Clocking Xia Zhuoyi’s serious expression, Ling Chuxi nodded. “Ask away. What’s the matter?”
“Are you a pill master?” Xia Zhuoyi recalled that when Ling Chuxi saved him, she had identified the poison the fifth princess had used on him and had accurately procured an antidote. Additionally, Ling Yichen’s earlier words indicated that Ling Chuxi seemed to have an understanding of medicinal skills and properties. If that was indeed so, then was there any chance of his own mother’s eyes being cured?
“Well, not really. I have yet to undergo any verification,” replied Ling Chuxi honestly. She was indeed telling the truth as in this realm, pill masters were required to undergo an examination to be recognized as pill masters by the Pill Masters’ Guild. Of course, those with explosive abilities didn’t have to go through such tedious procedures. On the contrary, the Pill Masters’ Guild would fawn over them.
“Oh,” remarked Xia Zhuoyi a little disappointedly. ‘Could it be that there was really no hope in curing mother’s eyes?’
“Having said that, I do have knowledge of medicinal properties and poisons. If you are having any difficulties, let me know. Perhaps I will be able to help you,” said Ling Chuxi humbly as she rubbed her chin. In fact, she knew more than just a little. In the field of medicinal skills, properties and poisons, she was a natural king. She had reached the peak of her abilities in this field!
“Really?” asked Xia Zhuoyi as he looked at Ling Chuxi excitedly. “Well, my mother’s eyes have been worsening for some time and now she is almost blind. I…” Hope surged in Xia Zhuoyi’s heart. He didn’t wish for his mother to live in endless darkness for the rest of her life moving forward. That would be torturous. His mother had already suffered enough during her lifetime up until now. He hoped for her to have a happier life in her remaining days.
“Just bring me to have a look at her. Perhaps I will be able to find a way,” said Ling Chuxi as she pondered on the subject.
“Yes, all right. Let’s go and take a look. We can discuss dining matters later on,” said the fifth princess with a nod.
Xia Zhuoyi’s heart swelled with gratitude. After hearing the fifth princess say this, he began to see her in a different light. Actually, the fifth princess didn’t seem to be so unpleasant after all.
“Miss Ling Chuxi, if you are able to cure my mother, I, Xia Zhuoyi will follow you and wait on you hand and foot in the future,” announced Xia Zhuoyi in a serious and determined manner. He would owe Ling Chuxi too much should that be the case. If she was able to cure his mother’s eyes, he wouldn’t know how to repay such a deep favor and therefore could only offer up such a serious oath.
Ling Chuxi gave a small chuckle. “There’s no need for that,” she said with a small wave of her hand. “There’s no need for such things between friends. Let’s go and see your mother.”
Xia Zhuoyi was taken aback. “Between friends…”
Upon seeing Xia Zhuoyi’s lost expression and hearing him repeat Ling Chuxi’s words so cluelessly, the fifth princess flew into a rage. “What is this? My master treats you as a friend, but you have never seen my master as one?! You are indeed a hateful person! Not even in the least bit cute! Why don’t you just go to hell?!” yelled the fifth princess at Xia Zhuoyi as she stretched out her leg to ruthlessly stomp on his foot.
“Ouch!” The fifth princess’ stomp was so painful that Xia Zhuoyi leapt up and clutched his stomped-on foot so he looked as though he was striking a crane pose.
“I didn’t mean it that way. Ow…” Xia Zhuoyi clung on to his foot as he grinned through his pain. “I… I’m very happy that I have a friend.”
“Now that’s more like it,” snorted the fifth princess. “You only have yourself to blame for having such a weak ability to express yourself. Now, go and buy some chestnut cake for my master! Didn’t you say you’d wait on her hand and foot?”
Without a word, Xia Zhuoyi lowered his leg and limped over to buy some chestnut cake obediently. Once he was out of Ling Chuxi’s and the fifth princess’ sights, a heartfelt smile surfaced on Xia Zhuoyi’s face. His heart felt very warm at this present moment.
A friend…
From this moment on, he too had a friend.
