CHAPTER 605: 234 FLAMES OF REVENGE BURNING_2

"I am an orphan."

Shen Qiunong was momentarily stunned. This voice earlier had been somewhat low, like it was deliberately muted, but just now, without that restraint, the voice was pleasant, youthful.

She sighed helplessly, "Poor child..."

Her hand was lifted by the other person, and then the back of her hand seemed to be rubbed with something—cool, with a faint, bitter medicinal fragrance wafting up to her nose.

She instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but the other person didn’t give her the chance. Though the strength was gentle, she couldn’t break free.

One hand was cleaned, then the other.

Though she couldn’t see, she could feel it—the application was tender, as if the person feared causing her pain.

Since being imprisoned, she had been fed scraps and leftovers every day, subjected to the unrelenting surveillance and occasional beatings from the servants. Her heart had long grown cold.

She never imagined that, at the edge of death, she could still feel even a sliver of warmth from a stranger. It wasn’t too bad, she supposed.

"What’s your name?"

Shen You’an gently rolled up her sleeve. The skin beneath was already sagging and dotted with brown age spots, yet it was remarkably smooth and fair, evidence that she must have once possessed flawless, snow-white complexion in her youth.

Scattered across that pale skin were scars and bruises, some new, some old, all starkly visible.

Shen You’an’s gaze turned icy in an instant. She scooped some ointment with her fingertips and carefully applied it, her voice calm and steady: "An’an."

"My name is An’an."

"Peace and joy..." Shen Qiunong muttered, as if remembering something, her entire being sinking into a trance.

Shen You’an let the sleeve drop and stood up, rummaging through the wardrobe. Though there wasn’t much of value inside, the clothes were still far better than the tattered rags barely covering the old woman’s body.

She took out the clothes and walked back, helping Shen Qiunong change into them.

Shen Qiunong didn’t protest. She was very cooperative, obedient even.

After changing, she lay down. "An’an, you’re a good child. Grandma doesn’t want to burden you. Grandma’s days are numbered; it’s not worth trying to save me..."

"You’ll live a long life."

After a pause, Shen You’an said seriously, "I’m a miracle doctor. You and Grandpa will both live long lives."

Shen Qiunong blinked in surprise, then suddenly smiled. "There’s nothing left to linger for in this world. The sooner I die, the sooner I’m free."

Shen You’an held her hand. That cold, stiff hand gradually warmed. Shen Qiunong felt the softness and warmth in her palm, her eyes stinging, an aching sensation welling up in her nose.

"Trust me, there will come a time when someone makes you want to stay here willingly."

Shen Qiunong was silent for a while. "It’s Mei Lvge who doesn’t want us dead, isn’t it? She wants us to drag on our pitiful existence, to watch her revel in her triumph. If, young lady, you still have an ounce of pity for this old woman, let us go."

She had once taken "A bad life is better than a good death" as her life motto, clinging to it through countless nights. But now, she was truly tired.

The old man couldn’t hold on any longer either.

Why keep struggling to hang on to a breath of life? What was the point of it all?

The one she had been waiting for would never return.

"Grandma, just hold on a little longer."

Shen You’an bent down and embraced her.

"This old body smells..."

The hug only tightened.

"Soon, very soon, you and Grandpa will see the light of hope. Heaven let you endure this far for a reason. Please, trust me."

Please, trust me...

A deep tremor ran through Shen Qiunong’s soul. Almost instinctively, she extended her arms and embraced the other person back.

At this moment, only one thought occupied her mind.

This girl is so thin.

Her heart ached.

Xuehua fell silently.

A cold wave ravaged the world.

But inside the room, it was warm as spring.

Shen You’an felt an unprecedented calm. She glanced at her watch, the hour hand pointing to twelve.

Smiling, she held Shen Qiunong tightly and took a deep breath. "Grandma, Happy New Year."

From now on, every New Year, we will spend it together.

Shen You’an’s lashes lowered, allowing the old hand to rest on her back and stroke her lovingly.

A silent tear escaped the corner of her eye, tracing its way down her cheek like her tormented, winding fate, twisting and turning until reunion came around.

The disasters they inflicted upon you, on Grandpa... I will tenfold, a hundredfold, reclaim every last debt.

In the girl’s eyes, flames burned fiercely—the seeds of vengeance.

Devastating, unstoppable.

~

As the dazzling era closed, the final group lineup was announced.

It was exactly as predicted online.

Rong Xianning—Center, leader, main vocal, main dancer, visual.

Ge Qi—Rapper.

Du Yuning—Lead dancer.

Xu Si—Lead vocal.