Medicine Old Man paused, her expression shifting slightly. she glanced at the calendar on the wall. "Every year during this period, China sends free medical teams down here. Could she be part of this year's team?"
"In a way, yes. But she didn't come to the Tibetan region as a doctor for the free clinic. She came only as staff." The Godfather looked at Medicine Old Man. "I’ve made inquiries. She said she heard you were in Tibet and came to find you." she paused, her eyes sharp. "Do you want to see your disciple?"
"I do miss her. She’s eighteen now, a grown woman. But there’s no need to meet." Medicine Old Man smiled faintly. she knew her little disciple’s character well. If she truly wanted to find her, she wouldn’t have announced it so openly. The fact that she did meant it was just a cover.
"It seems she misses you quite a bit. And you don’t miss her at all?" The Godfather seemed eager to see Medicine Old Man flustered.
But Medicine Old Man was no fool. He laughed softly. "Why meet? If fate allows, we’ll meet when the time is right. I’m not in a hurry."
Medicine Old Man looked at the Godfather. "You’re the one who should be anxious."
The Godfather stared deeply at him. "Old Yao, why are you so stubborn? This benefits you nothing."
Medicine Old Man chuckled. "I need no benefits. I only wish to grow old here in peace. You need not worry about my thoughts. Regardless, I will not go to see Zhu Yanyi."
The Godfather sighed. "Fine. Do as you please. It’s not that I forbid it, but that you refuse. In that case, your disciple likely has no further expectations. However, I’m curious: if she knew you didn’t want to see her, how would she react?"
"She would accept it calmly." Medicine Old Man gave a seven-character answer.
The Godfather looked at him deeply, then turned away. "Since that’s the case, consider this visit never happened."
"Oh, right." Medicine Old Man seemed to remember something. "You need not worry about me. But you’d better keep an eye on your partner. My disciple has no tolerance for trouble. If he causes trouble and runs into her, your losses will be great."
The Godfather was stunned for a moment, then his expression changed slightly. He hurried out, failing to notice the complex look in Medicine Old Man’s eyes.
As soon as the Godfather left, he ordered someone in. "Contact the Madman immediately."
"Yes." The man left to make the call. About twenty minutes later, he returned. "There is no news from the Madman. No news from his people either."
The Godfather was stunned, then waved his hand. "Stop contacting him. The Madman is gone."
After dismissing the man, the Godfather sat in his chair. For a long time, he said nothing. Then, a dry laugh escaped his lips, his voice hoarse. He covered his face with one hand, tears falling silently. "A brilliant diversion. Who would have thought your true target was the Madman? You have truly grown up."
The Godfather was not stupid. Now that he thought it through, the key details became clear. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as if resting. After a while, he opened them. "Good. This makes it interesting. Since it’s come to this, let me see just how much you’ve grown."
Zhu Yanyi had no idea that the Godfather had deduced the Madman’s death at her hands. Even if she did, she wouldn’t have cared. Their positions were fundamentally opposed.
Zhu Yanyi had spent a few more days wandering in the Tibetan region. That day, as she stepped out, a monk rushed toward her. "Benefactress, Master Wisdom has had an accident."
Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan exchanged a glance, then followed the monk hurriedly into the Tibetan Palace.
Outside a meditation room, many monks had gathered. Zhu Yanyi and Yan Aohan entered. Master Wisdom lay on the floor, covered in blood, his eyes closed. He was clearly lifeless.
Zhu Yanyi felt the world go dark. Her body swayed. Yan Aohan quickly caught her. "Ani, stay calm."
Zhu Yanyi took a deep breath, then looked at the person before her. Tears poured down her face. "My Grandpa Wisdom is gone."
"Be good." Yan Aohan pulled Zhu Yanyi into his arms, patting her back. Her tears were his heartache. Damn it, this feeling was truly powerless.
Zhu Yanyi cried for about fifteen minutes before slowly lifting her head. She looked at Master Wisdom’s body one last time.
The local police had already arrived. The accompanying forensic doctor began the examination. Zhu Yanyi waited nearby until the doctor gave her result. "The victim was attacked unexpectedly in the heart. One fatal stab wound."
"Can you estimate the time of death?" Yan Aohan asked.
"Based on the livor mortis and body stiffness, the time of death was likely around ten o’clock last night." The doctor answered. "A precise time will be determined after the autopsy."
Yan Aohan nodded slightly, then waved his hand, ordering the body to be taken away.
Zhu Yanyi sat nearby, staring into space, saying nothing.
After Yan Aohan handled the arrangements for Master Wisdom, he came over. Seeing her state, he was very worried. He took her hand, along with Heizi, and led them to an open mountain area, treating it like a vacation.
Watching Heizi roll carefree in the grass, Zhu Yanyi’s mood improved slightly. "What was she thinking?" Clearly, her mood was still not good.
Yan Aohan sat on the ground with Zhu Yanyi, letting her lean on his shoulder. "I once said that everyone walks their own path. He walked his. Now, he has simply clarified the path he wishes to take. He wouldn’t have taken this step if he hadn’t decided not to regret it."
Yan Aohan paused for a moment before continuing. "I don’t care how she plays her game. The only thing is, she shouldn’t have made you cry." Yan Aohan would never let go of anyone who made Zhu Yanyi cry.
"But… my Grandpa Wisdom is gone." Zhu Yanyi said softly, her tone filled with regret. She had thought such a thing wouldn’t happen for now.
"Life is full of meetings and partings, births and deaths. Buddhism speaks of the eight sufferings: birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, association with the hated, unfulfilled desires, and the five aggregates. You have experienced the suffering of separation, but I believe you should learn to accept it calmly. After all, the living are many, and the dead are few."
Yan Aohan carefully comforted Zhu Yanyi.
Zhu Yanyi nodded. Then, a sharp glint appeared in her eyes. "The Godfather. I will never stop fighting her until one of us dies." For the first time, Zhu Yanyi hated someone this much.