you feel tightness in your chest. I need to listen to your heartbeat and feel your pulse to make a proper diagnosis. If you refuse to seek medical help..." She made a move to pack her medicine box.

"Wait!" Lu Xiao said anxiously, "I'll unbutton it!" He gritted his teeth and clumsily unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his young and muscular chest, but his skin was flushed with a thin layer of red due to nervousness and shyness.

An An remained expressionless, took out a stethoscope (a simplified version, similar to a stethoscope), and placed the cold disc against Lu Xiao's chest. Lu Xiao's body instantly tensed up like iron, and his heart began to pound wildly like a drum, frighteningly fast.

Listening to the rapid, frantic heartbeat and feeling the stiffness in her muscles, An'an understood. She put away her instruments, her tone still calm and even: "Your Highness's pulse is wiry and rapid, and his heartbeat is too fast, but there is no organic disease. In my opinion, Your Highness is probably suffering from excessive worry and restlessness. He is busy in the camp, so he should relax, think less, and he will be fine." As she spoke, she packed her things, not even bothering to write a prescription. "I take my leave."

"Wait!" Lu Xiao hurriedly tied his belt, looking at An Ping's indifferent expression that said, "Just as I expected, I can't be bothered with you." A sense of frustration and grievance welled up in his heart, and he blurted out, "An Ping! You...do you hate me that much?"

An'an stopped at the doorway without turning around. Her voice came through the tent flap, carrying a hint of weariness and detachment: "Your Highness is overthinking it. I am merely a military doctor, my duty is to treat the sick and save lives. If Your Highness has nothing else to say, please refrain from making such jokes and delaying those who truly need treatment." With that, she lifted the curtain and left without a trace of regret.

Lu Xiao's hand, which was tying his belt, froze in mid-air. Looking at the swaying curtain and listening to his still-pounding heart, he felt a wave of immense powerlessness and self-loathing wash over him. He slumped back onto the couch, covering his eyes with his arm, and muttered a curse under his breath: "Lu Xiao... you really... are seriously ill!"