Outside Chunxin Pavilion, a large crowd gathered. Instead of dispersing after the apprenticeship ended, the crowd grew larger and larger, and the sounds of discussion could be heard even through the doors.

"I heard that Xie Lingyi's last disciple is the eldest daughter of the Song family, who is the Crown Princess appointed by the current Emperor. Now she is also Xie Lingyi's last disciple. That's really amazing."

"Isn't there a rumor that neither the Song family nor the Crown Prince likes her?"

"Shh, how dare you discuss the affairs of the imperial family? Whether you like it or not is unimportant; it's already a done deal that I'm Xie Lingyi's last disciple."

Upon seeing Song Tangxue come out, they all changed their tune and came over to talk to her.

Who can guarantee they'll be free from illness and pain their whole life? Song Tangxue is a disciple of Doctor Xie Lingyi, and her future is limitless. If we can't get Doctor Xie Lingyi to come, we can at least get his disciple.

Winning over Song Tangxue is like having a life-saving charm.

Many young ladies were pushed over by their parents because they were similar in age to Song Tangxue, including several who had looked down on them in their previous lives and kicked them when they were down.

“Miss Song, you’re a true star! You’ll be a celebrity in the capital from now on. Don’t forget your old acquaintance, right?” The girl in red, the daughter of Marquis Anbo, smiled and draped her arm around Song Tangxue’s sleeve as she spoke.

In her mind, Song Tangxue superimposed her face on the image of the person who had been high and mighty beside Song Tangli in her previous life, and smiled without warmth: "Of course not, you are also very outstanding, and are the dream lover of many young talents in Kyoto."

The girl in red blushed with a smile, and the others quickly came over to offer their compliments. Song Tangxue responded to each one, as these were all connections she couldn't refuse.

After a round of mutual flattery, Song Tangxue got into the carriage, her smile fading.

Haitang was overjoyed: "Miss! You really became Doctor Xie's last disciple!" She seemed even more excited than Haitang herself.

"Yes, from now on you will be Doctor Xie's apprentice, and you will no longer suffer from illness." Song Tangxue sighed softly, feeling a pang of heartache as she looked at the scars on Haitang's body, and gently touched them with her hand.

The cool fingertips touched her skin, and Haitang shrank back: "It itches."

"That's wonderful! I knew it! Miss is definitely the best!" Joy flowed across Haitang's brows, as if it wouldn't fall. Song Tangxue then realized that good news must be shared with a specific person.

That would be good news, because someone would be happy for you.

The thought that suddenly flashed through my mind became more and more obvious: I wonder if that person would be happy for me if they knew.

On the quiet path, the carriage turned around.

Song Tangxue couldn't resist seeing Xie Qianzhong, and An Shiliu led her to Xie Qianzhong in the huge mansion.

Hearing footsteps, Xie Qianzhong put down his pen.

The moment she saw the person, Song Tangxue felt that it was an absolutely correct decision. Longing was like a winding thread that wrapped around her and carried her, like a weary bird returning to its forest, so attached to this towering mountain forest.

What is a dangerous, thorny jungle to others is a safe haven to her.

"Thank you, Qianzhong! I have answered Doctor Xie's question. I am now Doctor Xie's last disciple!" Song Tangxue said these words spontaneously, without needing to prepare them in advance.

If it were Xie Qianzhong, there would be no need to worry too much; that was Song Tangxue's subconscious feeling.

Xie Qianzhong wiped the ink that had accidentally splashed on his hands and suddenly smiled, like a snow mountain melting and all things coming back to life, the green of the mountains and fields carrying the breath of spring: "As expected of you, you are really amazing."

Song Tangxue leaned over and took the handkerchief from his hand, mischievously wiping her face with her fingers, which brushed against his skin.

Her snow-white skin was covered by blue veins, and her well-defined fingers were slightly spread apart, allowing her to do as she pleased.

With a raised hand, her eyes revealed a galaxy capable of drowning a person, and Song Tangxue fell into that galaxy.

"How amazing is he?" Song Tangxue's voice was slurred and her gaze was not exactly innocent as it lingered on Xie Qianzhong.

Xie Qianzhong stood in front of the desk and thought about it seriously: "You have great perseverance and your own goals. You know what you are doing, so you can definitely do what you want to do."

Song Tangxue knew that Xie Qianzhong could understand her. When their hands touched, Xie Qianzhong grabbed her and pulled her into his arms.

A deep and serene aura enveloped her, like the fresh scent emanating from the mountains and forests, without the heavy, intoxicating fragrance of other scents.

This is Xie Qianzhong's scent, a scent unique to him.

Song Tangxue nestled into Xie Qianzhong's embrace without struggling, her nostrils filled with his reassuring scent.

His restrained hand landed on her soft waist, caressing it up and down, and she heard the man sigh beside her ear.

The scorching heat enveloped her, causing her temperature to rise continuously.

"Ah." A small exclamation broke the atmosphere. Song Tangxue came back to her senses and saw that it was a maid from Xie Qianzhong's mansion standing behind Xie Qianzhong, holding a cup of warm water.

Perhaps she had overheard something happening to her master, for the maid hurriedly lowered her head and left quickly, closing the door behind her.

The room returned to a private space for just the two of them. Song Tangxue's expression softened, her reddened brows relaxed, and she gently nudged Xie Qianzhong.

Xie Qianzhong pulled her close again before letting go of her.

"Oh, right, this is for you." Xie Qianzhong controlled his breathing and took out a land deed from his pocket. He needed to do something to relieve the inexplicable, unbearable heat in his heart.

Song Tangxue took it with some confusion. It was the land deed for Yipinlou, the number one restaurant in the capital.

"What does this mean?" Thinking it might be a clue, Song Tangxue looked at the land deed over and over, but there was nothing unusual about it.

"This is for you." Xie Qianzhong took a step back and poured himself a cup of tea, his Adam's apple bobbing as he casually gave away this restaurant that made a fortune every day and was the dream of others.

The vibrant color on her face faded completely. Song Tangxue looked at the distance between her and Xie Qianzhong; a mere step apart felt like an insurmountable chasm.

A sense of pity arose in my heart, though I wasn't sure if it was for myself or for my unrealistic ideas.

The land deed was placed on the table: "No need for the land deed, just a word of congratulations from you, sir."

The secret joy in her heart lessened a bit. Song Tangxue felt that she was still not steady enough. Even though she had gained Xie Lingyi's appreciation, there were still some worries. She had been a little too... carried away.

Xie Qianzhong was a little puzzled. He put down his teacup. There were only him and her in the room, and no one knew about this. Accepting the teacup wouldn't have any impact.

But Xie Qianzhong wouldn't ask her why. The land deed was blown by the wind coming through the window and silently fell to the ground.

Song Tangxue bent down, picked it up, and handed it back to Xie Qianzhong: "Thank you for your kindness, but I cannot accept it."