A Broken Heart Still Beats.

Chapter XXXVI

"This one believes Shidi is just fine, he can return to Ling Shou whenever he likes." Mu Qingfang stated as he pulled his fingers away from Shen Yuan's wrist, his meridians having evened out along with his qi.

Shen Yuan sighed in relief when Mu Qingfang gave him the all-clear, quickly standing from the bed and grabbing Hui Qu from where he'd left it near the door, tying it to his belt as he nodded gratefully. "This one thanks Mu-shixiong, he will be leaving now." His tail slapped the floor, excited to finally have his freedom.

Finally! Sweet freedom! Get me the fuck out of here!

"Hang on a moment, Shidi."

The door seemed to shrink away from him; as if he was being pulled away from it. Damn it! No! I was so close!

Mu Qingfang grabbed his shoulder and led him back to sit on the bed, all the while Shen Yuan scowled and scrunched his nose, his ears flat against his head, what bullshit. Bai Daiyu chuckled at his side, patting his back as Mu Qingfang sifted through a few things before grabbing a small jug, popping off the lid, and handing it to Shen Yuan.

"Shidi just needs to drink this before he leaves, and then this one will explain to him how he should go about preparing for his cycle's regulation."

Shen Yuan took the jug warily, cringing when his sleeve bunched uncomfortably near his elbow. He seriously should have asked his Jiejie to call Ci Liang to bring him a new uniform. This was way too tight. Sniffing the jug, Shen Yuan immediately reeled back and hissed softly.

Oh hell no! Not again!

"What—." Having the jug shoved back in his arms was the last thing he expected, but it didn't stop Mu Qingfang from shouting at his daring—but not so little anymore—Shidi: who walked away from him a moment after, slipping into his boots before opening the door and walking out. "Shen-Shidi! Get back here!"

Shen Yuan exited the private wing swiftly, walking in heavy strides as he tugged on his lapels and sleeves, they were too tight. He could feel the hem of his robes swaying against his shins! They were meant to be near his ankles!

By the time Mu Qingfang caught up with him, Shen Yuan had already made it outside, relieved and thankful to finally breathe fresh air after the week he had. "Shen-shidi! Your treatment isn't over!"

"Mu-shixiong said I could leave for Ling Shou whenever I pleased!" He would do just that! He was sick of this! He didn't like to be a bother to his Mu-shixiong, but damn it, he couldn't handle another moment inside!

"I didn't mean right now!"

Shen Yuan hummed as though listening, whistling softly to draw Hui Qu so he could fly back to Ling Shou before his Mu-shixiong utilized those acupuncture needles he knew the man always carried around. However, just as Hui Qu slipped from its sheath to hover, the voice that called out to him made him halt in his trot.

"A-Yuan, sheath your sword." Damn it! A-die, worst timing! Chuckling at Shen Yuan's immediate pout, Yue Qingyuan put a bit more effort into his steps to meet his son before he could take off. Grabbing Hui Qu himself, he said placidly, "A-die wishes to hear from Mu-shidi as well as A-Yuan at the same time. Why don't we go inside?"

Mu Qingfang slowed to a stop next to Shen Yuan sighing in relief with a grin. "Excellent timing, Shixiong." He patted Shen Yuan on the back; as if pitying him for his escape attempt.

No! No, terrible fucking timing! A-die, who's side are you on!? How could you betray your own son!?

Shen Yuan grumbled when Yue Qingyuan sheathed Hui Qu for him, gently rubbing his cheek with his wrist while Shen Yuan only continued to scowl. He didn't feel like being friendly right now, thank you very much! However, his expression shifted drastically when he finally heard an ally.