Putting on a Show for the Blind
Lily Evans couldn’t help but laugh at Alexander Hayes’s words. She hadn’t expected him to be so clear-headed—able to let go of things without a second thought, decisive and sharp. Now, that’s the style of a true War God and general!
“Alright then, I’ll go tell Mom. We’ll spend New Year’s together with them.” With her last bit of annoyance gone, Lily hummed a little tune as she headed to the Lin residence, thinking: Madam Lou, no matter how well you act, no matter how sincere you pretend to be, what’s the point? Your good son has seen through it all and doesn’t care about your games. All your meek and humble performances are just for the blind—useless!
Lily cheerfully told Margaret Evans about the New Year’s dinner. Both Margaret and Dr. Rowan Lin were thrilled to welcome their daughter and son-in-law. With only a few days left until New Year’s Eve, Margaret immediately bustled about, getting everything ready.
Quentin Lin was so excited he nearly jumped three feet high. If Lily was coming for New Year’s dinner, she’d definitely cook a few dishes. That meant a feast for him!
“By the way, where’s Simon Yu?” Lily suddenly realized she hadn’t seen Simon for days. Even the matter of treating Bai Ling’er, Bai Piwu’s daughter, had been handed over to Simon’s junior.
Quentin shook his head. “I think Dad sent Simon out on an errand, but I’m not sure what exactly.”
Lily nodded, thinking he was probably off gathering herbs in the mountains or traveling around as a physician.
“Will Simon be back for New Year’s?” Lily asked again.
This time Quentin nodded. “He’ll be back. I heard Dad say yesterday that Simon should return before tonight and won’t be leaving during the holiday. Oh, and Lily, you must keep Simon’s return a secret—especially don’t let Sean Hayes know!”
Lily blinked. “Why can’t Sean know?”
Quentin Lin scrunched up his face in an exaggerated grimace. "This is a top-secret order from Senior Simon Yu himself. He said if Sean Hayes finds out he's back, he'll cling to him like a burr and beg him to check his wife's pulse every single day. Simon Yu is the Divine Physician's personal apprentice—if word gets out that he's reduced to taking pulses for pregnant ladies all day, his reputation will be toast!"
Lily Evans made a show of sudden realization, her eyes wide. So that's it—Simon Yu's been traumatized by Sean Hayes's relentless parade of marital bliss!
"Alright, not a word from me!" Lily hooked pinkies with Quentin Lin, sealing their pact with mischievous grins. She headed back to the Prince of Qin's manor, and sure enough, Simon Yu slipped into the Lin residence before sunset.
Simon Yu crept back into the house without a sound, heading straight for Dr. Rowan Lin's study. Not a soul noticed—not even Quentin Lin.
Simon Yu looked every inch the weary traveler—his clothes rumpled, his face marked by wind and sun. Anyone could tell he'd been roughing it out in the wild.
"Did you track down that tomb's location?" Dr. Rowan Lin stood with his hands clasped behind his back, sizing up his wind-battered disciple.
Simon Yu nodded, his voice hoarse from travel. "I found it. After months wandering the mountains, dodging wild beasts and bandits, I finally stumbled on the old grave. I nearly froze my toes off!"
Dr. Rowan Lin snorted, unimpressed. "If you can still talk nonsense, you must be fine. Quit your whining and show me the tomb!"
Simon Yu grinned, rubbing his nose. "You old fox, at least pretend to care about your disciple’s poor, frozen feet!"
Dr. Rowan Lin’s stern expression softened just a little. "Come, let’s get you some ginger tea. Then you can tell me everything."