Chapter 105: A Visit

As Ji Ning’s health gradually improved, visitors came one after another.

The first to arrive was Irina. For the first time, Ji Ning found her golden hair less dazzling; instead, Qin Mo, standing beside her with ink-black long hair, possessed a transcendent and stunning beauty.

“So, you really played the hero, huh?” Irina took the tea Qin Mo handed her, sipped casually, glanced indifferently at Ji Ning, then shifted her entire gaze to Qin Mo. It seemed she wasn’t there to visit Ji Ning but rather to see Qin Mo.

“I didn’t want to. Who knew the price would be so high?” Ji Ning half-reclined on a stack of pillows, muttering complaints under his breath.

“If you had the chance to choose again, would you still do the same?” Irina suddenly fixed her gaze on Ji Ning like a golden cat watching a sparrow perched by the window.

“That depends on whether Qin Mo is still there. If she had left the danger zone early, I probably…” Ji Ning hesitated, unable to finish. He realized he wasn’t sure if he had the courage to watch millions perish helplessly.

Irina smiled, her face radiant in the sunlight, exuding a sacred purity like a saint on a pilgrimage. “You’re a good child. That’s enough.”

Before Ji Ning could argue, Irina turned to Qin Mo and teased her with a single sentence that made Qin Mo blush deeply. “You really like this guy, don’t you?”

Qin Mo’s delicate earlobes flushed with a translucent pink. She said nothing but nodded slightly.

Damn it! How could Ji Ning’s senior be such a tease? Some things are better kept in the heart, not blurted out—it’s so embarrassing!

“I heard that, barring accidents, he’ll be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life,” Irina said flatly, not sparing any offense.

Qin Mo lifted her head, her eyes full of sincerity. “I know.”

Irina nodded, about to say more, but Qin Mo suddenly asked, “Senior, you’ve never been in love, have you?”

Irina was momentarily speechless, looking at Qin Mo with amusement and mock frustration. “What does that have to do with whether I’ve been in love?”

“If you had truly loved someone, you wouldn’t have said what you just did.”

Irina laughed, unoffended by Qin Mo’s implication, instead showing a mentor’s appreciation for her junior. “If I were mentoring you instead of Ji Ning, it would be very interesting.”

“Senior, if the one mentoring Ji Ning wasn’t you but me, that would be the most interesting of all.” Qin Mo sat in the shadow of the curtain, looking up at the sunlit Irina with quiet confidence.

Irina laughed even more heartily. She reached out to tousle Qin Mo’s hair. Though Qin Mo tried to dodge, somehow her hand met Irina’s as if she was inviting the gesture, looking as if she sought affection.

“Not just for this little price—if I were Ji Ning, I’d be willing to pay an even greater price for you.”

Irina pulled a shimmering diamond brooch from her chest and smiled warmly at Qin Mo. “I came in such a hurry I didn’t bring much. This brooch is a collector’s piece once owned by Catherine the Great. I think it’s barely worthy for you to wear.”

Qin Mo was startled and quickly waved her hand. “It’s too expensive; I can’t accept it.”

Irina gently embraced Qin Mo’s shoulder. “Good girl, even the most beautiful jewels must be worn to shine. I actually think this brooch suits you perfectly.”

Irina waved her hand lightly. Though the movement was clear, Qin Mo couldn’t dodge and the brooch was pinned on her.

“In my name as senior, I promise you, he will stand again.” With a sharp snap of her fingers, Irina turned and left stylishly before Qin Mo could ask excitedly.

Qin Mo wanted to follow, but just as she stepped out, Irina had vanished without a trace, leaving the white corridor empty and silent.

“Does she always disappear like that?” Qin Mo looked at Ji Ning on the bed with reluctance. Ji Ning, deep in thought, was interrupted but only smiled and nodded.

“You’ll get used to it.”

Qin Mo took off the brooch and examined it carefully. The emerald base was carved with naturally blooming petals; the silver setting held the jeweled flower core, densely studded with round diamonds. Silver filaments extended lightly like flower stamens, each tipped with three diamonds—delicate and captivating.

She wasn’t usually interested in jewelry, but Irina’s words that it once belonged to Catherine the Great sparked her curiosity. The weight of history was the greatest enhancement to any ornament.

After playing with it a while, she handed it to Ji Ning. “Here, for you.”

Ji Ning was stunned, scratching his head. “What am I supposed to do with it? It’s your senior’s gift; you should keep it.”

“She said it’s a gift for you.”

“That’s just an excuse. Who doesn’t know it’s meant for you?”

“I don’t care. It’s from your senior. You should accept it.”

“I don’t wear this kind of thing. It looks better on you.”

“Well, if you don’t want it, does that mean you’re giving it to me?” Qin Mo smiled mischievously and leaned close to Ji Ning, her expression saying plainly, “Hurry up and put it on for me.”

Only then did Ji Ning understand her meaning. Sitting upright, he helped her pin it on her chest with a solemnity worthy of crowning an emperor.

“Yay! This is the first gift you’ve ever given me!” Qin Mo happily admired the brooch in the sunlight. She rarely showed such a sweet side, making Ji Ning’s smile a little bittersweet.

He had brought her here without promises, but he should be responsible for her—though he often forgot that.

---

Ji Ning studied Qin Mo carefully. Her porcelain skin contrasted with her ink-black hair, which swayed gently as air stirred. The soft breeze outside lifted strands near her temples, warming her ears to a rosy hue like cherries. Her clear amber eyes, framed by long lashes, shone like gold inlaid with jade. Below her delicate, straight nose, her lips, shaped like a crescent moon, exhaled a faint orchid fragrance.

“Is it beautiful?” Qin Mo asked softly, touching the brooch.

“Absolutely breathtaking.” Ji Ning took her hand, his eyes no longer seeing anything but this fairy-like girl. Qin Mo shyly let him hold her.

Outside, the sky was clear and bright, with wispy cirrus clouds like layered transparent veils. The sun was halfway down, gilding the clouds’ edges with gold; the diluted twilight was thin and luminous, all reflected in her eyes.

“Oops? Did I come at a bad time?” A husky, slightly sultry female voice broke the intimate moment.

Sylvia leaned against the doorframe, a teasing half-smile on her face, like a high schooler catching classmates secretly embracing during recess.

Right, she had never been in love either.

Both Ji Ning and Qin Mo felt awkward. Qin Mo almost coquettishly glared at Sylvia. “Sister Sylvia, what are you doing here?”

“Oh, don’t be so fierce! My little Mo Mo, next time before you two get all lovey-dovey, just put up a ‘No Entry’ sign on the door.” Sylvia cheerfully went over to the tea table and made herself a cup of black tea, glancing briefly at the half-full cup before turning to Ji Ning.

“I heard you played a great hero?”

“What, does Deer Academy actually have a daily news bulletin? How did such a small thing make today’s headlines?” Ji Ning joked, feeling well cared for by Qin Mo and in good spirits.

“The academy’s forum has had your story as the homepage headline for three days straight, with titles like ‘Shocking! Even an F-rank like me thought about saving the world properly!’ and ‘Turning the tide—Tokyo’s greatest savior in three thousand years.’”

“Japanese headlines are always eye-catching. I just hope that in the end, I wasn’t hit by a mud truck and transported to another world,” Ji Ning shrugged. It was understandable—after all, he had saved many people. Having fans was normal.

“I know every student at Deer Academy has secrets, but you’re the first in many years to surprise me.” Sylvia stood, her gaze serious on Ji Ning. “I saw your medical report. Do you know half your soul once belonged to Death itself? Surviving isn’t just thanks to Deer Academy’s top medical tech; mostly, it was pure luck.”

Ji Ning coughed a few times. “Who knows? Acting first and thinking about consequences later is a young person’s privilege.”

Sylvia laughed. She was about to pat Ji Ning’s shoulder but caught the worried glance from the girl beside him. Instead, her hand rested lightly on the bed. “From now on, you can say I’m your teacher outside.”

“Was I not allowed to say that before?” Ji Ning snapped.

Sylvia clapped her hands, draped an arm around Qin Mo’s shoulder, and led her outside, teasing, “Borrowing your Mo Mo for a bit to have some girl talk. You don’t mind, right?”

Ji Ning felt pleased but still stubbornly said, “What, if I don’t lend her, you won’t talk?”

About ten minutes later, Qin Mo returned alone, cheeks flushed.

“Why are you so red? Did she bully you? I wouldn’t dare bully you, so how dare she! Help me up; I’ll avenge you.” Ji Ning teased, trying to coax some information.

“Oh, where’s your mind at?” Qin Mo shot him a look that was half amused, half exasperated.

“Then what happened?”

“It’s girl talk. Can’t tell you.” Qin Mo rubbed her warm face but couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Ji Ning.

Just as Ji Ning was about to think of ways to pry it out, the door knocked again.

Catherine and Afra entered, Afra carrying bags full of items. For the first time, Catherine’s face showed faint dark circles under her eyes.

“I brought salmon from Norway. I wouldn’t eat it myself. Remember, no seasoning—just pan-fry it simply. One bite and it’s explosively delicious! And here’s a book I just finished: Marcel Mauss’s *The General Theory of Witchcraft: Sacrificial Ritual and Function*. Read it, and you won’t have to worry about this semester’s book report...” Afra rambled on for five minutes, introducing food, books, and ancient ornaments before sighing deeply. “I believe there’s always a way for you to get better. This world is full of things humans can’t understand. Who can be completely sure about anything?”

That was why everyone in the Forgotten Seeker group liked the little girl, despite her lack of cleverness—she had genuine kindness.

Catherine was more reserved, nodding at Ji Ning before looking at Qin Mo. “Can you step out for a moment to talk?”

Once they left, only Afra and Ji Ning remained, exchanging wide-eyed looks.

“Why don’t you save some strength? You’re still young. You don’t have to prove your worth by sacrificing yourself.”

“I wish I didn’t have to. If Qin Mo weren’t in Tokyo, I’d probably just fantasize about turning the tide and then give up in peace.”

“Didn’t realize you’re a romantic,” Afra said, stuffing a box of tiramisu into her mouth like a bunny with a carrot.

“You wouldn’t understand. A fluttering heart is a visit from a deity,” Ji Ning grinned, borrowing a phrase from his mind to sound impressive.

Afra glanced at him, about to say something but changed the subject. “Have you checked the forum?”

“I’ve been bedridden these days, no time to check. My phone’s probably with Qin Mo. Pick me some hot posts.” Ji Ning was smug—what boy wouldn’t like that?

“‘Analysis of Various Issues After an F-Rank Student’s Sudden Evolution:’ First, this student clearly didn’t memorize the student handbook. The spirit of sacrifice is commendable, but only necessary sacrifice is truly great. According to my research on mystical energy fluctuations, this student likely performed targeted energy conversion. Though the source of that power is unknown, he chose to use his own body as the medium. We must be clear: any conversion causes energy loss, and using one’s own body is risky, even with the safest methods like ‘Divine Election’ or ‘Blessing.’ The success rate is low. Maybe he couldn’t find better options then, but now we can identify at least six ways to skip this step, allowing the energy to directly reach the intended target. This article analyzes six main directions: mysticism, magic, heraldry, technology, enchantments, and psychic powers, with other niche methods to be revealed later...” Afra paused, frowning. “The rest requires proof of at least a C-rank student to view.”

Ji Ning blushed arrogantly. “If they won’t show it, so be it. Things happened suddenly; who has time to think about the perfect solution?”

“Want to hear ‘Why B-level incidents require an F-rank student’s self-sacrifice? An analysis of Deer Academy’s unreasonable reforms’?” Afra asked with interest.

Ji Ning had heard about the academy’s reforms. They were the first batch of new students after the changes. Since the board centralized all power, the forum was full of complaints. Ji Ning was secretly radical, ready to rise with upperclassmen, storm the board’s building, and overthrow the fools cutting budgets and manpower. “May you cry all night and day, and die like Dong Zhuo.”

But he had no interest in listening. Words meant little compared to action. He stood with the upperclassmen, benefiting from their protection, but personally resented the board’s reforms. Many things could be done simply and efficiently, but the new complicated regulations slowed everything immensely.

For example, a mere glance at an injury could release medical funds, but now one had to get hospital reports, front the hospital fees, submit to the board’s evaluation. If the injury was due to one’s own error, the board wouldn’t cover full costs. After bureaucratic procedures, one had to wait seven working days for the finance department to transfer money. They called it regulations, but everyone knew it was deliberate delay.

Those bastards spent more time on Wall Street than at Deer Academy.

They also set up countless committees that did nothing but prevent actual committees from functioning.

When Qin Mo and Catherine returned, Ji Ning noticed Qin Mo’s gaze lingered on him, her eyes slightly red. His heart twisted painfully.

A girl’s love for a boy can speak more than a thousand words.

After sending Catherine and Afra off, Ji Ning wanted to ease the mood, but the door knocked again with rhythmic, deliberate beats—revealing a silent, reserved visitor.

It was Zhao Tianxing. He nodded silently to Qin Mo and handed Ji Ning a folded diagnostic report from inside his coat. Ji Ning wondered if his doctor doubled as a newspaper vendor—why did everyone seem to have a copy?

Certain data on the report were circled in ink, with small notes of interpretation and advice written beside them. Zhao’s handwriting was strong and precise, much like his lean, sharp appearance.

“Starting tomorrow, I’ll come from three to five in the afternoon to assist with your rehabilitation.”

After saying this, Zhao nodded again to Qin Mo and left without another word.

Qin Mo took the report from Ji Ning and glanced at it briefly. “Only calligraphy practitioners know that the horizontal stroke’s turning back and closing must fill a small triangle. He must have learned from Li Beihai’s stele rubbings.”

“You don’t know Li Beihai? You must know Wang Xizhi, the ‘Right Army.’ There’s a saying: ‘Right Army like a dragon, Beihai like an elephant.’”

“You know calligraphy?” Ji Ning listened intently. Qin Mo always surprised him with her unexpected talents.

“Because of the ‘Mo’ in my name, you should guess my childhood hobby.” Qin Mo put the report aside, looking proudly at her beloved.

Unfortunately, Ji Ning didn’t ask further, disappointing Qin Mo’s desire to show off.

“The senior is a good person, gentle too, but so cold. He could say more, but he doesn’t. It’s like he harbors deep grudges against the world but has nowhere to vent.”

“He’s a man with burdens,” Qin Mo sighed softly. Ji Ning’s impression of this senior was someone close to a beast, close to a god.

“As long as he can see, everyone knows. But he hides his troubles, tasting bitterness alone, unwilling to be disturbed. That makes it hard for others.”

Ji Ning recalled one rainy day when he helped the senior swipe his card. It was a gloomy, drizzly day. The sky seemed to be shedding cold raindrops from a heavy heart.

Just after training, passing through the academy’s living area, the rain grew heavier, so he ducked into a flower shop to wait it out.

Zhao Tianxing seemed to want to buy flowers, but the academy’s mission bonuses were always delayed. The POS machine’s insufficient balance beeped like a desperate call from the wilderness outside Moscow. It was hard to imagine a man who could kill gods and demons facing such embarrassment. Though his face was calm, his hand hesitated as it let go of the bouquet.

Ji Ning scampered over, pulling out a black card and cheerfully calling, “Oh, senior, fancy seeing you buying flowers! Last time you treated us to dinner; this time I’ll chip in. No need to be polite!”

Ji Ning was sure he saw a fleeting warmth in Zhao’s eyes, but the heavy rain prevented a clear look.

Zhao nodded, clutching the bouquet, and, hood up, stepped into the rain.

“Wait a bit longer; the rain’s so heavy!”

Ji Ning’s calls went unanswered as the figure receded, stretched long and distant like slow motion.

Standing in the flower shop, Ji Ning felt like the narrator of a travelogue, a weathered voice intoning: The carriage passed through the city gate and onto the main road. He never looked back and never returned to that place for over fifty years.

They talked for a while—from the senior to the flower shop, then to Irina’s greenhouse, the discarded waterproof film used as a greenhouse cover, and the academy’s slowed gear updates due to reforms... They always shared the same views and endless words.

Eventually, Ji Ning, exhausted, held Qin Mo’s hand and, lying on his pillow, drifted into a drowsy sleep.

Qin Mo did not leave. She quietly listened to his steadying breaths, then slowly climbed onto the snow-white bed. Lying on her side in the sunset’s glow, she counted his eyelashes.

Compared to the academy’s others who had long faced the world’s darkness, she was just an ordinary girl who could do nothing. But at least there was one thing she could do.

She would stay by his side, always and forever.