Time flew. Just like that, two years passed.
Ouyang Ge’s injuries had mostly healed over those two years. But with holes in his lungs, he needed long rest. He couldn’t handle intense exercise.
Bang!
The door slammed open as usual. Firld barged in without caring what state the room’s occupant was in.
“Up, up! It’s six already. How long do you plan to sleep—”
The strict college student froze instantly. The room was empty.
“Sigh… Still so troublesome.”
Firld ruffled her hair in frustration and sighed.
No one was there. The bed was neatly made—Ouyang Ge wasn’t home. Firld left.
Near their apartment stood an ordinary high school. Its vast sports field allowed public access outside class hours. Many came early for morning workouts.
Right now, a small figure jogged slowly on the track.
Huff… huff… huff…
Heavy breaths echoed on the empty track. Ouyang Ge sweated through his warm-up, moving at a snail’s pace.
“My body’s recovered, but I’m still far from peak condition.”
Each breath brought a faint ache in his lungs. He stopped. Five kilometers was his limit; pushing further would hurt him. He had to quit to avoid injury.
Back at the sidelines, Ouyang Ge grabbed his sports drink from the bench. He gulped it down, then searched for his missing towel.
“Here.”
A familiar voice called out. A white object flew from above, covering his head and blocking his view.
“Master, that prank’s enough already.”
Ouyang Ge pulled off the long white towel, smiling wryly. Firld stood nearby, arms crossed, glaring sternly.
“How many times must I say it? Your broken body can’t take risks!”
Thwack!
Her punishing fist landed. The force and emotion made him grunt.
“Ow! Master, stop hitting my head! What if I don’t grow taller?”
“Hmph. You’re just a shrimp. Wait a few years for that.”
Firld folded her arms, smirking smugly.
“Just wait. I’ll definitely be taller than you someday.”
“Yeah, yeah. That’s future talk. Right now, you’re a bratty kid. Act like one—cuddle and charm me. Don’t push yourself!”
She yanked him into a hug. Her voice held a trace of tenderness.
“Yes… I know. But I can’t afford to slack off.”
“Sigh. I’ll never understand you.”
His muffled reply from her chest left her speechless.
For two years, except for the initial bedridden phase, Ouyang Ge never stopped training. From simple stretches to gym equipment, he pushed relentlessly. It stayed within his limits, but the constant pressure wore him down.
“This is all for the future. A strong body’s essential. If something happens to you, Master, I need to help.”
Firld released him, raising an eyebrow.
“Big talk. What can a kid like you do for me?”
“Heh. Don’t underestimate me. They say youth holds infinite possibilities.”
“So you’re calling me an old hag?”
“…”
Ouyang Ge snapped his mouth shut. He saw the vein throbbing on her forehead—she was furious. He glanced away, scared.
“You’ve got guts… kid…”
Firld appeared behind him instantly. Her fists drilled into his temples.
“Mercy, Master!!!”
His scream echoed across the empty field…
After morning practice, Ouyang Ge and Firld returned to their apartment.
“Shower up. I’ll make breakfast.”
“Okay…”
Firld eyed the kitchen eagerly. Ouyang Ge shivered but grabbed his clothes silently. He knew protesting was useless.
Water rushed in the bathroom. Firld, pleased with his obedience, headed to the kitchen. Grease smells rose immediately.
“Oh no. Master’s cooking again.”
Ouyang Ge leaned against the shower wall, water pounding his head. His face was pure terror.
But what must come will come. Ten minutes later, he emerged.
“Took forever. Whatever. Don’t expect too much. Sit and eat.”
Firld waved from the dining table.
Gulp…
The boy swallowed hard, trembling as he sat. The table held beautifully plated food, steaming and fragrant. Yet Ouyang Ge couldn’t calm down.
Under Firld’s smile, he forced down a strip of bacon…
Dying, dying, dying, dying…
The meat transformed into Abyss Curse bacon, ravaging his mouth. His whole body twitched.
“G-Good… tasty…”
With superhuman willpower, he choked back vomit. His smile twitched pathetically.
“Really? Great! Eat up! Kids need food to grow!”
Firld beamed, piling his plate with more bacon.
“…”
Ouyang Ge stared at his bowl, tears welling.
Breakfast ended quickly. After cycling between hell and heaven, Ouyang Ge was finally free.
“Master, I have a suggestion.”
“Hmm? What?”
They slumped on the couch. Firld looked satisfied; Ouyang Ge looked lifeless.
“How about I cook all three meals from now on?”
“Why? My food’s delicious!”
Ouyang Ge’s lip twitched violently.
“Never mind… You do you.”
“Yep! My cooking’s solid!”
Watching her confidence, Ouyang Ge had no energy to argue.
Truth was, Firld’s dishes were dark cuisine. They looked normal but tasted like a journey from death to rebirth.
“Alright, stuffed? I’m off to class. Don’t overdo it. I won’t nurse you if you get hurt again.”
“Yes…”
Firld slung a youthful backpack and left for university.
Silence filled the living room. Ouyang Ge stayed slumped on the couch, gazing out the window at the cloudless sky.
“No rushing it…”
He had many plans, but none were possible yet. First, heal his body…
Sinking into the soft couch, he decided rest was essential.
—Sometimes, pausing mattered most.
