Chapter 206

October 2nd.

After waking up, Xia Zhi ran into Shenhe again in the hallway.

Just like yesterday morning, they greeted each other with a light kiss on the cheek.

Xia Zhi looked at Shenhe, who, despite her expressionless face, had a faint hint of joy in the corners of her eyes and brows. He couldn't help but smile softly.

Come to think of it, in this world, Shenhe was the person he had spent the most time with.

Nearly two months in the real world, plus half a month in the dream world (which, when converted at a 12:1 ratio, amounted to three full months), added up to almost half a year.

At first, he didn't have any particularly romantic feelings for her. He simply felt that Shenhe's past was too tragic and wanted to take good care of her.

Later, as they played games together and traveled through dreams, their feelings for each other slowly began to ferment.

You could say it was a natural progression, like water flowing into a channel.

Xia Zhi recalled the promise he had made to take good care of her. If Shenhe's master found out how he was "taking care" of Shenhe, he wondered if she would be angry…

For breakfast, Xia Zhi prepared something light.

He remembered that last month, on the 2nd, he had handed out salaries. That day, Zhu Zi had complained of stomach pain, and he had prescribed her some medicine.

"Zhu Zi, your period came this month too, right?"

Zhu Zi blushed slightly and whispered, "Yes."

"Does your stomach still hurt?"

"Not anymore."

"Good, the medicine worked. Even though your old issue is resolved, you should still eat lightly during your period."

"Okay."

Diona, who had been listening nearby, hesitated for a long time before finally gathering the courage to speak up. "Boss."

"Hmm?"

"I… I also get stomach pain during… that time… Could you take a look at me too…"

"Oh? Come here, let me check."

"Okay."

Diona, her face red, walked over. Xia Zhi took her wrist and examined her condition.

"It's not a big problem."

"Then…"

"Go get some paper and a brush. I'll write you a prescription. Three doses should do it."

"Great! Thank you, boss!"

Xia Zhi wrote the prescription for Diona and glanced at Shenhe. Her constitution was strong, so she didn't have such issues.

At noon, Zhu Zi took Diona to Bubu Pharmacy to get the medicine.

This time, Ah Gui didn't dare to question the prescription and obediently prepared the herbs for them.

When they returned, Qiqi helped brew the medicine.

Diona wrinkled her nose at the strange smell wafting from the pot.

Zhu Zi comforted her, "Just close your eyes and drink it all in one go. Yours is better—you only need three doses. I had to drink five."

"That means Senior Zhu Zi's condition was more serious."

"…I guess so."

"Can't we add sugar to it?"

"The boss said no. Changing the formula could make it toxic."

"Oh…"

Once the medicine was brewed and had cooled slightly, Diona picked up the bowl and downed it in one go. Zhu Zi felt a sense of balance watching her.

"Don't just throw away the dregs. Dig a small hole in the backyard and bury them. Be careful not to poison any mice."

"Okay."

October 3rd, mint flavor.

October 4th, orange flavor.

October 5th, grape flavor.

October 6th, watermelon flavor.

It was Friday again, and Ganyu came over from Yuehai Pavilion. She noticed the new novel on the table in the shop.

"You bought a new book?"

"It's the boss's book."

"Mr. Xia wrote it?"

"Yes!"

Ganyu was intrigued and picked up a copy to read.

The plot was quite interesting.

She had just finished reading the part about the broken engagement when it was time for dinner.

Ganyu closed the book and helped set the table.

During dinner, Ganyu shared some news from the Jade Chamber.

"Do you remember the Floating Stone that Lady Ningguang put a bounty on last time?"

"Yes."

"Someone has found it. You'll never guess who."

"Who?"

"Miss Yun Jin."

"It was her?"

"Miss Yun Jin has already asked Lady Ningguang a question. She's looking for a suitable stage for her new opera."

" Opera?"

"Yes. The Jade Chamber is extremely high up, offering a panoramic view of the mountains. From such a height, one can feel the strength of the wind and observe the world below. Lady Ningguang suggested that she perform there."

"Did Miss Yun Jin agree?"

"She did."

"That's a good suggestion, but the Jade Chamber isn't accessible to just anyone. The audience will likely be wealthy merchants and nobles…"

"That's true… If Mr. Xia wants to listen, I can take you all up there."

"No need to trouble you, Miss Ganyu. I've already heard that opera."

After dinner, everyone went out for a stroll. When they returned, Xia Zhi gave Ganyu a full-body massage.

Ganyu closed her eyes, thoroughly relaxed.

All this overtime just for this moment… no, just for this massage…

Xia Zhi casually asked, "Miss Ganyu, is the Jade Chamber almost finished?"

Ganyu replied softly, "Yes, it should be completed by the end of this month. Only the Wonder Core is left."

The end of this month?

Xia Zhi couldn't help but recall the divination he had done for Ningguang last month.

She was supposed to face a calamity this month. Could it be related to the Jade Chamber?

After the massage, Ganyu took a bath and returned to her junior sister's room feeling completely refreshed.

A book lay on the table.

Ganyu picked it up and realized it was the one written by Mr. Xia. There were obvious signs of it being read.

I didn't know Junior Sister Shenhe also enjoys reading novels.

Ganyu lay on the bed, opened the book, and continued reading from where she had left off.

As she read, her face began to turn red.

This plot is… quite intense.

Mr. Xia is really good at this…

Suddenly, the door opened.

Ganyu instinctively closed the book, feeling as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't.

"Junior Sister…"

"Senior Sister."

Shenhe glanced at the book in Ganyu's hand, then looked away and walked to the table to quietly arrange the Seven-Star Lamp.

Ganyu felt a little embarrassed and set the book aside. She asked softly, "Have you finished reading this book?"

"Yes."

"Is the later part good?"

"Very good. Where are you, Senior Sister?"

"The part where they go out to train."

"That's still early."

"I'm just reading casually."

"Hmm."

"Junior Sister, you seem different from before."

"How so?"

"I can't quite put it into words, but you don't seem as cold as you used to be."

"I've been in the mortal world for a while now. It's natural."

"I suppose so… You still enter the dream world every night to play games with Mr. Xia, right?"

"Yes."

"I'm a little envious."

Shenhe couldn't help but look up at her senior sister.

"What are you envious of?"

"Having someone to accompany you. I work late every night and always go home alone. It feels a bit lonely."

"Grandma mentioned that administrative reforms are…"

"That's still in the planning stages. It'll take time. Sigh, let's not talk about that. Tonight, I want to enjoy some games!"

Shenhe watched her enthusiastic senior sister and silently lowered her head.

She had already found something more fun than games.

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