Xie Lanshen's gaze fell on her, his eyes extremely deep.

"I'd like to speak with you privately for a few minutes. Please, both of you, go back first."

Before Shen Zhihuan could speak, Old Master Wang and Old Master Tian interrupted her.

"Alright, alright, you two can talk slowly. We'll be going now. There's no rush at the hospital. Lan Shen, you can take Zhi Huan back after we're done here."

After exchanging a teasing glance, the two masters disappeared in a flash.

Shen Zhihuan was both amused and exasperated, so she simply turned around and sat back down in her chair.

"You specifically asked me to stay behind because of what I just reported. Is there anything you don't understand?"

She carefully recalled what she had said and said softly:

"If the military needs more detailed information from me, just let me know, and I will do my best to cooperate."

Xie Lanshen shook his head: "You've made it very clear. I already know everything I need to know."

He walked to her side and leaned down to gently support himself on the armrest of the chair she was sitting on.

Despite the imposing gesture, Shen Zhihuan felt neither awkward nor nervous. She looked up and stared directly into Xie Lanshen's eyes.

What one could feel from those usually cold and serious eyes was a warmth.

"Xie Lanshen..."

"I am here."

As Xie Lanshen responded, he bent down and gently hugged her.

A broad, warm hand pressed against her back, as if conveying boundless strength.

“When you mentioned the person you found at the hospital, I immediately noticed something was wrong. Your face was so pale, you looked like you were feeling very unwell.”

"Zhihuan, are you alright? Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Shen Zhihuan's eyelashes trembled slightly, and it took her a long while to speak:

"I'm really not doing well."