Chapter 38: After the Storm, Ripples in the Heart
The thick thunderclouds that had loomed over Changling County had vanished.
The townspeople, who had been paralyzed with fear by the thunder, now looked around in a daze, their hearts still pounding.
The oppressive aura, the earth-shattering thunderclaps, had terrified everyone in the county.
Only when sunlight streamed down from the clear sky did they cautiously emerge from their homes, restaurants, and shops. After confirming that the celestial phenomenon had passed, they began to talk amongst themselves, their voices filled with relief and wonder.
“That thunderclap just now scared the wits out of me!”
“I’ve never seen such terrifying thunder in my entire life! Could it be the wrath of the heavens?”
“The air feels so fresh now. Taking a deep breath feels invigorating.”
…
“H-how is this possible—”
Inside the county magistrate’s residence, Tang stared at the sky in shock.
The other officials, both civil and military, had been scared witless by the thunder and hadn’t noticed anything amiss. But he had seen it with his own eyes. The bolt of purple-black lightning, descending from the heavens, had abruptly stopped in mid-air, then, as if pushed by an invisible force, had veered off course and struck the ground at an odd angle…
It was as if someone had swatted it aside!
“What’s happening in Changling County?”
He murmured, his gaze unfocused.
…
On West Street…
Lin Tianlu stopped abruptly, looking up at the suddenly clear sky, his face filled with confusion.
The torrential rain and thunder had vanished in an instant, replaced by a bright, sunny sky. It was as if the weather had changed its mind.
Wait!
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned serious.
He had been too preoccupied with rushing to the clinic and hadn’t noticed anything unusual at the time.
But now that he thought about it, the thunder had been strange and sudden, its power extraordinary. It was clearly not an ordinary storm. Could it have been some kind of heavenly tribulation?
However, now wasn’t the time to dwell on such matters.
Madam Mao still needed…
“Mr. Lin?”
A weak voice came from his arms, and he quickly looked down. “Madam Mao, you should rest for a while… Hmm?”
His eyes widened.
The beautiful woman in his arms, who had been on the verge of fainting, had recovered.
Mao Ruoyu leaned against him, her face flushed, her hands instinctively pressed against her chest, but this only accentuated her ample bosom, pressing against his chest. Her body trembled slightly, overcome with shyness.
She took a few deep breaths, trying to steady her voice. “I-I’m fine now.”
Lin Tianlu’s expression was strange.
“You recovered so quickly?”
“There was an oppressive pressure from the sky just now. It was suffocating.” Mao Ruoyu’s voice was soft and gentle. “But now that the sky is clear, the pressure is gone. Perhaps there was some kind of Yang energy within the celestial phenomenon that startled me.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?”
Lin Tianlu looked skeptical.
That thunder had indeed been strange.
“I think so.”
Mao Ruoyu lowered her eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment. “Although I was drowsy, Sir, I vaguely heard your… rather rude outburst.”
“Uh… I apologize, Madam. I was just…”
“It’s alright. You were just worried about me, Sir. It makes me happy.” Mao Ruoyu smiled unconsciously. “But now that I’m fine, please don’t be angry anymore. I wouldn’t want you to be upset.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly. “Seeing you almost faint, Madam, how could I possibly be happy?
But let’s still go to the clinic. We’re already here. It would be troublesome if there are any lingering effects. Let the doctor examine you.”
“We’re at the clinic?” Mao Ruoyu looked surprised, turning to look around.
She realized that they were standing right in front of the clinic. There were even a few people staring at them, their expressions a mixture of surprise and envy.
“Mmm—”
Mao Ruoyu felt her body heating up and covered her face with her hands, her voice a soft whine. “Sir, please put me down. People are staring.”
“Can you walk now, Madam?”
“Y-yes, I’m fine.”
“Then I apologize for my rudeness.” Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly, carefully setting her down and supporting her as they entered the clinic.
…
After examining her pulse, the old doctor stroked his beard and said thoughtfully, “This young lady is quite healthy. Her blood flow is strong, her pulse is steady, and she has a healthy glow. What seems to be the problem?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “Are you sure she’s alright, doctor?”
“I’ve been practicing medicine for decades. I have some confidence in my diagnosis.”
The old doctor chuckled. “She’s perfectly healthy. In fact, of all the women I’ve examined in my life, she has the best constitution and a flawless physique. According to feng shui, she’s blessed with good fortune and a prosperous destiny, a perfect wife and mother!”
“This…”
Lin Tianlu was even more surprised.
Madam Mao had fainted from anemia, then had a nosebleed from excess energy, and now she was perfectly healthy?
He couldn’t understand it. He quickly described all the unusual symptoms.
“Such strange occurrences?” The old doctor’s expression turned serious, and he checked her pulse again.
But after a thorough examination, he shook his head.
“Forgive my limited medical skills, but I can’t find anything wrong with this young lady.”
“I-I’m fine…”
Mao Ruoyu interjected awkwardly. “I’m feeling well now, doctor. There’s no need to worry.”
Lin Tianlu was about to speak, but he felt a tug on his sleeve. After a moment of thought, he nodded slightly. “Thank you for your time, doctor. Since everything is fine, we won’t disturb you any longer.”
“Master Lin.”
But the old doctor suddenly said, “I’ve dabbled in feng shui, although I’m not an expert. But based on the symptoms you described, perhaps this young lady isn’t physically ill, but has come into contact with something unclean. Just be careful.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, doctor.” Lin Tianlu bowed respectfully.
…
After paying the consultation fee, he left the clinic with Mao Ruoyu.
“Sir—”
Mao Ruoyu gently tugged on his sleeve and said softly, “You don’t have to worry, Sir. The reason I fainted before was because I encountered that evil spirit in the sea of fire. And the nosebleed a few days ago was because of your strong Yang energy, Sir. It was a bit… overwhelming for me.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised. “You can sense Yang energy, Madam?”
Mao Ruoyu brushed her hair back, a faint smile on her face. “I can sense Yin energy, so naturally, I can also see Yang energy. You feel incredibly warm to me, Sir, like a furnace.”
He looked at his hands curiously.
His Yang energy was that strong?
He wasn’t some muscular hunk.
He was slender and fair-skinned, more like a delicate scholar.
“Since you’re alright, let’s go home.” Mao Ruoyu stepped closer, stealing a glance at his profile.
Recalling how this usually calm and composed man had become so flustered because of her, her eyes sparkled, and her voice softened. “I’m grateful for your concern, Sir. I’ll make sure to cook a delicious meal for you tonight.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled. “I’m in for a treat then.”
…
As they reached their house and pushed open the gate, a burning smell assaulted their senses.
Lin Tianlu hurried into the courtyard and froze.
“Sir? What happened—”
Mao Ruoyu followed him in and stared at the scene before her in shock.
The once lush and vibrant locust tree in the courtyard was now a charred husk, black and withered, with flakes of ash falling from its branches. It was a pitiful sight.
What had happened?
Leave a Reply