Chapter 144: Awakening a Thousand Voices (Part Two)

Elder Xian immediately rushed out to fetch some fresh medicinal herbs and clean white gauze to dress the wound. The others cleared a path, each bowing their heads as they struggled to compose themselves.

They acted this way to spare Mo Lan from further grief, fearing she might do something drastic again. In truth, from the moment she cut her hand, no one present remained angry with her. The two women were like sisters, their bond deeper than that of anyone else, and they understood what had to be done.

Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei had also forgiven her and let go of their resentment. It was time to cherish those who were still alive rather than dwelling on the departed.

A liquid slowly trickled into Qian Yin’s mouth, reaching deep into her core. She struggled to open her eyes to see what she was being fed, as the taste was hauntingly familiar—so familiar it filled her with dread.

Outwardly, the person on the bed showed no sign of waking. Mo Lan kept her head bowed, allowing An Feng to hold her, while tears continued to fall onto the floor, drop by drop.

Elder Xian carefully finished the bandaging and sighed helplessly as he tidied up. Glancing at the people in the room and then at Old Master Mo, he said, "Let’s go out and eat."

The others nodded solemnly and turned toward the doorway. The two little girls, though still tearful, saw Mo Lan in An Feng’s arms and dutifully stepped forward to take the hands of Dong and Bei, leading them out.

An Feng felt a sharp pang of heartache. He looked at the bandaged wrist and the dazed Mo Lan, stroking her hair repeatedly. How could this woman have so little regard for herself? There were so many ways to seek redemption; why choose the most extreme one?

An Feng remained oblivious to the slight fluttering of the eyelids on the bed. He was entirely consumed by his concern for Mo Lan, his world revolving solely around her. The room was left with only the three of them and the stale, heavy air. A breeze drifted in through the window, carrying away the unpleasant scent and replacing it with a cleaner one.

Qian Yin’s hand moved slightly, gripping the quilt before she suddenly opened her eyes. Seeing the familiar room, she felt dazed. What had happened to her? She scanned the room and caught sight of the two figures embracing, her expression turning troubled.

How many days had she been asleep? She had no memory of it. And what had happened to the wound on Mo Lan’s hand? Qian Yin did not immediately grow angry; instead, she looked the two of them over and spotted Mo Lan’s injury, still unaware of the dried blood at the corner of her own mouth.

"Mo... Mo Lan, what happened to your hand?" Qian Yin struggled to speak, only to find her voice raspy and dry from the lack of water.

Hearing her voice, Mo Lan immediately pushed An Feng away and turned to look at Qian Yin. Seeing those eyes fixed on her, she broke into a joyful smile, hastily wiping her tears away with her hands before rubbing them on her clothes to reach out and take Qian Yin’s hand.

An Feng thought he was hallucinating, but seeing Mo Lan’s excited reaction, he followed her gaze and saw that she had awakened. A sense of relief washed over him; this was good news, and at least Mo Lan would no longer be tortured by guilt. He realized now that he had been too impulsive before.

"I’m fine. I’m just so glad you’re awake." Fresh blood began to seep through the bandages on Mo Lan’s hand, but she felt no pain, continuing to shake Qian Yin’s hand with that same injured limb.

Qian Yin felt a mix of laughter and tears. What was going on? When she tried to speak again, she found she still couldn't make a sound, so she pointed to her throat to signal her thirst.

"An Feng, quickly, pour Qian Yin a glass of water!" Mo Lan was so anxious she wanted to do it herself, but she couldn't bear to let go of Qian Yin’s hand, terrified that this might be a dream and that if she let go, Qian Yin would slip back into a coma.

An Feng nodded helplessly, touched the water, found it still lukewarm, and poured a glass for Mo Lan. After she took it, she looked at An Feng, who understood and immediately adjusted the pillows to help Qian Yin sit up.

Qian Yin could have sat up on her own, but seeing how anxious they were, she let them assist her. Once seated, she took the glass and drank it down quickly, blinking her large eyes to signal for more.

An Feng sat beside the bed with the teapot, pouring for her, while Mo Lan watched with a smile. Everything was finally all right; now that Qian Yin was awake, the others wouldn’t resent them so much anymore.

The group that had gone to eat soon returned, though none of them had much appetite. After picking at their food, they left a full table of dishes behind. The kitchen staff found it strange—why was no one eating today?

When they saw Qian Yin drinking water, they all rushed forward, eager and excited. Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei, seeing the crowd, stepped back; after all, they knew who was closest to Qian Yin, and anything else could wait.

"Big sister, you’re awake! That’s wonderful. They said you wouldn't wake up, and I was so heartbroken," Bai Bai said, tugging gently at Qian Yin’s clothes, her little face filled with grievance.

Mu Mian was not so bold; she felt a bit like an outsider and didn't want to force herself forward, so she stood quietly to the side. Elder Xian and Old Master Mo were the next to rush to the front, both speaking in turn: "Girl, you’re finally awake."

"Everyone has missed you so much. How could you be so disobedient, causing us all such worry?"

Qian Yin managed to swallow the last of the water and looked at the crowd, her brow furrowing.

The room fell silent as everyone froze. Had Qian Yin forgotten them? Surely such a misfortune hadn't occurred?

Qian Yin set the cup down, touched Bai Bai’s face, cleared her throat, and said with a smile, "I was just too tired and needed some sleep. You don't need to worry. Aren't I perfectly fine now?"

Hearing her speak with a smile, everyone finally set their minds at ease. Feeling that the room was heavy with the smell of medicine, they no longer wished to stay. Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei stepped forward to help Qian Yin out into the courtyard for a walk, and Qian Yin did not refuse—she disliked the medicinal smell of the room as much as they did.

Mo Lan wanted to follow, but An Feng held her by her uninjured hand. His gaze was sharp and his grip firm, leaving Mo Lan with no way to break free.

Mo Lan pouted, but having no choice, she sat back down in her original spot as the others followed Qian Yin outside. Old Master Mo stood at the doorway, watching, with no intention of following.

He sighed and murmured, "It’s all well and good now that everyone is reunited, but my son is still out there somewhere." With that, he turned and headed back to his room, his back looking profoundly lonely.

Mo Lan said nothing. It wasn't that she didn't want to deal with Mo Fan’s situation, but she had no idea where to even begin looking for him. Her father was truly being unreasonable, bringing this up at such a happy moment. If Dong and the others heard him, it would only cause more unhappiness.