TFSRITA Chapter 120

Yan Qing frowned, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity with his movements. Yet, an empty feeling overwhelmed her when she tried to recall where it came from, leaving her lost and uncertain.

Instinctively, she resisted, gripping his hands and, with a swift motion, flipped him over and held him down. “Alright, calm down!” she said firmly.

Chu Zhao’s struggles ceased as soon as she spoke, and his expression softened slightly. He looked at her, a bit puzzled, and in a faint, curious voice, asked, “Who are you?”

The Chu family couple, who were beside themselves with worry, even in tears, froze in place, glancing at each other, nearly moved to sob in relief.

“My name is Yan Qing,” she replied calmly, “Yan as in color, and Qing as in clear water.”

Their position was rather awkward, but Yan Qing dared not release him too soon, afraid he might attack again.

Chu Zhao didn’t seem to mind, though. He simply looked at her and repeated it earnestly after hearing her name, “Yan Qing…”

“Yes,” Yan Qing responded, feeling a small smile form. He didn’t look so fierce now. Her gaze brightened as she asked, “What’s your name?”

Chu Zhao tilted his head slightly, his ear brushing against the cool floor, seeming to realize their current positions. A slight blush colored his fair cheeks, and he replied earnestly, “My name is Chu Zhao.”

It seemed he had fully calmed down.

Testing his reaction, Yan Qing released him and helped him up, with the Chu family couple quickly assisting as well, sparing her the effort.

Once he was seated in his wheelchair, Chu Heng gave Yan Qing a look, signaling her to take him upstairs.

Yan Qing kept him engaged. “You have a nice name,” she said sincerely.

Chu Zhao gave a shy smile, looking like a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old boy with a clean, almost dreamy expression. “Thank you.”

Yan Qing couldn’t see his expression, but his tone reminded her of the person in the rain that day. At the time, with the dark rain clouds casting a heavy atmosphere, his presence had felt eerie, like something out of a ghost story.

Yan Qing wasn’t great at small talk, so she thought for a moment and said, “I complimented your name; you should compliment me back.”

Hearing this, Zhou Huaiya could only think, “Is that even a conversation starter?”

To her surprise, Chu Zhao took her words to heart. He looked at her curiously and apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t know. But yes, your name is very nice!” He even nodded for emphasis.

Yan Qing smiled, “Thank you.”

As they moved up the stairs, she walked beside him, wracking her brain for what to say. “What’s your favorite food?”

Chu Zhao, equally awkward with social cues, matched her topic shift with surprising ease. “I… don’t think I have a favorite.”

“That’s a shame. I love duck blood in hot pot—it’s so tender and tasty!” Yan Qing said, suddenly animated when talking about food.

Chu Zhao looked intrigued. “Really? I’d like to try that.”

Zhou Huaiya and Chu Heng exchanged glances—should they have a hot pot for lunch? Definitely!

Soon, they reached the top floor, and Yan Qing opened the door to Chu Zhao’s room, getting her first proper look inside.

The room was dark, with heavy curtains blocking out most of the light. She could barely make out the furniture—the bed, blankets, sofa, and several easels scattered around.

It was a large room, possibly two rooms combined. Yan Qing thought about the layout of the house and realized that was indeed the case.

It seemed Chu Zhao preferred quiet, so his room was located in the innermost part of the house, next to hers. She’d thought that room was empty, but it was connected to his.

Caught by surprise, Chu Zhao gave a shy smile, scratching his head in embarrassment. “Sorry for the mess. I can…”

“No, I’ll handle it!” Zhou Huaiya interjected quickly, as if afraid he’d realize he couldn’t stand up on his own.

She turned on the lights, and the room instantly brightened.

Yan Qing now saw that it wasn’t exactly messy—just cluttered. Several easels were set up in the center of the room, with paints everywhere, even in the bathroom.

The paintings, however, were surprisingly impressive.

They weren’t gloomy or dark but instead teeming with life: children playing on green lawns, birds soaring in bright blue skies, a lush, vibrant forest…

“These are beautiful!” Yan Qing said sincerely.

Chu Zhao’s smile widened, a bit shy. “Thank you.”

Yan Qing was about to continue speaking when she saw Chu Heng approach, holding a glass of water and some pills. He handed them to Yan Qing, silently implying what he wanted her to do.

She took the pills, cautiously saying, “Alright, it’s time for your medicine…”

“Okay.” Chu Zhao paused but then took the medicine and water naturally.

Yan Qing hadn’t had a chance to add the spiritual spring water to the drink, so she handed it to him as it was. He obediently took it, and Yan Qing glanced around the room. Her gaze landed on one particular painting that had toppled over, which featured a dark, oppressive cloud in one corner, breaking the harmony of the composition with a sense of foreboding.

Not wanting him to see her reaction, Yan Qing subtly shifted his focus, pointing to a different, colorful painting. “May I take a closer look?”

Chu Zhao nodded. “Of course.”

“Thank you.” Yan Qing smiled, leaning closer to study the oil painting.

She wasn’t an expert, but she had a sense of appreciation. She could tell that he was very talented. Although… she sneaked a look at the painting she’d covered up. It seemed newly painted, while the others, their paint dry and even framed, had been completed long before.