Chapter 23: “In What Capacity”

Fang Han looked at this elegant, intelligent, and keen-minded young girl and sighed inwardly.

“Truly, nothing escapes your eyes.”

Cheng Lingsu’s face turned slightly pale. She was already someone prone to overthinking, and now her mind inevitably spiraled.

She wanted to ask for details, but feared that things might truly be as she imagined, which would only hurt more…

Then it’s better not to ask at all.

Fang Han saw her little face taut and silent, and more or less guessed her thoughts.

He took the initiative and said, “I do have to travel far, Lingsu. I’ve never considered you an outsider. Since I must leave now, there are some things I’d like to discuss with you. You’ve always been smart and capable—maybe you can help me decide.”

Had it been earlier, Cheng Lingsu might have been happy hearing such words. But now, her heart was filled with the thought of Fang Han leaving—she could find no joy in them.

Her heart fluttered uneasily—it felt awful. With a gloomy look, she still said, “Brother Fang, if it’s something I can do… I won’t refuse…”

Fang Han looked around the clinic and said thoughtfully, “It took a lot to set this place up. Even if I must leave for now, shutting it down completely would be a shame.”

In reality, he did need a stable base.

But in the life simulation, things were somewhat different…

It wasn’t exactly jīlè, but he couldn’t stay here forever either.¹

Unless he wished to live this simulated life plainly and uneventfully.

Would Fang Han choose that?

Of course not.

It was time to go!

The martial world—in his past life, he had always lingered on its edge, drawn to it but full of hesitation.

But now, there was no need for such concerns.

Thinking of this, Fang Han looked at Cheng Lingsu and said, “We’ve known each other for over half a year. I’ve long known your medical skills surpass mine. I thought that when I left, I’d entrust this place to you. Having the heir of the Medicine King oversee things—much better than me, haha…”

He meant to joke and lighten the mood, but seeing Cheng Lingsu silently darken, her eyes brimming with sorrowful tears, Fang Han stopped and sighed.

Cheng Lingsu looked up slightly. “Brother Fang, I…”

What am I even trying to say…

Even someone as clever as her didn’t know how to respond right now.

Should I agree?

Being able to help him would be wonderful—yet her heart felt anything but joyful.

But if I don’t agree…

With Brother Fang making such a sincere request, how could she bear to refuse?

“I… I’ll do as you say…”

Her voice trembled ever so slightly.

Fang Han looked at her, silent in thought.

How could he not see the affection she held for him?

This wasn’t such a hard decision.

Just follow the heart—that’s enough.

With that thought, Fang Han reached out and gently wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes. “Lingsu, I’ve changed my mind.”

Meeting those once-clear eyes now glistening with tears, Fang Han smiled gently. “This trip… I don’t know how long it’ll be. If I don’t see you all that time, I won’t be used to it. Would you be willing to come with me?”

Cheng Lingsu’s eyes widened slightly.

What does Brother Fang mean by that!?

An indescribable joy welled up from her heart.

Before she could think, she blurted out, “Yes!”

Her voice rang bright and clear. Realizing what she’d said, her face turned pink, but she stifled her shyness and looked at Fang Han earnestly. “If it’s for you, Brother Fang—of course I’d be willing.”

Fang Han nodded with a soft smile. “Alright. In that case, pack up over the next couple of days. We’ll set off in three.”

Cheng Lingsu nodded quickly, looking obedient and adorable.

Then, as if something occurred to her, she frowned slightly and hesitated. “But… what about the clinic…?”

Fang Han chuckled again, this time a little playfully. “Isn’t Old Master Zhen still here?”

Cheng Lingsu blinked and then broke into a smile, nodding vigorously.

Poor Old Zhen—saddled with everything out of the blue.

“Wait, you two…”

Old Zhen looked at Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu in utter confusion, completely unable to keep up.

“You’re going on a long trip!? And leaving me in charge of the whole clinic?”

His gaze flicked between the two, bewildered and incredulous.

“Why leave all of a sudden? Young Fang, is something going on?”

Fang Han smiled. “Just traveling around—and collecting herbs along the way!”

Hmm…

That… was technically true.

Seeking opportunity and picking rare herbs along the way weren’t mutually exclusive.

So technically, Fang Han wasn’t lying.

He just… left out the key part.

Old Zhen genuinely couldn’t understand why this young man was suddenly so determined to leave—and also…

Looking at Cheng Lingsu, Old Zhen’s expression turned grave. His tone took on an odd seriousness. “Young Fang, go on your journey if you must—but what’s the meaning of taking Lingsu with you?”

Cheng Lingsu quickly said, “Uncle Zhen, this was my—”

Fang Han gently stopped her, giving a slight nod, then turned to Old Zhen. “This journey is long and uncertain. I shouldn’t take Lingsu, but I also can’t bear to leave her behind in Linshui. So… I figured I’d bring her along.”

Old Zhen gave a cold snort. “Young Fang, while we are friends and I respect your virtue, Lingsu is still family to me. I’ve always treated her like my own daughter. Now you say you’ll take her along—but may I ask, in what capacity?”

📌 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/svg/1f4cc.svg] FOOTNOTES:

1. 1. 1. 1. jīlè (鸡肋)– Literally “chicken rib.” A Chinese idiom meaning something of little value that’s hard to discard. Originating from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it implies something not worth much, but also not quite worthless enough to throw away. Fang Han uses it to describe the clinic: useful, but no longer essential to his greater goals.