After visiting the exhibition, Chen Xi saw it was getting late and needed to return to the hospital to replace Chen Mei so she could rest.

Qin Lie drove her to the hospital entrance.

The two were silent the entire way. When the car stopped at the hospital entrance, people on the street hurried past.

Chen Xi finally broke the silence.

“When are you leaving?”

Qin Lie’s face showed no expression, but his gaze looked directly at Chen Xi.

After a moment of silence, he said, “Depends on the situation.”

Chen Xi’s ears warmed slightly.

She wasn’t sure if it was because of the sudden summer heat surrounding her outside the car, or because his words were inexplicably flirtatious.

Chen Xi was silent for a moment, then said, “I’ll treat you tomorrow.”

Qin Lie raised his eyebrows slightly. “Treat me to what?”

Chen Xi: “Tomorrow evening, I’ll treat you to cycling on the city wall at East Street.”

Qin Lie was silent. Tomorrow the exhibition would end, and he had to meet with FW’s person in charge.

Seeing Qin Lie didn’t speak, Chen Xi asked, “No time?”

Qin Lie made an “mm” sound.

Chen Xi smiled, “Never mind, you’re busy.”

She got out of the car and was about to close the door when she heard Qin Lie’s low voice, “Would the day after tomorrow work?”

Chen Xi was stunned and bent down to look into the car. “I’m returning to Dunhuang the day after tomorrow morning.”

Qin Lie: “So soon…”

Chen Xi nodded, “The shop is too busy. My aunt will stay here a bit longer.”

Qin Lie said nothing, looking at Chen Xi quietly.

Chen Xi: “See you in Dunhuang.”

Qin Lie smiled and made an “mm” sound.

Chen Xi closed the car door and strode toward the hospital.

Qin Lie watched Chen Xi’s figure disappear into the bustling hospital entrance before starting the car and slowly driving away.

Chen Xi walked into the ward and suddenly saw a familiar figure.

“Uncle Ma.”

She approached in surprise, “How did you get here?”

Ma Kechang turned to see Chen Xi and stood up with a smile.

“I called Master yesterday and heard he was hospitalized. The museum isn’t busy lately anyway, so I took leave to come see him.”

Chen Xi: “Such a long way, you made a special trip.”

Ma Kechang shook his head with a smile, “That’s too formal to say.”

Chen Hesheng beckoned to Ma Kechang, “Jianye, sit and talk.”

Ma Kechang nodded and obediently sat back in his chair.

Chen Hesheng asked him, “Did you fly here?”

Ma Kechang nodded, “Yes, flew here. Very convenient.”

Chen Hesheng: “Have you eaten?”

Ma Kechang shook his head, “Not yet.”

Chen Hesheng smiled, “Perfect, keep me company for a drink.”

Chen Xi, Chen Mei, and Ma Kechang all objected together: “That won’t do. You can’t drink alcohol now.”

Chen Hesheng said helplessly, “You drink, can’t I at least smell it?”

He looked at Chen Xi: “Girl, buy some of that Xifeng liquor. They like drinking Xifeng liquor here in Xi’an – it’s delicious.”

Night fell, and outside the ward window, thousands of lights gradually lit up.

Chen Hesheng leaned against the headboard. On the small table were porridge and simple dishes, and in his thermos was goji berry tea Chen Xi had made for him.

He poured the goji tea into a small wine cup and played with it smilingly, “Buying liquor and getting a free cup – not bad.”

He raised the small cup, clinked it with Ma Kechang’s, and said with a smile, “Look how well I’m being hospitalized – it’s wonderful.”

Ma Kechang smiled and drained the white liquor in his cup.

Chen Hesheng asked enviously, “Is it good?”

Ma Kechang nodded, “Master, when you’re discharged, I’ll properly drink with you.”

Chen Hesheng waved his hand, “Don’t stay here long. Go back tomorrow.”

Ma Kechang hung his head in silence.

Chen Hesheng asked again, “The child just finished the college entrance exam this year. How did it go?”

A trace of joy appeared on Ma Kechang’s dejected face.

“The estimated scores look good. Should be able to get into a key university.”

Chen Hesheng smiled with relief, every wrinkle on his face filled with joy.

“That’s good, that’s good. Come, let’s celebrate.”

After speaking, he extended his wine cup, “Such great news – I have to have a sip.”

Chen Xi wouldn’t compromise: “You can drink when you’re better.”

Chen Hesheng shamelessly begged for alcohol, “Don’t spoil the mood.”

Chen Xi: “Mom just sent me a message telling me to watch you and not let you drink.”

Chen Hesheng said defiantly, “Just because she says not to drink, I won’t drink? Come on, pour the wine.”

Just as they were talking, Chen Hesheng’s phone suddenly rang. He saw it was a video call from Chen Xi’s mother, Liu Qing.

Chen Hesheng had been full of bravado the second before, but seeing the video invitation, he instantly cowered.

He quickly put down the wine cup and guiltily picked up his thermos before accepting the video call.

“Honey, have you eaten?”

Chen Xi and Ma Kechang suppressed their laughter and exchanged speechless glances.

On the phone screen, Chen Xi’s mother, Liu Qing, had neat, short hair.

Nearly sixty years old, her skin was still tight, her features clean and refreshing, with traces of beauty still visible.

When she spoke, her voice was cool and detached.

“Not yet. I have a business dinner later. What are you eating tonight?”

Chen Hesheng switched the camera to show Liu Qing.

“Look, porridge and vegetables. Your daughter won’t let me eat anything greasy.”

He turned the camera toward Ma Kechang and smiled, “Jianye came and is having dinner with me.”

Liu Qing’s voice gained some warmth, “Jianye, why did you travel so far?”

Ma Kechang quickly said, “It’s not far. I had nothing to do lately anyway.”

Liu Qing chatted with Ma Kechang for a bit, then instructed Chen Xi, “Don’t let your father drink.”

Chen Hesheng quickly and dramatically raised his thermos.

“I won’t drink alcohol. I only drink this – goji berry tea. Good for the liver and eyes, clears heat and moistens the lungs.”

Liu Qing snorted with slight mockery, not believing a word.

After Liu Qing hung up, Chen Hesheng laughed twice and said sheepishly, “What are you standing around for? Eat quickly.”

Chen Xi had moved the bedside table next to the bed, with barbecue and baijimo bread she’d brought back from outside on top.

After eating a few bites, Ma Kechang suddenly put down his chopsticks and looked at Chen Hesheng with a serious expression.

“Master, there’s something I want to discuss with you.”

Chen Hesheng nodded, “Go ahead.”

Ma Kechang: “I want to ask you to take on a disciple.”

Chen Hesheng was stunned and took a while to react.

He leaned forward and asked seriously, “How old?”

Ma Kechang: “Twenty-five, studied archaeology, works at the Folk Customs Museum.”

Chen Hesheng asked incredulously, “So young – he’s willing to learn this craft?”

Ma Kechang nodded, “Yes, I’ve known him for a while. He wants to learn.”

Chen Hesheng: “Really?”

Ma Kechang: “Yes. He’s obsessed with murals.”

Chen Hesheng: “Does he understand this profession?”

Ma Kechang: “Crystal clear.”

Chen Hesheng suddenly smiled as happily as a child.

“I trust your judgment. I’ll take this disciple.”

But Ma Kechang’s expression remained serious. After a moment of silence, he said, “He asked me half a year ago, but I didn’t dare introduce him to you. I was afraid he might be another one who gives up halfway…”

He couldn’t continue.

Another one like him who gives up halfway, breaking the master’s heart again.

But Chen Hesheng waved his hand magnanimously.

“Jianye, after all these years, you should let go of this burden. You didn’t wrong me – you just chose the life you wanted.”

Ma Kechang shook his head and said with a bitter smile, “My whole life, I’ve been selfish and let you down.”

Chen Hesheng suddenly frowned, his voice turning cold.

“Jianye, you’re confused. What do you think mural restoration is? Being an ascetic monk? A lifetime of sacrifice?”

Hearing Chen Hesheng’s tone become agitated, Ma Kechang quickly said, “Don’t get angry. Your health is important.”

Chen Hesheng waved his hand coldly and continued, “You feel guilty toward me because you think you were greedy for pleasure and betrayed your ideals.”

“But I tell you, mural restoration isn’t suffering at all, and I haven’t sacrificed anything, because I truly can’t leave this work.”

He glanced at Chen Xi.

“Speaking of selfishness, I’m the most selfish one. Chen Xi was raised by her grandmother from childhood. I barely took care of her for a few days. I never made any sacrifices for my family.”

“What’s wrong with choosing your wife and child, shouldering family responsibility?”

Ma Kechang looked up at Chen Hesheng with red-rimmed eyes, his gaze emotional.

Chen Hesheng suddenly smiled and patted him, “You should have introduced that young man to me earlier. What if he falls in love with this profession?”

Ma Kechang suddenly nodded vigorously, “He’s waiting for news. If you agree, he’ll come tomorrow.”

Chen Hesheng laughed heartily, “Good, let him come.”

He took out his wine cup, extended it toward Chen Xi, and said decisively, “Such great news – just one sip.”