Lainesse smiled brightly, but Zhou Hanxiang couldn't bring herself to return it.
"Big sis, aren't you coming?"
"Lainesse Brown, I need to talk to you."
Lainesse' smile froze momentarily before instantly recovering: "So big sis already knew who I was. That's why you've been so kind to me."
"I'll tell you the truth about Professor Keller's incident. After hearing it, I hope you'll leave."
Her smile fading, Lainesse stared at Zhou Hanxiang: "Big sis wants to chase me away? Why?"
"I thought I understood you well, but now it seems..." Zhou Hanxiang's gaze fell on the documents spread across the table, "Professor Keller entrusted me with your care before his death. I believe you've now developed the skills to survive on your own."
Lainesse' face clouded with sorrow as she lowered her head: "Big sis wants to abandon me too? Like mom and dad? Like grandpa? Leave Lainesse all alone?"
Though visibly moved, Zhou Hanxiang trusted her instincts more: "I'm sorry, Lainesse. It's time you grew up."
She then revealed the truth about those events, though with some modifications regarding specific details.
"Lainesse, don't get too close to those Blue Cosmos people. Take care."
With that, she turned and left.
As the footsteps gradually faded, Lainesse' emerald-green eyes followed Zhou Hanxiang's retreating figure.
"Zhou Tianming... you're too much of a nuisance..."
Due to his earlier fall injuries, Zhou Tianming had been resting at home for several days. The symptoms that had been worsening seemed to improve with proper rest. One day, as he emerged from his room wearing a white tank top, yawning and looking exhausted, a familiar voice reached his ears. "Grandma~" Natarle's voice brimmed with shy affection.
"Oh~ good child."
Instantly alert, Zhou Tianming crouched down in the second-floor hallway.
Peeking over the railing, he looked downward.
In the living room, Gao Jing sat closely beside Natarle on the long sofa, holding her hands affectionately as they chatted.
Natarle wore light-colored casual clothes. As she spoke, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her formerly boyish demeanor from half a year ago now replaced with distinctly feminine charm. Upon closer inspection, Natarle hadn't changed much—just slightly tanned skin, likely from military training.
Watching her, Zhou Tianming felt complicated emotions.
How could someone like him, living on borrowed time, possibly hold her back?
Yet the thought of breaking up with her filled him with unbearable reluctance.
Below, Natarle suddenly frowned mid-conversation and turned toward the second-floor hallway. Spotting Zhou Tianming peering like a thief, her face blossomed into a radiant smile. Caught in the act, Zhou Tianming stood up properly, forcing an enthusiastic smile as he waved.
Gao Jing complained loudly, "Natarle has been waiting for a long time! Hurry down and greet her! Straighten your clothes—what kind of state are you in?"
"Grandma, I'm curious about Tianming's room. I'll go up myself."
Gao Jing froze for a moment before breaking into an "I understand" smile. "Right, right. Grandma will go out to buy groceries later. The house will be empty." Just then, Zhou Junguo walked in through the door.
Gao Jing's eyes instantly turned icy. In a flash, she darted to his side, grabbed him, and began dragging him outside.
"What's gotten into you?"
"Come with me!"
"But I—"
Their voices faded into the distance.
Natarle's face flushed red as she looked up at Zhou Tianming, only to see a complicated expression flicker across his face before it quickly shifted into a smile.
Noticing this, Natarle's expression darkened. She strode upstairs without another word.
"Natarle, long time no see."
Zhou Tianming waved casually, but Natarle didn't respond. Instead, she grabbed the collar of his vest and yanked him back into his room.
The moment they entered, she kicked the door shut behind them.
Zhou Tianming grinned cheekily. "Natarle, you're so bold."
Natarle glared back, stone-faced.
His smile gradually faded.
The two stood in silence, staring at each other.
Finally, Natarle spoke. "Show me the medical report."
Zhou Tianming averted his gaze and sighed. "Sorry. I didn't go for the checkup."
Hearing this, Natarle exhaled in relief. "You scared me. The look on your face just now made me think the results were bad."
The room fell into silence again.
When no response came, Natarle's expression darkened. "Tianming..."
Zhou Tianming smiled faintly. "Sorry, Natarle. Let's break up."
Her lips pressed into a thin line, Natarle demanded, "What's really going on? Is it serious?"
"Haha." Zhou Tianming laughed lightly. "I might not have much time left."
Natarle shuddered, her eyes widening in shock. She grabbed his arm tightly. "What do you mean?! Have you been to the hospital? What did the doctors say? What illness is it?!"
She shook him desperately.
"Say something!"
"Natarle, calm down." Zhou Tianming held her hands, trying to soothe her. "Listen to me."
Natarle stilled, her violet eyes brimming with worry.
"I've already transferred White Rabbit's primary access to you. Once the Black Tortoise's modifications are complete, I'll transfer full ownership to you too. Consider it your birthday gift this year. I—"
"Answer me! What's wrong with your body?!"
Natarle's brows furrowed in anger as she cut him off. "Do you really think I'm with you just for the Black Tortoise?"
"Of course not. Just listen—"
Grabbing his vest collar again, Natarle enunciated each word sharply. "If your next sentence isn't about your condition, you're dead." When he stayed silent, she stormed toward the door and flung it open. "Fine. I'll ask Grandma directly."
Horrified, Zhou Tianming quickly pulled her back. "I'll talk! Just don't tell them."
Natarle stopped and turned, her piercing gaze locked onto his eyes.
Leading her back inside, Zhou Tianming calmly explained his situation.
Since he was going to die anyway, there was no point hiding it. He showed Natarle the parts of Via's notes that concerned him, omitting only the inexplicable details about being a transmigrator and the Golden Finger.
Once finished, he tried to lighten the heavy mood with a regretful sigh. "I was so close to winning over a beauty. My luck's just terrible." Natarle's sharp gaze met his, and Zhou Tianming couldn't keep up the act any longer.
Suddenly, Natarle stepped forward, tilting her chin up to kiss Zhou Tianming.
Pressing against her shoulders, Zhou Tianming reluctantly pushed her away: "Natarle, I can't give you happiness."
"That's not for you to decide!"
With a sudden pounce, the two fell onto the bed, Natarle taking the dominant position as she straddled Zhou Tianming.
"Natarle, calm down!"
Grabbing Zhou Tianming by the collar, Natarle declared imperiously, "Breaking up isn't your call!"
She leaned down and kissed him again.
Their lips and tongues entwined, the heat between them growing steadily.
The longing for those he cared about, the fear of death—all the emotions Zhou Tianming had buried deep in his heart surged forth.
He held Natarle tightly in his arms.
An hour later, the storm subsided.
The two lay in bed, wrapped in the sheets, clinging to each other.
Zhou Tianming buried his face between her "little steamed buns," while Natarle gently stroked his hair.
Her voice choked with emotion as she whispered, "Don't forget me."
He didn't want to fade from the hearts of those he loved. Even in death, he wished to be remembered, to be missed.
He knew it was cruel to those left behind, but...
Natarle said nothing. She pushed Zhou Tianming away and sat up, the sheets slipping to reveal her pale, smooth skin. "Go."
"Huh?" Zhou Tianming was utterly confused.
"Go get yourself checked at the hospital!"
Frowning, enduring the discomfort from certain areas, Natarle began dressing.
"But I—"
She grabbed him by the throat. "If you don't want to die in infamy, you'll do as I say!"
"You don't have to do this. It's not worth it."
"That's not your call. I'll decide what's worth it." Picking up his clothes from the floor, Natarle tossed them at Zhou Tianming. "Hurry up!" Without another word, she grabbed her phone and dialed. "I need an urgent full-body checkup. Now!"
Watching Natarle, a flicker of hope rose in Zhou Tianming's heart—only to be crushed instantly.
Without hope, there would be no despair.
I can't hold on, Natarle.
I don't want to become a second Ray Le Creuset.
The depth of his despair was a measure of how desperately he had once hoped to survive.
With a heavy heart, Zhou Tianming got up and dressed.
Soon after, the two left the house. Zhou Tianming trailed behind Natarle, noticing her awkward gait. His face flushed. "Natarle, do you need—"
"Shut up!" Natarle snapped without turning around, her face burning. "Mind your own business!"
Over ten hours later, at 9 PM in the hospital director's office
A woman in her fifties, the hospital director, entered with a report in hand. Natarle stood up and snatched the urgently prepared document, scanning it intently.
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