The world’s most powerful sorcerer was lying in bed, receiving an IV while a doctor scolded him. “You can’t keep neglecting your health just because you’re young. Malnutrition and hypoglycemia to the point of fainting—how long have you been skipping meals?”
Duan Zhen held Li Xi’s other hand, worried he might lose patience, but the young man just lay there with his eyes closed, seemingly ignoring the outside world. When the doctor left, Li Xi finally opened his eyes, looking helplessly at Duan Zhen. “I told you I don’t need this.”
“You need to replenish your body quickly, don’t overlook your nutrition,” Duan Zhen said softly. “The doctor said this could seriously damage your health.”
Li Xi sighed and curled his fingers in Duan Zhen’s palm. “Fine, have it your way.”
He closed his eyes and murmured, “I’ll take a nap.”
The last syllable still lingered in the air when the young man fell into a deep sleep. His skin was as pale as paper, almost translucent under the cold, white hospital lights, as if he might disappear at any moment.
Duan Zhen held his hand, warming the cold fingers until they finally felt warm. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.
He had never seen Li Xi so weak, not even when he pretended to be captured by the octopus. At that time, he had lay in bed, still full of life.
They were in a private room, just the two of them. Duan Zhen gazed at Li Xi, from his long lashes to his slightly pale lips, never getting enough.
But the hospital was too noisy, even without loud voices. For someone with keen hearing like him, the doctor’s questions, children’s soft cries, and the clicking of heels on the floor were all too loud.
Seeing Li Xi frown slightly in his sleep, Duan Zhen carefully covered his ears.
In the dry, warm palm, Li Xi’s frown relaxed. He sniffed, as if recognizing a familiar scent, and rested his hand on Duan Zhen’s wrist, burying half his face in his palm.
Duan Zhen’s eyes softened with a smile.
But then he frowned sharply, looking outside.
Some unwelcome guests had arrived, and he couldn’t avoid them.
After a moment’s thought, he retracted his hand and walked out. Considering Shen Su’s recent appearance, he had a good idea of what these people wanted to say, and there was no need for Li Xi to hear it.
He timed it just right, walking out of the room to meet a group of men in black suits.
At the front was a middle-aged man with a square face. He wasn’t surprised to see Duan Zhen at the door and smiled slightly.
“No need for unnecessary words,” Duan Zhen said directly. “I won’t let you see Li Xi.”
The middle-aged man’s expression twitched, swallowing his words. “This is a matter of national importance!”
“I’ve said it before, Li Xi won’t harm our country,” Duan Zhen remained unmoved. “And you know whether you’re acting for the nation or for other purposes.”
“Everyone knows a demon lord has come,” the middle-aged man lowered his voice. “Even if you can guarantee he won’t harm anyone, how can the public believe it? He must make a gesture.”
“Time will prove everything,” Duan Zhen said. “Li Xi won’t help you with anything.”
His attitude was firm and unyielding. The middle-aged man, knowing how difficult he was to persuade, left in frustration.
Before leaving, he tried to peek into the room, but Duan Zhen subtly blocked his view.
Duan Zhen’s mood was soured by their visit. He took a few deep breaths outside to suppress his irritation. When he reentered the room, he found Li Xi awake, leaning against the headboard and flipping through a magazine.
Seeing him, Li Xi looked up and smiled. “Finished talking?”
Duan Zhen quickly checked the IV bag, which was nearly empty, then he looked at the needle in Li Xi’s hand, still in place. He relaxed and explained, “Those were the radicals. They think all superhumans should be rounded up and controlled by the state.”
Sitting in the chair by the bed, he frowned. “I suspect their goal isn’t just control; they might want to use you against other countries.”
He paused, then chuckled. “There’s nothing more to say. Someone will always oppose them. Even among the moderates, some want you to help catch rogue superhumans.”
Li Xi pondered, “Rounding up all superhumans… that’s just a temporary fix.”
“What do you mean?” Duan Zhen asked, puzzled.
“Haven’t you noticed?” Li Xi smiled. “The energy in your world is becoming more active. The game we created has dissipated into this world, resonating with the original energy. Over time, everyone might have the potential to develop abilities.”
In the language of this world, it could be called a spiritual revival.
“I need to report this,” Duan Zhen said, his gaze softening as it fell on Li Xi. “Don’t worry about what others say.”
“I’m not worried, but they’re right,” Li Xi sat up and hugged him. “If I don’t make a gesture, people will fear me and doubt you.”
“You don’t have to do this for me…” Duan Zhen began.
“No, it’s also for myself,” Li Xi smiled. “This is a new world for me, a new beginning.”
Duan Zhen’s lips moved, but he only said, “Alright.”
He placed his hand on Li Xi’s back, gently patting him. “As long as you’re willing, you can do anything.”
Li Xi’s eyes curved into a smile. “Okay.”
Then he quickly pulled the needle from his hand and jumped into Duan Zhen’s arms. “Let’s leave the hospital. It’s so boring here.”
Caught off guard, Duan Zhen couldn’t stop him. He only realized it after the fact, but seeing Li Xi’s bright smile, he couldn’t bring himself to scold him.
He sighed, “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes, my basic energy is restored,” Li Xi pointed to his eyes. “See, the gems are glowing again.”
Those eyes indeed shone like clear, beautiful gemstones.
Duan Zhen couldn’t help but smile, lifting him up slightly. “Alright, let’s go home.”
Li Xi wrapped his arms around Duan Zhen’s neck, resting his head on his shoulder, and looked out at the sky.
The sky was dotted with stars, a bright full moon hanging in the branches.
From what Li Xi knew about this world, a full moon symbolized a family reunion. He tightened his hold on Duan Zhen, drawing a curious glance from him.
“Nothing,” Li Xi smiled. “I just feel very happy.”
He never expected, after a hundred years, to have a home again.
Author’s Note:
I finally finished the main story after my usual procrastination! Throwing confetti!!!
Thank you to all the cuties who stuck with me until now. Even though you’ve been waiting patiently for updates, I still love you!
I’ll write a couple of extra chapters next to wrap things up~
Now for the usual plug: I’ve started a new account. My next story will be on that account.
Title: “Becoming the Villain’s Tool Boyfriend,” author Juan Wei Mie (my pen name). Come find me on that account if you’re interested. If you like the premise, give it a follow! (Don’t ask why; just wanted a new account for a change). Here’s the synopsis:
After dying in the apocalypse, Yuan Xu woke up to find himself in a novel he’d read during a break. In the novel, the protagonists are in love, punching rivals and kicking villains, ultimately reaching the pinnacle of life. Yuan Xu is the cannon fodder love rival, pursuing in vain the protagonist, used and discarded by the villain, ending up with a broken family.
Yuan Xu scoffed at the plot.
Isn’t this vibrant world more attractive, or should he, a genius painter, stick to his drawing board?
Then he woke up to the villain’s deep, affectionate gaze.
Yuan Xu: …
Yuan Xu: This villain is really good-looking.
Unable to resist the allure of beauty, Yuan Xu followed the villain closely, drooling over him daily. Eventually, the villain confessed, cornering him and refusing to let him leave without an answer.
Yuan Xu was shocked: What happened to the villain being heartless?!
Initially, Lou Qi took on Yuan Xu with a mindset of using that waste of a human, routinely brushing off his advances.
Then he fell for Yuan Xu, willing to be his painting model.
Yuan Xu: … Put your clothes back on!
Cold, ruthless, and manipulative top x Carefree and lucky painter bottom
So here we go with the main story! Now I’ll be sharing the two extras left :’))
As for the author’s other novel, I don’t think it’s anywhere on novelupdates, but you can find the raws here in case you’re interested in it!
Thank you for reading