Volume One, Chapter Six: The Return of the Senior Disciples

He was dressed in a meticulously tailored black haute couture suit, every inch of the fabric exuding understated luxury, perfectly outlining his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

The light cast faint shadows across his sharply defined face—a face stunningly handsome, yet chillingly cold.

His nose was high and straight, lips thin and tightly pressed, and his jawline was carved with knife-like precision. Most striking were his eyes, deep and unfathomable like a cold pool, devoid of any warmth. Even a fleeting glance from them carried an oppressive force, a detached authority born of long-standing power.

Ordinary people would likely be so intimidated by such a gaze that their legs would go weak and words would fail them.

Yet at this moment, those eyes capable of freezing everything miraculously softened the instant they met hers.

The ice melted away, leaving behind an indescribable emotion—one nearly akin to... tenderness.

Yes, tenderness!

To associate that word with him was almost inconceivable.

But it was unmistakably happening.

She froze utterly, her mind a blank.

Lu Lie!

How could he be here?

Before she could recover from the overwhelming shock, Lu Lie moved.

He stepped forward, extending his long arms without hesitation, and forcefully pulled her tightly into his embrace.

The door slammed shut, sealing out the world.

His arms were broad and strong, emanating a reassuring warmth and a faint scent of pine, instantly enveloping her.

His grip was so firm that it ached in her bones, yet strangely it gave her an unprecedented sense of security.

A large, knotted hand gently stroked her soft hair, from crown to tips, with an unbelievable tenderness.

He said nothing.

But she felt that this silent embrace spoke volumes—thousands of unspoken words: suppressed longing, hidden waiting, worries too painful to voice.

Three years.

Three whole years without seeing each other.

“Nian Nian, I’m back,” his deep voice sounded above her head, tinged with a faint huskiness barely perceptible. “Three years is so long.”

For him, three years had felt like a century.

He had waited for her to end that absurd, contractual marriage before daring to approach her again.

“From now on, no one will ever bully you again.” His voice was resolute, an irrevocable promise.

Her nose stung sharply, and tears instantly welled in her eyes.

She pulled away—not out of resistance, but because she needed space to breathe.

Lowering her head, she turned toward the kitchen. “Would you like something to drink?”

“The usual,” Lu Lie’s voice followed her.

She skillfully retrieved the coffee beans, ground them, and brewed the coffee.

Each movement was ingrained deep within her. This was also Fu Beichen’s favorite coffee.

A pity he had never tasted the coffee she made.

Soon, a cup of fragrant hand-brewed coffee was placed before Lu Lie.

He took it; the bone china cup was perfectly warm.

He lowered his head and sipped lightly.

Bitter yet mellow, with a subtle sweet aftertaste.

The beans she always used, her unique brewing method—a familiar flavor etched deep in his memory.

“Why... why did you suddenly come back?” she finally looked up, her voice trembling slightly, cautiously asking.

Lu Lie set down the cup; the clink against the table was clear and sharp.

He raised his eyes to meet hers, a faint curve of a smile playing on his lips—part teasing, part commanding confidence.

“What? Have you already forgotten our bet from three years ago?”

A bet?

Her heart jolted violently as deliberately buried fragments of memory began to resurface.

“Of course I came back to get you.” Lu Lie leaned forward slightly, his gaze burning into hers, his powerful aura instantly enveloping her. “Waiting for you to return to the world.”

Return to the world...

Those four words exploded in her mind like thunder.

“Then,” he paused, his voice low and magnetic, each word striking her heart, “we’ll stand together once more, hand in hand, at the pinnacle of this world.”

She was completely stunned.

Her heart felt tightly clenched by some unseen force, aching and swollen.

Instinctively, she wanted to force a smile, to say something witty to mask the storm of emotions coursing through her.

Something like, “Big brother, your childish phase still isn’t over?”

Or, “The wind at the top of the world is too strong; I’m afraid of the cold.”

But she failed.

Her lips barely moved before tears slipped uncontrollably down her cheeks.

Large, hot tears fell, striking the back of her hand.

Burning!

Lu Lie was her senior apprentice brother.

When she studied abroad for her doctorate, alone and without family, he cared for her like a true brother, shielding her from harm.

He was also her most trusted partner.

Together, they spent countless sleepless nights in the lab, until she derived the formula that could change the world.

But it was at that time she chose to... retreat.

Marrying a man she had met only a few times, humiliatingly agreeing to a three-year contractual marriage.

No one understood her.

Everyone thought she was crazy.

Including Lu Lie.

He had been furious enough to overturn tables, but in the end, he only gave her a deep look, left a three-year bet, then turned and went abroad to carve out his territory.

And she disappeared completely from everyone’s sight.

Those three years passed... quietly, but oppressively.

Like a bird with broken wings trapped inside a golden cage.

Now, the cage door was open.

And the one who once soared alongside her had returned.

With an irresistible strength, determined to take her back to the skies.

Only she knew some matters must be resolved.

He did not dare wipe her tears, fearing he might lose control... Instead, he said softly, “N’s tears are precious. Don’t waste them. Go change clothes; I’m taking you out to eat. You’ve gotten so thin.”

Gu Xingnian nodded and walked into the master bedroom.

Fifteen minutes later, Lu Lie and Gu Xingnian descended the stairs together.

A luxury motorcade awaited below; Lu Lie opened the door and they entered together.

He liked the faint fragrance she carried. With her by his side, it felt as though he had the whole world.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the Nanrong Club.

The car door opened to reveal a handsome smile. “Senior sister.”

As Gu Xingnian stepped out, her junior disciples bowed respectfully. “Welcome back, senior sister.”

She looked at them with surprise and delight—familiar faces, comrades who had fought alongside her. “You’re all back?”

Feng Jun stepped forward, affectionately linking his arm with hers. “Senior sister, we missed you so much. Fortunately, senior brother was kind enough to let us return together—to accompany you and to prepare for our global medical summit.”

Cheng Xinyao joined in, hooking her arm through hers, offering a sweet smile. “Yes, with senior sister here, we don’t have to endure so much drudgery. Senior brother is really strict with us.”

“You’ve grown even more feminine, little one—not the crybaby you used to be.”

Gu Xingnian pinched her cheek gently.

Lu Lie shot a sharp glance their way; Feng Jun quickly withdrew his hand, heart trembling.

So intimidating!

Lu Lie’s thin lips parted slightly. “Let’s go inside.”