King leaned against the table edge, his long legs casually resting on the floor. "What's there to think about or not think about? I'm not going, are you expecting me to?"
"But..."
The old man rubbed his face in annoyance. "I understand you want to do something for her, but you need to be clear about one thing. This time, you need to stand up straight."
"And the rainforest represents countless dangers. Whether you can return safely is uncertain."
King straightened up and stretched, as if the place he was going to wasn't dangerous at all, or perhaps he simply didn't take it seriously.
Seeing his nonchalant attitude, the old man's anger flared. "Do you even know how dangerous it is there?"
King smiled and looked at him. "I do."
The old man fell silent. If he had said he didn't know, he could still try to persuade him. After a long silence, the old man finally spoke, "Tell me before you leave. I'll prepare some things for you, at least to ensure your safety."
King grinned. "That's more like it. You looked so glum just now, it was almost unsettling."
The old man shot him a glare. "I'm worried about you, you ungrateful brat!"
King chuckled, leaning in to put an arm around him, feigning ignorance of the old man's reluctance. His tall frame made the old man look quite short in comparison.
"What are you doing?" the old man grumbled. "Don't try to get chummy with me. I won't give you any more things because of this. My things are priceless, and it's already generous of me to give you one or two."
King rolled his eyes, a little exasperated. "Hey, can you not ruin this rare moment of warmth between us?"
"Do we have warmth between us?"
"That stings!"
King put on a show of clutching his chest as if deeply wounded.
The old man unceremoniously pushed him aside, his face full of disdain. He then turned and handed King several bottles of poison he had developed.
"These are for self-defense. They can handle small venomous insects and snakes, but if you encounter anything dangerous with stronger toxins, you'd best run. It's a rainforest, after all. I haven't been there much myself."
King took the small porcelain bottles, a look of disdain on his face. "That's all the effect it has?"
"You're complaining?" The old man's displeasure was immediate, and he reached out to snatch them back. "If you don't want them, give them back! I'm reluctant to give them to you!"
King quickly raised his hands, just out of reach. The old man huffed and puffed with anger.
"No, you can't take them back after giving them to me! That's not how it works. I'll take them. Thanks, old man."
He put the porcelain bottles away and turned towards the door.
The old man called out, "Hey, come back safely."
King didn't look back, only waved his hand. His retreating figure was quite dashing. Normally, the old man would have mocked him for it.
So young, and already so vain!
But now...
He fell silent, turned, and sat down, continuing to work on his own things.
...
Shen Qingqing stood by the window, looking at the bright, sunny day outside. Yet, for some reason, her heart felt heavy, as if a dark cloud had settled over her.
Two hands reached out from behind her, pulling her into an embrace.
She leaned naturally against the firm chest. "Any news yet?"
Fu Jingshu lowered his head, his deep voice echoing in her ear. "Not yet." He paused and added, "Don't worry."
Shen Qingqing raised her hand and rubbed the spot over her heart.
"What's wrong?" Fu Jingshu turned her to face him. "Is your chest uncomfortable?"
"No," Shen Qingqing shook her head, burying her face in his chest. "I just feel... very stifled."
She didn't want Fu Jingshu to worry, so she forced a smile.
"It's fine. I think it's because I'm worried about Father and Sima Yucheng."
Fu Jingshu gazed at her for a moment, confirming she had no physical discomfort. He then gently embraced her, patting her back in a comforting manner.
"It'll be okay."
His voice was deep and steady.
Shen Qingqing's uneasy heart gradually calmed. She hugged his waist and looked up. "Let's wait for more news."
As soon as she spoke, Fu Jingshu's phone rang.
It was Lin Mo with a message.
"We've found Sima Yucheng. He came out of a bar, reeking of alcohol, but he didn't look drunk."
"Where is he now?"
"He went to the police station." Lin Mo paused. "I remember you saying Officer Wang wanted to see him, so I didn't stop him. I only left after ensuring he entered the police station safely."
Shen Qingqing finally relaxed completely, her good mood evident in her eyes and brows. "Since he went to the police station willingly, he must have come to terms with it."
This would save a lot of trouble.
A flicker of thought crossed Fu Jingshu's eyes. He said softly, "You don't need to worry anymore."
Shen Qingqing hummed in response and put the matter aside. She then began to ponder if she could wake up Fu Tingsheng before the old man's antidote arrived, at least so he could talk to them.
She glanced at Fu Jingshu.
She decided not to tell him her plan, wanting to give him a surprise.
With that thought, she felt time was pressing. She immediately pushed him away. "I have something to take care of. You go to the study and get busy with your work!"
She hurried towards the door, stopped at the threshold, and added.
"Don't disturb me if it's nothing important!"
Shen Qingqing didn't return to her room to sleep that night. Instead, she had an insomnia-fueled discussion with the old man, researching how to wake up Fu Tingsheng.
The old man actually proposed a method, but it could only bring about a temporary awakening. Truly resolving the virus would still require him to develop a serum.
His method involved mixing several potent medicinal herbs to suppress the virus, allowing for a temporary awakening with no side effects.
However, the awakened state would not exceed two hours per day.
Shen Qingqing found the method viable and immediately began to prepare it. It was her first time compounding such a medicine, and she went through several trials before finding the correct dosage.
She went to the entrance of the isolation room and placed the concoction in the chamber before sending it in.
There were people inside specifically taking care of Fu Tingsheng.
Shen Qingqing was supposed to care for him herself, but Fu Jingshu disagreed. And she couldn't possibly let Fu Jingshu go in himself, so she ended up hiring a private doctor and nurses at a high price.
They were professionals, provided with room and board, and paid handsomely.
As long as they followed strict safety protocols, there was no danger.
Watching the doctor administer the medicine to Fu Tingsheng, Shen Qingqing, despite knowing its effects, still felt a sense of apprehension.
It wasn't until the doctor inside looked at her with surprise that she breathed easier.
Shen Qingqing stepped forward, placing her hands on the glass, and mouthed the question: "Did it work?"
The doctor nodded emphatically and took out his phone, initiating a video call.
Fu Jingshu's phone screen immediately displayed Fu Tingsheng's sleeping face. His eyelashes were trembling slightly.
This was the most significant change since he had fallen unconscious.