TMWTGD CH21

This was Xie Jianwei’s dinner.

Glistening, oily foie gras, heavily marbled Kobe steak, and even the beverage was rich, high-protein soy milk.

Such a dinner was excessively greasy for an ordinary person, let alone a physically frail youth like Xie Jianwei.

“Wait for me,” Lu Li texted Xie Jianwei. He started the car, slamming the accelerator to the floor and speeding forward like a bolt of lightning.

Gazing at the words on the screen, Xie Jianwei leaned back comfortably against his chair.

I told you not to leave, yet you insisted on making a detour before rushing back.

Butler Sun never expected Lu Li to turn right around and return.

Unable to cross Lu Li, he had swallowed a bellyful of resentment during the day and wanted to use this opportunity to teach Xie Jianwei a lesson.

Didn’t he spend last night suffering from diarrhea? Another night of it would simply clear out his stomach and bowels.

Instead, Lu Li caught him red-handed.

Lu Li looked like chilled frost, his voice so cold it made one tremble. “Is this the dinner you prepared?”

Knowing he was in the wrong, cold sweat beaded across Butler Sun’s forehead. He deflected the blame, stammering, “The chef lost his mind, assuming the Master and Madam were returning today, so…”

This forced excuse was awkward enough to embarrass a fool, yet Xie Jianwei paid it no heed, his eyes filled with Lu Li. “Doctor Lu, you came back!”

Looking into his sparkling eyes, Lu Li felt a sharp pang in his heart. He asked, “Did you eat dinner?”

Xie Jianwei replied, “No. If I eat it, my stomach hurts.”

Hearing those words, a surge of fury rushed straight to Lu Li’s head. “What did you eat last night?”

Xie Jianwei said, “The same thing.”

Storm clouds gathered in Lu Li’s eyes. “Has it always been like this?”

Detecting the shift in his mood, Xie Jianwei scrunched his nose and asked timidly, “Doctor Lu, are you angry?”

Lu Li’s eyes turned pitch-black as he commanded in a flat, chilly tone, “Answer me.”

Xie Jianwei answered, “Yes, it has always been like this.” Then he offered a faint smile, his voice turning sweet. “Only when Doctor Lu visits does lunch become delicious.”

Pressing his thin lips together, Lu Li ground out word by word, “Sun Changde.”

Butler Sun knew he was finished, completely doomed.

Xie Jianwei blinked, feigning bewilderment. “Doctor Lu, what is wrong?”

Though furious, Lu Li patiently soothed him. “It is nothing. Could you wait for me inside your room first?”

Assuming he intended to leave, Xie Jianwei grabbed his sleeve and refused to let go.

Heartache scorched Lu Li’s chest, but he reined in his temper, looking down at him with gentle warmth. “Be good. Head back to your room first. I will stay by your side all night tonight.”

Those words made Xie Jianwei beam instantly, nodding, “A promise is a promise.”

Lu Li said, “I would never lie to you.”

Xie Jianwei’s eyes shone with starlight, yet this innocent reliance cut into Lu Li’s heart like a blade.

Why did Xie Jianwei rely on him so deeply? Why did Xie Jianwei like him so much? Why did Xie Jianwei crave his company so desperately?

It was not merely emotional deprivation. The biggest reason was that only when Lu Li was present was he spared from mistreatment.

Yet Lu Li had never realized this before.

Xie Jianwei returned to his room. Having hacked the villa’s surveillance system long ago, opening his phone was enough to see everything happening outside.

Lu Li intended to discipline Sun Changde, but clearly wished to shield the innocent Xie Jianwei from such violence, deliberately sending him away.

Sun Changde’s legs trembled with terror. Recalling Lu Li’s background, he realized losing his job would be the least of his troubles.

This Young Master Lu could effortlessly strip away any place for him to exist in this world.

Shivering, Sun Changde stammered, “Doctor Lu, I did not mean it, I…”

With a dull thud, Lu Li drove a fist into his face, knocking out two front teeth.

Horrified, Sun Changde did not dare retaliate, bowing his head in fear. “I know my mistake, I will never do it again, I swear…”

Lu Li kicked him hard in the abdomen. The immense force sent him flying two or three meters back, slamming against the unyielding wall.

Feeling as if his spine had shattered, Sun Changde never imagined Lu Li possessed such terrifying physical strength. If this went on, he would be beaten to death.

Yet Lu Li felt no relief at all. Thinking of Xie Jianwei’s solitary figure, of the grievances the young boy had suffered, and of how he himself treated Xie Jianwei with delicate reverence out of fear of breaking him, while these people dared mistreat him so casually, he wished he could slaughter every last one of them.

Spitting blood, Sun Changde’s dread deepened. This was a young master of the Lu family who held immense power, and killing someone like him required zero hesitation.

Was it truly necessary, all this over Xie Jianwei?

He did not dare think further, reduced to sobbing and begging for mercy, even crying out not to be killed.

Surprisingly, Lu Li paused. Looking down at Sun Changde, his lips curved into a dark, sinister sneer entirely unlike Doctor Lu. “Of course I will not kill you. After all, this is a society ruled by law.”

Hearing this brought Sun Changde no comfort, only deepening his dread.

Lu Li raised a hand, abruptly overturning the entire table of food onto the floor. Gravy and dishes splattered all over Sun Changde.

Sun Changde was so paralyzed with fear that he dared not flinch.

Lu Li’s voice rang out again. “Such fine delicacies would be a waste to throw away. I must trouble Butler Sun to eat every single bite.”

With that, he ground his shoe firmly into the expensive steak.

Sun Changde’s eyes widened in horror. “This…”

Lu Li said, “No need to rush. There are cameras here, aren’t there? I will inspect the recordings carefully to see what you feed the young master every day, and then thank each of you in turn.”

The word “thank” was delivered with icy malice and venomous hatred.

Sun Changde looked up at Lu Li as though staring at a total stranger.

Was this that cultured, gentle Doctor Lu? Was this that Doctor Lu whose smile felt like a warm spring breeze? Was this that unassuming doctor whose noble background was impossible to discern?

No, this was not him. Who in the world was this man?

Xie Jianwei closed the video feed in time, pretending to doodle aimlessly at his desk.

When Lu Li walked in, he stood up cheerfully. “Doctor Lu, you truly aren’t leaving today?”

Lu Li’s expression softened, though a lingering chill remained in his eyes, his voice low and raspy. “From now on, I will stay with you always.”

Xie Jianwei’s eyes widened in wonder. “Did I hear wrong?”

Lu Li gathered him into his arms, holding his waist tightly, resting his chin against his soft hair. “Rest assured, no one will ever bully you again.”

Wrapping his arms around him in return, Xie Jianwei murmured uneasily, “I hope this isn’t a dream.”

Lu Li’s heart melted completely, holding him closer.

That night, Xie Jianwei slept in Lu Li’s embrace. Upon waking and finding the space beside him empty, he called softly, “Doctor Lu?”

In truth, checking his phone would tell him where Lu Li had gone, though he could guess even without looking.

Before long, Lu Li pushed the door open. Seeing him sitting in bed with a bewildered expression brought another wave of tender heartache. “Get up and eat.”

Xie Jianwei had not eaten dinner because Lu Li’s medical instructions called for fasting, letting the disrupted digestive system rest to ease the burden.

Xie Jianwei had not felt hungry then thanks to the IV nutrients, but by morning his stomach rumbled loudly. Thinking of Lu Li cooking in person made him even hungrier.

His Lu Li was a wild child raised on a desolate planet. A harsh upbringing granted him incredible independence. Among other things, his culinary skills drew endless praise even from Military Advisor Xie, who had tasted every delicacy across the galaxy.

Back during the years of ceaseless warfare, army rations were abysmal. Although Xie Jianwei was not a picky eater, whenever Lu Li found time, he always prepared special meals for him.

Every time he ate Lu Li’s cooking, Xie Jianwei felt he had struck gold, finding an extraordinary treasure.

Sadly, once the wars settled and Lu Li became Marshal, his schedule became so packed that he rarely cooked again.

Naturally, Xie Jianwei was pampered in luxurious mansions back then, with every indulgence readily available, so missing a home-cooked meal was hardly worth fretting over.

Even so, Xie Jianwei missed it. He missed that wonderful flavor, and missed the singular focus Lu Li showed whenever doing something just for him.

Unable to taste it in reality, enjoying it in a dream brought him great joy.

Lu Li had indeed cooked in person, crafting an exquisite, impeccably balanced breakfast.

Beaming, Xie Jianwei said, “Everything looks delicious.”

Lu Li said, “If you like it, you can have this every day.”

Taking a bite of a fluffy stuffed bun, Xie Jianwei was in splendid spirits. “I have never tasted anything so good.”

Lu Li’s gaze deepened slightly, murmuring, “There are many more delicious dishes to come.”

Xie Jianwei nodded, thoroughly satisfied with this progression.

He only needed to drop a few clues, and Lu Li would follow the trail, uncovering everything the young Xie Jianwei had suffered over the past decade.

The parents’ total indifference, the servants usurping authority; the naive youth had grown so used to this treatment that he failed to notice how twisted it was.

Chronic bullying, neglect, and harshness kept him from recovering, robbed him of his education, and cut him off from society, turning him into a helpless boy plagued with psychological trauma.

The more Lu Li learned, the angrier he became, furious not just at the wretched servants, but even more so at Xie Jianwei’s parents. Giving birth without providing care, such parents were worse than having none at all.

Lu Li knew that even if he reported Sun Changde’s actions to Xie Jianwei’s parents, they probably would not care.

After all, the son was already ruined, and the couple lived separate lives with their own households elsewhere. Who would bother with an unwanted burden from a failed marriage?

They might punish Sun Changde and hire new staff, but what purpose would that serve? One Sun Changde leaves, and many more would take his place.

Without parental protection, Xie Jianwei could not defend himself.

Therefore, Lu Li told neither parent, nor did he dismiss Sun Changde and the staff. Of course, he would not allow them to serve in the front either. Having committed such vile deeds and nearly destroyed a boy’s future, they would spend the rest of their lives atoning for it.

Xie Jianwei’s life soared from hell to heaven in an instant. In this massive villa, only he and Lu Li remained.

Lu Li attended to his affairs personally, handling every single detail from food, clothing, and shelter to studies, recreation, and even sleeping together.

Xie Jianwei naturally grew more attached, unable to part from his side.

This blissful life lasted for about a year. A year later, classmate Lu Li, unwilling to remain idle, added more drama to the script.

It was early spring, and cherry blossoms bloomed across the courtyard in a sea of white and pink, resembling soft clouds drifting down from the horizon.

In reality, Xie Jianwei had a yard full of cherry trees at his residence. Outsiders assumed the Military Advisor was poetic and fond of floral beauty, but in truth he was practical, longing for sweet cherries. Looking at the petals, his thoughts were entirely filled with glistening fruit to bake sweet-tart cakes or brew cherry wine.

While Military Advisor Xie let his mind wander, the courtyard gate clicked open. Spotting the tall figure in the distance, Xie Jianwei wondered why he had returned so early today.

Adjusting his mood, he went forward to give “Lu Li” a warm embrace. Yet the moment he hugged him, he immediately noticed something was amiss.

He tried to pull away, but the person held on with incredible strength, refusing to release him.

Xie Jianwei was silent. Believe it or not, the Military Advisor possessed a hundred ways to take down this rogue.

The rogue chuckled with teasing mirth. “What a sweet-scented little beauty. No wonder my useless younger brother hid such a treasure away.”

Xie Jianwei frowned in displeasure, his annoyance steadily building.

The rogue knew when to stop, letting go after a brief hold. Wearing a face identical to Lu Li’s, he smiled with roguish charm. “Don’t be angry, I am Lu Li’s older brother, Lu Yan.”

Xie Jianwei appraised him, his heart skipping a beat. Who was this? Lu Yan? Wasn’t that an alias Lu Li had used in the past?

Lu Yan looked him up and down as well. After a moment, he smiled. “Truly gorgeous, so lovely that I want to cage you up and pamper you myself.”

Ignoring the indecent remark, Xie Jianwei asked cautiously, “You are Doctor Lu’s brother?”

Lu Yan pointed to his own face. “Do we not look alike?”

Xie Jianwei was speechless. They looked alike, far too alike, clearly cast from the exact same mold.

Lu Yan remarked, “It is strange indeed. We have different mothers, and I am a year older than him, yet we look identical.”

Xie Jianwei thought, what was so strange about that? Dreams were full of illogical things.

Though Lu Yan shared Lu Li’s face, their personalities differed wildly. Clearly a troublemaker, he stared at Xie Jianwei for a moment before asking, “What is your name?”

Xie Jianwei gave his name.

Lu Yan laughed. “Such a pleasant name, sounds like a girl’s.”

Xie Jianwei said nothing, thinking that speaking so loosely would get him beaten.

Seeing him turn sour, Lu Yan produced a small object from behind his back like a magic trick. “A gift for our first meeting.”

It was an exquisite little box. Having no familiarity with ancient Earth relics, Xie Jianwei had no clue what it was.

Lu Yan said, “This is wonderful stuff, let me demonstrate.”

Tapping the box, it expanded instantly into a tablet screen showing Lu Li’s figure.

Xie Jianwei realized this was a receiver for a surveillance monitor. Still, he played along, crying out in feigned surprise, “Doctor Lu!”

Lu Yan chuckled, “Have you ever seen Doctor Lu like this?”

On the screen, Lu Li wore a white lab coat, absorbed in his hospital duties.

Having seen Lu Li in military uniform countless times, seeing this side of him was genuinely intriguing.

Yet Lu Yan clicked the screen off abruptly.

Xie Jianwei showed clear displeasure.

Lu Yan asked, “Do you want to see more?”

Wanting to see what tricks he was playing, Xie Jianwei played along. “Yes.”

Lu Yan said, “Then you must promise me one thing.”

On guard, Xie Jianwei asked, “What is it?”

“Don’t be afraid,” Lu Yan reassured him. “Nothing bad.”

Xie Jianwei displayed open doubt.

Lu Yan curved his thin lips. “Don’t tell Lu Li that I visited.”

Xie Jianwei asked, “Why?”

Speaking with calculated casualness, Lu Yan said, “He treats you like a precious jewel, hiding you away out of fear someone might catch a glimpse. If he finds out I came to see you, he will definitely lose his temper.”

Xie Jianwei knitted his brows slightly.

Knowing his weak spot, Lu Yan added, “You wouldn’t want Doctor Lu to be angry, right?”

Xie Jianwei hurried to say, “No!”

Lu Yan smiled with deep meaning. “Then that settles it.”

Xie Jianwei acted as if sensing something was off but unable to figure it out. In truth, the Military Advisor understood perfectly, having deduced what this scoundrel was planning.

As a reward for being obedient, Lu Yan tapped the box again, displaying Doctor Lu at work once more.

Lu Yan offered an explanation, “Your Doctor Lu is exceptionally capable. Though he rarely performs surgery lately, he undertakes countless research projects, producing results worth dozens of operations.”

Filled with pride, Xie Jianwei said, “Doctor Lu is naturally formidable.”

Lu Yan asked again, “Wouldn’t you like to see such an impressive Doctor Lu every day?”

Xie Jianwei replied, “I am already with Doctor Lu every single day.”

Lu Yan laughed. “Only for breakfast and dinner, right? Are you sure you spend more time with him than his students do?”

As if proving his point, an attractive young man appeared on screen.

Pointing at him, Lu Yan said, “Look, that is his student. Graduated a year ago and has been following Lu Li ever since.”

Xie Jianwei pursed his lips, keeping quiet.

Knowing when to stop, Lu Yan swiped the screen back to Lu Li. “If you wish to know more, wait for me here again tomorrow.”

After hesitating, Xie Jianwei asked, “What do you really want?” He was playing an innocent youth, not a fool.

Raising his handsome brows, Lu Yan stopped concealing his intentions. “I find you very interesting.”

Confusion filled Xie Jianwei’s eyes.

Lu Yan reined in his mood quickly, changing the subject. “As an older brother, taking an interest in my younger brother’s life is only natural.”

Before Xie Jianwei could speak, Lu Yan added, “He kept you locked up quietly for a year, so I had to see what was going on.”

Xie Jianwei protested, “Doctor Lu did not lock me up.”

Lu Yan smiled noncommittally. “Have you ever stepped outside this villa?”

Xie Jianwei paused.

Lu Yan asked again, “Your health is far better than before, isn’t it?”

Xie Jianwei said, “That is thanks to Doctor Lu!”

Lu Yan smiled. “Indeed, all his doing. He nurtured you to health, yet dares not let you leave.”

Anxious, Xie Jianwei said, “It is not like that at all.”

Lu Yan said, “Alright, don’t be upset. Think about it yourself. You are seventeen now. By rights, you should be taking college entrance exams next year and enjoying university life, yet you haven’t even stepped through the front door.”

Xie Jianwei replied with irritation, “It isn’t that Doctor Lu forbids me from going out, it’s that I don’t want to!”

Lu Yan did not argue, indulging him instead, “Right, right, you don’t want to.”

Before Xie Jianwei could respond, Lu Yan checked the time and said, “I must leave. I will come visit you again tomorrow.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I don’t want to see you again…”

Before he finished, Lu Yan pointed to the little box. “Do you still want to see Doctor Lu?”

Xie Jianwei hesitated.

Lu Yan waved his hand. “See you tomorrow.”

Xie Jianwei knew what Lu Yan was scheming: sowing discord to spark friction between him and Lu Li, dragging hidden truths into the open.

This progression was correct. Xie Jianwei had been waiting for it, since certain issues had to be confronted before they could be healed.

Continuous avoidance would only let the condition deteriorate, until reaching a point beyond cure.

Xie Jianwei could play along, but remained unsure of Lu Yan’s identity. Was he Lu Li after all? If so, what should he do? Treat two personalities in one go? Was that even possible?

In the afternoon, Lu Li returned early, bringing plenty of fresh ingredients.

Xie Jianwei came over wanting to assist, but Lu Li said, “Wait in the room, dinner will be ready soon.”

Xie Jianwei lingered, circling around him, “I want to help too.”

Lu Li’s eyes were full of indulgence. “Then fetch the cucumbers.”

Xie Jianwei answered promptly, “Okay!”

Taking them out, Xie Jianwei asked, “Shall I wash them?” Lu Li said, “No need, the water is too cold, don’t touch it.”

Xie Jianwei offered, “Then I will slice the tomatoes.” Lu Li replied directly, “No.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I won’t cut myself.” Setting down his kitchen tools, Lu Li looked at him, “Be good, wait outside.”

Having no choice, Xie Jianwei stood by the doorway, watching Lu Li bustle about.

Lu Li was extraordinarily alluring when focused on tasks. Watching him made Xie Jianwei’s heart itch, but since his persona was underage, Lu Li held strict principles and refused to touch him. Yet this upright demeanor was terribly attractive.

Stirred up for no reason, Xie Jianwei felt he could not linger here, or his character persona would collapse.

He headed to the dining room. Soon, Lu Li brought the dishes to the table while Xie Jianwei drank cold water to douse his inner heat.

Spotting this, Lu Li frowned, “Don’t drink too much cold water.”

Reaching to take the glass just as Xie Jianwei moved to set it down, their hands clashed, sending the glass tumbling.

More than half a glass of water spilled across Xie Jianwei’s chest.

In early spring, Xie Jianwei wore thin layers, which soaked through in an instant.

Fearing he would catch a chill, Lu Li grabbed a towel at once. “It was my carelessness.”

With that, he unbuttoned his shirt to wipe away the moisture.

Already feeling restless, the heat Xie Jianwei had barely suppressed with cold water flared right back up under this attentive rubbing.

Plenty of water had spilled onto his trousers as well, so once aroused, a certain reaction became impossible to hide.

Glancing down, Lu Li paused in clear surprise.

Blushing genuinely, Xie Jianwei stammered, “I… I…”

Without moving his eyes, Lu Li’s voice turned thick and hoarse, “You…”

Xie Jianwei feigned ignorance, “I don’t know what happened either.”

Lu Li asked, “Do you need my help?”

He deliberately lowered his pitch, making Xie Jianwei nearly stand on tiptoe to kiss him.

Dinner was delayed for a bit. Xie Jianwei reached release for the first time in a while. Though it felt far from enough, with Lu Li stubbornly holding back out of propriety, he could not demand more.

Stepping out after bathing, Lu Li carried dampness as well, only Xie Jianwei radiated warmth from a hot bath while Lu Li carried a chill from a freezing cold shower.

After eating, Lu Li tutored Xie Jianwei as usual. Although he did not attend school, Xie Jianwei missed none of the curriculum, mastering concepts quickly thanks to his sharp intellect, keeping pace with ordinary high school students.

Once study time ended, Lu Li accompanied Xie Jianwei watching television until ten at night before heading to bed. An ordinary day, yet deeply satisfying.

Holding the sleeping Xie Jianwei, Lu Li pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.

After a year of careful nourishment, Xie Jianwei’s health had mostly recovered. His pale complexion had given way to a lovely glow, his slender frame filling out with a firmer shape, while his waist remained narrow.

Lu Li feared most when Xie Jianwei slept with his back to him, those curves tempting him at every moment to invade, possess, and fall into depravity.

Lu Li wondered whether they ought to sleep in separate beds, unsure if his restraint could last until the boy came of age.

One year, only one year remained, seeming brief yet endless as bliss and torment tangled together.

The next day, after Lu Li left for work, Lu Yan visited uninvited once more.

Xie Jianwei needed to observe further to discern whether Lu Yan was another personality of Lu Li. If not, tormenting him without mercy was fine. If he was, pushing too hard might split one Lu Yan into two Lu Lis, resulting in a losing bargain even if he soothed the current Lu Li.

Lu Yan treated Xie Jianwei like a child, carrying a pink box decorated with dancing princesses and gilded handles, overflowing with frilly charm.

Xie Jianwei thought, did he truly take him for a little girl?

Yet Lu Yan was clever, opening the box to reveal its contents. “Cherry cake, want some?”

Xie Jianwei was silent. Lu Yan was terribly suspicious, knowing his tastes so well.

Lu Yan picked up a plump, crimson cherry the size of a pigeon egg, coaxing, “Taste it, it’s very sweet.”

Xie Jianwei acted reserved, “Doctor Lu said I cannot eat food from strangers.”

Lu Yan laughed, “I am no stranger, I am Doctor Lu’s older brother.”

Xie Jianwei replied stubbornly, “But I don’t know you.”

Lu Yan feigned disappointment, “We got along so well yesterday, how can you claim not to know me today?”

Xie Jianwei said, “No one got along with you!”

Unfazed, the smile in Lu Yan’s eyes deepened. Popping a cherry into his own mouth, he sighed, “Truly sweet.”

Xie Jianwei was exasperated. You bastard, hurry and threaten me again!

Yet the fellow refused to follow convention. Bringing a cake seemed less about feeding Xie Jianwei and more like having his own breakfast.

The cake was small, barely six inches, with only a few oversized cherries on top. Watching him eat five or six, Xie Jianwei grew anxious, silently urging the glutton to save some.

Lu Yan glanced at him, “Want to eat?” Forcing his performance, Xie Jianwei spat, “No!”

Lu Yan said, “Never mind then. Though I dislike sweets, these cherries are genuinely good.” With that, he ate three more. Military Advisor Xie’s heart bled. Could they follow the script properly? Was this cake meant purely to provoke him?

With only half the cherries left, Lu Yan finally remembered business. “Do you want to see Doctor Lu today?” Xie Jianwei thought, finally. Lu Yan added, “Doctor Lu has a lecture presentation today, seems rather interesting.” Xie Jianwei whispered, “I want to see.”

Pointing at the remaining fruit, Lu Yan said, “Then eat these.”

Xie Jianwei thought that had he spoken earlier, he would have eaten them long ago instead of wasting so many cherries. Still, he kept up appearances, “I don’t want food from strangers!” Lu Yan countered, “Then no Doctor Lu.” Glaring at him, Xie Jianwei hesitated on cue before yielding, “I’ll eat.” He finally tasted the sweet cherries.

After eating four or five, Lu Yan smirked, “Eating my food makes you mine.” Xie Jianwei froze, dropping the cherry immediately. Amused, Lu Yan said, “Alright, just teasing. Eat up before they lose freshness.” Watching him with feigned wariness, Lu Yan flicked his forehead, sighing, “You truly are a treasure.”

Hearing that lingering tone, Xie Jianwei’s heart skipped a beat. Nine times out of ten, this was Lu Li.

After finishing the cherries, Xie Jianwei felt comfortably full. Only now did he understand why Lu Yan had eaten the first half: the entire cake would overwhelm his frail digestion. Lu Yan finishing half left the ideal portion, satisfying his craving without causing an upset stomach. Annoying as the delivery was, the intent was considerate. Xie Jianwei planned to step outside the dream briefly to ask Yan Ke what was happening.

Lu Yan checked the time and said, “Come watch your Doctor Lu.” Xie Jianwei naturally looked expectant. The box unfolded, revealing Lu Li on the screen.

Xie Jianwei watched without blinking, and Lu Yan watched without blinking as well, except one looked at Lu Li while the other looked at Xie Jianwei.

Lu Li was presenting a lecture before senior physicians in a solemn hall. Xie Jianwei watched intently, enjoying a presentation that would bore ordinary laymen to tears. Lu Yan asked, “Do you understand it?” Xie Jianwei replied, “Whatever Doctor Lu says, I love listening to.” Loving to listen did not mean understanding; Lu Yan smiled, “You truly are a good child.” Xie Jianwei ignored him, eyes glued to the display.

When the lecture concluded and Lu Li prepared to leave, Lu Yan perked up. The camera tracked Lu Li as he exited, allowing Xie Jianwei to keep watching. Just then, another person appeared on screen. Lu Yan said, “Speaking of which, this student of Lu Li’s is quite good-looking.”

Xie Jianwei recognized him from yesterday, when Lu Yan noted he was a student who had worked under Lu Li for a year. Xie Jianwei pursed his lips as Lu Yan added, “Do you hear what they are discussing? Some of those medical terms are hard to grasp.”

Understanding it perfectly, Xie Jianwei nonetheless feigned confusion, walking into Lu Yan’s trap with furrowed brows. On screen, someone gasped as the student was bumped by a passerby. Lu Li caught him by the arm. Looking up, the student’s eyes shone with unmistakable affection, “Thank you, Professor.” Lu Li smiled, “It’s fine.”

Right then, Lu Yan hit pause, freezing the frame on Lu Li’s smile. Xie Jianwei paused in surprise. Lu Yan remarked smoothly, “What a pity little Jianwei never went to school. With your brilliance, you would easily enter medical school, and upon graduation, you could intern right beside Lu Li…”

Xie Jianwei appeared visibly moved. Knowing when to retreat, Lu Yan left soon after achieving his goal. Once he departed, Xie Jianwei exited the dream.

Yan Ke cried out, “My Lord, you are finally awake!” Xie Jianwei asked, “What happened?” Yan Ke replied, “There are two active personalities inside the Lord Marshal’s dream!”

Xie Jianwei was silent. So Lu Yan was indeed Lu Li as well.

Seeing right through it, Yan Ke asked, “Have you already encountered the second personality?” Xie Jianwei explained briefly. Yan Ke blinked, “My Lord, what are you hesitating over?” Xie Jianwei looked at him. Yan Ke asked, “Why worry about Lu Yan splitting again?”

Xie Jianwei paused, his tangled thoughts snapping back into alignment. An outside observer seeing clearly, Yan Ke pointed out, “Lu Yan is convinced that you love Doctor Lu, so as long as you follow the script, it won’t cause him to split again.”

Simply put, do not soften up, torment him without holding back.

Xie Jianwei was left speechless.