The last sentence from Yan Xue was the key point. Everyone kept talking about protecting Su Changqing's reputation, but did Su Changqing truly care that much about his own reputation?
Did he want his research findings to be shared so they could be properly utilized, or was it just to salvage his reputation?
And now, looking at those people sitting above—could they even use his research properly? Was this really the right time?
The suffocating weight in Qi Fang's chest suddenly dissipated, along with all the pressure he had been under these past days.
Outwardly, he had appeared calm, but in reality, he had been juggling caring for his teacher’s wife while carefully handling the legacy left behind by his mentor—bearing far more responsibility than Wang Zhengrong.
Unexpectedly, it was Yan Xue who had chased after him in the end, offering him such a crucial reminder—after he had presumptuously left her behind…
A complicated feeling welled up in Qi Fang’s heart, as if after trudging forward under a heavy burden, someone had finally not only given him the strength to keep going but also helped shoulder the weight.
This woman—calm, rational, bold—was always better than the best he could imagine. She was his wife.
The icy composure on Qi Fang’s face melted like the last thin layer of winter snow, softened by emotion, and his voice unconsciously softened as well. "Yan Xue…"
But before he could even finish those two words, Yan Xue had already turned away, raising her voice to ask a local passerby, "Comrade, where’s the restroom around here?"
"You mean the outhouse?" The man took a moment to understand before pointing ahead. "Turn over there, and you’ll see it."
After thanking him, Yan Xue strode forward without so much as a glance back at Qi Fang.
Qi Fang stood there, his face and eyes still brimming with tenderness, only to be completely ignored. It dawned on him then—Yan Xue was genuinely angry this time.
Not like when he had misspoken on the mountain, nor like when he had been upset that she hid her injuries. This wasn’t just their usual cold war. She was truly furious.
For the first time in a long while, he felt a pang of regret, along with a headache. Pressing his lips together, he hurried after her.
He didn’t dare get too close, waiting outside instead. The moment Yan Xue emerged, he immediately tried to apologize. "I’m sorry, I—"
Before he could finish, she brushed past him and walked away. Not home, of course—her things were still at Wei Shuxian’s place, and it would be rude to leave without greeting her.
Qi Fang had no choice but to follow again, opening doors for her, fetching water, and handing her a towel the moment she finished washing her hands.
His attentiveness rivaled that of a servant girl from the old days. Wang Zhengrong, hearing the commotion, came out to greet them and was utterly stunned.
Seriously, if you’re just going to end up waiting on your wife hand and foot, why the hell did you leave her behind in the first place?
The words were practically written in Wang Zhengrong’s eyes, making Qi Fang stiffen slightly. Yan Xue, however, acted as if nothing was wrong. After washing her hands, she walked in with a bright smile. "Shiniang, I’ve come to see you."
Wei Shuxian had already heard that Qi Fang’s wife had chased him down, but she had been in a hurry to use the restroom earlier. Now, she warmly beckoned her in. "Come in, come in."
At a glance, she could tell this was a lovely, charming girl—sweet-voiced, sweet-mouthed, and even sweeter in demeanor.
Yan Xue immediately sidled up to her without any hesitation. "Shiniang, I hope I’m not disturbing your rest? Zhengrong-ge said you weren’t feeling well."
Her first concern was Wei Shuxian’s health, which made the older woman smile even wider. "No disturbance at all. In fact, I owe you my life—that ginseng you had Qi Fang bring saved me."
Yan Xue’s heart skipped a beat when she heard that Wei Shuxian had nearly died from yang depletion and shock.
She was now certain that in the original story, Qi Fang’s mentor’s research had been stolen during this very incident—especially if Wei Shuxian had been on the brink of death.
If she had died, getting Qi Fang to hand over the research would have become her dying wish. Grief-stricken, he would have only grown more resentful toward Wu Xingde, the man directly or indirectly responsible.
And when someone’s mind is clouded by hatred and sorrow, rational thinking becomes nearly impossible—especially since, in the original story, Wu Xingde hadn’t repeatedly tested Qi Fang’s limits.
After all, in the original timeline, Qi Fang had stayed with the logging team and never patched things up, so Wu Xingde never grew suspicious. Without his repeated probing, Qi Fang would have assumed Wu Xingde had been fooled by the fake notes and wouldn’t have suspected him so easily.
Realizing this, Yan Xue let out a quiet sigh of relief.
At least that ginseng hadn’t been a wasted effort, and her trip wasn’t in vain. Things hadn’t spiraled the way they had in the original story.
After offering Wei Shuxian a few more words of comfort about taking care of herself, Yan Xue’s gaze shifted as if she had just noticed the stranger in the room. "And this is…?"
"This is Professor Lin, an old colleague of Qi Fang’s mentor from their university days," Wei Shuxian introduced.
Yan Xue had guessed as much—who else would be here at a time like this?
She greeted him politely, then feigned slight embarrassment. "I hope I’m not intruding?"
With that, she reached into her bag and pulled out a notebook, handing it to Qi Fang. "You left in such a hurry, you forgot something this important."
Though her words were directed at Qi Fang, her peripheral attention stayed fixed on Professor Lin’s reaction.
The moment the words "important thing" left her mouth, Professor Lin’s eyes flicked toward the notebook. Though he quickly looked away, that first instinct was telling.
He definitely knew Qi Fang was holding onto something—even if he wasn’t entirely certain, he was at least seventy to eighty percent sure.
Qi Fang noticed it too, his expression darkening imperceptibly. Outwardly, however, he took the notebook as if it were nothing, even frowning slightly. "Was it really worth bringing this all the way here?"
"I couldn’t let you keep mooching off Shiniang, could I?" Yan Xue flipped the notebook open in front of everyone, revealing the money and ration tickets inside.
Both husband and wife watched Professor Lin’s reaction closely. Sure enough, his expression froze for a split second before his gaze dropped.
Now Qi Fang was even more certain. Remembering the man’s earlier display of grief, he suddenly felt sick—it was all so hypocritical, so nauseating.
Yan Xue, unaware of what had transpired earlier in the room, exchanged a few more pleasantries before settling beside Wei Shuxian again, making no move to excuse herself so they could resume their discussion.
With the previous topic effectively derailed, Professor Lin stood. "Since Qi Fang’s wife is here, Xiao Wei, you should rest. I’ll visit again in a couple of days."
After Yan Xue’s sweet "Shiniang" had cheered her up, Wei Shuxian was no longer as consumed by sorrow as before. Still, she tried to persuade him to stay. "At least have a meal before you go."
"No, no. I’ve just taken over some work, and there’s a lot to handle." Professor Lin sighed. "I could really use some help soon."
Insisting on leaving, he walked out with a slight limp in his left leg.
Qi Fang, as if noticing it for the first time, frowned. "Professor Lin, what happened to your leg?"
The professor’s eyes dimmed, and he instinctively pulled back slightly. "It’s nothing. I broke it a while back, and it wasn’t treated in time."
Hiding, avoiding, unwilling to speak of it—that was the most natural reaction to pain.
Finally, Qi Fang realized why he had felt something was off. Professor Lin had brought up Su Changqing too many times, as if deliberately trying to stoke his and Wei Shuxian’s grief and anger.
Yet he and his shiniang (master's wife) were too emotionally involved to see clearly, especially shiniang, who nearly blurted out the fact that he possessed their teacher's research findings.
This left Qi Fang feeling both chilled and disheartened, but he suppressed the turmoil in his heart and, as usual, saw the guests out with Wang Zhengrong.
Upon returning, he overheard Yan Xue telling Wei Shuxian, "I'll leave soon—I have matters to attend to at home."
At that moment, he forgot all about Professor Lin and hurried inside. "You just arrived today. Why leave so soon?"
His urgency made Wei Shuxian glance at him, then at Yan Xue, whose smile remained sweet. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated.
Yan Xue's expression didn’t change, but she ignored him, addressing only Wei Shuxian. "Shiniang, my grandmother and younger brother are at home, and we’ve started a trial project growing wood ear mushrooms. It’s a busy time. Oh, I asked Qi Fang to bring you some—have you tried them yet?"
Right—she had her grandmother and brother at home, and the trial project to manage. If she hadn’t felt this trip was absolutely necessary, why would she have insisted so strongly?
Qi Fang pressed his lips together. Then he heard Wei Shuxian express concern for Yan Xue’s pregnancy. "Can you manage alone? Why not stay a few more days and let Xiao Fang escort you back?"
"Didn’t I come here alone?" Yan Xue’s eyes curved into a smile. "Shiniang, don’t worry. I know how to take care of myself."
That left Qi Fang with nothing to say. She had, after all, traveled all this way by herself, making his protectiveness seem excessive.
But he truly couldn’t rest easy, especially after what had nearly happened to Shan Qiufang.
With no other choice, he invoked Wei Shuxian’s name. "Stay a couple more days. Keep shiniang company."
Wei Shuxian, as an experienced woman, could tell he’d upset his wife. "Stay a while longer. No matter how capable you are, the baby can’t handle this nonstop rushing."
Her eyes softened with warmth. "Seeing you, seeing Xiao Fang with a family and a child on the way—it feels like I’ve lived to witness the next generation."
Though she said it with a smile, her words carried a quiet despair, a resignation toward her own life.
Yan Xue grasped her hand. "When the baby’s born, they’ll call you Grandma, and you’ll have to give a big red envelope."
Wei Shuxian nodded. "I’ll make it a generous one." Then she sighed. "But I have nothing left to give, not even a proper welcome gift."
"Your well-being is the best gift," Yan Xue said gently. "Qi Fang, Zhengrong-ge, and I—we all want you to be well."
Wei Shuxian’s eyes grew moist. "I know. You’re all good children, especially Xiao Fang. He’s suffered so much these years."
In the end, Yan Xue stayed—partly because she couldn’t ignore Wei Shuxian’s frail health, fearing another crisis.
With her remaining, Yan Xue didn’t idle. She promptly bought brown sugar and ginger, brewing a tonic for Wei Shuxian.
Wei Shuxian’s pallor was evident, her hands and feet icy—things the two men had no experience handling.
Yan Xue also inquired about the recent incident and Wei Shuxian’s situation here, then took gifts to visit the village head and the elderly doctor.
First, to thank them for their help that day; second, to express gratitude for their care over the years. Well-spoken words were always welcome.
And once someone thanks you for looking after their shiniang and brings gifts, wouldn’t you naturally feel obliged to help in the future?
To the old doctor, she even presented a slice of wild ginseng—cut from a prized root—making him wave his hands in refusal.
"This isn’t a free gift," she said. "You have experience. Could you prescribe some remedies to help shiniang recover?"
That same day, she returned with the prescriptions and instructed Wang Zhengrong and Wei Shuxian to seek help from these families if needed. Wang Zhengrong was stunned. "Is my sister-in-law always this impressive?"
Su Changqing had been devoted to research, Wei Shuxian to teaching—neither was politically savvy, which was why they’d been targeted.
Wang Zhengrong, lacking even academic talent, had escaped by working in a factory early on.
Hearing his question, Qi Fang gave him a look. "She’s always been like this. Almost everyone in the forestry station adores her."
"Then how dare you provoke her?" Wang Zhengrong was baffled. "Aren’t you afraid she’ll settle the score later?"
Qi Fang fell silent for a long moment before finally handing him the prescriptions. "Zhengrong-ge, you should head back today. It’s been days since you’ve been home."
Wang Zhengrong had indeed been away for a while. With Yan Xue here, it was awkward for him to stay. He nodded. "Then I’ll leave my aunt in your and sister-in-law’s care."
After he left and Wei Shuxian took her medicine, Yan Xue excused herself, saying she’d eaten too much and needed a walk.
Qi Fang knew she was giving him space with Wei Shuxian and didn’t delay. He laid out the three questions Yan Xue had raised.
After all, his unease alone wasn’t enough—he had to convince Wei Shuxian.
If Wei Shuxian insisted he hand over the research, given her health, any mishap would be unbearable.
"Shiniang, I think Yan Xue is right. This concerns Teacher’s life’s work. We should reconsider. Once it’s out, there’s no taking it back."
Wei Shuxian had assumed Yan Xue came merely to deliver money and supplies—perhaps with some lingering anger. She hadn’t expected such a crucial warning.
Her gaze drifted outside, then she fell into deep silence.
She really had been too ill, too distraught, forgetting that Changqing had never cared for such things.
If he had, he could have named others back then to save himself—but he hadn’t.
Yet how much longer could this torment last? If they missed this chance, when—or if—would another come?
She knew her own body wouldn’t hold out much longer. And there was still Professor Lin...
Wei Shuxian hesitated. "Then we ignore Professor Lin? He’s taking over this project under great pressure."
Kind people were always like this—considering others, forgetting whether others would do the same for them.
Qi Fang felt a pang of sympathy, but the truth had to be faced. "Haven’t you noticed anything off about Professor Lin?"
Wei Shuxian froze, her face gradually paling. "You—you mean he’s...?"
Compared to Professor Lin, she clearly trusted her husband’s disciple more. Though still disbelieving, she didn’t outright dismiss it.
"I hate to think it, but when Yan Xue showed the diary today, he looked over."
Qi Fang presented the most damning evidence. "When he heard it wasn’t what he wanted, he seemed disappointed. And don’t you find his mentions of Teacher too deliberate?"
His voice was calm. "He barely speaks of his own work, yet he’s fixated on Teacher’s."
Whether Su Changqing’s research was buried or condemned—did it truly matter so much?
To Qi Fang and Wei Shuxian, yes. To Professor Lin? Unlikely.
It was just that they cared too much, and when others brought it up, they couldn’t help but empathize, overlooking certain things.
Wei Shuxian remained silent for a long time, still unable to accept it. "But back when your teacher got into trouble, he even spoke up for him."
Her voice trembled with emotion, chilled by the harsh reality of human nature.
Qi Fang had clearly considered this as well. "When he spoke up for our teacher, the situation wasn’t as severe yet, was it?"
People tend to cling to hope. At first, no one expected things to escalate so badly. But later, everyone was struggling just to survive.
"And people change. The Professor Lin of today might not be the same man he once was."
Grueling labor, harsh conditions, constant self-criticism and denouncements—all of it was enough to wear down anyone’s spirit, let alone Professor Lin, who was now left with a limp.
Qi Fang knew his teacher’s wife might not come to terms with it immediately. "Or maybe I’m overthinking it. Whether it’s true or not, we can test it out."
Just a day later, Professor Lin visited again, this time bringing a thick stack of documents.
"These are all the research institute’s materials on hydrostatic transmission. I’ve gone through them but can’t pinpoint the issue yet. Qi Fang, take a look too."
He handed the papers to Qi Fang, along with a notebook filled with meticulous notes—clearly in his own handwriting.
Professor Lin pointed at the notebook. "Just some rough thoughts. Not sure if they’re accurate." It was clear he’d put in the effort.
Say what you would about Professor Lin, he had always been diligent. Back at the university, it was the same. Watching him, Wei Shuxian couldn’t help but feel a pang of complicated emotions.
Fortunately, Professor Lin was focused on Qi Fang and didn’t notice. To his surprise, Qi Fang pushed the materials back. "Isn’t it inappropriate for me to see confidential documents like these?"
"For outsiders, yes. But you’re not an outsider. You probably know more than what’s written here anyway."
Professor Lin thought Qi Fang was being overly cautious, but then Qi Fang dropped the bombshell: "Professor Lin, I’ve thought it over, and I won’t be returning to work with you."
Professor Lin was stunned. "You’re not coming back? Why? This is such a great opportunity!"
He even turned to Wei Shuxian. "Xiao Wei, did you know about this?" His urgency was palpable.
This had all been discussed beforehand, so Wei Shuxian nodded. "I only just found out—Qi Fang’s wife is pregnant, and she’s already quite far along."
She sighed. "It took them over a year of marriage to conceive. We can’t just bring him back and leave her to deliver the baby alone."
"How is childbirth more important than this?!"
Professor Lin blurted out, then quickly backtracked. "Besides, Qi Fang can always return afterward. If needed, we can arrange for his wife to come here too."
He pressed on, trying to persuade Qi Fang. "This project is crucial—for you, for me, and for your teacher. You need to think carefully. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment."
Noticing Yan Xue in the room, he added, "And now you have a family. Even if you won’t consider yourself, think about your wife and child. You can’t stay away forever, can you?"
"I don’t mind," Yan Xue interjected from where she sat folding clothes for Wei Shuxian. "I can adapt anywhere. Besides, I have my own work at the forestry station."
Her words left Professor Lin speechless for a moment before he managed, "The conditions there can’t compare to here."
"I think they’re just fine," Yan Xue said with a smile. "And even if Qi Fang returns, he wouldn’t be directly assigned to the institute, right?"
That place wasn’t easy to get into. Given Wu Xingde’s track record, discarding someone after using them would be more his style.
Sure enough, Professor Lin hesitated. "An immediate transfer would be difficult, but with results, anything’s possible."
Just empty promises, then. Yan Xue chuckled but said nothing more, her meaning clear in her silence.
Seeing no progress with her, Professor Lin turned back to Qi Fang. "This was your teacher’s project. Are you really going to abandon it? What about all his life’s work?"
His expression was pained. "Su Changqing dedicated his entire career to this. Can you bear to see it shelved and ridiculed?"
His gaze flicked to Wei Shuxian, making it clear his words were meant for her as much as for Qi Fang.
From the moment Professor Lin tried to sway Yan Xue, Wei Shuxian had already made up her mind. Now, hearing him invoke Su Changqing’s name, her heart turned even colder.
Instead of being roused as he’d hoped, she replied calmly, "If Qi Fang doesn’t want to go, don’t force him. He might not be as indispensable as you think."
Professor Lin was taken aback, but she averted her eyes and continued, "If you’re short on hands, you could always reach out to Su Changqing’s other students. It’d be the same."
Professor Lin wanted to argue that it wouldn’t be the same at all, but he held his tongue. "You should both reconsider. This isn’t a trivial matter."
He couldn’t understand their sudden shift. Last time, Wei Shuxian had been so aggrieved, insisting Qi Fang help.
But no matter how he pleaded or provoked, neither budged. In the end, he had no choice but to gather his materials and leave.
As he was about to go, Qi Fang seemed to hesitate before following him outside.
"It’s not that I don’t want to help. I’m just powerless," Qi Fang said. "My teacher left me a notebook, but Wu Xingde stole it."
"Wu Xingde stole it?" Professor Lin’s shock seemed genuine. "What happened?"
Qi Fang feigned surprise in return. "You didn’t know? I assumed he took it for the institute’s sake."
He left the rest unsaid, but anyone inclined to read between the lines would understand.
Qi Fang had guessed that Professor Lin, earnest about the project, might not realize he was being used as Wu Xingde’s pawn—or perhaps he was willing to play the part.
And knowing Wu Xingde, Qi Fang was certain he’d never share the notebook with the institute. It’d be interesting to see how the institute reacted once they learned he’d withheld such critical information despite the crisis.
Having sowed the seeds of discord, Qi Fang returned inside to find Wei Shuxian’s composed facade gone, replaced by melancholy.
After a long silence, she said to him, "From now on, you decide. When to act, whether to act—it’s all up to you. No need to consult me."
A bitter smile touched her lips, faint color returning to her face. "I’m old and confused. I can’t even see people’s true intentions anymore."
Human nature was never easy to decipher. Without Yan Xue, even Qi Fang might still be trapped in the illusion.
As if reading his thoughts, Yan Xue grinned and said, "If you want to see clearly, you’d need X-ray vision."
Wei Shuxian laughed. "How did this quiet son of mine end up with someone as quick-witted as you?"
Then, turning serious, she added, "Now that we know Professor Lin’s motives, we can’t trust him with anything—not even a hint. I’ll be fine here. You two should head back soon. You’ve got family and work waiting."
Qi Fang, who had been gazing at Yan Xue’s smiling profile, suddenly stiffened.
He’d just remembered—with everything happening, he still hadn’t found a way to smooth things over with her after their fight…
Qi Fang: Urgently seeking wholesale suppliers for kneel-worthy washboards and durians—the more the better! Time-sensitive!
