The Bitterest Sorrow in the World Is Parting by Death

Su Cheng stepped inside and found the club activity room surprisingly spacious. A desk stood in the center, accompanied by a single armchair, a laptop, and stacks of documents and books piled haphazardly across its surface.

Then his gaze shifted—and the atmosphere transformed abruptly.

The walls were adorned with an array of calligraphy and paintings…

Classical musical instruments of every kind were displayed meticulously.

Most striking of all was a sword resting atop a piece of jade on a stand—an almost theatrical touch.

But what truly captured his attention was the girl seated behind the desk, her delicate fingers flipping through documents. When he finally got a clear look at her face, his breath hitched.

"This…"

"This… this is…"

"She’s unbelievably beautiful!"

Su Cheng couldn’t quite articulate what he was seeing. Just looking at her felt surreal, as if he’d stepped into a dream.

This girl shattered every conventional standard of beauty he’d ever known—she was breathtaking.

Then it hit him. He’d caught a fleeting glimpse of her during the school opening ceremony. Back then, he’d thought her beauty was almost inhuman, but he’d dismissed it as a trick of distance, the kind of ethereal glow that fades up close.

Yet now, face-to-face, her allure was undeniable—a pinnacle of human aesthetics.

The only flaw, if it could even be called one, was her Schrödinger’s chest—neither here nor there, but somehow that only made her more intriguing.

"Excuse me… is this the Social Practice Club?"

Su Cheng snapped out of his daze and finally spoke.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling that she had just glanced at his injured lip. The wound wasn’t even noticeable—neither Xu Tianyi nor Li Guanqi, who’d been close to him earlier, had spotted it.

How had she detected it in an instant?

"Yes."

Her reply was curt. She slowly closed the document in her hands and lifted her gaze. Her voice was distinctive—cool, yet carrying a faint rasp. "Please, have a seat."

Su Cheng, flustered by the unexpected courtesy, hurried over and sat across from her. Yet an inexplicable tension gripped him, as if those piercing eyes could see straight through him.

Her beauty was intimidating, her presence radiating an unspoken authority that left him nowhere to hide.

"What brings you here for consultation?" she asked, her tone flat, but her eyes scrutinizing him like some suspicious specimen.

The look left him momentarily frozen before he stammered, "I heard this club helps people solve problems, so I thought I’d give it a try."

"There’s a distinction. We provide consultation, not necessarily services."

She adjusted her posture slightly, her voice still devoid of inflection.

"Wait a moment…"

Su Cheng rummaged through his school bag and pulled out a peony wrapped in newspaper, carefully placing it on the desk. "This peony is on the verge of dying. I was hoping… there might be a way to revive it."

She stood and examined the flower, her slender fingers brushing lightly over its wilted leaves.

Only then did Su Cheng notice her lower half—elegant legs sheathed in black thigh-high socks, the tantalizing glimpse of bare skin between them and her skirt sending an unwelcome heat to his face.

"This peony has been exposed to prolonged sunlight without adequate water or nutrients, hence its decline."

She pressed a finger to her chin, studying the flower. "Though its vitality is nearly gone, there’s still a sliver of hope."

Pointing at the roots, she added, "The root system isn’t completely damaged. Wrap it in moist soil, move it to a shaded, well-ventilated area, and water it. It might recover."

Su Cheng’s heart sank. If he didn’t come clean, she’d never offer the so-called "Water of Life." But before he could speak, she cut him off.

"I don’t know much about plants. Could you—"

"I made it clear from the start—this club doesn’t guarantee assistance." Her tone turned icy again. "Our principle is to teach, not to provide unconditional aid. We only consult for clients who show initiative."

With that, she began typing on her laptop, likely logging the request, then adopted a detached, formal tone. "I’ve given you the method. Whether the flower lives depends on you."

"Uh…"

Su Cheng was stunned. He hadn’t expected such an abrupt dismissal.

Taking a deep breath, he forced his brightest smile. "Well, actually…"

This was awkward.

"I accidentally broke a flower in an eastern greenhouse…"

He lowered his head, mumbling, "The owner demanded I replace it—specifically with a peony nourished by the ‘Water of Life.’"

Pausing, he sighed. "That’s why I came here. I was hoping to borrow some, but I didn’t realize…"

"Water of Life? You mean that high-proof liquor? Dousing a flower in alcohol—are you trying to euthanize it?"

Her sharp gaze locked onto him, skepticism dripping from her words.

"Huh? No, not that kind! I meant—"

Su Cheng floundered, then launched into an animated explanation. "I heard you have something called the Water of Life here—a miracle cure for any injury. Just a drop could even revive a dying flower—"

Mid-sentence, he noticed her staring at him like he was an idiot. The look deflated him instantly, and he shut his mouth.

"If such a thing existed in the modern world, do you think hospitals would still witness so much suffering?"

Her question was delivered with unsettling calm.

"Then… thank you for the advice. I won’t trouble you further."

Seeing her stance, Su Cheng knew pressing further would be futile. He stood, offering a polite bow before turning to leave.

Making a scene wasn’t his style. They were strangers—she’d already been more patient than he had any right to expect. Who was he to impose?

Just as he reached the door, she sighed—a sound laced with exasperation, yet also something softer.

"If you just want to escape your predicament, you might have to take a risk."

Rising, she walked to a potted plant by the window, picked it up casually, and placed it on the desk.

"Give this to her. If she has any complaints, tell her to take it up with me."

"Ah? Oh, th-thank you…"

Su Cheng stammered his gratitude, then quickly backtracked. "I appreciate the gesture, but it’s really not necessary."

He waved his hands, declining. She’d already helped enough.

"So you’ll return empty-handed and just accept whatever punishment she demands?"

Her eyes flicked to the plant, her voice measured.

"Your kindness means a lot, but I’ll manage."

Su Cheng shook his head. "I don’t want to drag others into my problems. You should take this flower back."

Unlike the Ji Family, which was bound by contract, the person before him had no ties to him whatsoever, yet she was willing to help despite the complications. How could he bear to put her in danger?

"If that’s the case..."

The girl raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised, then replied indifferently, "Then at least plant the flower in the pot. It might live a little longer."

With that, she moved the flower to another pot, leaving only the empty one with soil behind. After wiping her hands clean, she returned to her seat and began typing on her keyboard. Su Cheng stared at the pot, unsure how to react.

After a long pause, he muttered his thanks and carried the pot out of the club.

Leaving the club building, he found a shaded pavilion and carefully transplanted the peony into the soil. Then, he simply stood there, silently watching it.

Minutes passed.

He watered the peony and sat beside it, his gaze never wavering. His eyes held a complexity of emotions, impossible to decipher.

Eventually, he couldn’t hold back any longer and whispered softly, "Even without the so-called 'Water of Life,' I can bring you back to life. Trust me."

"Junior~" A sweet, melodious voice called out from outside the pavilion.

Su Cheng turned his head to see Liu Qingyue waving at him. "I’ve been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing here alone?"

"Senior, I didn’t get the Water of Life," Su Cheng hesitated before shaking his head. "Now, your method is the only option left."

"I see."

Liu Qingyue sat across from him, setting down her bag and pulling out a makeup kit. "Come here, let me do your makeup."

"Wait… are you planning to cover up the injury with makeup?"

Su Cheng quickly grasped her intention and sighed in relief. He had been worrying about how to hide the wound, and this solution saved him the trouble.

"Mhm."

Liu Qingyue nodded, taking out a wet wipe. "Lean in. With this special waterproof concealer, no one will notice a thing."

Su Cheng obeyed.

Under Liu Qingyue’s skilled hands, the wound on his lip vanished without a trace.

"All done~"

Pleased with her work, she clapped her hands and stood up, only to notice the withered peony on the table. "You’re not planning to return this to someone, are you?"

"Why not?" Su Cheng chuckled, shrugging. "It may look dead now, but with proper care, it could still recover. It’ll just take some time."

"Well, if they give you trouble..."

Liu Qingyue packed up her makeup and warned, "Just drop the fact that you’re the Ji Family’s son-in-law. That should shut them up."

"That’s..."

"Enough dawdling. I’m off to eat."

"Alright."

After watching Liu Qingyue leave, Su Cheng cradled the peony pot and strolled leisurely toward the eastern greenhouse.

This matter needed an ending, and he refused to involve anyone else.

He would settle it his own way.

If the other party wanted to play the tyrant, he’d respond in kind. Though he loathed invoking the title of "Ji Family’s son-in-law," he didn’t have to say it outright—let them figure it out themselves.

…………………………

Inside the eastern greenhouse.

Su Cheng stood tall at the entrance, his posture brimming with arrogance as he addressed a middle-aged woman in a black suit stationed at the security booth. "Hey, announce my arrival. I’m here to return the flower!"

The attendant frowned, studying the plant in his arms before speaking cautiously, "If I recall correctly, my young mistress demanded a peony nourished by the Water of Life."

"Correct."

Su Cheng nodded solemnly, lifting the pot with a smug grin. "Is she inside?"

"Forgive my bluntness, but this doesn’t appear to be what she requested. You may have misunderstood."

Su Cheng’s expression darkened. "The fact that I’m here at all is a courtesy. Don’t push your luck. Take the out I’m giving you, or I, Su Liangcheng, have a hundred ways to turn this garden upside down."

His voice dripped with dominance, radiating unshakable confidence.

The attendant paused, then, as if receiving an instruction through her earpiece, gestured for him to enter. "The young mistress will see you now."

"Hmph."

Su Cheng strode in, following a cobblestone path lined with flower beds until he reached the center of the greenhouse.

There, bathed in sunlight, sat a white-clad girl on a wicker chair beside an antique wooden guqin. A tea set rested on the table before her as she brewed tea with serene elegance, the scene reminiscent of a secluded paradise.

Su Cheng stepped forward, his eyes locking onto her—and his pupils trembled in shock.

He never imagined that the frail yet domineering girl from yesterday possessed such breathtaking beauty.

The tear mole at the corner of her eye added a bewitching allure, blending icy detachment with an almost hypnotic charm.

But what unsettled him most was her aura. Even seated, her presence was overwhelming, and when she lifted her gaze, her lifeless eyes—deep as the cosmos—sent a chill down his spine.

Su Cheng froze, sweat beading on his back, unable to move.

Then, her voice, cold and detached, broke the silence—

"What is your leverage?"

Her tone was devoid of emotion, as if carved from millennia of indifference.

Su Cheng swallowed hard, forcing a defiant front. "Do you really think I’d come unprepared?"

"Oh?"

Her brow arched slightly, as though amused. "Do enlighten me."

"You—"

Su Cheng clenched his jaw, meeting her hollow stare head-on. "I’d hate to shock you with my background. Best not pry into my affairs—unless you’re eager for trouble."

His words dripped with arrogance, as if dismissing her entirely, even teasing her with deliberate mystery.

Until—

The moment he finished speaking, two sets of footsteps approached from behind. He turned to see two men in black closing in.

"Showing off your mass-produced lackeys again?"

Su Cheng curled his lips in disdain, casting a scornful glance at the two men in black before refocusing on the young woman before him, his tone growing increasingly sinister. "I’d advise you to quit while you’re ahead. Don’t persist in your delusions, or you’ll regret it."

"Aren’t you just Su Cheng, that special-admit student?"

"An orphan from the XX County Welfare Home with no one to rely on?"

"......"

The men in black behind her chimed in like a rehearsed duo, laying bare all of Su Cheng’s background. His previously haughty demeanor froze instantly, his facial muscles twitching as he struggled to maintain composure. He realized now that his status as the Ji Family’s prospective son-in-law hadn’t been uncovered by their investigation.

In that case, any further bluster would be just that—empty posturing.

Fortunately, he had a backup plan.

"Heh." Su Cheng forced an awkward laugh and admitted, "Guess I couldn’t bluff my way through this one."

"Anything else to say for yourself?"

The young woman rose to her feet and stepped toward him. "Putting on airs and making empty threats won’t save you. Today, I’ll teach you a lesson—some things are better left untouched!"

"Hold on!" Su Cheng raised a hand to stop her, then carefully lifted the potted plant he was holding, speaking earnestly. "I may not have brought the Elixir of Life, but I’ve found something just as valuable—the 'Hand of Life.'"

"What do you mean by that?" The young woman flicked her sleeve, and the men in black immediately retreated out of sight.

"I can tell you’re someone who loves flowers."

Su Cheng met her gaze sincerely and continued, "If such an elixir truly existed, it might solve the problem instantly. But I believe the process of restoration—through effort, patience, and time—is something to be cherished."

As he spoke, he set the pot down, gently running his fingers through the soil before tenderly stroking the plant. His voice was firm. "By nurturing it with care and devotion, you build a deeper bond with the flower. Witnessing its gradual revival through time and dedication brings a fulfillment and joy no miracle elixir could ever provide."

"Besides, there is no such thing as the Elixir of Life."

He straightened and looked at her. "What I call the 'Hand of Life' is your own hands. Rather than praying for a miracle to restore life in an instant, the experience of forming an emotional connection and personally tending to it is far more meaningful."

"Of course, that’s just my humble opinion."

Su Cheng picked up the pot again and said resolutely, "If you insist on the Elixir of Life, then I can’t deliver. Do what you must—I’m at your mercy."

"Quite the silver tongue."