"Hmph, it seems our princess is in a good mood today, even preparing such a lavish dinner." The fake ghost doctor's voice, tinged with mockery, came from outside the door, as if deliberately trying to disturb the tranquility.
Xu Yuehuai and Yunshang quickly exchanged a glance, a glance that contained both dissatisfaction with the sudden interruption and deep wariness of the fake ghost doctor's true intentions.
The door opened slightly, and the fake ghost doctor strolled in leisurely, his face bearing his usual unruly smile. His gaze shifted between the two people before finally settling on Xu Yuehuai.
"The food smells delicious! Princess Xu, you have such excellent cooking skills. How could you not save a portion for me when the food is so delicious?"
After saying that, he unceremoniously pulled over a chair and sat down next to Xu Yuehuai, picking up his chopsticks and preparing to attack the dishes on the plate.
Xu Yuehuai frowned slightly, but could only shake her head helplessly and signal the servants to add another set of bowls and chopsticks.
Seeing this, the fake doctor smiled even more broadly, as if he had everything under control.
"Your skills are still as good as ever."
"They are much better than those imperial chefs."
"No wonder you were able to dominate four countries with your culinary skills."
He ate and praised, his words revealing a touch of unruliness and casualness, while Xu Yuehuai and Yunshang appeared particularly reserved, especially Yunshang, who cautiously observed her surroundings as she ate, fearing any further changes.
After finishing his meal, the fake ghost doctor wiped his mouth, suddenly stood up, and said to Xu Yuehuai, "Let's go for a walk outside."
The tone left no room for argument, and although Xu Yuehuai was unwilling, she had no choice but to follow.
Under the moonlight, the two figures walked slowly along the winding path, one after the other, and finally stopped beside a secluded hot spring.
The steam from the hot spring blurred the view. The fake ghost doctor took off his outer clothes first and stepped into the pool, his calm demeanor making it seem as if this was his private territory.
He turned to look at Xu Yuehuai on the shore and ordered, "Come here and give me a massage."
"This isn't a good idea," Xu Yuehuai said hesitantly, "After all, we are..."
Before he could finish speaking, the fake ghost doctor interrupted him: "What's wrong with that? Didn't you do these things for me before? Besides, who in the entire mansion knows your secrets better than me?"
Xu Yuehuai's expression changed slightly. "At that time, you didn't know I was a woman. Moreover, the relationship between us was already delicate. If this matter were to spread, it would be extremely damaging to my husband's and your reputation."
She tried to persuade the fake doctor with reason, but her heart was filled with helplessness and indignation.
The fake ghost doctor chuckled, seemingly unconcerned by her warning: "Reputation? That's nothing but fleeting smoke to me. As for your husband, I suspect he's probably in grave danger by now, barely able to keep himself safe, so how could he care about such trivial matters between us?"
His tone was somewhat sarcastic. Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai was furious. Just as she was about to retort, the fake ghost doctor suddenly reached out and pulled her into the hot spring.
The icy spring water instantly enveloped her, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
The fake doctor ignored her and forced her to sit down next to him, ordering, "Don't just stand there, give me a massage."
In the steamy hot spring, Xu Yuehuai's hands moved mechanically, massaging him, but her mind was wandering to other things.
The moonlight, like fine silk threads, sprinkled on the water's surface, creating shimmering waves that blurred the two figures together.
"Who exactly are you?" Xu Yuehuai suddenly asked.
"Who I am is not important. What's important is that I can help you." The fake ghost doctor opened his eyes, his expression softening slightly, a stark contrast to his previous coldness.
Xu Yuehuai sneered, unconsciously increasing the pressure in her hand: "Help me? You're using this method to imprison me and threaten me!"
Her anger was like a volcano about to erupt, but reason told her that she couldn't afford to fall out with him yet.
The fake doctor frowned slightly, seemingly sensing her resistance. He sighed softly, "You and I both know that there is a larger force manipulating things behind the scenes. I am also powerless to do as I please."
His words revealed a hint of helplessness, which made Xu Yuehuai pause for a moment.
Just then, he suddenly coughed violently, and blood slid down the corner of his mouth, staining the hot spring water red.
This scene caught Xu Yuehuai off guard. She immediately stopped what she was doing and asked, "What's wrong with you?"
The fake ghost doctor barely managed to steady himself, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Yue Huai, time is running out. I am Huo Wu. That fake ghost doctor used a secret technique to possess my body, and I can only temporarily regain my senses for a moment."
"Huo Wu?" Xu Yuehuai's eyes instantly welled up with tears. She couldn't believe her ears, but the familiar feeling was so real. "You...you're still alive?"
"I suppose so, but only temporarily," Huo Wucong pulled a small bottle and a token from his pocket. "This is the antidote. You and Yunshang will regain your freedom after taking it. The token can open the secret passage of the mansion. You two should leave quickly, as far as possible."
Xu Yuehuai took the antidote and token with trembling hands, tears welling up in her eyes: "What about you? How could I leave you in such a dangerous place?"
Huo Wu smiled bitterly: "Don't be silly, I'm already at my limit. He will soon completely take over my body, and then even I won't be able to control myself. Moreover, this body no longer belongs to me, you can't kill him, you'll only put yourself in endless danger. He's a vengeful person, he definitely won't let you go then."
"No, you mustn't give up on yourself like this." Xu Yuehuai was on the verge of a breakdown. She gripped Huo Wu's hand tightly, as if that would keep him by her side.
Huo Wu squeezed her hand tightly, his eyes filled with tenderness and reluctance: "Yue Huai, live on, for me and for yourself. Find the truth, drive out the aliens, and avenge me!"
As Huo Wu's deep and resolute words dissipated in the steam of the hot spring, his eyes gradually lost focus, and he seemed to be dragged into an abyss by an invisible force. Only the gently swaying water told the story of the thrilling experience.
Xu Yuehuai watched this scene with mixed feelings. She tightly gripped the heavy token and antidote in her hand, a resolute look flashing in her eyes.
She slowly stood up and said softly but resolutely to the air, "I will come back to find you, Huo Wu."
As she turned around, Xu Yuehuai's clothes were damp from the hot spring, clinging to her skin and bringing a slight chill, but she had no time to care, only thinking about leaving this place as soon as possible and finding Yunshang.
After passing through the winding corridors, she finally met Yunshang, who had been anxiously waiting.
"Why are you all soaked?" Yunshang quickly stepped forward.
"There's no time to think anymore, come with me quickly." Xu Yuehuai quickly put on his outer robe. Although the movement was hasty, it could not hide the determination in his heart.
Although Yunshang was full of doubts, she immediately followed Xu Yuehuai's steps.
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