The sun blazed overhead as Pei Qingyan, sleeves rolled up, worked alongside the others to clear land for the new herb garden. Sweat glistened on his strong arms.
Lingyuan hesitated, then took a towel to wipe his brow, but he caught her wrist gently.
“Lingyuan…”
His dark eyes brimmed with emotion, and Lingyuan, flustered, quickly looked away, changing the subject.
“Right—Grandpa put me in charge of running Jishitang. Senior brother, can you teach me how to manage everything?”
Pei Qingyan wasn’t disappointed by her obvious avoidance. He just smiled and patiently walked her through the details of business management as they strolled the lush, sun-drenched estate. Lingyuan’s heart beat faster with every step.
She remembered how, back when she lived with Gu Yanze, she’d always walked on eggshells, trying desperately to please him. But Pei Qingyan was different—steadfast, gentle, always supporting her without reservation.
At first, when Grandpa tried to match them, Lingyuan resisted. She’d just survived heartbreak and couldn’t imagine turning to another man so soon. Who could guarantee she wouldn’t fall into another abyss?
So she kept her distance, treating Pei Qingyan with polite formality, just as she had when they were children. But as time passed, the walls she’d built began to crumble.
It was the way he learned to cook her favorite dishes just for her.
The way he stayed up with her through nightmares, keeping vigil by her bedside.
The way he quietly accompanied her through every challenge, never letting her feel alone.
He taught her how to manage the Australian branch of Jishitang, guiding her through every process, solving every problem.
He knew all about her past, but never pressed for answers.
When Jishitang officially opened, Lingyuan worked late into the night, handling every detail to avoid mistakes. Pei Qingyan took charge of marketing, and soon the grand opening was the talk of the city.
With a focus on modern herbal wellness, Jishitang’s Australian branch opened to great fanfare. Lingyuan wore a simple cheongsam, her hair pinned up with a jade hairpin, looking serene and elegant. Pei Qingyan, in a crisp suit, drew admiring glances from every woman in the room.
Business exceeded all expectations, with customer numbers and revenue soaring thanks to Pei Qingyan’s marketing.
After seeing the last patient out, Pei Qingyan smiled at Lingyuan.
If there was ever a man worth trusting her heart to, maybe it was him.
As they finished up, a wave of hunger hit Lingyuan. She shyly asked Pei Qingyan if he’d join her for dinner. His eyes lit up, and he naturally reached for her hand. This time, she didn’t pull away.
Night fell, and a gentle rain began to fall. Pei Qingyan held an umbrella over her, drawing her close as they walked home—unaware that, from a distance, Gu Yanze watched them, alone and bitter, his fists clenched as leaves rained down around him.
Lingyuan was alive. She was happy.
He’d finally obtained evidence that Lingyuan had been framed, and he’d learned the truth about the Swallowflower’s effect: all those times he’d favored Su Wantang, it was because of the dependency the flower created.
He’d confirmed with the hospital that Su Wantang had indeed been given a Swallowflower, which was why she’d recovered.
The realization filled him with both pain and regret. He’d thought he was saving Su Wantang, that he was being noble, but in truth, he’d been manipulated by the aftereffects of the flower.
If he could, he would trade his life to start over. If he’d known the truth, he would have chosen Lingyuan—he would have married her, not Su Wantang.
“Divorce,” he finally said.
“Aze, for the child’s sake, can’t you forgive me just this once?”
“Gu Yanze! If you dare divorce, just try it!” Su Wantang and Gu’s father each pleaded and threatened, but Gu Yanze only looked on coldly.
Gu’s father, relieved that the family line would continue, finally relented. After all, if not for Su Wantang saving Gu Yanze’s life and giving him a grandchild, he would have disowned him long ago.
Days passed, and Gu Yanze never returned home.
Su Wantang, now on maternity leave, gave her final performance. As she looked out at the audience, she finally felt a sense of release.
Gu Yanze couldn’t let go of the child, but without the Swallowflower’s effect, he had already lost. In the end, it was Lingyuan who won her freedom—and a new beginning.
Chapter 12
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