One Life, One Incarnation, Beautiful Bones

44

Chapter 14.1 – After Magnificence Has Become But Emptiness

“Alright.” Zhousheng Chen nodded. His body was somewhat stiff from standing the entire night. “I will return very shortly.”

Xiao Ren’s eyes were evasive. He had clearly perceived that.

What possibly could cause him to have something to say, yet not dare say it? All the while as he proceeded downstairs, he mulled over Xiao Ren’s bizarre behavior. There were two girls sweeping and cleaning the room on the main level. From the pocket of his trousers, he pulled out a blue, checkered handkerchief and gently pressed it over his mouth and nose, avoiding the dust that might be churned up.

Something he was avoiding mention of… Before Mother, he needed to avoid mentioning it…

His steps halted briefly. He thought of Shi Yi.

The instant his thoughts turned to her, he was already quickening his pace, and, with long strides, he hurried out of the courtyard along the bluestone path.

Because of Wenxing’s illness, this entire courtyard wing was in absolute isolation. Anyone who wanted to come in was required to have been sent for by Zhousheng Chen’s mother before that person was allowed to enter. He had forgotten this. In his worry for Wenxing, he had forgotten about this complication.

Sure enough, when he stepped out of the courtyard wing, he saw Uncle Lin’s trusted aide standing not far away, looking at him with an extremely anxious expression that was lost of hope.

As he walked over in that direction, the people standing guard were forced to make an opening for him to pass through.

“What has happened to Shi Yi?” Zhousheng Chen gripped that person’s arm, his fingers squeezing tightly.

“Emergency medical procedures are being carried out on Miss Shi.”

“Emergency medical procedures?”

The man immediately explained, “Last night, in the middle of the night…”

Zhousheng Chen did not bother letting him say any more. Shoving him aside, he swiftly strode away. In this manor, there were a total of 68 courtyard wings and 1118 rooms. There were many people and the types of people were varied as well. He was always cool, always collected, always a bystander. He had always been able to remove himself from all those interpersonal relationships. No relationships were safe from being broken for the sake of personal gain and self-interest.

Deeds done with an agenda. Things done for personal gain. Human nature.

These were all things he was confident he could handle.

Only Shi Yi – just Shi Yi alone – was he unable to see through, unable to decipher.

He was unable to remain collected, unable to keep only the role of a bystander.

He wanted to think. What could have went wrong? The game was already nearing its end, yet he still was unable to ensure her safety. But he was completely unable to think. And the fear. A feeling of fear he had never before tasted was winding tightly around him, binding his hands and feet.

He walked up the stairs, but when he merely heard the discussions of the medical emergency team, he did not dare proceed.

He did not dare take even a single step.

He believed in the natural sciences and did not fear death.

But he feared her death.

Immense fear mercilessly ate away into his nerves, his blood.