Chapter 59: Turning Fake into Real

Nangong Lin and the others rushed home, carrying the bloodied and seemingly unconscious Gu Qingyi, his eyes tightly shut like he’d really passed out.

Half a stick of incense’s time flew by as they hurried along, panic etched on their faces, struggling to keep up while carrying Gu Qingyi.

At last, they arrived at Nalan Qiang’s place. Nangong Lin saw him standing at the doorway, leisurely sunning medicinal herbs—without a care in the world.

She ran up to him right away, her voice frantic: “Uncle Nalan, please! You have to save him, now!”

Nalan Qiang barely spared a glance at the unconscious Gu Qingyi. Setting aside his herbs, he ordered, “Quick, get him into the bedroom. And grab a bowl of hot water, I’ll need it soon.”

Gu Qingyi lay on the bed, face as white as a sheet and lips drained of color. A crowd leaned on the doorway, anxiously peering inside.

“He’ll be okay, right? I hope he wakes up…” Nalan Xue twisted her hands nervously, hardly daring to breathe.

“Brother Gu, you have to pull through!” Nangong Lin pressed her palms to her chest, praying.

With everyone watching, Nalan Qiang calmly unbuttoned Gu Qingyi’s shirt.

What greeted them wasn’t just a perfect physique—a ragged, bloody wound cut through the skin and muscle.

Nalan Qiang, whose face had been taut just a moment ago, suddenly let out a dry chuckle. “Tsk, tsk. This brat’s breathing is steady, pulse normal!”

“Stopped the bleeding in time, and the wound missed every vital spot. No harm to the heart or meridians—what a stroke of luck!” He flicked his hair with confidence. “For most folks, this would’ve been a one-way ticket to the afterlife. All right, time to show off my medical skills.”

Seeing that gory wound made Nangong Lin’s heart pound like it was going to leap from her chest. Fear gripped her entire body.

Completely lost, all she could do was pin her hopes on Nalan Qiang inside.

She bowed her head, guilt gnawing at her. If not for her, Gu Qingyi wouldn’t be like this. All she could do was pray he’d wake up soon.

Nalan Qiang slowly pulled out a scalpel, began cutting away necrotic flesh, and shot a glance at the teary-eyed crowd, already looking annoyed.

“Quiet!”

“All of you pipe down—he’s not dying anytime soon, but if you keep bawling, you might just send him off for real!”

“Old man, you cut me without anesthesia!” Gu Qingyi gritted his teeth as the blade sliced flesh, doing everything he could not to cry out. A tremor ran through his body, like he was trying to bear it silently.

Nalan Qiang glanced over, clearly taking it all in, but didn’t bother to comment.

He finished removing the bad tissue and dressing the wound in one fluid motion, then turned to the group and began explaining, “So, what should we do if this happens? I’ve got four points.”

“First: Stay calm. See? Immediate bleeding control was spot on—a smart move.”

“Second: Check for signs of infection. Make sure the wound is clean, so we can judge if it’s worth treating.”

“Third: Know when to give up. If the person’s not going to make it, dig a hole and bury them—don’t make trouble for yourself.”

“Fourth: Recovery’s the key. Eat bland food, avoid anything spicy, rest up so the wound heals well.”

Gu Qingxiao looked at Nalan Qiang still rattling off instructions, couldn’t help but sigh, clutching her forehead in exasperation.

“Bro, look at the mess you got yourself in!”

“I’ll mourn for you for a whole two seconds.”

“This ‘injured-for-sympathy’ stunt must hurt like hell. Getting your own flesh cut off—serves you right!”

“Still, that act was totally convincing for sis-in-law.”

When he’d finished his lecture, Nalan Qiang told Nangong Lin to go bandage up Gu Qingyi’s wound.

Then he got back to his own business, paying them no more mind.

Nangong Lin’s hands shook as she saw the angry wound, her eyes rimmed red. Still, she bandaged him carefully, refusing to miss a step.

Looking at Gu Qingyi’s face, now tinged with a healthy blush even as he stayed unconscious, she couldn’t help it—tears slid down her cheeks.

“Brother Gu, as long as you wake up…” she murmured, holding his hand tightly at the bedside, “I’ll forgive you, all right?”

All Nangong Lin wanted was for him to wake up soon.

Time ticked by. Gu Qingyi never stirred or showed the faintest sign of waking up. Nangong Lin finally staggered to her feet.

She stared blankly for a moment, then turned and whispered to Gu Qingyi, “I won’t disturb your rest. I’ll come check on you later.”

With a quiet thud, the door closed behind her.

…………….

As soon as everyone left, Gu Qingyi’s eyes snapped open, a small smile tugging at his lips before he schooled his expression back to calm.

Once Gu Qingxiao and the others had gone, she snuck in, glaring at Gu Qingyi on the bed like she could barely hold back her fury. She didn’t hesitate—her fist landed hard on the body of the ‘comatose’ Gu Qingyi.

“Nice one! Even I almost fell for your little sympathy act! Tell me—why did everyone show up just in time? I’m starting to think you planned this whole thing!”

“Still faking? Don’t think I can’t tell—get up already!” Gu Qingxiao pressed her face close to his, her gaze so sharp it was like she could see through him.

“Sigh… I can’t believe my acting was exposed. But, Xiao’er, how’d you figure it out?” Giving up the act, Gu Qingyi sat up, awkwardly rubbing his face with a rueful smile.

Gu Qingxiao shot him a withering look, hands on her hips. “We’re cultivators, remember? Just probe someone’s pulse or their spiritual energy and you know if something’s really wrong.”

“Your pulse was rock-steady and the spiritual energy in your body never wavered. Didn’t even look like you’d actually been hurt!” She grabbed his wrist. “Besides, with your cultivation level, that stab wouldn’t have even broken skin. You totally did it on purpose!”

“Anyone paying attention would know. I bet only Sister Nangong got tricked!” Gu Qingxiao stood up, hands clasped behind her.

“Good little sister, I’m counting on you to keep this secret.” Realizing he’d been found out, Gu Qingyi scratched his face awkwardly and pleaded in a hushed voice.

“You can’t let Lin’er find out. She just forgave me—she’d kill me if she learned the truth. Please!”

“Keeping your secret isn’t impossible… but you need to promise me one favor. I haven’t decided what it is yet, so you’ll have to owe me!” Gu Qingxiao paused, thought for a second, then shook her head and sighed.

The moment Gu Qingyi realized he had a chance to bargain, he nodded eagerly. As for what that favor would be—only Gu Qingxiao herself knew!

With the brother-sister deal sealed, both felt quietly satisfied. Gu Qingxiao left the room.

Gu Qingyi lay back on the bed, resuming his act as an unconscious patient. The whole house, silent as ever, felt like none of it had ever happened.